The Seeing Stone by Kevin Crossley-Holland

The Seeing Stone

Kevin Crossley-Holland

Set in the 13th century and very loosely based on the ancient Arthurian legend, this first part of the trilogy begins when Arthur is a young squire, and follows how he comes to know who he is, where he belongs and where his destiny might lay. The author has again worked his magic and created a real and credible world, where the tale unfolds with depth - a great read for a wintry afternoon.

Extract
Inside the cloth was a flat black stone. It was four-cornered, and its span was just larger than Merlin's outstretched hand. One face of the stone was lumpen and covered with little white spots and patches, but when Merlin turned it over, the other side was smooth and glossy. It flashed in the sunlight.
Parallels
  • The Sword in the Stone by T H White
  • The Winter King by Bernard Cornwell