Discussion Guide
About the Book When a meteorite crashes near a small village in fifth-century Britain, it brings with it a mysterious black stone that bewitches anyone who comes in contact with its glow a power the druids hope to use to destroy King Uthur s kingdom. The only person who seems immune is a young, shy, half-blind swordsmith s son named Merlin. As his family, village, and even the young Arthur, are placed in danger, Merlin must face his fears and his blindness to take hold of the role ordained for him. But when he is surrounded by adversaries, how will he save the girl he cherishes and rid Britain of this deadly evil... without losing his life?
Group Lesson The strength of a family, like the strength of an army, is in its loyalty to each other. Mario Puzo Merlin s Blade centers around loyalty, trust, honor, dedication, and selflessness. There are countless times throughout the story when a character is required to place their trust in someone else, and hope for the best. Because of that, we also see plenty of deceit and betrayal. Loyalty is something that many characters in this book believe in fiercely, and those that don t are antagonists, set out to destroy Merlin, Arthur, and anyone else in their path. Who are the protagonists and antagonists in this story? Merlin demonstrates throughout the book that doing the right thing is always the best path to choose, no matter how hard it may be. Think about Merlin s mission once he finds Arthur with Garth. It is to protect Arthur, future king, at all costs. They have no problem dropping everything and placing their lives on the line for someone or something beyond themselves. Think, too, about King Uther s warriors, who travel through all weather and circumstance to do what they have been told is right for the king. They are actually being tricked in the story, but as soldiers, they are simply doing what they have vowed to do. Can you see yourself being that loyal to someone or something? Is there anyone you would give your life for?
Discussion Questions 1) In the beginning of the book, Merlin and his best friend Garth make some bad choices and end up in trouble with the Magister. Merlin is forgiven since he is blind and believed to not be responsible. But when Garth is sentenced to a punishment of nine lashes, Merlin asks to take his place. Why did Merlin do it? Would you take a punishment like that for someone else? For a friend? 2) We find out that Monda, Merlin s step-mother, is the daughter of Morganthu, leader of the Druids. Slowly, she reveals her true colors and we see that she is deceitful and evil. Owain is terrified to lose her and tries everything to make her stay with him. Why is he afraid to give up on the marriage and his wife and daughter? Did his past set him up to be vulnerable to this? 3) When Merlin sees Natalenya at the castle, she gives him a harp that saves his life on more than one occasion. Even though she hardly knows him, she feels a connection with him and safe with him. This sets the stage for their relationship. Natalenya is able to completely give her heart and trust over to Merlin, agreeing to follow him wherever he goes. Is that kind of love admirable? Would you be too frightened to give your heart that completely?
Discussion Questions 4) Merlin and his father have a good relationship. When his father tries to apologize to King Uther, he gives him Merlin as a token. Owain does this to give his son a better life. He feels because of his blindness, this would be the best way to guarantee his future. Do you think he does the right thing? 5) Like any other boy, blind or not, Merlin faces insecurities, made obvious when he is with Natalenya. He wonders if she will ever be able to see past his scars and his disability. What are some of the insecurities we face? What are we afraid other people will see and hate when they look at us? 6) Merlin s blindness, though it hurts him in obvious ways, also helps him. He is the only one not affected by the stone because he can t see its powers. He is also able to sharpen his other senses and use them guide and protect him when needed. 7) Garth seems like a child throughout most of the book. He complains, messes up, and is always causing some kind of mischief. Yet, when it comes time to step up and save Arthur, he does exactly that. Did you expect that from him? What do you think changed him? Why?
About the Author Robert Treskillard is a Celtic enthusiast who holds a B.A. in Biblical & Theological Studies from Bethel University, Minnesota. He has been crafting stories from his early youth and is also a software developer, graphic artist, and sometime bladesmith. He and his wife have three children and are still homeschooling their youngest. They live in the country near St. Louis, Missouri. It all began when Robert s son wanted to learn blacksmithing and sword-making. The two set out to learn the crafts and in the process were told by a relative that they were descended from a Cornish blacksmith. This lit the fire of Robert s imagination, and so welding his Celtic research to his love of the legends of King Arthur. A series was forged The Merlin Spiral, now published by BLINK Young Adult Books. For more information on other BLINK titles, visit www.blinkyabooks.com