The Anvil Stone (Macsens Treasure, Book 3)
By Kathleen Cunningham Guler
Bardsong Press (2006)
Reviewed by Sondra Fowler for Reader Views (3/06)

The Anvil Stone is an unusual take on the age old Arthurian tale. We are taken on a side trip of sorts. We meet the characters of Uther and Merlin the magician in guises other than uncaring tyrant and all knowing mage. Uther is given passion and doubt, Merlin, in the character of Uther cousin Prince Myrddin Emrys is an eccentric man with visions and unknown talents. The major forces of this story, the spy Marcus ap Iorwerth and his equally daring wife Claerwen, wind their way through this tale of intrigue and war.

Marcus receives a cryptic warning in the shape of an effigy left by an elusive stranger setting him and his wife on an adventure to uncover the truth behind the effigy, a growing Saxon threat and the mystery of Claerwens growing visions that lead to a missing sword of great importance.

The Anvil Stone is fresh look at a well loved tale. I found myself in a believable world of warrior kings and Saxon invaders. The characters were full had wonderful voices and individual points of view. There was less pageantry and more grit, a behind the scenes approach that I truly appreciated. Even the magic more dark and utilitarian than the usual pyrotechnic displays felt possible. I would recommend this to anyone who is a fan of fantasy or the Arthurian Tales.