The Recommended Reading Order
If you want to experience Mary Stewart's Arthurian Saga, the best path is the simplest one: read the books in their publication order. Because the narrative flows chronologically, this also happens to be the story's timeline order. Here is how the books should be read:
- The Crystal Cave (1970) – Follows Merlin's early life, from his childhood to the conception of Arthur.
- The Hollow Hills (1973) – Covers Arthur's secret upbringing and his rise to claim the throne.
- The Last Enchantment (1979) – Chronicles Arthur's reign and Merlin's final days as his magical power and influence fade.
- The Wicked Day (1983) – Shifts perspective to Mordred, Arthur's tragic son, offering a more sympathetic view of his destiny.
- The Prince and the Pilgrim (1995) – A lighter, romantic standalone companion novel set during the reign of King Arthur, inspired by Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur.
Breaking Down the Series Structures
While the whole saga spans five books, it is helpful to look at how they are grouped to decide how much of the series you want to commit to:
The Merlin Trilogy
The core of the saga is the Merlin Trilogy (The Crystal Cave, The Hollow Hills, and The Last Enchantment). These three books are told from Merlin’s first-person perspective. They form a self-contained story arc detailing Merlin’s journey from a Welsh prince's bastard son to the legendary kingmaker. If you are hesitant about diving into a five-book saga, starting with this trilogy is highly recommended, as it delivers a fully satisfying conclusion.
The Sequels and Companion Novels
Once you finish the trilogy, the subsequent books expand the universe in different directions:
- The Wicked Day: This book was written as a follow-up to the trilogy. However, it shifts to a third-person perspective and focuses on the character of Mordred. Stewart intentionally reinterprets Mordred not as a purely malicious villain, but as a tragic figure trapped by circumstances and fate. It matches the dark, realistic tone of the first three novels.
- The Prince and the Pilgrim: Published twelve years later, this novel is set in the same Arthurian world but does not feature Merlin as a main character (he is only briefly referenced). Instead, it follows Prince Alexander and a young pilgrim named Alice on their respective quests involving Morgan le Fay and a mysterious holy cup. It is lighter, faster-paced, and reads more like a standalone historical romance.
Chronological vs. Publication Order
Readers often wonder if they should shuffle the order of the books. Fortunately, there is no need: the publication order aligns perfectly with the chronological order of the Arthurian timeline. Shifting the order would lead to major spoilers—for instance, reading The Wicked Day before the trilogy would ruin the emotional weight of Merlin's fate and Arthur's rise.
Furthermore, because The Prince and the Pilgrim is a standalone side story set during Arthur's mature reign, you could technically read it anytime after The Hollow Hills. However, it is best enjoyed last to appreciate how Stewart's writing style and approach to the legend evolved over her career.