The Merlin Deposition


Fiction - Magic/Wizardry
328 Pages
Reviewed on 05/17/2025
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Gaius Konstantine for Readers' Favorite

Ancient Egypt, the undead, King Arthur, and modern-day intrigue come together in The Merlin Deposition, a novel by Robert A. Prather and Cyrus Alderwood. The story begins in Egypt during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II, where a high priest schemes to resurrect himself after death in a distant land that he believes will one day be the seat of great power. Thousands of years later, Race Garrett of the Smithsonian Institute prepares for a blind date when a mysterious crate arrives. Inside is a rare book that may be the key to learning who King Arthur was and holds the secret of great power. As Race and his eccentric friends from the Camelot Club work to translate the text, they uncover more than answers to a legend; they discover that “where there is a rise of light, the darkness will grow to meet it.”

Well-crafted and meticulously researched, The Merlin Deposition by Robert A. Prather and Cyrus Alderwood is a novel that goes beyond a simple reimagining of Arthurian legend. The story also serves as a high-stakes modern thriller, intertwining two plots: one follows the exploits of the legendary king, while the other delves into the dangers faced by contemporary individuals seeking to uncover the truth about those dark times. The book features strong character development, showcasing a large cast that includes mythical figures from the past and modern-day heroes and villains. A recurring theme of good versus evil spans the centuries, tying the narrative together. With a brisk pace and a blend of fantasy and factual elements, The Merlin Deposition is a worthy addition to the lore of Camelot.

Matt

Absolutely — here’s a version with a bit more praise and admiration, still in
The Merlin Deposition by Robert A. Prather and Cyrus Alderwood is a bold, genre-blending ride that somehow fuses ancient Egypt, undead resurrection plots, King Arthur, and modern-day artifact hunting — and makes it all feel effortless. If you like history mysteries, you’ll dig it!! (Ha - cheesy archeological joke!! Cuz I’m a nerd.)

It starts in the sands of Ramesses II’s Egypt, where a high priest hatches a long-game scheme to cheat death and return to power in a land he believes will one day rule the world. Fast-forward a few thousand years, and we meet Race Garrett, a Smithsonian researcher just trying to make it to a blind date when a mysterious crate lands on his doorstep. Inside? A rare book that might finally crack the King Arthur myth wide open — and possibly change everything.

From there, it’s off to the races. Race (yes, that’s his name) and his Camelot Club crew dig into the book’s secrets and quickly find themselves in way over their heads. The past and present collide as they uncover more than just myth — they stumble onto a centuries-old power struggle that never really ended. The quote that drives the story says it best: “Where there is a rise of light, the darkness will grow to meet it.”

What sets this book apart isn’t just the concept — it’s the execution. The authors clearly did their homework, grounding the fantasy in rich historical detail while keeping the pace tight and the stakes high. The dual storyline — one following the legendary King Arthur, the other unraveling in the present — is ambitious but handled with care. The cast is large and lively, from mythical icons to modern misfits, and the theme of light vs. dark weaves it all together seamlessly.

If you’re into Arthurian lore, ancient mysteries, or just love a smart, well-paced thriller with a little bite, The Merlin Deposition deserves a spot on your shelf. It’s not just a fun read — it’s one of those rare stories that manages to feel epic and intimate all at once.