“Poetry is meant to give pleasure.” This phrase introduces readers to Malcolm Guite’s legendary tale of the humble beginnings of King Arthur. “The Coming of Arthur” is a smooth transition prequel to his “Galahad and the Grail.”

In the next chapter of “Merlin’s Isle: An Arthuraid,” readers are whisked away to the magical, medieval world where Arthur is born to King Uther and the Duke of Cornwall’s wife Ingraine. Due to the a tragic turn of events, the king weds the widow Ingraine, but their union produces baby Arthur. The couple is persuaded by wizard Merlin to hide their only son until the time comes for him to ascend the throne. The king and queen also have daughters that remain with them until marriage or holy life calls them.

In a faraway castle, Sir Ector and his wife keep a manor, and that is where Merlin brings Arthur to be raised alongside their baby boy named Kay. They become Arthur’s loving foster parents.

Throughout Arthur’s youth, he travels deep into the forest to meet Merlin and learns about enchantment to understand nature. The famous wizard allows Arthur to embody a tree, travel to different worlds/dimensions through a magical stone, see visions of his birth parents, and more. Merlin even allows Arthur to shapeshift into an owl to travel at midnight. The future king is taught that nature and mankind are designed to have similarities.

When Arthur is finally ready for the crown, Merlin and a magical creature alert him. A predestined accident of pulling the fated sword out of stone begins Arthur’s journey to his rightful place on the throne.

The remainder of the book focuses on his coronation, knights honoring and wreaking havoc in the Carbonek kingdom, Arthur uniting with his wife Guinevere, and Merlin’s future.

“The Coming of Arthur” holds the magic people expect from a King Arthur tale, however it places heavy emphasis on the faith Arthur was raised to honor. Jesus Christ and biblical facts are continually weaved in and out of the story. Those unfamiliar with Christianity may be compelled to learn more about the faith after reading this distinctive story. Of course, the poetic ballad has enhanced visuals thanks to the talented illustrator, Stephen Crotts.

Merlin’s Isle: An Arthuraid “The Coming of Arthur” releases on November 9th, 2026.

A special thanks to Turning Point Media Relations and Rabbit Room Press for the advanced reader copy of the book.