If you are expecting to re-enter the world of Merlin and Arthur that Mary Stewart gave us in the Merlin Trilogy, you will be disappointed in The Prince and the Pilgrim. It is a sweet little tale. Sort of like reading a myth or a fairytale for me. I enjoyed it, but I saw it as an after-thought. Mary Stewart said she had wanted to include it as part of the Merlin stories but there was no logical place to put it, so it got a book of its own. She was 80 years old when she wrote it, and by that time she had certainly passed her prime of writing and I think she was writing because it was what she had always done.

The tale is told skillfully and is easy to read, but in the end, had it been the only thing she had written, no one would be reading her today. I am not belittling this book. It was charming and I enjoyed reading it, but the only thing one might carry away from it of importance is that young men should be wary of older women who offer them enticing drinks.

Reading The Prince and the Pilgrim is like sailing through calm, blue waters. It is soothing and pleasurable, but there is little excitement or thrill. Still, Mary Stewart always manages to make you care for her characters, and Alexander and Alice are no exception. I wanted them to meet, to love, and to live happily ever after. Like I said, it has the ring of a fairytale...but don't we all love Cinderella? ( )

Entertaining but a bit predictable love story roughly based on two characters form Morte d'Arthur. Although Morgan makes an appearance Arthur is off stage, as are Merlin and the other main characters of earlier books in the series. ( )

A nice romantic Arthurian story. Alexander meets and is ensnared by one of King Arthur's sisters. (Mary Stewart has Arthur having two sisters - Morgause and Morgan) Arthur isn't really involved in this story.

I like how Alice comes to realize the truth behind the relics. ( )

I wanted to finish Stewart's Arthurian books, so I broke down and bought the hardback. I'm glad that I did, because I will probably re-read this in the future. It was my "take to appointments" book for several months. That book has to hold my interest over time and be memorable enough that I can set it down and easily resume it a few weeks later.

This is one of the background stories in the Arthurian legends and Mary Stewart has fleshed it out with richly drawn characters. I liked the main characters very much. Alexander grows through his mistakes and Alice proves herself to be quite resourceful. Morgan le Fay plays a major role in the book, Arthur's presence is in the background, and many well-known characters are mentioned while a few appear.

I'd recommend this gentle romance to anyone who enjoys the "less gritty" look at the Arthurian mythos. ( )

Two separate plots: a prince in exile, a girl on a pilgramage. Naturally they meet, and most overcome problems together. Realistic and very well-written. ( )