The Majestic Novels of Mary Stewart!

[@joeomalley2835]

I've read a few of Stewart's novels and loved them. She is such a great story teller. Thanks for the video!

[@thewestisthebest]

@joeomalley2835 my pleasure, and thanks for checking in!

[@SolarLabyrinth]

The Merlin Trilogy was one of the best reading experiences of my young life. I need to reread it, and you have encouraged me to check out some of her other books.

[@thewestisthebest]

@@SolarLabyrinth that's awesome!

[@kaywebbharrison3373]

Fantastic video, Tom! It brought back many happy memories. I started reading Mary Stewart books during the 1960s when I was in high school. My favorite was Madam, Will You Talk?, which you did not mention. At first, I found her books in our Public Library. However, by the time that The Crystal Cave was issued, I was able to buy them. I also read Phyllis Whitney's and Victoria Holt's books; I second the recommendation for Helen MacInnes. Happy reading, Kay

[@thewestisthebest]

@@kaywebbharrison3373 Helen Macinnes is officially on my radar! Thank you so much for checking in!

[@susanshelton2161]

Thanks to the algorithm for bringing this to my attention.

[@thewestisthebest]

@@susanshelton2161 ah, those algorithms are as sneaky as a cat stalking an unsuspecting mouse.

[@CharlieSteelAuthor]

WOW! Now that is passionate praise! Thank you! Very well done!

[@thewestisthebest]

@@CharlieSteelAuthor thanks Charlie!

[@rickcroucher]

Thanks, buddy. I was just going to watch and during your talking I ordered 6 books by Mary Stewart. I read the CRYSTAL CAVE when I was stationed in Iceland in 1970-72. I enjoyed it very much but never got to the others. So I got those. Then 3 others you mentioned. So I just spent a bucket o' bucks I hadn't planned on spending. However, I love spending money on books so I can't really bad mouth you over it. I do thank you for getting me back in touch with the Merlin trilogy. I have an author whose prose simply amazed me. The book was STONER by John Williams. I was depressed reading it but his telling of the tale was so good I could not stop reading. And I rushed out to get his other two books which are now in a volume of the American Library Editions along with STONER. I'm just kinda hoping I might make you spend some money on three novels. One of them is BUTCHER'S CROSSING which I just found as a movie with Nicholas Cage. He was pretty good in it. Sorry didn't mean to make this so long.

[@thewestisthebest]

@rickcroucher hi Rick! Yes I'll try the williams books! I read Butchers Crossing and saw the film as well. Strong material!

[@occultdetective]

I am a huge Mary Stewart fan. Her Arthurian Cycle and Gothic Romances were a big part of my childhood.

[@thewestisthebest]

@@occultdetective that's awesome!!

[@GinaStanyerBooks]

I’m a big Mary Stewart fan. Her romantic suspense books are so much fun. I just love them.

[@thewestisthebest]

Hi Gina! Me too! Hope you are well, and thanks for checking in!

[@davidbooks.and.comics]

I enjoy the Merlin king Arthur stories...I have seen her books...great presentation!

[@thewestisthebest]

@@davidbooks.and.comics thank you!

[@RobynHoodeofSherwood]

Well done video! Subbed. The title caught my eye instantly when this came up in my recs.I couldn't believe this cowboy looking dude was going to talk about Mary Stewart. I am looking forward to your videos on Victoria Holt and the rest. I read all those authors when I was younger. May be time for a re-read I'm going to have to check out your other videos as well. It's always great to find a booktube channel that is diverse. Usually only fantasy tubers show up in my feed and I am not a fantasy exclusive reader. 🤠

[@thewestisthebest]

Indeed! And thank you! An identity linking you to the bandit of Sherwood is intriguing! Reminds me of a certain Tasmanian. Welcome!

[@stevenelson2641]

Good for you! I am just such a fan and so rarely meet or hear of another one. The Merlin series was particularly marvelous.My copies are in tatters.

[@thewestisthebest]

Thank you!

[@veronicamaria2730]

Mary Stewart! I read "My Brother Michael" at least once every other year. When I read her local descriptions, it's more akin to remembering a place you've been than imagining a place you've never been to. Helen MacInnes is another descriptive writer. And a great Cold War era espionage weaver of tense tales.

[@thewestisthebest]

@veronicamaria2730 thanks, yes! My Bother Michael is a classic!

[@betw1151]

Hello, Tom. I'm enjoying your channel very much, and thanks for the reminder of Mary Stewart. Read the Crystal Cave years ago and now have the other two along with This Rough Magic and Wildfire at Midnight. (Love the shirt)

[@thewestisthebest]

@betw1151 thank you so very much!

[@sallycooper3414]

I'm a fan of Mary Stewart's Merlin/Arthurian books. I am now looking forward to reading her other novels. Glad to have found your channel.

[@thewestisthebest]

@@sallycooper3414 thanks! Enjoy those books!

[@annaseley2800]

Mary Stewart is one of the best writers ever!

[@thewestisthebest]

@annaseley2800 yes she is!

[@bonniebrush94]

It's been awhile since I've reaad her mysteries; will have to find sime of them again. Still have copies of the Crystal Cave and The Hollow Hills and enjoy rereading them every year or so. Enjoyed your talk!

[@thewestisthebest]

@@bonniebrush94 thank you!

[@rickcroucher]

You mentioned Phyllis A Whitney so I found a 3 pack ebook offering on the cheap. I began reading the first WOMAN WITHOUT A PAST and was pleasingly surprised ti takes place in the town I grew up in. So, thank you. I’m enjoying it very much.

[@thewestisthebest]

@rickcroucher thank you sir! I will talk about her again at some point in the coming months.

[@sueb1579]

So glad I found your channel! Looking forward to reading these. Sounds perfect for my newly-started book club!

[@thewestisthebest]

@sueb1579 hello and thanks! I think you'll enjoy the books!

[@redwawst3258]

Have a good collection of Stewart’s work. Haven’t gotten to it yet. I should. Thanks for this commentary, my friend. 🤠

[@thewestisthebest]

@redwawst3258 thank you!

[@heatherfoley4945]

Her Thornyhold is one of my favorite book. I Am going to start Rough Magic. I had forgotten it was on my shelf. Thanks =)

[@thewestisthebest]

Great choice! It’s an amazing book. Thank you so much for checking in!

[@StevenEverett7]

This intrigues me, Thomas. I know I tried reading Mary Stewart when I was young, but the story didn't click with me, so I never read her again. You make her writing so interesting that I'm going have to give her another chance. I think I'll start with "Nine Coaches Waiting". Thank you for an excellent review of her writing.

[@thewestisthebest]

I hope you enjoy her work!

[@dab505279]

Hi this is Larry, a brand new subscriber. Since I just discovered your channel today what do people call you? Tom or Thomas? My assessment after watching one of your videos - you would make a great salesman. And I was not familiar with Mary Stewart but after your video I will definitely remedy that. Much respect to you from Larry.

[@thewestisthebest]

Welcome aboard Larry! either Thomas or Tom will do! Rock on!

[@californianorma876]

I read the Crystal Cave last year and enjoyed it very very much! Want to read more. ❤❤❤ I read Le Morte D'Artur in middle school ❤❤❤ and then Camelot the movie of course ❤❤❤

[@thewestisthebest]

@californianorma876 very nice! I forgot about the Richard Harris film!

[@1963dmf]

I was looking for someone talking about Phyllis Whitney when I discovered booktube. The only Mary Stewart I have read is The Moonspinners, but I have Nine Coaches Waiting on my Kindle. Thanks for the discussion, I can't find many people who read the same books I read.

[@thewestisthebest]

You’ve got great taste in books! Thanks for checking in!

[@Ann-vi5ns]

I read all of her books in my early teens other than the Merlin trilogy - as I didn’t understand how she could make these her own. Now I’m going to go back and read them all, including those that I skipped.

[@thewestisthebest]

Excellent!

[@OffRampTourist]

What a blast from the past! I read these books several times, first in the 70s and then over and over through the years. Also read the gothic writers you mentioned and several more. I've been trying to find one about a young woman going back home to the island where she grew up, and renewing her relationship with the neighbor boy who was still somehow trapped there his by his family. No spoilers but there is an afterward where the author explains she wrote the novel to memorialize her son who was diagnosed with what was then known as bipolar disorder. If you or your viewers know the author and/or title I would very much appreciate the information. I'm subscribing and looking forward to the next review.

[@thewestisthebest]

@OffRampTourist thank you! Hopefully, someone will recall that book and post it for all of us to benefit from. It sounds fascinating!

[@richardsonreads573]

Time for me to do some rereading! Thanks

[@thewestisthebest]

@@richardsonreads573 cool!

[@glockensig]

May have to try Nine Coaches Waiting...... the covers are bleh tho' 😂

[@thewestisthebest]

@@glockensig hope you enjoy her writing!

[@Kjt853]

The only Mary Stewart I’ve ever read is “Nine Coaches Waiting.” I found it so-so. The story was absorbing enough, but I felt too much attention was given to unnecessary details. What particularly annoyed me was [spolier alert] that the finest male character in the story was basically brushed aside and forgotten so that the narrator could hook up with the rich guy. And her referring to one of the female characters as “just a servant” - well, . . . I’m not a big reader of romantic suspense, but I’d prefer Daphne DuMaurier.

[@thewestisthebest]

@Kjt853 Thank you for checking in.