Earlier this year I came upon a used edition of a novel called Merlin's Curse by Stephen Mark Spence, third book in a cycle. The book was self published with an ad in the back to purchase the first two, The White Stag and Galahad. I ordered the books, read them, and had an interesting phone conversation with the author.

The books take place in "the Middle Ages," are influenced by C.S. Lewis, and therefore try to make goodness attractive. The author played with a sword and shield as a boy and is trying to bring back positive Christian masculinity (chivalry?) without losing that "Indiana Jones" style of adventure, the kind of children's classics he grew up reading.

The novels attempt to stem the tide of glorifying the bad guys, or at least the amorality of our times, while offering up some interesting motifs or new uses of motifs in arthurian literature. The White Stag is a symbol or character unifying the cycle (Aslan from Narnia?). He doesn't speak, but he is an ever-present influence on the characters. Galahad is a character who grows on you as he grows up. Merlin represents misguided paganism, trying to control all around him. (Not exactly a direct borrowing from C.S. Lewis's That Hideous Strength.)

These books are for the Narnia aged crowd (10 years to 100 years old?) and not perfectly accurate historically, but offer something a little different. They are not overtly Christian or didactic. They do offer you something to think about when aiming literature at children.
Jim Pietrusz
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

"Our entire staff has had the privilege of reading The White Stag and found it to be thoroughly enjoyable. It is a captivating piece of work that enables you to fully envision all of the characters and events. It has been an honor to recommend this book to everyone we have come in contact with."
Fred Caserta
Kingdom Bound Ministries

"My eleven year old son enjoyed your book The White Stag. I read The White Stag with him and was touched by the story, so keep the books coming!"
Clarence, NY

"(The White Stag) is without a doubt one of the best books I have read. Its allegorical style closely resembles one of literature's greatest authors, C.S. Lewis. It reads like a story which needs to be told, one full of adventure, imagination and wit."
North Tonawanda, NY

"The White Stag is eloquent and compelling. Thought many books out in the market can grab the attention of the young reader and address the goal of having them develop a desire for reading, The White Stag encourages the love of literature by providing rich and provocative prose. I believe the Mr. Spence's novel is an excellent piece of literature that illustrates beautifully how people can rise above the evils of life and strengthen the nobel within them."
High School Teacher and School Board Member
Clarence, NY

"I loved your book. I read it in a day (could not put it down) and the ending was wonderful."
10 years old
Tonawanda, NY

"The White Stag is a fantastic retelling of the Arthurian legend from a Christian perspective. This is a tale that will be enjoyed by readers young and old. An engaging story that magically transports you back to the days of the Round Table and Camelot."
5th-Grade Teacher
Victory Christian Academy
Lockport, NY

"As a mother, teacher and minister of music, I would recommend it to all ages. The White Stag held my interest to such an extent that I was not able to put it down once I started reading it. The story line and suspense alone are enough to captivate the attention of a young reader, but there is enough symbolism and depth to maintain the interest of a more mature individual. The White Stag is a deeply moving fictional story but is also spiritually motivating."
Lancaster, NY

"The White Stag is one of the most exciting books I've ever read."
Fifth Grader
Lockport, NY

"The hornets'-nest-in-the-tower scene was truly both inspired and inspiring! Mr. Spence offers keen insights on the nature of the power of prayer while providing entertaining comic relief."
R.M. Givens, Ph.D.
University at Buffalo

Send your comments to: spence@acsu.buffalo.edu