Review: The Third Magic by Molly Cochran

What is King Arthur's destiny in today's world? Some feel he should be king or have a greater purpose. Arthur just wants a normal life. These are the main conflicts to be answered in the final book of a trilogy, The Third Magic by Molly Cochran. This Arthurian Fantasy set in the present day has sympathetic characters, a fast paced plot and strong themes that weave together to create an entertaining book.

The book's sympathetic characters draws readers into the story. Arthur is eighteen years old and expected to assume his destiny. He is extremely unhappy, wanting to have a normal life, not living a life on the run surrounded by out of place knights. Unfortunately Merlin, his companions and the public will not let him have what he wants. His growing magical talents do not help him either. This plight of wanting a normal existence makes Arthur a character readers can sympathize with throughout the book. Hal is the reincarnated Galahad. He is devoted to Arthur, but gets frustrated dealing with the rambunctious knights and would like to find love again. The most sympathetic character is Taliesin with his regrets of setting events into motion. Ms. Cochran's characters have grown in the trilogy to become memorable people that go through a lot due to the plot.

A fast paced plot keeps the book entertaining from beginning to end. Arthur has reached his eighteenth birthday feeling like a prisoner. Taliesin shows up to encourage him. The knights decide to go to a motorcycle rally where they run into a terrorist and a murdering biker. The young woman Gwen lives in the town where the Grail is hidden. Events get set in motion when Arthur's aunt demands his return from Hal. While they trek cross country, various miracles occur in the public eye. The author weaves all of the plot elements into a suspenseful pace that increases the presentation of the themes.

Finally, strong themes keeps the book entertaining by giving readers something to think about while reading it. One theme is that of fate or destiny. Arthur, Hal and even the other knights want a normal or recognizable life. Taliesin wanted Arthur to find his destiny by setting a powerful spell in motion in the past. He discovers a valuable lesson from his interference. Another theme is about love that lasts forever. Gwen has followed Arthur through the ages in different incarnations such as Guenevere. She wants to find redemption for things done in past lives. The main thing is that love endures. Ms. Cochran presents the themes through the plot and characterization in a deft way.

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