Eee, M.K. Hobson mentioned my comment for "Throwing Stones" in the outro! Sure, she disagreed, but I can't help fanning myself.
The Queen and The Cambion was cute! As an American, the fact I don't want to be ruled by a monarch doesn't keep me from obsessing over the British royal family from afar, hopelessly misguided anglophile that I am. But I wonder what British listeners think of this one? Camelot and Victorian England are firmly trodden ground in state-side fantasy, so how do they feel about this particular histori-fantasy remix? Too much? There's also the end-of-the-monarchy prediction to boot... It feels like more than a few sacred cows being grilled up for burgers but, firmly grounded in 'MURICAN CULTURE, I can't say this for sure.
The idea of Merlin "aging backwards" has shown up elsewhere, but, continuing on the theme of Britishness, this particular spin felt similar to a contemporary story arc of
Doctor Who. If Queen Victoria wasn't already featured in the revived 2005 series, this story would make a perfect candidate for an episode.
It didnt rock my socks, but it was a decent story, charming language, well-narrated.
I would agree, but the playful approach to Merlin and Victoria's relationship--specifically when he helps her pick a husband and, later, when he appears as a boy to keep her company in her widowhood--is done so well. No, not an instant classic, but it was all very sweet. Their relationship plucked my heart strings just right.