I felt bad for Merlin by the end of this book, all he wants is advancement for the human race (which had happened before his time) and to reach for the stars. The question between Merlin (Sky Lord) and Nimue (Dark One) is if humanity is ready to do so and stand on their own. The answer is obvious by how alienated Merlin is - he has no ties to humanity that aren't in some way tied to the Sky Lords. Merlin nonetheless stays true to that goal and Arthur throughout, and I wish there was a sequel to this where they wake and Nimue is there to greet them in a world ready for the stars and beyond and Arthur will lead the way with both Merlin and Nimue at his sides. But, still a good book by itself.