Try it -- it's by Michael Flynn. I think this will both satisfy your standards for a first contact story, and ease your frustration over Merlin a-historicity. (Not that Eifelheim is set during Arthurian times: it's 1300s interspersed with contemporary bits, but as far as I can tell, the historical chapters are well-researched and executed.)
Caveat: I have not finished the book yet. It's possible it could turn into a throwing book by the end, but I don't think so.
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Try it -- it's by Michael Flynn. I think this will both satisfy your standards for a first contact story, and ease your frustration over Merlin a-historicity. (Not that Eifelheim is set during Arthurian times: it's 1300s interspersed with contemporary bits, but as far as I can tell, the historical chapters are well-researched and executed.)
Caveat: I have not finished the book yet. It's possible it could turn into a throwing book by the end, but I don't think so.