Fires of Merlin
- Book Review,
by T. A. Barron
From School Library Journal
Grade 6-9-This third installment in what is slated to be a five-book "epic" finds the still-untried Merlin battling the great dragon Valdearg, who was put to sleep by Merlin's grandfather many years ago. The young wizard hopes to save the magic island of Fincayra from the wrath of this creature who is awakened when someone destroys the eggs containing the last of his offspring. According to an ancient prophecy, Merlin will perish in the battle, but he persists with the help and hindrance of a varied cast of characters. To make matters worse, he seems to have lost his magic. Still, he perseveres. There are no surprises here, but that is precisely what will appeal to fans of the series. Sometimes the prose is overwritten in an attempt to sound properly grave and ends up reading a little like a parody of the genre, but the constant action and flow from one predicament to another keep the story going. Because the frequent references to prior events will confuse those who haven't read the previous titles, this book is best read in conjunction with the others.Carrie Schadle, Beginning with Children School, New York CityCopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From AudioFile
Young Merlin struggles to develop his blossoming wizard powers in this third book of the Lost Years of Merlin series. Already directed by his strong commitment to righteousness, Merlin faces many magical foes, including the newly awakened dragon threatening to destroy all of Fincayra. Fortunately, Merlin finds assistance from magical allies, such as deer people and a courageous stallion. Kevin Isola narrates with a whispery British accent generally suitable to the story but cloying for female characters. Other characterizations are sometimes overdramatic, such as the malevolent sorceress, who sounds like Star Wars' Yoda, and the angry dragon, whose growls overwhelm his dialogue. Nevertheless, this is an enjoyable book for those intrigued by Merlin. N.M.C. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine
From Booklist
Gr. 7^-10. With each book, Barron's Lost Years of Merlin saga just keeps getting richer in characterization, ambience, and Celtic lore. Taking up where The Seven Songs of Merlin (1997) left off, the third book sees young Merlin meet even more challenges, particularly as the dragon Valdearg, the last emperor of the dragons, awakens to once again threaten the entire land of Fincayra. Gulled into thinking that Merlin is the one who had slaughtered his dragon hatchlings, Valdearg searches for the young, unproven magician. Fire plays a heavy metaphorical role in the story, with Merlin facing the incomprehensible burning of his newly crafted harp, the fire of lava, and the awakening fire of passion within himself as well as the dragon's flaming breath--all of which leads to Merlin's eventual discovery of a power still higher. The plot is complex, involving not only Valdearg but also the treacherous enchantress Urnalda; the ancient sorceress Domnu, with whom Merlin becomes a reluctant ally; and an enigmatic, primordial oracle. Also, who has been breeding Kreelixes, unnatural beasts that feed on the magic of others, and has set them against Merlin? Fans will definitely be clamoring for more. Sally Estes
Robert Redford-10/1996
All the elements of a classic here....A wonderfully fanciful tale, colorful and suspenseful.
Kirkus Reviews-09/1996
T.A. Barron transforms the early years of the mythical wizard's life into a vivid, action-filled fantasy, replete with deep forests, ruined castles, and evil spells....While Barron is careful to show that Merlin is still physically a boy, readers are left with a vision of a more confident, compassionate hero, prepared to confront the joys and sorrows that await him in future volumes.
Robert Coles, M. D.-09/1996
The Lost Years of Merlin is deeply moving, full of meaning. It's also T.A. Barron's most inviting, flowing, and lyrical work yet.
Madeleine L'Engle-09/1996
How wonderful! An extraordinary journey of mind, body, and spirit--both for Merlin and for ourselves. This first book of The Lost Years of Merlin epic leads all of us to look forward eagerly to the rest.
Lloyd Alexander-08/1996
In this brilliant epic, T.A. Barron has created a major addition to that body of literature, ancient and modern, dealing with the towering figure of Merlin. It is, as well, one of the richest and most significant, illuminating the dark mysteries shrouding the childhood of this greatest of enchanters. Barron combines the wellsprings of mythical imagination with his own deepest artistic powers. Through the ordeals, terrors, and struggles of Merlin-to-be, we follow an intense and profoundly spiritual adventure. Barron has found Merlin's lost years for us, and a great deal more.
Barbara Kiefer, Associate Professor, Teachers College, Columbia University,5/98
With each book Barron refines his grasp of the very best that the genre of fantasy can offer a reader. In The Fires of Merlin he has woven together a thrilling tale with memorable characters, not the least of whom is a dragon hatchling. His meticulous and thorough research into Celtic, Welsh, and Arthurian lore provides the exquisite warp and woof for this richly colored tapestry of story. But Barron's understanding about human relationships and the needs of the human spirit give living substance to the literary elements so that the book glows with a true and magical light.
Book Description
Wings of Fire, the sleeping dragon, has awakened, threatening to loose his terrible wrath on all of Fincayra. Only young Merlin, whose magical powers are new and untested, can stop him-though the price may well be the young wizard's life. But before he can face the dragon's fires, Merlin must face other fires, including those within himself. He must confront the dreaded kreelixes, who exist only to destroy magic; the mysterious Wheel of Wye; and the sorceress Urnalda, who holds the treasured Galator. Most challenging, young Merlin must discover the power-as well as the source-of his own magic. T.A. Barron's spellbinding third book in the Lost Years of Merlin epic, rich in passion and spiritual depth, adds a dramatic and bold new dimension to the legend of Merlin. For more information about the first and second books of the epic and other books written by the author, visit the author's official website.
Card catalog description
Having voyaged to the Otherworld in his quest to find himself, the young wizard Merlin must face fire in many different forms and deal with the possibility of losing his own magical power.
From the Author
For me, writing is exploring. Whether it's the surprising connections among people, the wondrous patterns of nature, or the mysterious wellsprings of the spirit-the universe beckons. I love to explore it, whether by foot or by pen. Writing is both the most joyous-and most agonizing-labor I know. And it is by far the best way to travel-in our world or any other. Ever since my youth on a ranch in Colorado, I've felt passionate about nature-and about writing. I wrote and published my own magazine as a kid, called the Idiot's Odyssey, which sold about five copies an issue (including the ones my parents bought). I kept writing during my college years at Princeton, and during my years at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar. During that time at Oxford, I composed stories and poems while hiking in the Scottish highlands, while sitting beneath the boughs of an English oak I named Merlin's tree, while backpacking through Asia, Africa, and the Arctic; and while participating in a traditional roof thatching in Japan. Even during my years managing a fast-growing business in New York City, I often rose before dawn to write. Finally, I followed my dream to write full time. In 1990, I moved back to Colorado and started writing in the attic of my home, with the help of my wife and our five young children. My five-book epic about Merlin's youth gives me a chance to add a new dimension to the rich lore about this enduring figure. Why am I spending almost a decade writing about Merlin? Because he is much, much more than a great wizard. His story is, in truth, a metaphor-for the idea that all of us, no matter how weak or confused, have a magical person down inside-waiting to be discovered. If you would like more information about the epic, please visit my official website.
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