Lost Years of Merlin
- Book Review,
by T. A. Barron
From Publishers Weekly
"Readers may find this attempt to create a biography for Merlin less of an organic novel than a showcase for the author's deft recycling of Welsh myth," said PW. Ages 9-12. (Oct.) Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Gr 5 Up-This engrossing presentation of T.A. Barron's fascinating contribution to Arthurian lore (Philomel, 1996), is the first in a trilogy about Merlin's boyhood and coming of age. From the moment young Merlin is washed ashore on a beach in ancient Wales to his exciting journey to the enchanted land of Fincayra, the action never wavers. Actor Michael Cumpsty's deep, growling voice enlivens the drama, making this powerful story all the more compelling. The ingredients of delectable fantasy are at work here--magic, adventure, Celtic folklore, Druid spiritualism, well-developed characters--in a format that really delivers. Fans of Arthurian legend will not want to miss this quality audiobook about one of the grandest wizards ever.-Celeste Steward, Contra Costa County Library, Clayton, CACopyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From AudioFile
In this first book of T.A. Barron's trilogy, a young boy, washed ashore and nearly dead, embarks on a quest to solve the mysteries of his true name and where he spent his earliest years. The imagery of water and waves, the powers of nature and the past, and the strength of tradition all cycle through this gripping story. With his Second Sight, Emrys explores the mythical land of Fincayra and discovers the Lost Treasures. Through Michael Cumpsty's skillful narration, the many characters of the saga are distinctly and vividly portrayed. While it can be difficult to imagine Emrys as a 12-year-old boy, Cumpsty delightfully gives voice to Shim, the small giant; the Grand Elusa , an all-knowing white spider; Stangmar, the dreaded ruler of the Shrouded Castle; Rhia, the leaf-covered and loyal companion; and Branwen, the sorrowful healer and mother. Listen and be wonderously transported to the mist-covered land of the ancients! A.R. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine
From Booklist
Gr. 7^-10. This is the first volume in a planned trilogy about Merlin's youth, an area generally ignored in traditional Merlin lore. Barron has certainly come up with an intriguing perspective of what he calls Merlin's lost years, as told by the future wizard himself. A boy, hurled on the rocks by the sea, regains consciousness unable to remember anything--not his parents, not his own name. He is sure that the secretive Branwen is not his mother, despite her claims, and that Emrys is not his real name. The two soon find themselves feared because of Branwen's healing abilities and Emrys' growing powers, and when they are attacked, Emrys strikes out, causing an inferno that blinds him when he plunges into the fire to rescue his antagonist. Branwen and Emrys are taken in by nuns, and as Emrys despairs and heals, he discovers yet another talent--that of second sight--which enables him to embark on a quest to find his true name and heritage. His journey leads him back across the sea to the isle of Fincayra, a mysterious land "not of the Earth, nor of the Otherworld." There he joins forces with the forest girl Rhia and the heroic little giant Shim to battle the evil Rhita Gawr, whose blight is destroying the isle. Barron has created not only a magical land populated by remarkable beings but also a completely magical tale, filled with ancient Celtic and Druidic lore, that will enchant readers. Sally Estes
From Kirkus Reviews
Barron (The Merlin Effect, 1994, etc.) 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: a promising first installment of a projected trilogy. Although Emrys, 12-year-old son of Branwen, has fantastic powers, he is also a charismatic and sympathetic character; many readers will no doubt empathize with his self-pity, awkwardness, and the tense relationship he shares with his mother, a witch. But Barron never forgets his hero's destiny, and so when Emrys defends his mother from the flames of an angry mob by telekinetically burning the town bully, he leaps into the fire to save the boy and loses his own eyesight. Recovering in an abbey from his burns, Emrys develops second sight, vows to never again use his powers in anger, and sets out to learn his destiny. Along the way, he meets Rhia, who is brave, intelligent, and resourceful, and who enlists his aid in the war that forms the final steps toward adulthood that Emrys--now Merlin--takes. 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. (Fiction. 8-14) -- Copyright ©1996, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
Midwest Book Review
A young boy destined to become a great wizard has no name, no family, and an uncertain heritage and blossoming power. When that power injures another and blinds him, he makes a vow never to use it again - even though his journeys bring him into contact with an overwhelming evil which could change his world. Merlin's quest for the truth brings him many new friends and insights.
Review
"A novel rich with magic." -The New York Times Book Review
"An extraordinary journey of mind, body, and spirit." -Madeline L'Engle
Book Description
Washed up on the shores of ancient Wales, the boy had no home, no memory and no name... he was determined to find all three.
This best-selling series follows the adventures and training of young Merlin on the mist-shrouded isle of Fincayra, an enchanted land between earth and sky that is being destroyed by blight. With this land's inhabitants to guide him, the boy will learn that Fincayra's fate and his own quest are strangely interwined.
He is destined to become the greatest wizard of all time--known to all as Merlin.
"Fans who have followed young Merlin through his many adventures will still enjoy trekking with him." (The Horn Book)
Card catalog description
A young boy who has no identity nor memory of his past washes ashore on the coast of Wales and finds his true name after a series of fantastic adventures.
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