The Book List mini-posts describe books I have on my shelf (or digital shelf) that I have yet to read.
Merlin is a great character, and he has been one that has bounced around most people’s lives in some way, shape, or form. For instance, the Disney film The Sword in the Stone (1963) informed a lot of people’s opinions of the fantastical wizard. Cantankerous, imaginative, kind. For me, it veers somewhere between the cartoonish depiction and Sam Neil’s performance in the made for TV series (1998).
Somewhere in my travels, however, I picked up T. A. Barron’s trilogy, aptly titled The Lost Years: Book 1 (The Merlin Saga). Each of the books look impressive, but I have yet to read them. So, today, let us take a look at the overview of the FIRST book and what critics had to say upon its release.
Summary
Merlin tells the tale of young Merlin as he learns of his magical heritage and begins his journey as the titular mage who would go on to live in legend. The story takes Merlin through cursed countrysides and to battle with powerful forces. Through various misadventures, he tries to find himself and what he is truly made out of in light of his mysterious magic.
Book blurb
From tabarron.com: “A raging sea tosses a boy upon the shores of ancient Wales. Left for dead, he has no memory, no name, and no home. But it is his determination to find out who he is – to learn the truth about his mysterious powers – that leads him to a strange and enchanted land. And it is there he discovers that the fate of this land and his personal quest are strangely entwined. He is destined to become the greatest wizard of all time–known to all as Merlin.”
Critical response
Reception to the book appears favorable overall, with quotes from Madeleine L’Engle, The New York Times Book Review, and the editors at Hypable giving the book praise.
Meanwhile, Goodreads readers have stated positives about anything from the writer’s maturity in treating readers as intelligent beings while others praised the excitement of the novel and the story itself. Detractors have pointed out the plot as “boring” and “dull” with a “poorly plotted” story riddled with coincidences. I assume there are many a deus ex machina.
Impressions
When I get around to reading it, I think I am going to enjoy this book (possibly the series). I do enjoy all things Merlin and his stories and mythos have a special place in my heart (thank you, Elminster from Forgotten Realms).
If this is a book or a series you have read, please let me know in the comments!
Works Cited
“Merlin Book I: The Lost Years.” tabarron.com. Web.
“Merlin #1: The Lost Years.” Goodreads. Web.
