The Lost Years of Merlin (The Lost Years of Merlin, #1)

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The Lost Years of Merlin (Lost Years of Merlin #1)

by T.A. Barron (Goodreads Author)

3.97 of 5 stars 3.97 · rating details · 6,182 ratings · 315 reviews

This American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults is a brilliant epic adventure dealing with the literary wizard. 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.

Paperback, 304 pages

Published July 2nd 2002 by Ace (first published January 1st 1996)

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Feb 05, 2013 Jem Christian rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I remember reading The Lost Years Of Merlin series when I was in Middle School. From what I remember, I LOVED them and decided to re-read them now, over 10 years later. I still enjoyed the book, but did not find it as amazing as I did when I was little.

Emrys does not know who he is, who his parents are, or what his real name is. After a terrible fire that leaves him almost blind, Emrys sets out to sea to find where he belongs. He finds himself in a terrible storm and is washed onto a shore, half...more I remember reading The Lost Years Of Merlin series when I was in Middle School. From what I remember, I LOVED them and decided to re-read them now, over 10 years later. I still enjoyed the book, but did not find it as amazing as I did when I was little.

Emrys does not know who he is, who his parents are, or what his real name is. After a terrible fire that leaves him almost blind, Emrys sets out to sea to find where he belongs. He finds himself in a terrible storm and is washed onto a shore, half drowned. Emrys learns that he is on an island named Fincayra and when his first friend gets kidnapped by warrior goblibns, Emrys and his miniature giant friend Shim set out to the Evil King's castle. On this journey, Emrys not only discovers much about himself, but also a great amount of his past.

Things I Liked:
- The description throughout the book. I could literally see and feel everything, I felt as though I were standing beside Emrys throughout his entire journey.
- The character development. Emrys was not the only character that evolved through the story, which was nice.
- Re-visitng old characters that I have not seen in years. The Grand Elusa, Domnu, Rhia, Shim, Trouble, I've missed them all and think of them fondly in memory.
- The battle in King Stangmar's castle. So epic, leaves you drooling for the sequel.

Things I Didn't Like:
- The description throughout the book. I know this is also listed as something I liked, but it is also something that bothered me. Some chapters were complete visual, which was slightly annoying. Nothing progressed in these chapters, just a long winded explanation of the setting.
- How slow Part 1 was. It really dragged and made me wonder how enthralled with the series I was when I was little. How did i get through Part 1 without putting it down?

Overall, I will be reading the sequel, The Seven Songs again due to the fact that I remember that as being one of my favorites in the series. I highly recommend this series because it is a fantastical adventure.(less)

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Dec 19, 2012 Dominic added it

In this first installment of T.A. Barron's trilogy, we are given a fresh look into the life of Merlin. The classic vision of Merlin is of an aged, bearded man wielding a staff, a force to be reckoned with. But what of his childhood, his teenage years? Merlin was not always a master wizard, and The Lost Years of Merlin presents us with a very different man, a teenage boy washed ashore in a strange land, ignorant to its peoples and creatures. With help from new companions, he embarks on a journey...more

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Jul 06, 2012 Gail rated it 4 of 5 stars

I love stories about Merlin, King Arthur and knights, etc. I read these books a long time ago and decided to read them again. I really like this book and am anxious to reread the other ones in this series. Emrys is washed up on shore with his mother and has no memory of where he came from or anything about his life before. He helps a woman on shore and she tells him, she is his mother, but he feels that since she won't tell him about his past that she isn't really his mother. After some things h...more

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Jun 08, 2012 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

OK, everyone, I have a confession to make. I've never really cared one way or another about Arthurian tales and legends. I don't hate them, nor do I love them--I've just never read beyond what we were required to in school. Although lately I have seen a few titles and reviews that are making me consider delving into the world of Arthur and Merlin. I suppose that you could consider this book the start of that journey.

Really, what drew me to The Lost Years of Merlin were comparisons to Lloyd Alexa...more OK, everyone, I have a confession to make. I've never really cared one way or another about Arthurian tales and legends. I don't hate them, nor do I love them--I've just never read beyond what we were required to in school. Although lately I have seen a few titles and reviews that are making me consider delving into the world of Arthur and Merlin. I suppose that you could consider this book the start of that journey.

Really, what drew me to The Lost Years of Merlin were comparisons to Lloyd Alexander's Prydain Chronicles, a set of books that I love. And naturally, I am interested in most fantasy novels that cross my path. While there is nothing particularly earth-shattering about this story, it is wonderfully well-written and engaging. I imagine that anyone who IS more familiar with the Arthurian legend would find this story of Merlin's lost years to be intriguing. It reads like your typical fantastic quest, and I suppose since I have read a good amount of the genre that I did feel a bit of predictability when reading. However, it by no means ruins the story. I simply wasn't surprised at most of the events that unfolded, and you know what, that's OK. With this story you find likable characters and the interesting premise that you are reading about THE Merlin from the tales of King Arthur, and the lost years of his youth.

By the way, for those of us who love and adore books (that's all of you reading this right?), there are great passages about books in this novel. Both Nymeth and Bart have included some quotes and passages that are worth mentioning, so you should check out their reviews as well! As for me, I am looking forward to continuing the series--as a matter of fact, when I was only halfway through this book, I knew I was going to have to read the rest of them so I went ahead and ordered the entire set, since Books-A-Million has them in their bargains section. There's just something about The Lost Years of Merlin that makes it a comfortable, reliable fantasy read--once again I find myself wishing I had come across this book when it was first published in 1996.(less)

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Jun 28, 2011 Maree ♫ Light's Shadow ♪ rated it 3 of 5 stars

I really think that the whole foundation for this story and series is really solid, especially in relation to the title, which I think is perfect. The Lost Years of Merlin, where he is not only kind of lost, wandering around wondering where he belongs, but these stories of his youth have been lost to time as well. And Merlin's youth, be him the wizard or simply wise man of King Arthur lore, has got to be one of the most interesting parts of the story, though one we know nothing about. Barron's t...more

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Dec 02, 2010 Jarrett K rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: own

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I recently picked up The Lost Years of Merlin by T.A. Barron because I remembered reading it as a kid and liking it but more importantly that it was part of a series and I had never read any of the others.

In this book Emrys washes up on the shore near a town called Caer Vedwyd along with Branwen, a woman who claims to be his mother. Not remembering anything of his life before this point he has many questions that he wishes to find the answer to, the name Emrys never felt right to him and he didn...more

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Oct 15, 2010 Paul Sheckarski rated it 2 of 5 stars

I enjoyed the prose, particularly when it describes the natural world. However, the novel is poorly plotted, with the protagonist bouncing from one coincidental encounter to the next. Nearly every problem is solved by something fortuitously dropping from the sky, appearing out of the blue, etc. No fewer than FIVE chapters end with the protagonist falling unconscious. Once is a cliche; five times is an offense against literature. The protagonist is almost willfully stupid. Either that or the auth...more

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Feb 28, 2010 Millicent Prendergild, Cybrarian rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Lost Years of Merlin is the initial installment of the five book series chronicling Merlin’s life as a boy, a prequel to Arthurian legend. It follows the ambiguous details of Emry’s obscure youth and the path he followed leading to the emergence of his magic and the wizarding name he proclaimed of Merlin. Barron’s imagineering of this portion of the great wizard’s life gives new depth to the renowned character as we see his life through the eyes of a young boy.

The story opens with a dream se...more The Lost Years of Merlin is the initial installment of the five book series chronicling Merlin’s life as a boy, a prequel to Arthurian legend. It follows the ambiguous details of Emry’s obscure youth and the path he followed leading to the emergence of his magic and the wizarding name he proclaimed of Merlin. Barron’s imagineering of this portion of the great wizard’s life gives new depth to the renowned character as we see his life through the eyes of a young boy.

The story opens with a dream sequence foreshadowing a time magic escaped his fingertips to unleash a fire kindled in Branwen’s defense (the woman claiming to be his mother) the very fire whose flames took his sight leaving him blind until he learned to use his gift of “second sight”.

Emrys, now 12, is desperate to know of his past and why he has no memory of a time before five years ago when he and Branwen washed upon the shore. She claimed to be his mother but would not speak of their past or where they came from. Instead she taught him the lore of the Celts, Druids and those more ancient. She felt his lost memory was a blessing, the young boy considered it more of a curse. The pair shared a lowly hut they constructed themselves on the outskirts of a small village. Whenever anyone from the village was ill or injured, they would come to Branwen bartering for her services as a gifted healer as she was well acquainted with the old ways and herbal remedies. When in need of her services the villagers sang praises to her unique talents, but the truth of the matter was, they were afraid and thought her to be a sorceress or demon. One day the village bully came to their hut and set fire in an attempt to free the village of this “she-demon”, as he and two of his minions grabbed Branwen by the legs and began dragging her into the fire, Emrys’ fear and rage swelled within, coursing and raging as he ran forward trying to help his mother. He could not control it any longer and felt the bully, Dinatius, should burn for this. He could envision the fires and wished they would consume the bully. At the thought, an enormous tree branch shuddered and cracked as if struck by lightening; it fell upon the young bully trapping him as the branches exploded into flames. As the spine shivering shrieks erupted from the inferno Emrys knew what he had done as he plunged into the flames trying to save the boy. His dream vision had come to pass.

As the young half-blind Emrys struggles to learn the secrets of his past, the magic within him, and his true identity he comes to the realization he must leave this place, returning to the place he had washed upon the shore to make the attempt to voyage back to the mist-shrouded isle of Fincayra, an enchanted isle that lies between earth and sky. He asks the woman who calls herself his mother to join him in his quest. With great sadness she declines, but takes a jeweled pendant from her neck, presenting it to him. She calls it the Galator and tells him its power is great – if it cannot keep him safe it is only because nothing outside of heaven can. Mighty waves crashed over his feeble raft tossing it about as a mere twig on the outraged sea. The storm swelled and he thought about calling upon his powers to save him but after the last fiery encounter with his magic, he became less afraid of the violent storm than trying to unleash a magic he might not be able to control. The waves pounded over him and when he felt he could hold onto his little wooden raft no more the mysterious shrouded isle appeared and he is again washed upon the shore.

As he comes to and regains a bit of strength he ventures further into the strange land. The colors are so vivacious he can sense them, even through his half-blinded eyes. He can feel the plushness of the forest floor and he meets a merlin, its wing broken in battle with a rat, a strange girl of the forest called Rhia, and a tiny but brave giant named Shim. Emrys discovers that blight has come upon the isle that is somehow entwined with his own destiny. He must decipher the riddle of the dance of the giants to change the fate of this land and discover the secrets within himself.

This is an engaging and enjoyable tale you will want to experience many times over. It explains the roots of the greatest wizard of legend and myth in an epic saga filled with wonder and adventure.

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Mar 16, 2013 Ана Хелс rated it 5 of 5 stars

За Мерлин днешните деца или мислят като за брадат развратен чичка, който помага на разни англикански благородници да онодят жените на своите поданици с магия, или като за ушат пръхльо с келешка прическа, най-добър приятел и връстник на Артур, като последния е нещо като Джъстин Бийбър- лайк куотърбек от среден американски тийн филм, а Гуиневир е палава мулатка – кухненска прислужница. Доста различни представи, и до една неверни, на всичкото отгоре и представени съвсем скучновато- предвидимо. Личн...more За Мерлин днешните деца или мислят като за брадат развратен чичка, който помага на разни англикански благородници да онодят жените на своите поданици с магия, или като за ушат пръхльо с келешка прическа, най-добър приятел и връстник на Артур, като последния е нещо като Джъстин Бийбър- лайк куотърбек от среден американски тийн филм, а Гуиневир е палава мулатка – кухненска прислужница. Доста различни представи, и до една неверни, на всичкото отгоре и представени съвсем скучновато- предвидимо. Лично за мен безкрайно непознатият Т.А.Барън подхваща мита за магьосника и го прави герой в доста добра ирландско-келтска приказка, в която няма ни един стандартен образ от обичайно софт порно, а това неочаквано си е плюс.

Е, да , адаптацията на образа на Мерлин към емоционалните възприятия на съвременната янг адълт публика е малко прекалена на моменти – отрицанието на детето към родителя, стремежа към търсене на истинския аз, неразумното бягство от дома в търсене на истината – мда, смело е да се каже, че бъдещият най- велик магьосник от мъгливите земи е бил доста киселяв емо – тийн, но пък от днешен поглед доста нормално, даже и някак стимулиращо за обърканите читатели идва посланието – да, деца, може да се чувствате супер прецакани между 13-тата и 19-тата си година, но бъдещето за вас крие невероятна кариера като всевластник на природата и магията. Да бе да. Звучи като един от постулатите на американското образование, където е задължително и на най-големия идиот да му внушаваш меко и нежно , че един ден може да стане президент на света , или поне на държавата Европа. Но да се върнем към живота Мерлински.

Малкият маг е в процес на осъзнаване на силите си и боязън към тях ( какво ли би казал един австрийски психолог с пура в уста за това, а ), и в търсене на своята лична история ( Коелю лайк, мхм ) преминава в свят, очакващ своя герой на бял кон, като ролята е прелестно предначертана за дребния ни вече полу-сляп ушатко. Наред с изключително детайлните и пъстроцветни описания на дома на елфоподобните ангелогласни Туата де Данан, младият магьосник изгражда доста достоверен образ на не прекомерно смел, но приятелски верен не съвсем човек, вършещ добрини на килограм къде от любопитство, къде от съпричастност, и въобще стреми се да изработва един сравнително добър характер, без да изглежда на пръв поглед авторски насилен или неестествено идеален, но пък и не прекрачва тънката линия между смутените адаптиращи се към промените пришълци от други измерения и откровено дразнещите индивиди, които сякаш личната им вселена е изплюла с омерзение в утробата на някой побратимен космос с бележка – Задръжте си го със здраве. Полу – познати легенди и лични творчески измислици се събират в прекрасна хегемония, подкрепена с много приятен за четене език, едновременно лишен от дразнеща инфантилност и прекомерна възвишеност, четим и ченим от безкрайно много потенциални таргет групи.
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Jul 02, 2012 Phoebe Sloane rated it 4 of 5 stars

T.A. Barron's Merlin: The Lost Years, was thoroughly entertaining. My familiarity with Merlin and King Arthur helped me to immediately engage in the story. This story is appropriately suggested for readers, 10 and older, as there is a good deal of dark and violent images and powerful symbolism. It reminded me of the later, darker of Harry Potter books and the grim Lord of the Rings. Through his beautifully and effective descriptive language, Barron creates well developed characters, but more so...more

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Mar 27, 2013 SIMON Karine rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Je dois dire que j’ai été assez surprise par le livre, je ne m’attendais pas du tout à ce type de lecture, et il est complètement différent de ce que j’ai déjà pu lire sur la légende de Merlin. Entre fantasy, légende et conte fantastique, T.A. Barron m’a complètement fait voyagé. J’ai adoré.

Le monde dans lequel évolue les personnages de ce livre est mystérieux, empreint de magie, de sortilèges et de malédiction. La nature y a une très grande importance, et j’ai adoré cette idée. Au début du roma...more Je dois dire que j’ai été assez surprise par le livre, je ne m’attendais pas du tout à ce type de lecture, et il est complètement différent de ce que j’ai déjà pu lire sur la légende de Merlin. Entre fantasy, légende et conte fantastique, T.A. Barron m’a complètement fait voyagé. J’ai adoré.

Le monde dans lequel évolue les personnages de ce livre est mystérieux, empreint de magie, de sortilèges et de malédiction. La nature y a une très grande importance, et j’ai adoré cette idée. Au début du roman, un jeune garçon se trouve seul sur une plage, sans aucun souvenir, il échappe de peu à la mort. Nous le retrouvons cinq années plus tard, à l’age de douze ans, accompagnée d’une personne qui se dit être sa mère, il n’a toujours aucun souvenir de ce qui s’est passé avant cette fameuse journée sur la plage. Sa « presque » mère s’appelle Branwen, elle est guérisseuse, mais elle ne parle jamais du passé. Elle dit que ce jeune garçon est son fils et qu’il s’appelle Emrys. Mais sans souvenir, comment se reconstruire, comment la croire.

Ce premier tome des aventures de Merlin, est avant tout une quête personnelle, Emrys a besoin d’apprendre à se connaitre, savoir qui il est, d’ou il vient, et pourquoi il se sent différent. Peu à peu un pouvoir s’éveille en lui, et il le refuse, ça lui fait peur, surtout qu’à cette époque, la magie et la sorcellerie peuvent vite se confondre. De quête personnelle, les aventures d’Emrys vont vite se transformer en quête initiatique. Son voyage va le mener sur l’Ile de Fyncaria ou il va rencontrer des personnages très intéressants, qu’ils sont bons ou mauvais, humains, magiques, ou monstrueuses. Les arbres peuvent parler, l’eau peut aider, la magie est partout.

L’écriture de ce livre est très agréable, les personnages bien caractérisés, Emrys est un jeune « Merlin », plutôt courageux, même s’il manque de confiance en lui. Il n’hésite pas à braver les dangers, quand il s’agit de sauver les personnes qu’il aime.Arrivé à Fyncaria, il rencontrera très rapidement, Rhia, Shim & Fléau qui deviendront ses partenaires dans la quête qu’il va mener. Rhia est une habitante de Fyncaria, elle vit dans la nature, et y a été élevé. Shim est un « petit » géant, qui va se montrer très courageux. Il m’a fait craqué. Fléau est un petit rapace sauvé par Emrys, il va lui en être redevable et le protéger à son tour.

Si vous aimez l’aventure, la fantasy, la magie, ce livre est pour vous. J’ai hâte de lire la suite. Pendant ma lecture, j’ai plusieurs fois pensé à Eragon, que j’ai aussi aimé dans ce genre de littérature. A savoir que Merlin est beaucoup plus abordable pour une personne ne connaissant pas la fantasy.

Ce livre a été publié en 2013, aux Editions Nathan.(less)

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May 10, 2012 David Schultz rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult-lit

T.A. Barron is a fantastic author who brings to life the early years of Merlin and how he learned how to use his magic. The book is endearing in the portrayal of the boy and the small companions who join him, including Shim the stunted giant and Rhia, the girl of the tree, and a merlin named Trouble. he goes throughout the whole book with absolutely no memory of his life before he awakens on the shore in Wales.

T.A. Barron pulls you in with his description of the boy who has no memory of his prev...more

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Apr 16, 2012 Annika rated it 5 of 5 stars

I adore these books. Don't let the thought of "young adult" dissuade you from reading them. I read them the first time when I was 13, re-read them again at 18, and now at 23 own them and read them for leisure at various times when I'm in between quality books. They're chalk full of fascinating characters, plot twists, enriching and exotic places, evil villains, beautiful love stories...these five books have it all. In my humble opinion, they're books that don't come along often. I wish they had...more

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Jan 16, 2013 Lett' rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Dès le début, j’avais une mauvaise impression avec Merlin…moi, la période arthurienne et Merlin ça fait bien plus que deux, donc il y avait un problème dès le début. Et j’avoue que je n’ai pas forcément envie d’écrire un avis sur ce livre parce que je n’adore pas critiquer, mais bon, quand il faut, on le fait…

Le début est étrange et incompréhensible, d’ailleurs petite note à tout le monde : ne lisez pas les remerciements de l’auteur qui explique un peu toute l’histoire ce qui fait perdre de la v...more Dès le début, j’avais une mauvaise impression avec Merlin…moi, la période arthurienne et Merlin ça fait bien plus que deux, donc il y avait un problème dès le début. Et j’avoue que je n’ai pas forcément envie d’écrire un avis sur ce livre parce que je n’adore pas critiquer, mais bon, quand il faut, on le fait…

Le début est étrange et incompréhensible, d’ailleurs petite note à tout le monde : ne lisez pas les remerciements de l’auteur qui explique un peu toute l’histoire ce qui fait perdre de la valeur au livre. Donc, une fois commencé, on s’attache à aucun personnage, c’est très énervant. J’avais même envie de l’abandonner, mais bon, il y a eu une légère (mais quand même !) amélioration, mais bon, c’était toujours pas ça, c’est bien pour ça que j’ai pris autant de temps à le lire…

Ce livre a des passages incohérent qui m’ont gonflé, imaginez vous ne pas pouvoir comprendre un truc pendant tout le livre. Je peux vous dire que c’est très frustrant et ça se voit dans mon avis ! Donc, pleins d’incohérences (je vous dis juste le mot œil) on se demande si on est vraiment dans un livre et pas dans un dessin animé pour les bébés. J’avoue que c’est un peu violent, mais les incohérences l’étaient aussi ! D’ailleurs, ce livre m’a un peu dégouté de la littérature jeunesse.

Emrys : je ne sais pas qui a pu s’attacher à un tel personnage et a une telle histoire parce qu’avec moi, ça n’a pas marché… seulement à la fin où je l’ai apprécié mais vraiment un chouia, mais c’est tout. Quant au reste, cela m’a exaspéré plus qu’autre chose. Je suis trop méchant, j’en suis conscient, mais bon, c’est vraiment que ce livre, je ne le supporte plus quoi !

Vous savez que le thème est Merlin, et je m’attendais à un cadre en adéquation avec les idées que je me faisais avec cette époque. Mais bien sur, l’auteur nous propose un monde complètement autre… D’ailleurs, j’ai même cru me sentir dans l’antiquité, ce qui est assez perturbant pour un livre qui doit se passer au Moyen-Age. Niveau environnement, j’ai pas eu mon compte, je crois aussi que c’est ça qui m’a cassé ma lecture.

Bon, le seul point dit positif pourra être la fin que je trouve mieux gérer que les autres parties que je n’ai absolument pas aimé ! Il semble donc que la fin, certes pas original, m’a séduit quelque peu par son action et sa petite révélation qui sont assez surprenantes. C’est le seul point fort de l’histoire.

J’ai juste envie de conclure cet avis puisque comme vous avez pu voir, Merlin n’a pas été un coup de cœur, au contraire, donc je ne veux pas vraiment le casser et je termine mon avis donc sur une bon point qu’est la fin. Mais bon, au final, je ne vous le conseillerai pas vraiment !(less)

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Jun 01, 2013 Arlene rated it 4 of 5 stars

I was inconsolable when the BBC series Merlin ended after only five seasons, I thought perhaps books about Merlin would help to console me. Well, these books and that series are as different as night is from day. Not completely different, as things are just as they are at night, only without the light of the sun. Merlin in the TV series is a young man full of compassion and ready to help anyone in need. Humility and kindness are fully formed aspects of his character. He is, of course, always lea...more

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Dec 12, 2012 Andrei rated it 5 of 5 stars

304pg. Fantasy.
A young boy washes onto a shore in the middle of an unknown ocean. The boy knows neither his name or identity. The land is magical and bright, and is said to be the bridge from heaven to earth. It is named Fincarya. On the island, the boy meets a mysterious girl. They then undertake a mission to save Fincarya, and to overthrow a king who is controlled by an evil spirit. They travel through many woods, fighting shifting wraiths and other monsters. They befriend a little giant, an...more

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Mar 13, 2013 Andrew rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Lost Years of Merlin was by far the best book with a human main character I've read. The book includes many details about the environment of the world that T.A. Barron creates in this book, with very peculiar and interesting characters living in it. It starts when a 7-year old boy washes ashore on an unknown beach with no memories at all, and that is when the real adventure begins when he is attacked by a wild boar. The scenes and creatures are of classic fantasy; with large deserts, lush fo...more

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Jul 14, 2012 Lindsey Meyer rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This fantasy novel is rich with creative and lovable characters and a lush environment that will instantly draw you in. The book begins with excitement and mystery, intriguing you to read further. I can't wait to continue on with this series! Barron's writing is fun and he paints a great story of his theory on Merlin's young adult years.

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Apr 03, 2013 Mason Jones rated it 3 of 5 stars

Our 9-year-old daughter didn't take to this book, but it seemed interesting enough that I thought I'd check it out. It is indeed more appropriate for perhaps tweens or teens, and I enjoyed it quite a bit. The story is generally a bit predictable for an adult reader, but the characters are quite nice, and in general it didn't have much of the all-too-common stupid decision problem -- the characters didn't make stupid decisions simply to move the plot along. The story slows down here and there, an...more

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Mar 31, 2009 melydia rated it 4 of 5 stars

With the exception of Mary Stewart's novels, almost none of the Arthurian canon documents Merlin's life prior to advising King Vortigern as an adult. This novel attempts to fill that gap. Our story begins with Emrys and a woman who claims to be his mother washing onto the shores of Wales. Emrys remembers absolutely nothing before this event, though it is clear that he is very different from the other boys of the village. Slowly he discovers magical powers that both tantalize and terrify him. It'...more

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Feb 04, 2011 Jackie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: adventure, fantasy, good-vs-evil, heroes-heroines, magic-magicians, ya-fiction, wizards, berwyn-battle-of-the-books-2011

Emrys, a young boy, washes up on a shore in Wales. He has no recollection of his previous life, nor of the woman who is by his side. She tells him her name is Branwen, and she is a healer who uses herbs and plants as remedies. Emrys feels some stirrings within himself of magical powers. As Emrys gets older, he longs to find out who he really is and where he comes from and embarks on a journey to find the answers. He escapes to the magical isle of Fincayra and there, with the help of a loyal hawk...more

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Dec 08, 2010 Raymond Gelter rated it 4 of 5 stars

I read this many many years ago, I loved this big book big time back then. I was enthralled with magic and Merlin and this series filled that void in spades. This is about a young version of Merlin who knows nothing of magic and is washed ashore a strange land. He soon finds clue's about where he comes from and journey's back to that magical land. Twists, magic, and wonder are all in this book. I would love to give this a 5 but after trying to read this in my older age I found some of the writin...more

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Mar 10, 2013 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Readers who enjoy Brian Jacques or Anne McCaffrey's writing

Shelves: re-readable

Oh, this does take me back! It must've been 5th or 6th grade when I read this series, and even years later, this story stuck in my head because it felt so different from the rest of the fantasy I've read. Now, rereading the book as a college student, I'm falling in love with high fantasy all over again, and this book is main reason why.

The color in the writing draws you in and surrounds you with misty disconnection from reality - this is definitely one of those books where you read it and you fo...more

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Mar 21, 2013 Summer Fenwick rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: youth, fantasy

It was difficult for me starting this book because I'm so familiar with all of the Arthurian lore and all the tales surrounding the mysterious character Merlin. I was glad that I read the author's introduction though; Barron seems familiar with the lore as well, so it put my mind at ease. It's true that there isn't much said about this particular period of Merlin's life, and I was glad to see someone take it up.

I can't say I was pleased that for a majority of this book Merlin is not Merlin but...more

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Mar 21, 2011 Sharon rated it 2 of 5 stars

What a lame read. I was REALLY disappointed. After Avalon totally winning my heart, this was a huge let-down. Merlin was a prideful, ignorant, annoying guy that got himself into all sorts of trouble because of his own stupid mistakes. And for what? To become the most famous wizard of all time? Sheesh.
I admit Hallia and her brother were fairly cool, but Rhiannon was the only I really liked. It DID help enlighten me on some stuff in the Avalon series since this a prequel series, but the whole sti...more

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Jul 21, 2012 Siobhan Parker rated it 3 of 5 stars

Like Santa Claus, Merlin is a character that, despite being fictional, has enthralled young and old alike for centuries. T. A. Barron's novel's mission is to try to explain where the ever-popular, legendary wizard came from, and what made him who legend says he is. It succeeds on many fronts: an engaging story, great writing, and an ending that will leave you wanting more. If you've grown weary of Harry, Hermione, and Ron, but are still looking for a kiddie magical fantasy read, give The Lost Ye...more

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Oct 03, 2009 Karolinde (Kari) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, middle-level-books

This book imagines what might have happened to Merlin while he was a teenager. Who was he and how did he get to be a great and wise wizard?

Emyrs is a boy who doesn't remember anything before the day he and his mother wash up on a beach in Wales. He begins to notice strange and scary things about himself and eventually sets out on a quest to find out who he is. He ends up in Fincayra, a magical between place in grave danger.

If the book seems to end to quickly, it is only because the story is jus...more

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Dec 12, 2012 02RebeccaH rated it 3 of 5 stars

The intended audience of this book are probably kids and fantasy lovers. The main problems are that Emrys can't remember his past, and the Druma wood in the magical land of Fincayra is dying. The time setting could probably be different, but the place was very important because it was a magical land and added important factors to the story. Emrys is th emain protagonist, and he's curious, brave, but lost. The main antagonist is Stangmar, the evil King.
Emrys washed up on shore with a lady, Bran...more

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Dec 09, 2011 Lauren rated it 4 of 5 stars

Merlin is a character who has fascinated people for centuries -- a powerful wizard who shaped the legendary King Arthur. And T.A. Barron gives his densely, mythologically fantastical take on Merlin in The Lost Years of Merlin, a colorful and lushly-detailed novel about the teenage wizard's formative years. The Star Wars twist is rather predictable, but otherwise it's a delightful story.

Years ago, the boy Emrys was washed up on the shores of Wales, along with an equally mysterious woman named Bra...more Merlin is a character who has fascinated people for centuries -- a powerful wizard who shaped the legendary King Arthur. And T.A. Barron gives his densely, mythologically fantastical take on Merlin in The Lost Years of Merlin, a colorful and lushly-detailed novel about the teenage wizard's formative years. The Star Wars twist is rather predictable, but otherwise it's a delightful story.

Years ago, the boy Emrys was washed up on the shores of Wales, along with an equally mysterious woman named Branwen. He can't remember her, or anything else from his prior life.

And for some years, he and Branwen live in a small Welsh village, where they are reviled because of their strangeness. When some village boys attack Branwen, Emrys' magical powers are unleashed -- and he ends up blind, but able to use his "second sight." Since Branwen refuses to tell him anything about his past, Emrys sets off on his own quest.

He ends up on the shores of the magical land of Fincayra, where he meets the quirky woodland girl Rhia. Unfortunately, Fincayra is slowly being withered by a magical blight. With the help of Rhia and a diminuative giant named Shim, Merlin must find use his heart, brain, powers, and the mysterious Galator pendant to defeat the evil Rhita Gawr, find the Seven Treasures, and save Fincayra.

T.A. Barron obviously loves two things -- myth'n'legends, and nature. The Lost Years of Merlin is soaked in both these things. He writes in a lush, intoxicatingly detailed prose, with the overhanging presence of living trees, cool leaves and wild magical places. It's a bit like wandering into an enchanted grove, and watching the epic story unfold outside.

And like his prior novel The Merlin Effect, Barron laces it softly with Celtic mythology and Arthurian legend (such as the magic cauldron and the god Dagda), as well as some interesting ideas of his own ("historical" versus "sacred" time). The only problem is that Barron pulls a "Star Wars" twist out of his hat late in the novel, which is one of the few rampant cliches in here. Come on, couldn't he have done something a LITTLE more imaginative?

And Barron's Merlin is a powerful reimagining of the legendary wizard -- this Merlin is a confused, outcast boy who is terrified of his own dangerous magic. Rhia is a likably quirky supporting character, just odd enough that she seems like a convincing forest baby, and there are a number of eccentric characters -- the Grand Elusa, Domnu and Cairpre -- that really draw in the reader.

The Lost Years of Merlin is a striking, lushly-written fantasy novel that adds new mythical dimensions to our favorite Arthurian wizard. Wondrous, magical and lovely.(less)

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Jan 29, 2013 Kami rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

- I discovered these books in Jr. High, but I never finished the series. I think it is about time that I did. It wasn't that I didn't enjoy them, cause I did. I just didn't get around to them.

- Emrys is a bit annoying at times. I get that he is scared to use his powers, but come on! Learn how to control them! He is supposed to become the greatest wizard of all time, but he has a TON to learn.

- Shim reminds me of Gurgi from Lloyd Alexander's Prydain series. In fact, there were a lot of elements i...more

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About T.A. Barron

T.A. Barron grew up in Colorado ranch country and traveled widely as a Rhodes Scholar. Though he’d dreamed of becoming a writer, he couldn’t find anyone to publish his first novel. He joined a business, eventually became president, then decided to try again. So in 1990, he surprised his business partners by moving back to Colorado to become a writer and conservationist. Since then he has written o...more

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Books by T.A. Barron

The Seven Songs of Merlin (The Lost Years of Merlin, #2)

The Mirror of Merlin (The Lost Years of Merlin, #4)

The Fires of Merlin (The Lost Years of Merlin, #3)

The Wings of Merlin (The Lost Years of Merlin, #5)

Child of the Dark Prophecy (The Great Tree of Avalon, #1)

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“And I came to understand, in a way I never had before, that books are truly the stuff of miracles. I even dared to dream that someday, somehow, I might surround myself with books from many times and many tongues...” — 8 people liked it

“As the wind swelled, my tree started to sway. Almost like a human body it swung back and around, gently at first, then more and more wildly. While the swaying intensified, so did my fears that the trunk might snap and hurl me to the ground. But in time my confidence returned. Amazed at how the tree could be at once so flexible and so sturdy, I held on tight as it bent and waved, twisted and swirled, slicing curves and arcs through the air. With each graceful swing, I felt less a creature of the land and more a part of the wind itself.
"The rain began falling, it's sound merging with the splashing river and the singing trees. Branches streamed like waterfalls of green. Tiny rivers cascaded down every trunk, twisting through moss meadows and bark canyons. All the while, I rode out the gale. I could not have felt wetter. I could not have felt freer.
"When, at last, the storm subsided, the entire world seemed newly born. Sunbeams danced on rain-washed leaves. Curling columns of mist rose from every glade. The forest's colors shown more vivid, its smells struck more fresh. And I understood, for the first time in my life, that the Earth was always being remade, that life was always being renewed. That it may have been the afternoon of this particular day, but it was still the very morning of Creation.” — 6 people liked it

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The Lost Years of Merlin (Lost Years of Merlin #1)

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