What do you think?
Rate this book
Win a free print copy of this book!
9 days and 19:54:42
100 copies available
U.S. and Canada only
Merlin #1
Wie alles begann
Win a free print copy of this book!
9 days and 19:54:42
100 copies available
U.S. and Canada only
Sagengestalten eignen sich ganz besonders gut als Romanhelden: Jeder kennt sie, und doch ist über ihr tatsächliches Leben so wenig bekannt, dass der Autor in völliger Freiheit drauflos fabulieren kann. Diese Möglichkeit nutzt auch Thomas A. Barron weidlich -- und erzählt auf fast vierhundert Seiten vom sagenhaften Merlin. Und zwar von jener Zeit, als Merlin noch nicht der berühmteste aller Zauberer war, noch nicht der weise Lehrmeister des jungen König Arthus, sondern ein Kind, dessen Mutter seine Herkunft mit einem geheimnisvollem Schweigen umgibt.
Als der junge Merlin nach und nach eine Ahnung von den übernatürlichen Kräften bekommt, die wohl in ihm schlummern müssen, zieht er alleine los, um das Rätsel seiner Abstammung zu lösen. Es verschlägt ihn nach Fincayra -- einer seltsamen Insel, einem "Ort der vielen Wunder", wo er so manches Abenteuer zu bestehen hat. Weil er aber im Waldmädchen Rhia und im winzigkleinen Riesen Shim und dessen mutigem Falken treue Begleiter findet, kommt er auf dieser unbekannten Insel am Ende sogar dem Geheimnis seiner Herkunft auf die Spur. Mehr aber soll hier freilich nicht verraten werden. Schon deshalb, weil Thomas A. Barron es versteht, die Spannung in seinem lebendig erzählten Fantasy-Schmöker für Jugendliche bis zum Ende nicht einen Deut abflauen zu lassen. --Christian Stahl
Audio CD
First published January 1, 1996
About the author
T.A. Barron
71 books1,343 followersT. A. Barron is the award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of more than 30 highly acclaimed books, including the Merlin Saga, being developed into a feature film.
Awarded the de Grummond Medallion for “lifetime contribution to the field of children’s and young adult literature,” he also serves on a variety of environmental and educational NGO boards. In 2001, he founded the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes, a national award for outstanding young people.
A lifelong adventurer and conservationist, T. A. Barron draws inspiration from the natural world, especially the mountains of Colorado, where he lives.
Follow along on Instagram or TikTok and sign up for his newsletter — he loves staying in touch with his fans!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,025 reviews
October 15, 2010
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 author assumes his reader is equally thick. Everything is articulated in the most heavy-handed way possible. Similarly, Rhia and Merlin know each other for a few days, but some passages infer that we're meant to think of them as lifelong friends. They don't behave like people who have known each other for only a few days (particularly when Merlin confirms he's not a ghost to Rhia by wrapping his index finger around hers, as if they've had time to make that a gesture with personal history/significance to either of them). Their relationship is unbelievable. Shim, the tiny giant, speaks like Jar Jar Binks and is equally insufferable. Merlin abandons his loving mother but rescues his evil father. There's just so much to dislike here.
February 7, 2017
(review in English below)
Não consegui interessar-me por esta história.
Tentei, ainda cheguei à página 191 (!), mas desisto.
Tudo muito déjá-(l)vu, e uma escrita que não consegue prender-me - o que pode dever-se, em parte, à tradução (de vez em quando, há frases que não fazem muito sentido).
Ao contrário do que diz a capa ("Se é fã do género fantástico ou da série Harry Potter, não pode deixar de ler Merlin - Os Anos Perdidos"), este livro é mais adequado a quem ainda não tenha lido (muita) fantasia, pois quem já leu alguma não vai ter paciência para isto...
Recomendado apenas a adolescentes que queiram iniciar-se na fantasia.
I just couldn't become interested in this story.
I tried, I got to page 191 (!), but I give up.
It's all very déjá-(l)vu, and I can't connect with the writing - the translation may be to blame, partially at least (some phrases don't seem to make much sense).
Contrary to what is advertised on the cover ("If you're a fan of the fantastic genre or of the Harry Potter series, you have to read Merlin - The Lost Years"), this book is more suited for those who haven't read (much) fantasy, for those who've read some won't have patience for this...
Recommended only to teenagers who are starting their way into fantasy.
Não consegui interessar-me por esta história.
Tentei, ainda cheguei à página 191 (!), mas desisto.
Tudo muito déjá-(l)vu, e uma escrita que não consegue prender-me - o que pode dever-se, em parte, à tradução (de vez em quando, há frases que não fazem muito sentido).
Ao contrário do que diz a capa ("Se é fã do género fantástico ou da série Harry Potter, não pode deixar de ler Merlin - Os Anos Perdidos"), este livro é mais adequado a quem ainda não tenha lido (muita) fantasia, pois quem já leu alguma não vai ter paciência para isto...
Recomendado apenas a adolescentes que queiram iniciar-se na fantasia.
I just couldn't become interested in this story.
I tried, I got to page 191 (!), but I give up.
It's all very déjá-(l)vu, and I can't connect with the writing - the translation may be to blame, partially at least (some phrases don't seem to make much sense).
Contrary to what is advertised on the cover ("If you're a fan of the fantastic genre or of the Harry Potter series, you have to read Merlin - The Lost Years"), this book is more suited for those who haven't read (much) fantasy, for those who've read some won't have patience for this...
Recommended only to teenagers who are starting their way into fantasy.
April 22, 2021
2'5⭐
Soy muy muy fan de la materia de Bretaña, y cuando descubrí que iban a reeditar este libro, me entraron unas ganas inmensas de leerlo. Conocer la historia del gran mago Merlín desde que era un niño prometía ser algo emocionante.
Sin embargo, y para mi gran decepción, esta historia no ha sido para mí. Uno de los principales problemas que he tenido ha sido que no he conseguido conectar con los personajes y, por ende, con su historia. Me ha resultado todo bastante indiferente en general y me ha parecido que faltaba bastante chicha.
El Merlín niño que se nos presenta en este primer libro es bastante insulso. Más que actuar él mismo, simplemente parece ir dejándose llevar de un lado a otro, saltando de un encuentro casual a otro. Además, se desmaya un número preocupante de veces al final de unos cuantos capítulos.
No me ha disgustado el conflicto alrededor de sus poderes y las consecuencias cuando los usa mal, creo que es interesante como parte de la historia de alguien que llegará a convertirse en un gran mago, pero en algunos momentos me ha parecido que lo único que tenía el muchacho era simple cabezonería. Sí que demuestra bastante fuerza de voluntad porque no se rinde ante las adversidades, pero por otro lado se deja llevar con mucha facilidad.
En cuanto al resto de personajes, me han parecido bastante planos y poco interesantes, pese a la intención del autor. Siento que no los conozco bien y que no entiendo sus motivaciones o comportamientos, siendo el caso más evidente el de Branwen, la "madre" de Merlín (aunque tampoco me ha gustado nada cómo la trata él). Pero también hay una amistad que surge de la nada, una conexión superprofunda sin fundamento ni desarrollo (no es instalove, pero sí que es instantánea también).
Además de eso, también ha habido demasiada descripción para mi gusto, se me hace aburrida.
Pero eso sí, me parece que está muy bien escrito (le he añadido 0'5 por eso), aunque ese rasgo no ha podido compensar las flaquezas de la trama y la construcción de personajes.
La verdad es que estoy indecisa sobre si seguiré con la saga. Quizás le dé una oportunidad al segundo cuando lo saquen, y si me resulta tan indiferente como este primero, lo más seguro es que lo deje ahí.
Soy muy muy fan de la materia de Bretaña, y cuando descubrí que iban a reeditar este libro, me entraron unas ganas inmensas de leerlo. Conocer la historia del gran mago Merlín desde que era un niño prometía ser algo emocionante.
Sin embargo, y para mi gran decepción, esta historia no ha sido para mí. Uno de los principales problemas que he tenido ha sido que no he conseguido conectar con los personajes y, por ende, con su historia. Me ha resultado todo bastante indiferente en general y me ha parecido que faltaba bastante chicha.
El Merlín niño que se nos presenta en este primer libro es bastante insulso. Más que actuar él mismo, simplemente parece ir dejándose llevar de un lado a otro, saltando de un encuentro casual a otro. Además, se desmaya un número preocupante de veces al final de unos cuantos capítulos.
No me ha disgustado el conflicto alrededor de sus poderes y las consecuencias cuando los usa mal, creo que es interesante como parte de la historia de alguien que llegará a convertirse en un gran mago, pero en algunos momentos me ha parecido que lo único que tenía el muchacho era simple cabezonería. Sí que demuestra bastante fuerza de voluntad porque no se rinde ante las adversidades, pero por otro lado se deja llevar con mucha facilidad.
En cuanto al resto de personajes, me han parecido bastante planos y poco interesantes, pese a la intención del autor. Siento que no los conozco bien y que no entiendo sus motivaciones o comportamientos, siendo el caso más evidente el de Branwen, la "madre" de Merlín (aunque tampoco me ha gustado nada cómo la trata él). Pero también hay una amistad que surge de la nada, una conexión superprofunda sin fundamento ni desarrollo (no es instalove, pero sí que es instantánea también).
Además de eso, también ha habido demasiada descripción para mi gusto, se me hace aburrida.
Pero eso sí, me parece que está muy bien escrito (le he añadido 0'5 por eso), aunque ese rasgo no ha podido compensar las flaquezas de la trama y la construcción de personajes.
La verdad es que estoy indecisa sobre si seguiré con la saga. Quizás le dé una oportunidad al segundo cuando lo saquen, y si me resulta tan indiferente como este primero, lo más seguro es que lo deje ahí.
November 2, 2021
Read as part of my ongoing shelf audit. Verdict: I have this entire quintet signed, so... that was a foregone conclusion.
This book has me thinking about the definition of 'middle grade' fiction nowadays, because here's this story with a 12 year-old protagonist which follows a narrative pattern I associate with MG - journeying from one interesting place to another in a series of worldbuilding vignettes until the entire map has been covered - and yet. And yet. The writing style, ideas, and even the original cover design are far more in the vein of adult fantasy than they are middle grade, at least MG as we know it today.
(Sidebar: in the middle of this review I noticed the cover redesign and title changes of recent editions. I would like to say for the record that I do not approve, though I suppose I'm glad the books are still selling.)
This is a book that doesn't talk down to its young readers, with rich descriptions, multi-cultural lore, and a pretty firm syncretic approach to spirituality. Barron also leans hard into Merlin/Emrys' self-loathing, which is simultaneously surprising given the character's age and... really sympathetic It has the feeling of legend to it in the way that it is at once an archetypal tale and a window into a rich and unique mythological setting, where it feels like more stories have been forgotten than could ever be told. As a former teen/pre-teen who was obsessed with mythology and Arthuriana, this was the perfect series for me, and I imagine it is still an ideal stepping stone towards adult fantasy novels.
I really, really don't want the Disney adaptation. I'm sorry - it sounds like Barron is excited about it - but after what they did to Artemis Fowl, I just don't trust like that. I also don't think the travelogue structure of this book will lend itself well to film adaptation, and y'know... not everything has to be a movie at all. Just sayin'.
This book has me thinking about the definition of 'middle grade' fiction nowadays, because here's this story with a 12 year-old protagonist which follows a narrative pattern I associate with MG - journeying from one interesting place to another in a series of worldbuilding vignettes until the entire map has been covered - and yet. And yet. The writing style, ideas, and even the original cover design are far more in the vein of adult fantasy than they are middle grade, at least MG as we know it today.
(Sidebar: in the middle of this review I noticed the cover redesign and title changes of recent editions. I would like to say for the record that I do not approve, though I suppose I'm glad the books are still selling.)
This is a book that doesn't talk down to its young readers, with rich descriptions, multi-cultural lore, and a pretty firm syncretic approach to spirituality. Barron also leans hard into Merlin/Emrys' self-loathing, which is simultaneously surprising given the character's age and... really sympathetic It has the feeling of legend to it in the way that it is at once an archetypal tale and a window into a rich and unique mythological setting, where it feels like more stories have been forgotten than could ever be told. As a former teen/pre-teen who was obsessed with mythology and Arthuriana, this was the perfect series for me, and I imagine it is still an ideal stepping stone towards adult fantasy novels.
I really, really don't want the Disney adaptation. I'm sorry - it sounds like Barron is excited about it - but after what they did to Artemis Fowl, I just don't trust like that. I also don't think the travelogue structure of this book will lend itself well to film adaptation, and y'know... not everything has to be a movie at all. Just sayin'.
September 16, 2019
In which we learn that good research, lushly-imagined settings, and fine writing can't make up for bad plotting.
Our protagonist's one-dimensional motivation propels him through a story populated exclusively by static NPCs. The reading experience is like playing a short linear-narrative RPG where each character is waiting off-screen for the designated hero to show up, trigger an encounter, and move the story forward.
A reasonably entertaining series start, but not one I'd bother to repeat or complete.
Our protagonist's one-dimensional motivation propels him through a story populated exclusively by static NPCs. The reading experience is like playing a short linear-narrative RPG where each character is waiting off-screen for the designated hero to show up, trigger an encounter, and move the story forward.
A reasonably entertaining series start, but not one I'd bother to repeat or complete.
February 9, 2016
Real rating; 3.5.
Too much description for my taste.If there's one thing I don't like it's a book whose plot is really good but has too many unnecessary descriptions.I don't really care how the sky looked when Emrys woke up or how the grass smelled when he traveled.I kind of liked Shim,but Rhia is a different story-you know I'm not a fan of insta-connection between characters.I'm also not liking the fact that Emrys saved his cruel father but left his mother easily.I mean,the woman took care of you for so many years at least you can do is pay her some respect.
Overall,not so bad but not so good.
Too much description for my taste.If there's one thing I don't like it's a book whose plot is really good but has too many unnecessary descriptions.I don't really care how the sky looked when Emrys woke up or how the grass smelled when he traveled.I kind of liked Shim,but Rhia is a different story-you know I'm not a fan of insta-connection between characters.I'm also not liking the fact that Emrys saved his cruel father but left his mother easily.I mean,the woman took care of you for so many years at least you can do is pay her some respect.
Overall,not so bad but not so good.
October 16, 2017
3.5⭐️
Cute, clean, middle grade novel. I think primary school me would have given this 5⭐️. But being that im in college it was young for me which I expected but i really did enjoy Merlin before he became Merlin. It was a unique interpretation of what the author thinks about the person that Merlin was before he was all powerful
Cute, clean, middle grade novel. I think primary school me would have given this 5⭐️. But being that im in college it was young for me which I expected but i really did enjoy Merlin before he became Merlin. It was a unique interpretation of what the author thinks about the person that Merlin was before he was all powerful
March 1, 2017
Sevdim ben bu çocuğu. Daha sonra büyük halini de okumak istiyorum. Bir yerde epey şok oldum. Unuttum mu yoksa hiç mi bilmiyordum emin değilim.
March 3, 2017
"Hidden. The whole world is hidden." This fiction book full of turning events that you wouldn't have imagined that could have happened. I think this book is really good book. I enjoyed reading this book, i found it interesting, every turning page there was something exciting, and interesting.
***SPOILER ALERT*** Emrys and Branwen washed up on shore to an unknown place. Emrys was in pain and he couldn't remember anything. He couldn't remeber who he was or how he had gotten there and he couldn't even remember oh who was the woman lying down on the sand. Time passed and he still couldn't remember, one day the town's bully picked on him, he made a run for it.n Emrys discovered something amazing...he discovered he had hidden powers! One day he couldn't take it anymore, the bully was going to hurt his "mother", he had to do something. They got into a fight and there were flames, flames caused by Emrys. When Emrys woke up he couldn't see anything...he was blind. Days passed and he couldn't take it he had to get back and find out were he was from. He needed to find out about his past. He went in search for his past, he couldn't stand feeling like he was useless he was betting himself up. That's why he wanted to know more about him, his past, and if that woman was really his mother. person vs. person. It is person vs. person because Emrys in the future runs into someone and they have some problems and he has to do something dangerous, something he didn't want to do but he had to.
A major event that changed the character was when Emrys lost his vision and decided to learn about his past. When Emrys went on a quest to discover who he was everything had changed in him he was not the same emotionally and physically . He didn't stop even though he was blind he was determined to find out who he was, were he had come from. After he had lost his sight everything changed for Emrys, for him everything was dark and he couldn't tell the difference between things.
My favorite part was when Emrys found courage and strength to keep going. It was my favorite part because it shows that if we really want something we can accomplish it, we just have to set our minds to it. When he keeps going even though there are many dangers it proves that he is brave, and he is also blind so it wasn't easy to go on a quest in search for who you really are.
I rate this book a 5/5 because i really enjoyed reading this book. I liked this book because it was interesting. i found it interesting because of how he kept going, he didn't stop he kept going and i found that brave and interesting because he was blind and he didn't let that stop him. He kept going forward no matter what. "just be yourself its much easier to say than to do." I liked that quote because it is so true sometimes it is much easier to say things than to do those things. I woild recommend this book the young adults because i think that they will really enjoy reading this fiction book. It is a really good written book.
***SPOILER ALERT*** Emrys and Branwen washed up on shore to an unknown place. Emrys was in pain and he couldn't remember anything. He couldn't remeber who he was or how he had gotten there and he couldn't even remember oh who was the woman lying down on the sand. Time passed and he still couldn't remember, one day the town's bully picked on him, he made a run for it.n Emrys discovered something amazing...he discovered he had hidden powers! One day he couldn't take it anymore, the bully was going to hurt his "mother", he had to do something. They got into a fight and there were flames, flames caused by Emrys. When Emrys woke up he couldn't see anything...he was blind. Days passed and he couldn't take it he had to get back and find out were he was from. He needed to find out about his past. He went in search for his past, he couldn't stand feeling like he was useless he was betting himself up. That's why he wanted to know more about him, his past, and if that woman was really his mother. person vs. person. It is person vs. person because Emrys in the future runs into someone and they have some problems and he has to do something dangerous, something he didn't want to do but he had to.
A major event that changed the character was when Emrys lost his vision and decided to learn about his past. When Emrys went on a quest to discover who he was everything had changed in him he was not the same emotionally and physically . He didn't stop even though he was blind he was determined to find out who he was, were he had come from. After he had lost his sight everything changed for Emrys, for him everything was dark and he couldn't tell the difference between things.
My favorite part was when Emrys found courage and strength to keep going. It was my favorite part because it shows that if we really want something we can accomplish it, we just have to set our minds to it. When he keeps going even though there are many dangers it proves that he is brave, and he is also blind so it wasn't easy to go on a quest in search for who you really are.
I rate this book a 5/5 because i really enjoyed reading this book. I liked this book because it was interesting. i found it interesting because of how he kept going, he didn't stop he kept going and i found that brave and interesting because he was blind and he didn't let that stop him. He kept going forward no matter what. "just be yourself its much easier to say than to do." I liked that quote because it is so true sometimes it is much easier to say things than to do those things. I woild recommend this book the young adults because i think that they will really enjoy reading this fiction book. It is a really good written book.
December 21, 2013
I loved the idea that the author chose to write. It takes great imagination to invent a world and characters that create the beginnings of a character that has been written about for so long. I found the narrative compelling as well as believable.
October 1, 2016
(Plot)A young boy named Emerys washes up on shore and he doesn't even know his name or where he came from. Throughout the book he is trying to figure out who he is and trying to find his real name. He travels to this different place called Fincayra where everything lives and talks. Fincayra is taken over by an evil king and Emerys trys to overthrow him and turn Fincayra to its old wonderful self.
(Character Analysis)Merlin really showed his true colors when he learns that he can do magic. At first he was really really scared about his new found ability but after a while he realizes that his powers can be used for great things. That's when he gets cocky and thinks like he owns the world. Then he gets humbled and learns that his powers are meant to help other people not himself.
(Theme)In this book you can learn a great many things but the thing that is shown the most is the need of self confidence but knowing that you don't own the world. Merlin shows a great example of this because at the beginning of the book he thinks he is nothing but near the end he shows a little too much self confidence but then he gets humbled. Everyone should be like that. You should have a little self esteem but not so much that it just gets annoying.
(Opinion)In my opinion, this book was really great. It taught me a lot of life principles that I need to know. Overall, it was a really amazing book it kept the suspension at a very high level but kept it real. I would recommend this book to every one that wants to read a good book.
(Character Analysis)Merlin really showed his true colors when he learns that he can do magic. At first he was really really scared about his new found ability but after a while he realizes that his powers can be used for great things. That's when he gets cocky and thinks like he owns the world. Then he gets humbled and learns that his powers are meant to help other people not himself.
(Theme)In this book you can learn a great many things but the thing that is shown the most is the need of self confidence but knowing that you don't own the world. Merlin shows a great example of this because at the beginning of the book he thinks he is nothing but near the end he shows a little too much self confidence but then he gets humbled. Everyone should be like that. You should have a little self esteem but not so much that it just gets annoying.
(Opinion)In my opinion, this book was really great. It taught me a lot of life principles that I need to know. Overall, it was a really amazing book it kept the suspension at a very high level but kept it real. I would recommend this book to every one that wants to read a good book.
April 16, 2012
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 extended for hundreds of more pages so I could continue to enjoy this world. Obsessed with these books.
It's important to note that these books are separate entities. They're NOT Avalon, or Arthurian legend, or anything related to previous Merlin stories. They must be read as their own. If you can do that, and also understand that the books were primarily written for younger audiences, you should thoroughly enjoy them.
It's important to note that these books are separate entities. They're NOT Avalon, or Arthurian legend, or anything related to previous Merlin stories. They must be read as their own. If you can do that, and also understand that the books were primarily written for younger audiences, you should thoroughly enjoy them.
November 12, 2017
I absolutely adored this book. I usually don’t enjoy shorter fantasy novels since I seem to need 800+ pages to really become invested in a new world and new characters but this time that was not the case.
Pros
There was just the right amount of travelling and we didn’t get mind numbing descriptions of every individual leaf along the way.
The plot was constantly moving forward while still taking the time to build the world around you.
Although it is a YA novel it is not centred around a romantic relationship.
There are just the right amount of typical fantasy face-palm moments.
Cons
If I had to pick one it would be our poor Merlin who seems to end each chapter being somehow knocked unconscious. I am concerned by his potential for concussion related symptoms following him into the remainder of the series.
I am starting the second book right away. I can’t wait to dive back into this world.
Pros
There was just the right amount of travelling and we didn’t get mind numbing descriptions of every individual leaf along the way.
The plot was constantly moving forward while still taking the time to build the world around you.
Although it is a YA novel it is not centred around a romantic relationship.
There are just the right amount of typical fantasy face-palm moments.
Cons
If I had to pick one it would be our poor Merlin who seems to end each chapter being somehow knocked unconscious. I am concerned by his potential for concussion related symptoms following him into the remainder of the series.
I am starting the second book right away. I can’t wait to dive back into this world.
April 4, 2016
To tell the truth this is a three star book. The story is very predictable and the characters are somewhat bland. Merlin complains a lot and only cares about himself at first which works for his character but causes me to find it hard to relate to him. I guess I have nothing in common with eight year old boy who knew. The thing that caused me to give this book four stars is the world building. For a book that has simplistic writing the world was very detailed and magical. T.A Barron doesn't explain the magic that drives the world, but I think it works. You learn about the magic system as you keep reading; you're learning with Merlin, and I found that aspect very enjoyable.
June 4, 2015
I could not finish this book after five chapters; it was just so boring and icky. Dull, dull, dull. I didn't like it ok?
Did Not Finish
January 20, 2026Read: January 16th - January 19th
Format: Audiobook
Rating: DNF @ 26%
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the ALC in exchange for an honest review!
I have had this book sitting on my shelves for forever, so I leaped at the chance to get to it earlier via an ALC!
Aaaand I didn't like it... For one, and this is just a personal gripe, but what's with having old men narrate middle grade fiction about teen boys? I didn't like when Harry Potter did it, either. Entirely personal thing there though. I would have shrugged it off and kept going.
But the writing was just so... blah. It didn't have a voice, and it was just extremely telly. I felt like over half of the 26% I listened to was me being told what happened/was happening rather than actually getting to experience the narration with Emrys. And this is first person! Not even the excuse of omniscient or something to wave away the distance!
Add on to that the fact that nothing really happens... I'm probably about 100 pages in based on a physical copy, and he's just now setting out on any adventure. I'm not against books being slower to get to the plot. I am against it when the 100 page lead up doesn't really establish anything.
Another personal ick, but the inclusion of real world religions in this just felt really weird and not great. Believe what you want to believe, but witch practices are a very clear no-no in Christianity, so seeing it constantly entwined with a sorceress just felt like such a weird choice. Sure, you can argue historical aspects, but it just felt very oddly handled.
This book isn't for me. All it did was make me want to read Ranger's Apprentice instead 😭
Format: Audiobook
Rating: DNF @ 26%
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the ALC in exchange for an honest review!
I have had this book sitting on my shelves for forever, so I leaped at the chance to get to it earlier via an ALC!
Aaaand I didn't like it... For one, and this is just a personal gripe, but what's with having old men narrate middle grade fiction about teen boys? I didn't like when Harry Potter did it, either. Entirely personal thing there though. I would have shrugged it off and kept going.
But the writing was just so... blah. It didn't have a voice, and it was just extremely telly. I felt like over half of the 26% I listened to was me being told what happened/was happening rather than actually getting to experience the narration with Emrys. And this is first person! Not even the excuse of omniscient or something to wave away the distance!
Add on to that the fact that nothing really happens... I'm probably about 100 pages in based on a physical copy, and he's just now setting out on any adventure. I'm not against books being slower to get to the plot. I am against it when the 100 page lead up doesn't really establish anything.
Another personal ick, but the inclusion of real world religions in this just felt really weird and not great. Believe what you want to believe, but witch practices are a very clear no-no in Christianity, so seeing it constantly entwined with a sorceress just felt like such a weird choice. Sure, you can argue historical aspects, but it just felt very oddly handled.
This book isn't for me. All it did was make me want to read Ranger's Apprentice instead 😭
September 2, 2019
J'ai bien aimé ce livre que j'attendais de lire depuis longtemps par peur d'être déçu. J'aime tout ce qui touche Merlin, le roi Arthur et les chevaliers de la table ronde et c'est pourquoi j'avais de grandes attentes. Le livre fait très jeunesse, par les clichés du genre et les coins ronds que l'intrigue prend par moment. Malgré cela, j'ai aimé les personnages et l'aventure. Cette dernière aurait pu être l'aventure de n'importe qu'elle personnage, Merlin se fait assez peu sentir, un peu plus vers la fin, fin qui était grandment supérieur au reste du livre d'ailleurs. Il s'agit du premier tome alors je garde espoir que Merlin se construise et devienne plus lui-même dans les prochains tomes. Un bon roman d'aventure/fantasy jeunesse et une série que je poursuivrai avec intérêt et curiosité.
June 5, 2024
Really enjoyed this as an audiobook. The chapters felt episodic, like really going on a journey with the characters rather than just devices to get us to the climax. That being said, the climax did feel a little rushed to me and fell flat just a bit. But, the vibes were good and I just enjoyed the whole story. I wish I knew more Arthurian legend so I could pick up more of the Easter eggs.
July 14, 2012
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.
February 2, 2013
I found this series when I was 11 years old and I couldn't read them fast enough. Here, more than 10 years later, i'm still so very disappointed in myself for not making all of them my own. They all are enriched with the values of friendship, family, courage, and of course magic. I always envisioned it as a pre-harry potter series, even though I discovered it after I began the HP series.
March 17, 2019
The story is good, but the prose is too young for me. I'd rather re-read Stewart or Lawhead.
June 17, 2017
Cringe inducing author introduction followed by Book Party Foul: amnesiac main character. I suppose I should know this, but I never read those plot spoiling blurbs. Audiobook DNF.
March 29, 2021
I enjoyed this tale of Merlin's early years. I've never read much about him except as part of the Arthur legend. The story should appeal to young readers. It is a little bit predictable for older readers who want a complex plot.
February 10, 2020
It wasn't QUITE as amazing as it was when I was a kid, but revisiting this book after some 20 or so years was a nice nostalgia trip.
January 13, 2023
Really big map for 300 pages good book.
March 1, 2010
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.
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.
March 21, 2014
Merlin: The Lost Years is the first installment in the Merlin Saga by T. A. Barron. The prologue is written in the third person, while the rest of the novel is narrated in the first person by a 12-year-old Merlin, or as he is called throughout the novel, Emrys.
The opening lines of the story remind the reader of the popular scene when an arm rises from the water holding Excalibur.
Emrys washes up on a shore, alone at first, and has no memory of who he is and how or why he got to this place. He notices a beautiful woman also washed up on the shore and wonders if she could be his mother but feels she is too beautiful to be so. They are attacked by a wild boar and saved by a stag.
This, slightly strange, beginning is explained after a few chapters.
Emrys is not convinced that this is his real name and is unsure if the woman, Branwen, is his mother. Throughout the novel, he tries to find out who is he is, who is parents are and where he belongs.
Emrys has powers but when he uses them, they result in more destruction than intended and he learns to fear them. Throughout the novel, Emrys considers using his powers several times but remembers the promise he made to Branwen to never use them in addition to the painful memory where he loses his eyesight.
Despite being narrated in the first person, the novel moves at a fairly quick pace. Though the parts about Emrys remembering the painful memory of using his powers are frequent and feel repetitive “the smell of burning flesh...” is repeated several times.
The idea of the “lost years” is resolved in the end, where Emrys, and the reader, come upon some startling revelations.
I liked Barron’s use of the giants and how size does not matter. Shim is adorable, especially in the way he speaks “but I is!”, “certainly definitely absolutely” and “very very very scared” just to name a few instances. The first meeting with Shim is beyond enjoyable
Merlin: The Lost Years is a journey of self-discovery and is a good start to the world of young Merlin (Emrys). And I look forward to reading the second part of the saga, titled The Seven Songs.
The opening lines of the story remind the reader of the popular scene when an arm rises from the water holding Excalibur.
Emrys washes up on a shore, alone at first, and has no memory of who he is and how or why he got to this place. He notices a beautiful woman also washed up on the shore and wonders if she could be his mother but feels she is too beautiful to be so. They are attacked by a wild boar and saved by a stag.
This, slightly strange, beginning is explained after a few chapters.
Emrys is not convinced that this is his real name and is unsure if the woman, Branwen, is his mother. Throughout the novel, he tries to find out who is he is, who is parents are and where he belongs.
Emrys has powers but when he uses them, they result in more destruction than intended and he learns to fear them. Throughout the novel, Emrys considers using his powers several times but remembers the promise he made to Branwen to never use them in addition to the painful memory where he loses his eyesight.
Despite being narrated in the first person, the novel moves at a fairly quick pace. Though the parts about Emrys remembering the painful memory of using his powers are frequent and feel repetitive “the smell of burning flesh...” is repeated several times.
The idea of the “lost years” is resolved in the end, where Emrys, and the reader, come upon some startling revelations.
I liked Barron’s use of the giants and how size does not matter. Shim is adorable, especially in the way he speaks “but I is!”, “certainly definitely absolutely” and “very very very scared” just to name a few instances. The first meeting with Shim is beyond enjoyable
Merlin: The Lost Years is a journey of self-discovery and is a good start to the world of young Merlin (Emrys). And I look forward to reading the second part of the saga, titled The Seven Songs.
February 10, 2015
Opinião completa, aqui:
http://pedacinho-literario.blogspot.p...
Que jovem nunca desejou ser uma personagem, um confidente ou um mero ajudante numa qualquer aventura ímpar de um dos maiores magos de todos os mitos e lendas? Que sonhador nunca ponderou acerca da ideia imaginária de espalhar magia por um mundo que, demasiadas vezes, se vê perpetrado pelas trevas? E que mente desperta nunca antes idealizou a infância, a juventude de alguém que admira, ou de alguém cujo um dia gostaria de ser?
Merlin – Os Anos Perdidos é a resposta a todas as preces juvenis cuja curiosidade em torno de tão enigmática figura mítica, o próprio Merlin, pode vir a tornar-se perigosamente viciante. Esta é, também, e possivelmente, a mais bem elaborada e deliciosamente criativa abordagem aos tão desconhecidos tenros anos desta personagem. T. A. Barron sabe captar o interesse do seu público alvo, com afiadas garras e sedentos dentes, e não fosse eu uma leitora já tão demasiado exigente, dúvidas não me restam de que esta viagem, esta leitura teria sido um autêntico deleite para os sentidos.
Antes de se tornar Merlin, o menino que outrora deu à costa sem casa e sem memória foi Emrys. Ousado, um tanto ou quanto impulsivo – suponho que muito próprio da idade –, curioso e ainda portador de uma certa inocência, nada mais existia no mundo que Emrys quisesse que não descobrir a verdade sobre o seu passado, sobre as suas origens. E assim se inicia uma aventura épica pelo campo da fantasia, ornada pelas mais belas e extraordinárias criaturas sobrenaturais, e pelos episódios mais perigosos, assustadores e enriquecedores possíveis.
http://pedacinho-literario.blogspot.p...
Que jovem nunca desejou ser uma personagem, um confidente ou um mero ajudante numa qualquer aventura ímpar de um dos maiores magos de todos os mitos e lendas? Que sonhador nunca ponderou acerca da ideia imaginária de espalhar magia por um mundo que, demasiadas vezes, se vê perpetrado pelas trevas? E que mente desperta nunca antes idealizou a infância, a juventude de alguém que admira, ou de alguém cujo um dia gostaria de ser?
Merlin – Os Anos Perdidos é a resposta a todas as preces juvenis cuja curiosidade em torno de tão enigmática figura mítica, o próprio Merlin, pode vir a tornar-se perigosamente viciante. Esta é, também, e possivelmente, a mais bem elaborada e deliciosamente criativa abordagem aos tão desconhecidos tenros anos desta personagem. T. A. Barron sabe captar o interesse do seu público alvo, com afiadas garras e sedentos dentes, e não fosse eu uma leitora já tão demasiado exigente, dúvidas não me restam de que esta viagem, esta leitura teria sido um autêntico deleite para os sentidos.
Antes de se tornar Merlin, o menino que outrora deu à costa sem casa e sem memória foi Emrys. Ousado, um tanto ou quanto impulsivo – suponho que muito próprio da idade –, curioso e ainda portador de uma certa inocência, nada mais existia no mundo que Emrys quisesse que não descobrir a verdade sobre o seu passado, sobre as suas origens. E assim se inicia uma aventura épica pelo campo da fantasia, ornada pelas mais belas e extraordinárias criaturas sobrenaturais, e pelos episódios mais perigosos, assustadores e enriquecedores possíveis.
June 28, 2011
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 twist on placing him outside of our world and part way into another to learn about other worlds and his own magical abilities, is a nice one that I enjoyed.
The world of Fincayra is typical of a fantasy land, with goblins, giants, evil black shadows and talking trees, and the story is fairly standard as well, with a fast-paced story and characters with questionable motives who help but also threaten to harm our hero. I can see the dwarf giant Shim as a Jar-Jar Binks type of character, especially with the way he talks and is always scared but trying to be brave. The merlin Trouble is probably one of my favorite characters in that what he's thinking never has to be explained.
Overall, it's a solid adventure book that will keep kids interested in the next one.
The world of Fincayra is typical of a fantasy land, with goblins, giants, evil black shadows and talking trees, and the story is fairly standard as well, with a fast-paced story and characters with questionable motives who help but also threaten to harm our hero. I can see the dwarf giant Shim as a Jar-Jar Binks type of character, especially with the way he talks and is always scared but trying to be brave. The merlin Trouble is probably one of my favorite characters in that what he's thinking never has to be explained.
Overall, it's a solid adventure book that will keep kids interested in the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,025 reviews