Reviews

“A novel rich with magic.”
—The New York Times Book Review

“In this brilliant epic, T.A. Barron has created a major addition to that body of literature, ancient and modern, dealing with the towering figure of Merlin. It is, as well, one of the richest and most significant, illuminating the dark mysteries shrouding the childhood of this greatest of enchanters. Barron combines the wellsprings of mythical imagination with his own deepest artistic powers. Through the ordeals, terrors, and struggles of Merlin-to-be, we follow an intense and profoundly spiritual adventure. Barron has found Merlin's lost years for us, and a great deal more.”
—Lloyd Alexander

“How wonderful! An extraordinary journey of mind, body, and spirit—both for Merlin and for ourselves. This first book of The Lost Years of Merlin epic leads all of us to look forward eagerly to the rest.”
—Madeleine L'Engle

“The Lost Years of Merlin is deeply moving, full of meaning. It's also T.A. Barron's most inviting, flowing, and lyrical work yet.”
—Robert Coles, M.D.

“T.A. Barron transforms the early years of the mythical wizard's life into a vivid, action-filled fantasy, replete with deep forests, ruined castles, and evil spells…. While Barron is careful to show that Merlin is still physically a boy, readers are left with a vision of a more confident, compassionate hero, prepared to confront the joys and sorrows that await him in future volumes.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“Barron has certainly come up with an intriguing perspective of what he calls Merlin's lost years, as told by the future wizard himself…. Barron has created not only a magical land populated by remarkable beings but also a completely magical tale, filled with ancient Celtic and Druidic lore, that will enchant readers.”
—Booklist (Boxed Review)

“T.A. Barron's bestselling books…are sure to become classics…Merlin exemplifies true heroism and is ideal reading for the values the stories maintain.”
—Alan Caruba
Amazon.com Bookviews

“All the elements of a classic here…. A wonderfully fanciful tale, colorful and suspenseful.”
—Robert Redford

“The quest for one's true identity, of puzzles and tests of intelligence, and moral courage are all here. Hair's breath escapes, trolls and wraiths, giants and shape-shifters people the landscape of Fincayra and help or hinder the young Merlin. What is truly interesting in this fantasy is Barron's treatment of power. The climactic ending offers a twist to seeking one's identity and heritage. A good bet for those who enjoy fantasy, mythical quests, and of course, Merlin, the greatest wizard of them all.”
—Voice of Youth Advocates

“Barron never falters in creating a believable past for the greatest enchanter of all time. He draws on a rich body of literature and on his own powerful imagination to spin a story that is part of and apart from, what has been written about Merlin before. In this first book of a projected epic, the boy who will be enchanter stands on the edge of this world and another, looking both forward and back to discover who he is. Like many heroes before him, he finds the answers he's looking for when he forgets himself and strives to help others. Merlin's world is populated with spirits, giants and shape-shifters, as well as creatures good, evil and something of both—all believable, all compelling, all waiting for a master storyteller to recount their tales. T.A. Barron is just the one to do it.”
—Family Life (Critic's Choice Review)

“Barron's fans will not be disappointed with this book. It incorporates his favorite themes of love conquering evil and the nurturing power of nature with lots of fast-paced adventure all told with his masterful storytelling touch.”
—Rocky Mountain News

“The Lost Years of Merlin is a magical book, filled with characters I will never forget. As usual, Barron has written a book that speaks deeply to my soul. Metaphorically, his words talk about healing the anger we all carry, the anger of forgetting who we are, of forgetting the essential light that fills our being. Each of us must make Emrys's journey, blind and alone. We must journey deep into that magical place that holds our own understanding of our soul's knowing, our own soul's magic. We live in a world where it is so easy to forget that we, too, are a child of the heavens, a child filled with magnificent powers if only we choose to remember and use them with love. As with any great writer, Barron never says any of these things outright, he lets his archetypal meanings plant themselves like a seed to grow in the dark subconscious workings of the mind. What a fine gift to give this angry cynical world. Thank you Mr. Barron.”
—Chinaberry Book Review

“T.A. Barron's conception is epic in scale…a welcome addition to the on-going legend of Merlin, the greatest wizard to ever live.”
—Arkansas Democrat Gazette

“His books are thought-provoking and resonate with powerful spiritual undertones and a deep respect for the natural world. But Barron also knows how to spin a good yarn and keep readers on the edge of their chairs. Merlin's youthful adventures are fast-paced, action-packed stories—full of battles, magic and narrow escapes.”
—Stephanie Loer
The Boston Globe

“T.A. Barron's bestselling books…are sure to become classics…Merlin exemplifies true heroism and is ideal reading for the values the stories maintain.”
—Alan Caruba
Amazon.com Bookviews

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