The Seven Songs of Merlin Reviews

Theme: 
Interior Wood

“Full of action and excitement, foremost a tale of the heart…Merlin's inner journey is convincing and heartwarming. A rich and resonant read.”
Kirkus Reviews

“This richly layered fantasy is filled with harrowing escapades and many surprises. Readers will eagerly devour the chapters to arrive at the satisfying conclusion. Arthurian legend is used as the starting point for a delightfully original story of magic and myth that retains the spirit of the classic tales.”
School Library Journal

“Spellbinding…readers will relish not only the action and the well-crafted setting but also Merlin's growth from a callow youth to a wiser, more caring wizard-in-training.”
Booklist

“Barron weaves danger, challenges, bravery and self-discovery. …metaphorically, Merlin's journey is one that we all make or at least yearn to make. Barron says: 'All of us have a certain magic down inside of ourselves. And like Merlin, all of us can discover our own magic.' ”
Colorado Daily

The Seven Songs of Merlin is a sparkling gem that shines with the multi-faceted brilliance that is Barron's.”
Chinaberry Book Review

“In this riveting fantasy, Merlin's ability to see not with his eyes but with his heart is most compelling—not just for young readers, but also for their parents.”
Family Life (Critic's Choice Review)

“Triumphant…infused with wonderful mysticism.”
Rocky Mountain News

“Merlin as a boy learns of his passion and gifts of wisdom and power. In Barron's fantastical language, Fincayra emerges as a shrouded isle, an enchanted land.”
San Diego Union-Tribune

“Author T.A. Barron believes Merlin himself is a metaphor for us all, for all of us have magical powers down deep inside, waiting to be discovered.”
Curriculum Administrator Magazine

The Seven Songs of Merlin is a marvelous, many layered fantasy. A strongly built and swiftly moving plot will keep readers entranced from beginning to end. This solid story is built on carefully researched Welsh and Arthurian lore that enriches the complex tapestry of characters, setting, and story. Best of all, however, (and most difficult to accomplish) T.A. Barron has explored the most important and universal human truths in subtle yet powerful ways. Bringing all these layers together is something achieved in only the best fantasy and Barron has done a masterful job.”
—Professor Barbara Kiefer
Columbia University

“Who was Merlin when he was a young man? What were his dreams? These are a few of Barron's questions, adding interesting dimensions to the legends of Camelot, King Arthur, and Merlin himself.”
Oakland, California Tribune

“This novel is filled with numerous adventures, delightful enchantments…and engaging characters.”
Children's Book Review


Return to Book Summary

Buy This Book




Discover all the books in this epic:


Book I:
The Lost Years of Merlin

Book II:
The Seven Songs of Merlin

Book III:
The Fires of Merlin

Book IV:
The Mirror of Merlin

Book V:
The Wings of Merlin