The Lost Years of Merlin by T.A. Barron

If I close my eyes, and breath to the rolling rhythm of the sea, I can still remember that long ago day.

Washed up on the shores of ancient Wales, the boy had no home, no memory and no name…

He was determined to find all three.

Years after he washed up on the Welsh coastline, Emrys and Branwen, the woman who claims to be his mother are living in the village of Caer Vedwyd.

Living, but not made entirely welcome.

With no memory of who he is or where he came from,  and Branwen’s reluctance to reveal what she knows, Emrys has a constant longing to discover who he is, and his true name. When a tragic even forces the issue, Emrys leaves on a pilgrimage to unravel his past.

The first of multi novel series, this thankfully still works as a standalone story, enough is resolved by the final page for any reader to be happy, but also we know enough from the myth of Merlin and what he goes on to do, that there is much more to discover about how the boy Emrys, truely grows in the the man, Merlin, that if you enjoyed the book, you will want to continue with the series.

While not perfect (for example, any reader, with at least some experience of reading fantasy novels will see most of the plot twists coming) but it is carried off with such charm, and so likable are the characters that any faults are totally forgivable.

I had to smile at some of the references to books in the series, Emrys, is a book lover and when he comes across another book lover and his library, there are many great quotes. Most of which Nymeth shared in her review of the book. I have manged to find a couple to share with you though

The man closed the book, replaced it on the shelf behind his chair. “Nothing like a good read to finish off a day of good reads.”

And, a few lines later.

“Stories help me. To Live. To work. To find the meaning hidden in every dream, every leaf, every drop of dew.”

[rating:4/5]

Awards

• ALA Best Books for Young Adults (1997)

Other Reviews to Consider

• The Hidden Side of a Leaf
• Things Mean a Lot

Buy, The Lost Years of Merlin (Lost Years of Merlin, Bk. 1), from Amazon.