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
Other Reviews to Consider
Buy, The Lost Years of Merlin (Lost Years of Merlin, Bk. 1), from Amazon.
Related Posts
- Review: The Young Merlin Trilogy by Jane Yolen
- The Merlin Conspiracy by Diana Wynne Jones
- Pendragon #2: The Lost City of Faar – D.J. Machale [TSS]
Amanda (10)
Trisha (6)
Beth F (5)
Chris (5)
Alyce (3)
Nikki-ann (3)
Amused (2)
Becky (2)
Fyrefly (2)
Lenore (2)
very good! I am glad to hear it “might” be a stand alone book.. I have it in my tbr pile but I think i was putting it off because right now would not be a good time to want several more books!! and I love series!
However I am thinking that between you and Nymeth I may have to at least push it up in the pile!!
deslily´s last blog post: My Brother the Artist.
Go for it, it can most certainly be read as a stand alone.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Bart! And I’m also glad I’m not alone in having found it a wee bit predictable. I guess it’s all the fantasy we read
I’m going to read this one I promise! I was telling Nymeth in her review of this that I’ve never read any Arthurian books before! Can you believe that? What’s wrong with me?
Chris´s last blog post: Phew!
That’s incredibly remiss of you :p Go select some of Nymeth’s recommendations right now! She could do with the Bad Bloggers points!
I have had this book on my TBR pile forever! I am going to have to read it at some point and time… I guess I will just have to expect to find it a bit predictable!
Kailana´s last blog post: Black Hole by Charles Burns
Thankfully it’s not groan-worthily predictable, it’s just not that surprising either.
Thanks for being in 9 for 09 Challenge.
Do you think that this would be a good book for a 12 year old?
I have a relative who needs something fun to read this summer.
Isabel´s last blog post: Stuff – 1st Q Winner of 9 for ’09 Reading Challenge