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Rating: 
Summary: WOW!
Review: Do not view these as five individual books, but as five pieces of a whole saga. To read only one would be to cheat one's self of seeing an entire picture.The epic begins with an child with no memory being raised by a mysterious woman in a small village. Both of them are regarded as local oddities and driven to live in a convent. The boy is known as Emrys, but never feels that that is his true name. As he matures, he develops gifts and wonderous powers, along with an increasing need to know who he is. Eventually, he goes upon a quest in search of his heritage, one that will lead him to the lands his mother's stories spoke of, the Hidden World outside of time and this life. He finds himself in the midst of a battle between warring demigods, and finds a new name for his own, Merlin. As Merlin journeys through the five books, he makes new friends and bitter enemies. This is a world filled with dragons, witches, goblins, and lost treasures. Secrets that are as powerful and painful as a two edged blade are discovered. Otherworlds are crossed, time itself bends to give the boy a glimpse of his own destiny, and choices musst be made that will affect far more than just Merlin. ***** Elements of other classics are hinted at, but applied in new ways and familiarity only serves to endear. This is a grand saga without the weightiness of other epics. Rather, it is easy to read and charming. This Merlin can stand alongside Tolkien's hobbits or Harry Potter proudly. *****Reviewed by Amanda Killgore.
Rating:
Summary: First three classic books
Review: TA Barron's first three epic books in the "Merlin" series are brought together in one big fat fantasy book! (Though I do wonder why "Heartlight," "Ancient One," and "Merlin Effect" weren't the ones compiled, as the series is incomplete here) "The Lost Years of Merlin" kicks off the series, in which a young boy with strange powers and lost memories ventures to the magical land of Fincayra. There, he makes friends, enemies - and discovers both who he is, and what his destiny may be. "Seven Songs of Merlin" picks up where "Lost Years" leaves off. Emrys Merlin is given the powerful Flowering Harp to heal the barren lands on Fincayra. But when he pridefully uses his powers to bring a loved one to Fincayra, he ends up unleashing evil... "Fires of Merlin" picks up where "Seven Songs" leaves off, with Merlin, Rhia, and Elen relaxing in a beautiful part of Fincayra. But soon there are two ancient threats rising: the magic-draining kreelixes, now bred again to attack the Fincayrans, and a sleeping dragon named Valdearg who wants to revenge himself on Merlin. TA Barron created a unique and endearing hero, full of faults and strong points. We follow Merlin through his journeys, suffering and learning along with him. The supporting characters are excellent, with quiet Elen, intelligent Rhia, depressing bard Bumblewy and the tiny giant Shim. The descriptive language is truly beautiful, showing us every image in the books. This isn't the entire series, it's only the first three books. But it's also beautifully made and worth the price. A great diversion for fantasy fans waiting for the next book of their fave series...
Rating:
Summary: Follow Merlin as he travel's from boy, to man, to wizard...
Review: The compendium of Barron's first 3 novels hasn't gotten nearly the credit it deserves. The book competes with the Lord of the Rings in terms of imagination and creativity and surpasses Harry Potter by a mile. Barron's tale follow's Merlin as he travel's from boy, to man, to wizard... The life of the wizard is a tale so great it is known by both the young and old, and Barron does nothing but add to its greatness. Merlin's younger years take place on the mystical isle of Fincyra, which is not quite land and not quite water, neither the real world nor otherworld, but rather an "in between" place. Fincyra is home to more mythical creatures than I knew exisisted; mermaids, giants, goblins, dwarves, dragons, fairies, and more, both old and original. Those who liked Harry Potter should devour this, and those, like I, who found that tale to be too childish, will be dazzled by the Barron's wonderful writing. From the way he discribes things as simple as the rain and trees to being devoured by talking stone, the book seems to be written with the magic that it tell's of Merlin using. This book isn't worthy of 5 stars, no, it's worthy of 6.
Rating:
Summary: Follow Merlin as he travel's from boy, to man, to wizard...
Review: The compendium of Barron's first 3 novels hasn't gotten nearly the credit it deserves. The book competes with the Lord of the Rings in terms of imagination and creativity and surpasses Harry Potter by a mile. Barron's tale follow's Merlin as he travel's from boy, to man, to wizard... The life of the wizard is a tale so great it is known by both the young and old, and Barron does nothing but add to its greatness. Merlin's younger years take place on the mystical isle of Fincyra, which is not quite land and not quite water, neither the real world nor otherworld, but rather an "in between" place. Fincyra is home to more mythical creatures than I knew exisisted; mermaids, giants, goblins, dwarves, dragons, fairies, and more, both old and original. Those who liked Harry Potter should devour this, and those, like I, who found that tale to be too childish, will be dazzled by the Barron's wonderful writing. From the way he discribes things as simple as the rain and trees to being devoured by talking stone, the book seems to be written with the magic that it tell's of Merlin using. This book isn't worthy of 5 stars, no, it's worthy of 6.
Rating:
Summary: One of the Best Books
Review: The Lost Years of Merlin epic is one of my favorite reads. After reading this, I thought that "The Chronicles of Narnia" and "The Hobbit" together lost to this book. Unlike those two books, The Lost Years of Merlin series creates an environment totally unlike your own. The author, T.A. Barron, has an amazing ability to manipulate your mind into thinking it can smell every scent, feel every emotion, and walk alongside a young sage named Merlin. Another reason for reading this epic on Merlin is because there are very few books that illustrate and discuss the events, heritage, and acquaintances in Merlin's childhood. If you have read any books on Merlin and have wondered and even questioned his youth, here is the book that can resolve your queries.
Rating:
Summary: Incredible and Mystifying
Review: The Lost Years of Merlin epic is one of my favorite reads. After reading this, I thought that "The Chronicles of Narnia" and "The Hobbit" together lost to this book. Unlike those two books, The Lost Years of Merlin series creates an environment totally unlike your own. The author, T.A. Barron, has an amazing ability to manipulate your mind into thinking it can smell every scent, feel every emotion, and walk alongside a young sage named Merlin. Another reason for reading this epic on Merlin is because there are very few books that illustrate and discuss the events, heritage, and acquaintances in Merlin's childhood. If you have read any books on Merlin and have wondered and even questioned his youth, here is the book that can resolve your queries.
Rating:
Summary: One of the Best Books
Review: this book is great! its almost as good as Harry Potter series, almost. this book is exciting and it'll make you read at the edge of your seat, it's that good!
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