The Lost Years of Merlin
Author: T.A. Barron
Series: The Lost Years of Merlin (#1)
Publisher: Ace
How Received: own
This story begins when a lone, half-drowned boy washes ashore on a strange coastline. He has no memory of who he is or where he came from; even his own name is a mystery. Yet somehow, through many adventures—and the inspiration of Nature—he finds his true identity. And much, much more ...
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It's no secret that I absolutely adore T.A. Barron and his Lost Years of Merlin series. It is, without a doubt, one of the most original and entertaining interpretations of the Arthurian legend that I have ever read.
All of the characters in this story are absolutely brilliant. Emrys (or Merlin, to those who want to know - it's not much of a secret) is a bit of a downer at the beginning of the story, but let's be honest - he has every right to be. (Think Harry Potter when his emotions are being corrupted by Lord Voldemort. Slightly and annoyingly angsty, but understandably and in a way that doesn't affect your love of the story.)
And as for the other characters! Rhia is one of my favorite female characters of all time; she's absolutely charming and amazing and funny and lovely. I want to be the female version of Cairpre. Shim needs to be my best friend. I have nightmares about Rhita Gawr.
And as for the plot! It's so intricately created that it has no problem stretching through all five books (though this review does focus on the first book) and is simply enthralling. I love all the little things that go on as Emrys goes to becoming the Merlin we all know and love. The subplots - especially anything involving the Druma Wood - are some of my favorites.
And the main reason to read this series is simply for the setting. Fincayara is one of the first fictional places I would ever want to visit.
Overall Rating & Final Comments: 10/10. An absolutely brilliant world with fantastic characters. There's a reason this is on my favorites shelf!
Author Notes: T.A. Barron is AWESOME. Not just because he writes awesome things! If you play the games on his website based on the Merlin books and get a perfect score, he'll send you a signed map of Fincayara. I have two.