3.81 AVERAGE

emotional inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

I really enjoyed this book. I love stories of Arthur and Merlin. It was fun to see the juvenile side and the internal debates when Merlin was still Emrys. This book follows Young Emrys from age 7 when he washes upon sure with no memories and a woman claiming to be his mother. He feels like she is lying to him his entire life and five years later he sets out on an adventure to find his real family and his real home. I love this book so much, I recommended it to my husband who only reads books similar to Harry Potter, and the lion the witch and the wardrobe. I am anxious to buy the rest of the series and continue on as Merlin discovers himself.

Not crazy about Emrys
Spoilerbeing blinded and
relying on a second sight. Emrys bonds too quickly with Rhia, to the point that each was willing to sacrifice their life for the other, which was unbelievable. Emrys dislikes his name, doesn't believe his mom is who she says she is (for no apparent reason), and he comes from a people that, at one time, could fly. I have trouble with
Spoilera flying, blind Merlin that doubts his roots, doesn't like the name Emrys & isn't sure about the name Merlin
. I like Shim & Trouble. Will continue with the second book in the hope that the story will improve, as I do like the concept of a younger, pre-Arthur Merlin.
adventurous fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes

It reminds me a bit of books like The Midnight Library in that the characters all speak with the same voice: whatever message it is the author is trying to get across. In a way, it's kind of just what I needed to read at the moment. Did it blow me away? No. The characters are flat, the plot leaves much to be desired, and the dialogue is contrived to the point of feeling like an after school special. Still, there's so much room for play and imagination that makes it a fun read to escape the real world.

3.5 stars. The Lost Years of Merlin is a fun adventure through a mystic world that is aimed for younger YA audience. Plot could be better but I liked the writing and the world building, though it was too heavy at times. I would have liked the world better if it was more realistic. Surprisingly heart-warming.

(P.s. everybody needs to see TV-series called Merlin from BBC.)
adventurous challenging emotional hopeful lighthearted relaxing tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: N/A

This book was okay. I think the later ones will be better. I like the characters and the world, but the book had a slow pacing. I really had to make myself finish it. But it was good. I'm glad I read it. I loved Rhia.

2017 Reading Challenge Advanced #9: You got from a used book sale.

Interesting in certain parts but I lost interest half way through. Not enough to make me want to finish the series.