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3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
I may or may not have rated this 5 stars based on an emotional attachment to this series, which I first read in Elementary school. It's a goodread for sure whether you're a child or an adult. The story is simple and easy to digest and fun and magical (duh, we're talking wizards here), there is an equal balance of hardship and feel good moments in the story.
I have yet to read passed the 3rd book in this series so I'm excited to see what else T.A. Barron has in store for young Merlin.
I have yet to read passed the 3rd book in this series so I'm excited to see what else T.A. Barron has in store for young Merlin.
It shows the all-famous Merlin in his younger years, facing terrible things, and discovering things.
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is a kids' fiction book, and as such, the plot moves forward at a breakneck pace. Emrys washes ashore on Fincayra, meets Rhia, and loses her literally the next day, and this drives him to quest across the world to topple the dark king and bring her back. The plot moves far too fast to take your breath, and I understand it's a kids' fiction book, but I would have loved to have seen more world building with this, instead of something new happening in each chapter. This was one of my favorite series to read in middle school, and I still really like it, but listening to it as an adult really drives home how simple of a story it is.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Animal death, Kidnapping
I may or may not have rated this 5 stars based on an emotional attachment to this series, which I first read in Elementary school. It's a goodread for sure whether you're a child or an adult. The story is simple and easy to digest and fun and magical (duh, we're talking wizards here), there is an equal balance of hardship and feel good moments in the story.
I have yet to read passed the 3rd book in this series so I'm excited to see what else T.A. Barron has in store for young Merlin.
I have yet to read passed the 3rd book in this series so I'm excited to see what else T.A. Barron has in store for young Merlin.
- I discovered these books in Jr. High, but I never finished the series. I think it is about time that I did. It wasn't that I didn't enjoy them, cause I did. I just didn't get around to them.
- Emrys is a bit annoying at times. I get that he is scared to use his powers, but come on! Learn how to control them! He is supposed to become the greatest wizard of all time, but he has a TON to learn.
- Shim reminds me of Gurgi from Lloyd Alexander's Prydain series. In fact, there were a lot of elements in this book that reminded me of that series.
- I hope my husband and I are just like T'eilean and Garlatha when we're old.
- I love that Branwen taught Emrys about all mythologies and stories. She didn't stick with one religion or another, she taught him EVERYTHING! I think there is something to learn from all ancient stories.
- I loved Trouble! He was funny.
- I'm glad someone decided to take on writing about Merlin's childhood. It was very brave, and I look forward to where this story goes.
- I enjoyed this book a lot, but I wish the main character was more likable. I feel like I connected with the side characters more than Emrys.
- Emrys is a bit annoying at times. I get that he is scared to use his powers, but come on! Learn how to control them! He is supposed to become the greatest wizard of all time, but he has a TON to learn.
- Shim reminds me of Gurgi from Lloyd Alexander's Prydain series. In fact, there were a lot of elements in this book that reminded me of that series.
- I hope my husband and I are just like T'eilean and Garlatha when we're old.
- I love that Branwen taught Emrys about all mythologies and stories. She didn't stick with one religion or another, she taught him EVERYTHING! I think there is something to learn from all ancient stories.
- I loved Trouble! He was funny.
- I'm glad someone decided to take on writing about Merlin's childhood. It was very brave, and I look forward to where this story goes.
- I enjoyed this book a lot, but I wish the main character was more likable. I feel like I connected with the side characters more than Emrys.
Opinião completa em: http://historiasdeelphaba.blogspot.pt/2015/02/merlin-os-anos-perdidos-t-barron-opiniao.html
«ara todos aqueles que sempre tiveram curiosidade a respeito do mago mais famoso de todos os tempos, T. A. Barron idealizou uma narrativa que remete o leitor para a infância desta maravilhosa personagem num universo fervilhante em criaturas mágicas, com aventuras emocionantes em cenários extraordinários, que agradará a todos os leitores jovens de fantasia épica.
Com uma nota de autor interessante que oferece a quem lê a possibilidade de conhecer a perspectiva do escritor perante a sua obra, esta história inicia-se muito antes de o pequeno protagonista sonhar com tudo o que viria a ser, muito antes de ele sonhar sobre a sua verdadeira identidade. Curiosamente, é na procura de respostas a perguntas que o próprio Emrys ainda desconhece que tem início a demanda desde jovem, uma demanda que desafiará tudo o que este sempre temeu, a magia, e que será repleta de aprendizagens, encanto e descobertas, numa ilha fantástica que lhe ensinará preciosas lições sobre afectos e a amizade.»
«ara todos aqueles que sempre tiveram curiosidade a respeito do mago mais famoso de todos os tempos, T. A. Barron idealizou uma narrativa que remete o leitor para a infância desta maravilhosa personagem num universo fervilhante em criaturas mágicas, com aventuras emocionantes em cenários extraordinários, que agradará a todos os leitores jovens de fantasia épica.
Com uma nota de autor interessante que oferece a quem lê a possibilidade de conhecer a perspectiva do escritor perante a sua obra, esta história inicia-se muito antes de o pequeno protagonista sonhar com tudo o que viria a ser, muito antes de ele sonhar sobre a sua verdadeira identidade. Curiosamente, é na procura de respostas a perguntas que o próprio Emrys ainda desconhece que tem início a demanda desde jovem, uma demanda que desafiará tudo o que este sempre temeu, a magia, e que será repleta de aprendizagens, encanto e descobertas, numa ilha fantástica que lhe ensinará preciosas lições sobre afectos e a amizade.»
I reserve one star reviews generally for books I couldn't bring myself to finish reading and unfortunately this was one of them. I was very disappointed as I adore Merlin and king Arthur stories. This book was boring, the plot seemed to be going nowhere and Merlin was such an unrealistic character with such stiff, wooden dialogue that I just couldn't continue to read it. Maybe if I had been younger when I read this book I would have enjoyed it but I didn't enjoy it as an adult.
Finally got through this one too. Really quite good for a first time effort in children's fantasy. Definitely good enough that I will read the rest of this series soon. A good balance of history, fantasy, mythology, and just good story telling. I also think it set up well for a longer series. The fact that this author was mentored by Madeline L'Engle shows up strong.
Wow! I have always loved books about Merlin, but I never thought about what he was like as a kid. T.A. Barron takes one of the most famous literary characters of all time and does what no author (to my knowledge) has ever tried to do before- uncover Merlin's mysterious past. And he does a great job with it! Set on the mysterious island of Fincayra, a gateway between Earth and all other worlds, the young Merlin must try to uncover his own identity while saving the island. A must-read!
I really enjoy this series and am re-reading it because I want to. haha
Basically it's how Merlin got his magic, learned to use it, and a little bit about how Avalon came to be. I love this series because of it's love of nature and some of the best little quotes out there. One of my personal favorites is "with eyes as dark as the spaces between the stars"
Full of friendship fun and magic this is a great series for kids fifth grade and up. It makes you want to go climb a tree.
Also after reading LLoyd Alexander I now know where much of the inspiration for this series came from, though it's not a bad thing. It's like this series is saying these two separate stories could come from the same land, from the same people, it's a sweet little homage. I think that if you like one series you will like the other.
Basically it's how Merlin got his magic, learned to use it, and a little bit about how Avalon came to be. I love this series because of it's love of nature and some of the best little quotes out there. One of my personal favorites is "with eyes as dark as the spaces between the stars"
Full of friendship fun and magic this is a great series for kids fifth grade and up. It makes you want to go climb a tree.
Also after reading LLoyd Alexander I now know where much of the inspiration for this series came from, though it's not a bad thing. It's like this series is saying these two separate stories could come from the same land, from the same people, it's a sweet little homage. I think that if you like one series you will like the other.