The Lost Years: Book 1 (Merlin Saga)

Merlin is, and pretty much always has been one of my favorite (male) characters in literature. I agree with the author, it is fun to see him as a child and not just as an adult. A friend recommended this series after I binge-watched the BBC show Merlin and while I am only on the third book of this series I can say that it would be one I'd use for my late elementary school students because it is fun and offers an interesting idea to the man who helped King Arthur before the fact. The constant fighting he does with himself, not wanting to use magic but at the same time wanting very much to learn what he knows he's capable of brings out a piece of his personality that anyone could easily relate to. Recommended for anyone who likes the idea of Merlin and learning about his childhood. Those 'lost' years, his childhood are just as important to his person as what he did as an adult.

Wow, as a young teenager reading this series instilled in me a sense of real beauty in the world, a fullness of life that I can only describe as magical. I am revisiting the series as an adult, something I am sometimes hesitant to do because things I enjoyed don't always live up to the nostalgia! Needless to say, the first book feels as if the magic has been renewed. Some of the most charming characters paired with vibrant, masterful storytelling make The Lost Years of Merlin an outrageously beautiful tale.

You know when you're looking for a book to capture your kids' imagination, or find one that'll make them realize that they actually like to read? Maybe you make your kids keep their brain's active during the summer, like me, or you have a child that's a voracious reader and are struggling to keep up with their demand for books. Or maybe you're an adult looking for a fanciful read yourself. For all of you, I recommend Merlin: The Lost Years, Book 1 by T.A. Barron. It's one of those books that is just fanciful enough to enchant even the most recalcitrant reader, but plenty fanciful for those who like a good escape. I read it for the first time as an adult a few years ago, and enjoyed it alot. Merlin: The Lost Years, Book 1 is a great book. What Is Merlin, The Lost Years About? From Goodreads: A raging sea tosses a boy upon the shores of ancient Wales. Left for dead, he has no memory, no name, and no home. But it is his determination to find out who he is - to learn the truth about his mysterious powers - that leads him to a strange and enchanted land. And it is there he discovers that the fate of this land and his personal quest are strangely entwined. He is destined to become the greatest wizard of all time--known to all as Merlin. Who Would Like The Lost Years And Why? The Lost Years reminds me slightly me Penric's Demon by Louis McMaster Bujold, as well as The Lie Tree by Frances Hardinge. They're mysterious, rural, a little bit moody, with young protagonists. It also shares a lot of elements with The Dark Is Rising series by Susan Cooper, which I also highly recommend; it's about kids on a quest that brings them in touch with ancient powers. If you or your kids like "quest" books (think 39 Clues), books about kids with powers, or books set in wild, old England, you'll like this book. There are seven books in the series, mind you, so if you get started with one, you'll probably have to read the rest.

Read this when I was in 7th grade and now I’m 38 and have the entire set of these books and I reading them finally.

Great product, great service. Thank you.

When I was a kid I had a very, very hard time finding books to read that I found enjoyable. I was lucky enough to come across this series of books and it made meeting the reading requirements for school much easier. This series is one of the few I have truly enjoyed. The thing I love about T.A. Barron is that he doesn't overdue it with the magic, his use of magic is far more subtle. That's not saying the magic is "weak", he just doesn't beat you over the head with it. Which is a good thing! Many years later I decided to rediscover that magical book series I read as a child. It took some time but I finally found the author and title of the series and purchased all the hardcovers. The cover you see above is the specific re-publication series I purchased. The artist who did the new covers did a fantastic job. I recommend anyone who likes fantasy novels, magic, stories of a young hero discovering himself and his place in the world to give this series a read. I also recommend looking into a few of T.A. Barron's other books. *Side note* There are things that the main character does that actually makes me upset/angry, but I still enjoy the series. If anything the fact I get upset with the main character shows the series made me invested in the character and his actions.

I read this series back in middle school and absolutely loved it. Many years later, I decided to reread the series thinking my mindset might have changed. Well, it has but the story is still as good. I think that middle schoolers will enjoy this series with its easy to understand wording and great storytelling. 5 stars from me because T. A. Barron is just a wonderful writer.

One of my favorite series of all time. T.A. Barron fills in the gap in the history of the great wizard. How did he gain his powers? What was his childhood like? The series stands the test of time, I discovered the series as a young boy, and revisited as an adult in my twenties. I enjoyed it just as much as I did as when I was a child. Anyone who enjoys science fiction/fantasy will love this book, I guarantee it.

A different perspective than most "Merlin" stories that I have read or watched to date.

This is a must read for any Merlin fans... these were wrote for the youth reader and I am 70 years old.

I picked this book up in a charity sale at work as I've always been fascinated by the tales of King Arthur, and thought that my nephew might enjoy it. Even though it looked like a children's book - the synopsis intrigued me - and I thought I'd read a few pages before passing it on (after all , I really enjoyed Harry Potter!!). I couldn't put it down 'til I reluctantly reached the end - it was brilliant!!! If you enjoy fantasy, myths & legends, magic & mystery and vivid, imaginative writing you will not be disappointed! Wonderful! Buy it now, you're in for a treat! I was delighted to find that this is only the first of a series and they were all available on Amazon - I couldn't find them anywhere else as I think they are printed in the USA - I instantly ordered the lot and can't wait to read them. (I don't understand why this author is not more popular over here (UK).)I also ordered a few copies of this book for friends and relatives!!! Thank you Amazon and thank you T A Barron for giving me one of the most enjoyable reads ever!!!!

This very good and entertaining book tells the origins of King Arthurs future mentor, the wizard Merlin, born from a demon father and a human mother.

couldn't put the book down and was anxious for the next book in the series.