The Lost Years

The Lost Years

Bibliography

Barron, T.A. 2011. THE LOST YEARS. New York, NY: Penguin Group USA. ISBN 9780142418895

Plot Summary

Emrys wakes up on a beach with no memory of his name, where he came from, or how he got there. After being raised by a woman that might or might not be his mother, Emrys decides to venture out into the world and discover who he truly is. This is a tale of magic, adventure, and discovering your identity and what home is.

Critical Analysis

T.A. Barron's first book in this 5-book spanning series is the start of young Merlin's adventures in Fincayra, his place of birth, and how he must defeat an evil being that plans to bend the land to its will. This book is a dive into a world of fantasy and magic and a portrayal of the beginnings of one of the most prolific fantasy characters on Earth.

Barron makes young Merlin (Emrys in this book) such a likable character, giving him a heart of gold and a courage that is unmatched. The author also brings in disability representation, having Emrys lose his sight early in the book. Emrys discovers that there is more to him and his life than he at first believed and so he ventures out on his own to a land of magic, fairy tale creatures, and an evil king (every young child's dream). Readers will love to root for Emrys and his new friends, the sly and daring Rhia, the short but brave dwarf Shim, and the loyal and troublesome merlin bird, aptly named Trouble. This group of side characters are equally funny and interesting and do a great job of helping Emrys to become his true self and escape his self loathing. 

Barron's world-building based on Arthurian legend breathes life into the book, with whimsical landscapes and sometimes dark and spooky scenery. This magical setting draws readers into a world that they will not get enough of and that will make them continue to read the series. 

The Lost Years is a fantastic book that is a wonderful start to a magical series.

Review Excerpts

Publishers Weekly: "Readers may find this attempt to create a biography for Merlin less of an organic novel than a showcase for the author's deft recycling of Welsh myth."

Kirkus Reviews: "transforms the early years of the mythical wizard's life into a vivid, action-filled fantasy, replete with deep forests, ruined castles, and evil spells: a promising first installment of a projected trilogy."

Connections

Continue the Merlin series by T.A. Barron: The Seven Songs- Book 2

                                                                      The Raging Fires- Book 3

                                                                     The Mirror of Fate- Book 4

                                                                     The Wizard's Wings- Book 5

More by T.A. Barron: The Atlantis Saga series

                                   Tree Girl

                                  To Walk in Wilderness

Activity: Compare and contrast T.A. Barron's depiction of Merlin to what scholars have written about Merlin