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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Merlin's Kin review, July 17, 2011
Merlin's (also Myrddin in book) spirit form is in danger. The world he so perfectly created is in ruins. It is up to five (4?) of his decedents to set things right in Merlin's Kin.
Author Everret Coles dares to ask the question, what happened after King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table? The answer is that they gave up on Earth (also Orth) and Merlin whisked them away to a new world molded to his ideals. In this world there is no metal in which to make weapons. But as usual, where there is a will, there is a way. Many many generations after King Arthur's time, an evil warlord, Calupsis, has taken over Greensward and enslaved many of the inhabitants. Francis and co. are this generations knights that Merlin calls upon to save this world.
Well this book is clearly written for young adults (it even says so right on the cover). It mentions King Arthur and his knights but not much more in terms of the history. This really isn't an issue since that's not the books intent.
The book was a nice semi-quick read, but I didn't get the full enjoyment out of it, no doubt, because I am no longer a youth. I suggest youth definitely give this a read if you enjoy good adventure stories and want a taste of what fantasy is all about.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
What greater legend to pay homage to than that of Merlin?, May 4, 2007
What greater legend to pay homage to than that of Merlin? Everett Coles has made tribute to the story that has inspired the world to hold onto the magic for just a bit longer. What if there were still descendants of the great Merlin out in the populace among us? What would happen if Merlin called to them from his soul's resting place? Would anyone answer the call?
In "Merlin's Kin," five young people do hear the call, and answer it, though they are not aware of their guided actions until they have traveled too far to turn back. One of them holds the key to the Seventh Way of travel, and together they must do Merlin's bidding, before it is too late.
There is an evil-minded ruler in power in the land of Greensward. Francis, Curtis, Zoe, Alison and Jude appear as visitors and are given refuge with a caravan of sorts. Before they can be delivered to the evil Calupsis though, they escape into the wilds that surround the town of Meander. They soon find friends who are willing to help them and devise a plan to find the Key Holder who can help them to return home. However, they were called to Greensward for a purpose, which is revealed to them through their dreams by the powers of Merlin himself.
This adventurous tale is a delight, full of twists and turns, surprises and wonderful creatures. Sure enough there are unicorns to be gazed upon but what is more magical is the legend of Merlin wound into a young adult story and the bond of friendship that grows among the characters. Various mystical creatures become integral parts of the plot and remnants of the Knights of the Round Table are brought into the light to be remembered.
Written for the young adult audience, this is a book that can be enjoyed by those aged 10 and up, adults included, boys and girls alike. Everett Coles has created a world you will long to revisit and a circle of friends who you will not soon forget.
(Review orignially written 11/29/04)
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3.0 out of 5 stars
A wonderful young teen book!, August 27, 2011
Merlin's world is crumbling around him and he has to use his last resource left to save it. Called from the depths of a crystal cave on another world, five very different children are compelled to leave the safety of their life on Earth and journey to what they had believed were the fabled lands of Camelot. What they find is nothing like the world they left behind. This world is filled with magnificent beasts and magical creatures. Though they once lived in peace, a battle of power now rages between them and the humans, and the children find that very few can be trusted. As they try to discover the reason they were called, and also search for the key that will open the doorway home, the children are led on a magical adventure that is as dangerous as it is exciting.
Merlin's Kin is a YA paranormal novel that will have young teens flipping the pages to find out what happens next. Packed with action, the world Everett Coles created is an excellent mix of Arthurian lore and fantasy. Villians abound, but along the way, the children find that they have the courage and wisdom of their ancestors, and just maybe, they can help bring this world back to its once peaceable state. With little twists in the plot and on common similes, metaphors, and adages, the author was also able to weave humor in among the action, keeping the dialogue fresh and interesting.
The story line of Merlin's Kin is an excellent premise and puts a new twist on an old subject. At times, though, the dialogue and scenes seem a bit disjointed as transitions between narrators are not clearly denoted and the story jumps quickly and often between locations. This, however, may be the key to holding the attention of youngsters in a fast paced electronic world where things are constantly changing. I would have enjoyed the book more if the children had received more instruction from Merlin earlier in the book as to why they were there in the first place after his desperate plea for help. As the story progressed, it seemed that the only goal was to get home until quite far into the book. Other than that, I enjoyed Merlin's Kin and the new world it took me to very much and I give it four stars. I thank the author for giving me a review copy.
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