A T. A. Barron Collection: The Lost Years of Merlin; The Seven Songs of Merlin; The Fires of Merlin [Hardcover]

T. A. Barron (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up

The first three novels in T. A. Barron's popular series on Merlin's boyhood are now available at an exceptional value in this hardcover three-in-one omnibus volume, which includes the complete texts of The Lost Years of Merlin, The Seven Songs of Merlin, and The Fires of Merlin. Readers will be captivated as they follow Merlin from his early childhood in ancient Wales to the mythical island of Fincayra, where he embarks on a thrilling series of adventures and finally enters into young adulthood. Perfect for any gift-giving occasion, this lovely volume will have a special place on any fantasy-lover's shelf.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 928 pages
• Publisher: Philomel Books; First Edition edition (May 21, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399237348
• ISBN-13: 978-0399237348
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.9 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #698,611 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

T.A. Barron is the award-winning author of fantasy novels such as The Lost Years of Merlin epic--soon to be a major motion picture. He serves on a variety of environmental and educational boards including The Nature Conservancy and The Land and Water Fund of the Rockies, and is the founder of a national award for heroic children. Following a life-changing decision to leave a successful business career to write full-time in 1990, Barron has written seventeen books, but is happiest when on the mountain trails with his wife, Currie, and their five children.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Follow Merlin as he travel's from boy, to man, to wizard..., September 22, 2001

By 

"bdelconin" (Milwaukee, WI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A T. A. Barron Collection: The Lost Years of Merlin; The Seven Songs of Merlin; The Fires of Merlin (Hardcover)

The compendium of Barron's first 3 novels hasn't gotten nearly the credit it deserves. The book competes with the Lord of the Rings in terms of imagination and creativity and surpasses Harry Potter by a mile. Barron's tale follow's Merlin as he travel's from boy, to man, to wizard...

The life of the wizard is a tale so great it is known by both the young and old, and Barron does nothing but add to its greatness.

Merlin's younger years take place on the mystical isle of Fincyra, which is not quite land and not quite water, neither the real world nor otherworld, but rather an "in between" place. Fincyra is home to more mythical creatures than I knew exisisted; mermaids, giants, goblins, dwarves, dragons, fairies, and more, both old and original.

Those who liked Harry Potter should devour this, and those, like I, who found that tale to be too childish, will be dazzled by the Barron's wonderful writing. From the way he discribes things as simple as the rain and trees to being devoured by talking stone, the book seems to be written with the magic that it tell's of Merlin using.

This book isn't worthy of 5 stars, no, it's worthy of 6.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW!, August 1, 2003

By 

Huntress Reviews (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A T. A. Barron Collection: The Lost Years of Merlin; The Seven Songs of Merlin; The Fires of Merlin (Hardcover)

Do not view these as five individual books, but as five pieces of a whole saga. To read only one would be to cheat one's self of seeing an entire picture.

The epic begins with an child with no memory being raised by a mysterious woman in a small village. Both of them are regarded as local oddities and driven to live in a convent. The boy is known as Emrys, but never feels that that is his true name. As he matures, he develops gifts and wonderous powers, along with an increasing need to know who he is. Eventually, he goes upon a quest in search of his heritage, one that will lead him to the lands his mother's stories spoke of, the Hidden World outside of time and this life. He finds himself in the midst of a battle between warring demigods, and finds a new name for his own, Merlin.

As Merlin journeys through the five books, he makes new friends and bitter enemies. This is a world filled with dragons, witches, goblins, and lost treasures. Secrets that are as powerful and painful as a two edged blade are discovered. Otherworlds are crossed, time itself bends to give the boy a glimpse of his own destiny, and choices musst be made that will affect far more than just Merlin.

***** Elements of other classics are hinted at, but applied in new ways and familiarity only serves to endear. This is a grand saga without the weightiness of other epics. Rather, it is easy to read and charming. This Merlin can stand alongside Tolkien's hobbits or Harry Potter proudly. *****Reviewed by Amanda Killgore.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars First three classic books, May 28, 2001

By 

E. A Solinas "ea_solinas" (MD USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A T. A. Barron Collection: The Lost Years of Merlin; The Seven Songs of Merlin; The Fires of Merlin (Hardcover)

TA Barron's first three epic books in the "Merlin" series are brought together in one big fat fantasy book! (Though I do wonder why "Heartlight," "Ancient One," and "Merlin Effect" weren't the ones compiled, as the series is incomplete here)

"The Lost Years of Merlin" kicks off the series, in which a young boy with strange powers and lost memories ventures to the magical land of Fincayra. There, he makes friends, enemies - and discovers both who he is, and what his destiny may be.

"Seven Songs of Merlin" picks up where "Lost Years" leaves off. Emrys Merlin is given the powerful Flowering Harp to heal the barren lands on Fincayra. But when he pridefully uses his powers to bring a loved one to Fincayra, he ends up unleashing evil...

"Fires of Merlin" picks up where "Seven Songs" leaves off, with Merlin, Rhia, and Elen relaxing in a beautiful part of Fincayra. But soon there are two ancient threats rising: the magic-draining kreelixes, now bred again to attack the Fincayrans, and a sleeping dragon named Valdearg who wants to revenge himself on Merlin.

TA Barron created a unique and endearing hero, full of faults and strong points. We follow Merlin through his journeys, suffering and learning along with him. The supporting characters are excellent, with quiet Elen, intelligent Rhia, depressing bard Bumblewy and the tiny giant Shim. The descriptive language is truly beautiful, showing us every image in the books.

This isn't the entire series, it's only the first three books. But it's also beautifully made and worth the price. A great diversion for fantasy fans waiting for the next book of their fave series...