The Mirror of Merlin (The Lost Years of Merlin Book 4) (Hardcover)

by T. A. Barron (Author) "I strained, throwing all my strength into the task, but my shadow refused to move..." (more)
Key Phrases: marsh ghouls, warrior goblins, young hawk, Haunted Marsh, Merlin's Isle, Summer Lands (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 6-9-In this fourth volume in the series, the teenaged wizard Merlin, his beloved friend Hallia, and various companions find themselves deep in the Haunted Marshes of the enchanted Fincayra Island. A mysterious force has been stirring the marsh ghouls to greater evil than ever before, and Merlin is determined to find out why. The narrative wanders as Merlin and his friends wander through the marsh; the first portion of the story is full of perilous but strangely anticlimactic moments that contribute little to the characterization of the young hero or his companions. However, the story strengthens and deepens when he walks through a mirror of mist, encountering people from his possible futures-including his own future self. Barron's depiction of the aged Merlin is strongly reminiscent of T. H. White's in The Once and Future King (Putnam, 1958): brilliant, comically absentminded, and sorrowful for things known and lost over his long life. Hints from this future life, including a glimpse of the young King Arthur and a suggestion of Hallia's fate, will draw fans of the series deeper into the saga, despite the novel's less compelling opening chapters.
Beth Wright, Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, VT
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Book four of the Lost Years of Merlin continues the saga of the young Merlin as he gains more understanding of his powers and a greater sense of self. This time, Merlin, accompanied by the young deer woman he's come to love, enters the evil-plagued Haunted Marsh in search of his stolen sword. There, he discovers the long-lost seventh Wise Tool and meets the Boy Ector, who's searching the marsh for something wanted by his unnamed master. The danger level is high in this episode; the theft of the sword is a trap intended to lure Merlin into the hands of a witch, Nimue, who is intent on destroying him. She does manage to infect him with a deadly condition, for which there is no cure. However, Ector believes his master can cure Merlin and leads him through the Mists of Time to the future, where Merlin comes face to face with his much older self trapped in the Crystal Cave by Nimue. Barron handles the contact between the two with a finesse that's believable and enhances the Arthurian ambience that has been so carefully crafted throughout the series. With lots of surprises and some laugh-out-loud humor to leaven the palpable feeling of doom, this should be eagerly devoured by the saga's fans. Sally Estes

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Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Philomel; 3rd Printing edition (January 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399234551
• ISBN-13: 978-0399234552
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #164,550 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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• This is item 4 in The Lost Years of Merlin Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars T. A. Barron's latest book- why you should read it., October 29, 1999

By	Julie Fudge Smith "fudgesmith" (Fredericksburg, VA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The Mirror of Merlin is simply a work of art. Fans of the previous Lost Years of Merlin books, will not be disappointed with the latest installment. As always, T.A. Barron's book is filled with wonderful people and places, with warmth and humor and adventure. Once again, Merlin and his home, the mystical island of Fincayra, are faced with very real danger, from someone almost as evil as Rhita Gawr himself. In an effort to stop this evil, Merlin must return to The Haunted Marsh, where he has ventured once before. This is terrible enough, but Merlin is then confronted with his own destiny, a most painful and frighting vision. Can Merlin stop this evil, and save his homeland? Is there anyway he can change his destiny and save himself from the terrible fate in store for him? I encourage everyone who likes books about Merlin to read this book and find out. (Read the rest of the series too while you're at it!) Once again, T.A. Barron has created a masterpiece that readers everywhere, whether young or old, male or female, will treasure.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly a wonderful book! :) :) :) :), May 2, 2000

By A Customer

I received this book as a gift, (because my parents know what afan of T. A. Barron I am) and I would have finished it that day if Ihadn't paced myself and savored every chapter. The Mirror of Merlin, as well as the other Merlin books, pull you into the story (whether you like it or not!) and don't let go, especially when you come to a cliffhanger, which most chapters end in. I'm not sure if this book was better than the other Merlin Epic books (They're all good, but I particuarly like The Seven Songs of Merlin...) I liked the relationship between Hallia and Merlin, which has grown stronger since The Fires of Merlin. The characters are very well-developed, especially Merlin. This book is also filled to the brink with excitement and action.

If you are looking for a great fantasy epic, may I STRONGLY recommend the Lost Years of Merlin Epic! I recommend you read them in order, though. :)

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Mirror of Merlin, October 29, 2001

A Kid's Review

T.A. Barron's fourth book in the Lost Years of Merlin Epic, THE MIRROR OF MERLIN is one of my favorites in the series. Merlin loses his sword and he, Hallia, and the Ballymag leave into the Haunted Marsh to find it. The marsh ghouls, who are normally friendly, are now being controlled by an unknown force. They soon find a boy named Ector. The four find something that has been missing for a long time, and find the mirror. Ector tells Merlin that his master is on the other side to cure him from the bloodnoose. Who is his master? What will he do?
This exciting part of Merlin's lost years is adventurous and suspenseful. When reading this book, you can't read it a chapter at a time beacause it is very exciting. I really enjoyed THE MIRROR OF MERLIN because the end of each chapter leaves you wondering, what will happen next?