The Lost Years of Merlin

From the Dust Jacket:    Spat out by the sea, the boy lay on the rocks, as still as death.  Even if he survived the day, he had no home.  No memory.  And no name.

So begins the tale of a strange young boy who, washing up on shores of ancient Wales, is determined to find his real home and his true name.  One day he will become the greatest wizard of all time, but he knows nothing of this now.

At the knee of the mysterious Branwen, who claims to be his mother, the boy learns lore of the Celts, Druids, and people even more ancient.  Yet the secret of his identity seems always to escape him.  To discover the truth, and the secret of his own powers, he runs away, voyaging to the mist-shrouded isle of Fincayra, an enchanted land between earth and sky that is being destroyed by blight.  It is there he meets the forest girl Rhia, the brave little giant Shim, and the wicked Rhita Gawr.  He discovers that the fate of this land and his quest are strangely entwined....If only he can solve the riddle of the Dance of the Giants.

Combining all the passion, power, and spiritual depth that are T.A. Barron's hallmarks, this book adds a thrilling new dimension to the legend of Merlin.

My Thoughts:

-    I discovered these books in Jr. High, but I never finished the series.  I think it is about time that I did.  It wasn't that I didn't enjoy them, cause I did.  I just didn't get around to them.

-    Emrys is a bit annoying at times.  I get that he is scared to use his powers, but come on!  Learn how to control them!  He is supposed to become the greatest wizard of all time, but he has a TON to learn.

-    Shim reminds me of Gurgi from Lloyd Alexander's Prydain series.  In fact, there were a lot of elements in this book that reminded me of that series.  

-    I hope my husband and I are just like T'eilean and Garlatha when we're old.

-    I love that Branwen taught Emrys about all mythologies and stories.  She didn't stick with one religion or another, she taught him EVERYTHING!  I think there is something to learn from all ancient stories.

-    I loved Trouble!  He was funny.

-    I'm glad someone decided to take on writing about Merlin's childhood.  It was very brave, and I look forward to where this story goes.

-    I enjoyed this book a lot, but I wish the main character was more likable.  I feel like I connected with the side characters more than Emrys.