Merlin: The Young Merlin Trilogy, Book Three

This book by Jane Yolen is the third book of the young Merlin Trilogy. This book tells the tale of Merlin's childhood. Merlin is a young boy determined to never grow up, but on his journey he finds a boy who will grow up to be the great King Arthur. The tale's setting is around 500 A.D. and it is normally in a forest, meadow, or a camp. Instead of the common story of Arthur growing up in a cave with Merlin or growing up in Sir Ector's home this story says that Arthur was the child of a wodewose or wild man and that he left home with the young Merlin. I would recommend this book to young kids ages thirteen and under. This story would not be interesting to adults because it is extremely easy to read and is meant for children. Another reason I recommend this book to kids is that it is written in a way that kids can understand. I think this was an excellent book

A fitting conclusion to the "Merlin" trilogy, beautifully written but less like a nature poem than it's predecessor. Still laden with hints of the future, "Merlin" is a wonderful brief read.Merlin escapes from angry dogs, pulled to safety by one of the wodewose, wild men and women who have their dwellings out in the forests. Despite the name, they are relatively civilized, but recognize the amazing talents that Merlin possesses. He sometimes dreams (in a weird sort of way) of the future, and in one astounding scene he uses his powers to heal. These events lead both to a shattering conclusion -- and a fateful meeting with a tiny boy named Cub.Merlin is more mature in this book, having learned about greed and deception and wanting neither of them. There are hints at the end of his future mentoring of Arthur and additionally a twist in his traditional role.The writing style is as evocative as ever, poetic and almost dreamy, bringing every described image to life. If I can someday write half as well as Ms. Yolen, I will be very happy.

This book was all that I expected from Jane Yolen and her talents as a n author. She intricately weaved mere folk lore and the arts of falconery to bring up one of the most powerful characters of the medieval period. So has she succeeded in making it a classic and one to be read by all ages. She so has brought of a trilogy for children to read and fantazise of a being that only existed in tales of glory and powers beyond the reaches of mans tempest of power. Only in her tale does Merlin so humbly change from name to name seeking refuge in each chosen identity to find ultimatly the truth and power that is within him. I therefore give this book and trilogy a two thumbs.

It feels incomplete at the end though. I hope Jane Yolen writes more of it. It's very good though

This was a good book in that it concluded the series. Don't read this book until you have read the first two.