Merlin's Dragon

T.A. Barron has stayed within my top 3 favorite authors since I was 10 years old up until now 17 years later. This series is absolutely lovely to delve into with lush world building and developed characters. I’m super excited to grab the 2009 edition for my personal collection.

I got confused because of the description of this book I wasn't sure if it was "Merlin's Dragon" or "The Dragon of Avalon" book the 6th in the lost years of Merlin series. Turns out its "Merlin's Dragon" the first in a different series by the same author. I don't mind since I enjoy the author and was happy to find the copy I received was signed by the author. (but i'm sure not all copies have that included)

Since T.A.Barron is one of my favorite authors,I purchased this book with high expectations,and I wasn't disappointed.This magical tale starts with a small,glowing egg in Fincayra that contains our hero.His life almost ends before it begins when a hungry hawk snatches him up,but luckily the wind sister Aylah rescues him,depositing the egg by the seed that grows into the Great Tree of Avalon.Later,after his egg is basically absorbed into the tree,he hatches in Woodroot.He is a strange little creature,looking like a very(very,very,VERY)tiny dragon with luminous eyes.Aylah appears to him,and explains that she saved his egg because of a vision from Dagda,who said that his life is 'well worth saving.'Aylah then leaves,and many years pass.During this time our hero constantly has to evade hungry predators,discovers his abilities of flight and being able to produce smells, andacquires the name Basil.One day,Basil also has a terrifying dream in which the great wizard Merlin is attacked(and killed!)by a strange monster with jagged,bony wings.More time passes,and Basil accidentaly goes through a portal to Stoneroot,crashes Merlin's wedding,and a while later meets none other than Dagda,the god of wisdom.But Basil also sees the vile Rhita Gawr,who has hitchhiked on Dagda in the form of a leech.Basil is able to warn Dagda about the evil god's prescence,but he escapes,and Dagda gives Basil a mission:to find Merlin and warn him about Rhita Gawr...and save him from Basil's dream monster.With Aylah,Basil begins a desperate search through all the root-realms of Avalon.But can they reach Merlin in time?And can Basil find an answer to his heart's constant question,"what am I?" Melin's Dragon is a deep,wondrous,book,and Basil is an incredibly real character who I was able to connect deeply with.And,and the ominous cliffhanger ending plainly indicates,his story is far from over.I wait immpatiently for the sequel!

T. A. Barron brings to life an amazing adventurous character whose inner strength is reflected in his daily life. Basil and his journey will surprise and delight fantasy fans of all ages.

Merlin's Dragon is a combination of Tolkien, Madeleine L'Engle, and T.H. White, but better. It is a sparkling adventure brimming with excitement, adventure, and characters that feel totally real. I would recommend this book to any and all fantasy lovers, ages 1 to 111.

totally amazing story about the littlest creature in Avalon who is the only hope to save Merlin's life. This is one incredible ride! full of awesome imaginary lands, creatures, and surprises. Plus this little guy (whose name is Basil) has an awesome future. i am very glad this is a trilogy!

This is a very well written book. The descriptions, and explanations of things that happened in the great tree of avalon series are very good. Basil's personality is very memorable. It's hard to write much without giving things away, but Basil's view of the world is interesting, and he makes me feel like a midget winged lizard. The only thing that annoyed me was that it skipped years alot, starting three years before the birth of avalon, and ending thirty-seven years after the birth of avalon.