The Mirror of Merlin

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?

In book 4, the young Merlin finds even more troubles and obsticals to overcome. Feeling overshadowed by his amazing destiny, Merlin has difficulty due to the feeling that his choices are not his own, because he is destined to do so many great things. Meanwhile, the young wizard and his companion Hallia, accompanied by a very nervous ballymag, must venture into the Haunted Marsh to recover his stolen sword. There he meets many fierosme obsticals, including the sorceress Nimue. During his stay in the marsh, in a fascinating way, Merlin discovers more about himself than he ever felt possible and learns to accept his destiny and know his choices as his own. A wonderful and exciting tale, The Mirror of Merlin leaves us breathless for the 5th book in the wonderful epic.

I am a 13-year-old boy and have recently read The Mirror of Merlin by T.A. Barron. I was pleased with his work. I couldn't put this exciting book down. In this book you follow Merlin, the young wizard, about on his journey to find his sword and to save the old forest from the expanding swamp. He encounters on his quest a cowardly ballymag; Shim, his giant friend; Nimue, the sorceress out for the Seventh Wonder; his imprisoned older self; and Arthur later to be King Arthur. This book was really exciting. The best part for me was when Merlin got the bloodnoose put into him. He then had to travel through The Mirror of Time to find his older self so he could get treated for his bloodnoose. Overall this was a very enjoyable book. It was a masterful work by T.A. Barron. Anyone that chooses to read The Mirror of Merlin, no doubt, will be pleased.

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. :)

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.