The Fires of Merlin

Young Merlin struggles to develop his blossoming wizard powers in this third book of the Lost Years of Merlin series. Already directed by his strong commitment to righteousness, Merlin faces many magical foes, including the newly awakened dragon threatening to destroy all of Fincayra. Fortunately, Merlin finds assistance from magical allies, such as deer people and a courageous stallion. Kevin Isola narrates with a whispery British accent generally suitable to the story but cloying for female characters. Other characterizations are sometimes overdramatic, such as the malevolent sorceress, who sounds like Star Wars' Yoda, and the angry dragon, whose growls overwhelm his dialogue. Nevertheless, this is an enjoyable book for those intrigued by Merlin. N.M.C. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine

May 1, 2005
Gr 5-9 -T. A. Barron narrates the introduction of his third book (Philomel, 1998) in The Lost Years of Merlin series. Listeners hear about the inspiration for the books and a brief review of past titles. Then narrator Kevin Isola's vivid voices bring the young wizard and a cast of magical characters to life. Merlin must endure self-doubt, loss, and life-threatening danger after he sets out to save his homeland, Fincayra, from attacks by the dragon Valdearg. Merlin is also under attack as he tries to find the Galator, an ancient pendant he hopes will strengthen him because he believes he has lost his powers. Frustrated by the sorceress Domanu, he is also aided in all this by a deer/woman named Hallia and her stag brother. Even when the stag/man is killed fighting off a creature called a kreelixe, Hallia and Merlin are able to find the all-knowing Wheel of Wye. There's another kreelixe attack and they almost lose their own lives in an erupting volcano. Merlin's old enemy, Rhita Gawr, has manipulated events to force the confrontation between the young wizard and the dragon, but his plans are foiled when a baby dragon arrives to let her fierce father know that Merlin saved her life. Isola's versatile narration makes the delicate timber of Hallia's voice as unique as the throaty, rumbling of the dying dragon. Middle school fans of the Arthurian legends and those who've been following the other titles in this series will find added enjoyment listening to Isola's dramatic narration.-Barbara Wysocki, Cora J. Belden Library, Rocky Hill, CT

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