[BoxingGriffin]

Has anyone read any of the Merlin books by T.A. Barrons? I came across one the other day and was intrigued. I've never tried any of the Arthurian books before but have always been interested.

Whats the verdict?

[Lady Fox]

I've read the series. Not bad, but definitely would be classified as "young adult" fantasy, I think. If you like Merlin and are interested in his life before Camelot (at least according to Barron) you'll probably like this series. It's fairly good, light fantasy.

[BoxingGriffin]

Thanks for the info...are there any Merlin books out there that are geared more toward an older audience?

[Mithfânion]

Most certainly, and I'm a big fan.

The Merlin trilogy by Mary Stewart is always first on my list

The Pendragon cycle by Stephen Lawhead

The Merlin chronicles by Mike Ashley, which is a collection short stories by several authors, all about different part of Merlin's life.

These three have Merlin as the main character, but these two books/series are also worthwile.

The Warlords trilogy by Bernard Cornwell, Merlin features in it.

The Once and Future king by TH White.

Bradley's Mists of Avalon is the Feminist version, which I didn't care for, but you might.

[estranghero]

Knew you were there waiting to answer this thread, Mith. http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/wink.gif

Btw, Robert Holdstock, the writer of "the Mythago Wood", has also written his take on the Merlin story by combining Celtic and Greek mythology. It's called "Celtika" and there's a good review of it at wwww.sfSite.com so you can check it out...

[Mithfânion]

Yes, saw that book in stores. Didn't get great reviews, so I'm hesitant.

I thought Holdstock's written another book as well, Merlyn's wood, but I can't find it anywhere. Pretty sure he wrote it though. Perhaps it was a short story...

[Gary Wassner]

There is an author named Kathleen Cunningham Guler who wrote two books in the Macsen's Treasure Series. In fact, I will be posting an official review of the second book, In the Shadow of Dragons, within the next few days. It deals with Britain just prior to Arthur's reign. Merlin is a young lord, nephew to Uther Pendragon, who is just coming into his druidic own, so to speak. It is quite good and quite authentic. She obviously is well versed in the history of Britain and she weaves it wonderfully into the tale. I highly recommend the book!

[Mithfânion]

But the main story seems to focus on two other people, Marcus and a woman...

[Gary Wassner]

Yes, the book does focus upon the husband and wife. But, Merlin is an important character, and for anyone who is interested in what it was like before Arthur, it has appeal. Aside from the historical content, the story is a fast and interesting read.