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Puffin The Mythmakers.
Puffin The Mythmakers ABISBOOK Puffin.
336 pages, Hardcover
Published July 3, 2025
13 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 2, 2026
When Gwyn’s father takes her to join the royal court at Tintagel, she is horrified — she has never wanted to be a lady. Determined to escape a life that doesn’t suit her, she crosses paths with Merlin, a young boy with a bird perched on his head and a desperate need to rescue his friend, the Moonrabbit. Their escape from the castle soon draws in Prince Arthur, and together the trio embarks on an epic quest to save the mythical Oakheart.
I hadn’t realised when I first picked up this book that it reimagines the tale of King Arthur, but the discovery was an absolute delight. I’ve adored everything Tamzin Merchant has written, and although this story isn’t set in the same world as The Hatmakers, it has the same charm, whimsy, and sense of adventure that makes her work so enjoyable.
Gwyn is a hilarious and refreshing protagonist. She is exactly who I imagine I might have been had I lived in a world where young women were expected to fit a narrow idea of what it means to be a “lady”. Her stubborn determination to forge her own path is something I think all young readers could benefit from embracing. Merlin is a wonderful companion, and watching Prince Arthur challenge his own beliefs and grow alongside Gwyn adds a lovely depth to the story.
Their journey across ancient Britain is filled with excitement and enchantment — giants, witches, unicorns, mermaids — all woven together with threads of Arthurian mythology to create a truly magical tale.
I highly recommend this book (and all of Merchant’s work) to anyone who loves stories infused with wonder, and to families looking to share a spellbinding adventure together. It’s a joyful, imaginative read that invites both children and adults to revel in the magic of storytelling.
I hadn’t realised when I first picked up this book that it reimagines the tale of King Arthur, but the discovery was an absolute delight. I’ve adored everything Tamzin Merchant has written, and although this story isn’t set in the same world as The Hatmakers, it has the same charm, whimsy, and sense of adventure that makes her work so enjoyable.
Gwyn is a hilarious and refreshing protagonist. She is exactly who I imagine I might have been had I lived in a world where young women were expected to fit a narrow idea of what it means to be a “lady”. Her stubborn determination to forge her own path is something I think all young readers could benefit from embracing. Merlin is a wonderful companion, and watching Prince Arthur challenge his own beliefs and grow alongside Gwyn adds a lovely depth to the story.
Their journey across ancient Britain is filled with excitement and enchantment — giants, witches, unicorns, mermaids — all woven together with threads of Arthurian mythology to create a truly magical tale.
I highly recommend this book (and all of Merchant’s work) to anyone who loves stories infused with wonder, and to families looking to share a spellbinding adventure together. It’s a joyful, imaginative read that invites both children and adults to revel in the magic of storytelling.
October 13, 2025
The truth might get lost, One of us might become a villain of this story. One might get all the glory. There's no way of knowing what Time will do. Time is a great, wild river and we are merely leaves tossed om its surface. It could make myths of us all.'
This was the most magical. whimsical and lovely story I read - ever! It's beautiful in words, story and the things and creatures you meet along the way inside this book.
I loved being in this world; the magically pagan world where stone giants, trolls, dragons, unicorns and moonhares dwell... where myths are real and not fictional. This book gave me a funny feeling at the end. What are myths? What makes them not real? Or perhaps they are real after all? What are stories but myths that we all tell each other?
I think we humans love telling stories and they will fade into myths - just like everything else does in this world. I rather believe in magic than not and live a life that's full of magic.
This book made me feel all these things - and feel a bit more like a child again. The wonders, curiostiy and magic of everything that is.
The characters in this book Gwyn, Merlin and Arthur were fun to follow. I personally loved the friendship between Gwyn and Merlin. Very adorable.
I do wonder: will there be another book in this world? I would love to read it!
The Mythmakers is a new favourite book.
'All magic is a form of song, just as all songs are a form of magic. Songs can hurt or heal you, or make you feel things for people you've never known.'
This was the most magical. whimsical and lovely story I read - ever! It's beautiful in words, story and the things and creatures you meet along the way inside this book.
I loved being in this world; the magically pagan world where stone giants, trolls, dragons, unicorns and moonhares dwell... where myths are real and not fictional. This book gave me a funny feeling at the end. What are myths? What makes them not real? Or perhaps they are real after all? What are stories but myths that we all tell each other?
I think we humans love telling stories and they will fade into myths - just like everything else does in this world. I rather believe in magic than not and live a life that's full of magic.
This book made me feel all these things - and feel a bit more like a child again. The wonders, curiostiy and magic of everything that is.
The characters in this book Gwyn, Merlin and Arthur were fun to follow. I personally loved the friendship between Gwyn and Merlin. Very adorable.
I do wonder: will there be another book in this world? I would love to read it!
The Mythmakers is a new favourite book.
'All magic is a form of song, just as all songs are a form of magic. Songs can hurt or heal you, or make you feel things for people you've never known.'
January 15, 2026
This middle grade book tells the story of how Merlin, Arthur and Gwen meet (or this authors version of it). This is a story of magic, friendship, defying stereotypes and the creation of myths. This book has some gorgeous illustrations too. Anyone who is also a fan of the BBC Merlin production will enjoy this. However it just lacked a bit of spark for me. Perhaps because the story is so well known it’s hard to do anything new?
January 22, 2026
4.5 stars.
Such a lovely book! Adventure and magic wrapped up in a beautifully written retelling of Arthurian legend!
Such a lovely book! Adventure and magic wrapped up in a beautifully written retelling of Arthurian legend!
May 8, 2026
3.5*. I think kids that haven't been exposed to so many king Arthur stories will like it more than adults.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews