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Immortal Merlin #1
Ignition
One and a half thousand years, and life is as complicated as ever.
Merlin, the legendary King Arthur’s mysterious magician, is immortal. As Arthur lay dying he promised to return. Merlin is holding him to his word. Forever young, forever waiting, Merlin lives an unassuming life in the city, keeping his identity and abilities secret from his friends. It's a long and lonely road, but Merlin is a patient man.
It's now the 21st century and when the earth begins to groan with earthquakes, Merlin knows the situation is anything but natural. An eruption is imminent, but something—or someone—is forcing this volcano to erupt. Merlin must use his concealed talents and practiced charisma to save a town of innocent people before disaster strikes. He has the power to thwart a catastrophe—if time doesn’t run out first.
Merlin, the legendary King Arthur’s mysterious magician, is immortal. As Arthur lay dying he promised to return. Merlin is holding him to his word. Forever young, forever waiting, Merlin lives an unassuming life in the city, keeping his identity and abilities secret from his friends. It's a long and lonely road, but Merlin is a patient man.
It's now the 21st century and when the earth begins to groan with earthquakes, Merlin knows the situation is anything but natural. An eruption is imminent, but something—or someone—is forcing this volcano to erupt. Merlin must use his concealed talents and practiced charisma to save a town of innocent people before disaster strikes. He has the power to thwart a catastrophe—if time doesn’t run out first.
280 pages, Paperback
First published May 30, 2015
1003 people are currently reading
1615 people want to read
About the author
Emma Shelford
47 books183 followersEmma Shelford feels that life is only complete with healthy doses of magic, history, and science. Since these aren't often found in the same place, she created her own worlds where they happily coexist. If you catch her in person, she will eagerly discuss Lord of the Rings ad nauseam, why the ancient Sumerians are so cool, and the important role of phytoplankton in the ocean.
Emma is the author of the Nautilus Legends (a marine biologist discovers that mythical sea creatures are real), the Musings of Merlin Series (Merlin is immortal, forever young, and living in the modern day), and the Breenan Series (a young woman follows a mysterious stranger into an enchanting Otherworld).
Emma is the author of the Nautilus Legends (a marine biologist discovers that mythical sea creatures are real), the Musings of Merlin Series (Merlin is immortal, forever young, and living in the modern day), and the Breenan Series (a young woman follows a mysterious stranger into an enchanting Otherworld).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
January 1, 2025
2019 52 Book Challenge - 13) Featuring Music
DNF at page 52.
I was really excited about this novel because who doesn't like Merlin in the modern day.
This guy does not talk or act or think like a man who is 1500 years old. In fact, he is just really frustrating. I just don't feel like a man who is 1500 years old would be commenting on women's bodies the way this Merlin does. Honestly, the character gave me the ick in the first 2 pages, and getting to 50 pages was very difficult.
I did like the chapter where Merlin was teaching about the harp. I thought that was sweet.
Not sweet enough to redeem the rest of the novel though.
DNF at page 52.
I was really excited about this novel because who doesn't like Merlin in the modern day.
This guy does not talk or act or think like a man who is 1500 years old. In fact, he is just really frustrating. I just don't feel like a man who is 1500 years old would be commenting on women's bodies the way this Merlin does. Honestly, the character gave me the ick in the first 2 pages, and getting to 50 pages was very difficult.
I did like the chapter where Merlin was teaching about the harp. I thought that was sweet.
Not sweet enough to redeem the rest of the novel though.
Read
May 11, 2023Note to self:
I DNFed really fast because the Merlin character literally got a shrink that was young and pretty because he 'might as well enjoy the scenery'. Maybe I'm a snob. But I was not expecting that type of derogatory nonsense from a female author, and I know I'm not gonna like a Merlin who has that kind of character. Gave it a few more pages and Merlin is noticing 'butt-hugging' shorts and admits he has a weakness for women.
Yup. Not for me. Pardon me while I nope right out of here.
I DNFed really fast because the Merlin character literally got a shrink that was young and pretty because he 'might as well enjoy the scenery'. Maybe I'm a snob. But I was not expecting that type of derogatory nonsense from a female author, and I know I'm not gonna like a Merlin who has that kind of character. Gave it a few more pages and Merlin is noticing 'butt-hugging' shorts and admits he has a weakness for women.
Yup. Not for me. Pardon me while I nope right out of here.
Read
August 11, 2015IGNITION is a story of Merlin set in the 21st century. Merlin’s a professor and goes by Merry now, for the time being. Merry is lonely and waiting for Arthur’s promised return. In the meantime there is a threat to the natural world which Merry cannot ignore. There is trouble up on Mt. Linnigan and Merry will need to use all his ability manipulating lauvan to attempt saving the world. IGNITION is definitely a great addition to the myriad stories of Merlin. The characters were great and I was quickly drawn into the story. I thought IGNITION was well-written and I look forward to seeing what the author has in store for Merlin next. I liked how different IGNITION is from so many of the Merlin stories out there and how it gives the readers a unique take on his life without Arthur.
January 1, 2025
2019 52 Book Challenge - 13) Featuring Music
DNF at page 52.
I was really excited about this novel because who doesn't like Merlin in the modern day.
This guy does not talk or act or think like a man who is 1500 years old. In fact, he is just really frustrating. I just don't feel like a man who is 1500 years old would be commenting on women's bodies the way this Merlin does. Honestly, the character gave me the ick in the first 2 pages, and getting to 50 pages was very difficult.
I did like the chapter where Merlin was teaching about the harp. I thought that was sweet.
Not sweet enough to redeem the rest of the novel though.
DNF at page 52.
I was really excited about this novel because who doesn't like Merlin in the modern day.
This guy does not talk or act or think like a man who is 1500 years old. In fact, he is just really frustrating. I just don't feel like a man who is 1500 years old would be commenting on women's bodies the way this Merlin does. Honestly, the character gave me the ick in the first 2 pages, and getting to 50 pages was very difficult.
I did like the chapter where Merlin was teaching about the harp. I thought that was sweet.
Not sweet enough to redeem the rest of the novel though.
December 30, 2017
As a fan of the King Arthur legends, the premise of this story—an immortal Merlin in our modern world—grabbed me from the start, and to my delight, lived up to my expectations. I throughly enjoyed this tale and would have read it in a single sitting, if life had allowed it.
Ignition blends Merlin’s well known past with his new present, giving this legendary character a familiar feel while making him unique among the other Merlin stories I’ve read or seen. The characterization is well done. He might be immortal and magical, but he’s still very human. His struggles to deal with being a lone immortal from a world long gone seem real.
The story is well written, the writing professional, and the plot logical and easy to follow. The conflict in this particular tale is resolved, but there are still loads of unanswered questions to answer, both in Merlin’s past and his present. That said, it’s not a cliffhanger ending, but a typical first book in a series—which is just what I wanted. I can’t wait to read more!
Ignition blends Merlin’s well known past with his new present, giving this legendary character a familiar feel while making him unique among the other Merlin stories I’ve read or seen. The characterization is well done. He might be immortal and magical, but he’s still very human. His struggles to deal with being a lone immortal from a world long gone seem real.
The story is well written, the writing professional, and the plot logical and easy to follow. The conflict in this particular tale is resolved, but there are still loads of unanswered questions to answer, both in Merlin’s past and his present. That said, it’s not a cliffhanger ending, but a typical first book in a series—which is just what I wanted. I can’t wait to read more!
May 19, 2018
Fresh take
Okay, so I'm late to this particular party, but this is a wonderful read. I really enjoyed the characterization of Merlin, his talents, and his history. The antagonist was developed strongly but left open enough to cause trouble in future novels. I'll definitely be looking for more of Shelford's books!
Okay, so I'm late to this particular party, but this is a wonderful read. I really enjoyed the characterization of Merlin, his talents, and his history. The antagonist was developed strongly but left open enough to cause trouble in future novels. I'll definitely be looking for more of Shelford's books!
October 12, 2018
I'm more a Crystal Cave or Once and Future King girl. The concept of this one is good - Merlin is immortal and still battling forces he doesn't always understand - but the execution is just eh. I might try the next one to see if it gets better but I don't hold out high hopes.
December 5, 2017
Ignition by Emma Shelford is the first book in the Musings of Merlin series. It's been centuries since Arthur's death, but he promised to return one day, and for some reason Merlin believed him. Now it's the 21st century and still no Arthur. Merlin has reinvented himself as Merry Lytton, a professor living a seemingly normal life teaching, grading papers, and spending time with his friend, Jen. All that changes when he discovers a volcano about to erupt in a quaint town, but there's nothing natural about this eruption. To make matters worse, Jen takes a new job in the very town he's trying to save. Someone is behind the volcano's activity, but he's not sure how that someone is pulling it off or how to stop it. Can Merlin stop it before time runs out?
A marvelous modern take on the legendary Merlin! Ignition is a clever and creative fun read with a deep connection to nature and the past. Merlin sees the energy (or lauvan) in everything around him, which connects him to his surroundings, and makes him see things in a different light than most people. An impending natural disaster is at the root of the plot, with the volcano on the brink of erupting and Merlin running around trying to prevent it. Merlin is every bit the legendary wizard of old, but with a modern update. He has an old soul, but a modern sense of humor and a sense of loneliness about him. He realistically has trouble truly connecting fully to people, because he doesn't know if he can trust them with an immortal secret, knowing that their time is limited, whereas his is endless.
His closest relationship is with Jen, his friend and former student, which is reminiscent of Merlin's relationship with Arthur. She's brilliant, loyal, and spunky, giving Merlin the friend that he desperately needs. She feels like an anchor for him, grounding him to this life as Merry Lytton. Their scenes together are charming and endearing, providing a lot of humor and heart. But even she doesn't take away from his underlying feeling of loneliness or the grief of his past. He's a very layered character with so much story to tell, which Emma Shelford tells magnificently in this chapter of his life by reflecting on moments of his past. Shelford weaves through time, balancing out the chaos of Merlin's present. The insight to his past gives a little understanding of who Merlin is now, with the greater focus on how he met and lost Arthur. While Arthur is dead in the present day, the flashbacks show how their relationship developed and give him a very real presence. A definite must-read!
A marvelous modern take on the legendary Merlin! Ignition is a clever and creative fun read with a deep connection to nature and the past. Merlin sees the energy (or lauvan) in everything around him, which connects him to his surroundings, and makes him see things in a different light than most people. An impending natural disaster is at the root of the plot, with the volcano on the brink of erupting and Merlin running around trying to prevent it. Merlin is every bit the legendary wizard of old, but with a modern update. He has an old soul, but a modern sense of humor and a sense of loneliness about him. He realistically has trouble truly connecting fully to people, because he doesn't know if he can trust them with an immortal secret, knowing that their time is limited, whereas his is endless.
His closest relationship is with Jen, his friend and former student, which is reminiscent of Merlin's relationship with Arthur. She's brilliant, loyal, and spunky, giving Merlin the friend that he desperately needs. She feels like an anchor for him, grounding him to this life as Merry Lytton. Their scenes together are charming and endearing, providing a lot of humor and heart. But even she doesn't take away from his underlying feeling of loneliness or the grief of his past. He's a very layered character with so much story to tell, which Emma Shelford tells magnificently in this chapter of his life by reflecting on moments of his past. Shelford weaves through time, balancing out the chaos of Merlin's present. The insight to his past gives a little understanding of who Merlin is now, with the greater focus on how he met and lost Arthur. While Arthur is dead in the present day, the flashbacks show how their relationship developed and give him a very real presence. A definite must-read!
April 18, 2019
An ES. Novel of Mystical Magic (MOMB. - 1)/ King Arthur is Dead/ Long Live Merlin the Magician
As a mixture of many faces I have always been interested in the different legends and mystical beliefs and background stories. ES. h as definitely opened a wider door into the land of the mystic and magic of the Emerald Isles. The many times the grandkids would sit at my great grandmother and grandmother's rocking chairs to hear the tales, beliefs and magic of the Green. My favorite was always the one about the flying horses. Along comes ES. And she puts into prose one of the best fiction stories written about Merlin the Magician and King Arthur' s Round Table. This is an excellent read for the genre......DEHS.....I bet the wee people really liked this story.....
As a mixture of many faces I have always been interested in the different legends and mystical beliefs and background stories. ES. h as definitely opened a wider door into the land of the mystic and magic of the Emerald Isles. The many times the grandkids would sit at my great grandmother and grandmother's rocking chairs to hear the tales, beliefs and magic of the Green. My favorite was always the one about the flying horses. Along comes ES. And she puts into prose one of the best fiction stories written about Merlin the Magician and King Arthur' s Round Table. This is an excellent read for the genre......DEHS.....I bet the wee people really liked this story.....
March 19, 2018
Almost perfect
I liked Merlin's personality immensely. It reminded me a little of an Indiana Jones type of thing what with him being a professor, but still running off to save the world. Also, I loved that even with all of his life experience, the author did not have him be the all-wise, all-knowing type of character.
I finally want to thank the author for not having the novel be full of gratuitous explicit sex and large amounts of foul language that is so common in the genre today. There was some non-explicit goings on, and some frustration induced cursing from the main character that fit in with his personality, but did not occur on every page.
I liked Merlin's personality immensely. It reminded me a little of an Indiana Jones type of thing what with him being a professor, but still running off to save the world. Also, I loved that even with all of his life experience, the author did not have him be the all-wise, all-knowing type of character.
I finally want to thank the author for not having the novel be full of gratuitous explicit sex and large amounts of foul language that is so common in the genre today. There was some non-explicit goings on, and some frustration induced cursing from the main character that fit in with his personality, but did not occur on every page.
April 7, 2025
Merry Merlo Merlin
I’m shook and teary having just finished ignition. Merlin’s immortal life is so lonely and full of endless goodbyes. His mother, a beloved wife, dear friends, and Arthur.
Throughout the story, Merlin has memory dreams of his life over the past 1,500 years including time with Arthur. It’s both awesome and incredibly heartbreaking.
One thing that I was so happy to read in this reimagining of Merlin’s life is Arthur’s loving relationship with Guinevere. Yes, finally!
As a huge fan of the tv series Merlin and the book series by T A Barron, I’m excited to find another Merlin series to dig into and treasure.
I’m shook and teary having just finished ignition. Merlin’s immortal life is so lonely and full of endless goodbyes. His mother, a beloved wife, dear friends, and Arthur.
Throughout the story, Merlin has memory dreams of his life over the past 1,500 years including time with Arthur. It’s both awesome and incredibly heartbreaking.
One thing that I was so happy to read in this reimagining of Merlin’s life is Arthur’s loving relationship with Guinevere. Yes, finally!
As a huge fan of the tv series Merlin and the book series by T A Barron, I’m excited to find another Merlin series to dig into and treasure.
February 7, 2018
At first I wasn't certain that I would enjoy this book but quickly changed my mind. The main character's history and so he himself is discovered through his dreams. There are interesting secondary characters and the story itself kept me interested. By the end I wanted more so bought book 2 straight away and have just started it. I would suggest you give this author and Merlin a chance, you may just find yourself hooked.
September 8, 2024
This is such an amazing concept and a fun characterisation of Merlin! He reminded me a bit of Magnus Bane from The Mortal Instruments series in a weird way. I also absolutely love the flashbacks to Arthurian times, and they get even better in the next book. Overall, the story is fantastic. I wish I could rate it higher, but it really could have used a good line editor. Some parts are a bit of a slog.
June 28, 2025
Awesome Take on A Fan Favorite
Such a unique and wonderful take on one of the most beloved characters in history. The depth involved in crafting Merlin's backstory leaves the reader wanting to know more and the emotions that sprang forth, especially toward the end, make the reader want to give the MMC a hug! This one gets 5 stars from me for the uniqueness and depth of the underlying story.
Such a unique and wonderful take on one of the most beloved characters in history. The depth involved in crafting Merlin's backstory leaves the reader wanting to know more and the emotions that sprang forth, especially toward the end, make the reader want to give the MMC a hug! This one gets 5 stars from me for the uniqueness and depth of the underlying story.
August 14, 2025
This book has some ups and downs, but for the most part I did enjoy reading it.
I have a slight problem with how naive Merlin seems about not assuming the worst about people, considering how long he's lived. How do you not assume (once problems begin) that the person that seems to be around them IS the source/involved in it. That's just silly.
Outside of that, the action scenes moved well and I was mostly onboard with the character. I'll read more.
I have a slight problem with how naive Merlin seems about not assuming the worst about people, considering how long he's lived. How do you not assume (once problems begin) that the person that seems to be around them IS the source/involved in it. That's just silly.
Outside of that, the action scenes moved well and I was mostly onboard with the character. I'll read more.
April 26, 2023
At first, I couldn't really get in to it. After watching the show, Merlin, I had a certain idea of his character in my head, so when I started reading this, I kept comparing them.
Once I got used to this interpretation of Merlin, I ended up enjoying it a lot. Interested to see what happens in the next book.
Once I got used to this interpretation of Merlin, I ended up enjoying it a lot. Interested to see what happens in the next book.
July 8, 2024
Quick read, finished in a couple hours. Very elementary writing with a cute story. Not a very believable Merlin, he did not act or think like a person 1500 years old. Made stupid mistakes and choices.....but aside from that annoyance was a good "who dun it". It was the light hearted read I needed after I finished a story about war. Read all 4 books over a weekend.
June 23, 2025
This was ok, it wasn’t like some books were I couldn’t put it down and had to read from start to finish. I liked the way that the author would go from current day to flashbacks. I found the modern day plot quite predictable though and was more drawn to the flashbacks from the Arthurian times.
I may try the next one and then decide to continue or not.
I may try the next one and then decide to continue or not.
July 23, 2018
Merlin is magic
I love this book! It's like sitting down and talking with a friend. There's a good story and though you could probably consider this book a stand alone, I look forward to the series.
I love this book! It's like sitting down and talking with a friend. There's a good story and though you could probably consider this book a stand alone, I look forward to the series.
July 1, 2019
Surprisingly good read
Didn't know what to expect and I'm a lover of the Merlin story. This was very different but emotional and gripping...ended up crying at the end which means a good book for me. Can't wait to read the next one in the series
Didn't know what to expect and I'm a lover of the Merlin story. This was very different but emotional and gripping...ended up crying at the end which means a good book for me. Can't wait to read the next one in the series
November 12, 2020
This is an amazing story! Emma has done an outstanding way of writing it so the reader feels for Merlin and can see the whole story in his painful point of view. I always look forward to reading the story and reading the next book in the series.
June 22, 2024
Merlin past & present
Well written story drew me right in. Merlin in the modern world juxtaposed with memories (dreams) of the Arthurian past. Cosmic themes and issues are introduced - but not resolved by a long shot! I'll have to keep reading the series for answers!
Well written story drew me right in. Merlin in the modern world juxtaposed with memories (dreams) of the Arthurian past. Cosmic themes and issues are introduced - but not resolved by a long shot! I'll have to keep reading the series for answers!
July 24, 2024
Intriguing Series
I was intrigued to explore the Merlin character. The book Ignition started slowly, but as I preserved it hooked me. So I am going to read the next book in the series before I decide just how good this series is.
I was intrigued to explore the Merlin character. The book Ignition started slowly, but as I preserved it hooked me. So I am going to read the next book in the series before I decide just how good this series is.
August 11, 2024
Merlin of King Arthur's court lives amongst us. In this book he sees a psychologist to help him deal with loss (a lot in 1500 years), dates young women, and saves a town from a volcano.
I'm not really sure where this series can go. I fear it will lead to more of the same.
None-the-less, I accidently finished it this weekend. I rarely binge read, but I did. I'm thinking I should give #2 a read.
I wonder who he saves from what in the second book.
I'm not really sure where this series can go. I fear it will lead to more of the same.
None-the-less, I accidently finished it this weekend. I rarely binge read, but I did. I'm thinking I should give #2 a read.
I wonder who he saves from what in the second book.
February 6, 2025
4.5 stars! Wonderful to find a great new Arthurian series with a modern take on Merlin! An easy read that I devoured quickly and a series I looking forward to reading more of. Bonus that it's free on Kindle Unlimited.
May 8, 2025
Interesting read and blend of storytelling
I really enjoyed the bounce back between modern day and Arthurian times. I also like the system of magic this world uses, thing it to nature and life makes it an interesting topic
I really enjoyed the bounce back between modern day and Arthurian times. I also like the system of magic this world uses, thing it to nature and life makes it an interesting topic
August 14, 2018
Enjoyed this future Merlin along with his past loved the tv series Merlin but he's a bit different in this book still very enjoyable
May 24, 2019
Great read for some relaxing moments.
August 22, 2020
Struggled to get into this storyline
June 19, 2021
Fun read.
I enjoyed this take on the Merlin character and myth. Fun to read and good action scenes. Looking forward to the next installment.
I enjoyed this take on the Merlin character and myth. Fun to read and good action scenes. Looking forward to the next installment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews