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Merlin #2
Cele șapte cânturi
Iesind triumfator din prima lui infruntare cu inspaimantatorul Rhita Gwar, tanarul Merlin aduce speranta in sufletele locuitorilor din Fincayra, incantatoarea insula asezata intre cer si pamant. Cu toate acestea, Fincayra continua sa se afle sub amenintarea unui mare pericol, iar prima victima e chiar mama lui. Ca s-o salveze, Merlin trebuie sa urmeze cararea plina de pericole a Celor Sapte Canturi ale Vrajitoriei, care i-a costat viata pana si pe cei mai mari vrajitori...
Mult-asteptata continuare a primului volum din saga Merlin imbina pasiunea cu puterea si spiritualitatea profunda, trasaturi definitorii ale scriiturii lui T.A. Barron.
Cartea confera legendei lui Merlin o dimensiune noua si captivanta si este un izvor nesecat de inspiratie pentru toti.
"Plina de actiune si suspans, mai presus de toate o poveste de suflet... calatoria initiatica a lui Merlin este convingatoare si emotionanta. O lectura atragatoare si vibranta."- Kirkus Reviews
"Cele Sapte Canturi ale lui Merlin este un fantasy miraculos, cu mutiple fatete."- Barbara Kiefer
In curs de ecranizare in studiourile Disney, in regia lui Ridley Scott
Mult-asteptata continuare a primului volum din saga Merlin imbina pasiunea cu puterea si spiritualitatea profunda, trasaturi definitorii ale scriiturii lui T.A. Barron.
Cartea confera legendei lui Merlin o dimensiune noua si captivanta si este un izvor nesecat de inspiratie pentru toti.
"Plina de actiune si suspans, mai presus de toate o poveste de suflet... calatoria initiatica a lui Merlin este convingatoare si emotionanta. O lectura atragatoare si vibranta."- Kirkus Reviews
"Cele Sapte Canturi ale lui Merlin este un fantasy miraculos, cu mutiple fatete."- Barbara Kiefer
In curs de ecranizare in studiourile Disney, in regia lui Ridley Scott
368 pages, Paperback
First published September 22, 1997
277 people are currently reading
4153 people want to read
About the author
T.A. Barron
72 books1,311 followersT.A. Barron grew up in Colorado ranch country and traveled widely as a Rhodes Scholar. He is the winner of the de Grummond Medallion for “lifetime contribution to the field of children’s and young adult literature” and many other awards. T. A. Barron is the author of more than 30 highly acclaimed books, many of which are international bestsellers. They include The Lost Years of Merlin (now being developed into a feature film), The Great Tree of Avalon (a New York Times bestselling series), The Ancient One (the tale of a brave girl and a magical tree), and The Hero’s Trail (nonfiction stories of courageous kids).
Though he’d dreamed as a young man of becoming a writer, he couldn’t find anyone to publish his first novel. He joined a successful business, eventually became president, then decided to try again. So in 1990, he surprised his business partners by moving back to Colorado to become a writer and conservationist.
In 2000, he founded a national award to honor outstanding young people who help their communities or the environment: the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes, which honors 25 highly diverse, public-spirited kids each year. He recently produced a documentary film, Dream Big, profiling seven winners of the Barron Prize. When not writing or speaking, T. A. Barron serves on many boards including Princeton University, where he helped to create the Princeton Environmental Institute, and The Wilderness Society, which recently honored him with its highest award for conservation work. His favorite pastime is hiking, camping, or skiing in Colorado with his family.
Though he’d dreamed as a young man of becoming a writer, he couldn’t find anyone to publish his first novel. He joined a successful business, eventually became president, then decided to try again. So in 1990, he surprised his business partners by moving back to Colorado to become a writer and conservationist.
In 2000, he founded a national award to honor outstanding young people who help their communities or the environment: the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes, which honors 25 highly diverse, public-spirited kids each year. He recently produced a documentary film, Dream Big, profiling seven winners of the Barron Prize. When not writing or speaking, T. A. Barron serves on many boards including Princeton University, where he helped to create the Princeton Environmental Institute, and The Wilderness Society, which recently honored him with its highest award for conservation work. His favorite pastime is hiking, camping, or skiing in Colorado with his family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews
February 6, 2017
I had a number of issues with this book. First, Merlin is a dick. I understand that he's supposed to "grow" so he starts out as a dick and then learns to be better, but when he changes so much from the character in the previous book, with little to no explanation, it doesn't work. I mean, having a character who is afraid of his powers and doesn't think he can ever become a wizard walk around acting like he's owed admiration for being given a magical harp - it makes no sense without some explanation.
Second, there's no real consequences for any of his actions. He abandons his task to go find his mom? Sure, it was said that abandoning his task would lead to the destruction of the island but really, there's no issue. He is supposed to find all seven songs, and if he tries to continue his quest without finding all seven, he'll die? Nah, don't worry, someone's always around to save your ass. Your sister dies? Nah, it's cool bro, a god will save her. And of course his mom doesn't die. I mean how is this little shit supposed to learn to listen and follow directions if none of his mistakes actually have any negative consequences? I can understand bailing out a character in a magical world maybe once or twice, but eventually you're telling the reader that none of the actual issues matter because somehow everything will get magically better. That isn't interesting to read.
Third, I had a problem with the whole writing style and just choices for how the plot went along. The pace was strange because the characters kept whining about running out of time but it was like everything happened so quickly. I never felt like there was any rush, especially when other characters popped in and used their magic to help the group go along their way. This relates back to my point about no consequences because once or twice I could accept that they received help, but when every other time it's "oh no, how will we get there in time, it's so far" and then POOF, magical friend here to save the day, it just becomes boring.
Quick side note: what on earth was the point of Nimue stealing Merlin's staff? The writer gets to devote one chapter to Merlin's magical friend helping him get it back in like minutes and then back to the main plot? Why? It's so useless! If you're going to have his magical staff taken from him, make him work for it or something. Turn it into an actual lesson for him to learn. Give us a reason. UGH.
Also, many of the ways Merlin uncovered the "souls" of the songs was ridiculous (who thinks, when their knife breaks, instead of asking for a new one from the many workers around you, "oh I'll just grab this old sword on the wall"?). And putting the "soul" of the song in italics was really off-putting to me. It was unnecessary. I can grasp what the moral is without the help, thanks.
If I didn't have a reason to finish these books, I wouldn't. I would've quit in the first fifty pages and gone to read a book that I actually enjoyed.
Second, there's no real consequences for any of his actions. He abandons his task to go find his mom? Sure, it was said that abandoning his task would lead to the destruction of the island but really, there's no issue. He is supposed to find all seven songs, and if he tries to continue his quest without finding all seven, he'll die? Nah, don't worry, someone's always around to save your ass. Your sister dies? Nah, it's cool bro, a god will save her. And of course his mom doesn't die. I mean how is this little shit supposed to learn to listen and follow directions if none of his mistakes actually have any negative consequences? I can understand bailing out a character in a magical world maybe once or twice, but eventually you're telling the reader that none of the actual issues matter because somehow everything will get magically better. That isn't interesting to read.
Third, I had a problem with the whole writing style and just choices for how the plot went along. The pace was strange because the characters kept whining about running out of time but it was like everything happened so quickly. I never felt like there was any rush, especially when other characters popped in and used their magic to help the group go along their way. This relates back to my point about no consequences because once or twice I could accept that they received help, but when every other time it's "oh no, how will we get there in time, it's so far" and then POOF, magical friend here to save the day, it just becomes boring.
Quick side note: what on earth was the point of Nimue stealing Merlin's staff? The writer gets to devote one chapter to Merlin's magical friend helping him get it back in like minutes and then back to the main plot? Why? It's so useless! If you're going to have his magical staff taken from him, make him work for it or something. Turn it into an actual lesson for him to learn. Give us a reason. UGH.
Also, many of the ways Merlin uncovered the "souls" of the songs was ridiculous (who thinks, when their knife breaks, instead of asking for a new one from the many workers around you, "oh I'll just grab this old sword on the wall"?). And putting the "soul" of the song in italics was really off-putting to me. It was unnecessary. I can grasp what the moral is without the help, thanks.
If I didn't have a reason to finish these books, I wouldn't. I would've quit in the first fifty pages and gone to read a book that I actually enjoyed.
March 1, 2010
This series is a prequel of sorts to the legend of Merlin beginning in the early years when Merlin is first coming into his magical powers. This is the second story in the five book series chronicling the great wizard’s youth.
As the story opens, Merlin is 13 years old and has the privilege of attending the great council meeting with the ambassadors of nearly every race of fantasy that reside on the enchanted isle as they must decide what to do with the Treasures of Fincayra. He has been charged with the guardianship of the Flowering Harp to heal the lands for the harp only responds to a heart true and wise – the heart of a wizard.
Having toppled the evil King Stangmar (his estranged father who was bewitched) and freeing Fincayra from a terrible blight Merlin sets out with the magical harp to restore the enchanted world into a flourishing Merlin has only one month to complete a quest to find the soul of the Seven Songs of Wisdom and journey to the Otherworld in order to obtain the elixir that can save his mother’s life. On his quest he makes a number of discoveries not only about his past, but about what lies within. The challenge is enormous. He has begun to discover the powers within him, but has not as yet mastered the ability to control these emerging powers. He has learned some of the stories of the wisdom of the Druids, the Greeks and the Celts, but us far from truly understanding the true meaning of it all. He has learned his true name and pieces of his past but now must also learn the secrets that sleep within his innermost being. He has already lost his father in the battle, and now his mother, poisoned by a deathshadow meant for her son, is the first victim of the renewed surge of evil sweeping the land.
Merlin is an emerging personification of yin and yang. He is full of contradictions that compliment each other and open his eyes to the possibilities of what destiny has in store for him as he follows the winding path to wizardry. Contradiction and controversy are rampant in the epic Arthurian legend, and Mr. Barron has imagineered an early life worthy of these legendary roots as the keeper of knowledge, particularly of the arcane secrets.
As in all epic journeys, great adventure and unfathomable danger lie in wait for the boy who would be wizard. He must battle the ogre Balor He is accompanied on his great quest by a merlin hawk named Trouble, the forest girl Rhia, and a mournful jester named Bumbelwy. There are captivating characters and backstory for the Arthurian legend that begin to emerge through this tale. This is a tale that will not disappoint the most demanding Merlin fan. It will engage you and take you of the ride of your life.
As the story opens, Merlin is 13 years old and has the privilege of attending the great council meeting with the ambassadors of nearly every race of fantasy that reside on the enchanted isle as they must decide what to do with the Treasures of Fincayra. He has been charged with the guardianship of the Flowering Harp to heal the lands for the harp only responds to a heart true and wise – the heart of a wizard.
Having toppled the evil King Stangmar (his estranged father who was bewitched) and freeing Fincayra from a terrible blight Merlin sets out with the magical harp to restore the enchanted world into a flourishing Merlin has only one month to complete a quest to find the soul of the Seven Songs of Wisdom and journey to the Otherworld in order to obtain the elixir that can save his mother’s life. On his quest he makes a number of discoveries not only about his past, but about what lies within. The challenge is enormous. He has begun to discover the powers within him, but has not as yet mastered the ability to control these emerging powers. He has learned some of the stories of the wisdom of the Druids, the Greeks and the Celts, but us far from truly understanding the true meaning of it all. He has learned his true name and pieces of his past but now must also learn the secrets that sleep within his innermost being. He has already lost his father in the battle, and now his mother, poisoned by a deathshadow meant for her son, is the first victim of the renewed surge of evil sweeping the land.
Merlin is an emerging personification of yin and yang. He is full of contradictions that compliment each other and open his eyes to the possibilities of what destiny has in store for him as he follows the winding path to wizardry. Contradiction and controversy are rampant in the epic Arthurian legend, and Mr. Barron has imagineered an early life worthy of these legendary roots as the keeper of knowledge, particularly of the arcane secrets.
As in all epic journeys, great adventure and unfathomable danger lie in wait for the boy who would be wizard. He must battle the ogre Balor He is accompanied on his great quest by a merlin hawk named Trouble, the forest girl Rhia, and a mournful jester named Bumbelwy. There are captivating characters and backstory for the Arthurian legend that begin to emerge through this tale. This is a tale that will not disappoint the most demanding Merlin fan. It will engage you and take you of the ride of your life.
December 21, 2015
OMFG, this book was absolutely amazing. Everything about this book was perfect. My favorite aspect of this book was all of the amazing and inspirational quotes. If you haven't read the first book in this series, don't worry, all of the references to the first book are explained. OMG, all of the characters were developed perfectly and the plot was executed so well and T.A Barron' writing style is one of the best I've ever seen. If you haven't read this book, please do!! DO IT FOR ME. PLZ!! Feel free to comment so we can discuss this book if you've read it. BYE, SEE YA LATER ALLIGATOR. I KNOW THATS A CHEESY JOKE BUT WHATEVER!!!
November 6, 2019
Second tome de cette série. Un livre que j’ai trouvé un peu précipité, merlin doit y accomplir sept tâches et celles-ci m’ont paru trop rapides, trop faciles même, avec de nombreux hasards et rencontres qui font que tout arrive pour le mieux. Ce genre de raccourci n’est pas rare en littérature jeunesse, mais autant dans un seul livre, cela m’a paru un peu trop. Sinon, j’ai bien aimé l’univers, le personnage de Merlin également, qui évolue bien, et l’intrigue et la légende qui se construit un peu plus dans ce livre. Un peu roman d’aventure pour la jeunesse, divertissant et agréable, mais dont les nombreux raccourcis lui font perdre une étoile.
October 25, 2017
The beginning was very slow but the ending sort of made up for it with its action and drama!
March 22, 2022
Keeping previous ratings even though I'm not as engaged with this series as I was when I was a kid. Doesn't matter. I still remember how obsessed I was with this series back then. Nostalgia wins the rating game.
August 4, 2025
Merlin 2.kitabini bitirdim galina bu seri benim icin vadesini doldurdu.. gerçekten cok tekrara dusen bir kitaptı gene bir yolculuk var ve aşırı çocuksu bir seriydi en basit örnek karakterler azcik spoiler olcak sadexe,denizi hızlı geçmek icin balığa dönüşüyor ve bu normal bir fantastik kitapta olcak şekilde değil cocuk kitabı gibi hic beğenmedim... sonlara doğruda klişe üstüne klişe ya 11 kitap ne yazmış olabilirsin...yine devamı gelmicek gibi bitti bu kitapda pffff.2/5
January 14, 2023
Good sequel but it's kinda of a downfall compared to the other one but I would still recommend it
October 5, 2014
As I become more involved in this series I realized that the reason I read books is to get the same overwhelming feelings I experienced throughout it. I got angry when Merlin shirked his task for something personal but I also still felt sympathetic as I remembered that he was still just a young boy. Although I'm not going to say much in case I give anything away, I still feel the terrible sadness that overcame me in some parts of the book, which is something that rarely happens to me when reading. Therefore, any book that can have me so engrossed in its story as if it were real gets my five star rating.
June 30, 2024
I enjoyed the first book of this series more than the second. Although the imaginative development of the sorceror is interesting, I find other books calling me, and I will not continue with the series.
That was my opinion years ago. Now I find Merlin’s progress much more interesting. It is fascinating how Merlin’s greatest successes happen almost in spite of him rather than as a result of his work. He is better lead by his instincts than by his intellect.
That was my opinion years ago. Now I find Merlin’s progress much more interesting. It is fascinating how Merlin’s greatest successes happen almost in spite of him rather than as a result of his work. He is better lead by his instincts than by his intellect.
February 16, 2023
Such a good sequel! Merlin was pretty annoying and immature for the first 1/3 of the book, but he is only like what 12? The rest of the book he grew, matured, and learned a lot. Many secrets about him are revealed as well as a bit of a setting up for the third book. The jester was pretty annoying but eventually he grew on me a bit, but I sure hope he isn't a future sidekick for Merlin. Very excited to dive into the next book!
April 12, 2017
THIS BOOK WAS REALLY GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD. it had really funny parts especially at the beginning. I would really recommend this series to anyone who likes fantasy.
April 27, 2021
What can I say? I am a sucker for Arthurian legend! I really enjoyed this one! Really fun story and adventure. I appreciated the lessons that Merlin learned in this one. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters even better. It was really fun watching Merlin learn and discover all these different things about magic. There were definitely times in this book where I was so frustrated with Merlin, but you know, it made sense for a 12 year old boy, so you can't really fault him. I also loved how the narrator created some really unique voices and sounds for different characters, and I felt it really captured them in a cool way, so I appreciate how he interpreted and portrayed those. A wonderful story I can't wait to share with my kids someday!
November 19, 2017
I five star loved this book despite the fact that it has a lot of moments that give you the same sort of stomach upset mixed with anger that you get during the typical -“Oh no! A serial killer is in the house?! I should run upstairs, that will be safe!”- moments. FacePalm. 🤦🏼♀️
This book is full of heart warming life lessons and was a delight to read. I am so happy that I have many books left in this series.
This book is full of heart warming life lessons and was a delight to read. I am so happy that I have many books left in this series.
August 16, 2018
It is so hard reading a great series when it ends on a cliffhanger....you can't go on because you are reading other books in between....book 3 soon! Great storyline amazing how "Easter eggs'" are in this book which brings my heart back to the original story of King Arthur and Excalibur.
January 5, 2019
The second book in the Merlin series, The Seven Songs, is a great book. It starts soon after the previous book, The Lost Years, ends. It starts a bit slowly, but quickly gets into the action. It is cool see all the lessons he is learning from the Seven Songs, lessons that can be applied to the real world, as well as his world. The plot is okay, with the main character bouncing around all over the island. The ending is a bit bland, though it nicely concludes the book.
December 19, 2020
The second in the series. Merlin is a headstrong youth who is not willing to listen to reason. He wants his mother and conjures her, but she is stricken with a curse and Merlin has one cycle of the moon to discover 7 secrets. The tasks are interesting and he has two companions. This is a good clean fantasy sory about Merlin in the early years. It is teen friendly.
September 13, 2018
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Excellent read.
January 26, 2020
Continuing a good story from the first book. Interesting, light, and fun teen fiction. Good morality and learning.
October 22, 2024
Fun adventures and world building again! Could do without the jester though. What a random and unnecessary and unpleasant character.
Also the audiobook did a big disservice to this book. Annoying voices. Hoping the next one is a bit more normal.
But definitely still enjoyed the adventures.
Also the audiobook did a big disservice to this book. Annoying voices. Hoping the next one is a bit more normal.
But definitely still enjoyed the adventures.
February 13, 2014
This story takes place on an anchient and magical land called Finycra. Merlin is just starting to dicover his powers and what he is really capable of. But when all goes wrong and Merlin is forced to go on a dangerous adventure where he will discover the souls of the seven songs of wizardry, his powers are truly put to the test.
The Seven Songs of Merlin is the second book of a five book series. It is very well written and is hard to put down once you've started reading. What I don't like about this book is that, unlike the first book, Merlin is very stubborn and doesn't like to take advice or do what he has to do, he just does what he wants to do. Merlin has to restore the Dark Hills with the Flowering Harp, but instead he goes off to find his mother. That is one exanple of his many flaws that starts his adventure. Merlin has to overcome problems phisicaly as well as mentally in order to save hiself and his family.
The Seven Songs of Merlin is the second book of a five book series. It is very well written and is hard to put down once you've started reading. What I don't like about this book is that, unlike the first book, Merlin is very stubborn and doesn't like to take advice or do what he has to do, he just does what he wants to do. Merlin has to restore the Dark Hills with the Flowering Harp, but instead he goes off to find his mother. That is one exanple of his many flaws that starts his adventure. Merlin has to overcome problems phisicaly as well as mentally in order to save hiself and his family.
December 19, 2023
Ladies and, gentlemen after such a tender image (at least in @instagram ). I intend to write my second review of this bridge, or aqueduct, and it is the second part of the saga of "The Lost Years" by T.A. Barron https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... . Just the cover which, for me, is one of the best of the year. At least the American one at the crucial moment in history. They will try not to repeat information that was provided in my previous review. This saga collected the apocryphal deeds of Merlin before he was summoned by the evil King Vortigern (in the review of the Merlin miniseries played by Sam Neill. An actor I love by the way. Vortigern was played by an actor who, my dearest Don loves, @juan_manuel_de_prada https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... by the Dutchman Rutger Hauer, may I rest in peace. He was inspired by him to create his villain Roger Van Houten in "Dying Under Your Sky" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... ). Merlin's first act was to interpret a vision of two dragons facing each other (one white symbol of the tyranny of King Vortigern and the other red symbol of the overthrown dynasty of the pendragon) and also to reveal to him why a fortress that was to be built was sinking and that was falling due to the underground currents of water. He would support the brothers Aurelius Ambrose and, Uther Pendragon the first would be the one who would defeat the Saxons at Badon and, King Rhince of Ireland and, to commemorate that victory he would move Stonehenge or, the stone of the giants to England and, he would be succeeded by Uther who, would become infatuated with the wife of Duke Oswald and, this would provoke a war with the lord of the impregnable Tintagel and, thanks to a charm of Merlin's, he would pretend to be the Duke and would lie with Igraine, and from this union Arthur would be born. Here's what we know. It's a shame that no one tried to place Arturo in history. Bernard Cornwell tried https://www.goodreads.com/series/2505..., but his hatred of Christianity caused him to turn Arthur into an antichrist and a postmodern monarch. It seems to me very difficult because of the edict of Theodosius in the year 380 that more or less led the Empire to a progressive conversion. There were still pagans, but they were losing strength. Nor does Fuqua's thesis that he was a follower of Pelagius hold water. First, because Arthur did not get to know Pelagius, and because his family was most likely influenced by St. Germanus. It seems to me very difficult that since the abbot St. Illtud (Hilditus in Latin) (see wikipedia) is a cousin of Arthur, the latter is a pagan or a heretic (in fact, St. Germanus refutes the Pelagian bishop Agricola. There is a very idealized image of Pelagius whose doctrine was that one does not need God's grace to be saved and that one is saved by oneself. This tempting approach has been enthusiastically embraced by Englishmen, including Catholics such as Paul Johnson https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8... while attacking St. Augustine of Hippo https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... . But, the truth is that they were violent people and burned the library of San Jerónimo https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... Also that he wasn't murdered, as the screenwriter of King Arthur seems to believe.) In fact, Arturo's family has more ties to San Germán than to the aforementioned characters. Aurelius Ambrose is a Roman name, and it is believed that the victory of Monte de Badon was due to an alliance of former legionaries and the Breton population. A relative of Arthur's was Abbot St. Illtud (Hilditus), Arthur's cousin and teacher of Samson of Dol, St. David, Taliesin, and St. Gildas, among others. The same author of "Excidio y, Conquestu Britanniae” https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... ). Yes, although Gildas does not mention Arthur, it seems that a brother of hers participated in a rebellion against Arthur and was executed. Gildas would later have participated in an attempt at mediation between Arthur and Melwas (Meleagant of the Knight of the Cart https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1... which, inspired the wonderful " The First knight" movie by the Zucker brothers adapted by Elizabeth Chadwick https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6... . A review of mine much appreciated in @goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ). There were other attempts to bring historicity to Arthur Stephen R. Lawhead tried and made Taliesin the father of Merlin https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7... . Heavily influenced by Kipling (see "Puck of Pook's Hill" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...) he brought in the Picts and, the legions, and the Arian Maximus. The connection between Stephen R. Lawhead and T.A. Barron is the fantastic subject for Lawhead: Merlin's mother is a descendant of the Atlanteans. Something that my friend Professor Manuel Alfonseca did not like https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... (The Professor, as recalled in my previous review, wrote "The Adventure of Sir Karel of Northumbria" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3... . It was not put, but it is convenient to value Nikolai Tolstoy's "Merlin" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... a Christian vision is that of Robert Trekillard https://www.goodreads.com/series/1012... ). On the other hand, Fincayra is a magical world that no one knows what it is. It seems like a middle world between the gods and, the humans, middle earth https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... or midgard (other attempts to tell the story of Merlin and, Arthur were the wonderful novel of "The Last Legion" by Valerio Massimo Manfredi https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6... (my favorite of this author) where Uther would be Romulus Augustus, the last of Rome and, Merlin would be his advisor, they would coincide with Syagrius. Both Lawhead and Cornwell make them coincide with Clovis and, I suppose, Theodoric (Dietrich of legends). The paradox is that Clovis is a German, but unlike the Saxons he is a Catholic. Which weighs more than nationalism or faith itself? Just because he's German doesn't mean he has to stick with Arturo. On this subject I recommend the works of my friend Luis Daniel Gómez Aragonés "Bárbaros en Hispania" https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... @esferalibros and other books. Some in @almuzaralibros. Other attempts include those of Mary Stewart and, Rose Mary Sutcliff https://www.goodreads.com/series/5101...). However, the work is only historical in the first pages of "The Lost Years" then enters the realm of fantasy. Merlin (as he earned his name at the end of the first book) (see my review of "The Lost Years of Merlin") was Stangmar's son in the end confronting him and Rhita Gawr, and is able to defeat them and, rescue Rhia thanks to Shim and, to the Merlin, (Falcon) troubles. This book begins, and here we see the Tolkienian influence with a Council (which existed from his time in the Tea Club Barrovian Society, which he organized with Christopher Wiseman https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... , G.Q. R. Gilson, Geoffrey Bache Smith https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... , and Vincent Trout https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7... and, which later immortalized in "The Fellowship of the Ring" With Merlin as a witness and, led by Cairpree, the famous bard and, wise, all beings come. The great elusa (that charismatic spider) is surprisingly very well behaved and it is Dmnu the harpy who creates the problems. Conclusions are reached, Stangmar's life is respected, but he remains in perpetual prison, the Great Elusa guards all the treasures except the Galator which is still in Domnu's possession, and the Harp is given to Merlin to rebuild/regreen Fincayra and prepare it against Rhita Gawr. However, his task of greening the dark hills is taken very slowly. It also doesn't help much that he has conflicts with Rhia. Merlin is in the middle of adolescence, and it's a difficult time. He's arrogant and arrogant, and he's carried away by pride, as you see with Teilean and Garlatha, that couple of elderly gardeners. He considers that no one understands him except his mother (Elen) and, he wants to bring her back when he goes to the village of bards cursed by Stangmar Cairpree (the voice of experience and reason) tells him that it is not a good idea and that he must make Fincayra bloom again, especially in the dark hills. But, he disobeys and goes back to square one. Where he began his adventure in Fincayra in the first book and, he is accompanied by a failed bard Bumblebee incapable of telling a good story and, as pessimistic as The Gloomy Puddle of "The Silver Chair" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6.... Thanks to a conch shell, she brings her mother, but as soon as she arrives she is poisoned. She is then reunited with Rhia and taken to Arbasaa and discovers that in order to save Merlin's mother it is necessary to master the seven songs of magic that only Tuatha (the most famous wizard of Fincayra and Merlin's grandfather) mastered. But, he was killed by a one-eyed ogre named Balor. That here, unlike Celtic mythology, is not a fire demon like the Balroog. It sometimes appears in Dungeons and Dragons https://www.goodreads.com/genres/dung.... He is a fearsome ogre who killed Merlin's grandfather (Tuatha. He had the same defect as Merlin: pride) and, he kills just like the basilisk with his gaze. Merlin must learn the seven chants without skipping any of them (he finds this out by deciphering the inscriptions of Arbassa). Merlin will be accompanied on this journey by Rhia and the bard Bumblewee and go to the tomb of Tuatha. The interesting thing is that you expect something very esoteric and, then, the pillars of magic are very moral, they are more virtues than magic. Merlin emerges strengthened from Tuatha's tomb, the living stones are about to treat him, the great Elusa is once again decisive (when she is not hungry this little spider is really nice). To learn the first song they must learn to forgive an ancient traitor, the part of the lake of the face is beautiful, the part of the dwarves with Urnalda will be vital for the third book, also the part of the Slantos where Merlin will continue to build his imaginary as he will find a future enemy. The part of the giants (they reunite with an old friend) and, the dragon will be decisive in the third book (brilliant how that part is solved in this book and adds a healthy touch of humor to the saga). What's interesting is that Bumblewee proves to be useful and teaches Merlin a lesson. The novel is perfect. Unlike the other three, it attracts from the start. It doesn't stop and it's pure magic and adventure. It's wonderful. So the only negative. Merlin's immaturity, stubbornness, and arrogance. To be honest, Merlin didn't keep his promise and should have died. Interestingly, he's going to be saved by having good friends. The combat with the Balor is thrilling And to win, you pay a high price. There's a moment when it reminded me of Harry Potter talking to Tom Riddle https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1... . There is a touching reunion. The link between Rhia (reminds me of Imoen from @baldurs.gate https://www.goodreads.com/series/4190... ) and, it's a Star Warsian moment https://www.goodreads.com/genres/star... like Stangmar's, and, Merlin is very well done and, this novel is perfect. I have nothing to censor and it has been one of the most pleasant surprises of this year. For this novel alone, this saga is worth reading. My final grade is (5/5).
October 5, 2018
I found this one a bit hard to get through. I get that it was a journey for Merlin to learn and grow, but there was too much time spent on his bad qualities in the beginning that I lost all sympathy for the character. He brought everything on himself and in the end of course it all works out and he lost nothing. It also went way to quickly through the songs and they were pretty tacky and predictable.
January 11, 2025
özellikle ilk kitaba kıyasla çok kötüydü. merlin her şeyi kendi fark etti yani kimse aslında bir şey anlatmadı. 2dk durup kendi kendine düşünse hiçbir yere gitmesi gerekmeden bütün ezgileri toplardı. çeviride de sorunlar vardı sanırım ama direkt kitabın kendi anlatışı mı bilmiyorum çok kötüydü. çocuk kitabı tabi ama gerçekten daha iyi yazılabilirdi. filler episode gibiydi her şey olup bitsin diye klişe olaylar ardı ardına hızlıca sıralanmış.
June 15, 2016
I thought this book was pretty good but it felt rushed as the flew through the seven songs and while it did have a time limit it seemed they spent too much time describing how they got to the challenge than actually doing the challenge. Plus it seemed like the super difficult challenges didn't present much of a challenge making it seem kinda anticlimactic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2020
De nouveau un tome coup de coeur ! Avec une plume fluide et prenante. Ça coule tout seul ! L'histoire quant à elle est riche. Le monde magique de Fincayra est superbement décrit, les personnages ont une vraie âme, l'aventure est riche de rythme et addictive. Tout défile parfaitement dans la tête, tel un film.
Non, honnêtement, c'est décidément grandiose !
Non, honnêtement, c'est décidément grandiose !
December 14, 2015
Great series the plot is great for anyone that likes fantasy. The only thing I don't really like about this series is that through out the series they build up the character too much.
April 6, 2020
My name is Rhia, and I must guide Merlin as he wields the Flowering Harp to revive the lands across Fincayra. I lost track of him along the way but discovered he summoned his mother and delayed his vital quest. He doesn't fully appreciate that the survival of all living things in Fincayra is riding on his time-sensitive mission. Rhita Gawr will return looking for vengeance. Now, Merlin’s mother is dying, and he is determined to venture into the Otherworld Well to save her. He read the runes within Arbassa's trunk, and they told the story of The Seven Songs. He must retrace his grandfather's footsteps, but the cryptic song lyrics leave us guessing about the journey’s path. There is a likely chance we won't survive the quest, but I agree that we must do everything we can to find a cure for his mother.
Once again, Merlin doesn't perform the powerful magic you might expect. He's only recently discovered his abilities and doubts he possesses much of it. Rhia tells him as much when he tries to boast about his power to heal nature. Merlin was fairly modest in the first book, but this sequel presents a much more arrogant character. He gets frustrated when others downplay his importance and ignores the repeated pleas and warnings to resurrect Fincayra as quickly as possible. He discounts Rhia's intuition and gets the group into further danger. The word hubris was used to describe Merlin more than once, although he recovers some humility once the problem escalates. The plot settles into a pattern of trying to solve seven situations where Merlin must find the soul of seven songs. These discoveries result in seven lessons in life, and they must unfold in the order they are presented. No avoiding or skipping! A jester is added to the cast of characters, and he provides "humor" to the story. Actually, the character is the opposite of funny, but that's where the playfulness comes in. Overall, the series is slowly presenting Merlin's evolution as a wizard, and I assume he'll become a little more powerful in the sequel. Prophecies share hints of the future, but the uncertainty creates the tension and suspense.
Once again, Merlin doesn't perform the powerful magic you might expect. He's only recently discovered his abilities and doubts he possesses much of it. Rhia tells him as much when he tries to boast about his power to heal nature. Merlin was fairly modest in the first book, but this sequel presents a much more arrogant character. He gets frustrated when others downplay his importance and ignores the repeated pleas and warnings to resurrect Fincayra as quickly as possible. He discounts Rhia's intuition and gets the group into further danger. The word hubris was used to describe Merlin more than once, although he recovers some humility once the problem escalates. The plot settles into a pattern of trying to solve seven situations where Merlin must find the soul of seven songs. These discoveries result in seven lessons in life, and they must unfold in the order they are presented. No avoiding or skipping! A jester is added to the cast of characters, and he provides "humor" to the story. Actually, the character is the opposite of funny, but that's where the playfulness comes in. Overall, the series is slowly presenting Merlin's evolution as a wizard, and I assume he'll become a little more powerful in the sequel. Prophecies share hints of the future, but the uncertainty creates the tension and suspense.
June 6, 2018
Book two picks up shortly after book one. Merlin has been tasked with restoring the land of Fincayra with the magical Flowering Harp; travelling the lands and with the pluck of a chord, Merlin is able to bring the once decaying and blight stricken land alive again. During his travels he realizes he cannot fully complete his task while his mind strays to thoughts of his mother. He thinks that if he can just being his mother to Fincayra, he can continue his mission to restore the lands, and all will be well. When Merlin brings his mother to Fincayra only to have her fall deathly ill, he has but one month to bring her the cure. The cure can only be found by discovering the Seven Souls of Wisdom, and traveling to the other world to defeat the mighty Ogre Balor and only then requesting it from the great Dagda himself. With time of the essence, Merlin sets out with the help of his ever loyal friend Rhia and an unlikely Jester on a mission wrought with danger in an attempt to save his mother.
Another magical read! While the hubris of youth definitely makes Merlin a frustrating character this go around (seriously, was I ever this much of an ass when I was a teenager?! I'd like to think not *cough cough*) his struggle is relatable to all of us who have navigated the confusing years of adolescences, if at much higher stakes. Once again Merlin must use his wits and cunning to navigate and understand Seven Souls of Wisdom; which are lessons and parables of life. Rhia, as ever, was the perfect balance to Merlins temper and impulsiveness, and a startling revelation about her left me literally speechless (No spoilers!). Shim of course was a delight to read again, and all the new characters along the way were the perfect addition to this growing cast of much loved characters. Although predictable at times, this series continues to be a growing favorite with it's action, magic, and underlying themes of good vs evil. Thoroughly enjoyable and recommended!
Another magical read! While the hubris of youth definitely makes Merlin a frustrating character this go around (seriously, was I ever this much of an ass when I was a teenager?! I'd like to think not *cough cough*) his struggle is relatable to all of us who have navigated the confusing years of adolescences, if at much higher stakes. Once again Merlin must use his wits and cunning to navigate and understand Seven Souls of Wisdom; which are lessons and parables of life. Rhia, as ever, was the perfect balance to Merlins temper and impulsiveness, and a startling revelation about her left me literally speechless (No spoilers!). Shim of course was a delight to read again, and all the new characters along the way were the perfect addition to this growing cast of much loved characters. Although predictable at times, this series continues to be a growing favorite with it's action, magic, and underlying themes of good vs evil. Thoroughly enjoyable and recommended!
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