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Merlin's Apprentice: The Mage
Twelve-year-old Pip must embrace his magical powers to rescue his family from slavery—or help the king save the realm—a decision that will tear his world apart.
Desperate to keep his family together, Pip hides his power so he can be sold with them. But when his father and brother are sold to different mages and the slavers attempt to separate his mother and sister, Pip loses control and injures a slaver with magic. The uproar catches the attention of the southern king’s druid advisor, Merlin, who quickly offers a place to Pip, his sister, and his mother. On the road to King Arthur’s court, bandits attack their camp, and his family is further torn apart. Pip has no choice but to work with Merlin—who may not be the evil mage Pip assumes him to be—to learn to harness his powers so he can help King Arthur stop Mordred. Only then might Pip have a chance to see his family together again.
PRAISE
"With vivid scene-setting, McCauley expertly draws readers into a perilous, sometimes ruthless world as experienced through the eyes of a boy consumed by guilt and grief over his family's plight and the uncertainty about who he is becoming." - Kirkus Reviews
"Merlin's Apprentice: The Mage is a powerful and exciting new book for younger readers. It takes an unflinching look at the horrors of slavery but in ways that will start important conversations while entertaining middle grade and adult readers alike. Brava!" -Jonathan Maberry, NY Times bestselling author of Black Panther: Doomwar and editor of Don't Turn out the Lights
Desperate to keep his family together, Pip hides his power so he can be sold with them. But when his father and brother are sold to different mages and the slavers attempt to separate his mother and sister, Pip loses control and injures a slaver with magic. The uproar catches the attention of the southern king’s druid advisor, Merlin, who quickly offers a place to Pip, his sister, and his mother. On the road to King Arthur’s court, bandits attack their camp, and his family is further torn apart. Pip has no choice but to work with Merlin—who may not be the evil mage Pip assumes him to be—to learn to harness his powers so he can help King Arthur stop Mordred. Only then might Pip have a chance to see his family together again.
PRAISE
"With vivid scene-setting, McCauley expertly draws readers into a perilous, sometimes ruthless world as experienced through the eyes of a boy consumed by guilt and grief over his family's plight and the uncertainty about who he is becoming." - Kirkus Reviews
"Merlin's Apprentice: The Mage is a powerful and exciting new book for younger readers. It takes an unflinching look at the horrors of slavery but in ways that will start important conversations while entertaining middle grade and adult readers alike. Brava!" -Jonathan Maberry, NY Times bestselling author of Black Panther: Doomwar and editor of Don't Turn out the Lights
- GenresFantasy
172 pages, Hardcover
First published January 10, 2023
8 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Susan McCauley
15 books273 followersSusan McCauley is an award-winning author of books for children, teens, and adults.
Susan fell in love with writing, theater, and film when she was eight-years-old. That passion inspired her to receive a B.A. in Radio-Television with a minor in Theater from the University of Houston, a M.F.A. in Professional Writing from the University of Southern California (USC), and a M.A. in Text & Performance from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and King’s College in London. Susan also studied acting at Playhouse West with Robert Carnegie and Jeff Goldblum (Jurassic Park, Independence Day) in Los Angeles.
One of Susan's favorite things is when a reader (especially a child or teen) has read one of her books and is jumping up and down with excitement asking when her next book will be out.
You can visit her on the web at www.sbmccauley.com
Susan fell in love with writing, theater, and film when she was eight-years-old. That passion inspired her to receive a B.A. in Radio-Television with a minor in Theater from the University of Houston, a M.F.A. in Professional Writing from the University of Southern California (USC), and a M.A. in Text & Performance from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and King’s College in London. Susan also studied acting at Playhouse West with Robert Carnegie and Jeff Goldblum (Jurassic Park, Independence Day) in Los Angeles.
One of Susan's favorite things is when a reader (especially a child or teen) has read one of her books and is jumping up and down with excitement asking when her next book will be out.
You can visit her on the web at www.sbmccauley.com
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 11, 2023
Living in the time of King Arthur should be a dream come true for twelve-year-old Pip; instead, it is a nightmare that grows worse by the day. Pip is the only magus in his devoutly religious ordinarius family, and despite its misgivings about his abilities, Pip’s family is prepared to find him an appropriate apprenticeship. But when the nefarious King Mordred unexpectedly announces that all ordinarius citizens will be sold into slavery the following day, all thoughts of apprenticeship vanish from Pip’s mind. He is desperate to find a way to use his gifts to protect his family, but there is more he must learn before that day can finally arrive.
This intriguing tale draws readers into the Arthurian legend from an entirely different perspective: that of a young boy who has experienced a world of painful injustice. From the very beginning of the book, rich detail is given to paint a vivid landscape for the reader no matter their experience with other stories about King Arthur. Additionally, the narrative flows smoothly and easily thanks both to the frequent action sequences and the relative brevity of the chapters. As readers become familiar with Pip and his adventures, they will find it difficult to put the book aside because their ties to the outcome of the story continue to intensify.
The delivery of this book is well-suited to a mature middle grade audience both because of the intricacy of the Arthurian legend and the focus on a young boy who is struggling to find his place in the world. There is very little in the way of introduction at the beginning of the book, which feels somewhat like the reader has been tossed into the deep end of a pool. However, the careful inclusion of relevant background information gives readers exactly what they need to understand Pip’s circumstances before launching into the heart of the tale. A glossary at the end of the novel helps readers understand many of the potentially unfamiliar inclusions within the story, and this will undoubtedly inspire readers to explore more about King Arthur on their own, as well. This is a fast-paced and intriguing novel that explores not only a famous legend, but also how events from that tale mirror humanity in other ways. It is a well crafted addition to libraries for confident middle grade readers.
This intriguing tale draws readers into the Arthurian legend from an entirely different perspective: that of a young boy who has experienced a world of painful injustice. From the very beginning of the book, rich detail is given to paint a vivid landscape for the reader no matter their experience with other stories about King Arthur. Additionally, the narrative flows smoothly and easily thanks both to the frequent action sequences and the relative brevity of the chapters. As readers become familiar with Pip and his adventures, they will find it difficult to put the book aside because their ties to the outcome of the story continue to intensify.
The delivery of this book is well-suited to a mature middle grade audience both because of the intricacy of the Arthurian legend and the focus on a young boy who is struggling to find his place in the world. There is very little in the way of introduction at the beginning of the book, which feels somewhat like the reader has been tossed into the deep end of a pool. However, the careful inclusion of relevant background information gives readers exactly what they need to understand Pip’s circumstances before launching into the heart of the tale. A glossary at the end of the novel helps readers understand many of the potentially unfamiliar inclusions within the story, and this will undoubtedly inspire readers to explore more about King Arthur on their own, as well. This is a fast-paced and intriguing novel that explores not only a famous legend, but also how events from that tale mirror humanity in other ways. It is a well crafted addition to libraries for confident middle grade readers.
January 11, 2023
One of my favorite parts of a mom to tweens is finding books that I think they'll love. It's even better when I end up loving them, too. I started Merlin's Apprentice wondering how deep into Arthurian legends we would go. With this being the first in the series, I was pleasantly pleased and surprised to find myself fully immersed in a novel that I had to know what was going to happen next. The world building was phenomenal and the emotions this book stirred up had me feeling like I was walking alongside Pip, the main character who is a mage that is hiding his newly found magic. When he and his parents are taken in to be sold to other mages as slaves due to a royal decree, he reveals that he is also a mage. It is then that Merlin decides to take him on as an apprentice and Pip's adventure starts.
I am incredibly excited and anxious to see where Pip, Merlin, and Merlin's scribe slash Pip's new friend, Alfred, go next.
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for allowing me the chance to receive an advance reader's copy in exchange for my review on this book. I already cannot wait for the next one.
I am incredibly excited and anxious to see where Pip, Merlin, and Merlin's scribe slash Pip's new friend, Alfred, go next.
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for allowing me the chance to receive an advance reader's copy in exchange for my review on this book. I already cannot wait for the next one.
September 2, 2022
So easy to read! This fast-paced, high interest tale from King Arthur times engulfs the reader in the storyline from the first page. I love the way magic is revered in this world. This book gently, but realistically opens the readers eyes to the truth of slavery. The shorter chapters and constant action keep the reader engrossed from beginning to end. This book ended way too soon for me! You'll love it!
January 25, 2023
Great retelling of Merlin and Arthur. This book was a action packed page turner. Characters with depth. Great read
August 7, 2023
An Arthurian tale where we meet Pip on his journey becoming Merlin’s Apprentice. If you are a lover of reimaginations of the world of King Arthur then this is a must read. It was a quick read, as it was a middle grade fantasy, but it did not shy away from the grim realities of war. As an adult I enjoyed this!
February 23, 2023
What an action-pack darker at times, magical upper MG. 12-year-old Pip must embrace his magical powers to rescue his family from slavery—or help the king save the realm—a decision that will tear his world apart. Desperate to keep his family together, Pip hides his power so he can be sold with them. But when his father & brother are sold to different mages & the slavers attempt to separate his mother & sister, Pip loses control & injures a slaver with magic. The uproar catches the attention of the southern king’s druid advisor, Merlin, who quickly offers a place to Pip, his sister, & his mother. On the road to King Arthur’s court, bandits attack their camp, & his family is further torn apart. Pip has no choice but to work with Merlin—who may not be the evil mage Pip assumes him to be—to learn to harness his powers so he can help King Arthur stop Mordred. Only then might Pip have a chance to see his family together again. This is an amazing King Arthur/Merlin reimagining, with family the big focus at its core. So many amazing messages in here as well. Loved the magic system, & the whole backstory of the magic & this world. Everything about Pip & what we learned along with him about his magic was so intriguing. Really enjoyed it. BEAUTIFUL cover by Christian Bentulan too.💜
November 11, 2023
Merlin's Apprentice falls more on the side of upper middle grade. The story revolves around Pip a young boy who's whole life is turned upside down when Mordred orders the ordinarious people to be slaves to the magus.
The story is well crafted and the pacing is on the faster side, its one of those stories that almost feels like your not even reading. Pip was at times frustrating, I understand his character and I understand the choices he made as they fit the overall storytelling and his age range, but man did this kid not listen!!! He got himself in a few situations that could have been avoided had he just listened to the adults in his life but alas he didn't, so I mean it is a well constructed realistic approach to creating a child character. One element I really didn't like was how long it took Pip to come around to Alfred, he spent a majority of the book internally calling him names and refusing to even try to get to know him. So their friendship that eventually bloomed felt very short lived.
I enjoyed how the myth of Arthur was included this, from knights of the Round table to Badon Hill. This wasn't a retelling of the famous sword in the stone and that made it more interesting. I will say part two felt a bit rushed compared to part one that spent a lot of time building up the events around the ordinarious people being sold off. Pips training felt very short lived as well. I do have to say the ending was an interesting approach, it initially felt sad and depressing and then the final chapter switches up fast and then it just ends. I don't know if this is left open for a follow up or if its meant to be open either way works it was just not what I was expecting.
The story is well crafted and the pacing is on the faster side, its one of those stories that almost feels like your not even reading. Pip was at times frustrating, I understand his character and I understand the choices he made as they fit the overall storytelling and his age range, but man did this kid not listen!!! He got himself in a few situations that could have been avoided had he just listened to the adults in his life but alas he didn't, so I mean it is a well constructed realistic approach to creating a child character. One element I really didn't like was how long it took Pip to come around to Alfred, he spent a majority of the book internally calling him names and refusing to even try to get to know him. So their friendship that eventually bloomed felt very short lived.
I enjoyed how the myth of Arthur was included this, from knights of the Round table to Badon Hill. This wasn't a retelling of the famous sword in the stone and that made it more interesting. I will say part two felt a bit rushed compared to part one that spent a lot of time building up the events around the ordinarious people being sold off. Pips training felt very short lived as well. I do have to say the ending was an interesting approach, it initially felt sad and depressing and then the final chapter switches up fast and then it just ends. I don't know if this is left open for a follow up or if its meant to be open either way works it was just not what I was expecting.
June 23, 2024
Twelve-year-old Pip must embrace his magical powers to rescue his family from slavery—or help the king save the realm—a decision that will tear his world apart.
Desperate to keep his family together, Pip hides his power so he can be sold with them. But when his father and brother are sold to different mages and the slavers attempt to separate his mother and sister, Pip loses control and injures a slaver with magic. The uproar catches the attention of the southern king’s druid advisor, Merlin, who quickly offers a place to Pip, his sister, and his mother. On the road to King Arthur’s court, bandits attack their camp, and his family is further torn apart. Pip has no choice but to work with Merlin—who may not be the evil mage Pip assumes him to be—to learn to harness his powers so he can help King Arthur stop Mordred. Only then might Pip have a chance to see his family together again.
Any book I read about Merlin has a very high bar to reach as the Mary Stewart series is one of my all time favourites and my go-to comfort read. The first half of this book was very good with excellent world-building and character development but I felt the development of Pip's magic in the second half was too fast and therefore I became less engaged. Despite this I feel that it's a great book for older children and deserves to be successful.
My thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
Desperate to keep his family together, Pip hides his power so he can be sold with them. But when his father and brother are sold to different mages and the slavers attempt to separate his mother and sister, Pip loses control and injures a slaver with magic. The uproar catches the attention of the southern king’s druid advisor, Merlin, who quickly offers a place to Pip, his sister, and his mother. On the road to King Arthur’s court, bandits attack their camp, and his family is further torn apart. Pip has no choice but to work with Merlin—who may not be the evil mage Pip assumes him to be—to learn to harness his powers so he can help King Arthur stop Mordred. Only then might Pip have a chance to see his family together again.
Any book I read about Merlin has a very high bar to reach as the Mary Stewart series is one of my all time favourites and my go-to comfort read. The first half of this book was very good with excellent world-building and character development but I felt the development of Pip's magic in the second half was too fast and therefore I became less engaged. Despite this I feel that it's a great book for older children and deserves to be successful.
My thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
February 20, 2023
Merlin's Apprentice by Susan McCauley is a easy and enjoyable read that takes place in the world of King Arthur and Merlin.
I have always enjoyed these legends growing up and read as many King Arthur tales that I could get my hands on. The nostalgia of getting back into that universe was wonderful with this book. This isn't a challenging read, but you do enjoy the characters as they deal with the challenges and fights that are happening.
We follow along with "Pip" in this story as he deals with a world that is dissolving into chaos around him. I appreciated that Pip was not automatically the perfect hero, but he had to learn how to handle grief, sorrow, hard choices, and mistakes throughout his journey. This book read quickly, and although I felt there were times where I missed information or things were super clear, the story was a wonderful adventure. Excited to see where this series goes!
Thank you to Netgalley for providing a advance reader's copy to honestly review the book.
I have always enjoyed these legends growing up and read as many King Arthur tales that I could get my hands on. The nostalgia of getting back into that universe was wonderful with this book. This isn't a challenging read, but you do enjoy the characters as they deal with the challenges and fights that are happening.
We follow along with "Pip" in this story as he deals with a world that is dissolving into chaos around him. I appreciated that Pip was not automatically the perfect hero, but he had to learn how to handle grief, sorrow, hard choices, and mistakes throughout his journey. This book read quickly, and although I felt there were times where I missed information or things were super clear, the story was a wonderful adventure. Excited to see where this series goes!
Thank you to Netgalley for providing a advance reader's copy to honestly review the book.
January 4, 2023
I was a little worried with the abundance of purple prose in the first chapter of this middle grade fantasy novel set in King Arthur's times, but the book settled in to a solid story of a 12-year-old boy, Pip, who has magus powers. When his family is sold into slavery by order of King Mordred, Pip ends up apprenticed to the great mage Merlin and preparing for battle against Mordred's northern kingdom. There are some MG novels that transcend their genre, but this one didn't reach that point for me. Still, it's an adventure-packed story that bears witness to the evils of slavery without being preachy. Pip was relatable if at times a little annoying. Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for a digital review copy.
February 24, 2023
I've got a new obsession with Susan McCauley. Merlin's Apprentice gave me chills. I love how McCauley turned an Arthur legend on its head and gave the glory to a young apprentice for Merlin.
Pip is adorable, yet fiercely independent. His love for his family made me ache. I love how Pip wanted to help his family, but the stupid choices he made in his quest made him all the more loveable. I really wanted to reach out and hug Pip when he was having visions through mary's eyes. Poor Mary.
McCauley gives us just enough Arthur to keep readers aware of the Arthur connection, but on the flip side gives us pure magic. I can't wait to read the next novel in the series. I happily award Merlin's apprentice 4 out of 5 stars.
Pip is adorable, yet fiercely independent. His love for his family made me ache. I love how Pip wanted to help his family, but the stupid choices he made in his quest made him all the more loveable. I really wanted to reach out and hug Pip when he was having visions through mary's eyes. Poor Mary.
McCauley gives us just enough Arthur to keep readers aware of the Arthur connection, but on the flip side gives us pure magic. I can't wait to read the next novel in the series. I happily award Merlin's apprentice 4 out of 5 stars.
March 21, 2023
Susan McCauley shows us a sixth century world where some have magic and some don’t. Twelve -year-old Pip has been hiding his new abilities so he won’t be taken from his family. Then King Mordred decides to sell his serfs as slaves to pay for his war against King Arthur. Pip is lucky when he shows his abilities trying to protect his mother and sister, that Merlin is passing through and makes him Merlin's Apprentice(hard from Celtic Sea Publishing). There’s s war brewing and Pip’s ability to visualize where his sister has been taken, which luckily is near King Mordred, turns out to be very useful. Lots of fun.
January 27, 2023
I'm voluntarily leaving a review after receiving a free copy. It is an emotionally charged story as Pip goes from a simple boy to Merlin's apprentice charged with protecting King Arthur. His family was taken from him and only in helping to defeat Mordred does he reunite with them. Unfortunately it is only short term as to protect the ordinarius means he loses them again. However there is hope in the future.
February 1, 2023
i received a free copy via netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I have to say i had mixed emotions with this book. i found Pip's complaining to be very annoying at times. But the world the author had built was very interesting and made me stay on. future books may be better as his character grows and so do his powers. Thanks to Netgalley and publish for opportunity.
October 7, 2024
Merlin' Apprentice was a fun, visual read that took on a fresh take on the Arthurian legend surrounding the great mage, Merlin. Seeing this world through Pip's eyes provided a very impactful narrative as a young boy finding his place in the world while trying to protect his family. The action sequences made the pages fly and I'm already looking forward to book 2!
November 23, 2025
I enjoyed it for what it was, for the most part. Middle grade King Arthur retelling with some unique worldbuilding I've never seen before. Unfortunately, the ending, while probably attempting to set up a further series, was frustrating to me from a thematic and story goals perspective. It's not the worst thing I've ever seen, but it's certainly not my favorite take on the story either.
March 20, 2023
I'm sucker for anything related to Merlin or Arthurian and I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.
Well plotted, compelling, good character development.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
Well plotted, compelling, good character development.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
January 26, 2023
Grazie a NetGalley per questa copia digitale. Era la prima volta che provavo a richiedere un libro su NetGallery e questo è uno dei tanti che mi ispirava.
Esce oggi 10 Gennaio e nonostante sia più per ragazzi, è stata una piacevole lettura. Per chi come me ama la leggeda di Re Artù non può farsi scappare uno dei pochi libri che parli di questo mito.
La lettura è veloce e il linguaggio in lingua inglese è molto semplice dqa capire anche se non è la tua lingua madre.
Tra magus e ordinarius, Mordred e Re Artù, Pip, il protagonista, ci porta in un'avventura per salvare la sua famiglia resa schiava e alla ricerca di sè.
E' un libro molto veloce e nonostante qalcune volte il comportamento di Pip dava un pò sui nervi, mi è piaciuto e penso sia il lirbo perfetto per quei ragazzi che vogliono affacciarsi al mondo della lettura e più precisamente al fantasy.
🇬🇧
Thanks to NetGalley for this digital copy. It was the first time I tried to request a book on NetGallery and this is one of the many that inspired me.
It comes out today 10 January and despite being more for youth, it was a pleasant read. For those who, like me, love King Arthur’s legend, one of the few books that speaks of this myth cannot be missed.
Reading is fast and the English language is very easy to understand even if it's not your native language.
Between Magus and Ordinarius, Mordred and King Arthur, Pip, the main character, takes us on an adventure to save his family enslaved and searching for himself.
It’s a very fast book and despite some times Pip’s behavior got a little on the nerves, I liked it and I think it’s the perfect book for those kids who want to look at the world of reading and more precisely fantasy.
Esce oggi 10 Gennaio e nonostante sia più per ragazzi, è stata una piacevole lettura. Per chi come me ama la leggeda di Re Artù non può farsi scappare uno dei pochi libri che parli di questo mito.
La lettura è veloce e il linguaggio in lingua inglese è molto semplice dqa capire anche se non è la tua lingua madre.
Tra magus e ordinarius, Mordred e Re Artù, Pip, il protagonista, ci porta in un'avventura per salvare la sua famiglia resa schiava e alla ricerca di sè.
E' un libro molto veloce e nonostante qalcune volte il comportamento di Pip dava un pò sui nervi, mi è piaciuto e penso sia il lirbo perfetto per quei ragazzi che vogliono affacciarsi al mondo della lettura e più precisamente al fantasy.
🇬🇧
Thanks to NetGalley for this digital copy. It was the first time I tried to request a book on NetGallery and this is one of the many that inspired me.
It comes out today 10 January and despite being more for youth, it was a pleasant read. For those who, like me, love King Arthur’s legend, one of the few books that speaks of this myth cannot be missed.
Reading is fast and the English language is very easy to understand even if it's not your native language.
Between Magus and Ordinarius, Mordred and King Arthur, Pip, the main character, takes us on an adventure to save his family enslaved and searching for himself.
It’s a very fast book and despite some times Pip’s behavior got a little on the nerves, I liked it and I think it’s the perfect book for those kids who want to look at the world of reading and more precisely fantasy.
June 30, 2023
Fantastic book. Perfect for middle grades. Kids love it!!!
May 12, 2024
Fun adventure and twist on the legend of Merlin.
August 22, 2024
Beautiful story
Susan is a skilled storyteller. I liked the characters and saw them as real as any other I’ve read. Although fiction I was able to link with them.
Susan is a skilled storyteller. I liked the characters and saw them as real as any other I’ve read. Although fiction I was able to link with them.
August 8, 2023
Excellent fantasy book for a middle grade child - which is what it is written for. At times I found the writing to be a bit flowery or over the top but over all I enjoyed this book. I would certainly recommend it to my children who enjoy stories of King Arthur and Knights and Mages and epic battles for right.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews