The Fires of Merlin (Lost Years of Merlin Series #3) Book

Long ago on the magical island of Fincayra, the last emperor of the dragons took revenge against the realm for the slaughter of his mate and their only offspring. Merlin's grandfather—a mighty wizard—saved the land by casting a sleeping spell over the dragon.

The dragon called Wings of Fire has awakened from his enchanted slumber. Prophecy dictates that only the descendant of the wizard who first defeated the dragon possesses the power to stop him. Before Merlin can go to battle, he must conquer his own fears by confronting the sorceress who has stolen his magical talisman—a talisman needed to stop Wings of Fire. But according to the prophecy, the one who destroys the dragon must also die.

BONUS FEATURE: Author Reads Introduction

KLIATT

This third book in the Lost Years of Merlin series continues the story of the young boy who is just growing into his powers. Young Merlin is about to finish his first magical musical instrument, a rite of passage for any young wizard, when he and his teacher receive bad news. The dragon called Wings of Fire has awakened from centuries of sleep and is threatening the land of Fincayra. Prophecy proclaims that a descendent of the dragon's enemy will defeat him; Merlin's grandfather bested the dragon years ago, and so the prophecy seems to point to him. Unfortunately, the prophecy also says that the destroyer will himself be destroyed. And that seems all too likely when an old enemy steals Merlin's magic, leaving him only his wits with which to battle the forces arrayed against him. Reading the first two books in the series will help the reader understand the background of this exciting quest tale, but the book fills in enough from the previous two for the reader to follow it easily. Stories about young wizards are popular now, and this well-written novel is an excellent choice for all YA collections. KLIATT Codes: JS—Recommended for junior and senior high school students. 1998, Berkley/Ace, 275p, 18cm, $5.99. Ages 13 to 18. Reviewer: Deirdre B. Root; Ref. Libn., Middletown P.L., Middletown, OH January 2001 (Vol. 35 No. 1)