Product Description

Read by Michael Cumpsty
Approx. 8 hours, 6 cassettes

Spat out by the sea, the boy lay on the rocks, as still as death. Even if he survived the day, he had no home. No memory. And no name.

So begins the tale of the strange young boy, who having washed up on the shores of ancient Wales, is determined to find his real home and his true name. One day he will become the greatest wizard of all time, but he knows nothing of this now.

At the knee of the mysterious Branwen, who claims to be his mother, the boy learns lore of the Celts, Druids, and people even more ancient. Yet the secret of his identity seems always to escape him. To discover the truth, and the secret of his own powers, he runs away, voyaging to the mist-shrouded side of Fincayra, an enchanted land between earth and sky that is being destroyed by blight. It is there he discovers that the fate of this land and his quest are strangely entwined—

Combining all the passion, power, and spiritual depth that are T. A. Barron's hallmarks, this book adds a thrilling new dimension to the legend of Merlin.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1750238 in Books
• Published on: 1999-10
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 1.03" h x 4.04" w x 7.10" l, .47 pounds
• Binding: School & Library Binding
• 304 pages

From Publishers Weekly
"Readers may find this attempt to create a biography for Merlin less of an organic novel than a showcase for the author's deft recycling of Welsh myth," said PW. Ages 9-12. (Oct.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Gr 5 Up-This engrossing presentation of T.A. Barron's fascinating contribution to Arthurian lore (Philomel, 1996), is the first in a trilogy about Merlin's boyhood and coming of age. From the moment young Merlin is washed ashore on a beach in ancient Wales to his exciting journey to the enchanted land of Fincayra, the action never wavers. Actor Michael Cumpsty's deep, growling voice enlivens the drama, making this powerful story all the more compelling. The ingredients of delectable fantasy are at work here--magic, adventure, Celtic folklore, Druid spiritualism, well-developed characters--in a format that really delivers. Fans of Arthurian legend will not want to miss this quality audiobook about one of the grandest wizards ever.-Celeste Steward, Contra Costa County Library, Clayton, CA

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From AudioFile
In this first book of T.A. Barron's trilogy, a young boy, washed ashore and nearly dead, embarks on a quest to solve the mysteries of his true name and where he spent his earliest years. The imagery of water and waves, the powers of nature and the past, and the strength of tradition all cycle through this gripping story. With his Second Sight, Emrys explores the mythical land of Fincayra and discovers the Lost Treasures. Through Michael Cumpsty's skillful narration, the many characters of the saga are distinctly and vividly portrayed. While it can be difficult to imagine Emrys as a 12-year-old boy, Cumpsty delightfully gives voice to Shim, the small giant; the Grand Elusa , an all-knowing white spider; Stangmar, the dreaded ruler of the Shrouded Castle; Rhia, the leaf-covered and loyal companion; and Branwen, the sorrowful healer and mother. Listen and be wonderously transported to the mist-covered land of the ancients! A.R. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine