I bought these books because I love how Jane Yolen writes. I didn't realize they were so small (about 80 to 90 pages each; I read them all in one evening), but I should have guessed because they are written for an elementary-age reader. But I loved them anyway. They are a fun coming-of-age adventure story on the basic level for the young reader but also a fascinating blend of all the Merlin legends that the adult readers pick out. And I almost liked the after notes, which told about the various source materials that Yolen blended together, as much as the stories themselves. In book one, Passager, there are great details about falconry. In book two, Hobby, you learn about traveling performers. In book three, Merlin, you learn about the Wodewose, or the people who live wild in the forests, and the practice of leaving young children in the woods if the family can't support them. Basically the story follows young Merlin from the age of eight when he was abandoned in the woods to the discovery of his magical powers at age twelve. I recommend the trilogy to children and adults, and especially to fans of the King Arthur legends.
According to goodreads, I read this book in September of 2009. I found it recently on my bookcase and had no memory of it, so I read it again. Definitely worth it! It's a quick read, and engaging. There are so many Merlin/Arthur stories and tellings and re-tellings out there that it's sometimes hard to keep them straight. This one gives a fascinating glimpse into a possible-world young Merlin as he makes his way in the world and discovers some prophetic dream powers. However, the book is more substantially about human interactions and experiences than other-worldly trappings, and that's the part that keeps you reading. Enjoy!
What do You think about The Young Merlin Trilogy (2004)?
The fact that I got this as an omnibus means a lot. If these were presented to me in single book form, I would not have read them. They would have automatically be deemed too short. This is something that showed up in the book. It wasn't one continuous story where the breaks could be smushed into one book. It was multiple books, with just a continuous character. Because of this shortness character development and plot were really lacking. I was looking for something like I am Morgan LeFay or a Rise to Power movie I watched on Hitler. This character was really lacking. Plus, by trying to integrate multiple stories she doesn't get a common thread. Multiple stories can be present, but they have to be more mushed together. Also, although there was a correct translation of man-bear, the elements concerning man-bear were much too powerful for my liking. Mostly my fault, I didn't notice the size of the individual books.
—Me
