Merlin: The Lost Years, Book 1

By: T. A. Barron

Narrated by: John Lee, T. A. Barron

This bestselling series follows the adventures and training of young Merlin, the great wizard who counseled King Arthur.

"A novel rich with magic."—The New York Times Book Review

"An extraordinary journey of mind, body, and spirit—for both Merlin and ourselves." —Madeleine L'Engle

A raging sea tosses a boy upon the shores of ancient Wales. Left for dead, he has no memory, no name, and no home. But it is his determination to find out who he is—to learn the truth about his mysterious powers—that leads him to a strange and enchanted land. And it is there he discovers that the fate of this land and his personal quest are strangely entwined.

This enhanced audiobook includes a new introduction read by the author and music inspired by the series.

©1996 Thomas A. Barron (P)2026 Tantor Media

Nostalgic comfort read

Really loved listening to the narrator and revisiting the world of Avalon. Read this book as a child and it was beautiful to listen to as an adult with kids. This song at the end was gorgeous.

Great origin story of one of history's greatest wizard

I really enjoyed this book as a young teen and was excited to see that it had just become available on audible. I was worried that some of the magic would be lost re-listening to it as an adult but it is every bit as good as I remember. looking forward to more books from this saga as they release!

Such a world-building masterpiece!

I’ve been in love with these books since I was a kid. The way Barron brings the beauty of the Druma Wood to life is something I’ll never get tired of reading. I’m thrilled they are redoing this series’ audiobooks! I can’t wait to rediscover the magical world of Fincayra.

Unneeded redo

I have loved this book since I first read it in the late 90s. Then fell in love even more when the audiobook came out. The reading in the original audiobook was nothing short of PERFECT. I have no idea why the original readings were removed and this new recording was released.

New narrator reads like he doesn't understand sentences. Puts weird upticks in the middle of a sentence making you think the sentence is over then just keeps reading. Just a very weird and disconnected reading flow altogether with vocal inflection in the wrong words or wrong times.

Overall just a poor narrative performance especially when the writer had a masterpiece performance already. I will not be purchasing the other re-recordings if they are all done by this same narrator which is a real shame as this series is one of the best there is.

Edit: I don't know why it says I'm "anonymous" and not posting my name attached to my account, unless Audible suppression extends to critical reviews as well. If anyone would like to discuss my review further I can be found on X @theirishkarbomb