ALA Booklist (Mon Sep 01 00:00:00 CDT 1997)

In the sequel to The Lost Years of Merlin (1996), young Emrys, the boy who is to become the mage Merlin, is obsessed by a need for his mother; but when he finds the means to bring her back to the Isle of Fincayra, it results in her being poisoned by the evil Rhita Gawr. The only way to save her is for Merlin to take the Long Journey to the Otherworld for the Elixir of Dagda. To do this, he must learn the arcane Seven Songs of Wizardry and find each song's essential soul. Thus, in typical fantasy mode, Merlin, who has acquired the requisite companions, receives his amulet in the form of an ensorcelled staff and sets out on his quest. The way is arduous and rife with danger. A few contrivances aside, the tale is spellbinding (pun intended), and readers will relish not only the action and the well-crafted setting but also Merlin's growth from a callow youth to a wiser, more caring wizard-in-training. FYI: What Barron began as a trilogy is now projected to reach five books. (Reviewed Sept. 1, 1997)

Horn Book (Tue Apr 01 00:00:00 CST 1997)

In the sequel to 'The Lost Years of Merlin', Merlin abandons his appointed task to heal the barren lands of Fincayra and misuses powers to bring his mother to the island. Almost immediately she is stricken by a death shadow meant for her son, and Merlin must obtain a life-giving elixir from the Otherworld. The adventure-filled fantasy adds a new dimension to the legendary character.

Kirkus Reviews

This second installment of the sequence that began with The Lost Years of Merlin (1996) is as full of action and excitement as its predecessor, but is kinder and gentler in tone; while its origins are epic, it is foremost a tale of the heart. Teenage Merlin remains on the enchanted isle of Fincayra, charged by its inhabitants to traverse the countryside, playing the flowering harp and thereby rejuvenating the land that was scarred in battle during the overthrow of Merlin's father, the evil King Stangmar. Although Merlin is proud to serve, his own desire to be reunited with his mother, Elen, so overwhelms him that he abandons his task and teleports her to his side. No sooner do the pair embrace, however, than Elen is poisoned by a deathshadow, meant for her son by evil Rhita Gawr: Merlin's mother can only be saved if he masters the seven wizard's songs within one lunar month. The quest on which Barron sends his amiable hero is delightfully accessible and appropriate for this audience: In essence, Merlin must rise above his own hubris, and use his heart and mind as an adult. Aiding Merlin in his tasks are the lovely and resourceful Rhia, and a new character, the dour would-be jester Bumbelwy. While plenty of characters from the previous novel appear, as do familiar landmarks, it is Merlin's inner journey that readers will cherish above all: His development is convincing and heartwarming. A rich and resonant read. (Fiction. 9-12)"

School Library Journal

Gr 6-9--In this sequel to The Lost Years of Merlin (Philomel, 1996), 13-year-old Merlin faces down the powers of darkness on the island of Fincayra and masters the traditional Seven Songs of Wisdom. In one month's time, he must discover the soul of each song and journey to the Otherworld to obtain a magical elixir to save his mother's life. He is accompanied by Rhia, a girl who possesses a mystical relationship with nature; and Bumbelwy, an annoying and pessimistic court jester. Adventure follows adventure as Merlin seeks wisdom and learns that his pride is his worst enemy. The trio encounters giants, a huge spider with a voracious appetite, and a treacherous one-eyed monster. In the village of Slantos, Merlin finds the magical sword that will one day belong to King Arthur. This richly layered fantasy is filled with harrowing escapades and many surprises. While readers may never doubt the outcome, they will eagerly devour the chapters to arrive at the satisfying conclusion. Arthurian legend is used as the starting point for a delightfully original story of magic and myth that retains the spirit of the classic tales. Merlin is a flawed hero, yet he rises to each new challenge. While the title can stand alone, there are constant allusions to incidents and characters introduced in the first book. Readers will surely be waiting impatiently for the third part of this marvelous series.--Bruce Anne Shook, Mendenhall Middle School, Greensboro, NC