Voice of Youth Advocates (Thu Apr 28 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

In the sequel to Merlin's Dragon (Philomel, 2008/VOYA August 2008), Basil is now a giant dragonùdescribed as being as big as a mountainùwho works with Merlin to maintain peace in the kingdom of Avalon. The action begins as Basil helps a group of dwarves fight off the ferocious Lo Valdearg, FirerootÆs most fearsome dragon. This catalyst is just a portent of things to come. Disputes have been forming throughout the kingdom, orchestrated by a beast named Doomraga (meaning darker than dark) who is plotting revenge in hopes of destroying Avalon. Eventually the action culminates in a great battle that leaves readers on the edge of their seats as Doomraga sends a signal to its master, the spirit warlord Rhita Gawr. Barron's use of language is spot on in depicting the fierceness of the dragons and battles: ôWhen, at last, the roar faded away, another sound remained . . . The shrieks of children about to die.ö He is especially accurate in creating the language of Avalon as readers would imagine it. Book two in this series contains everything that fantasy fans look for: action, adventure, humor, magical creatures, and noble heroes. As always, Barron proves he is the go-to author for teen fantasy about Merlin. This book will find a home in school and public libraries, and with all fantasy lovers.ùKaren Jensen.

ALA Booklist

Though the giant leech Doomraga is busily fomenting war among the magical races of Avalon, a personal loss sends grief-stricken Merlin scurrying off to Earth to help out King Arthur aving the mountainous dragon Basilgarrad to broker truces or, more often, choose sides in a series of raids and battles. Infused with Barron's usual sharp consciousness of the natural world (and typically overwrought prose), this episodic middle volume of the Merlin's Dragon trilogy ends with the forces of evil ascendant and sets the stage for a grand finale.

School Library Journal

Gr 6 Up-Basil has become accustomed to his large size as a powerful dragon, his new name, and his greater role in the fate of his world. With Avalon teetering on the edge of catastrophe, he and Merlin search for ways to squelch the violence erupting throughout the realms. The action is packed with battles between dragons and dwarfs, crows and terns, and many more creatures of Avalon. Readers will also find new love, loss, and relationships on the brink. Unfortunately, the book suffers extensively from middle book syndrome. Too many subplots cause Basil, Merlin, and readers to lose sight of Rhita Gawr. As for Doomraga, readers will have to wait for the cliff-hanger ending to learn who he is, and for book three to read about his revenge. Of course, even with the problems, no one can compare to Barron when writing about Merlin or Avalon. Once again, he brings texture, color, and love to the seven realms. His many fans will gobble up this new offering, but new readers will need to start with book one. Lisa Marie Williams, East Gwillimbury Public Library, Holland Landing, Ontario

Horn Book

Basil the dragon is big enough to beat up bad guys, but there are just so many of them. With Merlin embroiled in petty family squabbles, Basil alone must rescue the realm from civil war. Fans of the previous Merlin's Dragon book won't mind this one's similarly purple prose: "Wrath oozed out of its every pore, sliding down its skin like poisonous perspiration."