Merlin Saga Books In Order

Publication Order of Merlin Books

Chronological Order of Merlin Books

Publication Order of Merlin Saga Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of The Lost Years of Merlin Books

Publication Order of Merlin's Dragon Books

Publication Order of Great Tree Of Avalon Books

The Merlin Saga is a series of 12 books by T. A. Barron (Thomas A. Barron) that delve into the fantasy and mythological genres without holding back. Focusing on the central character of Merlin, possibly the world’s most famous ancient wizard, the book series gives a new life to the legends that have surrounded one that was indispensable to the court of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

With the backdrop of ancient Wales behind it, this series is written with children in mind but can easily be enjoyed by young adults and adults alike.

First Book was a Success

“The Lost Years” begins with Merlin or Emrys as he was first called, regaining consciousness as he is washed up on a beach with a long blonde haired woman, his mother, Branwen. The two are attacked by a boar and saved by a stag. Time moves quickly in the opening of the book so that years pass in a matter of pages to the point where Emrys discovers that he has magical powers. These are uncovered when he tries to defend his mother from a man that is trying to burn her at the stake. Emrys accidentally sets fire to a tree that falls on an innocent boy. Emrys tries in vain to save the boy but is too late and in his attempt to save the boy, becomes blind himself. This leads to Emrys having to learn to see through a second sight, but swears that he shall never again use any form of magic. Emrys and Branwen journey to a monastery where Emrys’ burns are treated and he learns to use his second sight. After he has become quite adept at using this second sight he decides to leave and search for his true home. To do so, he must first build a raft and float on the seas to the mythical island of Fincayra, which lies somewhere between heaven and earth. He arrives on the island and meets Rhia (Rhiannon) one of the Druma, who is looking for someone to help her end a sickness that is killing the forest that she lives in. Emrys refuses as his path is trying to recover his memories from before his mother and he washed up on the beach. However, the two are set upon by goblins. Emrys still refuses to use his powers, so Rhia tricks the goblins into kidnapping her and not Emrys. At this, Emrys vows to rescue Rhia from the hands of the goblins that live in the Shrouded Castle and recruits Shim, a dwarf giant, to help him. Emrys meets a bard, Caipre, that tells him of his past, who his mother is his true name and the fate that befell his father and the name of the evil spirit that is bent on controlling Fincayra and Earth. Caipre sends him in the direction of a dangerous man and gambler, Domnu, who might be able to help Emrys and Shim to enter the castle and rescue Rhia. Domnu agrees to wager his help against one of the treasures that Emrys carries (gifts from his mother before he set out on his journey). Emrys wins and Domnu shrinks both Shim and Emrys in order to fly them into the castle and names Emrys, Merlin, to avoid his true identity being revealed. In order to rescue Rhia and defeat the dark forces, sacrifices must be made and the legend of the Black Cauldron comes into play in the form of the Cauldron of Death. Having defeated the evil forces and rescued Rhia, Emrys feels that he needs to find his true name and Rhia suggests that he try being known as Merlin for a time.

The Second Book

“The Seven Songs of Merlin” sees Merlin having brought Fincayra hope after defeating the evil forces that sort to control it; however the land is in need of healing. Merlin and Rhia of the Druma set out with a magical flowering harp to reverse that damage that has been done. Unfortunately evil still lurks waiting to strike, and strikes at Branwen, Merlin’s mother. In order to save the life of Branwen, Merlin has to master the Seven Songs of Wizardry and journey to meet with his grandfather, Tuatha, in the Otherworld, a journey no one else has ever been able to complete.

Third Book

“The Fires of Merlin” is also set on Fincayra, where Wings of Fire, a dragon that was sleeping, has awoken in a rage that threatens to destroy Fincayra. Merlin is once again charged with the defence of the island between heaven and earth. In order to defeat the dragon and keep Fincayra safe Merlin has to risk his own life in dragon fire and battling kreelixes, Domnu and the Wheel of Wye.

Fourth Book in the Series

Fourth in the series “The Mirror of Merlin” sees more dangers threatening the island of Fincayra. Merlin has fallen in love with a deer woman named Hallia, who journeys with him to a remote swamp where evil has arisen and discovers a magic mirror with the power to alter the fate of anyone.

The Fifth and Final Book

“The Wings of Merlin” is the fifth and final book in the Lost Years of Merlin. If Merlin had not been tested and tried enough during his years on Fincayra, then this fifth challenge he had to face surely shows the depth of his strength and character. Rhita Gawr, the evil he defeated in “The Lost Years” has returned to once again threaten Fincayra. In order to defeat Rhita Gawr, Merlin must untie all the different people of Fincayra to fight as a single army. Time is not only against Merlin as he sets out to bring old enemies together as one, but also a slayer that has appeared and is hunting down the children of Fincayra. Merlin has one other part of destiny hanging over him; he has to uncover the secret of the lost wings that will see not only him achieve his true purpose, but his people as well.