Merlin's Kin by Everett Coles

Published synopsis:

Unaware of the compulsion put upon them by the sleeping spirit of Merlin the Magician, Francis Steele and his four friends explore the subterranean chambers of an old ruin. Lost, they escape through a door to the outside only to find themselves in a new and unbelievable world where mammoths draw gigantic caravans and two great blue moons light up the night sky. Here too are primitive birds – small, sly and intelligent; unicorns and huge fighting beasts; Big Foot is here and a race of Elf-like creatures as well as the descendants of King Arthur’s knights who long ago lost the ideals of chivalry.

Against this backdrop, the fifteen year old Francis and friends have to find their way back to their own world while making sense of this one and helping Merlin to keep his secret cave hidden.

The story races along with caverns used as a prison, manned bird racing and slave trading all mixed in with magics rediscovered by the heroes.

Welcome to Merlin’s world, explore it, enjoy it, but tread carefully.

Review:

Merlin’s world is crumbling around him and he has to use his last resource left to save it. Called from the depths of a crystal cave on another world, five very different children are compelled to leave the safety of their life on Earth and journey to what they had believed were the fabled lands of Camelot. What they find is nothing like the world they left behind. This world is filled with magnificent beasts and magical creatures. Though they once lived in peace, a battle of power now rages between them and the humans, and the children find that very few can be trusted. As they try to discover the reason they were called, and also search for the key that will open the doorway home, the children are led on a magical adventure that is as dangerous as it is exciting.

Merlin’s Kin is a YA paranormal novel that will have young teens flipping the pages to find out what happens next. Packed with action, the world Everett Coles created is an excellent mix of Arthurian lore and fantasy. Villians abound, but along the way, the children find that they have the courage and wisdom of their ancestors, and just maybe, they can help bring this world back to its once peaceable state.With little twists in the plot and on common similes, metaphors, and adages, the author was also able to weave humor in among the action, keeping the dialogue fresh and interesting.

The story line of Merlin’s Kin is an excellent premise and puts a new twist on an old subject. At times, though, the dialogue and scenes seem a bit disjointed as transitions between narrators are not clearly denoted and the story jumps quickly and often between locations. This, however, may be the key to holding the attention of youngsters in a fast paced electronic world where things are constantly changing. I would have enjoyed the book more if the children had received more instruction from Merlin earlier in the book as to why they were there in the first place after his desperate plea for help. As the story progressed, it seemed that the only goal was to get home until quite far into the book. Other than that, I enjoyed Merlin’s Kin and the new world it took me to very much and I give it four stars. I thank the author for giving me a review copy.

Purchase Merlin's Kin by Everett Coles

Amazon.com

Barnes and Noble.com