Winter of Magic's Return

Convinced that a new age of magic is about to begin in the wake of the nuclear holocaust, a young resurrected Merlin and two friends set out to bring King Arthur back to the land

Grade 5-9 After 500 years of nuclear winter, Britain is coming alive again, and there is evidence that humanity's next cycle may be an age of magic, not technology. Three teenage "misfits," including Merlin in the body of a 14 year old, begin an arduous journey across the country's desolate wastes in search of King Arthur, who may still be alive. Along the way they battle dangers and enchantments, finally winning through to an Eden-like Avalon, their task accomplished, and the dawn of magic's dominion at hand. The action-filled plot and finely drawn characters will hold readers, and while there is no overt anti-war message, the starkness of the bleak landscape, where a sunny day is a cherished event, is a haunting symbol of what might be. There is room for a sequel, as the end is really a beginning. Holly Sanhuber, Muskego Public Library, Wis.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.