Long ago, at the dawn of Merlin's world, a strange little creature named Basil appeared. Part lizard, part bat, his eyes glow with a mysterious light. When Basil discovers a threat to his world and to Merlin, he begins an epic journey that takes him from the Great Tree of Avalon to the outermost edges of the spirit realm. But his boldest journey will be to face his own deepest fears. And only if he survives can he save Merlin—and find his future.
T. A. Barron is an internationally bestselling author known for fantasy adventures that celebrate courage, wonder, and the natural world. His Merlin Saga has captivated millions of readers worldwide and is currently being developed for film. An award-winning writer and environmental advocate, Barron founded the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes and serves on several conservation and education boards. He lives in Colorado, where the landscape continues to shape his stories. View titles by T. A. Barron
“A novel rich with magic.”
The New York Times Book Review

“Brilliant first volume . . . an intense and profoundly spiritual adventure.”
Lloyd Alexander, Newbery Medal–winning author of The Chronicles of Prydain

“An extraordinary journey of mind, body, and spirit, for both Merlin and ourselves.”
Madeleine L’Engle, author of A Wrinkle in Time, and winner of the Newbery Medal

“Fans who have followed young Merlin through his many adventures will still enjoy trekking with him.”
The Horn Book

About

Long ago, at the dawn of Merlin's world, a strange little creature named Basil appeared. Part lizard, part bat, his eyes glow with a mysterious light. When Basil discovers a threat to his world and to Merlin, he begins an epic journey that takes him from the Great Tree of Avalon to the outermost edges of the spirit realm. But his boldest journey will be to face his own deepest fears. And only if he survives can he save Merlin—and find his future.

Author

T. A. Barron is an internationally bestselling author known for fantasy adventures that celebrate courage, wonder, and the natural world. His Merlin Saga has captivated millions of readers worldwide and is currently being developed for film. An award-winning writer and environmental advocate, Barron founded the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes and serves on several conservation and education boards. He lives in Colorado, where the landscape continues to shape his stories. View titles by T. A. Barron

Praise

“A novel rich with magic.”
The New York Times Book Review

“Brilliant first volume . . . an intense and profoundly spiritual adventure.”
Lloyd Alexander, Newbery Medal–winning author of The Chronicles of Prydain

“An extraordinary journey of mind, body, and spirit, for both Merlin and ourselves.”
Madeleine L’Engle, author of A Wrinkle in Time, and winner of the Newbery Medal

“Fans who have followed young Merlin through his many adventures will still enjoy trekking with him.”
The Horn Book