Here, Merlin faces his gravest challenge yet: a threat to the very existence of Fincayra, that magical land that bridges the mortal world and the world of immortal spirits. In a few days' time, a doorway will open. And the most powerful of evil spirits, Rhita Gawr, will attempt to lead his army through that doorway, to destroy the balance between all the worlds, and to rule what is left himself.

A vision from Dagda, chief of the good spirits who inhabit the Otherworld, tells Merlin that he holds the only hope of stopping Rhita Gawr. But to do it, he must unite all the quarrelling peoples of Fincayra: the giants and dwarves, the canyon eagles and marsh ghouls, the walking trees and the sole remaining dragon, and many others. And in the little time left to summon them together, he could scarcely visit them all-- even if they would listen to him!

To make matters worse, Stangmar-- Merlin's fallen father, once the wicked king of Fincayra-- has broken loose from prison and is trying to find Elen, Merlin's mother. And on top of that, a dark stranger with swords instead of arms is wandering the country, maiming innocent children and challenging Merlin to a grudge-match. Why is this masked man so familiar? And how does he always manage to throw Merlin's magical powers back in his face? Can Merlin neutralize him in time to carry out his desperate mission to save Fincayra?

More than ever, he must depend on his friends and loved ones. His sister Rhia. His deer-woman companion, Hallia. The bard Cairpré. An orphan boy named Lleu. A giant named Shim. And even a certain hawk who has passed out of the world of the living. But to have even a ghost of a hope of saving the land, Merlin must also heal the conflicts in his own conscience: to forgive and be forgiven, and to fight a battle even without hope.

And finally, what is gained is also lost. Merlin faces a choice that will bring him much sorrow no matter what he chooses, but that affects his destiny. One way or another, he will soar to heights no one can imagine... and he will change at least one world forever.

Packed with excitement, horror, action, and suspense, this tale ties up all the loose threads and brings Merlin's lost years to a moving end. Whether you savor the beauty of rich, imagery-filled words, or the pulse-quickening pace of combats and dangers in land, air, and sea, this is a book-- and a series-- that will satisfy your fantasy.

Robbie Fischer
Arizona USA

Recommended Age: 12+

If you would like to contact Robbie, you may do so here.