I STILL can’t believe that this series continued and I had no idea. While the focus shifts from Merlin to a strange little creature named Basil, it’s so good to be back in this world Barron has created.

This book is definitely different than others in the series; it’s a bit slower and focuses more on Basil’s character development rather than having a lot of action, though there is a bit of adventuring and action in parts. And from what is hinted in this book, A LOT of action is soon to come. This story also has a nice introduction to all the different types of worlds found in the Great Tree of Avalon, which is fun to read about.

The middle dragged a bit, but I loved how it all wrapped up and I enjoyed learning more about the world Merlin was living in. Though we don’t get to see a whole lot of Merlin, there was enough of him to still make it feel like a Merlin book. I do wish that we were tackling a new big bad instead of sort of rehashing what happened in the original books, but hopefully it’ll be different enough to seem new.

I’m excited about what this new addition to the series will bring–I think Basil is a great main character and I can’t wait to read more about his adventures!

Also posted on Purple People Readers. ( )

There is potential for this book to be exciting and adventurous, but in the end, the fast pace and multitude of events make it a disappointing read. Basil’s adventures to the other worlds have the reader on the edge of his seat, eager for adventure, only to leave him disappointed. The character spends mere moments at each place, with conflicts quickly resolved. The lesson of “one grain of sand can tip the scale” is repeated so often, the reader will be rolling his eyes halfway through. However, characters are funny and easy to love. The climax is satisfying and surprising, though too brief for the extended buildup. The end goes on much longer than needed, however—readers can feel free to set aside the book without reading the final couple chapters as nothing of consequence is added. Boys expecting action probably won’t make it to the end; fans of the author may be disappointed. Though it does have redeeming qualities, overall, it is a book to pass on. ( )

Basil is a creature that hatches, but does not know what kind of creature he is. He dreams of being big! The story tells of his physical travels, as well as his journey to make his place in life in Avalon and the seven territories. He searches to warn Merlin of possible danger he has dreamed about.
The descriptions are great, as this book moves along, with many lessons in life for Basil. I had to keep reading and reading to the finale of this book. I would recommend this to the young reader, as well as adults.

I found this book a little tedious in the repetitive nature of the quests and problems faced. I skimmed a lot of it, reading only the dialogue and yes, it was interesting and cute but it didn't hold my interest enough throughout the book. ( )

Between T.A. Barron's Lost Years and The Tree of Avalon comes a great new series of Merlin's new friend Basil. ( )