Barron, T. A. 1996. The lost years of Merlin. New York: Penguin Young Readers Group. 

When 12-year old Emrys washes up on a beach in Wales, he cannot remember his name, his parents or anything about his past. As he explores his surroundings, he finds and helps rescue Branwyn, a witch who takes him in and claims to be his mother, although her secretiveness and refusal to tell Emrys about her past and his own makes him disbelieve her claim. As Emrys grows, he begins to discover the immense powers that he has. When he uses his powers to defend Branwyn and then runs into the resulting inferno to rescue his enemy, not only his appearance, but also his life are forever changed. Emrys, blinded by the same fire that damaged his face, begins to discover and use his second sight and leaves the only home he remembers to go to the land of Fincayra. In Fincayra, Emrys meets new friends, explores his deepening powers, is challenged to save the land, and comes to discover his true name, the one that is recorded in history—Merlin. Barron’s creation of the land of Fincayra is so beautifully depicted that readers will find themselves using their own second sight in order to join the young Merlin on his quest. The journey is filled with adventure, magic, and Merlin’s strength of will which makes him determined never to use his powers again. The fictitious land of Fincayra will draw readers in and keep them coming back to continue the adventure and discover new worlds and new powers.