Merlin's Candles by L.B. MacDonald Published by InterCurriculum Fiction

Synopsis:

Merlin's Candles is a modern-day version of the King Arthur story in which a boy is mentored by a science teacher who turns out to be the real Merlin the Magician.

Living on Vancouver Island, 12-year-old Michael Halsey is protected from an evil sorceress by his eccentric 6th grade science teacher. Beautiful but deadly Morgan Le Fay pursues Michael into the coastal rainforest of Strathcona Provincial Park where he meets the Lady of the Lake. In a final battle of wits, wills and magic, Merlin sacrifices his future to preserve the past.

Look inside the book

Legend has it that Merlin lived backwards through time. Merlin's Candles explains how it all began. Read sample chapters now.

One of the most fascinating hypotheses in Arthurian lore is the belief that Merlin the Magician lived backwards through time. In this modern-day fantasy for fans of the King Arthur Legend, evil sorceress Morgan LeFay leaps through time to Merlin's youth, intent on destroying the wizard before he becomes the legendary mentor of kings. However, she is not prepared for what awaits her -- a seemingly strange and magical land filled with horseless carriages and flameless lights. Undaunted, Morgan sets out to expel Merlin from history and to destroy Merlin's student, a very special young hero.

Both adults and children love Merlin's Candles. This is what they've been telling us about this fast-paced fantasy novel:

Elementary Teacher, Toronto District School Board:
"Just finished the book... AWESOME!!...chills and teary eyed at the end"

Ecology Scientist for B.C. Ministry of the Environment:
"What a great story! I started it on the plane on my way to Ottawa, and couldn't stop! Finished it in about 3 hours. Very imaginative and compelling..."

Grade 8 Student:
"It has a little bit of everything, action, fighting and magic... it would be good for anybody from the age of 10 to 15 and people with any taste to read."