Merlin, often portrayed as a powerful magician cloaked in mystery, is refreshing in his role as political advisor and behind-the-scenes director of Arthur’s inaugural years as king. Yes, Merlinnus (as he’s called here) is a magician, but that seems secondary to his job of early-medieval spin doctor, manipulating public perception of the royal scene. An important element of his plan is the sword in the stone—a device created by Merlinnus and planted in a spot where it can be “discovered” by an unsuspecting shepherd. Merlinnus’s magic ensures that only Arthur will be able to draw the sword, and this show of destiny is designed to firm up support from wavering constituents. Enter Morgause, a potent witch bent on disrupting Merlinnus’s plans, unseating Arthur, and putting one of her own sons on the throne. And finally, Gawen joins the cast at Camelot. An inscrutable boy adopted by Merlinnus as an assistant, Gawen is clearly equipped with his own secret agenda. Plenty of hints are dropped along the way, but Gawen’s real identity will still come as a satisfying and believable surprise to many readers. Set within the comfortable framework of Arthurian legend, this readable version of a familiar story offers more than just an exciting plot. An exceptional cast of characters—especially Arthur, Merlinnus, Kay, and Gawaine—come through the pages as realistic individuals with credible strengths and weaknesses, rather than as superhuman heroes. (Ages 11–15)

An ALA Best Book for Young Adults. “[A] spellbinding twist on the Round Table legend . . . a standout in this enormous canon.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
 
The newly crowned King Arthur is unsure of himself; worse, the people are unsure of him. Too many people want the throne, and treachery is everywhere. Merlin must do something before the king is betrayed, or murdered, or—worst of all—gets married. So Merlin magically places a sword into a slab of rock, lets it be known that whosoever removes the blade will rule all of England, and invites any man who would dare to try to pull out the sword. After a bit of showmanship, Arthur will draw the blade (with a little magical help, of course), and the people will rally around the young king. Except someone else pulls the sword out first . . . 
 
A Booklist Editors’ Choice
ABA’s Pick of the Lists
A Parent’s Guide Children’s Media Award Winner
 
“Yolen takes elements of Arthurian legend and makes them her own in this involving novel.”—Booklist (starred review)
 
“[A] page-turning tale of magic and adventure, betrayal, loyalty, and love.”—School Library Journal (starred review)
 
“A subtle, many-layered tale . . . It is, as the book’s ending tells readers, ‘an old story but a good one,’ and Yolen does it honor.”—VOYA (5Q—highest rating)