The Mirror of Merlin

Reach for this book when your preteen is beginning to realize that growing up means making difficult choices with no easy answers. While it is a high fantasy quest, it functions as a profound metaphor for the transition from childhood innocence to the complexities of adulthood and leadership. Through the young wizard Merlin, children see that true power comes not from magic alone, but from empathy and understanding one's own flaws. In this fourth installment of the Lost Years of Merlin saga, a young Merlin travels through the mists of time to a haunted marsh where he must face the terrifying Mirror of Fate. The story explores themes of self-confidence, the weight of destiny, and the importance of loyalty. It is perfectly suited for 10 to 14 year olds who enjoy immersive world-building but are also ready for more philosophical questions about what it means to be human in a world full of shadows and light.