From Publishers Weekly
In this sequel to the exciting fantasy, Winter of Magic's Return, Service begins her story two years after Heather, Wellington and the strange boy Earlreally the wizard Merlin, preserved through the centuries and returned as a youthhave conjured King Arthur and his army from Avalon. Britain is becoming united once more, and when Merlin negotiates an uneasy truce between warlike Queen Margaret of Scotland and Arthur, all of Britain looks toward the south, where Morgan the enchantress is raising her army. Merlin's Old Magic is not working, but he sees a glimmer of a new and better Magic in Heather's empathy with animals. Although her talent and the New Magic are elusive, Heather ultimately provides Merlin with the means to save Arthur and the world. Although not quite as exhilarating as the first bookwith its almost giddy sense of discovery for the readerthis book will satisfy fans of the three protagonists. Ages 10-13.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From School Library Journal
Grade 6 Up This continuation of Winter of Magic's Return (Atheneum, 1985) does what a good sequel shouldit continues and enhances the original story without rehashing the events of the first book. It also does it in a way that makes this book stand alone; it is not necessary to have read the first. Heather and Welly, children of a future England recovering from a holocaust and nuclear winter, are now teamed up with a youthful Merlin and King Arthur, allowed to return from the past as a result of the nuclear devastation. Arthur still dreams of being able to rule a united Britain, although tribes developing in the North, led by the firey Queen Margaret of Scotland, dispute his claim. But there is a greater enemythe witch Morgan. Heather not only has to come to terms with her approaching womanhood, but also with her new-found talent for magic with animals. She sees the loneliness that magic has caused Merlin, and is not sure she wants to live like that. And Welly, nearsighted and overweight, is nothing like the great warrior he would like to be, but he is a staunch and loyal friend to both Merlin and Heather. A well-crafted novel, with equal doses of action and thoughtfulness, this should satisfy many readers. Susan M. Harding, Mesquite Public Library, Tex.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
