This book is brilliant! There really isn't enough Arthurian Legend around for younger children. The language, storytelling pace and size of this book are perfect for young readers, nicely introducing them to one of the greatest legends of Britain. I really can't wait to read the rest of the series as it comes out and will definitely be recommending it to my customers.

No Ordinary Boy is the story of young Merlin before King Arthur. The length of the book, plus its readability lends itself to use in the classroom. This book will make the Arthurian legend accessible to younger readers. The story is quick paced and will keep young readers engaged.

What a great little book. My 8 year old son loved it. Great illustrations. Good story. Lovely layout on the page.

5 stars.

Thank you for letting me read it.

First sentence: Merlin was no ordinary eight-year old boy. Like a few other children in his village, he had grown up without parents. Unlike the others, his father had been a demon, and his human mother had abandoned him soon after his birth.

Premise/plot: This new chapter book series by Tracey Mayhew hopes to introduce young readers to the legends of Merlin, Arthur, and the Round Table. This first book introduces young readers to the character of Merlin. Merlin is a young boy still. He's still got supernatural gifts--prophecy--but they've not exactly been cultivated...yet.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I don't know that I loved it. But I definitely liked it. I do like Arthurian legends and it seems that retelling the stories for a younger audience could be a good thing.

I would definitely be interested in reading future books in this series. I like to see variety in chapter books.

Merlin is a solitary child; people go to him for help, but they are slightly wary of him too, as they know he has unusual powers. Thundering into the village, a group of knights take him captive and escort him to King Vortigern, who has a purpose for Merlin that no-one will reveal. However, Merlin has visions…
This is an enjoyable and accessible introduction to a legend that children in the UK will have some knowledge of and which will encourage them to read subsequent books in the series.

Considering I have loved merlin for ages. I have never known the full story behind it, I know this is aimed at kids but it really enjoyed it. I loved the graphics that went along with the story. I am looking forward to the rest of the saga being told.

It was a very quick read but it is aimed at children. This didn’t bother me in the slightest. I think it would be great to read to them, if I had any.

My son enjoyed this book. It was a quick easy read. He is 12 so it was a little under his age range, but still enjoyable.

Publisher Sweet Cherry issues titles that are retellings, of well-known stories for elementary school aged readers.  This entry introduces the tale of Merlin and is the first in what appears to be a series.  I found this book to be engaging with a level of suspense that is geared toward its young audience.  


The book contains short illustrated chapters.  Readers will learn about Merlin's parentage and why the King summons him.  By the end of this story readers know that Merlin and Arthur's lives will be intertwined.  I look forward to the next entry in this series. 

As an adult, this book inspires me to go back to one of my favoritefavorites, The Once and Future King and to a second wonderful series about Merlin by Mary Stewart.  Hopefully some young readers will be equally inspired.


Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.