Transformation

November 1, 2002
Gr 6-9-In this final installment in the trilogy, Corwin (who will become Merlin) follows Nia (the Lady of the Lake) to Atlantis in order to defeat Ma'el, an evil warlock. To succeed, they must find the fabled sword Eikis Calli Werr (Excaliber). Transformation is a quick, easy read. While the tie-in to Arthurian legend isn't made until the epilogue, anyone familiar with this genre of fantasy will see it coming through the broad foreshadowing used throughout the narrative. Characters are shallow but likable and while the suspense and action are a little predictable, the story remains enjoyable. Buy it to hook readers into Arthurian fantasy and then lead them on to meatier fare by T. A. Barron, Jane Yolen, T. H. White, and Stephen R. Lawhead.-Saleena L. Davidson, South Brunswick Public Library, Monmouth Junction, NJ

Copyright 2002 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2002
Gr. 7\endash 10. In the third and final volume in the Transformation series, teen mermyd Nia, must return from Wales to Atlantis to find a magical sword that is potentially the last hope to save her beloved city from evil tyrant Ma'el. Accompanied by her "dry-lander" friend Corwin, Nia makes the dangerous underwater journey, only to discover that the sword is missing, her people are enslaved, and Ma'el is planning to take over Corwin's Wales. Finding the sword and stopping Ma'el are more perilous than Nia imagined, especially with her future and the fate of Atlantis at stake. Sf and fantasy fans will connect with the likable teen protagonists; descriptive, fast-reading prose; and an exotic, richly detailed, fantastical world that combines elements of Atlantis, alien-earth population theory, and King Arthur legends. Plot devices and obstacles feature Indiana Jones\endash like thrills, rounded out with hints of romance and a classic good vs. evil struggle. Engrossing, suspenseful, and fun. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2002, American Library Association.)