The Other Merlin

Starred review from July 19, 2021
Schneider’s (You Don’t Live Here) first foray into fantasy, a clever trilogy starter based in the King Arthur mythos, changes most of the canonical facts but gets everything that matters right in this funny, sharp, romantic, magic-filled book. In this telling, Merlin is neither revered nor an old male wizard, but a bisexual 18-year-old girl, Emry. Though their famous, long-absent father gave more magic training to Emry’s twin brother, she’s the one with the magic chops. So when the king summons the next generation of the Merlin family, off she goes—disguised as her sibling. At court (a multiracial group, though Emry and the other protagonists are cued as white), she apprentices to the castle magician and befriends Arthur—the kind of prince who’s easily mistaken for a librarian—as well as his best friend Lancelot, depicted here as gay and unfairly demoted to castle guard. The bawdy jokes land, the magic flies, the court politics feel high-stakes, and Emry and Arthur’s characters, including their mutual attraction and growing ability to fulfill their destined roles, are believable and fully drawn. A highly satisfying, renegade reboot of an old story for fans of Once & Future and The Left-Handed Booksellers of London. Ages 14–up. Agent: Barbara Poelle, Irene Goodman Literary.

August 15, 2021
Meet Arthur and Merlin in a whole new light. In this gleefully ahistorical take on Arthuriana, the original Merlin's improbably identical brother-and-sister twins, Emmett and Emry, are also wizards. Emmett prefers gambling and seducing girls to learning, while Emry uses her more powerful magic to support a theater troupe (and also occasionally seduces girls as well as boys). When indolent, entitled Emmett is summoned to become the king's court wizard but is laid up by a spell gone wrong, Emry dons his clothes, hoping to alleviate their financial woes by temporarily attending in his place--and the traditional canon goes out the window. Castle Camelot is in London. Arthur was raised there, but he prefers books to battle; he only pulled the sword from the stone as part of a drunken night out. Lancelot is a guard, demoted from page duties after being wrongfully accused of sexual misconduct with another boy. Guinevere isn't interested in Arthur or Lancelot. Also, coffee exists; this world is reminiscent of the 17th century. The central love story is between Emry and Arthur, while around them various political machinations, plots, and spells set up later volumes. Witty banter, engaging characters, risqu� references, plus zero devotion to the source material add up to a read perfect for fans of The Lady Janies series. Most characters default to White. One part Arthurian legend, one part teen dramedy, all parts enjoyable. (Historical fantasy. 14-18)

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September 15, 2021
Grades 9-12 A year after pulling the sword from the stone, Prince Arthur remains a disappointment to his bellicose father, King Uther. But when Emry Merlin arrives at Camelot, disguised as her twin brother--since girls can't practice magic--the two teens form a simmering attachment, and a fast-paced plot of court intrigue and magical adventure advances the forbidden lovers toward their epic destiny. Schneider's delightful reimagining of Arthurian legend sets Camelot as a hotbed for hormonal young nobles, who--between dramatic turns of lust and love--partake in a lively blend of chivalry, questing, and courtly romance. The story is anchored by Emry's perspective and rounded out by that of supporting characters, including scholarly Arthur, unjustly disgraced Lancelot, mysterious Gawain, snobby Guinevere, and vengeful Morgana. Modern touches to the language and politics make the medieval setting accessible to today's readers, most noteworthy in the young heroes' attempt to drive Camelot in a progressive direction--especially regarding gender and sexuality. Fans of BBC's Merlin rejoice, as coming sequels promise an epic series of true Arthurian romance.

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