The Lost Years

Discover the origins of the world’s greatest wizard.

Before Camelot. Before legend. There was a boy who would become Merlin.

Shipwrecked on a remote island with no name and no memory, young Emrys begins a journey to uncover his magic, his destiny, and the truth of who he is. As he explores a land shaped by mystery and ancient forces, he learns that his fate is bound to the land itself.

Guided by a mysterious stag and a fearless friend, Emrys confronts dark powers, hidden secrets, and the strength growing within him. This coming-of-age fantasy blends magic, adventure, and wonder in a story that speaks to readers discovering fantasy for the first time as well as longtime fans of the genre.

The Lost Years is Book One of T. A. Barron’s internationally bestselling Merlin Saga, a series that has captivated millions of readers worldwide. Step into the legend and discover where Merlin’s story truly begins.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs