Preview of Merlin Summary:

Yolen opens Merlin with this definition: Merlin: The smallest British falcon or hawk, its wingbeats are powerful and, despite its size, it seldom fails of its prey.

Merlin takes significant steps toward manhood in Merlin, and when he becomes a Maker as well as a Dreamer, he begins to become the bird of prey for which he is named; though still small at age twelve, he is potentially deadly. In Merlin, he begins to understand the extent of his supernatural power and to put it to use, saving not only his own life but that of Cub, the future king.