The setting and the characters' concerns in The Lost Years of Merlin are so far removed from twentieth century reality that it is hard to imagine adults or young readers finding them morally or socially offensive. Only those very few who are opposed to fantasy on principle are likely to object for such reasons.

There are, however, a few questions which might be raised from a mixture of ethical and/or literary concerns.

A few admirers of Arthurian lore do not like treatments which alter the stories found in its earliest historical or literary sources.

This could apply to inventing a whole series of adventures for young Merlin, rather than letting his youthful years stay shrouded in mystery.

More significant, perhaps, is the role played by others in bringing about Rhita Gawr's downfall. Trouble steals the key which lets Emrys free Rhia from the dungeon. Shim...