TA Barron Books in Order
Explore T.A. Barron's books in order, from Merlin and Atlantis to standalones, with short summaries, series guides, and simple ways to choose where to start.
Last updated: July 12, 2026
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TA Barron books in publication order
28 books
Heartlight
by TA Barron
1990
Kate's beloved grandfather is hiding a secret about light, the human soul, and a danger far bigger than Earth. When he disappears after an otherworldly attack, Kate begins a desperate search across science and mystery.
The Ancient One
by TA Barron
1992
Kate expects a quiet week in Oregon, then stumbles into a fight over a hidden redwood grove. Thrown five hundred years into the past, she must stop Gashra and protect the forest across time.
To Walk in Wilderness
by TA Barron
1993
Part journal and part nature book, this follows a month-long, 200-mile trek through Colorado's Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Barron pairs close observation with reflections on wildness, hardship, beauty, and the way landscape can change a person.
The Merlin Effect
by TA Barron
1994
Helping her father search a Baja lagoon for a lost Spanish galleon, Kate uncovers an Arthurian relic and a dangerous prophecy. Her quest leads through whirlpools, singing whales, and an undersea world where free will is at stake.
Rocky Mountain National Park
by TA Barron
1995
With words by Barron and images by John Fielder and Enos Mills, this book looks at Rocky Mountain National Park across a century. It blends history, photography, and love for a landscape that still feels remarkably wild.
The Lost Years / The Lost Years of Merlin
by TA Barron
1996
Washed ashore in ancient Wales with no name or memory, young Emrys begins a search for his past. That journey leads him into Fincayra, where his hidden powers and the fate of the land are tightly bound together.
The Seven Songs / The Seven Songs of Merlin
by TA Barron
1997
Hope has returned to Fincayra, but danger strikes Merlin's mother first. To save her, Merlin and Rhia must follow the perilous path of the Seven Songs and face an enemy whose glance can kill.
The Raging Fires / The Fires of Merlin
by TA Barron
1998
The sleeping dragon Wings of Fire has awakened, and all of Fincayra is in danger. Merlin must master his new powers, and the fire inside himself, before the land is consumed.
The Mirror of Fate / The Mirror of Merlin
by TA Barron
1999
As wickedness rises across Fincayra, Merlin travels into haunted places with Hallia and even his own mischievous shadow. At the center of the quest waits a magical mirror that can alter fate, and expose hard truths.
A Wizard's Wings / The Wings of Merlin
by TA Barron
2000
With winter's longest night approaching, Merlin must unite Fincayra against Rhita Gawr while protecting its children from the mysterious Sword Arms. To save his people, he has to recover the long-lost wings tied to their destiny.
Where Is Grandpa?
by TA Barron
2000
On the day his grandfather dies, a young boy keeps asking where Grandpa has gone. This gentle picture book follows his grief, memories, and growing sense that love can remain close even after loss.
Tree Girl
by TA Barron
2001
Anna lives by the sea and longs to learn the truth about her mother and her own beginnings. Her search leads her to the far edge of the wild forest, where answers wait at the High Willow.
The Hero's Trail
by TA Barron
2002
This nonfiction collection profiles heroes of different ages and backgrounds, showing that courage is not limited to famous people. Barron uses their stories to encourage young readers to find the hero within themselves.
High as a Hawk
by TA Barron
2004
Eight-year-old Harriet climbs Colorado's Longs Peak carrying grief for her mother and a fierce need to keep going. Inspired by a real 1905 ascent, it's a mountain story about courage, sorrow, and earning your wings.
Shadows on the Stars
by TA Barron
2005
Peace in Avalon does not last long. Tamwyn, Elli, and Scree are sent on separate quests as Rhita Gawr moves to conquer both Avalon and Earth, forcing them to solve old mysteries and face their own doubts.
The Eternal Flame
by TA Barron
2006
Avalon is under siege by Rhita Gawr, now a wrathful dragon. Tamwyn, Elli, and Scree must survive three huge battles, underground, on the plains, and among the stars, to decide the realm's future.
The Day the Stones Walked
by TA Barron
2007
As his father carves a giant moai on Easter Island, Pico sees disaster racing toward shore. Old stories and a rising tsunami collide in a tale that reimagines one of the world's enduring mysteries.
The Great Tree of Avalon / Child of the Dark Propechy
by TA Barron
2007
A thousand years after Merlin planted the Great Tree, Avalon is hit by droughts, attacks, and a sky gone dark. Tamwyn, Elli, and Scree may be its only hope, though prophecy marks one of them for ruin.
The Dragon of Avalon / Merlin's Dragon
by TA Barron
2008
Basil, a strange little creature with glowing eyes, discovers a threat to Avalon and to Merlin. His quest across the Great Tree and spirit realm forces him to face deep fears, and hints at the dragon he may become.
Doomraga's Revenge
by TA Barron
2009
Basil is no longer small or unnoticed. Now a powerful dragon beside Merlin, he must uncover the hidden cause of wars among dwarves, fire dragons, and faeries before Avalon collapses into chaos.
Ultimate Magic
by TA Barron
2010
Avalon is unraveling, Merlin has vanished, and only Basil may be able to stop the destruction. To save his world, he must track a hidden dark power in the Haunted Marsh and risk losing everything.
Ghost Hands
by TA Barron
2011
Auki longs to prove he is ready for the village's annual hunt, so he slips away at dawn with spear in hand. What he finds instead teaches him more about his people, and himself, than any hunt could.
Merlin: The Book of Magic
by TA Barron
2011
This illustrated companion opens up Merlin's worlds with maps, art, creatures, places, and magical lore. It's a handy guide for readers who want to linger in the saga and see how its many parts fit together.
Atlantis Rising
by TA Barron
2013
Promi, a hungry boy in the magical land of Ellegandia, joins forces with the brave Atlanta. Their attempt to save their homeland pulls them into an ancient war, and may lead to the very creation of Atlantis.
Atlantis in Peril
by TA Barron
2015
Atlantis has been saved once, but Narkazan is back and wants both the island and the spirit realm. Promi and Atlanta face new arrivals, deep-sea magic, and hard choices about what will truly protect their world.
The Wisdom of Merlin
by TA Barron
2015
Barron turns Merlin's wisdom into a short nonfiction guide for everyday life. Built around seven magical words, it invites readers to think about purpose, kindness, courage, and what makes a meaningful life.
Atlantis Lost
by TA Barron
2016
Years after Atlantis rose, the island is becoming an industrial wasteland and its creatures are in peril. Promi races to stop Narkazan's attacks on Atlantis, Earth, and the Starstone before everything he loves is lost.
Giant: The Unlikely Origins of Shim
by TA Barron
2021
In this prequel to the Merlin Saga, young giant Shim knows only peace until a brutal attack shatters his world. Shrunk to a fraction of his size and lost in a deadly swamp, he must survive and recover what he has forgotten.
Where to start with TA Barron
If you want the core Merlin journey: The Lost Years → The Seven Songs → The Raging Fires → The Mirror of Fate
If you want fantasy outside Arthurian legend: Atlantis Rising → Atlantis in Peril → Atlantis Lost
If you prefer standalone adventures with heart: The Ancient One → Heartlight → The Merlin Effect
If you're reading with younger kids: Tree Girl → High as a Hawk → Where Is Grandpa?
If you want real-world inspiration: The Hero's Trail → The Wisdom of Merlin
TA Barron sub-series and character series
Atlantis Saga books in order
Explore this seriesGreat Tree of Avalon books in order
Explore this seriesMerlin Saga books in order
Explore this series
The Lost Years / The Lost Years of Merlin
by TA Barron
1996The Lost Years of Merlin, Book 1
The Seven Songs / The Seven Songs of Merlin
by TA Barron
1997The Lost Years of Merlin, Book 2
The Raging Fires / The Fires of Merlin
by TA Barron
1998The Lost Years of Merlin, Book 3
The Mirror of Fate / The Mirror of Merlin
by TA Barron
1999The Lost Years of Merlin, Book 4
A Wizard's Wings / The Wings of Merlin
by TA Barron
2000The Lost Years of Merlin, Book 5
Shadows on the Stars
by TA Barron
2005Great Tree of Avalon, Book 1
The Eternal Flame
by TA Barron
2006Great Tree of Avalon, Book 2
The Great Tree of Avalon / Child of the Dark Propechy
by TA Barron
2007Great Tree of Avalon, Book 3
The Dragon of Avalon / Merlin's Dragon
by TA Barron
2008Merlin's Dragon, Book 1
Doomraga's Revenge
by TA Barron
2009Merlin's Dragon, Book 2
Ultimate Magic
by TA Barron
2010Merlin's Dragon, Book 3
Giant: The Unlikely Origins of Shim
by TA Barron
2021Merlin Saga, Book 12
Merlin Saga books in chronological order

The Lost Years / The Lost Years of Merlin
by TA Barron
1996The Lost Years of Merlin, Book 1
The Seven Songs / The Seven Songs of Merlin
by TA Barron
1997The Lost Years of Merlin, Book 2
The Raging Fires / The Fires of Merlin
by TA Barron
1998The Lost Years of Merlin, Book 3
The Mirror of Fate / The Mirror of Merlin
by TA Barron
1999The Lost Years of Merlin, Book 4
A Wizard's Wings / The Wings of Merlin
by TA Barron
2000The Lost Years of Merlin, Book 5
Shadows on the Stars
by TA Barron
2005Great Tree of Avalon, Book 1
The Eternal Flame
by TA Barron
2006Great Tree of Avalon, Book 2
The Great Tree of Avalon / Child of the Dark Propechy
by TA Barron
2007Great Tree of Avalon, Book 3
The Dragon of Avalon / Merlin's Dragon
by TA Barron
2008Merlin's Dragon, Book 1
Doomraga's Revenge
by TA Barron
2009Merlin's Dragon, Book 2
Ultimate Magic
by TA Barron
2010Merlin's Dragon, Book 3
Giant: The Unlikely Origins of Shim
by TA Barron
2021Merlin Saga, Book 12
Merlin's Dragon books in order
Explore this seriesThe Adventures of Kate books in order
Explore this seriesThe Lost Years of Merlin books in order
Explore this series
The Lost Years / The Lost Years of Merlin
by TA Barron
1996The Lost Years of Merlin, Book 1
The Seven Songs / The Seven Songs of Merlin
by TA Barron
1997The Lost Years of Merlin, Book 2
The Raging Fires / The Fires of Merlin
by TA Barron
1998The Lost Years of Merlin, Book 3
The Mirror of Fate / The Mirror of Merlin
by TA Barron
1999The Lost Years of Merlin, Book 4
A Wizard's Wings / The Wings of Merlin
by TA Barron
2000The Lost Years of Merlin, Book 5
The Lost Years of Merlin books in chronological order

The Lost Years / The Lost Years of Merlin
by TA Barron
1996The Lost Years of Merlin, Book 1
The Seven Songs / The Seven Songs of Merlin
by TA Barron
1997The Lost Years of Merlin, Book 2
The Raging Fires / The Fires of Merlin
by TA Barron
1998The Lost Years of Merlin, Book 3
The Mirror of Fate / The Mirror of Merlin
by TA Barron
1999The Lost Years of Merlin, Book 4
A Wizard's Wings / The Wings of Merlin
by TA Barron
2000The Lost Years of Merlin, Book 5
TA Barron collections, short stories, and related book types
Standalone TA Barron books
Author bio
T.A. Barron was born in Boston and spent his childhood in two very different landscapes, New England apple country and a ranch in Colorado with pines, horses, and wide mountain views. Those places stayed with him. You can feel them in his books, where forests, rivers, cliffs, and wild weather are never just scenery.
He grew up outdoors.
Barron studied history at Princeton, then went on to Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar and later studied at Harvard. Long before any book was published, though, he wanted to be a storyteller. His first novel was rejected so completely that many people would have quit there.
He didn't. Instead, he built a career in business in New York and eventually became a president and chief operating officer. Even during those years, he kept writing before dawn at the kitchen table. In 1990, he and his wife Currie moved back to Colorado so he could give storytelling, and conservation work, his full attention.
That gamble changed everything.
Readers first met his fiction through books like Heartlight and The Ancient One, stories that mix adventure with science, myth, and a deep feeling for the natural world. In Heartlight, a girl searches for her missing grandfather while a cosmic danger grows in the background. In The Ancient One, a trip to Oregon becomes a fight to save a redwood forest across time.
For many readers, though, Barron is the writer of Merlin. The Lost Years of Merlin reimagines the famous wizard as a boy with no memory, washed ashore and forced to discover who he is. That story grew into a much larger world, including The Great Tree of Avalon and later books such as Atlantis Rising. People come to these novels for the quests, strange creatures, maps, and magic. They stay for the deeper questions underneath, like who we are, what we owe the world around us, and how courage and kindness hold up when life gets hard.
Those same questions show up in his nonfiction.
In The Hero's Trail and The Wisdom of Merlin, Barron writes more directly about bravery, purpose, and the kind of everyday heroism young people can practice in real life. Outside his books, he founded the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes and has helped support conservation and education programs. He also produced the documentary Dream Big and hosts the podcast Magic & Mountains.
Barron lives on a small farm in Colorado. He has said that nature remains his greatest teacher and inspiration, which makes sense when you read him. Whether he is writing about Merlin, Atlantis, a redwood grove, or a child climbing a mountain, his stories usually circle back to the same belief: the world is full of wonder, and young people are stronger than adults often realize.
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