Merlin #2: The Seven Songs by T.A. Barron

My name is Rhia, and I must guide Merlin as he wields the Flowering Harp to revive the lands across Fincayra. I lost track of him along the way but discovered he summoned his mother and delayed his vital quest. He doesn't fully appreciate that the survival of all living things in Fincayra is riding on his time-sensitive mission. Rhita Gawr will return looking for vengeance. Now, Merlin’s mother is dying, and he is determined to venture into the Otherworld Well to save her. He read the runes within Arbassa's trunk, and they told the story of The Seven Songs. He must retrace his grandfather's footsteps, but the cryptic song lyrics leave us guessing about the journey’s path. There is a likely chance we won't survive the quest, but I agree that we must do everything we can to find a cure for his mother. 

Once again, Merlin doesn't perform the powerful magic you might expect. He's only recently discovered his abilities and doubts he possesses much of it. Rhia tells him as much when he tries to boast about his power to heal nature. Merlin was fairly modest in the first book, but this sequel presents a much more arrogant character. He gets frustrated when others downplay his importance and ignores the repeated pleas and warnings to resurrect Fincayra as quickly as possible. He discounts Rhia's intuition and gets the group into further danger. The word hubris was used to describe Merlin more than once, although he recovers some humility once the problem escalates. The plot settles into a pattern of trying to solve seven situations where Merlin must find the soul of seven songs. These discoveries result in seven lessons in life, and they must unfold in the order they are presented. No avoiding or skipping! A jester is added to the cast of characters, and he provides "humor" to the story. Actually, the character is the opposite of funny, but that's where the playfulness comes in. Overall, the series is slowly presenting Merlin's evolution as a wizard, and I assume he'll become a little more powerful in the sequel. Prophecies share hints  of the future, but the uncertainty creates the tension and suspense.