'The Other Merlin' is the first in a new King Arthur YA Retelling series by Robin Schneider. I was excited to read it after winning a copy from BookishFirst, but it ended up far exceeding my expectations. I absolutely loved it! Emry Merlin, the daughter of famous wizard Merlin, and twin sister to Emmett Merlin, has always felt that she is destined for more than the small village of Brocelande has to offer her. Although women are not openly trained to be wizards, or respected when capable (instead being feared), Emry possesses great natural aptitude, which far exceeds her brother's abilities. She has to push her father to teach her along-side her brother, and continues to hone her craft in secret. When her father goes missing, King Uther of Camelot is now without a court wizard, and a summons is sent to Emmett Merlin to assume the role. However, Emmett gets into an accident which leaves him indisposed, and Emry assumes his identity. A switch that is only meant to be a temporary fix until Emmett is improved, ends up changing the course of Emry's life, and those around her. What ensues is a story of female empowerment, with dynamic characters and interpersonal relationships, filled with fantasy, tension, adventure, LGBTQ+ rep, and love. A definite 5 star read for me, and I can't wait to continue reading the series!