The catalysts make me think that this could be the Darksword trilogy. The Merlin character could be either Saryon or Simkin. Merilon is also the name of the empire. There is a mix of science and magic, but I don't remember anything about timelines. Disclaimer: it's been almost two decades since I've read the books.

The catalysts make me think that this could be the Darksword trilogy. The Merlin character could be either Saryon or Simkin. Merilon is also the name of the empire. The aliens are a ruthless race called the Hch'Nyv. There is a mix of science and magic, but I don't remember anything about timelines. Disclaimer: it's been almost two decades since I've read the books.

The catalysts make me think that this could be the Darksword trilogy. The Merlin character would be either Saryon or Simkin. There is a mix of science and magic, but I don't remember anything about timelines. Disclaimer: it's been almost two decades since I've read the books.

The catalysts make me think that this could be the Darksword trilogy. The Merlin character could be either Saryon or Simkin. Merilon is also the name of the empire. There is a mix of science and magic, but I don't remember anything about timelines. Disclaimer: it's been almost two decades since I've read the books.