Finch Merlin and the Forgotten Kingdom

Harley Merlin #14

by Bella Forrest

Finch is in deep, with no surface in sight.

He hadn’t expected a welcoming party when they whirlpooled into Atlantis—although “welcoming” isn’t exactly the right word. More like “mildly hostile.”

As descendants of the powerful Primus Anglicus, the Atlanteans are not to be trifled with. But Erebus isn’t leaving until he gets what he wants—and neither is Davin. Caught in the midst of a political battle royale, Finch can only ride out the waves.

And he knows he’ll be lucky to escape this underwater prison without leaving anyone behind.

For Melody, being trapped in an ancient, unfamiliar city is a dream come true. She hungers to fill the gaps in her knowledge, and Atlantis is a delicious buffet, from love potions and Death Day celebrations to beautiful and dangerous creatures.

Navigating this new world isn’t so scary with her trusty bodyguard by her side, though she must protect her own heart. History has shown that the Librarian isn’t supposed to fall in love… but what if it’s already too late?

Genres: Fantasy, Audiobook, Paranormal, Young Adult, Magic, Fiction, Urban Fantasy

406 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 11, 2019

About the author

UPDATE MARCH 11, 2024:

BELLA IS BACK!

*** New, updated online store at https://BellaForrest.com

*** New books coming soon

*** Possible Film/TV series coming soon

*** Stay up to date by joining our e-mail list at https://BellaForrest.com/join

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Bella Forrest is a lover of fantasy, romance, action, and mystery infused stories with twists you don’t see coming. She has sold over fifteen million books since her first novel was published in 2012.

Check out her website for a full list of her books: https://BellaForrest.com

Official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BellaForrest...

Here's a list of some of Bella's books:

DARKLIGHT

Darklight (Book 1)
Darkthirst (Book 2)
Darkworld (Book 3)
Darkblood (Book 4)
Darktide (Book 5)
Darkbirth (Book 6)
Darkfall (Book 7)
Darkwilds (Book 8)
Darkhunt (Book 9)

A LOVE THAT ENDURES (Trilogy)
A Love that Endures 1
A Love that Endures 2
A Love that Endures 3

HARLEY MERLIN AND THE SECRET COVEN

Harley Merlin and the Secret Coven (Book 1)
Harley Merlin and the Mystery Twins (Book 2)
Harley Merlin and the Stolen Magicals (Book 3)
Harley Merlin and the First Ritual (Book 4)
Harley Merlin and the Broken Spell (Book 5)
Harley Merlin and the Cult of Eris (Book 6)
Harley Merlin and the Detector Fix (Book 7)
Harley Merlin and the Challenge of Chaos (Book 8)
Harley Merlin and the Mortal Pact (Book 9)
Finch Merlin and the Fount of Youth (Book 10)
Finch Merlin and the Lost Map (Book 11)
Finch Merlin and the Djinn's Curse (Book 12)
Finch Merlin and the Locked Gateway (Book 13)
Finch Merlin and the Forgotten Kingdom (Book 14)
Finch Merlin and the Everlasting Vow (Book 15)
Finch Merlin and the Blood Tie (Book 16)
Finch Merlin and the Legend of the Luminary
Persie Merlin and Leviathan's Gift (Book 18)
Persie Merlin and the Door to Nowhere (Book 19)
Persie Merlin and the Witch Hunters (Book 20)
Persie Merlin and the Dying Song (Book 21)

THE CHILD THIEF

The Child Thief (Book 1)
Deep Shadows (Book 2)
Thin Lines (Book 3)
Little Lies (Book 4)
Ghost Towns (Book 5)
Zero Hour (Book 6)

HOTBLOODS

Hotbloods (Book 1)
Hotbloods (Book 2): Coldbloods
Hotbloods (Book 3): Renegades
Hotbloods (Book 4): Venturers
Hotbloods (Book 5): Traitors
Hotbloods (Book 6): Allies
Hotbloods (Book 7): Invaders
Hotbloods (Book 8): Stargazers

THE GENDER GAME

The Gender Game (Book 1)
The Gender Secret (Book 2)
The Gender Lie (Book 3)
The Gender War (Book 4)
The Gender Fall (Book 5)
The Gender Plan (Book 6)
The Gender End (Book 7)

THE GIRL WHO DARED TO THINK

The Girl Who Dared to Think (Book 1)
The Girl Who Dared to Stand (Book 2)
The Girl Who Dared to Descend (Book 3)
The Girl Who Dared to Rise (Book 4)
The Girl Who Dared to Lead (Book 5)
The Girl Who Dared to Endure (Book 6
The Girl Who Dared to Fight (Book 7)

A SHADE OF VAMPIRE

Season 1: Derek & Sofia’s story

Books 1 to 7

Season 2: Rose & Caleb’s story

Books 8 to 16

Season 3: The Shade continues with a new hero...

Books 17 to 24

Season 4: A Clan of Novaks

Books 25 to 32

Season 5: A Dawn of Guardians

Books 33 to 41

Season 6: A Gift of Three

Books 42 to 50

Season 7: A Call of Vampires

Books 51 to 59

Season 8: A Voyage of Founders

Books 60 to 68

Season 9: A Birth of Fire

Books 69 to 77

Season 10: An Origin of Vampires
An Origin of Vampires (Book 78)
A Game of Death (Book 79)
A Veil of Dark (Book 80)
A Bringer of Night (Book 81)
A Circle of Nine (Book 82)
A Bender of Spirit (Book 83)
A Memory of Time (Book 84)
A Shard of Soul (Book 85)
A Break of Seals (Book 86)

Season 11: A Shade of Mystery
A Shade of Mystery (Book 87)
An Isle of Mirrors (Book 88)
A Sanctuary of Foes (Book 89)
A Ruler of Clones (Book 90)
A Gate of Light (Book 91)
A Dawn of Worlds (Book 92) ➜ Coming soon!

Reviews

[Debbie Hogue]

Finch Merlin has been dealt a hard life, made all the worse by his author! I mean hasn’t Finch had to deal with enough, he’s been an integral part of the series since about 2/3rds of the way in! He should have received his happily ever after by now but, instead he gets put through wringer after ringer! I can see vampire novels going on forever, being immortal and all (not that I would read them; I mean no one wants a storyline to drag on forever, do they? ...Well I don’t! )but from I’ve read, these people, even the Atlanteans, don’t live forever, and even if Finch were to have an extended life span, all his family and friends would be long since gone....Anyway, I will continue to read new series by different authors until Finch returns once again in The Everlasting Vow, but if it doesn’t come to a conclusion soon, I don’t think I can deal with the same “poor Finch” at longer length and I don’t think he should go the way of his mother either, he didn’t change his ways to be brought back to his mothers wicked ways, not to mention so many who have championed him, both his family and friends and his readers....so until January 24, I will fill my time with different and shorter series and hope for the best!!

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great. The characterizations are great. The action scenes are great. The imagined worlds are great. The only problem I have with it is that this woman needs an editor. The story just goes on and on and on, and then it stops right in the middle of important parts, and then you have to go to the next book to find out what happens next. You couldn't possibly just stop. And this is now book 14 or something in this series. Really. On and on. So it gets four stars, just because it seems like it will never, ever, end, and that makes me think this is really just a ploy for the author to get rich, not to actually tell a great narrative tale.

[Shelley Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic story

I started reading this because it was similar to Harry Potter. Happy I did. It's a great series with fantastic character's a must read.

[Sean Rassleagh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been following the series since the first Harley Merlin book and it is now showing signs of running out of steam. I've no idea how the author can write books of this length fast enough to release one every month but I think its starting to affect the quality.

I want to avoid spoilers so won't discuss the plot much. The cast are now in Atlantis, there's some interesting ideas about the social structures and customs and some action but basically we are in romance territory. The trouble is that the author isn't as good at writing romance as she is at writing fantasy - or possibly I'm just more interested in fantasy than romance. Everything is PG-12, a few chaste kisses and cuddles is all you get. The dialog is fairly flat. When it comes to love the author believes in showing and then telling as well to be sure and it gets pretty boring at times. This is the first book in the series where I felt the need to skip forward occasionally. She's not got the skill to get you to engage with the characters emotionally from the dialogue and she's not willing to heat it up a bit with a sexual element. There's no real sense of threat or much excitement from action scenes. The story arc doesn't really move very far - the start out in Atlantis, they finish up in Atlantis, no major characters have died, nobody has got married and what should have been the climax of this book is left as a cliffhanger for the next.

So it is basically fairly bland fare and somewhat disappointing in comparison to the first two or three books in the 'Harley Merlin' story arc which are excellent. On the other hand 14 books in I'm invested and they are free on Kindle Unlimited so obviously I'll read the next one and she's churning them out fast enough there's only a few weeks to wait. Hopefully the author will tie off the Finch Merlin story with a worthy final episode.

[Mark Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well folks, for those that actually read these reviews I have been a little remiss in keeping up with them especially when you get into an exciting 14 book series like this one. It is the first I've read of Bella Forrest and I'm eagerly awaiting Book 15. I have rated every book in this series a 5 star. Maybe that's fair and maybe not but this review covers them all. I truly could not...did not, want to put them down. It was one of the best series I've read in a while. I started the first book on 10/16/19 and finished book 14 on 12/12/19. This is in between working on my own WIP, having to move out of a place I'd lived in for 13 yrs, taking a 2 month road trip and taking up a house sitting position as I searched for a new residence.
Bella Forrest has written a great fantasy series in the Harley Merlin/Finch Merlin series. The characters draw you in and each chapter is written in a single character's POV. I also like the fact that Forrest has some closure at the end of each book with a smooth segue into the next one. As many of you know, when I write a review it's not on the specifics of the story but on the overall appeal. These books suffered few grammatical errors and each book had you engrossed from the beginning to the end, wanting the next one. Filled with every kind of fantasy creature you could imagine and occasionally playing in the worlds of gods, Forrest creates a visual treat with her writing. I highly recommend this series and look forward to continuing it as she writes more.

[James Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to Atlantis,Finch and his Muppet Babies Team with his pack of gargoyles, Erebus and Devon have arrived

The question is will any of them be able to leave. Surface Dwellers, magical or not, are not be trusted and are viewed as beneath notice by Atlantans. Finch quickly figures out that the rare jewel of Atlantis Erebus and Devon are after is not a jewel at all, but the princess of Atlantis, and, they've conviently arrived just at the time when the ruling of the advanced magical civilization of Atlantis will be turned over to the Princess. A competition of suitors for the princess's hand is about take place, and it seems the princess and Erebus have a past history. Will Finch's New Muppet Babies be able to stop Devon and Erebus from wining the competition and seizing the power of Atlantis? Can Finch break his binding to Erebus and the bond between Lux and Ryann? Atlantis and the Magical force bubble which protects it from the crushing ocean depths that surround it are powered through Atlantis Beastiary. Why is it suffering random catastrophic brown outs and how long until it totally collapses. To make matters worse Erebus forced the team to leave for Atlantis so quickly the team was unable to communicate an update to the SDC and Harley's OG Muppet Babies! Harley must be going crazy!

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did most of the reading of this book in the last two weeks.

It's been a few books since I liked the secondary narrator in this series. Melody is a delightful character, and I think her relationship with Luke is more charming than previous relationships in the series because there is a genuine will they or won't they. It seemed like she had less chapters than previous secondary narrators, although Ryann and Raffe did drag things on for me, so maybe that's it.

Atlantis is a fascinating place. While on the surface, it is a beautiful city of powerful and ancient magic, the heroes soon discover that it also has dark secrets. Unfortunately, there isn't much for them to do about it. They're in a precarious situation, and the author decides when to end her books based less on quality storytelling and more where the best place for a cliffhanger is, and it really hurt this one. There's very little climax to speak of perhaps when Erebus and Davin confront Finch and his group, but the threat of death is thwarted by Lux in an interesting take on deus ex machina. and the only thing resolved is Melody and Luke's relationship problems, but let's face it how many people were surprised that Melody finally decides to go for it.

[Emily Skermer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book again Atlantic was cool and I thought most of the suitors would be annoying but they are actually quite nice. Not sure what is going on with that Apollo plot though kinda came out of nowhere.

Davin is still being annoying and probably will continue to be annoying till the end of this series and although I do feel bad for both Erebus and Lux I do not appreciate what they are doing to Finch and Ryann.

The king seems super dodgy and Kaya is absolutely crazy trying to force Finch to marry her hopefully he has a happy ending but I feel he is about to reach breaking point soon.

I like Melody as a character but her POV was a bit boring as it was just mainly about Luke and her romance which I'm not that interested in but I still like her kinda wish we would have had Nash though as he seems more interesting.

Anyway excited for next book as Finch seems ready to do anything to get home and considering he used to do some dark stuff like murder with the cultist hopefully it will be good.

[Melissa Dinwiddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look inside Melody’s head

The plot of this episode of the Finch chronicles left a bit to be desired, but every book features chapters from another character’s point of view, and this time we got to hear from Melody, which was a fun treat.

Finch started out as a villain in the early books of the series, but saw a dramatic character arc over the course of Harley’s story. Now he’s the protagonist in this spin-off series, still struggling with guilt over the misdeeds in his past, but a decent person at heart.

Like most people who commit atrocities, Finch was the victim of all sorts of evil acts before he committed any himself. And that trend has continued, as he finds himself at the mercy of powerful actors, and caught in the middle of their power struggles.

Thankfully, he’s not alone anymore, and his generosity has spawned loyalty in his friends. Now they find themselves in the undersea city of Atlantis, where the stakes are about to get crazy...

[Bronwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe my favourite of the series, the book is better than others.
Characters, as always in this series, are done well and feel real which I am ecstatic about. Melody's POV was done extremely well, in my book, and was used way better than some others in previous books who bored me to the point where I skipped the non-protagonist chapters where I could.
Better than the Djinn Curse book. And maybe better than the Harley Merlin ones, definately some of the later ones.
Looking forward to seeing the "Monster" unleashed in the final pages and am extremely excited to read on in the next book.
Best ending I've seen for a while.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best Finch book so far. I was hooked. As in I listened while I did everything because I couldn’t stop. Though I have to say, this is the second book in a row that just ENDED. Randomly. Seriously, is the author jerking me around or what? I have to go get book 15. Because I’m invested in this series, dammit. I think something is going to happen and then *curveball* something crazy happens that I did not expect. I have to say, this book has me thinking this author might be a genius. I’m loving this series.

[Danni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great bunch of new characters

I really enjoyed where the story has gone this time with the introduction of a new civilisation and characters. I think there’s huge scope here for the following books. Once again frustrated by all the obstacles for Finch and Ryann - when can poor Finch catch a break! But I enjoyed the story, fast paced with lots of seeds being planted for what’s to come.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Finch Merlin Story

I loved this book. It by far was one of my favorite Finch Merlin books. The books explains the magnificence of Lost City of Atlantis that I could actually picture it in my mind. I found myself hoping that Finch would wind up with the princess even tho he says he loved Rayan. The book also left some questions about Atlantis that will have to be answered in the next book such as the bestiary glitches and the assassination attempt on the princess.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

After book 13, I was a little weary of where this was heading. I have enjoyed all the books and MUST know how they end, but I was doing a bit of eye-rolling about some of the antics Finch and the other main characters were put through in 13, feeling like 14 would wrap up this plot line.

I was wrong.

14 busted out all kinds of things I was not expecting and really expanding some concepts. I'm very curious and excited to see where the rest of this goes!

[Tina Oeffler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievable

Poor Finch, he just can not get a break. I do hope it does not go to far and loses who he has become, and the one we have all come to love. I’m finally glad it is out in the open how Melody feels about Luke and vice versa. Looking forward to seeing what the next books brings. Way to go Bella, always keeping us hooked as usual.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope Finch get his happy ending

I feel sad for Finch, people always manipulating him using him.
Hope he get the happy ending for him, he endure so much from his mother, he derseve love and happiness. The child of chaos must be stopped.
Can't wait for the next journey of finch ; can't wait how he will fight back against the child of chaos and atlantis princess

[diana romano]

Harley Merlin 14 Forgotten Kingdom

This was another winner. I just love this series and this author. After 14 books this author just keeps going and I just keep getting them. I love the characters and storylines are so wonderful I keep coming back for more. She has such a good imagination. I highly recommend all her books to everyone. Diana Romano

[Mavis Morton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edge of your seat

I love The Harley Merlin series. I never know what's going to happen next. I hope this series can just keep going. These characters are diverse and very interesting. I would recommend This book/series to all readers who want to be involved thru every page & reading fast because you can't wait to see what happens next.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are always so good and this one did not disappoint. I’m loving the new Atlantan characters especially Kaya. Can’t wait for the next books. Unfortunately I’ve got school starting soon so I’m going to have to take a break from the books. But can’t wait for break to read all the ones I miss.

[Patricia Goodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Atlantis Visited

Finch Merlin has to go to Atlantis along with his friends and Erebus. Lex has taken over his love Ryann. They are imprisoned when they arrive. The princess finally releases them and agrees that Erebus can cover of hand. What happens next is confusion for all left hanging.

[Diane C Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finch the suitor

I don't know how Finch gets in these impossible situations but he can't seem to stay on the side!ines, his curse is he finds him self right in the middle of trouble. Each and every adventure gets him right in the middle of Erebus and Lux fights. Will Finch be the next King of Atlantis? It looks that way even though Finch loves Ryan.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Finch and friends adventure by Bella Forrest

Being used by Erebus to do his bidding doesn't sit well with Finch but having friends involved makes it worse. Even when said friends are willing to help in any way possible. Conniving, threatening and worse enter into all of this in book 14.

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too Many Books?

I have enjoyed reading the Harley Merlin books but I found myself losing concentration in this one. Maybe 14 books in the series has been enough for me and now a story goes over more than one book. Yes, I'm an adult (well sometimes 🤔) , reading young adults books, they were extremely enjoyable but I'm getting a little bored now. Sorry 😕

[Jenny Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

This was the best one in the series so far. Finch is perfect. Very funny and so uniquely him. From the first page to the last, a gripping intriguing fast paced adventure. Well done. I'm amazed at the number of books you have written if they are all of this caliber. Very impressed.

[Danielle Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

Wow! The imagination and creativity in this series is just epic. World building that brings you there, I mean, RIGHT THERE! To bring in such an amazing cast of characters, that you truly see them, their lives, troubles, triumphs. You wish you could just step into this crazy wonderful world.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! Fantastic written

Who wouldn't want to read about Atlantis and feel like they were there ?! This series is absolutely fantastic! Poor Finch just gets used and abused over and over again !! This storyline is extremely exciting and so much fun to read. Highly recommend this series !!

[Amina Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh, my poor Finch! Getting manipulated again and again! I'm rooting for you, Finch and I hope you give the lot of them what's coming to them! Oh and I hope you get your happily ever after, because if anyone deserves it its you!

Great read again, as this series has been from the start! Love Finch's sense of humour and I'm looking forward to reading about him fighting back in the next book!

[nintoni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this story arc SO MUCH! I can't even begin to explain without spoilers, so I'm not even going to try. Suffice to say, the plot thickens, Davin is still a slimy *@&%!, Erebus is still acting like a spoilt 2 year old, and there are plenty of fist-pump "Yes!" moments (end of chapter 28, anyone?) to off-set the frustration and disappointments. No. 15, here I come!

[Anne Absalom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Yet

Keep these stories coming Bella! This book is another page turner. Finch has grown his own merry band of magicals, and I have grown fond of them. I have no ability to read these books slowly, as they are real page turners. If you are this far into the series you know how addictive they are.

[G. Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful

I was reading with anticipation. This section to the Finch Merlin story was challenging to predict without knowledge of the Atlantians cultural history and traditions. That allowed for some unexpected twists to the plot. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.