Finch Merlin and the Djinn’s Curse

Harley Merlin #12

by Bella Forrest

The lost city lies beyond a locked gateway. But the key is not what it seems…

Now a map-maker extraordinaire, Finch must find the place Erebus so desperately seeks—although the “how” and “why” remain unclear. And a certain vengeful Necromancer is bent on beating Erebus to the punch, and he’d be more than happy to make Finch collateral damage.

With his friends’ lives on the line, Finch will fall back on his old trickster ways to get his hands on the gateway’s key. In secret, he plans to uncover a loophole, a way to end his servitude for good. The answer might lie in Erebus’s past servants and their storied history with the djinn...

The djinn have lost their connection to Erebus, and Raffe doesn’t know how much longer he can cope before his alter ego goes insane. That’s the only reason he agrees to travel halfway across the world to find answers for Finch. Raffe aches to end the djinn curse that threatens his future with Santana, but he’d have to achieve the impossible: separate himself from the demon within.

Buy now.

*Beware of spoilers in the reviews below that are without spoiler alerts.*

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

406 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 30, 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

###

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

[Alex(Books-In-A-Storm) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked I really did but I'm not in any hurry to read the next book. I found this a little to long.

[nintoni · Rating 4 out of 5]

The pace is hotting up; everything seems to be rapidly snowballing toward a climactic showdown between characters new and old, while getting some inspired and inventive background to this world and the magical beings that inhabit it. I can't wait to read the next; so off I pop to do just that!

[Bronwyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed but there was a chunk of seven chapters I skipped to get to the nearest Finch POV due to boredom. Not the worst book of the series

[Danni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this!

I’ve been following the series for ages and am a big fan but I really enjoyed this book. I loved getting more insight into Finch’s mental illness from his perspective it was really interesting. I also like that we still get to see Harley moving forward and I’m hoping she’ll feature more again soon. I liked the advocacy for adoption and loving people unconditionally no matter where they come from too. My only criticism is when is Finch going to be happy! When is Ryann going to ditch mr perfect and follow her heart to our beloved Finch?!?! Although we were made to wait a reallllly long time for Harley and Wade so I’m guessing this will be the same!

[Hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's not to like about this book? I love that this book explains more about the djinn. Who knew there were different types? Davin rears his ugly head again and sacrifices are made. We also learn more things from kadars perspective which I loved. This series is definately one to rival Bella's others

[Emily Skermer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didnt enjoy this book as much as the last one but it was still pretty good.

I liked seeing more about Finchs mental health problems with his panic attacks and his hallucinations I found it really interesting and much prefer him to Harley as he doesn't seem as perfect as her and is easier to root for.

The plot was relatively interesting. Getting a bit bored of Davin popping up though and wish another villain was introduced soon as he is just boring now.

The stuff with the djinn wasn't very interesting to me as although learning about different types of djinn was fun Raffes narration was one of the worst we've had so far except for maybe Jacob. This was a surprise as I thought he would be really interesting considering he shares a body with Kadar but all he does is repeat the same worries over and over again.

I quite like Erebus and I am starting to sympathise with him more. I am also glad Melody was kept in this book as she is one of my favourite characters to be introduced in this series and I hope she sticks around.

So far I would rate these from best to worst
2, 1, 3

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series. And I love the development of this character. Many books back, he started out as a bad guy, and then you gradually got to know him, hear his back story (abusive, controlling, manipulative mom). When given a chance, he chooses good -- not all the time, and not consistently at first -- but you see him grow in his ability to think of others more than himself, to choose the right, to sacrifice. I really love this -- along with all the supernatural stuff and great action scenes -- you have a character who is imperfectly but consistently developing into a cool human being. Terrific.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

The series continues to get quicker paced. Finch is trying to get out of his deal with the devil. Meanwhile, everything is collapsing around his nemesis/boss.

The main reason I'm knocking down a star from the last Finch Merlin review I did is because Raffe is kind of boring. His chapters are fortunately fairly few for a secondary narrator in these books, but they're still there. Kadar is at least kind of lively and fun, but Raffe is a dull pot of stewing dread. It shouldn't be boring to be in the head of a young man who isn't sure about his future because of a family curse and with an ill, suicidal magical creature sharing his brain. It is.

[Carlos Merlo Jr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the Santana/Raffe Love Story

Getting to hear from Kadar was hilarious and I found it to be the best parts of this book. Although I love Santana and Raffe's love story, I found Santana's Spanish dialogue to be a bit amateur. As a Hispanic reader, the Spanish seemed forced and unnatural but I suppose I should be grateful that the "rag team" was diverse to begin with. Overall I enjoyed the book but the ending are strange to me as they provide neither a cliffhanger or closure.

[Miss Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant series

I only discovered this series of books a few months ago and have binge read them, one after another. This is a world I never tire of, I look forward to the next adventure and in these last few books I have really enjoyed seeing things through the eyes of Finch and some of the other characters we didn't hear much from in the earlier books. Looking forward to getting stuck into the next instalment.

[Anne Absalom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great distraction

I'm writing this as the covid-19 pandemic drags on with no end in sight. Bella Forrest knows how to write an absorbing story. This series offers a great escape from your worries. I appreciate that the next book is always waiting as I finish one. This book brought more of the original series characters together, which makes it my favourite so far.

[Kevin Grogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh great, now I have to wait!

As always this book did not disappoint. Finch and friends are off to a new course ready to thwart the villain with the hope to gain the advantage. How will Nash find his freedom after years of hiding in fear. Kevin Grogan

[Geraldine M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Adventure

I like how each book is.a continuing adventure of the one before. The locations are described to perfection to where you can see yourself in Northern Canada or.off.I'm a trek through Egypt's desert.

[Marie Clifton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The adventure continues

I'm really liking how the author keeps adventure going. Keeps us wanting to read more. The twist never stop which is one of the reasons I'm looking forward to the next book.

[Kelly Butkovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I see this series should be at the movie theater or on amazon prime videos as series

I can’t get enough of the Harley Merlin and finch it has everything humor , friendships and relationships the bond that is shared within the group is priceless thank you Bella for these books the stories brighten my days Kelly

[Emily L-P · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

At this point I just want the series to be over. I want the ending of Finch and Harley’s stories to be completed. Do I want to finish this series? Not really. But I’m not a quitter. I just keep telling myself it’s almost over.

[Kathleen Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to rate a book

And not give anything away. Well written instalment in the series about Finch. He's making progress against his nemesis Erebus. Now he has to get through the gate.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!!!! I can’t wait to read more in the Finch Merlin Series. Bravo Bella Forest for another spellbinding and captivating story that has me hooked for more. Cheers for Finch and his friends!

[Cynthia Slaughter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Supernatural fantasy series

Finch is still being used by Erebus, this time to track down a magical whose blood he needs to open the door to Atlantis. The djinn are in pain and dying for an unknown reason. Davin keeps popping up to cause trouble. Good read.

[Shelley Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great setirs6

This was a great book I have thoroughly enjoyed them all. Each character is well rounded and very relatable. Great job

[Sylvia Howie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Finch. He always ends up in deep water. Bless him.

[Vicki Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great plot twist.

New characters and great plot twist move this part of the story along. Finch and Raffe learn more about their fates.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesomeness

It saddens me that I am heading the end of this series. I have enjoyed binge reading them. Onto book 13

[Lori Kern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harley Merlin 12

I have certainly enjoyed this journey with Harley and Finch Merlin but I am happy to be close to the end of the series of books so I will know how it all ends.

[Emma Baca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m really liking Finchs’ story. And LOVE Amanda Ronconi as narrator. Her voices are great

[Tonya Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vary good more new characters some old ones too, more back stories and twists and turns. Look forward to next book

[Christine Ingles · Rating 5 out of 5]

entertaining,,, worth it

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love learning more about Finch

It’s great that the author took this turn in the series. I love learning more from Finch’s point of view

[Kary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m really glad I kept reading after first installment. The stories are still entertaining and I want to read more and see what happens... looking forward to book 13.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loving Finch and the gang more and more!!