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Druid Detective Agency #1
Merlin's Mantle
The Monsters we Make.When magic bleeds into our world, it brings with it monsters born of human imagination and angst.
Elijah Wadsoworth is a Druid and his wife, Emilie, is a Bard. Together, they are the only ones who can track down these new creatures and stop them before it's too late.
But every case is a mystery. Why do the monsters keep coming back? Who or what is responsible?
Elijah never wanted to be a detective, but when duty calls, someone has to take up the mantle.
Can Elijah and Emilie solve the mystery and save the world from this new threat?
Merlin's Mantle is the first book in the new Druid Detective Agency urban fantasy series. Elijah and Emilie already went through one adventure. Now, ten years after The Druid Legacy, they are facing a new challenge, one that will test their limits. The real threat isn't the otherworldly magic, the magic that once birthed life itself in Eden/Annwn. There was a reason why humanity was cast from the garden groves. When the magic of that place comes home, it won't take long to find out why. The real threat was here all along, hidden in human hearts, now made manifest by the power of creation itself.
Harry Potter meets Harry Dresden in Druid Detective Agency.
You'll encounter dragons and other mythical creatures. Facing them is nothing compared to fighting with monsters born of the human mind.
Elijah Wadsoworth is a Druid and his wife, Emilie, is a Bard. Together, they are the only ones who can track down these new creatures and stop them before it's too late.
But every case is a mystery. Why do the monsters keep coming back? Who or what is responsible?
Elijah never wanted to be a detective, but when duty calls, someone has to take up the mantle.
Can Elijah and Emilie solve the mystery and save the world from this new threat?
Merlin's Mantle is the first book in the new Druid Detective Agency urban fantasy series. Elijah and Emilie already went through one adventure. Now, ten years after The Druid Legacy, they are facing a new challenge, one that will test their limits. The real threat isn't the otherworldly magic, the magic that once birthed life itself in Eden/Annwn. There was a reason why humanity was cast from the garden groves. When the magic of that place comes home, it won't take long to find out why. The real threat was here all along, hidden in human hearts, now made manifest by the power of creation itself.
Harry Potter meets Harry Dresden in Druid Detective Agency.
You'll encounter dragons and other mythical creatures. Facing them is nothing compared to fighting with monsters born of the human mind.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2024
139 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
About the author
Theophilus Monroe
157 books292 followersTheophilus Monroe is a fantasy author with a knack for real-life characters whose supernatural experiences speak to the pangs of ordinary life. After earning his Ph.D. in Theology, he decided that academic treatises that no one will read (beyond other academics) was a dull way to spend his life. So, he began using his background in religious studies to create new worlds and forms of magic-informed by religious myths, ancient and modern-that would intrigue readers, inspire imaginations, and speak to real-world problems in fantastical ways.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
June 6, 2025
Solid plot; juvenile writing
I want to love this book, but it’s not there yet. The plot is solid, but the writing is simplistic. It’s heavy on dialogue (and inner monologues) and light on description. I don’t need Tolkien levels of description or anything; just something more than dialogue to feel grounded in a scene.
With that said, the reimagining of Camelot is intriguing. I may read the second one just to see if it gets better. And also, this is a quick read.
I want to love this book, but it’s not there yet. The plot is solid, but the writing is simplistic. It’s heavy on dialogue (and inner monologues) and light on description. I don’t need Tolkien levels of description or anything; just something more than dialogue to feel grounded in a scene.
With that said, the reimagining of Camelot is intriguing. I may read the second one just to see if it gets better. And also, this is a quick read.
June 20, 2025
Not bad, I think I need to read the prior series. Though not necessary, it gives more context. Lots of action and magic all the way through. This book is the beginning and creation of the agency.
July 22, 2025
A Druid and his wife are raising their son in the Ozarks. The son is Merlin (yes, that Merlin). Merlin has been having troubling dreams which seem to parallel murders in St Louis and seems to be the same something that attacked them in the forest at home. So they head to St Louis to find out what is going on. They discover that Mordred had returned and wishes to change history. When Merlin is grown, he will go back to the past to help Arthur and Mordred wants to twist his destiny to help him. This battle is to defeat Mordred and keep Arthur safe. unfortunately they have an ally that they think is the enemy.
An interesting spin on the legend concerning Merlin. The story is full of tense situations and exciting action.
An interesting spin on the legend concerning Merlin. The story is full of tense situations and exciting action.
July 19, 2025
In this story, Merlin is only ten and lives with his dad, Elijah who is a druid, and his wife Emelie, a bard, in a remote home in the Ozarks. When a strange creature comes from near their portal, it brings danger to them all, but specifically Merlin. Nothing should have been able to get through the portal with such a dark and evil presence, since the portal is linked to the Tree of Life, so something may be wrong with his Oak tree in St Louis, which grew from an acorn from that tree. Merlin has a gift for drawing images that come to him in his head and he has correctly drawn the creature and many other occurrences of its presence in the city, where people have been brutally killed. They travel into the city and to the park, but before they can even get near to the oak tree, both Merlin and Elijah get severe headaches from a dark force nearby. When he hears a scream, he has Emelie stay with Merlin, while he runs to see if he can help. A woman has come across a horribly graphic scene of a dead man’s body and the dark creature is still in the trees nearby. The police have been called, but Elijah knows they can’t handle the creature and will just place them selves in danger. He goes towards his tree, only to find a group of cultists, he later finds out are Weavers, doing some sort of ritual around the tree, which is seeping dark ichor and looks nothing like it should. He tries to stop them, but his magic has no effect on them and more screams leave him facing the option of trying to take down the group or save Merlin and his wife. As he runs back to them, a police detective, Sloane Harding, stops him and cuffs him, before leading him back to her car, not believing his story. She got a glimpse of the creature and knows it wasn’t something she could report! They come to an uneasy truce and agree to help one another.
Another group of Weavers have been causing all sorts of chaos through the ages, even being responsible for world wars and the atomic bomb! As Elijah soon finds out, not all of the Weavers are evil, as he is accosted by one called Alessandro, who wants him to come to their HQ, so he can tell him more about Merlin’s magic and its consequences. Alessandro is part of a group called the Vesica Piscis, and they need Merlin to accept their mantle, to become the person he is meant to be and one day become a powerful gatekeeper. Accepting the mantle will also allow Merlin to stop forming the creatures from his imagination, unleashed by Mordred’s power when he broke through the portal to Earth. Mordred is back from the dead after Morgana’s spell finally resurrected him, just in time to try and corrupt Merlin’s destiny as he starts to come into his magic. His followers, the Mordredeans, are the evil Weavers responsible for so many deaths over the years and now are attempting to corrupt this time with their evil. Mordred’s power is now free in this realm and other vulnerable people will also have their greatest fears manifest into reality and it will be up to Elijah, Emilie and Sloane to stop them. First however, they must take down Mordred, and for that Merlin must learn a complex spell, which no one in this timeline knows. They must travel to visit Elijah’s father, Diarmid, and use Emilie’s bard magic to bring out a memory form his own childhood, when the archangel Micheal showed him the spell, knowing his grandson would have ned of it one day! The spell will bring all the elements, including the very ether Mordred consists of at present, back into harmony and balance. It will take years to contain the power of the pure ether Mordred released upon the world, and this leads to the forming of the Druid Detective Agency (DDA), with Elijah, Emilie and the detective Sloane, who was put on a mental health leave because of what she said she had seen! Merlin of course wants to help and will have his own part in the DDA, however he can. A great start to the series that gives clues to the enemy Merlin must face and the path he is destined to follow, so long as nothing or no one manages to divert him along the way. Lots of aftereffects for the DDA to contend with going forward, as the manifestations of fear will still be there to deal with until they can defeat every one of them.
I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout, and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Another group of Weavers have been causing all sorts of chaos through the ages, even being responsible for world wars and the atomic bomb! As Elijah soon finds out, not all of the Weavers are evil, as he is accosted by one called Alessandro, who wants him to come to their HQ, so he can tell him more about Merlin’s magic and its consequences. Alessandro is part of a group called the Vesica Piscis, and they need Merlin to accept their mantle, to become the person he is meant to be and one day become a powerful gatekeeper. Accepting the mantle will also allow Merlin to stop forming the creatures from his imagination, unleashed by Mordred’s power when he broke through the portal to Earth. Mordred is back from the dead after Morgana’s spell finally resurrected him, just in time to try and corrupt Merlin’s destiny as he starts to come into his magic. His followers, the Mordredeans, are the evil Weavers responsible for so many deaths over the years and now are attempting to corrupt this time with their evil. Mordred’s power is now free in this realm and other vulnerable people will also have their greatest fears manifest into reality and it will be up to Elijah, Emilie and Sloane to stop them. First however, they must take down Mordred, and for that Merlin must learn a complex spell, which no one in this timeline knows. They must travel to visit Elijah’s father, Diarmid, and use Emilie’s bard magic to bring out a memory form his own childhood, when the archangel Micheal showed him the spell, knowing his grandson would have ned of it one day! The spell will bring all the elements, including the very ether Mordred consists of at present, back into harmony and balance. It will take years to contain the power of the pure ether Mordred released upon the world, and this leads to the forming of the Druid Detective Agency (DDA), with Elijah, Emilie and the detective Sloane, who was put on a mental health leave because of what she said she had seen! Merlin of course wants to help and will have his own part in the DDA, however he can. A great start to the series that gives clues to the enemy Merlin must face and the path he is destined to follow, so long as nothing or no one manages to divert him along the way. Lots of aftereffects for the DDA to contend with going forward, as the manifestations of fear will still be there to deal with until they can defeat every one of them.
I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout, and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
April 7, 2024
Have you MET Elijah? Emilie, Merlin???? No??? Well best you do! This fabulously written, fasted paced read is just the coolest read! And yes.... Merlin from legends, THAT Merlin! A young Merlin, a 10 year old Merlin who's as awesome as the adult version is. Elijah and Emilie are Merlin's parents, well Elijah is, Joni is technically Merlin's biological mom but.... circumstances have made it impossible for her to be, ummm, present, so Emilie inherited the role of mom which she embraced whole heartedly. But geez, to get the background of WHY, you will need to read prior series, which you'll want to, believe me! But this is it's own series, completely and utterly immersive in it's own right, and you won't feel lost for even a second.
Elijah is a druid of incredible strength, Emilie can "see" events through a very special violin and Merlin, well, he's just impressive already at his young age, he too "sees" things but hey, he's still not at the age or stage where his power is full throttle. Quite the family, isn't it? So, things that go bump in the night are causing havoc and decimating people, yes, decimating, not just your average homicidal act, which has Elijah and Emilie worried sick for Merlin. And being the awesome parents they are, they know they have to find the perpetrators and fast. The more they delve, the more horrified they are. An ancient sect has reared it's head, stumping both the local police and Elijah as to their aim. Except, nothing is as it seems, even the sect calling themselves Weavers have distention in their ranks, a sect within a sect... which doesn't bode well for anyone. Especially as these creatures seem to be gaining momentum and the reason is far more sinister than one could imagine, as the fate of the world rests on the shoulders of a ten year old...
I do enjoy the realism of this world, the realism of the characters, whether magical or mundane, these characters exude realism. The fundamental talent Theo has is his portrayal of family, of truths and rightness, of the complexity that is human race. His books are always a fun read, always an immersive one where my eyes are flying over the pages drawing the magnificent plot into me, relishing each character as they appear, the story taking my imagination to new heights. The fast pace is never forced, the action believable and the characters brought to life in the most awesome way. This author does something few can, he leads you down a path you're convinced is the right one and then he shows you just how mistaken you are. His twists always have the ability to make me go "oh...." he conceals the truth so expertly, my brain has to do a double take. He manipulates the past, the present and the future, the myths and the legends take form, shaped lovingly and expertly, creating a tangible, believable story, one so vivid and realistic, I had a problem discerning fact from fiction, I found myself dragged into an era of events as though I had personally lived through them. Perhaps I had in another timeline.... and all I know is that I want to continue on this journey, myth or legend, true or false, I'm captivated, enthralled and entertained by the bucket loads!
Elijah is a druid of incredible strength, Emilie can "see" events through a very special violin and Merlin, well, he's just impressive already at his young age, he too "sees" things but hey, he's still not at the age or stage where his power is full throttle. Quite the family, isn't it? So, things that go bump in the night are causing havoc and decimating people, yes, decimating, not just your average homicidal act, which has Elijah and Emilie worried sick for Merlin. And being the awesome parents they are, they know they have to find the perpetrators and fast. The more they delve, the more horrified they are. An ancient sect has reared it's head, stumping both the local police and Elijah as to their aim. Except, nothing is as it seems, even the sect calling themselves Weavers have distention in their ranks, a sect within a sect... which doesn't bode well for anyone. Especially as these creatures seem to be gaining momentum and the reason is far more sinister than one could imagine, as the fate of the world rests on the shoulders of a ten year old...
I do enjoy the realism of this world, the realism of the characters, whether magical or mundane, these characters exude realism. The fundamental talent Theo has is his portrayal of family, of truths and rightness, of the complexity that is human race. His books are always a fun read, always an immersive one where my eyes are flying over the pages drawing the magnificent plot into me, relishing each character as they appear, the story taking my imagination to new heights. The fast pace is never forced, the action believable and the characters brought to life in the most awesome way. This author does something few can, he leads you down a path you're convinced is the right one and then he shows you just how mistaken you are. His twists always have the ability to make me go "oh...." he conceals the truth so expertly, my brain has to do a double take. He manipulates the past, the present and the future, the myths and the legends take form, shaped lovingly and expertly, creating a tangible, believable story, one so vivid and realistic, I had a problem discerning fact from fiction, I found myself dragged into an era of events as though I had personally lived through them. Perhaps I had in another timeline.... and all I know is that I want to continue on this journey, myth or legend, true or false, I'm captivated, enthralled and entertained by the bucket loads!
April 28, 2024
Get ready to embark on an epic journey with the first installment of a captivating new series, because "Merlin's Mantle" is nothing short of awesome! At the heart of the story is Elijah, a Druid, whose ten-year-old son just so happens to be none other than Merlin himself—yes, that Merlin.
Delving into the lives of Elijah and his wife Emilie, a Bard with magical abilities tied to her instrument, the book offers a fresh and intriguing twist on traditional lore. I found myself thoroughly engrossed in the intricate magical elements, which were presented in a way that was both understandable and captivating, even amidst the occasional complexity reminiscent of scientific theory.
One of the highlights for me was the delightful use of emojis by Emilie and Elijah, adding a touch of humor to the narrative while also serving as a unique form of communication between the characters. The book masterfully balances humor with moments of genuine terror, keeping readers on the edge of their seats throughout.
Filled with thrilling fight scenes and nostalgic references to pop culture icons from my own upbringing, "Merlin's Mantle" kept me thoroughly entertained from start to finish. As the mysteries unfolded and suspense mounted, I found myself completely immersed in the story, visualizing every scene as if I were a part of their world, from Elijah's desperate pursuit of monsters to the looming threat of creatures breaching the veil.
In conclusion, "Merlin's Mantle" was a joy to read, and I eagerly anticipate diving into the next installment in the Druid Detective Agency series. If you're looking for an exhilarating read that seamlessly blends mystery, suspense, and magic, I highly recommend picking up a copy of "Merlin's Mantle" today—it's a literary adventure you won't want to miss!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Delving into the lives of Elijah and his wife Emilie, a Bard with magical abilities tied to her instrument, the book offers a fresh and intriguing twist on traditional lore. I found myself thoroughly engrossed in the intricate magical elements, which were presented in a way that was both understandable and captivating, even amidst the occasional complexity reminiscent of scientific theory.
One of the highlights for me was the delightful use of emojis by Emilie and Elijah, adding a touch of humor to the narrative while also serving as a unique form of communication between the characters. The book masterfully balances humor with moments of genuine terror, keeping readers on the edge of their seats throughout.
Filled with thrilling fight scenes and nostalgic references to pop culture icons from my own upbringing, "Merlin's Mantle" kept me thoroughly entertained from start to finish. As the mysteries unfolded and suspense mounted, I found myself completely immersed in the story, visualizing every scene as if I were a part of their world, from Elijah's desperate pursuit of monsters to the looming threat of creatures breaching the veil.
In conclusion, "Merlin's Mantle" was a joy to read, and I eagerly anticipate diving into the next installment in the Druid Detective Agency series. If you're looking for an exhilarating read that seamlessly blends mystery, suspense, and magic, I highly recommend picking up a copy of "Merlin's Mantle" today—it's a literary adventure you won't want to miss!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 14, 2024
I got so immersed in this book that I now suspect that Mr. Monroe is truly a wizard himself, powerful, knowing and mysterious. All the reasonable weaving of knowledge of the sacred geometry which trickled to the present from the ancient mysteries with modern-day issues result in a fascinating pattern which feels like either a revealed truth or the abundant imagination of a very well-read writer.
Either way, I find this start of the series very intriguing. Anyone who is interested can seek nowadays knowledge about the alchemical symbols of creation and the basics about the micro and macrocosms, their unity and duality and the theories about existence, and I truly am grateful for the wonders of the world wide web which make this possible at a much more accessible cost than when books were written on scrolls or were manuscripts affordable only to rich people, orders or organizations.
But the ability to bring these together and put them in the hands of legendary figures crossing time and space through magical portals to create a good thriller without defying logic and common sense, that's only the attribute of a knowledgeable person with meticulous attention to details layered in depth in order to make sense and keep the reader engaged. It would be easy to find the premise of this series ridiculous otherwise, but this book pulls through and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Either way, I find this start of the series very intriguing. Anyone who is interested can seek nowadays knowledge about the alchemical symbols of creation and the basics about the micro and macrocosms, their unity and duality and the theories about existence, and I truly am grateful for the wonders of the world wide web which make this possible at a much more accessible cost than when books were written on scrolls or were manuscripts affordable only to rich people, orders or organizations.
But the ability to bring these together and put them in the hands of legendary figures crossing time and space through magical portals to create a good thriller without defying logic and common sense, that's only the attribute of a knowledgeable person with meticulous attention to details layered in depth in order to make sense and keep the reader engaged. It would be easy to find the premise of this series ridiculous otherwise, but this book pulls through and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 22, 2024
This new series from Theophilus Monroe definitely started with a bang! Like many of his books that I have read, I couldn't get enough of it (just a shame work and real life interrupted my reading time so much!).
In this book we met Merlin again, but this time as a young ten year old boy, along with his parents Elijah and Emilie, who we met in one of Theo's other series, The Fomorian Wyrmrider series. Merlin, here, has no real understanding that he is going to become someone very important and will wield a great amount of power, but his eyes are soon opened when strange shadow beasts begin to attack first his family and then others in the city.
Elijah and Emilie know that they have to do everything they can to stop these beasts but the tale they unravel is a lot worse than they initially thought. Between running from nightmares, trying to defeat them and battling an almost unstoppable being, they find allies willing to help and defeat the big bad! But their adventures are just starting...
I loved this book and all the details of the different type of magic, druidic magic, that I hadn't read too much of before. It sounds so much more intricate and complicated, but Theo made it so intriguing and simple for those using it. I loved the idea of the shadow beasts and how they came into being - I certainly wasn't expecting that!
I can't wait to read the next book in this series and see what the Wadsworth and Sloane get up to next with their next Druid Detective Agency!
I received an ARC copy of this book, but this review is my honest one.
In this book we met Merlin again, but this time as a young ten year old boy, along with his parents Elijah and Emilie, who we met in one of Theo's other series, The Fomorian Wyrmrider series. Merlin, here, has no real understanding that he is going to become someone very important and will wield a great amount of power, but his eyes are soon opened when strange shadow beasts begin to attack first his family and then others in the city.
Elijah and Emilie know that they have to do everything they can to stop these beasts but the tale they unravel is a lot worse than they initially thought. Between running from nightmares, trying to defeat them and battling an almost unstoppable being, they find allies willing to help and defeat the big bad! But their adventures are just starting...
I loved this book and all the details of the different type of magic, druidic magic, that I hadn't read too much of before. It sounds so much more intricate and complicated, but Theo made it so intriguing and simple for those using it. I loved the idea of the shadow beasts and how they came into being - I certainly wasn't expecting that!
I can't wait to read the next book in this series and see what the Wadsworth and Sloane get up to next with their next Druid Detective Agency!
I received an ARC copy of this book, but this review is my honest one.
March 16, 2024
Merlin’s Mantle is the first book in the Druid Detective Agency series by Theophilus Monroe. Merlin’s Mantle drew me into its world from the first page and had me racing to the end as it revealed all its secrets, one by one.
I had to know how it was going to end and needed to know it now. I couldn’t turn those pages fast enough to suit me with otherworldly creatures pouring in from other realms or worlds.
These monsters are after ten-year-old Merlin. Merlin’s parents, Elijah Wadsoworth are a Druid and his wife, Emilie, is a Bard they are the only ones who can track down these monsters so they can put an end to all their chaos.
Can they save Merlin and their world from the monsters coming through the veil to their world? Who is responsible for opening this veil to another world? Was it done deliberately or innocently? If it was deliberate what is their purpose for doing so? Why would they want to harm a ten-year-old little boy?
The mystery and suspense kept me glued to my chair as I tried to figure out what was going on. I could see it all playing out in my head as if I were a part of their world. I could just see the monsters pouring through the veil. I could see Elijah running through the woods trying to catch one of these monsters.
I sorely enjoyed reading Merlin’s Mantle and can’t wait to dive into the next book Roundtable Nights in the Druid Detective Agency series. I highly suggest that you grab a copy of Merlin’s Mantle today!
I had to know how it was going to end and needed to know it now. I couldn’t turn those pages fast enough to suit me with otherworldly creatures pouring in from other realms or worlds.
These monsters are after ten-year-old Merlin. Merlin’s parents, Elijah Wadsoworth are a Druid and his wife, Emilie, is a Bard they are the only ones who can track down these monsters so they can put an end to all their chaos.
Can they save Merlin and their world from the monsters coming through the veil to their world? Who is responsible for opening this veil to another world? Was it done deliberately or innocently? If it was deliberate what is their purpose for doing so? Why would they want to harm a ten-year-old little boy?
The mystery and suspense kept me glued to my chair as I tried to figure out what was going on. I could see it all playing out in my head as if I were a part of their world. I could just see the monsters pouring through the veil. I could see Elijah running through the woods trying to catch one of these monsters.
I sorely enjoyed reading Merlin’s Mantle and can’t wait to dive into the next book Roundtable Nights in the Druid Detective Agency series. I highly suggest that you grab a copy of Merlin’s Mantle today!
May 20, 2024
I like the premise of Merlin growing up in this time period, destined to time travel and save the world. But for now he is only 10 and has not yet fully grown into his powers. So it's up to his druid dad Elijah and his also gifted bardic adoptive mom Emille to deal with problems. They get involved and leave their happy home when Merlin is attacked by an, almost impossible to defeat,shadow monster. They find a mysterious cult at work and more murdering shadow monsters. The main character asks for advice from a magical source and a very long and complicated explanation is given about shapes and how they combine, which I did not really understand. I was reading it and felt it really went way above my head. (I am not good at geometry ) Fortunately Elijah did not understand also at first and that immediately made me feel better. Because of his questions it became clear that probably a group of people is altering the threads of reality for their own purpose and that never works out well. Especially with the kind of psychotic and bloodthirsty leader they have. With some help from a human they try to figure things out, prevent them, and all the while keeping their son safe. A lot is happening. In the beginning mostly information gathering but later several bloody and action scenes. The book is written in the i- narrator form but it switches from person to person, so it feels a little bit like scenes from a movie and gives you insights you normally don't have with an I-narrator.
April 20, 2024
This book is a start of a new series and boy is it awesome! I mean, Elijah is the main character in the book and he is a Druid, his son is Merlin, who is about 10 years old. Yes, that Merlin. This book is all about how Elijah and his wife, Emilie who is a Bard and has magic through her instrument, she can see things. Merlin can draw, just wow. Plus, he sees things ahead of time. The book is about how Merlin and his parents are readying Merlin for what is coming- the Mantle of his magic and how he has to grow in power so that he can use a Portal to go back in time when the time is right, to bring about Uther & Arthur Pendragon’s Destiny, as well as his own.
I found the book fascinating with how it changed and twisted the lore, plus, I actually understood everything that was going on magically. Lol. Sometimes it can get as convoluted as science. My favorite thing in the book are the emojis that Emilie and Elijah uses when they are apart. The book was hilarious and yet terrifying. Amazing and exciting and the fight scenes are so cool. Mentions of a lot of things I watched or knew about while growing up, made me enjoy the book all the more. There are also some major freaks that I went through reading the book. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I found the book fascinating with how it changed and twisted the lore, plus, I actually understood everything that was going on magically. Lol. Sometimes it can get as convoluted as science. My favorite thing in the book are the emojis that Emilie and Elijah uses when they are apart. The book was hilarious and yet terrifying. Amazing and exciting and the fight scenes are so cool. Mentions of a lot of things I watched or knew about while growing up, made me enjoy the book all the more. There are also some major freaks that I went through reading the book. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 17, 2024
What a series starter. Mr. Monroe never disappoints with his books! It's a lively, entertaining, dramatic, fast paced book.
It's a modern, new take on the legend of Merlin. I love anything around his mythos. You however, don't have to be, to truly become engrossed in the book.
Merlin is 10 years old whose destiny was decided long ago. There's a tad bit of time travel but if I explain, it'll be a spoiler. Anywho, his mom, Emilie the bard and his dad,Elijah, a Druid try to keep him from it until he's older but you know the old adage about destiny, right? That she's a biotch. Even though it takes place in our timeline, THIS Merlin IS the Merlin of Arthurian legend. He's the bravest 10 year old I've ever read in a book. And no, its NOT a book for kids.
I can't tell you who the villian is but he's a hard to deal with a$$ due to the bigger biotch then destiny...Morgana.
The book hits the ground running and doesn't stop. It's lively, entertaining, dramatic and a fantastic subject. If you like magic, epic life or death battles, terrifying monster's on the streets of St. Louis, then this is the book for you!
I'm impatiently awaiting the next book. I couldn't put this one down and bet the same will be said of the next.
Without a doubt, one click worthy.
It's a modern, new take on the legend of Merlin. I love anything around his mythos. You however, don't have to be, to truly become engrossed in the book.
Merlin is 10 years old whose destiny was decided long ago. There's a tad bit of time travel but if I explain, it'll be a spoiler. Anywho, his mom, Emilie the bard and his dad,Elijah, a Druid try to keep him from it until he's older but you know the old adage about destiny, right? That she's a biotch. Even though it takes place in our timeline, THIS Merlin IS the Merlin of Arthurian legend. He's the bravest 10 year old I've ever read in a book. And no, its NOT a book for kids.
I can't tell you who the villian is but he's a hard to deal with a$$ due to the bigger biotch then destiny...Morgana.
The book hits the ground running and doesn't stop. It's lively, entertaining, dramatic and a fantastic subject. If you like magic, epic life or death battles, terrifying monster's on the streets of St. Louis, then this is the book for you!
I'm impatiently awaiting the next book. I couldn't put this one down and bet the same will be said of the next.
Without a doubt, one click worthy.
August 14, 2024
Recommended for urban fantasy lovers or those interested in the stories of Camelot.
I enjoyed this book immensely. There was a difficult part where the author was trying to describe patterns overlapping which I found difficult to follow enough to interpret them in my head, and sometimes there were sections that sounded quoted from his reference books rather than written in simplistic terms for readers to understand. If you're not familiar with Druid symbols you may have the same difficulties with this part of the book. However, it didn't necessarily take away from the enjoyment of the story.
The characters and their development worked well (although there was a bit of a flip with the red hooded cultists which I won't go into so as not to spoil anything), apart from they all pinched their chins a lot lol. The plot was intriguing and opened up a range of possibilities for the next books in the series which is exciting. Spelling and grammar were great. The author has used "interludes" to enable the story to be told from someone else POV for a short period. This technique is new to me but seems to work.
Overall, I enjoyed this first book in the series and am looking forward to book 2. Definitely recommended for urban fantasy lovers.
I enjoyed this book immensely. There was a difficult part where the author was trying to describe patterns overlapping which I found difficult to follow enough to interpret them in my head, and sometimes there were sections that sounded quoted from his reference books rather than written in simplistic terms for readers to understand. If you're not familiar with Druid symbols you may have the same difficulties with this part of the book. However, it didn't necessarily take away from the enjoyment of the story.
The characters and their development worked well (although there was a bit of a flip with the red hooded cultists which I won't go into so as not to spoil anything), apart from they all pinched their chins a lot lol. The plot was intriguing and opened up a range of possibilities for the next books in the series which is exciting. Spelling and grammar were great. The author has used "interludes" to enable the story to be told from someone else POV for a short period. This technique is new to me but seems to work.
Overall, I enjoyed this first book in the series and am looking forward to book 2. Definitely recommended for urban fantasy lovers.
April 22, 2024
3.5 stars
I seem to be reading a lot of Theophilus Monroe's work recently. For a guy named by his mother after one of Lenny Henry's funniest characters who indeed then went on to study Theology - Theo studying Theology - he has quite something to live up to.
Merlin's Mantle is his return to some of his earliest creations: Elijah Wadsworth and his now wife Emilie and his son, Merlin (yes, THAT Merlin). Malevolent forces led by Mordred (indeed) are threatening St Louis, cultists abound and Merlin's got some wicked drawing skills.
This is clearly riffing off Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden, to the extent that we even have a diminutive Detective Karrin Murphy alike and a skull equivalent in the form of Elijah's dad's memories (and more) in a stone. There is less humour here than in other Monroe stories, which is a shame as his snark is generally delightful. All that said, this is a good start to a new ongoing series that I look forward to reading more of - we're promised at least 5 books, and it might well be more. And the moral of the story is: watch out for your Airbnb, you never know what it might lead to!
I seem to be reading a lot of Theophilus Monroe's work recently. For a guy named by his mother after one of Lenny Henry's funniest characters who indeed then went on to study Theology - Theo studying Theology - he has quite something to live up to.
Merlin's Mantle is his return to some of his earliest creations: Elijah Wadsworth and his now wife Emilie and his son, Merlin (yes, THAT Merlin). Malevolent forces led by Mordred (indeed) are threatening St Louis, cultists abound and Merlin's got some wicked drawing skills.
This is clearly riffing off Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden, to the extent that we even have a diminutive Detective Karrin Murphy alike and a skull equivalent in the form of Elijah's dad's memories (and more) in a stone. There is less humour here than in other Monroe stories, which is a shame as his snark is generally delightful. All that said, this is a good start to a new ongoing series that I look forward to reading more of - we're promised at least 5 books, and it might well be more. And the moral of the story is: watch out for your Airbnb, you never know what it might lead to!
July 30, 2024
Puzzling It All Out . . .
This author is a master at spinning his readers around to look from another angle at the supernatural stories we are familiar with so we see it all in a very different, but believable, way. His characters are strong, personable, and draw the reader in, easily accepting the new look he has given them and the impossible odds they face. The story line remains intriguing.
In this look at Merlin’s story, we meet Merlin as a young boy of 10, and his parents, Elijah and Emilie -- not in Camelot but in the “present day”. We will learn that it will be the adult Merlin who will eventually go back to give us the Camelot story we are familiar with. But before he takes his place in that time period, he has to survive here in the present, and it’s up to his druid parents to keep him alive and protected. Your head will spin trying to figure out what is happening, but once you discover the author’s magical guiding touch, you will love the adventure he takes you on. If Merlin’s family does not survive… well, this book won’t even get written and the monsters will have won.
This author is a master at spinning his readers around to look from another angle at the supernatural stories we are familiar with so we see it all in a very different, but believable, way. His characters are strong, personable, and draw the reader in, easily accepting the new look he has given them and the impossible odds they face. The story line remains intriguing.
In this look at Merlin’s story, we meet Merlin as a young boy of 10, and his parents, Elijah and Emilie -- not in Camelot but in the “present day”. We will learn that it will be the adult Merlin who will eventually go back to give us the Camelot story we are familiar with. But before he takes his place in that time period, he has to survive here in the present, and it’s up to his druid parents to keep him alive and protected. Your head will spin trying to figure out what is happening, but once you discover the author’s magical guiding touch, you will love the adventure he takes you on. If Merlin’s family does not survive… well, this book won’t even get written and the monsters will have won.
June 24, 2024
Merlin wasn't from the past, he raised in the present and sent to the past. Of course, that might not ever happen if our hero and heroine can't protect him in the now. Got that all straight? Good, then maybe you can explain it to our MCs.
This is book one of the series, so all good there.
This is an urban fantasy story featuring a druid detective agency in the modern world. The story is well written and fairly easy to read. The setup is excellent, but takes a bit of effort to wrap your head around the first time. The characters are well developed and quite skilled, which is good as they have their work cut out for them. The plot moves at a good pace and includes plenty of twists and turns to keep this interesting. Overall, I really enjoyed this new series and look forward to seeing what comes next.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book one of the series, so all good there.
This is an urban fantasy story featuring a druid detective agency in the modern world. The story is well written and fairly easy to read. The setup is excellent, but takes a bit of effort to wrap your head around the first time. The characters are well developed and quite skilled, which is good as they have their work cut out for them. The plot moves at a good pace and includes plenty of twists and turns to keep this interesting. Overall, I really enjoyed this new series and look forward to seeing what comes next.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 20, 2024
This one isn't going to be easy to review. Interesting plot. Merlin (from King Arthur) is born in modern times. After he grows into his powers, he needs to go back to King Arthur's time. Before he can get there, He needs to stop Mordred the evil (In some books, Mogause's son, in this book he's Morgaine's son)
That's the cliff hanger we're left with, will he make it.
The book is also focused on "Geometry Based math". From algebra onwards, I am not a math guy. I dropped out of geometry in High School. I was a +/-/x/division whizz; but once i hit algebra, I was toast; so the Geometry focus didn't fit well for me.
As usual, Mr Monroe's writing is thoughtful. This is a bit of a slow read. If the math & lack of speed readability doesn't bother you, I suspect you may enjoy it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
That's the cliff hanger we're left with, will he make it.
The book is also focused on "Geometry Based math". From algebra onwards, I am not a math guy. I dropped out of geometry in High School. I was a +/-/x/division whizz; but once i hit algebra, I was toast; so the Geometry focus didn't fit well for me.
As usual, Mr Monroe's writing is thoughtful. This is a bit of a slow read. If the math & lack of speed readability doesn't bother you, I suspect you may enjoy it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 20, 2024
Merlin in this book is a mere child under the protection of his parents, Elijah and Emilie who are both determined to keep him safe at all costs. However, his blissful childhood is about to be cut short when his arch nemesis, Mordred, from Camelot is re-incarnated in the present with the sole intention of killing Merlin so that his ambitious plans for Camelot can go unimpeded by the interfering Merlin. To this end, Mordred unleashes a legion of bloodthirsty monsters on the city to seek out and destroy Merlin killing a multitude of innocents in the process. Elijah and Emilie are forced to rise to the occasion as protectors and even the young Merlin as no choice but to assume his Mantel prematurely in order to defeat Mordred.
This book is action packed and I recommend it to one and all.
This book is action packed and I recommend it to one and all.
April 17, 2024
An alternative beginning/ending for the Merlin of Camelot fame. With magic and time travel as accepted, this story puts Merlin in our time. His parents both possess magical abilities, as did his grandfather; but now Merlin must face obstacles to achieving his destiny. Take one magical opponent from history, add a lot more from our time, and then things get hectic in a hurry.
Mr. Monroe has done his usual excellent job of tying together figures from fantasy, descriptions of magic, and the banality of our own reality. This is a great beginning to a series, one from which I'll be sure to read every word.
Mr. Monroe has done his usual excellent job of tying together figures from fantasy, descriptions of magic, and the banality of our own reality. This is a great beginning to a series, one from which I'll be sure to read every word.
April 19, 2024
Comedic Starter Series.
Starter series from spin-offs of other series written about this fantasy world is comedic and action centered. Elijah Wadworth is mentioned in the other previous stories and this series focuses on him and his family with the famous Merlin. The beginning sets the tone as a Druid and father strives to keep his family safe against the supernatural. His wife Emilie and son Merlin play an interactive part to save the world. And with the help of Detective Sloane Harding, they create a new adventure titled Druid Detective Agency. Very entertaining reading.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Starter series from spin-offs of other series written about this fantasy world is comedic and action centered. Elijah Wadworth is mentioned in the other previous stories and this series focuses on him and his family with the famous Merlin. The beginning sets the tone as a Druid and father strives to keep his family safe against the supernatural. His wife Emilie and son Merlin play an interactive part to save the world. And with the help of Detective Sloane Harding, they create a new adventure titled Druid Detective Agency. Very entertaining reading.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 19, 2024
A big thanks to the author for a chance to read the book and enjoy it for free while only having to give my honest review.
I liked the book, I think it has great potential and that it will develop into a great story.
I can't wait to keep on reading it.
This is definitely for lovers if urban fantasy, fantasy, creatures if the night, magic themes etc.
Love the idea of druids being developed here and the Arthurian legend given new life.
I can't wait to read the other novels from this author as I've seen there are so many.
Thank you once again for a chance to get to know your work!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked the book, I think it has great potential and that it will develop into a great story.
I can't wait to keep on reading it.
This is definitely for lovers if urban fantasy, fantasy, creatures if the night, magic themes etc.
Love the idea of druids being developed here and the Arthurian legend given new life.
I can't wait to read the other novels from this author as I've seen there are so many.
Thank you once again for a chance to get to know your work!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 9, 2024
(I received this copy for the ARC group, so I got to read it early. Eat your hearts out.)
Ten years have passed since the events in "Gates of Eden: The Druid Legacy". Elijah and Emilie are married and raising a now ten-year-old Merlin.
Forces set in place long ago are starting to rise; forces meant to stop Merlin from following the path he is meant to take.
Can Elijah and Emilie, with help from friends they meet in St. Louis, defeat these purposes? Is young Merlin strong enough to help, or will his future change our past - and our present?
Ten years have passed since the events in "Gates of Eden: The Druid Legacy". Elijah and Emilie are married and raising a now ten-year-old Merlin.
Forces set in place long ago are starting to rise; forces meant to stop Merlin from following the path he is meant to take.
Can Elijah and Emilie, with help from friends they meet in St. Louis, defeat these purposes? Is young Merlin strong enough to help, or will his future change our past - and our present?
April 15, 2024
Merlin's Mantle (Druid Detective Agency Book 1), my sixty-second read from author Theophilus Monroe. Theophilus Monroe & his cast of crazy characters has become one of my favorite reads. Another well written & enjoyable read, the first in his new Druid Detective Agency series. I was given an Kindle copy of this book & am voluntarily reviewing it. I look forward to reading the next book in the series, Roundtable Nights (Druid Detective Agency Book 2) when it's published in May, it's already on my TBR list. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
April 16, 2024
Elijah is back 10 years after he learned he was a Druid. Trying to live a normal life with his family, despite his son being a powerful sorcerer and his wife a bard who can see stories in music, is not always easy.
But young Merlin is not yet aware of his powers, and evil forces are entering their world, looking for him.
Good character development as we see a family maturing in their love and support for each other. Eliciting outside help, we understand more about their magic, and alternative worlds.
Fun series – with lots of action. I had a hard time putting it down.
But young Merlin is not yet aware of his powers, and evil forces are entering their world, looking for him.
Good character development as we see a family maturing in their love and support for each other. Eliciting outside help, we understand more about their magic, and alternative worlds.
Fun series – with lots of action. I had a hard time putting it down.
April 16, 2024
Elijah, Emilie, and Merlin are interspersed in many of the author's series. I have to give major kudos to the author for being able to keep the timelines and character histories all straight. Now we get a chance to see Elijah, Emilie, Merlin and their new associate, detective Sloan Harding, as their detective agency is first formed. In this first in the series, enemies aren't what they seem and a ten-year-old Merlin is the target of sinister forces requiring him to take on a huge responsibility. This is an excellent start to the the series and I can't wait to read the next in the series.
April 18, 2024
I really enjoyed this story with its alternate view on Merlin mythology.. or the real truth about Merlin. It has drama, danger, interesting characters, a mystery and a battle. It was well written and sucked me into the story and had me believing it was all real and possible. Plus it made me laugh loudly a few times amongst the trouble. Had to see what would happen next and what secrets and plot hints I would get for the series. And this first book sets up the series well. Just a good paranormal slash mystery action adventure I enjoyed.
April 19, 2024
Which mark will he accept?
Elijah and Emilie must protect their son Merlin until he is old enough to accept his destiny. They are under attack from monsters. Merlin’s drawings hold clues to their source so the family travels to St. Louis to search for the evil. Nightmarish monsters, gruesome murders, rabid cultists, and police detectives turn their trip into a battle for survival.
Non-stop paranormal action! Theophilus Monroe is a master of paranormal adventure. I loved the idea of political devils. I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
Elijah and Emilie must protect their son Merlin until he is old enough to accept his destiny. They are under attack from monsters. Merlin’s drawings hold clues to their source so the family travels to St. Louis to search for the evil. Nightmarish monsters, gruesome murders, rabid cultists, and police detectives turn their trip into a battle for survival.
Non-stop paranormal action! Theophilus Monroe is a master of paranormal adventure. I loved the idea of political devils. I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
April 19, 2024
I really enjoyed Merlin's Mantle. We've met the characters before in some of the author's other series, so it was neat to begin this series focusing on them at this stage in their lives. The storyline is engrossing, the characters are fun, and the series is written with the author's signature voice and style. I highly recommend this book for fans of modern fantasy somewhat based on myths, and especially those who have read and enjoyed the author's other books.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 22, 2024
Merlin’s Mantle is the first book in the Druid Detective Agency series and is also a spin-off of other series by Theophilus Monroe. It's amazing how he keeps the timelines between the series' straight. The rebirth of Merlin as a young boy with powerful parents willing to protect him at all costs. This is an excellent start to a fantastic fantasy series. I was pulled in from the first page util the last. I highly recommend this book and this author, he's writing is flawless.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 24, 2024
Received as an ARC, I am leaving my honest review. A new twist on an old legend. This author has once again created a fantastic tale from the story of Merlin. His personal touches create an epic battle of good vs evil with Merlin being a young child destined to fulfill a prophecy before the destruction of the world is completed. Definitely an original plot with a storyline only Mr Monroe can create. Plenty of suspense and supernatural chaos will keep your attention! The story is gripping, action packed and definitely a page turner.
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