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The Merlin Mysteries #2
Witch on Probation
Trouble follows me like a curse. Which, to be fair, is kind of accurate.
I thought Gallows Gate couldn’t get any worse after the missing-teen fiasco. Turns out, it can. The Council’s breathing down my neck, dark magic is leaking through the cracks in the veil, and every supernatural creep in town seems to want a piece of me. Lucky me.
Now I’m stuck juggling a probationary badge from the Merlin Group, a ghost with boundary issues, and a case that shoves me straight into the crosshairs of Gallows Gate’s most dangerous players. If I dig too deep, I risk blowing open every secret I’ve been trying to keep buried.
If I screw this up, I’m finished. Fired. Erased. Maybe worse.
But hey, no pressure.
I thought Gallows Gate couldn’t get any worse after the missing-teen fiasco. Turns out, it can. The Council’s breathing down my neck, dark magic is leaking through the cracks in the veil, and every supernatural creep in town seems to want a piece of me. Lucky me.
Now I’m stuck juggling a probationary badge from the Merlin Group, a ghost with boundary issues, and a case that shoves me straight into the crosshairs of Gallows Gate’s most dangerous players. If I dig too deep, I risk blowing open every secret I’ve been trying to keep buried.
If I screw this up, I’m finished. Fired. Erased. Maybe worse.
But hey, no pressure.
- GenresUrban FantasyMagic
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2025
383 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Kim Richardson
205 books1,246 followersKim Richardson is the award-winning author of the bestselling SOUL GUARDIANS series. She lives in the eastern part of Canada with her husband, two dogs and a very old cat. She is the author of the SOUL GUARDIANS series, the MYSTICS series, and the DIVIDED REALMS series. Kim's books are available in print editions, and translations are available in over 7 languages.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 4, 2025
good
When Rhea is called out in the middle of the night, she is both surprised and dismayed to discover the body of a troll teenager— one apparently killed by arcane magic.
Since Rhea is the only know wielder of arcane magic in town, suspicion immediately falls on her, which hampers her investigation into finding the true culprit.
The victim was in possession of some dangerous information about some of the magic holding the veil closed in Gallows Gate, and if Rhea can’t find the answers soon, then catastrophe is going to be the result…
The story picks up a few weeks after the events in the first book. Rhea Morven is still a Merlin on probation, and the town (and merlins as a whole) are on the fence about her cursed existence. Her curse is also becoming more of a problem for her, although I have my own suspicions about what the curse truly means.
It’s a very fast paced story, with the snark and action one expects from the fantasy-mystery genre. There’s definitely a spark of romance for Rhea, not yet a flame but close; and the mysteries surrounding her curse seem to be deepening- I’m definitely hoping for some answers in the next book!
Ultimately, this book is part of an ongoing series, with a quick resolution to the immediate mystery, and some long term storylines that make you want to get answers. It’s an engrossing read, set in a fascinating world, with a team of likable characters. It doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, but there is definitely a hook or two for the books to come; so if you’re an urban fantasy lover, who enjoys fast paced stories with a slow burn romance, then you’ll enjoy this story.
When Rhea is called out in the middle of the night, she is both surprised and dismayed to discover the body of a troll teenager— one apparently killed by arcane magic.
Since Rhea is the only know wielder of arcane magic in town, suspicion immediately falls on her, which hampers her investigation into finding the true culprit.
The victim was in possession of some dangerous information about some of the magic holding the veil closed in Gallows Gate, and if Rhea can’t find the answers soon, then catastrophe is going to be the result…
The story picks up a few weeks after the events in the first book. Rhea Morven is still a Merlin on probation, and the town (and merlins as a whole) are on the fence about her cursed existence. Her curse is also becoming more of a problem for her, although I have my own suspicions about what the curse truly means.
It’s a very fast paced story, with the snark and action one expects from the fantasy-mystery genre. There’s definitely a spark of romance for Rhea, not yet a flame but close; and the mysteries surrounding her curse seem to be deepening- I’m definitely hoping for some answers in the next book!
Ultimately, this book is part of an ongoing series, with a quick resolution to the immediate mystery, and some long term storylines that make you want to get answers. It’s an engrossing read, set in a fascinating world, with a team of likable characters. It doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, but there is definitely a hook or two for the books to come; so if you’re an urban fantasy lover, who enjoys fast paced stories with a slow burn romance, then you’ll enjoy this story.
December 1, 2025
You've got a young dead troll that presents quite a problem when her mother thinks Rhea is responsible. You've got an underground machine that has been tampered with and if not fixed she can kiss the entire town goodbye.
Then there's Eryk who ends up kissing her which leads to a lot of thinking on her part.
Several 'auditors' arrive to check up on her. Seems the council still has major doubts about her. Demons and ghouls start to appear and the situation seems to be getting worse all the time.
Then someone ends up trying to do something rather bad to her. So, either she finds a way to deal with all this rather quickly or she'll no longer have to worry about what others think of her because she'll be quite dead.
A lot going on and it stays interesting throughout. I think one of the major strengths of the book is how well the author does with making the characters realistic and rather different from each other.
Then there's Eryk who ends up kissing her which leads to a lot of thinking on her part.
Several 'auditors' arrive to check up on her. Seems the council still has major doubts about her. Demons and ghouls start to appear and the situation seems to be getting worse all the time.
Then someone ends up trying to do something rather bad to her. So, either she finds a way to deal with all this rather quickly or she'll no longer have to worry about what others think of her because she'll be quite dead.
A lot going on and it stays interesting throughout. I think one of the major strengths of the book is how well the author does with making the characters realistic and rather different from each other.
November 5, 2025
Magical Mayhem in a Mystery
Rhea is an arcane witch in a new job for the Magic council. She finds a dead troll and is immediately and wrongfully blamed for the young woman’s death, which sets off a series of crazy magical events.
Thankfully Rhea has a small group of friends in the community of Gallows Gate including her romantic interest, dragon Eryk.
The story is full on magical mayhem wrapped in a mystery and adrenaline junkies will LOVE the fast action and even faster pace of activity throughout the novel - this would make a terrific novel.
When the killer is unmasked, I was stunned. Well written, very much in the good versus evil theme, this series will not disappoint those who enjoy archetypes and archetypal themes and is an absolutely worthwhile read
Rhea is an arcane witch in a new job for the Magic council. She finds a dead troll and is immediately and wrongfully blamed for the young woman’s death, which sets off a series of crazy magical events.
Thankfully Rhea has a small group of friends in the community of Gallows Gate including her romantic interest, dragon Eryk.
The story is full on magical mayhem wrapped in a mystery and adrenaline junkies will LOVE the fast action and even faster pace of activity throughout the novel - this would make a terrific novel.
When the killer is unmasked, I was stunned. Well written, very much in the good versus evil theme, this series will not disappoint those who enjoy archetypes and archetypal themes and is an absolutely worthwhile read
November 9, 2025
The snark is strong with this one
I love this cursed and traumatised witch, who is powered by caffeine, sarcasm, and a thirst for justice. The slow burn between her and her dragon is a refreshing change from all the instalove romances flooding the market - this is a powerful urban fantasy thriller with a romantic arc. What is also refreshing is that we learn about this world and how the magics work as the FMC does, which means that things are messy, mysterious, and frustrating for much of the story. I personally enjoy this, but if you need everything neatly laid out and explained by an omniscient narrator, then this isn't the series for you. I can't wait to read the next one!
I love this cursed and traumatised witch, who is powered by caffeine, sarcasm, and a thirst for justice. The slow burn between her and her dragon is a refreshing change from all the instalove romances flooding the market - this is a powerful urban fantasy thriller with a romantic arc. What is also refreshing is that we learn about this world and how the magics work as the FMC does, which means that things are messy, mysterious, and frustrating for much of the story. I personally enjoy this, but if you need everything neatly laid out and explained by an omniscient narrator, then this isn't the series for you. I can't wait to read the next one!
October 8, 2025
First was good; this one’s better
I really like this series by Kim Richardson. It’s got the right amount of mystery, fantasy and romance to be really enjoyable without being too overwhelming. I was looking forward to this one coming out and grabbed it as soon as it popped up on my Kindle account. I thought this one was even better than the first because you know the world a bit now. I’m looking forward to seeing Nov 30 when the third drops!
I really like this series by Kim Richardson. It’s got the right amount of mystery, fantasy and romance to be really enjoyable without being too overwhelming. I was looking forward to this one coming out and grabbed it as soon as it popped up on my Kindle account. I thought this one was even better than the first because you know the world a bit now. I’m looking forward to seeing Nov 30 when the third drops!
November 4, 2025
It keep getting better and better with each saga
This series has captivated me in ways I never expected. The characters are incredibly compelling and deeply nuanced, drawing me into their world. The world-building is masterful, yet it still takes a backseat to the richly defined and complex characters that truly drive the narrative. An absolute must-read that has completely won me over.
This series has captivated me in ways I never expected. The characters are incredibly compelling and deeply nuanced, drawing me into their world. The world-building is masterful, yet it still takes a backseat to the richly defined and complex characters that truly drive the narrative. An absolute must-read that has completely won me over.
November 6, 2025
Oh good lord, the ending… whew, I need a shower
Talk about saving the best for last. Whatever you do, make sure you read all the way to the end. And maybe do those last few pages in private in case you need to fan yourself. Or drool. Or both.
Things literally heat up in this second installment. If you liked the first book, you’ll love this second one.
Talk about saving the best for last. Whatever you do, make sure you read all the way to the end. And maybe do those last few pages in private in case you need to fan yourself. Or drool. Or both.
Things literally heat up in this second installment. If you liked the first book, you’ll love this second one.
December 3, 2025
So much tension, gracefully built, perfectly executed.
Such an addictive read! Slow burn romance that doesn’t detract from the intriguing main story line, just adds the perfect amount of spice, enough additional depth in Rhea’s backstory to keep the reader engaged without giving it away, and another “episode” in the impressively expanding Gallows Gate. On to the next one!
Such an addictive read! Slow burn romance that doesn’t detract from the intriguing main story line, just adds the perfect amount of spice, enough additional depth in Rhea’s backstory to keep the reader engaged without giving it away, and another “episode” in the impressively expanding Gallows Gate. On to the next one!
November 9, 2025
another great read!
Kim Richardson never fails to write a great story very memorable and entertaining. I highly suggest any of her books, especially the series.
Kim Richardson never fails to write a great story very memorable and entertaining. I highly suggest any of her books, especially the series.
November 30, 2025
Rhea is a really firecracker.
December 23, 2025
Dealing with power hungry people
A fun series with a lot of investing to puzzle over and a slow burn love interest.plus when you can not trust head office who do you trust.
A fun series with a lot of investing to puzzle over and a slow burn love interest.plus when you can not trust head office who do you trust.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews