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Return to Merth: An Action-Packed Fantasy Novel with a Provocative Love Entanglement and the Promise of a Spiritual Awakening
Return to Merth, the third and final book of the Tales of Merth Trilogy, brings to fruition the epic adventures of Jaxyl Warrior Princess.
Having saved the cosmos from the Bala' Lood, an AI species that tragically morphed into a force of evil, randomly destroying civilizations across the cosmos, the feisty heroine at last returns to her home. As her daughter Yez transforms into a deity, Jaxyl finds solace in the arms of Xyantuli, an irresistible lover she somehow conjures from The Time of Ancient Thoughts and Opinions. This is an epic love story and a tale of transformation as Jaxyl succumbs to the prospect she is not the center of the Universe. It's not so much about "What if?" as it is about "Why not?"
Having saved the cosmos from the Bala' Lood, an AI species that tragically morphed into a force of evil, randomly destroying civilizations across the cosmos, the feisty heroine at last returns to her home. As her daughter Yez transforms into a deity, Jaxyl finds solace in the arms of Xyantuli, an irresistible lover she somehow conjures from The Time of Ancient Thoughts and Opinions. This is an epic love story and a tale of transformation as Jaxyl succumbs to the prospect she is not the center of the Universe. It's not so much about "What if?" as it is about "Why not?"
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2026
About the author
Ruth C. Mitchell
7 books128 followersAward-winning author Ruth C Mitchell's novel, Two Moons of Merth was recently featured at the LA Times Festival of Books 2024.
What critics have to say about it:
"Two Moons of Merth, with its gorgeous storytelling and compelling characters, all crafted with meticulous devotion, will immerse readers in this thrilling world. Mitchell spins a fantastical tale full of heart, adventure, intrigue, and modern parallels. " —authors reading.comThe second book in the series, Jaxyl Warrior Princess released in August 2024, has been garnering 5-star reviews as well.
Ruth's first foray into science fiction began with Beyond: A Tale of Discovery on the other Side of Life It has been awarded a PenCraft Book Award for science fiction. It is a metaphysical journey into life after earth, and a five-star paranormal thriller that keeps you guessing to the end.
What reviewers are saying about Beyond:
"I loved that I never knew what the next turn in this book would be."
Ruth is an outstanding writer, she has written a complex, gripping story with incredible characters that I loved so much."
"The plot construction is amazing and will totally be the book you reread often.
Living Happy Joyous and Free is a popular self-help book available in ebook and paperback on Amazon.
Ruth has been writing non-fiction articles for many years. Her articles have appeared in Art & Antiques, The San Francisco Bay Guardian, American History, Fodor’s USA Travel Guide and Fodor’s Great American Vacations, Watercolor, American Style, Niche, Wedding Dresses, and Sailing magazines.
Ruth interviewed world-renowned architect Cesar Pelli for Echoes magazine; wrote an article on early aviatrixes, Louise Thaden and Amelia Earhart, for American History magazine as well as many travel articles on Europe, the Bahamas, San Francisco, Antigua, and Napa Valley for Romantic Destinations. She has been editor of At Home in Arkansas and Special Publications Editor for Arkansas Business. Ruth also wrote Arkansas Heritage, a state-adopted Arkansas History textbook for elementary aged children.
You may find out more about Ruth by visiting:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthpeter...
https://www.facebook.com/Ruth-Mitchel...
https://linktr.ee/RuthMitchellAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 24, 2026it's going to be an interesting story
March 14, 2026
Having read both the first and second books in the Tales of Merth Trilogy, I went into this finale with high expectations — and I’m happy to say Mitchell largely delivered.
Coming off the events of the second book, seeing Jaxyl finally return home felt genuinely earned. This isn’t a character who stumbled into heroism. She fought, sacrificed, and carried the weight of the cosmos on her shoulders for two full books. So watching her step into a quieter, more personal chapter of her life in this finale felt right and deeply satisfying.
The Bala’ Lood storyline, which has haunted this trilogy from the beginning, reaches a conclusion that I found both clever and emotionally heavy. Knowing the full history of that AI species from the earlier books made the resolution land much harder than it would have otherwise. Mitchell rewards patient readers here.
What surprised me most was the love story. After everything Jaxyl has been through across three books, seeing her open herself up to Xyantuli felt vulnerable in a way I wasn’t prepared for. Their relationship carries real tenderness, and because I understood who Jaxyl was before all of this, that tenderness meant something.
Yez’s transformation into a deity is the storyline I had been quietly waiting for since book one. It pays off beautifully. There were moments reading those sections where I actually stopped and reread paragraphs just to sit with them longer.
Jaxyl’s spiritual awakening, her gradual acceptance that she isn’t the center of everything, is Mitchell’s quietest and most mature piece of writing across the entire trilogy.
If you’ve followed this journey from the beginning, Return to Merth is a rewarding and emotionally rich ending that respects everything that came before it.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Yez might be the most unique character I've encountered in fantasy/sci-fi. An 11-year-old divine being who's wiser than her warrior princess mother, speaks telepathically in ALL CAPS, and still gets excited about sparkly boots and playing with cousins? GENIUS.
The relationship between Jaxyl and Yez is so real despite the fantastical elements. Jaxyl loves her daughter fiercely but finds her annoying sometimes (relatable!). Yez adores her mother but gets so exasperated with her stubbornness. Their banter had me laughing out loud:
"Oh, Mother, you are so predictable."
"Yez, you must stop taunting me with your knowledge of the future."
But underneath the humor is real love and respect. Yez guiding Jaxyl through the grief after Xyantuli's death, sharing visions of family history, pushing her mother toward spiritual growth - it's all so beautifully done.
And the fact that Yez will eventually ascend to divinity and leave her mother makes every moment between them more precious. Mitchell nailed this relationship. Absolute perfection.
The relationship between Jaxyl and Yez is so real despite the fantastical elements. Jaxyl loves her daughter fiercely but finds her annoying sometimes (relatable!). Yez adores her mother but gets so exasperated with her stubbornness. Their banter had me laughing out loud:
"Oh, Mother, you are so predictable."
"Yez, you must stop taunting me with your knowledge of the future."
But underneath the humor is real love and respect. Yez guiding Jaxyl through the grief after Xyantuli's death, sharing visions of family history, pushing her mother toward spiritual growth - it's all so beautifully done.
And the fact that Yez will eventually ascend to divinity and leave her mother makes every moment between them more precious. Mitchell nailed this relationship. Absolute perfection.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I've been following Jaxyl's journey since Two Moons of Merth, and this final installment absolutely did not disappoint. What struck me most was how Mitchell took this fierce, proud warrior and transformed her into something so much deeper. The relationship between Jaxyl and her divine daughter Yez is complex and touching - I loved how Yez had to constantly guide her stubborn mother toward humility.
Xyantuli broke my heart. I wasn't expecting to fall so hard for a character from "The Time of Ancient Thoughts," but their chemistry was off the charts, and his death devastated me just as much as it did Jaxyl. The grief scenes felt so raw and real.
This is definitely the most spiritual book of the three, but it works. Watching Jaxyl finally achieve Aahnuhn (that state of peace) after everything she'd been through was incredibly satisfying. The ending where we realize she's been writing her memoir all along? *Chef's kiss* Absolutely perfect.
Highly recommend the entire trilogy!
Xyantuli broke my heart. I wasn't expecting to fall so hard for a character from "The Time of Ancient Thoughts," but their chemistry was off the charts, and his death devastated me just as much as it did Jaxyl. The grief scenes felt so raw and real.
This is definitely the most spiritual book of the three, but it works. Watching Jaxyl finally achieve Aahnuhn (that state of peace) after everything she'd been through was incredibly satisfying. The ending where we realize she's been writing her memoir all along? *Chef's kiss* Absolutely perfect.
Highly recommend the entire trilogy!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Can we talk about Xyantuli for a moment? Because this man is PERFECTION. A warrior chieftain from ancient Merth who somehow ends up in the present, completely baffled by electric vehicles and modern technology, but he just... adapts. And loves this difficult, proud, complicated woman with his whole heart.
His acceptance of Jaxyl - her past, her trauma, her flaws - is beautiful. He doesn't try to change her. He just loves her completely. Their chemistry is INSANE and when he dies heroically saving people from the fires, I absolutely SOBBED.
The memorial scene where all the workers share stories of how he rescued them? When they start humming his ancient hymn and Jaxyl realizes it was his spiritual practice all along? WATERWORKS.
This book gave me everything I wanted - action, romance, spirituality, and a heroine who actually grows and changes. Ruth C Mitchell is a master storyteller. Five stars isn't enough!
His acceptance of Jaxyl - her past, her trauma, her flaws - is beautiful. He doesn't try to change her. He just loves her completely. Their chemistry is INSANE and when he dies heroically saving people from the fires, I absolutely SOBBED.
The memorial scene where all the workers share stories of how he rescued them? When they start humming his ancient hymn and Jaxyl realizes it was his spiritual practice all along? WATERWORKS.
This book gave me everything I wanted - action, romance, spirituality, and a heroine who actually grows and changes. Ruth C Mitchell is a master storyteller. Five stars isn't enough!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
The horses. Can we talk about Flodynhelm and Wyxla? When Jaxyl finally hears Flodynhelm's thoughts after Xyantuli dies and he says "I MISS HIM TOO. WE MUST STICK TOGETHER" I absolutely lost it.
These Matong horses are such wonderful characters. The ending with Jaxyl raising horses? Perfect.The horses. Can we talk about Flodynhelm and Wyxla? When Jaxyl finally hears Flodynhelm's thoughts after Xyantuli dies and he says "I MISS HIM TOO. WE MUST STICK TOGETHER" I absolutely lost it.
These Matong horses are such wonderful characters. The ending with Jaxyl raising horses? Perfect.
These Matong horses are such wonderful characters. The ending with Jaxyl raising horses? Perfect.The horses. Can we talk about Flodynhelm and Wyxla? When Jaxyl finally hears Flodynhelm's thoughts after Xyantuli dies and he says "I MISS HIM TOO. WE MUST STICK TOGETHER" I absolutely lost it.
These Matong horses are such wonderful characters. The ending with Jaxyl raising horses? Perfect.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I've been following this trilogy since book one and this conclusion was everything. Jaxyl's transformation from proud warrior to humble sage? Chef's kiss The grief after Xyantuli's death was so beautifully written.
Mitchell shows us what happens to heroes after they save the world. Beautiful exploration.
Mitchell shows us what happens to heroes after they save the world. Beautiful exploration.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
A more meditative story about what happens to heroes after the war. Beautiful exploration of grief, growth, and finding peace.
Xyantuli is wonderful. The spiritual journey is meaningful and authentic. Different vibe from book 2 but equally powerful
Xyantuli is wonderful. The spiritual journey is meaningful and authentic. Different vibe from book 2 but equally powerful
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Yez talking telepathically in ALL CAPS is my new favorite thing 😂
"Oh, Mother, you are so predictable" - she's such a mood. The mother-daughter dynamic is gold. A divine being who still gets excited about sparkly boots? GENIUS.
"Oh, Mother, you are so predictable" - she's such a mood. The mother-daughter dynamic is gold. A divine being who still gets excited about sparkly boots? GENIUS.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Mitchell tackles grief, spirituality, time displacement, mother-daughter dynamics, romance, and legacy all beautifully.
The ending (Jaxyl writing her memoir which IS this book) is genius. Loved every moment of this trilogy conclusion.
The ending (Jaxyl writing her memoir which IS this book) is genius. Loved every moment of this trilogy conclusion.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
A more meditative story about what happens to heroes after the war. Beautiful exploration of grief, growth, and finding peace.
Xyantuli is wonderful. The spiritual journey is meaningful and authentic. Different vibe from book 2 but equally powerful.
Xyantuli is wonderful. The spiritual journey is meaningful and authentic. Different vibe from book 2 but equally powerful.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Character-driven fantasy/sci-fi with emotional depth and meaningful themes. Mitchell tackles feminism, spiritual growth, grief, legacy, the power of story - all handled beautifully.
Start with Two Moons of Merth. Read all three. You won't regret it.
Start with Two Moons of Merth. Read all three. You won't regret it.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Read this if you want to feel deeply and come away peaceful. The spiritual themes are handled with such care. Jaxyl achieving Aahnuhn after everything she goes through feels authentic and earned.
Mitchell shows transformation through story. Beautiful work.
Mitchell shows transformation through story. Beautiful work.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
The meta-narrative at the end? BRILLIANT. She spends her final years writing her shasutula (life story) and that's what we've been reading. It reframes everything. Mitchell absolutely nailed this ending.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Glaufstanhall is a whole vibe. The carved walls, the twisted branch railings, the inscription about practicing love. It becomes such an important place for Jaxyl's healing. Mitchell makes locations feel alive.
February 6, 2026
Jaxyl's mom ensuring her daughter would never be forgotten even though she might never see her again? Creating statues and fountains and teaching about her in schools? The LOVE in that? I'm not okay.
The emotion in this book is unreal.
The emotion in this book is unreal.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Just finished the trilogy. Started with Two Moons, powered through Warrior Princess, and this finale was *chef's kiss*
Each book has its own vibe and they work together perfectly. This one's the most spiritual and emotionally raw. Highly recommend starting from book one.
Each book has its own vibe and they work together perfectly. This one's the most spiritual and emotionally raw. Highly recommend starting from book one.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Time displacement as metaphor for life change? Brilliant. Jaxyl returning to find everyone aged or gone, feeling out of sync with her own world - that's so relatable.
Mitchell uses sci-fi to explore human experiences beautifully. That's excellent writing.
Mitchell uses sci-fi to explore human experiences beautifully. That's excellent writing.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
The food descriptions, the dancing, Yez in that color-changing dress, Jaxyl meeting potential suitors 😂
This book has everything - romance, action, spirituality, humor. Mitchell knows how to write both a celebration AND a meditation on grief. Impressive range.
This book has everything - romance, action, spirituality, humor. Mitchell knows how to write both a celebration AND a meditation on grief. Impressive range.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Not what I expected but EXACTLY what I needed. The introspective journey was so meaningful. Mitchell is brave for making the final book so contemplative. It works beautifully.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Love the character development throughout. The mother-daughter relationship is the highlight - so unique and touching. The emotional core of this story is incredibly strong.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
The spiritual themes are handled so well and Jaxyl's transformation feels genuine. The romance with Xyantuli has real depth and heat.
The ending is absolutely perfect. Highly recommend.
The ending is absolutely perfect. Highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Really enjoyed this! More contemplative than book 2 which I appreciated. Jaxyl's growth is beautifully written and Xyantuli is an amazing character. Loved finishing the trilogy this way.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Yez is a divine being who still needs playmates and gets into mischief. That contrast makes her so interesting. She's wise but still figuring things out. Love how Mitchell wrote her character.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
The grief portrayal is so real and powerful. Jaxyl's journey through loss feels authentic and raw.
Mitchell treats grief as the transformative experience it is. Beautiful and moving.
Mitchell treats grief as the transformative experience it is. Beautiful and moving.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
This story is fascinating and beautifully written. The character development is incredible.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews