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Merry Gentry #10
A Glimmer of Death
Not yet published
Expected 3 Nov 26New York Times bestselling author Laurell K. Hamilton returns for the first in a two-book epic conclusion to her genre-defining Merry Gentry Series.
I am Meredith Gentry. Princess of the realm of faerie, private investigator in the mortal land of Los Angeles, mother of triplets, and lover to my men—the royal guards sworn to protect me. With a family and a court to support back home, I can’t say no to a job investigating a string of magical attacks against up-and-coming Hollywood actresses. Not when the case raises old nightmares from my own past. This time when I find out who is responsible for all this pain, I can make him pay.
But affairs in the land of faerie keep interrupting my hunt. Aisling is supposed to be the next king of the Seelie Court, but he is doubly cursed once by beauty and once by despair. If we cannot cure him my uncle Taranis, former King of Light and Illusion, may regain the throne. If he does he will destroy me and everyone I care about. Only true love will cure Aisling of his curse but is my love true enough? If not, I will share his fate and lose myself to the haunted magic that torments him.
While we fight for one kingdom of faerie, my aunt Andais, Queen of Air and Darkness, claims my deceased best friend, Keelin, has turned up alive and well along with a child supposedly sired by her dead son. If this baby is the true child of my former rival to the Unseelie throne, my enemies might use it to take the throne from me. Mysterious fey babies, curses both ancient and new are shaking the delicate balance of the faerie courts, and I am still hunting a monster terrorizing the women of Los Angeles.
I am Meredith Gentry. Princess of the realm of faerie, private investigator in the mortal land of Los Angeles, mother of triplets, and lover to my men—the royal guards sworn to protect me. With a family and a court to support back home, I can’t say no to a job investigating a string of magical attacks against up-and-coming Hollywood actresses. Not when the case raises old nightmares from my own past. This time when I find out who is responsible for all this pain, I can make him pay.
But affairs in the land of faerie keep interrupting my hunt. Aisling is supposed to be the next king of the Seelie Court, but he is doubly cursed once by beauty and once by despair. If we cannot cure him my uncle Taranis, former King of Light and Illusion, may regain the throne. If he does he will destroy me and everyone I care about. Only true love will cure Aisling of his curse but is my love true enough? If not, I will share his fate and lose myself to the haunted magic that torments him.
While we fight for one kingdom of faerie, my aunt Andais, Queen of Air and Darkness, claims my deceased best friend, Keelin, has turned up alive and well along with a child supposedly sired by her dead son. If this baby is the true child of my former rival to the Unseelie throne, my enemies might use it to take the throne from me. Mysterious fey babies, curses both ancient and new are shaking the delicate balance of the faerie courts, and I am still hunting a monster terrorizing the women of Los Angeles.
464 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication November 3, 2026
About the author
Laurell K. Hamilton
394 books26.2k followersLaurell K. Hamilton is one of the leading writers of paranormal fiction. A #1 New York Times bestselling author, Hamilton writes the popular Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter novels and the Meredith Gentry series. She is also the creator of a bestselling comic book series based on her Anita Blake novels and published by Marvel Comics. Hamilton is a full-time writer and lives in the suburbs of St. Louis with her family.
Ratings & Reviews
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Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Back to Merry Gentry
It's been years since I last visited Merry Gentry's world, and I was genuinely excited to step back into it. There’s a comforting familiarity in returning to characters and a setting that once captivated me, and Laurell K. Hamilton still knows how to create an intriguing blend of magic, danger, and mystery.
When A Glimmer of Death focuses on the elements that made the series so engaging in the first place, namely the action, suspense, and investigative aspects of the story, it truly shines. The mystery kept me invested, and the faster-paced scenes reminded me why I enjoyed the Merry Gentry books so much.
Unfortunately, the novel is often weighed down by what I can only describe as "therapy conversations." Deep therapy talk, rather than allowing events and character interactions to speak for themselves, many scenes dissect every emotion, motivation, and action in exhaustive detail. Conversations frequently spiral into analyzing the minutiae of what each character said, felt, sex, or intended, slowing the momentum to a crawl. While some introspection can add depth, here it often feels repetitive and overwhelms the actual plot.
The result is a book that contains a compelling story but doesn't always trust that story to carry itself. I found myself eager to get back to the mystery and action whenever the narrative became bogged down in lengthy discussions, sex, sex conversations, and emotional processing.
Overall, A Glimmer of Death was a welcome return to Merry Gentry's world, even if it wasn't quite the homecoming I'd hoped for. Fans of the series will likely appreciate spending time with these characters again, but readers looking for a tightly paced fantasy mystery may find themselves wishing for fewer conversations and more forward movement. A 3.5-star read that reminds me why I loved this world while also highlighting some frustrations that I also had with the Anita Blake series.
My thanks to Netgalley, Berkley and Berkley Publishing Group for this ARC copy. This is my review.
It's been years since I last visited Merry Gentry's world, and I was genuinely excited to step back into it. There’s a comforting familiarity in returning to characters and a setting that once captivated me, and Laurell K. Hamilton still knows how to create an intriguing blend of magic, danger, and mystery.
When A Glimmer of Death focuses on the elements that made the series so engaging in the first place, namely the action, suspense, and investigative aspects of the story, it truly shines. The mystery kept me invested, and the faster-paced scenes reminded me why I enjoyed the Merry Gentry books so much.
Unfortunately, the novel is often weighed down by what I can only describe as "therapy conversations." Deep therapy talk, rather than allowing events and character interactions to speak for themselves, many scenes dissect every emotion, motivation, and action in exhaustive detail. Conversations frequently spiral into analyzing the minutiae of what each character said, felt, sex, or intended, slowing the momentum to a crawl. While some introspection can add depth, here it often feels repetitive and overwhelms the actual plot.
The result is a book that contains a compelling story but doesn't always trust that story to carry itself. I found myself eager to get back to the mystery and action whenever the narrative became bogged down in lengthy discussions, sex, sex conversations, and emotional processing.
Overall, A Glimmer of Death was a welcome return to Merry Gentry's world, even if it wasn't quite the homecoming I'd hoped for. Fans of the series will likely appreciate spending time with these characters again, but readers looking for a tightly paced fantasy mystery may find themselves wishing for fewer conversations and more forward movement. A 3.5-star read that reminds me why I loved this world while also highlighting some frustrations that I also had with the Anita Blake series.
My thanks to Netgalley, Berkley and Berkley Publishing Group for this ARC copy. This is my review.
Want to Read
April 22, 2026Oh Man, WHY?
Yes, I want to read this after... so so many years.
I liked this series way more than the Anita Blake one, and actually did not know for the longest time this author had another series.
It is a messy series though and I have not read it for at least... HAS IT BEEN TEN YEARS?! Wtf...
Yes, I want to read this after... so so many years.
I liked this series way more than the Anita Blake one, and actually did not know for the longest time this author had another series.
It is a messy series though and I have not read it for at least... HAS IT BEEN TEN YEARS?! Wtf...
Want to Read
July 4, 2026🧚🗡️ A Glimmer of Death 🗡️🧚
📖 Bookish Thoughts
My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.
✨ What to Expect
• Urban Fantasy
• Fae Politics
• Private Investigator FMC
• Polyamorous Romance
• Magical Murder Mystery
• Cursed Magic
• Court Intrigue
_ _ _ _
📅 Pub Date: November 3, 2026
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group, and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
📖 Bookish Thoughts
My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.
✨ What to Expect
• Urban Fantasy
• Fae Politics
• Private Investigator FMC
• Polyamorous Romance
• Magical Murder Mystery
• Cursed Magic
• Court Intrigue
_ _ _ _
📅 Pub Date: November 3, 2026
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group, and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It's been twelve years since the last Merry Gentry book, and returning to the world of the Fae was not the smoothest transition. I'm glad Hamilton is continuing the series, but I suspect I'd have enjoyed this more if I'd read it closer to the previous book. With so much time between stories, the intricate Fae politics, the large cast to remember, and a tonal shift, the plot was a bit hard to follow at first, though it does become easier once you're further in.
A Glimmer of Death picks up shortly after A Shiver of Light, and there's a lot going on: faerie politics, new magic, relationship and family dynamics, babies, including a mystery child, and the main mystery of someone using magic to assault women.
When Hamilton focuses on the action, mystery, and magic, the book is great. The mystery and its conclusion were satisfying. My biggest complaint with Hamilton's recent writing is that the sex and relationship dynamics get in the way of her best storytelling. This series has always been sex-heavy, but it used to be fun to read. Now the extended negotiation before and the discussions after weigh down every sex scene and make them feel like a chore. The sex isn't the problem by itself; the problem is that it often replaces plot development rather than adding to it, while the action, magic, and court politics I find more compelling are treated like subplots. I appreciate that consent and negotiation are handled thoughtfully, but the amount of sexual content crowds out what I'm actually here for. That said, this is a recent Hamilton pattern in general, not something unique to this book.
The tone also feels scattered, as if this book and the next were meant to be one and got split into two pieces. The main mystery is solved, but there are character cliffhangers and unresolved political conflicts left open for book 11, A Ghost of Daylight, expected April 13, 2027. And those threads feel like a mix of organic setup and padding, though I'll still pick it up out of curiosity, and because there's enough to love about this series that I'd like to see it completed.
Note: This is not a standalone novel. You will need to read the entire series to keep up with the magic, court machinations, and dozens of characters. I somewhat regret not re-reading the series first.
Recommended for: Fans of the Merry Gentry series, with the caveat that you should re-read at least A Shiver of Light before starting. Fans who disliked Hamilton's recent Anita Blake books for the same reasons should know the problem is still present here.
Not recommended for: New readers, or anyone who wants mystery and action to be the primary focus.
#AGlimmerofDeath #NetGalley
Publish Date: Nov 3 2026 | Sci Fi & Fantasy | Urban | Fae | Polyamorous Romance | Mystery | eBook
Advanced Review Copy of A Glimmer of Death provided by Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
A Glimmer of Death picks up shortly after A Shiver of Light, and there's a lot going on: faerie politics, new magic, relationship and family dynamics, babies, including a mystery child, and the main mystery of someone using magic to assault women.
When Hamilton focuses on the action, mystery, and magic, the book is great. The mystery and its conclusion were satisfying. My biggest complaint with Hamilton's recent writing is that the sex and relationship dynamics get in the way of her best storytelling. This series has always been sex-heavy, but it used to be fun to read. Now the extended negotiation before and the discussions after weigh down every sex scene and make them feel like a chore. The sex isn't the problem by itself; the problem is that it often replaces plot development rather than adding to it, while the action, magic, and court politics I find more compelling are treated like subplots. I appreciate that consent and negotiation are handled thoughtfully, but the amount of sexual content crowds out what I'm actually here for. That said, this is a recent Hamilton pattern in general, not something unique to this book.
The tone also feels scattered, as if this book and the next were meant to be one and got split into two pieces. The main mystery is solved, but there are character cliffhangers and unresolved political conflicts left open for book 11, A Ghost of Daylight, expected April 13, 2027. And those threads feel like a mix of organic setup and padding, though I'll still pick it up out of curiosity, and because there's enough to love about this series that I'd like to see it completed.
Note: This is not a standalone novel. You will need to read the entire series to keep up with the magic, court machinations, and dozens of characters. I somewhat regret not re-reading the series first.
Recommended for: Fans of the Merry Gentry series, with the caveat that you should re-read at least A Shiver of Light before starting. Fans who disliked Hamilton's recent Anita Blake books for the same reasons should know the problem is still present here.
Not recommended for: New readers, or anyone who wants mystery and action to be the primary focus.
#AGlimmerofDeath #NetGalley
Publish Date: Nov 3 2026 | Sci Fi & Fantasy | Urban | Fae | Polyamorous Romance | Mystery | eBook
Advanced Review Copy of A Glimmer of Death provided by Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sometimes a series will just stick with you and take up rent in your mind. The Merry Gentry series is like that for me. Despite the significant gap between this book and the previous one I was able to jump right in and feel at home. (I do recommend reading the previous books before diving into this one.)
As if being the mother of triplets and Queen of her court aren’t enough to keep her busy, Merry and her men still need to earn a living and the case they’re on brings up old nightmares and new gifts. They also have a pro bono case for the Queen of Air and Darkness to find out if Cel and Keelie had a child together. Merry’s mother is still trying to manipulate her and Merry’s men are sexier than ever. Finding the time to take care of it all is an ongoing issue. This story followed me into my dreams.
As if being the mother of triplets and Queen of her court aren’t enough to keep her busy, Merry and her men still need to earn a living and the case they’re on brings up old nightmares and new gifts. They also have a pro bono case for the Queen of Air and Darkness to find out if Cel and Keelie had a child together. Merry’s mother is still trying to manipulate her and Merry’s men are sexier than ever. Finding the time to take care of it all is an ongoing issue. This story followed me into my dreams.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.75 stars
Other than rereading a few books, I haven’t read anything written by LKH in over a decade. I didn’t reread the Merry Gentry series before jumping into this book because I was excited for another Merry book. As the years passed, I found myself enjoying Merry more than Anita–the writing felt better and more succinct and I felt the story was easier to follow. I’m glad both series are wrapping up.
I wouldn’t have needed to worry anyway. In true Hamilton fashion, she does more telling than showing. The triplets are over a year old and Merry has just stopped breastfeeding, but she is still large and self-conscious about it…yet wears a low cut dress to a children’s Halloween event anyway. We are reminded of all Merry’s titles–though recalling that Essus was the first faerie prince born in America was helpful. We are reminded for probably the 3700th time in the entire series that Doyle is Darkness and what his role once was. And we get the mens’ jealousy over Merry’s other lovers which bothers me since I recall everyone basically being all in on the polygamy.
So by 6% in, I was already rolling my eyes at the information being thrown at me. And, as the story continued, I kept rolling my eyes at how clunky some sentences are. Some things with LKH just don’t change, including with characters telling others facts that everyone–even the reader–knows.
That doesn’t mean the first bit (and the book) didn’t have good parts. I did, after all, give this 4 stars after a 3-star beginning.
Indeed, I like that Merry/Hamilton reminds us that children definitely listen, even if they can’t talk. And they pick up on adults’ emotions (even if they aren’t fae). I also like how even some jerks legitimately attempt to use proper language for partners/genders. And Merry definitely reads like a mother; the children like children of their age but also of magic.
I did think it was weird that we were told Liam is starting to repeat things he hears, but then Merry and her guys talk about a bondage roleplay that evening.
Anyway, Merry and Doyle, Galen, Frost, Mistral bring the triplets (Essus, Tempest, and Bree) and Maeve’s son (Liam) to a Halloween trunk-or-treat thing for a job, half under cover to privately investigate some supernatural issues involving a potential sexual assaulter using magic. Then we learn of some consequences (positive and negative) of what Merry’s magic has been doing in the past few years, and not just with allowing certain sidhe to be more fertile again. Some of course involves Andais, but others leave the reader and Merry with chills at the thought. I really enjoyed that part of the plot because not only did it make sense, but it tied a lot together.
It’s crazy that even now, Merry adds some more to her harem. Five of the six fathers remain, there is no need to add more. Yet it’s like LKH just wants all the magical/supernatural people to just have orgies in her two series. The greatest thing with THIS series though, and it continues in this book, is that there is so much more plot (even with a lot of discussions around sex) than sex. We still have not become PWP and it’s a relief.
Aisling is very much like Asher in Anita Blake series, including with his hair.
I like seeing Barinthus’ growth.
Galen remains my favorite.
The end is pretty intense.
Other than rereading a few books, I haven’t read anything written by LKH in over a decade. I didn’t reread the Merry Gentry series before jumping into this book because I was excited for another Merry book. As the years passed, I found myself enjoying Merry more than Anita–the writing felt better and more succinct and I felt the story was easier to follow. I’m glad both series are wrapping up.
I wouldn’t have needed to worry anyway. In true Hamilton fashion, she does more telling than showing. The triplets are over a year old and Merry has just stopped breastfeeding, but she is still large and self-conscious about it…yet wears a low cut dress to a children’s Halloween event anyway. We are reminded of all Merry’s titles–though recalling that Essus was the first faerie prince born in America was helpful. We are reminded for probably the 3700th time in the entire series that Doyle is Darkness and what his role once was. And we get the mens’ jealousy over Merry’s other lovers which bothers me since I recall everyone basically being all in on the polygamy.
So by 6% in, I was already rolling my eyes at the information being thrown at me. And, as the story continued, I kept rolling my eyes at how clunky some sentences are. Some things with LKH just don’t change, including with characters telling others facts that everyone–even the reader–knows.
That doesn’t mean the first bit (and the book) didn’t have good parts. I did, after all, give this 4 stars after a 3-star beginning.
Indeed, I like that Merry/Hamilton reminds us that children definitely listen, even if they can’t talk. And they pick up on adults’ emotions (even if they aren’t fae). I also like how even some jerks legitimately attempt to use proper language for partners/genders. And Merry definitely reads like a mother; the children like children of their age but also of magic.
I did think it was weird that we were told Liam is starting to repeat things he hears, but then Merry and her guys talk about a bondage roleplay that evening.
Anyway, Merry and Doyle, Galen, Frost, Mistral bring the triplets (Essus, Tempest, and Bree) and Maeve’s son (Liam) to a Halloween trunk-or-treat thing for a job, half under cover to privately investigate some supernatural issues involving a potential sexual assaulter using magic. Then we learn of some consequences (positive and negative) of what Merry’s magic has been doing in the past few years, and not just with allowing certain sidhe to be more fertile again. Some of course involves Andais, but others leave the reader and Merry with chills at the thought. I really enjoyed that part of the plot because not only did it make sense, but it tied a lot together.
It’s crazy that even now, Merry adds some more to her harem. Five of the six fathers remain, there is no need to add more. Yet it’s like LKH just wants all the magical/supernatural people to just have orgies in her two series. The greatest thing with THIS series though, and it continues in this book, is that there is so much more plot (even with a lot of discussions around sex) than sex. We still have not become PWP and it’s a relief.
Aisling is very much like Asher in Anita Blake series, including with his hair.
I like seeing Barinthus’ growth.
Galen remains my favorite.
The end is pretty intense.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC
A Glimmer of Death • Laurell K. Hamilton
Merry Gentry #10
One phrase: faerie court chaos meets magical murder mystery ✨🖤
Merry Gentry is back and apparently peace was never an option.
A Glimmer of Death throws Meredith right back into the middle of everything she does best: dangerous faerie politics, complicated court loyalties, deadly magic, emotional stakes, and a mortal world investigation that hits way too close to home.
Merry is juggling a lot here. She is a faerie princess, private investigator, mother of triplets, lover to her royal guards, and still somehow expected to keep everyone alive while both faerie courts continue being absolute disasters.
The mortal case alone already sounds intense. Magical attacks against Hollywood actresses? A monster targeting women in Los Angeles? Old nightmares from Merry’s past resurfacing? Yes please.
But then faerie politics come crashing in too.
Aisling is cursed and may lose himself to haunted magic. Taranis could regain the Seelie throne if they fail to stop him. Andais is stirring up trouble with claims that Merry’s deceased best friend may be alive with a mysterious child tied to the Unseelie succession.
Basically, every thread is a threat.
What I love about this setup is how layered it feels. There is the murder investigation, the court intrigue, the ancient curses, the mystery of the fey child, and the constant question of how much Merry can give before it costs her everything.
This feels like the beginning of a big, messy, magical conclusion, and I am so ready for the drama.
✨ Tropes and vibes:
✨ faerie court politics
🖤 urban fantasy
🔎 paranormal investigation
👑 royal succession drama
💀 magical attacks
🌙 ancient curses
🧚 mysterious fey child
🔥 why choose energy
⚔️ dangerous enemies
💔 love and sacrifice
🩸 dark faerie magic
🎭 Hollywood mystery
📚 Read this if you like:
Long running urban fantasy series, faerie courts, paranormal mysteries, complicated relationships, high stakes magic, and heroines who are somehow expected to save everyone while barely getting a second to breathe.
This sounds like court chaos, mortal danger, and faerie drama all wrapped into one very messy magical storm.
#AGlimmerOfDeath #LaurellKHamilton #MerryGentry #UrbanFantasy #BookReview @berkley
A Glimmer of Death • Laurell K. Hamilton
Merry Gentry #10
One phrase: faerie court chaos meets magical murder mystery ✨🖤
Merry Gentry is back and apparently peace was never an option.
A Glimmer of Death throws Meredith right back into the middle of everything she does best: dangerous faerie politics, complicated court loyalties, deadly magic, emotional stakes, and a mortal world investigation that hits way too close to home.
Merry is juggling a lot here. She is a faerie princess, private investigator, mother of triplets, lover to her royal guards, and still somehow expected to keep everyone alive while both faerie courts continue being absolute disasters.
The mortal case alone already sounds intense. Magical attacks against Hollywood actresses? A monster targeting women in Los Angeles? Old nightmares from Merry’s past resurfacing? Yes please.
But then faerie politics come crashing in too.
Aisling is cursed and may lose himself to haunted magic. Taranis could regain the Seelie throne if they fail to stop him. Andais is stirring up trouble with claims that Merry’s deceased best friend may be alive with a mysterious child tied to the Unseelie succession.
Basically, every thread is a threat.
What I love about this setup is how layered it feels. There is the murder investigation, the court intrigue, the ancient curses, the mystery of the fey child, and the constant question of how much Merry can give before it costs her everything.
This feels like the beginning of a big, messy, magical conclusion, and I am so ready for the drama.
✨ Tropes and vibes:
✨ faerie court politics
🖤 urban fantasy
🔎 paranormal investigation
👑 royal succession drama
💀 magical attacks
🌙 ancient curses
🧚 mysterious fey child
🔥 why choose energy
⚔️ dangerous enemies
💔 love and sacrifice
🩸 dark faerie magic
🎭 Hollywood mystery
📚 Read this if you like:
Long running urban fantasy series, faerie courts, paranormal mysteries, complicated relationships, high stakes magic, and heroines who are somehow expected to save everyone while barely getting a second to breathe.
This sounds like court chaos, mortal danger, and faerie drama all wrapped into one very messy magical storm.
#AGlimmerOfDeath #LaurellKHamilton #MerryGentry #UrbanFantasy #BookReview @berkley
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The way I screamed and literally dropped everything to celebrate getting an arc approval email from the publisher! I had one goal this year and that was to be an arc reader for LKH and I achieved it, so thank you so much to Laurell, her amazing team, and Berkley for the opportunity to check being a Laurell K Hamilton arc reader off my bucket list!
On to my review. I waited 10 years for this release, to find out what Merry, her men, and the babies HEA looked like.
I was not prepared for the hurt that I would feel with Sholto’s baby manifesting some of his characteristics. I still wish it had been Galen or Kitto in Sholto’s place. Merry and crew were just like I expected them to be, still being extra cautious with the Queen of Air and Darkness, trying to manage raising triplets, working the mysteries you expect PI’s to solve, and balancing her own sithen.
I didn’t really care for Barinthus’s manipulative attitude, or how he pressured Merry so much, it just wasn’t for me at all. The other side of that is how he interacted with Merry’s babies, he showed no favoritism to one over the other, he loved them equally, and really is the perfect fae to teach them to swim.
Loved seeing my darkness Doyle again, really loved it when he interacted with the Killing Frost! Rhys has some issues that I hope get resolved in the next book. I kind of wish we had more Mistral time.
The addition of Aisling with Merry and crew works for me! I didn’t see that twist with Tarannis coming, I really hoped we were done seeing him.
The overall plot of the book was a bit hit or miss for me, solving the crime of women being SA’d in their sleep and locked homes didn’t really add to the story for me. I would have been okay with it being about solving the crime of who cursed the Unseelie Queen and Aisling as well. It just felt like 3 different storylines and we didn’t get answers for some of them. That is not to say that I won’t be running to get a physical copy to add to my collection and I will absolutely be reading the next book in the series.
On to my review. I waited 10 years for this release, to find out what Merry, her men, and the babies HEA looked like.
I was not prepared for the hurt that I would feel with Sholto’s baby manifesting some of his characteristics. I still wish it had been Galen or Kitto in Sholto’s place. Merry and crew were just like I expected them to be, still being extra cautious with the Queen of Air and Darkness, trying to manage raising triplets, working the mysteries you expect PI’s to solve, and balancing her own sithen.
I didn’t really care for Barinthus’s manipulative attitude, or how he pressured Merry so much, it just wasn’t for me at all. The other side of that is how he interacted with Merry’s babies, he showed no favoritism to one over the other, he loved them equally, and really is the perfect fae to teach them to swim.
Loved seeing my darkness Doyle again, really loved it when he interacted with the Killing Frost! Rhys has some issues that I hope get resolved in the next book. I kind of wish we had more Mistral time.
The addition of Aisling with Merry and crew works for me! I didn’t see that twist with Tarannis coming, I really hoped we were done seeing him.
The overall plot of the book was a bit hit or miss for me, solving the crime of women being SA’d in their sleep and locked homes didn’t really add to the story for me. I would have been okay with it being about solving the crime of who cursed the Unseelie Queen and Aisling as well. It just felt like 3 different storylines and we didn’t get answers for some of them. That is not to say that I won’t be running to get a physical copy to add to my collection and I will absolutely be reading the next book in the series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Listen I love Merry Gentry. I love the world,the magic, the characters. The plot. I will persevere through the exceedingly long descriptions of what people are wearing. I will power through the therapy esque, self help/love life lessons. I will read the same sentence about people's eyes, or details like " Where is my Darkness bring me my Darkness", or the numerous other things that Hamilton reiterates over and over book after book, just for the tiniest amount of plot.
This world sucked me in when I was in high-school (probably was way too young to be reading it) and I have been waiting years for the next installment. This series has always been very steamy, but I found myself as I have with past books of hers wishing for more plot and less smutt. Although I must admit I found this one to have far far less then the previous books. I'm not sure the writing has always been one big run on sentence or if it's just because I was reading an unfinished copy. Seeing as its been 12 years since the last Merry book, Shivers of Light it might have always been like this and I just looked past it. Even after a 12 yr pause I fell right back in to the story. I was totally invested. Doyle will always be the Original Shadow Daddy in my book 🤣. I will 100 percent be picking up the next book and will be sad to see this world come to an end.
Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for the ARC. I'll be waiting with baited breathe for an early chance to read A Ghost of Daylight.
This world sucked me in when I was in high-school (probably was way too young to be reading it) and I have been waiting years for the next installment. This series has always been very steamy, but I found myself as I have with past books of hers wishing for more plot and less smutt. Although I must admit I found this one to have far far less then the previous books. I'm not sure the writing has always been one big run on sentence or if it's just because I was reading an unfinished copy. Seeing as its been 12 years since the last Merry book, Shivers of Light it might have always been like this and I just looked past it. Even after a 12 yr pause I fell right back in to the story. I was totally invested. Doyle will always be the Original Shadow Daddy in my book 🤣. I will 100 percent be picking up the next book and will be sad to see this world come to an end.
Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for the ARC. I'll be waiting with baited breathe for an early chance to read A Ghost of Daylight.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Has it been 10 years already? I did not realize how much I missed Merry and her menI was so ready to get back into this series, it was one of my favourite series. I loved everything about it. I was so excited to see there was a new book coming out. I really enjoyed it and cannot wait for more. This book was a great read, I quickly remembered the storyline and was so excited to catch up with some of my favourite characters.
Meredith and some of her men are invited to a Halloween party with their triplets, but it’s just a cover to meet with a couple who want to hire them to investigate what they deem to be magical assaults. Merry is not sure if she wants to take the case on but the more she looks into it the more she realizes this case is bigger than she thinks. Merry has to juggle motherhood, being Queen to the Faerie Court, keeping her subjects alive and keeping herself and her men happy and now apparently to solve the mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publishing house, Berkley and the author, Laurel K. Hamilton for the opportunity to read a complimentary advanced copy of this book in return for review, based upon my honest opinion.
Meredith and some of her men are invited to a Halloween party with their triplets, but it’s just a cover to meet with a couple who want to hire them to investigate what they deem to be magical assaults. Merry is not sure if she wants to take the case on but the more she looks into it the more she realizes this case is bigger than she thinks. Merry has to juggle motherhood, being Queen to the Faerie Court, keeping her subjects alive and keeping herself and her men happy and now apparently to solve the mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publishing house, Berkley and the author, Laurel K. Hamilton for the opportunity to read a complimentary advanced copy of this book in return for review, based upon my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
So.
The good:
When it finally gets to the mystery of the magical ***** and its resolution, it's pretty decent. I'm invested and I feel inordinately happy to have something like this in the novel that resembles the previous private investigations/royal intrigue/fae novels that had been coming out so many years ago.
The bad:
It took a LONG time to get through all the toddler and fashion nonsense at the beginning. It took an even longer time to get through all the narrative-foreplay-less sex scenes that felt so horribly gratuitous I felt like I was plopped directly into the worst polyamorous-political nonsense cribbed right from the Anita Blake series complete with cribbed-reused-plundered plotlines from that series as well.
And it took SO DAMN LONG to move past it.
To be very honest, I was reminded of the very worst nonsense I wished never happened in the Blake series. Of course, I kept coming back because when the magic stuff and the fighting stuff and the plot stuff finally kicks in (when it isn't sex), it's pretty great. But this one?
I'm kinda sad I came back to Merry.
The good:
When it finally gets to the mystery of the magical ***** and its resolution, it's pretty decent. I'm invested and I feel inordinately happy to have something like this in the novel that resembles the previous private investigations/royal intrigue/fae novels that had been coming out so many years ago.
The bad:
It took a LONG time to get through all the toddler and fashion nonsense at the beginning. It took an even longer time to get through all the narrative-foreplay-less sex scenes that felt so horribly gratuitous I felt like I was plopped directly into the worst polyamorous-political nonsense cribbed right from the Anita Blake series complete with cribbed-reused-plundered plotlines from that series as well.
And it took SO DAMN LONG to move past it.
To be very honest, I was reminded of the very worst nonsense I wished never happened in the Blake series. Of course, I kept coming back because when the magic stuff and the fighting stuff and the plot stuff finally kicks in (when it isn't sex), it's pretty great. But this one?
I'm kinda sad I came back to Merry.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to @berkleypub, @berkleyromance, and @netgalley for the ARC.
As a long time fan of LKH, this was such a blessing! 🥰 But also a curse because the bookish community wasn't what it was 20+ years ago. We didn't really have trigger warnings and such, but the world has shifted. Merry and her world have shifted.
So would the correct description be Dark urban paranormal/fae romance? Dark modern day romantasy? To me, it's just another Merry Gentry book.
Did I enjoy the book? Yes. Am I still processing it? Yes. Was it dark? Very much so, but also healing. I understand why it's been 12+ years and why (based on LKH recent video) Merry didn't want to talk to her. Book Nine was tough for everyone. 😭 IYKYK.
There is a lot in the book many long time readers already know but I also understand why it's in there because this potentially could be the book new readers pick up. There is the new dynamic Merry and her men are living, there is trauma to process, there is a mystery to solve. It's filled with everything you would expect and leading to where I hope it will in the final book. Our girl deserves her HEA. That world and its magic deserves its HEA. So mote it be.
As a long time fan of LKH, this was such a blessing! 🥰 But also a curse because the bookish community wasn't what it was 20+ years ago. We didn't really have trigger warnings and such, but the world has shifted. Merry and her world have shifted.
So would the correct description be Dark urban paranormal/fae romance? Dark modern day romantasy? To me, it's just another Merry Gentry book.
Did I enjoy the book? Yes. Am I still processing it? Yes. Was it dark? Very much so, but also healing. I understand why it's been 12+ years and why (based on LKH recent video) Merry didn't want to talk to her. Book Nine was tough for everyone. 😭 IYKYK.
There is a lot in the book many long time readers already know but I also understand why it's in there because this potentially could be the book new readers pick up. There is the new dynamic Merry and her men are living, there is trauma to process, there is a mystery to solve. It's filled with everything you would expect and leading to where I hope it will in the final book. Our girl deserves her HEA. That world and its magic deserves its HEA. So mote it be.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC
I can't believe it's been more than ten years since we last got a Merry Gentry book. I'm so glad Laurell K Hamilton decided to continue the story. But, it does make me a little sad too. I'm sure that, if I read this book ten years ago, I would have LOVED it.
There is a lot going on in this book and I did hate that at all. We get faerie politics, magic, family dynamics, very cute babies, Keelin's child, and the mystery of who is using magic to assault women.
I would say the best part of this book was the mystery. The conclusion to it was very satisfying.
Now for the other side of things. Unfortunately, I felt like the relationship dynamics got in the way of more interesting story lines. Particularly when they would talk and negotiate for ages before having sex.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants an urban fantasy with faeries, a poly-amorous romance, and a good mystery.
Three stars.
I can't believe it's been more than ten years since we last got a Merry Gentry book. I'm so glad Laurell K Hamilton decided to continue the story. But, it does make me a little sad too. I'm sure that, if I read this book ten years ago, I would have LOVED it.
There is a lot going on in this book and I did hate that at all. We get faerie politics, magic, family dynamics, very cute babies, Keelin's child, and the mystery of who is using magic to assault women.
I would say the best part of this book was the mystery. The conclusion to it was very satisfying.
Now for the other side of things. Unfortunately, I felt like the relationship dynamics got in the way of more interesting story lines. Particularly when they would talk and negotiate for ages before having sex.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants an urban fantasy with faeries, a poly-amorous romance, and a good mystery.
Three stars.
August 30, 2026
Omg I've waited 10 years for this book and it did not disappoint! This is one of my favorite series and miss Merry and her men. Loved being able to see how Merry juggled motherhood, being a Farie Queen and princess, working as a detective, and keeping her people safe, navigate farie politics. Loved getting to see the men as fathers. I loved being able to see the triplets more also. So glad this came out even though it took 10 years and sad the the next book A Ghost of Daylight is going to be the last book. Love the twists, surprises, mystery. And all the farie magic that was in this book old and new! I want to say soooo much but can't ruin it for others! Can't wait for the next/last book to see what happens next! This is a must read!!
Thank you netgalley and berkley publishing for the advanced copy!
Thank you netgalley and berkley publishing for the advanced copy!
July 8, 2026
I have been waiting so long for this story and it didn’t disappoint one bit.
Merry Gentry and her men are finally back. The babies are adorable and her men are just as mesmerizing as I remember them to be. Although a couple of them kind of got on my nerves.
“Hey, I don’t get angry when she gets distracted by your six-pack abs or the rest of all your muscley muscles,”
Two story lines and some shocking secrets are the main focus. I was glad she’s toned down the s”x scenes from overtaking the whole book.
We die as one thing, but when we tear our way out of the darkness we have to believe that we will have wings.
The suspense and drama were everything I was hoping for. I really wish that the next book doesn’t take as long to come out as this one.
Merry Gentry and her men are finally back. The babies are adorable and her men are just as mesmerizing as I remember them to be. Although a couple of them kind of got on my nerves.
“Hey, I don’t get angry when she gets distracted by your six-pack abs or the rest of all your muscley muscles,”
Two story lines and some shocking secrets are the main focus. I was glad she’s toned down the s”x scenes from overtaking the whole book.
We die as one thing, but when we tear our way out of the darkness we have to believe that we will have wings.
The suspense and drama were everything I was hoping for. I really wish that the next book doesn’t take as long to come out as this one.
Read
August 7, 2026Finally after having to watch Anita Blake novels fly onto the shelf, hoping that the last Merry Gentry novel wasn't the last one, the story continues. And Im sorry but it was not worth the wait. I had such hope for this novel, especially after the events that happened in the last one. I wanted to meet the babies and to watch Merry with her lovers and bringing her people into back into the fold of the Goddess and the Consort and that is exactly what this novel was lacking. Instead three seperate mysteries all oddly woven together at the end in a very unsatisfying conclusion. I was an interesting enough read but I was very disappointed.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Loved reading the mesmerizing and spellbinding paranormal story. While Merry and her men are taking care of babies, she is enlisted on how famous women, all best friends, are being lured and raped by sidhe and a witch. Meanwhile, Merry's friend, Aisling needs their help in getting rid of his curse, and Merry's best friend, Keelie, might still be alive with a son, claiming to be the rightful heir. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written full of intrigue, and another must read riveting story by the phenomenal author, Laurell K. Hamilton. Can't wait to read the next story in the Merry Gentry series!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance reader's copy of the book. It's a Merry Gentry book alright. There's an overabundance of sex, story points are introduced/referenced back to from previous books, and a person is somehow left wanting more. I know this is the penultimate book and some of the things it introduced were wrapped up, but damn if it didn't leave other things hanging. I hope those things that were introduced get answered in the next/final book. I'm giving it 3.5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to @NetGalley for the arc of A Glimmer of Death by Laurell K Hamilton!! This is my honest review. This book picks up where the ending of the last book left off. You get to experience Merry as a mother and her men in the cutest scenes with their babies. There's investigations, detective work. Delicious spice scenes sprinkled in the book. The book has multiple things happening at the same time, but you find that they are all interconnected and the ending had a big twist that was a surprise but oh so satisfying. I can't wait for the next book! This book is out in November!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I had so much fun this year re-reading the whole series again in preparation for this book. It had been so many years, and I so enjoyed returning to it. The relationships between the men and the babies and the descriptions of the differences in the children were interesting for character development. I also enjoyed the inclusion of more relationships between women. I thought this book might be a finale to the series, but there is definitely room for it to continue.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was a huge Merry Gentry fan 15 years or so ago and didnt even realize this was part of the series!! I love how the storyline has matured. It still has the spice and the burn but theres a depth to the plot in this one that I thoroughly enjoyed. The FMC Merry has grown as well. I was able to identify with her more as she is learning to navigate her new lifestyle and the responsibilities that have come with it.
Honestly, Ive been recommending this author since 2012 at least and I see that her penmanship is still well worth name dropping whenever I can!
Honestly, Ive been recommending this author since 2012 at least and I see that her penmanship is still well worth name dropping whenever I can!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Despite a decade away from Merry, I fell right back into the story. The story takes place over two days but there is more than enough action and familar characters to keep it interesting. I would have given this 4 stars but the fact that I couldn't put this down and read it in two days makes it a five star read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I had missed Merry more than I realized. It was fun spending time on her mystery adventure in CA, getting to spend time with her cadre of men and her triplets. Those of the fae courts continue to be up to no good but she always susses out their plans. Hoping to get a few more Merry books in addition to this one.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I enjoyed this book. It was a little slow in some spots for me, but overall I had a good time reading it. I’d check out more from the author in the future.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants an urban fantasy with faeries, romance, and mystery.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance reader's copy of the book.
July 31, 2026
Rounded up to 3.5 stars. Very Domestic Bliss… and word salad and a half, but a worthwhile story mixed in. Edited properly, this would have been a more enjoyable read, but I’ll take what I can get as we finally get to the end of Merry’s story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Holy Crap was I excited for this book. I LOVED the Merry Gentry series and this was a great edition to the series. It was everything I wanted from a book in the series. I was worried because it had been so long between books, but Hamilton pulled one out and made a phenomenal book.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
THat's a WOW on all the magic of Faire that came into this book! Neat ideas for bad guys and good guys alike
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
EXCITING! Spellbinding!! PAGE TURNER!!!
Need I say more!!!!
Need I say more!!!!
September 11, 2026
I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in return for a review.
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Nearly a decade since the last book, I am torn on how I feel about #10. If you like the Merry books and Laurell K Hamilton, then you will enjoy this book. If you are like me, I loved the series back in the day but the character drama, tropes and writing style are less appealing to me now that other writers exist in the urban fantasy/dark romance/romantasy genres. The book revisits Merry's past but other longstanding arcs remain unfinished. We'll see what happens in book 11. I'm too invested to stop now.
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Nearly a decade since the last book, I am torn on how I feel about #10. If you like the Merry books and Laurell K Hamilton, then you will enjoy this book. If you are like me, I loved the series back in the day but the character drama, tropes and writing style are less appealing to me now that other writers exist in the urban fantasy/dark romance/romantasy genres. The book revisits Merry's past but other longstanding arcs remain unfinished. We'll see what happens in book 11. I'm too invested to stop now.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A Glimmer of Death delivers exactly what longtime Merry Gentry readers expect: political intrigue, faerie court drama, danger, and the complex relationships that have defined the series from the beginning. Laurell K. Hamilton returns to Merry's world with a story that balances mystery and supernatural tension while continuing to explore the responsibilities and consequences that come with power.
One of the book's strengths is its cast. Merry remains a compelling protagonist, navigating threats both personal and political with intelligence and determination. The interactions among the established characters feel natural and rewarding for readers who have followed the series through multiple books. Hamilton's world-building continues to be rich, blending mythology, magic, and court politics in a way that keeps the story engaging.
The mystery elements are well handled, and there are several twists that maintain momentum throughout the novel. The darker tone fits the series and adds weight to the stakes facing Merry and her allies.
Overall, A Glimmer of Death is a strong addition to the Merry Gentry series. It rewards longtime fans with more of the characters and world they love while delivering an entertaining supernatural mystery filled with intrigue, danger, and magic.
One of the book's strengths is its cast. Merry remains a compelling protagonist, navigating threats both personal and political with intelligence and determination. The interactions among the established characters feel natural and rewarding for readers who have followed the series through multiple books. Hamilton's world-building continues to be rich, blending mythology, magic, and court politics in a way that keeps the story engaging.
The mystery elements are well handled, and there are several twists that maintain momentum throughout the novel. The darker tone fits the series and adds weight to the stakes facing Merry and her allies.
Overall, A Glimmer of Death is a strong addition to the Merry Gentry series. It rewards longtime fans with more of the characters and world they love while delivering an entertaining supernatural mystery filled with intrigue, danger, and magic.
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