Hexed and Lawless

The Merlin Mysteries #6

by Kim Richardson

I used to think my biggest problem was gods trying to kill me.

Turns out, that was just the warm-up.
Now I’ve got a brand-new kind of magic, one that doesn’t just bend the rules. It rewrites them. Divine runes? I can break them. Change them. Maybe even create my own. Which is great… except for the part where nobody knows what that actually means. Including me.
And apparently, neither do the dragons.
Because when I accidentally did something very illegal to my dragon boyfriend’s blood—long story, involved saving his life, zero regrets—it set off alarms in a very old, very powerful dragon system. The kind that doesn’t send warning letters. The kind that sends enforcers.
Now the dragon legacy wants answers. The gods are still watching. My ex-ghost roommate might be losing his second chance at life. And me? I’m stuck in the middle of it all, trying to figure out what I’ve become before someone decides I shouldn’t exist at all.
Good news. I’m done waiting for permission.
Bad news. So is everyone else.
And if they think I’m going down quietly, they clearly haven’t been paying attention.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Magic

346 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 13, 2026

About the author

Kim 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.

Reviews

[Spinneretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Rhea’s marking of Eryk has consequences, and it’s up to her to try and make sure that neither she, nor any of her friends pay the price.

This book brings this particular arc of Rhea’s story to a close. I’m not sure if this will be the last book featuring her, but it definitely ties up some loose ends, answers some questions and settles a few issues.
It’s a fast paced book, when Rhea actually gets to be a hero for once, although she does try to blame herself for something definitely not her fault (thank heavens her friends try to talk sense into her).
She does learn a lot more about her magic too, which in and of itself is fascinating.

You can’t read this book without having read the other Merlin Mysteries first, but I recommend the entire series to urban fantasy lovers, and those who enjoy a little mystery in their urban fantasy tales.

[Starr Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhea is struggling to find her place in Gallows Gate, her relationship with her magic as a witch and in her relationship with dragon commander Eryk. While Rhea has support with her ghost roommate Monty and his vampire girl Selene, and Selene’s best friend, it’s in short supply with other magicals.

When unknown dragons suddenly comes calling and bears a dark message, and Eryk disappears, Rhea has to haul out the big guns and ask for help from those she detests. She will sacrifice whatever she must to find her mate. Her magic reacts and in shocking, surprising ways.

Fast action, sharp witty chat between all the besties, gods and goddesses, supernaturals, some good, many bad and all want something from Rhea - and when the villain is unmasked and addressed, it’s a victory.

Book 6 in the series is wonderfully written and an absolutely worthwhile read

[Vivienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

INTENSE DRAMA

What an amazing series! So many thrills in this latest episode! The author never fails to boggle our minds with intense drama and excitement in each of her novels.

It was fun seeing how Eryk, Marty, Marla and Selene interact with the unique merlin Rhea Morven and the several other characters in this formidable tale.

The Morven Legacy had gotten out of control, but Rhea and her magical threads put everything back in perspective. She is now in full command of her special powers and that is fabulous to see.

Great writing and provocative imagery capture our attention as we live through the disturbing events in Gallows Gate.

Love how it all works out in the end.

[Anna Wick · Rating 3 out of 5]

One last reckless act

I finished the series, it had ok/good world building.
Interal dialog, no, really, most dialog wasn't that amusing
Repetitive. Like filler
Fighting not believable

[Lydia Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful series

I like everything about this book. It's an easy read with likeable characters and entertaining dialogue. I can't wait for the next instalment of the series, especially the Merlin trials!

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had this series so hyped up in my mind and was looking forward to an epic ending but was really disappointed by it. I don't know it felt like it was missing something .
But other than that the writing was good and the book was good.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nicely tied up most everything in the ending. Did feel sometimes I was reading a novel about a teenage sleepover pillow fight. And the secondary characters had no depth. However for me, the ending was written very well and it was a satisfying read.

[Blair P. Lehman · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this series

Once again Ms. Richardson has crafted an amazing world with a strong heroine and a wonderful supporting cast. Please keep writing.

[Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. One of Ms Richardson's better series (Not that they arent all good).

[Diane Hermann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Underwhelming.

And confusing. Didn't know half of what was going on, maybe because this book/series didn't pull me in & I was just anxious for it to finally be over.

[Darrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

must read!

I couldn’t stop reading the whole series, literally read them all in 2 days! Love her writing, one of my favorite authors

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars:)