Finch Merlin and the Fount of Youth

Harley Merlin #10

by Bella Forrest

What’s a guy gotta do to appease an evil god?

It’s been a year since Katherine tried to take over the world, and Finch Merlin is itching to do something other than odd jobs for Erebus, God of Darkness. Erebus promises he’ll free Finch of his servitude after he completes one final task—finding the Fountain of Youth.

Finch has no idea why Erebus wants eternal youth, since the guy is already an immortal being. All the secrecy makes Finch uneasy, but he has no choice but to obey.

He knows he’ll get by with a little help from his friends, namely his old pal Garrett, who’s still dealing with the whole “being resurrected” thing. There’s also Ryann, Harley’s foster sister, now a regular at the San Diego Coven. Whenever she’s around, Finch feels butterflies in his stomach. Or maybe it’s just a bad case of indigestion.

Together, they’ll infiltrate the flashy world of the magical elite in search of a rare artifact, one that will help them capture a poltergeist—the angry ghost of famed adventurer Ponce de León.

Finch’s adventures have only just begun, with plenty of old and new friends… and foes.

Pre-order now.

*Beware of spoilers in the reviews below that are without spoiler alerts.*

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Paranormal, Audiobook, Magic, Fiction, Urban Fantasy

Audible Audio

First published July 22, 2019

About the author

UPDATE MARCH 11, 2024:

BELLA IS BACK!

*** New, updated online store at https://BellaForrest.com

*** New books coming soon

*** Possible Film/TV series coming soon

*** Stay up to date by joining our e-mail list at https://BellaForrest.com/join

###

Bella Forrest is a lover of fantasy, romance, action, and mystery infused stories with twists you don’t see coming. She has sold over fifteen million books since her first novel was published in 2012.

Check out her website for a full list of her books: https://BellaForrest.com

Official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BellaForrest...

Here's a list of some of Bella's books:

DARKLIGHT

Darklight (Book 1)
Darkthirst (Book 2)
Darkworld (Book 3)
Darkblood (Book 4)
Darktide (Book 5)
Darkbirth (Book 6)
Darkfall (Book 7)
Darkwilds (Book 8)
Darkhunt (Book 9)

A LOVE THAT ENDURES (Trilogy)
A Love that Endures 1
A Love that Endures 2
A Love that Endures 3

HARLEY MERLIN AND THE SECRET COVEN

Harley Merlin and the Secret Coven (Book 1)
Harley Merlin and the Mystery Twins (Book 2)
Harley Merlin and the Stolen Magicals (Book 3)
Harley Merlin and the First Ritual (Book 4)
Harley Merlin and the Broken Spell (Book 5)
Harley Merlin and the Cult of Eris (Book 6)
Harley Merlin and the Detector Fix (Book 7)
Harley Merlin and the Challenge of Chaos (Book 8)
Harley Merlin and the Mortal Pact (Book 9)
Finch Merlin and the Fount of Youth (Book 10)
Finch Merlin and the Lost Map (Book 11)
Finch Merlin and the Djinn's Curse (Book 12)
Finch Merlin and the Locked Gateway (Book 13)
Finch Merlin and the Forgotten Kingdom (Book 14)
Finch Merlin and the Everlasting Vow (Book 15)
Finch Merlin and the Blood Tie (Book 16)
Finch Merlin and the Legend of the Luminary
Persie Merlin and Leviathan's Gift (Book 18)
Persie Merlin and the Door to Nowhere (Book 19)
Persie Merlin and the Witch Hunters (Book 20)
Persie Merlin and the Dying Song (Book 21)

THE CHILD THIEF

The Child Thief (Book 1)
Deep Shadows (Book 2)
Thin Lines (Book 3)
Little Lies (Book 4)
Ghost Towns (Book 5)
Zero Hour (Book 6)

HOTBLOODS

Hotbloods (Book 1)
Hotbloods (Book 2): Coldbloods
Hotbloods (Book 3): Renegades
Hotbloods (Book 4): Venturers
Hotbloods (Book 5): Traitors
Hotbloods (Book 6): Allies
Hotbloods (Book 7): Invaders
Hotbloods (Book 8): Stargazers

THE GENDER GAME

The Gender Game (Book 1)
The Gender Secret (Book 2)
The Gender Lie (Book 3)
The Gender War (Book 4)
The Gender Fall (Book 5)
The Gender Plan (Book 6)
The Gender End (Book 7)

THE GIRL WHO DARED TO THINK

The Girl Who Dared to Think (Book 1)
The Girl Who Dared to Stand (Book 2)
The Girl Who Dared to Descend (Book 3)
The Girl Who Dared to Rise (Book 4)
The Girl Who Dared to Lead (Book 5)
The Girl Who Dared to Endure (Book 6
The Girl Who Dared to Fight (Book 7)

A SHADE OF VAMPIRE

Season 1: Derek & Sofia’s story

Books 1 to 7

Season 2: Rose & Caleb’s story

Books 8 to 16

Season 3: The Shade continues with a new hero...

Books 17 to 24

Season 4: A Clan of Novaks

Books 25 to 32

Season 5: A Dawn of Guardians

Books 33 to 41

Season 6: A Gift of Three

Books 42 to 50

Season 7: A Call of Vampires

Books 51 to 59

Season 8: A Voyage of Founders

Books 60 to 68

Season 9: A Birth of Fire

Books 69 to 77

Season 10: An Origin of Vampires
An Origin of Vampires (Book 78)
A Game of Death (Book 79)
A Veil of Dark (Book 80)
A Bringer of Night (Book 81)
A Circle of Nine (Book 82)
A Bender of Spirit (Book 83)
A Memory of Time (Book 84)
A Shard of Soul (Book 85)
A Break of Seals (Book 86)

Season 11: A Shade of Mystery
A Shade of Mystery (Book 87)
An Isle of Mirrors (Book 88)
A Sanctuary of Foes (Book 89)
A Ruler of Clones (Book 90)
A Gate of Light (Book 91)
A Dawn of Worlds (Book 92) ➜ Coming soon!

Reviews

[Melissa Dinwiddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun adventure

Of all the characters in the Harley Merlin series, Finch has arguably the most interesting character arc, so it’s fun to see him get a series of his own. About half the chapters are told from Garrett’s point of view, and we are introduced to a new character—Saskia, Tatyana’s annoying teenage sister, who has a good arc of her own in this book.

Harley makes no more than a cameo appearance. This is definitely Finch’s story. It starts off with a bang, and keeps right on rolling from there, as Finch faces all sorts of life-threatening challenges attempting to satisfy the demand of Erebus to find the Fountain of Youth.

After realizing, to his great frustration, that he can’t do it alone, Finch recruits Garrett to help, and the two of them find themselves unexpectedly teaming up with Saskia.

The relationship between the young men and the younger Saskia is entertaining, and watching it evolve in the crucible of their intense experiences is great fun.

As always, Forrest takes the story in surprising twists and turns. The past (hello, Katherine’s cultists!) comes back to haunt them, and the future looks uncertain.

Oh, and meanwhile, there’s the issue of Ryann, Harley’s foster sister, whom Finch is madly in love with, but can’t admit it to anyone, because not only does she have a boyfriend, but if Erebus knows Finch cares for someone, it will put her in grave danger!

Ah, life as a Merlin is so complicated!

I can’t wait for book 11. :)

[Lisa Sutherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took me a while to read this book as I've had so much going on but I looked forward to getting my head in the book everytime I had the chance. I love Finch have done from the beginning. I would love for him to get a happy ending he deserves it. His personality is amazing I love his wit and jokes. This book is great I love we get to know Finch more and it's finally his time to shine and show everyone who he is and that he has changed for everyone he loves. I'm looking forward to getting to know him more and go on more adventures with him.

[Geraldine M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

I think getting away from Harley was time, but Finch as the main character is just a bit more difficult to wrap my head around. I understand why, but Once I read the next book maybe it will fall into place.

[Laurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new adventure begins!

When I found out that Bella Forrest was going to add more books to the Harley Merlin series, I wasn't sure what to think about it. But I decided to go ahead and keep reading, and I'm glad I did. While this book still takes place in the same universe as the others and has mostly the same people, it's a whole new adventure to itself. I have to admit, I had been curious what Finch's bargain with Erebus was going to entail, but now we get to find out. I'm looking forward to the next book.

[Michelle Pitman · Rating 5 out of 5]

That’s it I am definitely getting the whole series of books, never have I read such a good series of books. In fact the whole series had me rooting for the heroes like I never have before. I’ve said it before but I’m NOT giving away any spoilers, suffice to say this is perhaps the hardest quest Finch has undertaken to date (this time it involves 3 people). Out of all the books I have read this is one I will MOST DEFINITELY BE RECOMMENDING TO OTHER PEOPLE.

[Monica Amos · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all wanted more Finch and Bella Forrest delivered in spades!
Fast paced and adventuresome Bella really delves into the depths of Finches personality throughout!
A must read for anyone who is a Bella fan or for those of you who want to be taken on an adventure and feel like you are part of the action.

[diana romano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harley Merlin 10 Finch Merlin and Fount of Youth

This is another winner. This series is really great. I love this author as she writes wonderful characters and great storylines in every book. I highly recommend all her books to everyone who loves paranormal mysteries. Diana Romano

[Desirae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the characters, new and old.

[Bronwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book. It's way better than some of the Harley Merlin ones.
Good enough to want to continue with the "spinoff".

[Kat Starwolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harley Merlin Series, Book 10 of 21

Well, I have to admit: I was a bit thrown when the protagonist focus switched from Harley to her brother Finch with this book. While Harley and her significant other, Wade (as well as their buddies, the Rag Team) are mentioned briefly in this book, the mentions weren’t nearly enough, in my opinion. I started this series wanting to follow Harley and her adventures, but with this book Finch is the star.

Ok, so, it is what it is.

At the end of Harley Merlin, Book 9, THE MORTAL PACT, Finch finds himself in an extremely unenviable position and agrees to assist someone he considers one of the bad guys, thereby taking on several tasks said BAD GUY wants him to accomplish in order to protect Finch’s family...or else.

And there’s his newfound attraction to Harley’s foster sister which creates all sorts of problems for dear Finch.

Can he manage to do what has been ‘asked’ of him by said BAD GUY, while protecting all of his loved ones?

However, before Finch gets started on this new adventure with an old friend and colleague, it is necessary that he locate a magical artifact that will allow him to complete his current task.

Yet before they can even begin their task, an old enemy reappears; someone who was believed to be dead. And wouldn’t ya know it? Said enemy is after the same artifact Finch is after.

While there is constant movement throughout, this is not as much of a ‘breathless ride’ as the last two books, although it still manages to keep the reader guessing and wanting to find out more.

Still, while the end of this book is somewhat of a surprise, it is also a bit...anti-climactic…mainly because this nearly breathless ride isn’t over yet.

Wonderful series.

[Emily Skermer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book I'm glad Ryann is in this series more as I thought she was pretty cool in Harley's series so I'm happy she'll hopefully be more involved as she seems like she Finchs love interest.

Davin is back so I'm guessing he is probably going to come back in another book soon considering he survived this one somehow. He is ok but I'm getting a bit bored of him keep coming back to life.

Tatyanas sister was cool. She started off a little bit annoying but was definitely necessary to the story and she did get better.

Also happy we got Garretts POV as I always felt like I had no clue what was going on with him in Harley's series. I feel so bad for him about the Astrid situation though.

Hopefully Finch can stop running around after Erebus soon and I do hope he gets a happy ending because he has been through a lot.

Good book

[nintoni · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a while to get used to the default POV being Finch instead of Harley but, overall, I enjoyed Finch's first story. Getting some background on his tasks for Erebus was a nice touch, and the introduction of new characters is usually good, if done well. I essentially liked Saskia, but something niggled about her character, and I can't quite put my finger on it. I'm sure we'll be seeing more of her in the next few books, so I'll have to see how it goes. I'm also feeling quite confused about the Ryann storyline, as she seems to be acting out of character (from what has been revealed in previous books). A good, if a little slower, read.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not sure. I want to like it. I’m happy about the new focus of characters. Honestly, I spent a lot of the book focused on the narration. The narrator is great. But I just listened to 9 books where her voice was Harley. Now she is Finch. I am glad they kept her on because when old characters came around, they had their same voice as all the previous books.

As for the plot, I was hooked. I didn’t know what was going to happen. I don’t think this series will win any awards but it is entertaining and I’m hooked so I will have to keep reading... for now anyway. The jury is still out on if I will finish the series.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finch Merlin is a complex character with a very sketchy past -- but he has decided to be a good guy and fulfill his promises and protect those he loves. Unfortunately, he is bound to serve the dark child of Chaos who keeps asking him to do really weird things -- with no good explanations. If you didn't read the first nine books in this long series, you really won't understand most of the allusions -- so read the first nine books, because this is a really fun series with great characters, a fun and consistent fantasy world view, and terrific action scenes.

[Elise C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oooo... Ok nice start to #FinchMerlin or #HarleyMerlinBook10
Not a lot happens in this book (besides that ending) though but you see how things are being set up. I like new charavter Saskia.. She's gonna be fun.
I know this is now Finch's story but it's weird that Harley isn't in here.
Of course #BellaForrest likes to leave us wanting way more at the end of her books... Luckily.. I have it ready 😊

[Cynthia Slaughter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finch's story post Katherine

The SDC is getting back to normal under O'Hallorans leadership. Each member of the rag team has an area of responsibility except Finch who is still running nonstop errands for Erebus. They are dangerous and Finch has tried to keep everyone else from getting involved but now he can't do it alone. When an old enemy turns up things get even more complicated.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I tend to like Finch more than Harley -- it's his sense of humor. Dark. So I'll sample at least some of these. This one has some of the same issues--longer than needed with a lot of repetition of events.
It doesn't share the weakness of inconsistency in characters...kids one page; adult (albeit young adult) the next and back and forth ad nauseum.

[lorraine stewart]

I like that Finch's story is continuing. He started out as a villain but became a hero. That he gave up his freedom to save innocent people showed that he really changed. I want to find out how Finch is freed from Erebus. That should be something , but I'll probably have to wait until the last book to find out.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure how I'd feel switching to all Finch and no Harley, but I actually really enjoyed it.

His point of view was great and his complexity is fun. I enjoyed new characters. There were pieces of the plotline I definitely saw coming but some nice twists and turns at the end I really enjoyed. Can't wait to see what's next!

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

i took a break after reading the the Harley books because they can be very long..
i am glad i did because once i started this book i couldn't put it down!
i think i might actually like Finch's story more. (and i loveddddd Harley's so it's a compliment XD )

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finch Merlin

I have to say I wasn’t to excited when Finch became the leading character in this series. I miss Harley! BUT it’s great to learn more about Finch and it seems he’s just as feisty as his half sibling!

[Jeanne M. Jacquet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hidden

There is so much that occurred in this book that I couldn't stop reading! I like the fact that the main character is Finch. He is starting to come into his own. I look forward to seeing what happens when he figures out what Stevie wants next.

[G. Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great storyline

This installment of Finch Merlin does a great job building the storyline. I enjoyed the new characters as well as how she included old friends. Looking forward to the next book.

[Kayan Sherrer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that was fun to read and I did truly enjoyed reading it. I will not say anything about what I read because I tend to blurt out the twists and turns and spoil it for others. If you want to read a good book or rather series this is a good one to read.

[Kayleigh Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

New beginning in the Merlin universe

I'm curious to see where the rest of the books in the Finch Merlin books go. I should not have been surprised by the ending though, the Harley Merlin books should have made it obvious that this was only the beginning for Finch's freedom.

[Stratus · Rating 5 out of 5]

FINCH MERLIN!
Oh my god don’t even get me started on him! He has an amazing character arc and has turned out to be one of my all time favorites! His humor is amazing and Bella Forrest writing is on point as always! I have no words, I love Finches character.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good..

I really enjoy Bella Forrests Harley Merlin series. Such a pleasure to read. On to the next one I go.

[Lori Kern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harley Merlin 10

I can't imagine how this series of books is going to end but the journey is amazing. I am now closer to that end.

[Raelynn Napieralski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great kick off to Finch Merlin

[Maxine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great novel in this wonderful imaginative series. This picks up from the last one, and the focus is on Finch Merlin rather than Harley. It's really good fun, if you love magic and mayhem.