Persie Merlin and Leviathan's Gift

Harley Merlin #18

by Bella Forrest

“The child must be named.”

A name can contain enormous power. But for Persie Merlin-Crowley, the powerless daughter of famed magicals Harley Merlin and Wade Crowley, her name hasn’t given her much in terms of abilities. That is, until her eighteenth birthday comes around and she Purges a gigantic Hydra that terrorizes the coven.

How could that be possible, if she’s never cast a spell in her life?

Then her mother reveals the deal she made with Leviathan almost twenty years before—a deal that let the monster name her firstborn Persie. Or rather, Persephone, as is her true name. He has given her the “gift” of Purging all manner of beasts… so that she may become the Queen of the Underworld like her namesake.

Persie is left reeling. She’s spent her life doodling monsters in the margins of notebooks and dreaming of far-off adventures. Now, she’ll have to stay under her mother’s supervision so her rogue Purges don’t wreak havoc. Unless she can find another way to control her powers…

When she learns about The Basani Institute, a monster-hunting program in Ireland, she knows this is her one chance. Alongside her Atlantean best friend and Uncle Finch’s annoying kid, she sneaks out to audition to become a monster hunter.

But Leviathan’s gift is one that never stops giving...

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

325 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 30, 2020

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

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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]

Fun to See the Harley Saga Carry on to the Next Generation!

Persie Merlin is heir to a long line of magicals—as Harley Marlin and Wade Crowley’s daughter, she’s practically magical royalty... and yet she has no magic.

But what Persie doesn’t know, because her parents have been hiding it from her, is that when she reaches adulthood, the monster Leviathan has promised her a gift.

Harley and her friends have spent the past 18 years trying to prevent whatever Leviathan has in store from happening, but they have no idea what it is.

When Persie’s birthday finally arrives, nobody—least of all Persie herself—is prepared for what happens, and the ramifications Leviathan’s gift will have for not just Persie, but the entire magical world!

For anyone who’s read previous Harley and Finch Merlin novels, this novel—the first in a new series-within-a-series—will prove great fun, seeing old friends that we knew as teens and young twenties now parents of teens themselves.

Author Bella Forrest introduces us to a new cast of characters—the children of characters we grew to love over dozens of previous books. And we get a peek into a new institute, which looks to be the setting of the next book in the series.

Hang on to your hats, ladies and gentlemen—Persie may not have magic in the traditional sense, but this first entry in her series is enticing and filled with magic nonetheless. I can’t wait for the next installment!

[Emily Skermer · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was an ok book definitely not going to be as good as the Finch series as I already miss his narration although it is nice when he popped up in this book a few times. He was definitely the best character throughout this entire series.

I'm not a big fan of Persie shes a little boring it might be because I'm not a fan of younger narrators though but Genie seems cool and what we saw of Finchs kids was good hope they pop up again.

Harley in this book was almost unbearable I don't know if they've changed her narration style but I don't remember her being so annoying at the start of the series. Maybe it's because she so overprotective now Wade seems alright but god she was being stupid during this book so much could have been better if she'd just talked to Persie.

Nice seeing what happened to Erebus and Kaya liked them from Finchs series but we probably won't be seeing much more of them.

Hoping this part of the series gets better but so far not got great expectations.

[Michael H. Kane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderfully told story. I got it yesterday and finished it today. I had been looking forward to reading and with the vivid lock down and my age, I found the time. It very nicely continue the threads of a good story. I really like the way all the pieces come together, and I am already looking forward to the next one. I would recommend to anyone who likes this kind of fiction, like the ring series, or the potter books. Beats the stuff on tv most of the time, and the images it creates in my mind are great. It also weaves in old mythology, which I love as well.I would recommend it to anyone over the age of

15 with good reading skills and a good level of maturity.I hope this all gets through Great book. Thank you author

[Teresa Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

A RollerCoaster Ride!

This book deserves the five stars I've given it because like all it's predecessors, it keeps you glued to the pages until you've read the last one.
I get totally drawn into Harley, Finch and one Persie's world and not wanting to leave it. I am so pleased that I took some time out this year so for the moment I don't have to wait for the next book to be written. They are my only pleasure during this horrendous time of Covid 19 and lockdown by giving me something to look forward to while I'm shielding as I am a not quite so young adult, not in years anyway, just in heart. Bella, Please keep on writing, your mind is wonderful....

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Next Generation

I really liked this book. At first I was like WOW 20 years have passed and all my hero’s have children and grown children at that. I love how this book follows the path and curse the original Harley Merlin book started about her child. Persie is a great character along with her friend Genie. I did find Wade’s character seemed to be distant and weak. I felt like the people missing part in this story line was not fully developed because I do not under how to pertained to this book. Maybe it will build in the future books.

[Chandra Rogers]

What Do You Do When You Don't Have Magic?

Persie Merlin is the daughter of Harley Merlin (yes, those Merlins) and Wade Crowley, the magic users that saved the world. It's hard to live up to your parent's legacy when they're heroes but heroes with magic? Impossible!

This is Forrest's 18th story in the series that is nothing like any story with magical characters that I've ever read. Creative skills like that are a feat, but to also be an excellent writer? Forrest's got the goods, and time spent reading her work is time well spent.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third storyline

This is the first.book in the story of Harley and Wade daughter. She is a non magical about to turn 18. Her best friend is an Atlantian girl who looks 18 but ages slowly. Persephone and Harley have a difficult relationship which is about to get worst with her eighteenth birthday and the gift from Leviathan. All the old characters are in the book. The series is feeling a little dragged out. But still have interest.

[Gemma Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing start to the new wave

having read all the previous books I wasn't sure if there was still gas in the tank for a new chapter in the Merlin family's crazy lives. But I was wrong! Persie is so different from her uncle and mother and the stakes are so different from her predecessor. This feels personal and I'm looking forward to seeing where this goes.I also love that we're heading to the motherland!

[Kerry Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Always hard when a new era starts. 20 years on.
I really loved Harleys adventures...
Then Bella tops it off even better with Finch's story.
Now Persie continues on...
I hope Bella goes back and fills in the 20 years down the track.
I just love Finch's humor and want more of the Muppet Babies 💗💗💗

[wendy gutierrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Series

Once again a book I could not put down tell I had it finished it u are looking for the next best series this is the one to go with I love how she finds ways to keep it going just when u think u are reading the last book she goes and continues it thru someone else and still keeps everyone in it I love it

[Maddy's Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting start for the next Gen of Merlins

I have been in love with the Merlins since Harvey's first book and I am so glad to have read this book now. I loved how Persi's story had all the old characters and new but still had the freshness and unique trope. Really excited to follow her journey.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

One thing bothered me throughout the entire book: Are you saying there is no time difference between San Francisco and Ireland?! Because if they left the SDC at 7am, it would be sometime in the afternoon in Ireland. But is that not a thing now? (It was in a previous book in this series.) Is time travel now part of the magical world, too? Details are important.

[Marcia Haskell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much to my surprise, I loved this new set of characters. Became disenchanted with the books about Finch, but Persie and Genie are wonderful, funny and typical teenaged. Enjoyed their reactions to the world, loved the conflict they felt with their parents trying to protect them. Even Harley and Finch as adults were better then they were in the Finch series. Can't wait for next books.

[Chris Knight-waechter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

A little bit of a spoiler, but if you hadn’t already looked to see who Persie is I’d be surprised. Great new character built around the characters we have come to know and love. Great seeing the mature Harley and Finch. Blew through this book in a few sessions, get it, read it, love it.

[Danny Gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving learning about Persie and her new adventure. It always takes me a minute to switch characters with Bella's books, because I form such a connection to them and want to have more. But I am never disappointed with new characters and story lines. I can't wait to see how Persie's story plays out.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore the Harley Merlin series. I've read most of Bella Forrest's books and this series is my choice as a favorite thus far. It has definitely been a wild ride with the Rag Team and the Muppet Babies.

Moving ahead 20 years or so and concentrating on Persie now; who's all grown up and coming into her own.

I can hardly wait for the next installment of this series!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. Not only did we get new characters and a new story line but we got to see all the old characters too. Finch has only gotten better and in true bella form she left me wanting more. Cant wait to see what's next for Persie and genie.

[Katie Santa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book!!!!!! okay so a few things. I love love Persie so much I think it’s so cool how she doesn’t have any magical abilities! also some of the book takes place in Ireland! I cannot wait for the next release and to dive deeper into into Peries arc! well done bella always leaves me wanting more

[Dreia Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

She did it again

I don't want this series to ever end. This continuation into Persie's journey was wonderful to read and it was good to read more about a mature Harley and Finch as well!! Bring on Jason...Or more Kestral please

[Andie · Rating 5 out of 5]

We’ve entered a new era!


Wow!! So we’ve time jumped 20 years to begin with Harley’ Daughter’s beginning. If you haven’t started these books you’re missing out on a great series.

Best read in order.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Persia has lot of challenging on her away

Very intriguing ; wonder persie will develop powers later, because non-magical can't purge.
Keys is adorable , he has finches and Ryann personality.
Can't wait for the next journey of persie

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Harley Merlin series has been 'coming of age' books, but I believe Persie is one of the best. We do better without magic, we do better without secrets. Even if Persie's mother and best friend have both, she is our hero because she doesn't need them to win.

[Lori Kern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harley Merlin 18

Once again I am not disappointed with Bella Forrest 's book. She has started the story of Persie Merlin 's life as a fabulous adventure and I am looking forward to reading how Persie grows and matures.

[Geraldine M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monster Mama

What craziness erupts between 18 year old best friends. Action, New dilemmas especially when Perdue celebrated her 18th birthday. then Leviathin bestows that gift, or.is it.A curse! Loved the humor and everything that comes with it! This.is a must.read.

[Melanie Harding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Persie Merlin

I chose this rating because I have truly enjoy this whole series starting with the Harley Merlin then moving on to Finch. Now Perise the charters are rich and the plot twists nurmours and good. And its good for all sifi buffs!

[Tina Oeffler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great as Always

I absolutely love this series. I don’t know how Bella Forrest does it, but she keeps us intrigued and wanting more. Just like her other series you don’t want them to end. Thank you Bella for such great adventures.

[debra conner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something of a slow starter....

but it got better. Feels strange to have missed so many years in the lives of our original heros. I look forward to seeing where things go for Persie.

[Sherri Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable great reading

I really enjoyed this book and loved the characters and how they came together. I can't wait to see what will happen next for Persie and her friend on their adventure together on becoming a hunter.

[Anne Absalom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprising

I love the Harley and Fitch story lines and was stumped by the New character, Persie. I was less pleased when I realized this book takes place 20 years later. However, I soon adjusted. This is a great story and I'm already excited to read the next book.

[Kary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one. I was surprised that it takes place 18 years later but it leaves room for off shoot stories later. I love the friendship between Persie and Genie. Can’t wait to read how Persie handles her gift under pressure and how she grows into it.