“Magic always leaves a trace.”
— A fundamental truth Harley learns about magical occurrences.
Archivist's Choice
Harley Merlin and the Secret Coven
Bella Forrest (2018)
Genre
Fantasy / Mystery / Young Adult
Reading Time
800 min
Key Themes
See below
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A snarky empath with a mysterious past joins a secret magical coven, where she must uncover a traitor before both human and magical worlds clash.
Synopsis
Harley Merlin, a 19-year-old empath witch, works at a casino using her powers to find cheaters. Her life changes when she encounters a monster, leading to her recruitment by the warlock Wade Crowley. He introduces her to a hidden world of magic and an ancient Bestiary she must guard. As Harley navigates this new world and trains, she uncovers clues about her dark past. Tensions rise within the coven as attacks occur, and Harley discovers a traitor is targeting her. With Wade and her new friends, she must identify the mastermind and prevent a dangerous clash between worlds, all while dealing with Rhys's betrayal and the threat of the Obsidian Guild. Harley ultimately confronts and captures the true mastermind, accepts her powers and heritage, and prepares for future challenges.
Reading time
800 min
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Fast
Mood
Action-packed, Mysterious, Adventurous, Romantic
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy fast-paced YA urban fantasy with a strong female protagonist, magical academies, and a touch of mystery and romance.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer hard magic systems, slow-burn mysteries, or stories without common YA tropes.
Plot Summary
The Casino and the Creature
Harley Merlin, a 19-year-old empath in Las Vegas, uses her ability to sense emotions to identify cheaters at a casino. Her life changes abruptly when she encounters a terrifying, shadowy creature in an alley. She first dismisses it as a hallucination, but the creature is real and attacks her. She is rescued by Wade Crowley, an enigmatic warlock who reveals a hidden magical world of covens and beasts. Wade explains the creature was a 'Shadow Beast' and that Harley herself has magic, which is why she could see it. This encounter shatters Harley's view of reality and starts her on an unexpected path.
Introduction to the Coven
Wade brings Harley to the Shadow Coven, hidden beneath Las Vegas and full of magical beings. She meets Wade's friends: Finch, a cheerful and tech-savvy warlock; Gavin, a powerful and serious warlock; and the stern but caring Coven Leader, Sanborn. Sanborn reveals Harley is a 'Merlin,' a rare witch, and her empathic abilities are just a small part of her power. Harley learns about the magical Bestiary, an ancient book about all magical creatures, which the coven protects. Her arrival happens during unsettling events, hinting at a larger threat.
Training and Tensions
Harley begins magical training under Gavin, struggling with basic spells but showing a natural talent for sensing and controlling emotions. She quickly bonds with Finch and feels drawn to Wade, despite his initial arrogance. She also meets other coven members, including Lucifer, a charming but suspicious warlock, and Rhys, an aggressive warlock who dislikes her. The coven is on edge due to recent attacks by rogue Shadow Beasts, and Harley's presence, combined with her unknown past, causes suspicion among some members. She learns the Bestiary is a vital artifact and its security is crucial.
The First Attack
During a training session, a vicious magical creature attacks the coven. The attack is chaotic, and Harley uses her empathic abilities to find the creature's weaknesses, helping to defeat it. However, the incident raises concerns among coven leaders, especially Sanborn. It suggests a security breach and the possibility of an insider helping their enemies. Harley's unique perspective as an outsider, combined with her empathic senses, makes her aware of the underlying tensions and mistrust among coven members, leading her to suspect an inside traitor.
Uncovering Clues and a Cryptic Past
As Harley learns more about the magical world, she uncovers clues about her mysterious past. Her only inheritance from her father was a cryptic note, and she begins to understand its meaning. She learns the Merlin family is ancient and has a complex history in the magical community, often linked to powerful and rare abilities. Wade, Finch, and Gavin help her research, slowly piecing together information. These discoveries suggest her father was not ordinary and her family's past is connected to the magical world, making her a target for unknown forces.
The Bestiary and the Betrayal
The coven suffers a devastating blow when the ancient Bestiary is stolen from its heavily guarded vault. This confirms Sanborn's fears: there is a traitor among them. The theft shocks the coven, increasing tensions and suspicion. Harley, Wade, Finch, and Gavin are determined to find the culprit and retrieve the Bestiary, understanding its immense power and the danger if it falls into the wrong hands. The urgency intensifies, pushing Harley to improve her abilities and trust her instincts, as the fate of both magical and human worlds hangs in the balance.
Rhys's Revelation and the Frame-up
During their investigation, clues point to Rhys, the aggressive warlock who has consistently shown animosity towards Harley. Evidence implicates him in the Bestiary's theft and the coven attacks. Rhys is apprehended, and while many in the coven believe the case is closed, Harley's empathic abilities and growing intuition tell her something is wrong. She senses a deeper, more manipulative force at play, realizing Rhys might be a pawn in a larger scheme. Some dismiss her suspicions, but Wade and Finch trust her instincts, prompting them to continue their covert investigation.
The True Mastermind
Harley, refusing to believe Rhys acted alone, continues to investigate with Wade and Finch. She uses her empathy to find subtle clues and inconsistencies. Her relentless pursuit leads her to the shocking discovery that Lucifer, the charming warlock, is the true mastermind behind the Bestiary's theft and the attacks. Lucifer is working with an ancient, dark magical society known as the Obsidian Guild, seeking to use the Bestiary's power for their own purposes. His motive is power and a desire to destabilize the existing magical order, believing the coven is too weak to protect the magical world.
Confrontation and Capture
Harley, Wade, Finch, and Gavin confront Lucifer. A tense battle occurs within the coven's hidden depths. Lucifer, empowered by partial use of the Bestiary's knowledge, is a formidable opponent. Harley, using her unique Merlin abilities, especially her empathy and growing magical powers, helps weaken him. Wade and Gavin use their combat magic, while Finch provides strategic support. After a fierce struggle, they subdue Lucifer, preventing him from fully unleashing the Bestiary's destructive potential. He is captured, but not before revealing the Obsidian Guild's larger plans.
Aftermath and New Revelations
With Lucifer captured, the Bestiary is recovered and secured, bringing temporary relief to the coven. However, the confrontation leaves Harley with more questions. Sanborn, recognizing Harley's role and growing power, reveals more about the Merlin family's history and their ancient rivalry with the Obsidian Guild. It is disclosed that Harley's father was a Merlin and deeply involved in protecting the magical world, and his disappearance was linked to the Obsidian Guild. This revelation solidifies Harley's place in the magical world and sets the stage for future conflicts, as she realizes her family's legacy is both a burden and a destiny.
The Obsidian Guild's Threat
Even with Lucifer imprisoned, the Obsidian Guild's threat remains. Sanborn explains Lucifer was merely a high-ranking operative, and the Guild is a vast, ancient organization with significant resources and influence, dedicated to a dark magical agenda. The coven understands the Bestiary's theft was just the beginning of a larger campaign. They begin to fortify their defenses and plan for future encounters. Harley, now fully aware of her heritage and its dangers, commits herself to the coven and to understanding her powers, knowing she will be central to the coming fight against the Obsidian Guild.
Harley's Acceptance and Growth
By the end of the ordeal, Harley has not only survived but has also begun to embrace her identity as a Merlin witch. Her initial reluctant acceptance of the magical world transforms into a determined resolve. She has proven her courage, intelligence, and the unique power of her empathy, earning the respect and trust of Sanborn, Wade, Finch, and Gavin. She feels a sense of belonging she never experienced in the foster system. While the future holds many dangers with the Obsidian Guild still active, Harley is no longer the lost, cynical girl from the casino; she is a witch ready to face her destiny and protect those she cares about.
Principal Figures
Harley Merlin
The Protagonist
Harley evolves from a skeptical outsider to a powerful witch who embraces her destiny and her place within the magical world, learning to trust others and her own abilities.
Wade Crowley
The Love Interest / Supporting
Wade learns to trust and respect Harley's unconventional methods, softening his rigid demeanor and developing a genuine emotional connection.
Finch
The Supporting
Finch remains a loyal and supportive friend, growing in confidence as his unique skills are recognized as vital to the coven's success.
Gavin
The Supporting
Gavin's initial skepticism towards Harley transforms into respect and trust as he witnesses her growth and unique abilities.
Sanborn
The Supporting
Sanborn's trust in Harley grows as she witnesses her potential, solidifying Harley's role in the coven's future.
Lucifer
The Antagonist
Lucifer's true nature as a traitor is revealed, exposing his manipulative ambition and positioning him as a key antagonist.
Rhys
The Supporting / Mentioned
Rhys is wrongly accused and serves as a plot device to misdirect the protagonists, revealing the true depth of the conspiracy.
Harley's Father
The Mentioned
His past actions and hidden identity are slowly unveiled, revealing the depth of Harley's magical lineage and the dangers associated with it.
Themes & Insights
The Search for Belonging and Identity
Harley, having grown up in the foster system, always feels like an outsider. Her journey into the magical world is about finding a place where she belongs. Initially skeptical and guarded, she slowly forms bonds with Wade, Finch, and Gavin, finding a surrogate family within the coven. This theme is clear when she struggles to accept her magical heritage but eventually embraces it as part of her identity, realizing her unique abilities make her special. Her connection to the Merlin name also gives her a sense of lineage she never had.
“For the first time in her life, Harley Merlin felt like she was exactly where she was meant to be, surrounded by people who saw her, truly saw her, for who she was.”
Trust and Betrayal
The coven is a community built on trust, but the Bestiary's theft shatters this foundation, leading to widespread suspicion. Harley, with her empathic abilities, is especially aware of the deceit. The initial framing of Rhys, followed by the shocking revelation of Lucifer as the true traitor, shows how easily trust can be manipulated and broken. This theme forces Harley to rely on her instincts and tell the difference between genuine allies and deceptive enemies, ultimately strengthening her bonds with trustworthy people like Wade and Finch, while exposing the insidious nature of betrayal.
“Trust was a fragile thing in a world where shadows could wear the most charming smiles.”
The Nature of Power
The novel explores different aspects of power: the magical abilities of witches and warlocks, the political power within the coven, and the corrupting influence of power when used selfishly. Harley's Merlin abilities are shown to be potent, yet she struggles to control them, emphasizing that power requires responsibility and understanding. Lucifer's pursuit of the Bestiary shows the corrupting nature of unchecked ambition and the desire for ultimate power, willing to betray his own kind. The coven's struggle to protect the Bestiary highlights the importance of safeguarding powerful knowledge and artifacts from misuse, showing the constant battle between good and evil uses of power.
“Power wasn't just about what you could do, but what you chose to do with it.”
Destiny vs. Free Will
Harley's journey is heavily influenced by her Merlin heritage, implying a predetermined path. Ancient prophecies and the significance of her family name suggest she is destined for greatness and a central role in the magical world. However, Harley constantly exercises her free will, making choices that define her character and influence events. She initially resists her destiny, preferring her old, simpler life, but ultimately chooses to embrace her powers and responsibilities. This theme explores the tension between an inherited legacy and an individual's ability to forge their own path, showing that while destiny may open doors, free will determines the journey.
“Whether she liked it or not, this new world was where she belonged. But her choices, those were still her own.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Bestiary
An ancient, powerful book containing knowledge of all magical creatures.
The Bestiary serves as the central MacGuffin of the story. Its theft drives the main conflict, pushing Harley and the coven to investigate and uncover the traitor. It is not just a book, but a source of immense power and knowledge, making it a highly sought-after artifact. Its existence establishes the vastness and danger of the magical world, and its recovery is crucial to maintaining the balance between magical and human realms. The Bestiary's power is a constant reminder of the stakes involved in the coven's mission.
Harley's Empathy
Harley's innate ability to sense and interpret emotions.
Harley's empathic abilities function as a crucial plot device, allowing her to gain insights that others cannot. It helps her identify cheaters at the casino, sense the presence of magical creatures, and, most importantly, discern the true intentions and emotional states of coven members. This power is instrumental in uncovering Lucifer's betrayal, as she can sense his underlying deceit despite his charming facade. It also serves as a unique magical ability that sets her apart, highlighting her Merlin heritage and making her an invaluable asset to the coven's investigations.
The Cryptic Note
A mysterious message left by Harley's father, hinting at her true heritage.
The cryptic note left by Harley's absent father acts as a classic inciting incident and a continuous thread of mystery throughout the narrative. It provides the initial motivation for Harley to question her past and offers subtle clues about her magical lineage and the dangers associated with it. The note's vague nature allows for gradual revelations, slowly unfolding the secrets of the Merlin family and the Obsidian Guild. It symbolizes Harley's unknown past and the destiny that awaits her, serving as a constant reminder of the larger world she's thrust into.
The Obsidian Guild
An ancient, dark magical society seeking to destabilize the magical world.
The Obsidian Guild functions as the overarching antagonist force, even though only one of their operatives (Lucifer) is fully revealed in this book. Their existence provides a larger context for the coven's mission and the dangers Harley faces. They are a shadowy organization with a clear, malevolent agenda, aiming to harness powerful magic for their own ends. The Guild's introduction establishes a broader conflict that extends beyond the immediate threat of the stolen Bestiary, setting up future installments and higher stakes for Harley and the coven.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“The truth is rarely simple, and often, it's not what you want to hear.”
— Harley's internal reflection on the complexities of her past and current situation.
“Sometimes the greatest dangers are the ones you can't see.”
— A warning or realization about hidden threats within the coven.
“Trust is a fragile thing, easily broken and hard to repair.”
— Harley's experience with betrayal and her struggle to trust others.
“Everyone has secrets, even the people you think you know best.”
— Harley's growing awareness of the hidden lives of those around her at the coven.
“Being different doesn't make you weak; it makes you unique.”
— A message of encouragement and self-acceptance, possibly from a mentor figure or internal thought.
“Sometimes you have to break the rules to do what's right.”
— Harley's moral dilemma when faced with unjust rules or situations.
“The past has a way of catching up to you, no matter how fast you run.”
— Harley's recurring struggles with her mysterious past and parentage.
“Fear is a powerful weapon, but hope is stronger.”
— A moment of resilience in the face of daunting challenges.
“Family isn't always blood. It's the people who stand by you when no one else will.”
— Harley's developing bond with her friends and allies at the coven.
“Every spell has a price.”
— A magical principle that Harley comes to understand, often through personal experience.
“Don't let anyone tell you what you can't do.”
— Harley's defiance against those who doubt her abilities or background.
“The greatest power lies not in what you can do, but in who you are.”
— A deeper understanding of true strength beyond magical ability.
“When you're looking for answers, sometimes you have to dig where you're not supposed to.”
— Harley's investigative nature leading her to forbidden knowledge or places.
“Silence can be louder than any scream when you're trying to find the truth.”
— Harley's observation about the lack of information or suppressed truths within the coven.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
The book introduces Harley Merlin, a 19-year-old empathic witch who grew up in the foster system, unaware of her magical heritage. After encountering a real monster, she is recruited by the mysterious warlock Wade Crowley into a hidden world of magic, beasts, and covens, where she discovers clues about her past and becomes entangled in a dangerous plot.
