Harley Merlin and the First Ritual

Rather than go into a detailed analysis, Im going to explain what it is about this book, and this series, as written by Bella Forrest:

The writer knows how to create authentic characters who express their emotions in a natural, contradictory manner that feels so real.

Theres a point early in this book where shes talking, trying to act tough, but then, she wipes a tear away. It just felt real, rather than forced or contrived.

She does these things in a manner that is so true to life. By way of example, I, myself, pride myself on being a rational, thoughtful human being. Then, just when I least expect it, I will break out in an emotional outburst and say, bullcrap, or something similar. The contradiction of the ideal I strive for and the reality is striking. Then why do so few writers develop characters that act like this? Bella Forrest slips this thought into her stories with great skill.

BLUSH FACTOR: No worries here. Good read aloud for all age groups.

POV: First person.

ADVENTURE: Yes, with romance.

BOTTOM LINE

Five stars out of five.

I am striving to produce reviews that help you find books that you want, or avoid books that you wish to avoid. With your help, my improvement will help you and me improve book reviews on Amazon. Together, you and I can build a great customer review process that helps everybody. Will you join me? It is people such as you who have helped me improve over the years. I’m still learning, and I have a great deal yet to learn. With your help, I’ll improve every day.

One request: Be respectful and courteous in your comments and emails to me. I will do likewise with you.

Thank you so much for indicating if this review helped you, or for your comment. for indicating if this review helped you, or for your comment.

So much happened in this latest instalment with Alton has his secrets. Astrid is hiding something too, like father like daughter and poor Harley is trying to balance the darkness with enough light to tip the scales in her favour. Wade is always there for her and I just wish they would kiss and make up already. Seriously most of the book is about Astrid and Garrett, Harley and Wade trying to navigate their feelings for each other. The evil one, Katherine Shipton features more in this book but nothing epic eventuates. I was hoping for some big confrontation between her and Harley but maybe next time. I found this book was easier to read now that I have gotten used to the character changes which are only women by the way. Why are there no chapters from Wade or Garretts point of view.?

I bought and read the first book and found it diverting enough. A California millennial witch foster child who discovers a magical world. The first book had some character development and was quirky enough. I bought several more books in the series. By book 5 I had had enough, set the story down and walked away. The plot was repetitive and completely predictable. There were long passages about teenage angst but little to develop the characters or the “magical world” in a detailed way. I got so upset with the same plot reversal that I could not tolerate any more of the story. This series was advertised as the next thing for Harry Potter readers. The language and story telling is not even is same class as JK Rowling. Completely disappointing. You are warned!

The story continues to unfold. The characters are strong and engaging. Good story line. About to start book five. No, its not Harry potter, but then it wasn’t meant to be. The story is still interesting enough for an adult to read because the characters are that relatable.

The writing of the book is fantastic. But there are too many books. Bella has a tendency of carrying these books too far and at 4.99 each it gets too expensive so kind of have to give up on it

Galaxyaudiobook Member Benefit

- Able to comment

- List watched audiobooks

- List favorite audiobooks

- Bookmark will only available for Galaxyaudiobook member