Merlin’s Heir: Found is the debut novel by Author Gabby Skeldon, and is the first book in this fantastic YA Fantasy series. If you are a fan of Cassandra Clare’s ‘Shadow Hunters’ and looking for a similar read, then this book is for you.
The main protagonist is a young woman named Merle Wilde who lives with her aunt following the disappearance of her father, and the break down in her mother’s mental health. Merle’s mother is haunted by dark and magical beings that hide in the shadows. Believing these to be the cause of her husband’s disappearance 10 years ago, she continues to fear for Merle’s safety. And it would seem she has good reason to worry. The truth comes to light when Ren, a descendant of the Knights of the Round Table, enters Merle’s life and claims she is the heir of Merlin. Thrust into a world of magic, Merle must believe and accept who and what she is, convince the Knights of the Templar that she is the true heir of the legend they’ve been searching for, and claim her birthright in order to protect two young children of the Pendragon blood line.
This is a well written and beautiful blend of modern day world and Arthurian legend. The characters are extremely likeable, and readers will quickly invest in their story. The plot moves at a good pace, keeping its reading audience engaged. I struggled not to read this in one sitting, and was only forced to put the book down by the inconvenience of sleep!
I highly recommend and eagerly awaiting Book 2: Betrayed which is due for release in June 2023. A well deserved 5 stars for Merlin’s Heir: Found.