Where to Start in the Harley Merlin Universe
If you are planning to step into the magical, monster-filled world of the San Diego Coven, there is only one place to start: Harley Merlin and the Secret Coven (Book 1). Because the series follows a strict chronological progression with interconnected character arcs and expanding lore, starting anywhere else will leave you lost in a maze of spoilers and unexplained magical systems.
Author Bella Forrest structured this sprawling urban fantasy saga into three distinct eras, each focusing on a different member of the Merlin family. Reading them in the exact order of their publication is the best way to experience the story as it was meant to be told.
The Recommended Reading Order
Here is the complete, chronological list of all 21 books in the Harley Merlin universe, broken down by their major character-focused arcs.
Part 1: The Harley Merlin Arc (Books 1 to 9)
The first nine books establish the core universe, introducing us to Harley Merlin, a 19-year-old foster kid and empath who discovers she belongs to a secret world of warlocks, witches, and magical creatures. This arc centers on Harley’s training, her relationships (especially with warlock Wade Crowley), and her fight against dark forces threating the San Diego Coven.
- Book 1: Harley Merlin and the Secret Coven (2018) – Harley discovers her powers and joins the San Diego Coven after a monster attack.
- Book 2: Harley Merlin and the Mystery Twins (2018) – Harley protects a pair of uniquely gifted young magicals from dark forces.
- Book 3: Harley Merlin and the Stolen Magicals (2018) – A series of mysterious kidnappings threatens the stability of the magical community.
- Book 4: Harley Merlin and the First Ritual (2018) – Harley unravels ancient secrets as the threat of dark rituals looms.
- Book 5: Harley Merlin and the Broken Spell (2019) – The coven faces a race against time to break a devastating curse.
- Book 6: Harley Merlin and the Cult of Eris (2019) – A dangerous cult emerges, challenging the magical order.
- Book 7: Harley Merlin and the Detector Fix (2019) – Investigations and hidden betrayals test the bonds of the coven.
- Book 8: Harley Merlin and the Challenge of Chaos (2019) – Chaos magic is unleashed, raising the stakes to a fever pitch.
- Book 9: Harley Merlin and the Mortal Pact (2019) – The grand finale of Harley’s primary storyline, concluding her main battle.
Part 2: The Finch Merlin Arc (Books 10 to 17)
After the events of Book 9, the spotlight shifts to Harley's rogueish half-brother, Finch Merlin. This eight-book subseries expands the global scope of the universe, focusing on alchemy, ancient legends, and Finch's quest to deal with a family curse and seek immortality.
- Book 10: Finch Merlin and the Fount of Youth (2019) – Finch sets off on a wild quest for the legendary fount, winning the 2020 Dragon Award.
- Book 11: Finch Merlin and the Lost Map (2019) – Finch searches for a legendary map to navigate dangerous hidden territories.
- Book 12: Finch Merlin and the Djinn's Curse (2019) – Elemental spirits and ancient deals complicate Finch's journey.
- Book 13: Finch Merlin and the Locked Gateway (2019) – Finch must find a way to open a gate sealed by ancient magic.
- Book 14: Finch Merlin and the Forgotten Kingdom (2019) – A journey to a lost realm reveals deep secrets about the Merlin family legacy.
- Book 15: Finch Merlin and The Everlasting Vow (2020) – Oaths and alliances are tested as Finch nears his ultimate goals.
- Book 16: Finch Merlin and The Blood Tie (2020) – Family histories clash as Finch faces the consequences of his magic.
- Book 17: Finch Merlin and The Legend of the Luminary (2020) – The action-packed conclusion to Finch's personal adventure.
Part 3: The Persie Merlin Arc (Books 18 to 21)
The final era of the saga jumps forward to follow Persie Merlin-Crowley, the daughter of Harley and Wade. This arc transitions the series into a monster-hunting academy setting at the prestigious Basani Institute, bringing the multi-generational storyline to its ultimate resolution.
- Book 18: Persie Merlin and Leviathan's Gift (2020) – Persie enters the Basani Institute to begin training as a elite monster hunter.
- Book 19: Persie Merlin and the Door to Nowhere (2020) – Strange anomalies and dangerous portals disrupt life at the academy.
- Book 20: Persie Merlin and the Witch Hunters (2020) – Outside human and magical threats close in on the institute.
- Book 21: Persie Merlin and the Dying Song (2022/2023) – The final book of the extended saga, wrapping up the story of the Merlin family.
Chronological vs. Publication Order: Are There Differences?
Fortunately for readers, there are no complicated prequels or parallel timelines to worry about. The publication order matches the chronological order of the universe perfectly. The story flows directly from Harley’s early days in San Diego, through Finch’s global exploits, and finally to Persie's adventures at the Basani Institute. Readers should avoid skipping between the subseries, as the events of the Finch Merlin arc build directly on the aftermath of Harley's story, and Persie's adventures depend heavily on the lore established in both preceding arcs.
What to Know Before You Start
Bella Forrest is exceptionally prolific, famously releasing books at a rapid pace through her imprint Nightlight Press. This means the Harley Merlin series reads like a fast-paced television show, filled with cliffhangers, snappy dialogue, and quick-moving subplots. While the prose is light and designed for easy binging, the emotional core of the series—found family, dealing with trauma, and standing up for underdogs—gives it a lasting appeal. If you enjoy urban fantasy worlds with clear rules, hidden magical societies, and characters that grow over several years, this 21-book journey is well worth the time.