Tag: Coming of age Fantasy

Review:  Bet on the Waif (Merlin’s Waif Book 2) by Renée Jaggér and Michael Anderle

Rating:  5⭐️

This outstanding series continues with Bet on the Waif, a story that continues with Merritt’s journey towards discovering more about their own species. This storyline has become a deeply compelling one, especially in a scene here. It also makes its way into the narrative through Merritt’s interactions with an older reclusive baker, an absolutely emotionally memorable part of the story. 

The baking and recipes will make you drool, so have snacks handy. Just letting you know.

There’s new characters to embrace, moments of joy, grace, gratitude and ferocity. 

Bet on the Waif shows Merritt developing trust and confidence in those around them and in the fact that, finally, Merritt might be home. 

Merlin, who I have wanted to smack more often than not for his abrupt treatment of Merritt somewhat redeems himself here.  I get it, he’s all powerful but that’s a traumatized child he’s been dealing with for years in a manner that’s borderline dismissive.  

Sigh. Anyway. Love the characters here, and the growing community. So I’m heading directly to the next book in the series. 

Another great cover. 

Highly recommended for all lovers of fantasy fiction and fantasy adventures. 

Outstanding covers and artwork. One of the things that drew me to this book. 

Cover by Mihaela Voicu

Merlin’s Waif (4 book series):

Little Waif Justice #1

Bet on the Waif #2

Waif Too Much #3

No Waif Out #4

Related/preceding series:

Valerie Stonehold (9 book series)

Buy link 

        Bet on the Waif (Merlin’s Waif Book 2)

    

Blurb 

Magic thrives in the heart of the city… and so do its dangers.

Merritt Vale is the last of her kind, a Leshbolg trying to carve out a new life in Little Avalon, the paranormal haven hidden in Brooklyn. Baking by day and embracing her magic by night, she longs to belong in a world teeming with fae, werewolves, and ancient mysteries.

When an old legend resurfaces—a relic of King Arthur’s time—Merritt is drawn into a tangled web of secrets and power. Friends stand by her side, yet shadows lurk in the alleys, and unseen forces plot in the dark.

The city hums with magic, but not all of it is kind.

To claim her place and protect those she loves, she must step beyond the safety of the life she’s built. The path ahead is uncertain, the enemies are relentless, and the cost of failure is more than she can bear.

Will she unlock the truth of her past and wield her magic before it’s too late? Or will the forces hunting her snuff out her light forever?

Dive into Bet On the Waif today and uncover the magic, mystery, and danger waiting in the shadows of New York City!

  • Publisher: LMBPN Publishing; 1st edition (March 20, 2025)
  • Publication date: March 20, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 345 pages

Review:  A Little Waif Justice (Merlin’s Waif Book 1) by Renée Jaggér and Michael Anderle

Rating:  4.75⭐️

I am absolutely in love with this series and the main character of Merritt Vale.  While Merlin’s Waif exists within an established mythology and multi-series universe, this is one that can easily be read on its own entirety.  

Authors Renée Jaggér and Michael Anderle have done a fantastic job in creating the universe, and when necessary, supplying the information that is needed from the preceding series so that the reader feels comfortable with the events and characters of the story. 

How to describe exactly incredible Merritt Vale is, the details, the absolute devastating background of her story and the beauty and believable growth of character she shows here throughout this book. 

She’s the last of her kind. And she’s lost her memory of her species, her family. And this traumatic loss pops up here in unexpected and heartbreaking moments .  It brings Merritt’s pain and loss closer to the reader and our connection to her becomes stronger and deeper. 

A misplaced orphan who has been rehomed multiple times, never fitting in. Little Avalon, a community in Brooklyn, of likewise misplaced otherworldly beings, becomes her last refuge. 

 This has great elements to the story. She is ignorant of technology so that is a journey, she’s got prejudices left over from the war, and so much to learn about her own life and powers as well as her ability to make decisions and become part of the community. 

Each element and aspect of this narrative is rich in emotion, imagery and colorful details. And don’t get me started here on the food. 

There’s no romance. But adventure, mystery and found family. 

I’m so happy I found this book and series. 

Highly recommended! 

Outstanding covers and artwork. One of the things that drew me to this book. 

Cover by Mihaela Voicu

Merlin’s Waif (4 book series):

Little Waif Justice #1

Bet on the Waif #2

Waif Too Much #3

No Waif Out #4

Related/preceding series:

Valerie Stonehold (9 book series)

Buy link 

        A Little Waif Justice (Merlin’s Waif Book 1)

    

Blurb 

Blood doesn’t recognize magic. Earth magic doesn’t recognize rules.

Merritt Vale guards a devastating secret: she’s the last of a legendary species, with powers that could get her killed—or enslaved.

When she stumbles into Little Avalon, a hidden sanctuary thrumming with ancient magic, the earth itself responds to her presence. Roses burst through concrete. Trees bend to her whispers.

For the first time, Merritt dares to hope she’s found a home among its extraordinary residents.

As vicious gangsters terrorize nearby Brooklyn Bridge Park, Merritt discovers her uncontrollable earth magic might be exactly what the city needs.

She prowls the shadowy paths as something ancient and terrifying—a protector the likes of which neither world has seen. Yet every transformation risks exposing her true nature to her newfound family, and the darker truth of why she’s really the last Leshbolg alive.

Can Merritt protect both worlds without losing control of her devastating powers? Or will saving innocent lives mean sacrificing the first place that’s ever felt like home—and the chosen family she’s always dreamed of?

Don’t miss this spellbinding new urban fantasy series that readers are calling “a fresh voice in supernatural fiction.” MERLIN’S WAIF introduces a bold new heroine who must learn that true belonging means embracing every wild, untamed part of yourself—even the parts that terrify you.

DISCLAIMER: If you’ve started the Valerie Stonehold series but haven’t finished it, this contains spoilers. However, it can be read as a stand-alone series.

  • Publisher: LMBPN Publishing; 1st edition (February 20, 2025)
  • Publication date: February 20, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 340 pages