One-line summary: In “A Stroke of Midnight,” Merry Gentry, a faerie princess turned private detective, faces political intrigue, danger, and romantic entanglements in her quest to claim the throne of the Unseelie Court.

A Faerie Princess in a Dangerous World

In “A Stroke of Midnight,” the fourth installment of the Merry Gentry series by Laurell K. Hamilton, we follow the adventures of Merry Gentry, a half-human, half-faerie princess who is vying for the throne of the Unseelie Court. Merry is a private detective in Los Angeles, but her true identity and destiny lie in the magical realm of the fae.

Merry’s life is far from ordinary. She possesses extraordinary beauty and magical powers, making her a target for both admiration and envy. As a member of the Unseelie Court, she is constantly surrounded by political intrigue, danger, and potential allies and enemies.

A Quest for Power and Survival

In “A Stroke of Midnight,” Merry finds herself caught in a web of political machinations as she navigates the treacherous world of the fae. Her main goal is to conceive a child with one of her many supernatural suitors, as the first child born of her bloodline will have the potential to become the next ruler of the Unseelie Court.

However, Merry’s path to power is fraught with challenges. She must contend with the jealousy and hostility of her rivals, who will stop at nothing to eliminate her and claim the throne for themselves. Additionally, she must carefully choose her partners, as the fae are known for their intricate and often deadly sexual politics.

As Merry delves deeper into the dangerous world of the fae, she uncovers secrets and conspiracies that threaten not only her own life but also the stability of the entire Unseelie Court. With her life constantly on the line, Merry must rely on her wits, her allies, and her own magical abilities to survive.

Romance, Intrigue, and the Supernatural

“A Stroke of Midnight” is a captivating blend of romance, intrigue, and the supernatural. As Merry navigates the complex relationships with her suitors, she must also confront her own desires and insecurities. The book delves into themes of power, identity, and the sacrifices one must make to achieve their goals.

Hamilton’s vivid and imaginative world-building brings the fae realm to life, with its intricate customs, magical creatures, and sensual encounters. The author’s skillful storytelling keeps readers engaged as they unravel the mysteries and dangers that surround Merry.

• Merry Gentry, a half-human, half-faerie princess, is vying for the throne of the Unseelie Court.
• Political intrigue, danger, and potential allies and enemies abound in the fae realm.
• Merry must navigate complex relationships, confront her desires, and make sacrifices to achieve her goals.

“Power is a funny thing. It ebbs and flows like the tide, but the truth is, it’s easier to believe the tide is real and forever than to accept that it will recede.”

In “A Stroke of Midnight,” Merry Gentry’s journey continues as she faces the challenges of power, survival, and love in the magical and dangerous world of the fae. With its captivating blend of romance, intrigue, and the supernatural, this book is sure to keep readers enthralled until the very last page.