The Return by Katie Cross | Reader Request Series Book 5

Merrick. Is. Back.

Merrick knows one thing.

He cannot think about Bianca Monroe.

He cannot say her name.

He cannot see her in person.

Then duty gives him the one assignment he is least prepared to face.

Attend the annual, week-long Celebration in the Central Network.

Search for the demigod Jote.

Protect his High Priestess, Geralyn.

And do not fall apart.

Merrick expects danger. He expects politics. He expects the strain of protecting Geralyn while searching for a demigod powerful enough to threaten the fragile peace of Alkarra.

He does not expect Bianca.

But when he finds her again, everything he has tried to bury comes roaring back.

This time, Merrick is not going to run away.

This time, he is not going to let her go.

The Return is book 5 in the Reader Request Series by Katie Cross. This highly anticipated clean YA fantasy short story retells events from The Lost Magic from Merrick’s point of view, giving readers a deeper look at his heartbreak, longing, loyalty, and determination as he returns to Bianca Monroe’s world.

Perfect for readers who love clean YA fantasy, The Network Series, Bianca and Merrick, Merrick’s point of view, reader-requested stories, companion novellas, slow-burn romance, emotional fantasy, magical politics, demigod danger, and no-spice bonus stories.

Spoiler Warning

The Return contains spoilers for The Lost Magic.

For the best reading experience, read The Return after The Lost Magic, book 5 in The Network Series.

Perfect For Readers Who Love

• Clean YA fantasy with no spice
• The Network Series
• Bianca Monroe and Merrick
• Merrick’s point of view
• Slow-burn romance
• Second-chance emotional tension
• Beloved character moments
• Reader-requested stories
• Companion novellas
• Behind-the-scenes fantasy stories
• The Lost Magic retellings
• Demigods and magical danger
• Magical politics
• Emotional fantasy romance
• Witch fantasy
• Deeper Alkarra worldbuilding

Format Options

This product is available in multiple formats, depending on the edition selected:

• Ebook
• Audiobook

Please choose your preferred format before checkout.

Paperback Note

Want this story in paperback? The Return is included in Reader Request Stories: Volume 1, which collects Reader Request short stories 1–6.

Click here for the paperback edition.

Series Placement

The Return is book 5 in the Reader Request Series.

It retells events from The Lost Magic from Merrick’s point of view and is best read after The Lost Magic, book 5 in The Network Series.

Reader Request Series

The Reader Request Series includes short stories and companion novellas inspired by reader-requested moments from across Alkarra. Each story has its own recommended reading placement depending on where it falls in the larger timeline.

FAQ

Is The Return part of The Network Series?

The Return is part of the Reader Request Series and is set in the world of The Network Series.

When should I read The Return?

The Return is best read after The Lost Magic, book 5 in The Network Series, because it retells events from that novel from Merrick’s perspective.

Does The Return contain spoilers?

Yes. The Return contains spoilers for The Lost Magic.

Do I need to read The Network Series first?

Yes, recommended. The Return was written for readers who already know Bianca Monroe, Merrick, Jote, Geralyn, and the events of The Lost Magic.

Is The Return appropriate for young adult readers?

Yes. The Return is clean YA fantasy written for young adult readers and adult readers who enjoy emotional fantasy, slow-burn romance, magical politics, beloved character moments, and no-spice stories.

Does The Return have romance?

Yes. The Return focuses on Merrick’s clean slow-burn romance and emotional return to Bianca Monroe as he decides he will no longer run from her or let her go.

Is there spice?

No. The Return is clean YA fantasy with no spice.

Is The Return available in paperback?

Yes. The Return is available in paperback as part of Reader Request Stories: Volume 1, which includes Reader Request short stories 1–6.

What tropes are in The Return?

This story includes Merrick’s point of view, Bianca and Merrick, slow-burn romance, second-chance emotional tension, demigod danger, magical politics, beloved character moments, behind-the-scenes story, reader-requested story, companion novella, emotional fantasy, witch fantasy, and deeper Network Series worldbuilding.

What formats are available?

Depending on the edition selected, The Return may be available as an ebook or audiobook. The paperback version is included in Reader Request Stories: Volume 1.