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kmcquage's review against another edition
2.0
I wanted to like this more, but there were some serious editing issues, leading to some structural problems and very odd sentences. When my narrator completely loses control of his grammar for a paragraph here or there (and not in a way that resembles how anyone anywhere actually talks), it's extremely distracting.
I also didn't find the characters' irrationality convincing. I had the vague sense that it was fueled by past interactions, but the internal logic didn't quite hold up.
I also didn't find the characters' irrationality convincing. I had the vague sense that it was fueled by past interactions, but the internal logic didn't quite hold up.
booksyarntea's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
gregyski's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
jasonabbott's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
amybraunauthor's review against another edition
4.0
If you are looking for a dark urban fantasy story with a broody character and intense necromancy, this is the book for you.
After years of isolating himself, necromancer Eric Carter has returned home to solve the murder of his sister. This means facing old friends and new enemies, and hoping Eric's magic and tenacity will be enough for him to survive.
This book and characters definitely fit its tone. Eric has a great deal of anger, attitude, and angst, which makes him well suited for his line of work. It was difficult to empathize with him at certain points, given how he's treated his friends and family, yet he was balanced enough for me to want to see him succeed.
The book follows many tropes common in urban fantasy, though it changes some things once the magical element becomes present. The magic is exciting and fun, definitely adding to the gritty, dark atmosphere of the book. I loved seeing the magic work this way, especially in one of the many fight scenes.
Ultimately, this book is something of a mood read. I couldn't quite connect with Eric the way I wanted to, but was entertained enough to be intrigued about the next books in the series. The stakes are high and it's inventive with necromancy. Recommended for lovers of dark urban fantasy and hardened main characters!
After years of isolating himself, necromancer Eric Carter has returned home to solve the murder of his sister. This means facing old friends and new enemies, and hoping Eric's magic and tenacity will be enough for him to survive.
This book and characters definitely fit its tone. Eric has a great deal of anger, attitude, and angst, which makes him well suited for his line of work. It was difficult to empathize with him at certain points, given how he's treated his friends and family, yet he was balanced enough for me to want to see him succeed.
The book follows many tropes common in urban fantasy, though it changes some things once the magical element becomes present. The magic is exciting and fun, definitely adding to the gritty, dark atmosphere of the book. I loved seeing the magic work this way, especially in one of the many fight scenes.
Ultimately, this book is something of a mood read. I couldn't quite connect with Eric the way I wanted to, but was entertained enough to be intrigued about the next books in the series. The stakes are high and it's inventive with necromancy. Recommended for lovers of dark urban fantasy and hardened main characters!
whiskyrob's review against another edition
4.0
I liked it. No vampires, werewolves or zombies so it's already off to a good start. Very quick read, nothing too complicated to wrap your head around. More Sandman Slim than the Dresden Files, though it could very easily be set in the Dresden-verse. It say's it's the start of a series but everything's pretty much wrapped up by the end, no cliffhangers or anything. I think it would work really well as a graphic novel.
jeanbigurra's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
showell's review against another edition
3.0
This reminded me a lot of the Dresden Files, but set in LA and with a necromancer as the lead. The nature of Eric Carter's magic made the storyline a great deal darker than your average Dresden novel. But the overall storyline -- extremely powerful magician kills really bad things but takes an abhorrent beating in the process both physically and with respect to his personal life -- is similar.
onetrueceyton's review against another edition
4.0
I read way too many occult detective noir books. They are the easiest things to read with insomnia, and that is the excuse I am sticking with. This wasn't the best I've found, but it had the pacing and some good points.
hardlyworking's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Violence