ISBN13: 9780448494395

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4/5 books

*I received an arc of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Odessa is one of Karthia’s master necromancers, catering to the kingdom’s ruling Dead. Whenever a noble dies, it’s Odessa’s job to raise them by retrieving their souls from a dreamy and dangerous shadow world called the Deadlands. But there is a cost to being raised–the Dead must remain shrouded, or risk transforming into zombie-like monsters known as Shades. If even a hint of flesh is exposed, the grotesque transformation will begin.

A dramatic uptick in Shade attacks raises suspicions and fears among Odessa’s necromancer community. Soon a crushing loss of one of their own reveals a disturbing conspiracy: someone is intentionally creating Shades by tearing shrouds from the Dead–and training them to attack. Odessa is faced with a terrifying question: What if her necromancer’s magic is the weapon that brings Karthia to its knees?

Going to get this out of the way right now, THIS IS NOT A ZOMBIE BOOK!

I was super intrigued about this book when it was first talked about it year, I mean how many books do you see that have a female necromancer as the main character? Odessa is such a wonderful character. She has her faults and doubts despite being such a highly praised master necromancer.

I found the idea behind the dead unique, they need to wear shrouds or risk being turned into Shades. Even knowing this, people still choose to have family members brought back from the dead and continue to live with them.

Odessa and the other necromancers in the book were all amazing characters, and their relationships were indeed like a large family and you do get to see a bit of their past and how heir bonds were made.

The other mages in the book were nice to see also, and how magic is determined was different to see also. I do hope that we get to see more types of mages in the next book.

I had a few small issues in the book, but nothing that stopped me from enjoying the story as a whole. The necromancers bring people back from the dead, but nothing has changed, there has been no progress in the city itself. No medical advancements, no new fashions, new music, new foods, etc. Change is not allowed per say as long as the King is in reign. I somewhat understood the reason why, but at the same time I was WHY?

Another issue I had which I will be vague about so not to spoil the book, has to do with the Shades themselves, and how key they are in the plot of the book. I have so many questions about them and their interactions with the other necromancers in the book.

I am curious to see where the second book takes us.

Sarah Glenn Marsh writes young adult novels and children’s picture books.

She lives, writes, and paints things in Virginia, supported by her husband, four rescued greyhounds, three birds, and many fish.

If she could, she’d adopt ALL THE ANIMALS.

Oh, and she’d love to be your friend here on Goodreads, or over on Twitter!

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