Okay, so I am taking a college class called "The History of Rock and Roll" in order to get an easy A and an elective credit. Typical blow-off class, right? Well, the teacher does online lectures and he sounds this total old hippy. He told us that we are really gonna "dig" this class. He's right. I'm digging it. We are digging a lot of things in my house these days as we have adopted this word and run with it (because we are assholes who make fun of everything). Which explains why I'm telling you this about the book:



The heroine is not TSTL, she's not too angsty, she's not a total badass, and she is set on the guy she wants. It's a possibility that she may end up being a little bit of a special snowflake, but I'm okay with that because I really her.

In the first book we met Grier after she had recently been let out of prison after 5 years of serving time for a crime she didn't commit. Since she was only 16 when she went in, she's now 21 but missed out on a lot of experiences in that time. So she's a little bit innocent sometimes and it shows.


Obviously we can get used to anything.

In this book Grier is trying to settle in with a new person in her life -Linus. She grew up with him, but she doesn't trust him much and now he lives in her guest house in order to teach her more about her magic. I really Linus and see him as being a very intriguing character in the future. He has some big secrets going on. Maybe a secret agenda.


Fingers crossed that this is it. I'm totally down for that brunch.

Grier is also trying to solve a ghost mystery and finally getting to date the guy she has had a crush on her entire life.

There is a lot going on with tons of magical mayhem. I totally dig it that the house is sentient and that Grier has a zombie parakeet. It's cool, man.

paranormal-mystery urban-fantasy vampires65 s carol.1,639 8,923

Book 2 in Quarantine Crack Reads. I don't even know why I'm reviewing; the biggest events separating this from it's follower in my memory are the relationship changes. On that note, I will say that this is a series you have to read in order. The series is very much about the main character, Grier's, emotional and personal growth, and her discoveries about herself and her family. Each book builds on the last in both personal life and in the mysteries surrounding her.

It feels a bit second-book emotionally, with all the major events in the first needing some emotional breathing space. At first, it seems Grier will get the chance to settle, and to grow into her role as Dame Woolworth, to catch-up on necromantic learning from Linus, and to advance her relationship with Boaz. Since her prior boss won't let her work as a tour guide, she takes a job tearing out a haunted boat so that it can be transformed into a tourist attraction. At the same time, Amelie is reporting that the actual 'haunted' sites of the city seem to be missing their ghost.

What more happened? Hey, I have no idea. After I finished, I went right into book three. In fact, book three's review should probably stand for both of these reads. female-lead paranormal-romance urban-fantasy58 s Jacob Proffitt3,150 1,855

This is second in an Urban Fantasy series that builds character and plot arcs over time. So don't read out of order.

Which makes reviewing a little easier because you mostly know what to expect because the setting and characters are largely the same and the tone tends to follow. This is true here, mostly.

The plot is much less focused. The pace is good so if you just let yourself go you may not notice as much, but it really is a beads-on-a-string story and the characters are pretty much all reaction, only able to plan maybe their next action in advance. Unfortunately, half the time Grier doesn't really have much reason to involve herself in things so her character arc is something of a muddle as well. That said, the bad-guy reveal floored me and knocked me for a loop. I was caught completely by surprise and I mean that in the best possible way. That was bold and the fallout is going to be excruciating. I can hardly wait!

Sadly, I still don't Boaz and since them going on dates was a forefront activity that came up more than a little. I feel bad about it because I did a bad thing and looked at book blurbs coming up and know he's about to ditch her, confirming my bad opinion about him. And I kind of the much more nuanced, and complicated, Linus; despite his awful name. A quiet boy who escaped into fantasy novels as a kid? Who is the most capable magic guy around? And who pays attention and gives unasked for comfort and boosts her independence at the same time? And who invents new magical tattoos!!! Sign me up now, please...

I'm going to stall out at 3½ stars that I can't round up in the face of the plot meander and the stupid boy thing. But I expect that will improve in the next story.

A note about Chaste: So far, Grier is smart enough not to take Boaz seriously. Or anyone else. She has some well-earned trust issues and I'm glad that she isn't doing the horizontal mambo with anyone. So it's pretty chaste, is what I'm saying.chaste urban-fantasy21 s Denisa1,289 313

3.5
As someone once said, this is getting curiouser and curiouser!


Let me explain my low-ish rating.
The MC is annoying at times, especially when it comes to romance stuff. Yes, I get it, she's been in prison for 5 years, and it's normal for her to act this way, but it's still a bit irritating at times. Yeah, she acts a 17-year-old when it comes to romance, but she keeps telling us she grew and she changed and all that jazz.
Where's the maturity when it comes to the guy she s?

had to use a JOKER gif

But other than this, I really this series! It's one of those rare UFs that keep you hooked and reading even when you're not supposed to be reading.

It's interesting and fun and worth trying. It's not a 4-star read yet, but I have a feeling it will become so soon enough. Especially since it ended with some huge potential for the next story. And yay, she found a new friend (friends, maybe?)! I'm talking about the ghost child, who seems so cute. And I'm also talking about Linus, who is interesting and fun and I think I him more than the other guy.

Yes, all in all, it's a good series. Can't wait to see what happens next!
better-than-i-expected cute fun ...more18 s Angela (Angel's Book Nook)1,632 914

How to Claim an Undead Soul is book two in the Beginner’s Guide to Necromancy by Hailey Edwards.

This series is one you do need to read in order. Each book builds on the previous one.

Grier has been through a lot in her life and theirs still more hardships, trills, and heartache in store for her.

I had to remember a few details about what happened in book one. It took me a moment to get back into the swing and the story, but once I did I enjoyed How to Claim an Undead Soul. We get moment in the story and theirs a mystery to solve in regards to ghosts disappearing and no one knows why. The author gives us more developments; from Grier, from her love interests, from her powers, and more. I enjoyed the twist in the plot and had a delightful time with the story.

As for Grier’s relationships. I’m not a fan of adding in a new man to via for her attentions, but we see a competitor possibly rising up. Grier has the hots for Boaz and I’d to see the underdog get the girl, but that love angle is still undecided even though Boaz is finally waking up and realizing Grier is what he wants. Then we have Linus who is their to help Grier learn about her powers, but he’s also their for other seasons. Not everything is clear. One thing I did get is that Linus hides who he truly is and I can’t see him every truly opening and being what Grier needs, at least at this stage.

How to Claim an Undead Soul was a satisfying read.

Rating: 3.5 Stars

*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy provided by Hailey Edwards with the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.

4-stars arc-review-copy19 s Mlpmom (Book Reviewer)3,065 391

I think this series is definitely getting better and even with the same old sups, it still manages to be quite unique. Loved this even more than book one and will definitely be on to book three soon! kindle-books16 s Ira1,102 112

As long as she still crazy about Boaz, this book won’t get more than 3 stars!15 s Mara2,506 250

How to claim an undead soul has all the limits of book one squared. Unfortunately, there was no saving grace here, plot, to keep you engaged.
While How to save an undead soul had at least a plot, here it's so thin you mistake it for one of the undead characters (ghost, wraith, shade... they are all there). There's nothing going on, except a teen having a date and sucking faces, going out with her friends, pretending to have a job etc etc. Oh at the end being manipulated again by everyone for her sake, but who cares! I hug everyone, I love everyone! Because the author gave me a past, but it's fake. Utterly fake!
I shouldn't trust my shadow, but even if I call myself untrusting, I do trust everyone and their uncles.
What it's shown and what we are told is so different is really jarring.

[All of this is in book one, so not a spoiler.]

No idea what your cuppa is, but unless you are a REAL fan of YA, this probably isn't the right book for you. The problem is: this book shouldn't be about a teen, and a silly one at that.
The heroine is a 24 yo woman who has spent 5 years abused, tortured and drugged in a prison. She's been accused of murder at 16, and when cleared and out she's been kidnapped and drugged again. She's freed to learn her freedom has a price...
She's an outcast, a fly in a spider's web. Plus this world is potentially very dark.

She really shouldn't read young. She shouldn't read shallow. You should see rage, angst, actually any feeling but a crush for her childhood sweethearth. Telling me she's thin, that she has nightmares or guilt but then do not back up all of these showing me something, makes everthing shallow. One scene with a car do not make PSDT or her problems real.

But all revolves around this nothing. Most main characters were abhorent to me, chalk on a blackboard. Nothing wrong per sé, but unless you really this kind of teenagers' stories with their meaningless life, it's not what I want to read. At 30/40% I was already bored to death and couldn't understand where was the story.

Engaging? Intriguing? nope. at all. Lots of potential that goes nowhere? Undoubtely.

And a cheering end note: this series is moving from YA to NA soon. There's already the triangle set....

And it's really a pity as the potential for a dark, intriguing story are all there...urban-fantasy13 s Lakshmi C346 104

Grier wants her life to go back to normal but the universe has other plans. Fate keeps throwing changes at her a relentless ninja.

Grier goes from worshipper of ramen noodles to building her household staff.

Grier worried her magic was gone, now she is getting a crash course in magic and her abilities. Lots of homework too.

We meet Linus, who may be the perfect man. Of all time. In the entire universe.

Linus is wonderful in a silent , steady way. He's an excellent cook. He's secretive but supportive. He encourages Grier and tailors his lessons as per her needs. He's thoughtful and gives Grier space to grow. Linus. Lord of infinite patience.

Now.” He wiped his mouth with a napkin. “Time for a pop quiz.”
The milk in my mouth soured. “I heard you should wait thirty minutes after eating before taking a test.”
The look he shot me confirmed his professorial status. It said he’d heard every excuse in the book at least three times, and hearing them a fourth wouldn’t do me any good.

Well, thank you.” The thing was so ugly, it was almost cute. “It was kind of you to think of me.”
“Ah.” He held up a finger. “You haven’t asked what it does.”
I examined it for clues. “Other than blink creepily?”

“That’s it?” I asked dumbly. “No threats? No ultimatums? No locking me in the attic until I see reason?”
“Grier, you’re a grown woman. I can’t stop you from doing anything you want to do.”
I squinted at him, certain this must be some kind of trick. No man was this reasonable.
All Linus quotes. TEAM LINUS ;)


Grier wants Boaz but she's actually thinking about their situation from all angles.

Boaz sounds great on paper but he can be manipulative and careless.

I'm tempted to copy all my bookmarks and discuss the book in great detail because I loved this one too. But that's too spoilery, will take too long and you need to discover this on your own.

5 other things I must mention :

1 The mystery is about spirits who go missing.

2 We are introduced to more magical creatures and learn how magic works for Necromancers.

3 We get insight into the class divide in the Necromancer society. Grier is Dame Woolworth now with a whole new set of responsibilities, abilities and career options.
It's a case of High and Low society, the rules, options and challenges for both are different. Boaz works for the Elite, which is their defense wing.

Grier and Boaz are looking Romeo and Juliet now. I'm not a fan of Romeo and Juliet.

4 The writer does complete justice to her villains. They are complex characters, there are no simple reasons or agendas here.

5 The characters move into grey territory and you sense a storm is brewing.

Dame Woolworth, and that is your title now, will make decisions going forward the old Grier could never imagine.9 s Jen DavisAuthor 7 books714

This second installment in the Beginners Guide to Necromancy solidifies this series and as another winner from Hailey Edwards. If you haven’t read book one, stop now and go back to the beginning. This book would be best enjoyed after reading that one.

Our heroine, Grier, is facing all new challenges now that her place in society has been restored. She has money again–and the possibility of a relationship with her childhood crush, Boaz, but she is far from comfortable in her skin. She is still suffering from serious PTSD from her time in supernatural prison and she is waiting for the rug to get ripped out from under her at any moment, either by losing everything she just regained or by becoming a target again for the vampires who would use her for their own purposes.

She can’t get her old job back, seeing as how she disappeared for five weeks due to a pesky kidnapping. But there is a potential place for her on what will be a haunted cruise ship. As she helps renovate the ship, she stumbles upon a sentient ghost and learns of a new big bad in town, a devourer who is eating specters. And now, she may be a target as well.

In addition to Boaz, Amelie is back and Neely makes an appearance. But the big winners for me were Woolly, the haunted house, and the addition of new character, Linus. Let me just stop for a moment and tell you how much I am digging on Linus. I know Boaz is supposed to be the love interest, but I am kind of lukewarm on him. He is a player who, yeah, has potential with his scars and lost leg… he gnashed his teeth and everything after Greer was sent to prison and he seems dedicated to her now. But Linus, y’all. He is so enigmatic and there is this lovely, stark, understated longing happening. I’m not much for love triangles and rarely is the HEA introduced in book 2… I’m familiar enough with the tropes of romance to understand this. But that doesn’t change the fact that I need this to happen. Hailey Edwards, if you’re listening, make this happen for me. Pronto.

Back to the rest. The mystery of the book is interesting and kept me guessing. For sure, I did not see the big reveal coming and I’m invested in the implications moving forward. Thank goodness book three is available for me to read. I’m going to be very sad when I have to wait for a book four.

Rating: A-8 s Penny Well Reads810 217

2-2.5/5 stars

Meh.
It has a few good and original ideas, unfortunately, they are just sitting there, the writer does nothing with them. We have a sentient house and a zombie bird, yet they are just curiosities for the background when they could be so much more, they could be the actual story. Had the writer chosen to lean more on them, I think the book could have been interesting enough to be worth reading. As it is, the plot is extremely uninteresting, the characters and bland, the pace is slow and there is barely anything happening. Oh, there is no romance either, which is a big disappointment for me too.

After 2 installments, I am done with this series. If you are a fan of UF you can go ahead and pass on this series.

How to Save an Undead Life (Beginner's Guide to Necromancy, #1) - 2.5/5 starsreviewed u-read-urban-fantasy7 s Theresa 1,557 76

4.5 Stars... Being the Woolworth heir is certainly having it's challenges... Grier must learn both the extent of her powers as well as control over them; Mr. Linus Andrea Lawson III is just what the doctor ordered, or in this case, the teacher... A sexy, smart, mysterious teacher who seems to know all the ins and out of... the necromantic world... But all is not what it seems and the mystery amps up as ghosts begin disappearing, literally, from the haunted Savannah, Georgia landscape... Grier gets pulled into the mix and must learn to utilize her talents in order to save the innocent while attempting to save herself... Add in a "does not take no for an answer" charming bad boy / love of Grier's life and her world seems to get more and more interesting... However, one act of betrayal could end all that she holds dear... A fast paced, funny, sexy, magical read that I thoroughly enjoyed:)2019-books book-series-hailey-edwards hailey-edwards-books ...more7 s Danyelle378 55

Not as great as book 1 but I still very much enjoyed it. Especially the schooling chapters where she learned all the different types of sigils and markings about necromancy and what they do. Especially that they updated woolies wards and though I did see the bad guy coming about halfway through the book so very much enjoyed it.has-powers necromancy older-man ...more8 s aarya1,453

Yes, I'm hooked, but I need Grier to make better life/romantic decisions. REDACTED is terrible!!!! Please stop making googly eyes at him.

Read via KU.fiction-genre-sff-urban-fantasy rating-3 s-usa ...more7 s Emma2,597 1,000

I'm really enjoying this series. I also that it would be really hard to predict how the story goes as there are many options. Grier's skill set seems unknown and expanding , Linus is a bit of a mystery, there is a new otherworldly friendship or two and possibly the loss of one. I'm really appreciating the character development of Grier. Next!magic paranormal urban-fantasy ...more6 s ??Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer)3,225 717

Grier, now Dame Woolworth has had her name restored and can learn the skill of a Necromancer. Her cousin, Linus has moved into the garage apartment to begin her training. The first order of business is protecting and reinforcing the wards on the house. Thanks to the discovery of Grier's rare gift vampires are very interested in her. Despite Grier's concerns regarding her Aunt's influence on Linus, I d him. He teaches at a college, makes a mean breakfast and his teaching methods inspire.

After the events of book one, Grier is housebound, more for her own protection but soon gets restless and attempts to get her job as a tour guide restored. After being a no-show her boss isn't interested, but Grier worms her way in at the bottom of the totem pole and soon finds herself working aboard a haunted dinner boat. Here she encounters a ghostly young boy and barely escapes with her life. The ghostly entity warns that the devourer is coming and soon.

Savannah relies on hauntings from B&B's to the tours, but strange oddities and disappearing ghosts soon have Grier, Boaz, and Linus investigating.

As if the disappearing ghosts isn't problem enough Grier is soon dealing with a strange man, named Ambrose, appearing inside the wards. He creeps out Grier, and she worries about who or what he is. Could he be the devourer? Is Linus involved? You'll have to read this twisted mystery to find out.

Meanwhile, Boaz is attempting to court Grier. Since Grier was incarcerated at sixteen, she has zero experience when it comes to dating. She is nervous, and while she has feelings for him, she wonders if it's worth losing his friendship. I am enjoying this courtship and it helps balance out the darker more suspenseful aspects of this story.

My favorite aspect of this series is the magical house and Grier's training. From wards to tats I am all in. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer6 s TJ2,955 190

Yep! Just as I suspected. After a bit of a confusing start in the first book, this one really catches its stride. The characters are real, warm and very believable - even in a world of magic! I think I’m going to really enjoy this series!!2018-reads clean urban-fantasy6 s KatieR99 10

Moving right along. I'm really enjoying this author and this world. 5 s Kelly5,133 196

Holy wow. Grier's got A LOT on her plate and she's...well, she's actually dealing with it rather admirably. Beyond the serious PTSD she has after being imprisoned, she now has to come to terms with the fact that she's Dame Woolworth and her years of imprisonment (and Maud's attempts as keeping her skills under wraps) have left her with a less than impressive grasp on her abilities.

Considering everybody after her, this is not good.

Fortunately, there's Linus. No lie, I Linus. He has secrets. His loyalty might not align with Grier's. But I him. Things might end up sticky with the issues with his mother, but...I LIKE HIM. While I have nothing against Boaz in theory, I think Linus is a better fit for what Grier's going to have to deal with down the road. (Maybe that's wishful thinking, though. I dunno. I'll have to see what the next book brings.)

Grier's powers are growing (or maybe they're just revealing heretofore hidden aspects) and she's figuring out what it means to be her. Well, she's trying. That's what counts, right? I can only imagine the ripples of what happened in this book will be far reaching and she'll stumble a time or two along the way, but she's working on figuring things out.

Book 3, I AM READY!

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
2018-favorites ebooks read-in-2018 ...more5 s Kara-karina1,681 270

4.5/5

It's the second book in series and I am still enjoying the ride. It's a helluva one at that! I think the author is just warming up.

Grier has just regained her status but she is uncomfortable with it. She tries to keep to a certain routine in fear of breaking apart, and her lessons with Linus is my favourite part of it. He is one cool dude with plenty of tricks up his sleeves. He is also supporting her in many unexpected ways which make me suspect that he had the same unholy crush on her as she had on Boaz, and it never wore off.

Boaz is still there, but Linus is the new shiny. Both are involved in an investigation of ghostly disappearances, both from very different angles. Grier is also starting to regain some of her balance, which is lovely to see as well.

This book was engrossing and entertaining, and I breezed through it very quickly. The sass in interspersed with fascinating plot twists which slowly unravel the world-building before our eyes. I think I found a new favourite in urban fantasy genre, and as the backlist is long, I am settling for a long ride. Recommended for the fans of Ilona Andrews, Patricia Briggs and Kim Harrison, read it.

* * *
??? ????????? ?????? ????? ???? ????? ? ????? ?? ???????????. ??? ???????, ????? ?????? ?????????????!

????? ??????????? ?? ????? ????? ? ???????? ???????????? ?????-?? ??????? ?????, ????? ??????????? ???? ?????????. ????? ???????? ? ?? ???????? - ??? ????? ??????????? ? ???????, ?? ???????. ????? ?? ?????????? ???????? ? ????? ?????? ? ??????. ?? ????? ???????????? ?? ???????? ?????????, ?? ???????????? ?????, ??? ?????????? ???? ???????????, ??? ?? ??????? ? ????? ?? ??????? ????????????? ? ?????, ??? ? ??? ? ?????.

???? - ??? ??? ?? ????????????? ???????, ?? ????? - ??? ????? ?????????. ??? ???????? ????? ? ????????????? ???????????? ?????????, ?? ? ?????????? ?????? ?????. ? ??????, ??????? ?????? ??? ??? ?????????? ??????????????? ???? ??????? ?????????? ? ???? ????? ??? ??? ??????????.

????? ?????????? ? ????????????? ?????, ???????? ??? ?? ????. ??????? ??? ????????? ????????? ? ???????????? ?????????? ?????? ? ???????? ?????????????? ??????????? ????. ? ????? ?????? ???????? ?????? ? ????? ?????????? ??????? ? ????? ??????, ??? ? ??? ??? ????? ????? ??? ????, ???? ?????? ?? ??? ?????. ???? ???????, ???????? ??????????? ????? ??????, ???????? ?????? ? ??? ????????.4 s Chanel301 54

"People do wrong because it's the path of least resistance. It gets them what they want without them putting in the work to earn it." She popped her knuckles. Being a good person is hard. Doing the right thing is hard. That's why masochists keep a clean nose."

Talk about being punched in the face with words. Powerful.

How To Claim and Undead Soul continues where the end of Book 1 ended. Grier has been issued a tutor in the form of one Linus Lawson, son and heir to Grand Dame Lawson who orchestrated Grier's release from supernatural prison. Grier is not a fan of this idea because she feels the Grand Dame wants Linus to spy on her. However, Linus is very educated and is in fact a professor and quite willing to teach Grier the gaps of necromancy that she's missing. She grudgingly agrees to the arrangement because as much as she doesn't trust him she's not a fool and knows she needs him.

Meanwhile, Grier was fired from Haints Misbehavin but was able to get a job on the haunted boat Cora Ann. Lately the hauntings of popular tour places haven't been, well, haunting as usual and when Grier and her friend are attacked on the Cora Ann by a poltergeist who shouldn't be able to do what he does, it leads to a deeper investigation of what's going on. It also leads to some surprising revelations that I'm still trying to deal with because I was not prepared for the plot twist.

I really enjoyed this installment because we gain even more character development from Grier of course but also Boaz and Amelie. The politics of High Society versus Low Society are truly something and Hailey did a a phenomenal job describing the internal struggle that is constantly plaguing these people. I definitely feel for Boaz and Grier and can honestly say I don't even know if I'm rooting for them to be together ultimately because it's just so complicated. Which is a first for me with two main characters that seemed almost destined to be with one another at least in the beginning.

One character I did not expect to by the end of all of this was Linus. I thought Boaz was pretty complex in the first book but here, Linus takes the cake. He's bonded with a wraith which Grier named Cletus who follows her around for her protection since her dealings with Volkhorn. I don't want to give too much away but Linus is the diamond sparkling in the darkness that's hard to reach even though it's right there. He was a really surprising addition to the story and I definitely look forward to seeing more of him.

The overall message of this installment is that actions have consequences; even the ones you think are in the bests interests of the person you love and are trying to protect. Also, a haunted mansion does not easily forget so tread carefully and see you in book 3.4 s Danielle Gypsy Soul3,125 77

I d this more than the first book. Greer is growing some although she still has a bit too go. I the world and there are so many questions I have and I am definitely anticipating events to come. What I'm definitely not sold on is Greer and Boaz. This just doesn't seem an equal relationship to me - Boaz definitely has way more power in the relationship then Greer. I him a lot better as a best friend than a boyfriend. Speaking of liking for a boyfriend - Linus is such an intriguing character. It seems he has very strong feelings for Greer but she sure doesn't see that and in fact her distrust of him is at times a bit frustrating given all he is doing for her. Then there is Amelie and I think the events in this book are definitely going to come back to bite Greer. I'm intrigued though and that just makes me want to read the next book to see what is going to happen.

audio borrowed-books fantasy ...more4 s Saly3,434 573

This book was awesome, more complicated developments and the heroine getting to know her powers more.read-in-2017 virgin-heroines4 s Melliane2,060 349

4.5/5

Mon avis en Français

My English review

I was very curious to start this second volume, since I loved the first one and I must say that I had another great time! In fact, to tell you the truth, I’ve already bought the sequel and I can’t wait to discover it!

Grier has to get used to her new role and it’s really not easy. In addition to that, she also has to manage her private lessons with Linus without really knowing if she can trust him. Yet he seems so sweet and pleasant. But is there something behind this? And then there’s Boaz… Ah Boaz, it’s hard to resist you and at the same time, it’s so easy to understand Grier and her mistrust of this possible relationship. And then there are other problems… those of the city, those that seem to show that ghosts disappear and when it’s the vampires’ turn, things get worse.

I really had a great time with this novel again and I loved learning more about all the characters. The turnaround at the end was a real surprise for me, I have to say it and I’m really curious to see what happens next for all our characters! As I said, it was another great discovery!4 s Katyana1,614 234

Great book. I love Grier, I really Linus, and I also really Boaz. This may be the only love triangle that I have ever read that doesn't irritate me, because I don't feel there's an obvious choice.

This book had some real heartbreaks - I'm devastated about what Amelie did, and how Boaz might change because of it - but it was such a good journey.

Really great cast of characters, and a great twisty story. I just hope we get to the core, obvious point - the Master HAS to be her father, right? - soon. Because it feels so damn obvious that the characters feel really slow on the uptake for not even considering the possibility.fantasy uf vampires5 s Paula734 67

All the promise of the first book came through. Loved it.ebooks favorites series ...more4 s Anne - Books of My Heart3,354 203

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart

Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I enjoyed the start of the  Beginner's Guide to Necromancy series , and was happy to listen on with the series.   Grier continues to learn and grow in How to Claim an Undead Soul.  In the beginning, she is sort of hiding out after the tumult of the last adventure.  She cocoons herself in her house.  Finally, she picks herself up to begin her training with her cousin, Linus.

Grier is so alone.  She has now lost her job although those friends are still around town.  Linus is a question mark. She knows he is commanded by her aunt, basically a spy for her.  Boaz and Amelie are off working.  She really doesn't have anyone she can truly trust. She works with Linus and is pleased to finally learn skills.  Maud had acted she was only good enough to be an assistant, so she has plenty of self doubt. Linus is actually a kind and helpful teacher. I wanted to and trust him. Grier is more experienced at being betrayed, though.

I loved all the magic lessons, where Grier learns more about herself and magic. I also enjoyed the mystery and how she works on solving it. Somehow, I knew how that was going to end up. I did not really enjoy the quasi-romance and banter with Boaz.  It's okay for Grier to take her time in rebuilding her life and not get into a relationship right now. But I don't really not knowing Boaz's point of view and thoughts.

I'm so excited to see what happens with Linus, Amelie, Woolly and Oscar in How to Break an Undead Heart in September.  Maybe even, I want to know how things work out with Boaz.  Grier has much to learn about her magic and the politics of the world. That's more important to me than any romance. These three books are already available (and in Kindle Unlimited) but now the audiobooks are being produced.  The fourth book will also be released in September. I have them on my review calendar and can't wait.

Narration:
I'm totally comfortable with Rebecca Mitchell and listening at my usual 1.25x speed. I d her voice for Grier, although I was surprised it had no southern lilt to the voices.  Both the male voices and female voices were equally good.  The performance helped me to enjoy the story.

Listen to a clip:
https://soundcloud.com/user-149056452...2018 7arcs audio ...more3 s Laura..devouring books crumpets1,656 99

Wow this read went miles beyond the first book....

Id love if Grier and Linus were together... they seem weirdly perfect.... Such a shame she doesn't trust him and shes with Boaz.... There is something about Boaz im not 100 percent sure on.... I think hes better suited as a foster brother rather than a boyfriend....

Still relationships aside.... What an ending i didn't see coming!!!!

I couldnt put it down, as Linus and Grier set out to defeat the devourer.....3 s Jennifer1,277 58

Still a bit traumatized by her encounter with Volkov in book one, Grier tries to adjust to her new normal. She's got Linus living in the carriage house and teaching her daily lessons in Necromancy. There is a spark between her and Boaz that she is hoping will turn into a full flame. And, she also tries to get her old job back as a Haint in Savannah, but instead ends up working aboard a haunted boat. The spirit there turns out to be more than she expected and a key to some undead disappearances in the area.

I've got a bunch of other series that I'm working on finishing up this time of year and I fear this one has put them all on the back burner. I have been sucked in! I love the characters in this series, and I love the type of magic they employ. It is just different enough from other series that it keeps things interesting and Grier doesn't even know the half of what she can do yet! I also thought the author did a brilliant job of manipulating my thoughts about the men in Grier's life. I am not a big fan of love triangles, but this one is developing so smoothly that I can appreciate where she is going with it. (I might have also peeked at the synopsis for the next book and can appreciate the groundwork she laid in this book.) Linus wasn't even on my radar in book one, but he is definitely starting to give Boaz competition in my mind. challenge i-can-t-adult-today imagine-that3 s Melinda689 5

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