Author: Paul Barrett

Genre: Fantasy

Note: I received a free review copy of this book from the publisher.

Synopsis: After witnessing his parents fateful suicide, 17 year old Erick is left to deal with the aftermath of what his parents left behind, and to sort through years of family secrets, lies, and accusations from the town near his manor.

Although Erick lost his parents, he is not alone, he has a small network of friends.  First and foremost, he has Blink, his ‘familiar’.  Blink is a creature that was created from Erick’s own flesh and blood.  Blink was created to be a protector for Erick.  These two share a bond that cannot be broken.  Erick also has Corby and Elissia, his two only human friends who live in the nearby town that despise Erick and his family.  Erick is unique, he is what is called a Necromancer, a special type of sorcerer.  Erick also has his ‘undead’ army to help him fight against evils, and enemy threats that come lurking often.   Erick has the ability to call upon the dead (his undead army), and he can speak telepathically to Blink.  One day hidden in his manor, Erick comes across a secret passageway that leads to a private room that Erick did not know existed inside his own home.   Here he discovers a book, but its no ordinary book, it’s the darkest book that contains the most dangerous words ever written.  The truth and story behind this book is terrifying.    This discovery and the book itself could destroy everything.  This discovery forces Erick to set out on a dangerous mission to reunite with other Necromancer sorcerers to hopefully, together destroy the evil that threatens the world.

My Review:  I loved it!  It truly was an amazing read!

When I first researched Goodreads to see what this book was about, I read a review that compared this book to ‘The Lord of the Rings’  I was immediately excited, as I am a huge fan of that series.  Well, let me tell you, that reviewer was right!  If there is anything that comes even close to this book it’s the Lord of the Ring series. It contains the same vibes, feel, and mysteriousness.  There is no lack of adventure in this story line.  At no point in time was I ever bored or waiting for the next great part, because each page was an adventure full of excitement, and anticipation that had me reading well past my regular bedtime on most nights, and I do love my sleep!

I loved the way the story was told, and the way it was written.  The writing is so smooth.  It is not very often I come across this type of book with this unique writing style that I call smooth, but when I do, I am instantly drawn into the book.  There is so much going on in this book, with all the different names for the different types of tribes/ creatures /magic, and so on, and not once was I confused, or lost with any of it.  Situations and names were so well explained right from the beginning, and constantly throughout as well. If I ever questioned anything, it seemed it was answered for me in the next pages.   I especially enjoyed the beginning part of each chapter, injecting insight from different perspectives as it provided a deeper glimpse into the story itself.  This is not a fast-paced book.  If you are looking for a fast paced, quick read, then this is not that type of book.  This book takes you through long journeys, and battles.  It is best enjoyed when read slowly.  Some books I can read very fast and can get through quickly, this is not one of those books.  You do need to slow down to enjoy all of what it has to offer.

All the characters were developed well as the book progressed.  The deeper I got into the story, the more I enjoyed reading about each one of them.

Corby is portrayed as a true, loyal friend.

Elissia is strong (both emotionally and physically), and she is fierce! I liked how it is Elissia, a female who often plays the part of protector.

Erick is a brave soul who loses so much early on.   As he learns about his father’s secret past, he quickly matures, and responsibly takes on the dangerous challenge he is faced with.

This book is extremely well written and its obvious that a lot of thought went into this story and the construction of it in general.

I love the fantasy genre, and this book beautifully captured the essence of what fantasy novels are about and why I love that genre.  I am very much looking forward to reading the next book in the Necromancer series when its ready.