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The Ministry of Curiosities #1
The Last Necromancer
Victorian London: For five years, Charlotte (Charlie) Holloway has lived as a boy in the slums. But when one theft too many gets her arrested, her only means of escape lies with a dead man. Charlie hasn't raised a spirit since she first discovered she could do so five years ago. That time, her father banished her. This time, she brings even more trouble upon herself.
People are now hunting Charlie all over London, but only one man succeeds in capturing her.
Lincoln Fitzroy is the mysterious head of a secret organization on the trail of a madman who needs a necromancer to control his newly "made" creatures. There was only one known necromancer in the world - Charlotte - but now there appears to be two. Lincoln captures the willful Charlie in the hopes the boy will lead him to Charlotte. But what happens when he discovers the boy is in fact the young woman he's been searching for all along? And will she agree to work for the man who held her against her will, and for an organization she doesn't trust?
Because Lincoln and his ministry might be just as dangerous as the madman they're hunting.
People are now hunting Charlie all over London, but only one man succeeds in capturing her.
Lincoln Fitzroy is the mysterious head of a secret organization on the trail of a madman who needs a necromancer to control his newly "made" creatures. There was only one known necromancer in the world - Charlotte - but now there appears to be two. Lincoln captures the willful Charlie in the hopes the boy will lead him to Charlotte. But what happens when he discovers the boy is in fact the young woman he's been searching for all along? And will she agree to work for the man who held her against her will, and for an organization she doesn't trust?
Because Lincoln and his ministry might be just as dangerous as the madman they're hunting.
268 pages, Paperback
First published August 11, 2015
About the author
C.J. Archer
82 books3,395 followersOver 3 MILLION books sold!
C.J. Archer is the USA Today bestselling author of historical mystery and historical fantasy novels including the GLASS AND STEELE series, the CLEOPATRA FOX MYSTERIES, the MINISTRY OF CURIOSITIES and the FREAK HOUSE books.
C.J. Archer has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She spent her early childhood in the dramatic beauty of outback Queensland, Australia, but now lives in suburban Melbourne with her husband, two children and a black & white cat named Coco.
Subscribe to C.J.'s newsletter through her website to be notified when she releases a new book, as well as get access to exclusive content. Her website also contains up to date details on all her books: http://cjarcher.com
You can follow her on social media to get the latest updates on her books:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CJArcherAuthorPage
Twitter: www.twitter.com/cj_archer
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Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
C.J. Archer is the USA Today bestselling author of historical mystery and historical fantasy novels including the GLASS AND STEELE series, the CLEOPATRA FOX MYSTERIES, the MINISTRY OF CURIOSITIES and the FREAK HOUSE books.
C.J. Archer has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She spent her early childhood in the dramatic beauty of outback Queensland, Australia, but now lives in suburban Melbourne with her husband, two children and a black & white cat named Coco.
Subscribe to C.J.'s newsletter through her website to be notified when she releases a new book, as well as get access to exclusive content. Her website also contains up to date details on all her books: http://cjarcher.com
You can follow her on social media to get the latest updates on her books:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CJArcherAuthorPage
Twitter: www.twitter.com/cj_archer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorcjarc...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 886 reviews
September 1, 2015
DNF.
That being said, let me tell you why.
SPOILERS!
The first half of this book was intriguing. The plot was interesting. The lore got my attention and my imagination running. I had my reservations about the heroine, Charlie, but I figured this was a character evolution thing. That she'd grow and eventually become redeemable.
No such luck. Charlie, this great thief who has been living on the street for five years, gets caught stealing all the time and lacks any self-preservation or survival skills the second she meets the "hero" of this story, Lincoln Fitzroy. Who, after many passages of refusing to harm her (minus that little tiny incident where he suffocated her into unconsciousness... yeah, nice guy, right?), proceeds to allow her to almost get raped to "teach her a lesson."
Yup. Forces her into nice clothes, drops her off in Whitechapel (where Jack the Ripper was killing prostitutes a couple years back), stalks her all day, and then sits back and lets a man assault her, only stopping him a moment before penetration. At which point, he kills the man.
Coupled with a completely uninspired twist, I could go no further. I like my men sane, thank you very much. Psychopaths don't turn me on. And neither do heroines who embody the phrase "too stupid to live."
That being said, let me tell you why.
SPOILERS!
The first half of this book was intriguing. The plot was interesting. The lore got my attention and my imagination running. I had my reservations about the heroine, Charlie, but I figured this was a character evolution thing. That she'd grow and eventually become redeemable.
No such luck. Charlie, this great thief who has been living on the street for five years, gets caught stealing all the time and lacks any self-preservation or survival skills the second she meets the "hero" of this story, Lincoln Fitzroy. Who, after many passages of refusing to harm her (minus that little tiny incident where he suffocated her into unconsciousness... yeah, nice guy, right?), proceeds to allow her to almost get raped to "teach her a lesson."
Yup. Forces her into nice clothes, drops her off in Whitechapel (where Jack the Ripper was killing prostitutes a couple years back), stalks her all day, and then sits back and lets a man assault her, only stopping him a moment before penetration. At which point, he kills the man.
Coupled with a completely uninspired twist, I could go no further. I like my men sane, thank you very much. Psychopaths don't turn me on. And neither do heroines who embody the phrase "too stupid to live."
May 18, 2018
This was a quick, easy and enjoyable read with some originality in that the main female character is a necromancer. Not the most romantic of magical skill sets but it worked in this story!
The Last Necromancer opens with Charlie, our necromancer, who is also an eighteen year old girl pretending to be a thirteen year old boy, living on the streets of old London. These characters successfully pretending to be the opposite sex always test my belief levels especially in an era without private bathrooms, but it is fiction after all.
Eventually of course she is discovered and all sorts of things both romantic and necromantic follow. There's lots of action, some interesting characters and an ending which invites the reader to pick up Book 2. I probably will.
The Last Necromancer opens with Charlie, our necromancer, who is also an eighteen year old girl pretending to be a thirteen year old boy, living on the streets of old London. These characters successfully pretending to be the opposite sex always test my belief levels especially in an era without private bathrooms, but it is fiction after all.
Eventually of course she is discovered and all sorts of things both romantic and necromantic follow. There's lots of action, some interesting characters and an ending which invites the reader to pick up Book 2. I probably will.
April 13, 2018
The Last Necromancer
The Ministry of Curiosities, Book 1
By: C. J. Archer
Narrated by: Shiromi Arserio
I enjoyed this book and it was nothing like I thought it would be. It is about a girl pretending to be a boy in London in the past. She has been thrown out of her house when her mother died. She accidentally, during her grief at seeing her mother dead, raised her from the dead. Her dad freaked and threw her out. For years she has been hiding on the streets as a boy, it is safer for her. But she has been found by those that figured out what she is really, one group wants to protect her, one group wants to use her...
Great fun and very exciting. Loved the characters and the thrill of the fantasy. So much happens in this book and it is certain more than a regular introduction to a series. It is full of gusto! I want to really dive into this series, but I am broke, lol.
The narrator is excellent, I loved the voices, emotions, and flow. Well done.
The Ministry of Curiosities, Book 1
By: C. J. Archer
Narrated by: Shiromi Arserio
I enjoyed this book and it was nothing like I thought it would be. It is about a girl pretending to be a boy in London in the past. She has been thrown out of her house when her mother died. She accidentally, during her grief at seeing her mother dead, raised her from the dead. Her dad freaked and threw her out. For years she has been hiding on the streets as a boy, it is safer for her. But she has been found by those that figured out what she is really, one group wants to protect her, one group wants to use her...
Great fun and very exciting. Loved the characters and the thrill of the fantasy. So much happens in this book and it is certain more than a regular introduction to a series. It is full of gusto! I want to really dive into this series, but I am broke, lol.
The narrator is excellent, I loved the voices, emotions, and flow. Well done.
January 8, 2020
At the beginning this seemed sort of interesting, if not very original (girl who is Special disguised s boy, danger, controlling rich "hero"). Then it got really slow where she's a prisoner in the Rich Asshole's house refusing to help him (because why should she endanger herself for his cause?) but very little happened. Something should happen, I complained.
And then something that happened was that he found out she was a girl, humiliated her while she was naked, forced her to dress up pretty and left her in a bad part of town at night to be raped so that she would "learn her lesson" that she had to obey him. And this is presented as him being sensible and her being unreasonable. She immediately forgives all the men involved because they give her sweets (she is eighteen, not five).
Also, the man orders her to eat (when she isn't hungry), decides what she wears, locks her in, etc.
This is basically 2/3 of an old school bodice ripper without the romance, dolled up as fantasy. With the added weakness of making the villain 1) entirely absent and 2) . Seriously, make up your own character, author. Why would VF even care about the queen of England. And p.s. to everyone who makes this common word usage mistake: it is only treason if you are betraying your own country.
Final huge fail: this is a paranormal fantasy in which nothing supernatural has happened between the first chapter and two thirds of the way through, which is where I am quitting.
And then something that happened was that he found out she was a girl, humiliated her while she was naked, forced her to dress up pretty and left her in a bad part of town at night to be raped so that she would "learn her lesson" that she had to obey him. And this is presented as him being sensible and her being unreasonable. She immediately forgives all the men involved because they give her sweets (she is eighteen, not five).
Also, the man orders her to eat (when she isn't hungry), decides what she wears, locks her in, etc.
This is basically 2/3 of an old school bodice ripper without the romance, dolled up as fantasy. With the added weakness of making the villain 1) entirely absent and 2) . Seriously, make up your own character, author. Why would VF even care about the queen of England. And p.s. to everyone who makes this common word usage mistake: it is only treason if you are betraying your own country.
Final huge fail: this is a paranormal fantasy in which nothing supernatural has happened between the first chapter and two thirds of the way through, which is where I am quitting.
September 29, 2016
Engaging YA historical fantasy set in Victorian times. Very much enjoyed it as a story that does not demand too much from you but entertaining. Have never read this author before but she has several series set in this alternative Victorian world, which I will definitely explore further. Great as a palate cleanser when you don't want to have to concentrate too hard and/ or late at night...
August 10, 2016
Rating: 3.5
This book was an unexpectedly awesome surprise. The Last Necromancer is currently free on Amazon and when I saw it being advertised as a paranormal mystery in the backdrop of Victorian London I thought it would just what I needed to get me out of my reading stump. Needless to say the book delivered!
The Last Necromancer follows Charlotte Holloway, who was born with the ability to talk to spirits as well as the ability to reanimate corpses. When her father became aware of this unnatural ability, Charlotte was thrown out into the London slums to fend for herself.
Five years later, Charlotte or 'Charlie' is a woman of eighteen, impersonating as a teenage boy and pick-pocketing to keep her position in an impoverished street gang. After accidentally showing a display of her powers, Charlie gets kidnapped by Lincoln Fitzroy, the head of the Ministry of Curiosities, an agency designed to regulate paranormal activity in London.
Soon, Charlie's status as the last necromancer causes her to become unintentionally entangled in the ministry's investigation into a series of experiments, an act that puts her in greater danger of those who covert her powers.
I have to say that stories like Ouran Highschool Host Club, where the girl impersonates a boy and no one around her is aware of it are one of my weaknesses- and I will literally gravitate towards these books. I loved Charlie's mix of street smart and etiquette, she was stubborn and brave, but not so much that she got into stupid situations because of bad decisions. There is a hint of romance in this story between Lincoln and Charlie, but its not a central aspect of the story. That being said, I can definitely seeing it developing in further books, but I think its going to be a really really slow burn, because I never met a character as stoic and aloof as Lincoln. Also, I seriously adored the two servants/agency-workers living in Lincoln's household, who treat Charlie like their little sister.
Although the plot was basic, I really enjoyed the characters and the world that Archer created. The writing was smooth and well-paced. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next book, because honestly who can say no to an agency running around Victorian London trying to investigate paranormal mysteries.
This book was an unexpectedly awesome surprise. The Last Necromancer is currently free on Amazon and when I saw it being advertised as a paranormal mystery in the backdrop of Victorian London I thought it would just what I needed to get me out of my reading stump. Needless to say the book delivered!
The Last Necromancer follows Charlotte Holloway, who was born with the ability to talk to spirits as well as the ability to reanimate corpses. When her father became aware of this unnatural ability, Charlotte was thrown out into the London slums to fend for herself.
Five years later, Charlotte or 'Charlie' is a woman of eighteen, impersonating as a teenage boy and pick-pocketing to keep her position in an impoverished street gang. After accidentally showing a display of her powers, Charlie gets kidnapped by Lincoln Fitzroy, the head of the Ministry of Curiosities, an agency designed to regulate paranormal activity in London.
Soon, Charlie's status as the last necromancer causes her to become unintentionally entangled in the ministry's investigation into a series of experiments, an act that puts her in greater danger of those who covert her powers.
I have to say that stories like Ouran Highschool Host Club, where the girl impersonates a boy and no one around her is aware of it are one of my weaknesses- and I will literally gravitate towards these books. I loved Charlie's mix of street smart and etiquette, she was stubborn and brave, but not so much that she got into stupid situations because of bad decisions. There is a hint of romance in this story between Lincoln and Charlie, but its not a central aspect of the story. That being said, I can definitely seeing it developing in further books, but I think its going to be a really really slow burn, because I never met a character as stoic and aloof as Lincoln. Also, I seriously adored the two servants/agency-workers living in Lincoln's household, who treat Charlie like their little sister.
Although the plot was basic, I really enjoyed the characters and the world that Archer created. The writing was smooth and well-paced. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next book, because honestly who can say no to an agency running around Victorian London trying to investigate paranormal mysteries.
February 12, 2017
This was an extremely engaging little nugget of excitement and fun.
July 10, 2016
I surprisingly did not DNF this book. I really wanted to, but I didn't. The reason why I continued reading is pretty twisted. But, in all fairness, that's when the author's writing develops/evolves. That's when readers have an OMG WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN TO HER?!?!?!? SOMEONE HELP HER! Even describing it vaguely makes people intrigued.
Whoever wrote the synopsis/blurb really needs to rewrite it and put this tagline.
The writing is not consistent. If you read the synopsis, you know that a girl name Charlotte is incognito in disguise as a boy name Charlie. But she and all the other characters' personalities change quickly and drastically. It had no flow and it was really weird. Charlie acts more feminine and becomes even more outspoken. Seth and Gus aren't big brutes anymore, they transformed into some sort of brother figure. It was weird and made me question if I was reading the same book.
The author didn't intrigue me. I was bored out of my mind. It gave me a headache. I was so detached from this book. The author didn't make me connect or sympathize the characters most of the time. If you describe the male love interest in detail, that's when I go crazy-teenage girl hormones everywhere. But, everything was boring. It was vague during "important" times and OVERLY detailed on useless things.
This whole book gave me Endless Knight vibes. I really liked Endless Knight, but I don't like this book.
Whoever wrote the synopsis/blurb really needs to rewrite it and put this tagline.
Frankenstein Retelling.The synopsis/blurb is wordy and doesn't do much justice. The writing in the book is like that too. The writing is boring, confusing, wordy, and the dialogue is awfully droll. I'm not a big fan of Historical Fiction and this book makes me dislike it even more.
The writing is not consistent. If you read the synopsis, you know that a girl name Charlotte is incognito in disguise as a boy name Charlie. But she and all the other characters' personalities change quickly and drastically. It had no flow and it was really weird. Charlie acts more feminine and becomes even more outspoken. Seth and Gus aren't big brutes anymore, they transformed into some sort of brother figure. It was weird and made me question if I was reading the same book.
The author didn't intrigue me. I was bored out of my mind. It gave me a headache. I was so detached from this book. The author didn't make me connect or sympathize the characters most of the time. If you describe the male love interest in detail, that's when I go crazy-teenage girl hormones everywhere. But, everything was boring. It was vague during "important" times and OVERLY detailed on useless things.
This whole book gave me Endless Knight vibes. I really liked Endless Knight, but I don't like this book.
September 21, 2015
Кратко:
Есть Шарлотта-Чарли - единственный некромант на округу, девушка, которая притворяется мальчишкой.
Есть Линкольн Фицрой - глава некой тайной организации, которой позарез нужна Шарлотта. Ее они не находят, но отлавливают Чарли, удивляются, что существует еще один некромант, и через него пытаются выйти на Шарлотту, даже не подозревая, что это один и тот же человек.
Есть сумасшедший, которому тоже оченно нужен некромант, чтобы кое-кого оживить.
И есть антураж: типа стимпанк, викторианский Лондон, толстые намеки на Франкенштейна и много-много букв.
Фсе.
Не, правда все.
Из вот этих нескольких пунктов автор замешала невразумительный коктейль с бесконечными повторениями (схватили-сбежала-схватили-освободили-схватили), алогичными поступками, пустопорожними описаниями и прочим-прочим.
По порядку:
1. Букв действительно много. То есть, не больше, чем в других романах, но с гораздо меньшим смыслом. Я не понимала, зачем нужна половина из написанного - а ведь люблю всякие красивости пусть и без особой нагрузки. Но здесь просто слова, не добавляющие действу никаких красок.
2. Характеры героев не выдержаны от слова совсем. Все персонажи меняют поведение в зависимости от целей автора. *скрипит зубами*
3. Героиня вообще не соответствует заявленному образу. Якобы она уже пять лет живет на улице, притворяясь мальчишкой, но при этом абсолютно не умеет за себя постоять, тупит там, где уличная шпана быстро бы все сообразила, совершает глупость за глупостью. И когда надо изо всех сил поддерживать образ, вдруг становится женственной, манерной идиоткой. Как выжила-то, спрашивается?
4. Фицрой типа весь такой ��лагородный, вумный и заботливый. И видимо, от большого ума и заботы ради решил "проучить" героиню, буквально подставив ее под изнасилование. В последнюю секунду спас - герой, чоуж.
5. Когда я не раздражалась, не хотела кого-нибудь убить и не скрипела зубами - мне было скучно. Удивительно нудное чтиво, благодаря все тому же многословию и повторам.
К продолжению и на пушечный выстрел не подойду.
Есть Шарлотта-Чарли - единственный некромант на округу, девушка, которая притворяется мальчишкой.
Есть Линкольн Фицрой - глава некой тайной организации, которой позарез нужна Шарлотта. Ее они не находят, но отлавливают Чарли, удивляются, что существует еще один некромант, и через него пытаются выйти на Шарлотту, даже не подозревая, что это один и тот же человек.
Есть сумасшедший, которому тоже оченно нужен некромант, чтобы кое-кого оживить.
И есть антураж: типа стимпанк, викторианский Лондон, толстые намеки на Франкенштейна и много-много букв.
Фсе.
Не, правда все.
Из вот этих нескольких пунктов автор замешала невразумительный коктейль с бесконечными повторениями (схватили-сбежала-схватили-освободили-схватили), алогичными поступками, пустопорожними описаниями и прочим-прочим.
По порядку:
1. Букв действительно много. То есть, не больше, чем в других романах, но с гораздо меньшим смыслом. Я не понимала, зачем нужна половина из написанного - а ведь люблю всякие красивости пусть и без особой нагрузки. Но здесь просто слова, не добавляющие действу никаких красок.
2. Характеры героев не выдержаны от слова совсем. Все персонажи меняют поведение в зависимости от целей автора. *скрипит зубами*
3. Героиня вообще не соответствует заявленному образу. Якобы она уже пять лет живет на улице, притворяясь мальчишкой, но при этом абсолютно не умеет за себя постоять, тупит там, где уличная шпана быстро бы все сообразила, совершает глупость за глупостью. И когда надо изо всех сил поддерживать образ, вдруг становится женственной, манерной идиоткой. Как выжила-то, спрашивается?
4. Фицрой типа весь такой ��лагородный, вумный и заботливый. И видимо, от большого ума и заботы ради решил "проучить" героиню, буквально подставив ее под изнасилование. В последнюю секунду спас - герой, чоуж.
5. Когда я не раздражалась, не хотела кого-нибудь убить и не скрипела зубами - мне было скучно. Удивительно нудное чтиво, благодаря все тому же многословию и повторам.
К продолжению и на пушечный выстрел не подойду.
April 18, 2018
I enjoyed the start of this YA paranormal Victorian novel with a feisty boy called Charlie living on his wits in the streets and giving lip to the two men who capture him for the Ministry of Curiosities. Charlie has a special talent that the Ministry is anxious doesn't get into the wrong hands. However, once Charlie morphed into Charlotte, she seemed to loose her street smarts and ability to get out of scrapes. I also felt the plot would have been stronger if the author hadn't tried to bring in a monster from classic literature (who really didn't act true to character) and created her own monster. It just seemed unnecessary and a bit silly. This is the first of a popular ten book series so hopefully the plots get better.
January 1, 2019
3.75*
Good book, set in the Victorian era. It reminded me of a TV series Penny Dreadful, which I loved. The characters and the plot were interesting. I loved the dynamic relationship between a feisty heroine and ruthless hero. Slow-burn romance.
Good book, set in the Victorian era. It reminded me of a TV series Penny Dreadful, which I loved. The characters and the plot were interesting. I loved the dynamic relationship between a feisty heroine and ruthless hero. Slow-burn romance.
September 8, 2015
It seems this is the week I'm going to buy books with wrong expectations. :I
The Last Necromancer had everything I love: an intriguing premise, well written prose with a dark twist. And yet the book had a humorous undertone that clashed with the story. We have a witch hunt, kidnapping, a staged attempted rape to force the heroine hand, and a life as a prisoner of the state. But the biggest problem for me was the heroine who moves from an interesting and strong character to an infatuated girl in a short span. She was emasculated for the sake of the plot. Or if you prefer she completely changed from one scene to the next to the point she doesn't seem the same character.
So, although the novel quickly drew me in, by the half way mark I was beginning to grow disappointed, when not downright angry. I wanted a strong heroine, the one who has survived 5 years as a street urchin on the London streets. But I was given a little girl looking for love with the first guy she meets. A guy who has her kidnapped, hurt, kept prisoner and has no qualm to have her nearly raped. And all of it is crystal clear. So you really don't see how this feeling came about.
I admit she's not a simpleton, but she's really young, possibly too young for the life she's lead.
Plus the plot was at times oversimplicistic and the villain deserved more space/time.
Pity.
The Last Necromancer had everything I love: an intriguing premise, well written prose with a dark twist. And yet the book had a humorous undertone that clashed with the story. We have a witch hunt, kidnapping, a staged attempted rape to force the heroine hand, and a life as a prisoner of the state. But the biggest problem for me was the heroine who moves from an interesting and strong character to an infatuated girl in a short span. She was emasculated for the sake of the plot. Or if you prefer she completely changed from one scene to the next to the point she doesn't seem the same character.
So, although the novel quickly drew me in, by the half way mark I was beginning to grow disappointed, when not downright angry. I wanted a strong heroine, the one who has survived 5 years as a street urchin on the London streets. But I was given a little girl looking for love with the first guy she meets. A guy who has her kidnapped, hurt, kept prisoner and has no qualm to have her nearly raped. And all of it is crystal clear. So you really don't see how this feeling came about.
I admit she's not a simpleton, but she's really young, possibly too young for the life she's lead.
Plus the plot was at times oversimplicistic and the villain deserved more space/time.
Pity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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December 18, 2019Rating: DNF
This has not happened to me in a while. It had promise. Truly. But when a traumatized, confused 18 year old girl-child --who has powers that she does not understand or knows herself--starts lusting after a ruthless 30 plus year old man who has not been all that nice and wants to use her for his cause, I just turned off my brain to enjoying the rest of this book. It had all this potential and...darn. I may try this one again but right now, I would rather stop reading/listening than give it an unfavorable review.
This has not happened to me in a while. It had promise. Truly. But when a traumatized, confused 18 year old girl-child --who has powers that she does not understand or knows herself--starts lusting after a ruthless 30 plus year old man who has not been all that nice and wants to use her for his cause, I just turned off my brain to enjoying the rest of this book. It had all this potential and...darn. I may try this one again but right now, I would rather stop reading/listening than give it an unfavorable review.
August 11, 2020
The Last Necromancer is good - the first half or so. The story of a young woman with an extraordinary ability, who managed to stay alive for five years pretending she's a boy, does sound intriguing. Add a secret ministry that deals with supernatural issues, a mysterious leader of that group with a couple of likeable characters, and you might expect you'll love it all.
Well, you might until the heroine starts acting weird (or stupid) or until you are supposed to see the chemistry between certain characters, but you don't.
The mystery part of the story isn't fleshed out. The emphasis seems to be on the introduction of the protagonists and setting up future relationships. Not the world itself, though, because you don't get much of it. But her behaviour at certain points of the story is offputting. I know I'll forget what certain points I am talking about later, but I won't bother listing them.
I didn't expect so much violence towards the heroine either. On page.
So, why did I like it after all? It is the first book in the series and while I did expect more, the world and its issues seem interesting and promising. Not that I am in a hurry to read the next one.
Well, you might until the heroine starts acting weird (or stupid) or until you are supposed to see the chemistry between certain characters, but you don't.
The mystery part of the story isn't fleshed out. The emphasis seems to be on the introduction of the protagonists and setting up future relationships. Not the world itself, though, because you don't get much of it. But her behaviour at certain points of the story is offputting. I know I'll forget what certain points I am talking about later, but I won't bother listing them.
I didn't expect so much violence towards the heroine either. On page.
So, why did I like it after all? It is the first book in the series and while I did expect more, the world and its issues seem interesting and promising. Not that I am in a hurry to read the next one.
September 2, 2015
**I received this book for free from "Xpresso Book Tours" in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**
Genres: Fantasy, Historical, Young Adult
Rating* 3-3.5
*My Thoughts*
The Last Necromancer is the first installment in The Ministry of Curiosities series by author C.J. Archer. Set in 1889 Victorian London, Charlotte (Charlie) Holloway has been living on the streets of London since her father called her the devil's daughter and kicked her out of the house. For the past 5 years, Charlie has been living as a boy, never staying in one place for very long. She moves every SIX months so that people don't start asking questions about her youthful appearance.
*Full Review Posted @ Gizmos Reviews 09/03/2015 as part of Blog Tour*
http://www.gizmosreviews.blogspot.com...
Publication date: August 11th 2015
Genres: Fantasy, Historical, Young Adult
Rating* 3-3.5
*My Thoughts*
The Last Necromancer is the first installment in The Ministry of Curiosities series by author C.J. Archer. Set in 1889 Victorian London, Charlotte (Charlie) Holloway has been living on the streets of London since her father called her the devil's daughter and kicked her out of the house. For the past 5 years, Charlie has been living as a boy, never staying in one place for very long. She moves every SIX months so that people don't start asking questions about her youthful appearance.
*Full Review Posted @ Gizmos Reviews 09/03/2015 as part of Blog Tour*
http://www.gizmosreviews.blogspot.com...
Publication date: August 11th 2015
July 29, 2017
This book tells the story of Charlotte, a girl who disguises as a boy to make life easier on the streets. She has another secret she is necromancer, a person that can rise the dead. She is the only one in the world and she is wanted. She must learn to protect herself.
CHARACTERS-
I loved Charlotte/Charlie, her power was so unique and unlike anything I've read before. She was also sarcastic and funny and great to read about.
Seth and Gus were amazing, they were just so funny and they totally cared about Charlie and I just loved the three of them.
I really enjoyed Lincoln's character. He was mysterious and just a great character.
ROMANCE-
Okay, so I ship Charlie and Lincoln but I do see potential for Seth and Charlie to be together. No matter what I still really like the charcaters. I do think though that she will end up with Lincoln because it just kinda feels that way.
PLOT-
The plot was super unique and intriguing. Unlike anything I've read before.
ENDING-
Was a pretty cause ending and I'm gonna move on to the next book.
Characters-8/10
Romance-8/10
Plot-8/10
Ending-8/10
Speed-8/10
CHARACTERS-
I loved Charlotte/Charlie, her power was so unique and unlike anything I've read before. She was also sarcastic and funny and great to read about.
Seth and Gus were amazing, they were just so funny and they totally cared about Charlie and I just loved the three of them.
I really enjoyed Lincoln's character. He was mysterious and just a great character.
ROMANCE-
Okay, so I ship Charlie and Lincoln but I do see potential for Seth and Charlie to be together. No matter what I still really like the charcaters. I do think though that she will end up with Lincoln because it just kinda feels that way.
PLOT-
The plot was super unique and intriguing. Unlike anything I've read before.
ENDING-
Was a pretty cause ending and I'm gonna move on to the next book.
Characters-8/10
Romance-8/10
Plot-8/10
Ending-8/10
Speed-8/10
Shelved as 'maybe'
February 20, 2017Free on Amazon.co.uk at the time of posting.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Last-Necroma...
March 19, 2021
Something about C.J. Archer's writing just pulls me in! This is my third series I have started with her and there is just something that comforts and draws me in about her books!
Honestly though, I enjoyed this book immensely. Although it took me a few days to read it, it was because i was savoring it each time and wanted to spread it out. Thankfully I don't have to do that too much because there are ten books in the series!
The atmosphere was fun. Another Victorian mystery with dashes of fantasy. Perfection! I don't know how I feel about Lincoln yet. I absolutely love the main lead, Charlie. Excited to see where things go next!
Honestly though, I enjoyed this book immensely. Although it took me a few days to read it, it was because i was savoring it each time and wanted to spread it out. Thankfully I don't have to do that too much because there are ten books in the series!
The atmosphere was fun. Another Victorian mystery with dashes of fantasy. Perfection! I don't know how I feel about Lincoln yet. I absolutely love the main lead, Charlie. Excited to see where things go next!
August 20, 2015
The first half of this book was basically her being captured and held in some random castle by two incompetent idiots and one jerk face idiot. Literally. The captured her form the streets in the first few pages, and then until the half point of the book, it's about her trying to unsuccessfully escape. And that could have been interesting besides from the fact that she is a total idiot for not asking the question: "hmmmmm, the person that you're actually looking for is me. Maybe they could help me, I don't know, learn how to use my necromancy for good? Or they could protect me from the evil dude that wants to use my necromancy for evil?"
She never once stopped to think. About why shes hiding her identity so ferociously. About why this Ministry of Curiosities is interested in her. About how they could give here a better life than the one she had on the streets. But no. All she think about is protecting here secret (that she is the necromancer girl they're looking for). And I couldn't understand why, after they discovered her secret, she wouldn't help them. She could have fostered some goodwill and then stolen all their valuables or something. I feel like this is what a smart thief would have done.
Also, why is Fitzroy's nickname Death? Unless you're referring to a mass serial killer, I think calling someone Death is a bit contrived. Also, the main male leads name is weird. Lincoln Fitzroy. Whats worse is that Charlotte can't seem to find one consistent name to call him by. One instance she calls him Mr Fitzroy, and then the next it's Death, then Lincoln, then Mr death, then Mr Lincoln. And then rinse and repeat. Urghhhhh just pick a name and stick with it!
The forced discovery that .
She never once stopped to think. About why shes hiding her identity so ferociously. About why this Ministry of Curiosities is interested in her. About how they could give here a better life than the one she had on the streets. But no. All she think about is protecting here secret (that she is the necromancer girl they're looking for). And I couldn't understand why, after they discovered her secret, she wouldn't help them. She could have fostered some goodwill and then stolen all their valuables or something. I feel like this is what a smart thief would have done.
Also, why is Fitzroy's nickname Death? Unless you're referring to a mass serial killer, I think calling someone Death is a bit contrived. Also, the main male leads name is weird. Lincoln Fitzroy. Whats worse is that Charlotte can't seem to find one consistent name to call him by. One instance she calls him Mr Fitzroy, and then the next it's Death, then Lincoln, then Mr death, then Mr Lincoln. And then rinse and repeat. Urghhhhh just pick a name and stick with it!
The forced discovery that .
July 13, 2016
I honestly wasn’t expecting much from this one.
Freebies are very much a case of hit or miss. Either they will surprise you or you’ll question how you managed to work your way through the entire story. In all honesty, I hadn’t really been expecting this one to blow me away. The reviews for this book were such a mix and match that I really wasn’t sure what I was letting myself in for, but I was still curious to give it a read.
You can imagine my surprise when I found myself addicted to the story.
Don’t get me wrong, the book is far from perfect. I can understand why some people dislike the book. It isn’t for everyone. However, if you enter with an open mind, it’s rather fun. It’s very much your classical young adult fantasy story, but sometimes we just need such a read to keep us going.
The main story is super interesting. We have two sides battling over our main character due to their necromancer abilities. Quite quickly, our main character finds themselves in a bit of a tight spot and things quickly progress in a way that does not work favourably for our character.
I’ll admit that I was tentative at first. A decent proportion of our story glosses over the fantasy aspect. We know it is there in the background – after all, we are introduced to it at the start of the book – but it never really develops. This holds true for the entire book, and I’m somewhat disappointed that we did not get more specifics. I’m sure such will change in future books, but I was left wanting a little bit more. Nevertheless, when I realised such was to be the case, I managed to accept this fact. Fortunately, I was pulled into the rest of the story.
Moreover, I’m pleased about the romance aspect of the story. Whilst it is there, it is not shoved in your face as it is in other books. It sits below the surface. Again, I believe this is something that will change in future books. For now, I’m simply pleased that the romance did not overshadow the rest of the story, as I often fear to be the case with these kinds of stories.
As a whole, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It was much more enjoyable than I’d expected, and a large part of me now wishes to go on and read the rest of the books.
Freebies are very much a case of hit or miss. Either they will surprise you or you’ll question how you managed to work your way through the entire story. In all honesty, I hadn’t really been expecting this one to blow me away. The reviews for this book were such a mix and match that I really wasn’t sure what I was letting myself in for, but I was still curious to give it a read.
You can imagine my surprise when I found myself addicted to the story.
Don’t get me wrong, the book is far from perfect. I can understand why some people dislike the book. It isn’t for everyone. However, if you enter with an open mind, it’s rather fun. It’s very much your classical young adult fantasy story, but sometimes we just need such a read to keep us going.
The main story is super interesting. We have two sides battling over our main character due to their necromancer abilities. Quite quickly, our main character finds themselves in a bit of a tight spot and things quickly progress in a way that does not work favourably for our character.
I’ll admit that I was tentative at first. A decent proportion of our story glosses over the fantasy aspect. We know it is there in the background – after all, we are introduced to it at the start of the book – but it never really develops. This holds true for the entire book, and I’m somewhat disappointed that we did not get more specifics. I’m sure such will change in future books, but I was left wanting a little bit more. Nevertheless, when I realised such was to be the case, I managed to accept this fact. Fortunately, I was pulled into the rest of the story.
Moreover, I’m pleased about the romance aspect of the story. Whilst it is there, it is not shoved in your face as it is in other books. It sits below the surface. Again, I believe this is something that will change in future books. For now, I’m simply pleased that the romance did not overshadow the rest of the story, as I often fear to be the case with these kinds of stories.
As a whole, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It was much more enjoyable than I’d expected, and a large part of me now wishes to go on and read the rest of the books.
December 24, 2017
The premise was actually promising and the plot was interesting. The lead heroine, Charlotte is funny and endearing. However, the usual tropes, and unnecessary cliffhangers slowed down the otherwise funny and could-be tight-knit story.
A satisfactory read...will follow a maximum of three books later.
A satisfactory read...will follow a maximum of three books later.
September 4, 2015
'The Last Necromancer' is the thrilling first book in a new young adult historical fantasy series. It follows Charlotte - an eighteen-year-old girl who has been passing herself off as a young boy named Charlie for the past five years, after she unknowingly used her powers to make her dead mother come back to life and was disowned by her father. Life on the streets is hard for both young boys and for women. Things are going as usual until Charlie gets caught stealing an apple one day and is thrown into a prison cell with four men. Without having any other options to escape, she uses her necromancer powers to raise one of the men in the cell who had died - and then barely manages to escape. Everyone is trying to find Charlie, but she's abducted by a strange man with an even stranger job for her. He knows of Charlotte, the woman, and her powers and believes that Charlie (the young boy) may be able to help find her. Little does he know that Charlie and Charlotte are one and the same. Taken to a remote mansion, Charlie is introduced to a secret organization and finds out why her captor wanted her so badly - he's hunting a madman who requires a necromancer to control his newly created creatures. But Charlotte's not sure if she trusts this organization, their supposed goals, and their leader. She must decide if working with these people is worth it or if she's actually in the company of others just as deranged as the man they're looking for.
I really enjoyed this book and I'm already looking forward to the next installment. Victorian London is the perfect setting for the book - it already has the mystical feel that the story needs and it just felt like the obvious setting for the story. Charlotte/Charlie is a fantastic lead character. She's very interesting and has several layers to her personality and self that begin to be peeled back during the novel. I loved learning more about Charlotte - her life and powers - with each new layer that was exposed. She's feisty, intelligent, stubborn, and has a strength and determination that makes it possible for her to live on the streets of London. The necromancer aspect of the story was awesome! I've always thought that the whole concept of necromancy was fascinating and I loved learning as much about it as I could throughout the book. I hope that the next installment delves deeper into the topic. It's such a unique concept with lots of potential for the series - and I can't wait to see where it takes us.
The writing was solid and well done with vivid details and descriptions that made it easy for me to slip inside Charlotte's world right from the beginning of the book. The story is told from Charlotte's perspective - in the first person point of view - which I absolutely loved. I'm a huge fan of books that use the first person POV because the reader gets to know and connect with the character on such a deeper level than any of the other writing styles. We got to see the story through Charlotte's eyes, along with getting a peek inside her mind. Her fears, hopes, emotions, memories, internal dialogue - it all comes together to create a crisp portrait of Charlotte and we, as readers, are able to connect on a deeper level than normal with her. The plot wasn't wholly original, but the author's writing style and the unique spin she puts on various aspects of the story made it very enjoyable to read and helps to set it apart from others like it in the genre. I can't wait for the next book to release so I can see what's going to happen to Charlotte and where the plot will take us. I definitely recommend this book to fans of both fantasy and historical fiction, along with readers who enjoy paranormal fiction, action, adventure, mystery, and those looking for something different than the current trends.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book and I'm already looking forward to the next installment. Victorian London is the perfect setting for the book - it already has the mystical feel that the story needs and it just felt like the obvious setting for the story. Charlotte/Charlie is a fantastic lead character. She's very interesting and has several layers to her personality and self that begin to be peeled back during the novel. I loved learning more about Charlotte - her life and powers - with each new layer that was exposed. She's feisty, intelligent, stubborn, and has a strength and determination that makes it possible for her to live on the streets of London. The necromancer aspect of the story was awesome! I've always thought that the whole concept of necromancy was fascinating and I loved learning as much about it as I could throughout the book. I hope that the next installment delves deeper into the topic. It's such a unique concept with lots of potential for the series - and I can't wait to see where it takes us.
The writing was solid and well done with vivid details and descriptions that made it easy for me to slip inside Charlotte's world right from the beginning of the book. The story is told from Charlotte's perspective - in the first person point of view - which I absolutely loved. I'm a huge fan of books that use the first person POV because the reader gets to know and connect with the character on such a deeper level than any of the other writing styles. We got to see the story through Charlotte's eyes, along with getting a peek inside her mind. Her fears, hopes, emotions, memories, internal dialogue - it all comes together to create a crisp portrait of Charlotte and we, as readers, are able to connect on a deeper level than normal with her. The plot wasn't wholly original, but the author's writing style and the unique spin she puts on various aspects of the story made it very enjoyable to read and helps to set it apart from others like it in the genre. I can't wait for the next book to release so I can see what's going to happen to Charlotte and where the plot will take us. I definitely recommend this book to fans of both fantasy and historical fiction, along with readers who enjoy paranormal fiction, action, adventure, mystery, and those looking for something different than the current trends.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
October 5, 2022
Sometimes my friends recommend me bad books on purpose, and when said bad books are available from the library as an audiobook (how, I ask, were there funds to record this? it gives Bad Self-Pub vibes to begin with-), and my audiobooks have run dry as I await holds, I figure why not.
This was...ATROCIOUS. It was like someone cooked up a hot blend of paranormal YA, historical romance (if it can be called that), domestic gothic, and a blatant ripoff of a well-known classic, with all of it executed as poorly as can be, not even half-baked. It reads so badly dated for a 7 year old book.
And here my review devolves into, simply, bullet points of what sucked:
- "romance" is between an 18 year-old woman and a 30 year-old man
- said woman has been masquerading as a street urchin boy 24/7 for 5 years and not a whiff of gender dysphoria? [Do not get me started on the author's mistaking of biological sex as gender, omg]
- 5 years of rough street living has not, by abuse, malnourishment or disease, impacted said woman's radiant beauty at all :) mmhmm! and it's to the point that once she's revealed to be a woman, she's so gosh-darned pretty that she must immediately be found alternate accommodations because clearly no one in the house would keep their hands off her, Or Something. Just immediate loss of inhibitions. What. Also, victim blaming much? Gross rhetoric here.
- said man renders her unconscious to kidnap her and proceeds to keep her captive in his mansion indefinitely, to avoid her necromancy powers being used by the Big Bad against Queen and Country, Or Something, but ALSO wants to use her powers against the Big Bad
- said man has...nunchucks, and random, dubious martial arts skills
- *Trigger warning* said man employs blatantly harmful manipulation by weaponizing sexual violence against said woman, dumping her into a would-be rape scenario, except he paid the guy and saves her last-minute? what in the FUCKERY? The horrific, truly horrific authorial choices being made here. This is a bizarre case where the trash writing style is a boon, watering down a would-be rape scene.
- to top it off, the "burgeoning romance" at the end 1) tries to sell this man as ~lovably, morally gray~ and 2) then he asks her to be his maid. Ok.
This book managed to mangle like, several of my favorite tropes, including wound-tending, crossdressing, and "these hands can kill/save" vibes.
Whew thanks for reading THIS if you got this far, and do NOT read the book 😂
This was...ATROCIOUS. It was like someone cooked up a hot blend of paranormal YA, historical romance (if it can be called that), domestic gothic, and a blatant ripoff of a well-known classic, with all of it executed as poorly as can be, not even half-baked. It reads so badly dated for a 7 year old book.
And here my review devolves into, simply, bullet points of what sucked:
- "romance" is between an 18 year-old woman and a 30 year-old man
- said woman has been masquerading as a street urchin boy 24/7 for 5 years and not a whiff of gender dysphoria? [Do not get me started on the author's mistaking of biological sex as gender, omg]
- 5 years of rough street living has not, by abuse, malnourishment or disease, impacted said woman's radiant beauty at all :) mmhmm! and it's to the point that once she's revealed to be a woman, she's so gosh-darned pretty that she must immediately be found alternate accommodations because clearly no one in the house would keep their hands off her, Or Something. Just immediate loss of inhibitions. What. Also, victim blaming much? Gross rhetoric here.
- said man renders her unconscious to kidnap her and proceeds to keep her captive in his mansion indefinitely, to avoid her necromancy powers being used by the Big Bad against Queen and Country, Or Something, but ALSO wants to use her powers against the Big Bad
- said man has...nunchucks, and random, dubious martial arts skills
- *Trigger warning* said man employs blatantly harmful manipulation by weaponizing sexual violence against said woman, dumping her into a would-be rape scenario, except he paid the guy and saves her last-minute? what in the FUCKERY? The horrific, truly horrific authorial choices being made here. This is a bizarre case where the trash writing style is a boon, watering down a would-be rape scene.
- to top it off, the "burgeoning romance" at the end 1) tries to sell this man as ~lovably, morally gray~ and 2) then he asks her to be his maid. Ok.
This book managed to mangle like, several of my favorite tropes, including wound-tending, crossdressing, and "these hands can kill/save" vibes.
Whew thanks for reading THIS if you got this far, and do NOT read the book 😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2015
Charlotte has a gift like no other-she can reanimate and control the dead. Her gift puts her in grave danger as she hunted down by not one but two potentially dangerous men.
I have to say that Charlie/Charlotte is an incredibly strong female character. She’s been through a lot, even at the hands of her own “father”. She took to the streets and managed to survive, all the while keeping secret her true identity. She stays strong throughout the story, even when some really crazy stuff goes down.
I enjoyed this story very much, and getting to know Charlotte was only half of it. I did think the first half moved a little slow, but I was anxious for the “I’m a boy, no really I’m a girl” scene, and it came far later than I hoped. Once that was out of the way, the real story could begin.
The main villain is deliciously evil. I’ll admit I didn’t figure out who he was, and I wanted to kick myself since there were enough hints dropped that I should have known. Oh well, I can’t win them all. I was delighted when he was revealed for who and what he truly is. The last fifty or so pages where he is up to his evil deeds were by far the best of this story.
My only issue with this book is once again a heroine falls for her captor. Mind you, as in a lot of fantasy, he is also somewhat her savior (which remains to actually be seen pending the rest of the series). It’s still a pet peeve of mine, and especially with a character as strong as Charlotte. Yes, the man is attractive, but she shouldn’t fall prey to the Stockholm Syndrome that claims too many fantasy heroines. I think Charlotte deserved a little better. Still, she is delightful, and the story is loads of fun to read. I look forward to reading more about Charlotte and where she’s headed next.
I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I have to say that Charlie/Charlotte is an incredibly strong female character. She’s been through a lot, even at the hands of her own “father”. She took to the streets and managed to survive, all the while keeping secret her true identity. She stays strong throughout the story, even when some really crazy stuff goes down.
I enjoyed this story very much, and getting to know Charlotte was only half of it. I did think the first half moved a little slow, but I was anxious for the “I’m a boy, no really I’m a girl” scene, and it came far later than I hoped. Once that was out of the way, the real story could begin.
The main villain is deliciously evil. I’ll admit I didn’t figure out who he was, and I wanted to kick myself since there were enough hints dropped that I should have known. Oh well, I can’t win them all. I was delighted when he was revealed for who and what he truly is. The last fifty or so pages where he is up to his evil deeds were by far the best of this story.
My only issue with this book is once again a heroine falls for her captor. Mind you, as in a lot of fantasy, he is also somewhat her savior (which remains to actually be seen pending the rest of the series). It’s still a pet peeve of mine, and especially with a character as strong as Charlotte. Yes, the man is attractive, but she shouldn’t fall prey to the Stockholm Syndrome that claims too many fantasy heroines. I think Charlotte deserved a little better. Still, she is delightful, and the story is loads of fun to read. I look forward to reading more about Charlotte and where she’s headed next.
I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 13, 2019
So to start this review I bought this purely because I adore the cover!
I did expect and was hoping for more romance in this story but there is basically none but I do have hopes in the later books the main characters in this book will get together. There was undeniable chemistry between the two.
There were parts in the middle where the story seemed to drag which was surprising since this book is only 261 pages long. And at times Charlie was kind of annoying but by the end of the story she was a badass, smart-mouthed lady. And Fitzroy was sooooo insufferable especially towards Charlie. He is the epitome of brooding bad boy and he was also a pretty flat character. His entire character relied on him being moody and mean.
Overall I really enjoyed the story line and do plan on continuing with this series very soon.
I did expect and was hoping for more romance in this story but there is basically none but I do have hopes in the later books the main characters in this book will get together. There was undeniable chemistry between the two.
There were parts in the middle where the story seemed to drag which was surprising since this book is only 261 pages long. And at times Charlie was kind of annoying but by the end of the story she was a badass, smart-mouthed lady. And Fitzroy was sooooo insufferable especially towards Charlie. He is the epitome of brooding bad boy and he was also a pretty flat character. His entire character relied on him being moody and mean.
Overall I really enjoyed the story line and do plan on continuing with this series very soon.
January 10, 2016
I will get straight to the point. I found the main character very confusing and frustrating to no end. A strange mix of living as a boy and embracing a boy's perspective, yet selecting the most inconvenient times to express decidedly feminine tendencies. The silly, excessive kind of tendencies. Moreover, you have almost zero idea of what is going on, and what it has to do with necromancy, for at least half the book. In fact, necromancy plays almost no part in the story, and when it finally comes into play, gets mixed up with a classic story that we all pretty much know already. It's essentially a story about Stockholm syndrome, in which her love goes unrequited in the end anyway.
July 16, 2015
4.5 stars
The Last Necromancer was an engaging, entertaining, and thoroughly enjoyable book. I couldn't put it down! The characters are well-developed and it's easy to form an opinion of them, whether good or bad.
I gave it 4.5 stars instead of 5 due to some spelling and grammatical errors. There are not many, but it can be very distracting for some readers.
Overall, this was a fantastic read. I'm very much looking forward to the next books in this series.
***I was given a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.***
The Last Necromancer was an engaging, entertaining, and thoroughly enjoyable book. I couldn't put it down! The characters are well-developed and it's easy to form an opinion of them, whether good or bad.
I gave it 4.5 stars instead of 5 due to some spelling and grammatical errors. There are not many, but it can be very distracting for some readers.
Overall, this was a fantastic read. I'm very much looking forward to the next books in this series.
***I was given a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.***
August 30, 2016
The 18 years old heroine has lived on the streets for 5 years as a thief, all the while passing for a 13 years old boy. The story is unbelievable from the premises....
Than she is kidnapped by two idiots and you understand the reason why the premises are all wrong...the heroine is really stupid! I expected so much more from someone who managed to survive for 5 years on the streets of London. I swear, Oliver Twist was more brilliant than this idiot girl.
And I don't know where to start talking about the horrible Fitzroy. This story is so wrong on so many levels....
Than she is kidnapped by two idiots and you understand the reason why the premises are all wrong...the heroine is really stupid! I expected so much more from someone who managed to survive for 5 years on the streets of London. I swear, Oliver Twist was more brilliant than this idiot girl.
And I don't know where to start talking about the horrible Fitzroy. This story is so wrong on so many levels....
August 28, 2015
This was quite an original young adult fantasy which is rare in this genre. there was really no romance though. the characters were well portrayed. I think this has potential as a series. there were some slow parts in the plot but if book the next book is released soon I'm likely to give it a shot.
July 12, 2020
Wow....
A new fave author i think... This had everything from dry humor to Mystery, all the characters had clear definition and where multi layered, the plot for the first book wasn't too over the top as the author eases us into the Victorian era of corsets and carriages.... Throw in a little romance and it had the perfect ingredients to a great first book 5 star easy
A new fave author i think... This had everything from dry humor to Mystery, all the characters had clear definition and where multi layered, the plot for the first book wasn't too over the top as the author eases us into the Victorian era of corsets and carriages.... Throw in a little romance and it had the perfect ingredients to a great first book 5 star easy
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