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The Dead Seekers

(Dead Seekers #1)

Barb Hendee (Goodreads Author),

J.C. Hendee (Goodreads Author)

3.67 · Rating details · 251 ratings · 59 reviews

In the New York Times bestselling Noble Dead saga, Barb and J.C. Hendee created an engrossing mix of “intrigue, epic fantasy, and horror.”* Now, they present a bold new series set in the same world, where the destinies of two hunters shaped by the shadows of their pasts are about to collide...

In the dark reaches of the eastern continent, Tris Vishal travels from village t ...more

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Hardcover, 328 pages

Published January 3rd 2017 by Ace Books

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Dec 11, 2016 Cristina Monica rated it liked it

Shelves: fantasy

3.5 stars.

This is a light enough fantasy book that it can easily be read without it requiring much from the reader, except for their attention.

Tris can see, interact with and control the dead. He is known as ‘‘the Dead’s Man.’’

Mari’s parents died, and Mari thinks the Dead’s Man has to do with that.

So now that the both of them are together, heading to who-knows-where on an adventure, she has countless occasions to slit his throat.

But Mari wants to be sure he was the one who killed her parents be ...more

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Feb 04, 2017 Nenia ⚔️ Queen of Villainy ⚔️ Campbell rated it liked it

Shelves: netgalley, fantasy

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THE DEAD SEEKERS was just the book I needed to get me through this flu - it's light, escapist fantasy with creative world-building, but simplistic enough that I didn't need to expend too much brain power on what was going on.

DEAD SEEKERS is set in a world that appears to be based off Eastern Europe. Mari is a member of the Mondyalitko (seems to be based off the Romany), but has been on her own since an otherworldly being murdered her par ...more

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Nov 03, 2016 Yodamom rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc, netgalley

This is a fantasy about a man, basically a ghost hunter who can drive murderous spirits out of his realm and give them true death. People call him the Dead’s Man. They fear him, avoid him, till they need him, then he comes and wrangles the dead. He hunts the dead but Mari, hunts him and plans on murdering him for, well she has good reason.. There is a small doubt that drives her to be sure before she he is the one. She decides to travel with him and gather her proof just to make sure.
There is a ...more

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Aug 24, 2017 Kimberly Laurel (The Trusty Bookmark) rated it really liked it

Shelves: reviewed, 2017, fantasy, paranormal, own

As the last of him faded in the dark up the road beyond the town, Mari slipped silently out of the shack to follow. Her hand grew sweaty inside her glove where her grip tightened on the narrow-bladed dagger. (21)

I absolutely loved the Hendees’ Noble Dead Saga, and The Dead Seekers is a great start to another series that I cannot wait to obsessively follow. It falls under the paranormal fantasy genre, involving dead spirits, alchemists, and shape shifters, and is placed in the same world as Hende ...more

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Jan 02, 2017 Magdalena aka A Bookaholic Swede rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-2017

The Dead Seekers is the first book in a new series and that is something that I'm bloody happy about since I really loved this book! And, now I will try to write a review about a book I love which I hate to do since I just want to say read it, it's brilliant. But, I will try to be a bit versatile than that.

The book starts off with Tris Vishal being born. But, he never breaths and the midwife has to tell his poor parents that the baby is stillborn. Then, the midwife notices that he starts to brea The Dead Seekers is the first book in a new series and that is something that I'm bloody happy about since I really loved this book! And, now I will try to write a review about a book I love which I hate to do since I just want to say read it, it's brilliant. But, I will try to be a bit versatile than that.

The book starts off with Tris Vishal being born. But, he never breaths and the midwife has to tell his poor parents that the baby is stillborn. Then, the midwife notices that he starts to breathe when she carries him away, but there is something strange about him that will mark him as different from others. He has the ability to send spirits back to where they come from. But, he also risks the lives of everyone who is close to him. Mari Kaleja learns this the hard way as a child when her whole family is slaughtered by spirits. Now she first for revenge, and it's The Dead Man she is after. But, when she finally finds Tris must she be certain that he is the right one. But, traveling with him may not be the best idea. She watches him, and he is not as she had expected. Could this really be the man she has been chasing all these years?

I found myself really enjoying this book, both the setting and the characters. Trish whose gifts are a burden for him and Mari who has spent years looking for revenge. I'm usually not much for romance in books, but one can't really say it's any romance in this book since it's more two lonely people getting to know each other (with a hint of romance). And, that's probably one of the reasons I love the book so much. There is no lusting or instalove.

As for the story itself. I loved getting to know more about Tris power, and Mari's own secret is interesting and very handy. It was also great reading about how their relationship developed from an uneasy alliance to more of a worry about each other, although Mari still wanted to kill him. But, she is a bit conflicted. The last part of the story is the best when they have to figure out who is killing soldiers. Is it a spirit or a revengeful man/woman?

I loved the ending of the book. It's the kind that put a smile on my face and I'm really looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review! ...more

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Oct 14, 2016 Beth rated it really liked it

Shelves: berkley-publishing, fantasy, netgalley, own, magic, kindle, arc

Tris is a known as the “Deads Man”, he is hired to remove ghost/spirits of the dead to rest. They pay him and he moves on.

Mari wants vengeance for her family’s death and she blames the “Deads Man”.

A chance encounter in the woods makes Mari question want she thought about the “Deads Man”, so she decides to stay with him until she has proof of his evil deeds. What she discovers is more shocking than she could have ever imagined.

The Dead Seekers was a quick and enjoyable read without complex, mind ...more

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Dec 26, 2016 Mogsy (MMOGC) rated it really liked it

Shelves: review-copy, ghosts, mystery, shapeshifters, fantasy, paranormal

3.5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2017/01/05/...

For so long I’ve been wanting to read something by Barb and J.C. Hendee, and with The Dead Seekers being the first of a new series, I figured there’s no better time and place to jump onboard! Better yet, later I was even more excited to learn that the book is set in the same world that was made well-known by the authors’ popular Noble Dead Saga.

Things kick off with a prologue which introduces readers to the story’s two p 3.5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2017/01/05/...

For so long I’ve been wanting to read something by Barb and J.C. Hendee, and with The Dead Seekers being the first of a new series, I figured there’s no better time and place to jump onboard! Better yet, later I was even more excited to learn that the book is set in the same world that was made well-known by the authors’ popular Noble Dead Saga.

Things kick off with a prologue which introduces readers to the story’s two protagonists. What should have been a happy time instead turned to sorrow as Tris, the baron’s only son and heir, was born without breath. But even when the baby was revived, the disturbing circumstances around his apparent miraculous recovery only causes more fear and unease. Thirteen years later in another time and another place, young Mari was in the woods with her family making camp after a long day of travel when they were suddenly ambushed by violent spirits. Being a shapeshifter, Mari was able to take her cat form and escape, but everyone else was killed. Ever since that day, she has been searching for the one she believes is responsible for her murdered family—the mysterious figure known as the Dead’s Man who is said to have the ability to command spirits.

When the main story starts in earnest, both Tris and Mari have grown to adulthood and are living very different lives, though without knowing it, the two are linked by their tragic pasts. Tris had experienced something very similar to what Mari saw in the woods all those years ago, and now he travels to wherever he is called, banishing spirits for a living. While a close encounter with a spirit would usually mean death to any normal person, Tris however possesses a remarkable power enabling him to touch ghosts and destroy them. It is this ability that initially makes Mari suspect that Tris may be the Dead’s Man she is looking for, though at their first meeting she has to admit he is nothing like she expected. Wanting to make sure she has found the right mark before killing him, Mari decides to stick around and observe Tris as he makes his way to his next assignment to banish a particularly troublesome spirit.

The Dead Seekers is perhaps best described as a mystery in three distinct parts. First Tris and Mari travel to a small village, where the ghost of a girl who died under peculiar circumstances has been coming back to haunt the people she knew. But this humble intro soon leads our protagonists to uncover an even bigger conspiracy in the middle section, requiring them to travel to a border garrison where they realize their spirit problem isn’t so simple anymore. The last third of the book is the resolution where everything ties together and ends in a satisfyingly explosive way. As plotlines go, it’s a pretty straightforward and “on-rails” experience even if the story is no less enjoyable because of it. However, this also meant the authors had to rely mainly on flashbacks and memory sequences to explain anything that took place in the past, and these weren’t always integrated very smoothly.

This also might not be a terribly deep or sophisticated fantasy novel, but it will hit the spot if you’re simply looking for a light and fun read. Most notably, I found the book weaker in the areas of world-building, though to be fair I am a newcomer to the Hendees’ work and the bulk of this novel’s audience will probably know the world already from the authors’ previous series. That said, I don’t want to make is sound like world-building aspects are completely lacking though, because I definitely saw enough to make me care and want to know more. I also loved the characters. Mari and Tris are fascinating and memorable, and so easy to root for. I’m really enjoying their dynamic so far (they are a good example of an amazing non-romantic male/female team-up!) and the story even leaves plenty of room for their alliance to grow.

The Dead Seekers is a great introduction to a new series that’s all about ghostbusting, fantasy-style. What the story lacks in impact, it makes up for with pure, fantastic fun. There’s an addictive quality to it that will make you want to pick up the next book and dive straight back into this world to spend time with Tris and Mari. Already I’m looking forward to see what our protagonists will be up to next. ...more

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Dec 23, 2016 ☕️Kimberly rated it really liked it

The Dead Seekers is told by our two main characters, Mari Kaleja and Tris Vishal. We also get a little perspective from Tris's mentor, an alchemist which I found equally fascinating. Mari is a cat-shifter whose family was wiped out in the woods by a dark shadow in her youth. Since then she has sought revenge. Tris Vishal a noblemen by birth but lives atop an alchemist's shop and travels from village to village using his powers to remove spirits from this world.

I quickly slipped into this world a The Dead Seekers is told by our two main characters, Mari Kaleja and Tris Vishal. We also get a little perspective from Tris's mentor, an alchemist which I found equally fascinating. Mari is a cat-shifter whose family was wiped out in the woods by a dark shadow in her youth. Since then she has sought revenge. Tris Vishal a noblemen by birth but lives atop an alchemist's shop and travels from village to village using his powers to remove spirits from this world.

I quickly slipped into this world and story. I appreciated that we were given both perspectives. The world building isn't overly complicated and allows you to enjoy the fast-paced tales. Tris was a bit of mystery with his rare talents and the darkness surrounding it. He is a bit of a loner and keeps people at arm's length, so his interactions with Mari became interesting. Mari is a character seeking revenge and believes that Tris is the one she seeks. Despite her anger and thirst for revenge, she needs to be sure. Thus she follows him, and an incident soon has them traveling as companions. The more Mari learns, the more confused she becomes.

It appears as if each book will feature encounters with unsettled spirits. I loved the cases they encountered. We deal with one minor and one major case. Dead Seekers reminded me a bit of the Greywalker series by Kat Richarson. The Hendee's managed to create suspense and a level of darkness with these spirits and Tris's ability. I loved the added element of alchemy and enjoyed the character of Heil. He added some tension, snark, and banter to the mix.

The tension between Tris and Mari was fun, suspenseful and had me guessing. We aren't sure if Tris is truly a hero. As I said, he is troubled, and his gift comes with equal parts darkness. Wrong or not I pictured Benedict Cumberbatch as Tris. I think these two work well together. Despite the questions, we see a certain level of trust and companionship build. Could there be a romance? It is hard to say at this point, although there is the potential for one as their friendship/partnership grows.

All in all Dead Seekers was a sound beginning to this series and has me curious about other works by this writing team.

Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer ...more

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Dec 24, 2016 Carrie rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley

Mari Kaleja has spent her life seeking revenge on whatever creature had killed her entire family when she was only ten years old. Having watched the attack and being the only survivor Mari had been pushed away and told she was cursed so revenge is the only thing she ever focused on since the incident in the woods. Mari has heard tales of the Dead's Man and has followed the path to his doorstep seeking her revenge but before she kills him she must know for sure that he is the one that stole her f Mari Kaleja has spent her life seeking revenge on whatever creature had killed her entire family when she was only ten years old. Having watched the attack and being the only survivor Mari had been pushed away and told she was cursed so revenge is the only thing she ever focused on since the incident in the woods. Mari has heard tales of the Dead's Man and has followed the path to his doorstep seeking her revenge but before she kills him she must know for sure that he is the one that stole her family's lives.

Tris Vishal is the one who is known as the Dead's Man. He was born stillborn but regained life only to grow up knowing there was something completely different about him. Tris has the ability to control and vanish ghosts that have a hold still on this plain so he has put his abilities to use traveling from village to village helping those in need. When Tris meets Mari he asks her to accompany him on his latest task but he can see the hatred in her eyes and only wonders why.

The Dead Seekers is the first book in a new series but it is set in the world from the authors previous series the Noble Dead saga. I have not read the other series myself but one of my biggest concerns with this read was the lack of world building in the story so perhaps it would have helped to read the other books. This story however is different in the fact that those contain vampires and Tris has the ability of controlling the dead so they don't seem connected otherwise.

Other than the world building I was also left with wanting more of an explanation to Tris and his abilities in the story. We do get to slowly know more about Tris and his upbringing and how he came to do what he does currently in the story but there was still more explanation that could have taken place to understand who or what he is. However, Tris himself does not really know about his powers so I think this is why there isn't a better explanation.

Overall, not too bad of a start to the new series, I would be interested to see what happens with Mari and Tris in the later books after the ending of this one.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress.... ...more

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Dec 18, 2016 Shelley rated it liked it

Shelves: received-for-review, 2017-release, fantasy

*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5

*My Thoughts*

The Dead Seekers is the first installment in authors Barb & J.C. Hendee's new series called Dead Seekers. This is a series that is set in the same world as the Noble Dead saga. You don't have to have read the previous series to enjoy this book. The Dead Seekers is told by two main characters: Mari Kaleja and Tris Vishal. This book is different from the Nobel Dead in that it doesn't feature vampires which has been a staple of the duo's pre ...more

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Dec 29, 2016 SnoopyDoo's Book Reviews rated it really liked it

rather enjoyed this fast paced fantasy book it makes you keep turning the page and before you know it you are done.

I liked the world building that was rather enjoyable and easy to follow. The same goes with the characters.

The characters are easy to relate to and follow, but you really never know who you can trust up to the end.

I enjoyed the suspense we get throughout the book that keeps you guessing.

Please find my full review here:
http://snoopydoosbookreviews.com/dead...
...more

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Mar 30, 2017 Dark Faerie Tales rated it it was amazing

Shelves: reviewed-by-roxanne

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: He puts the dead to rest, and she has been hunting for her families killer for a long time.

Opening Sentence: “One more, my lady,” the midwife urged a woman before her on a bed.”

Excerpt: Yes

The Review:

Tris was born dead, the midwife was on her way to bury his body when he suddenly began to breathe. As a result of that, he has always been able to see ghosts. When he is 13 a ghost goes rogue and begins attacking everyone inside the castle, and unbe Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: He puts the dead to rest, and she has been hunting for her families killer for a long time.

Opening Sentence: “One more, my lady,” the midwife urged a woman before her on a bed.”

Excerpt: Yes

The Review:

Tris was born dead, the midwife was on her way to bury his body when he suddenly began to breathe. As a result of that, he has always been able to see ghosts. When he is 13 a ghost goes rogue and begins attacking everyone inside the castle, and unbeknownst to him outside in the forest is a family of Mondyalitko camping. Mari is the sole survivor of that attack. As she grows up she is passed from one family to another because they consider her cursed.

Tris has learned how to control his ability and ghosts, he now spends his time going to places and helping lay the dead to rest. He is on his way to a particular village when Mari saves his life, and he lets her join him. Mari knows almost at once that this is the killer of her family. But she needs proof before she can kill him. So as she joins him on the journey and begins to the learn about the dead and Tris’ abilities.

The lines become blurred as they save each other lives more than once. When they end up in a situation outside of their control and Tris must call for help, Mari wonders if she will be able to go through with her vengeance? Will they be able to get rid of the ghost? Will they survive?

I was sucked in from the start, couldn’t stop reading this. It was so good. Like a cross between urban fantasy and plain old fantasy, this was worth every minute I spent reading it. Those two characters, hardly spoke, almost everything they relaid to each other was through actions and not words. The ghosts and that twist….Wow! The world building was amazing, I had read somewhere that they have another series set in this world.

I think I might have to check that out because I loved this world. It was interesting, different and yet enough similarities between things that it didn’t take hefty explanations about it. Mari was amazing, she was a fighter and so much more. Tris was so quiet, observant and so invested in getting rid of all the ghosts. Of course, by the end of the story we begin to understand why he feels that way and it ties in with Mari in such a heartbreaking way. If you are looking for a new fantasy read, look no further, seriously!

Notable Scene:

The girl had not come back for love of a man. Her mother had done this somehow. But now that Brianne’s spirit was here, all she wanted was to return to the man she loved. Tris pulled back, a chill in one eye and on his face from peeking through the shutters. He needed to catch daughter and mother unaware-and quickly- to banish one and save the other. This time, however there might not be a need to risk that opening to the realm of the dead.

FTC Advisory: Ace/Penguin provided me with a copy of The Dead Seekers. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review. ...more

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Jun 23, 2017 Cardyn Brooks added it

Shelves: new-adult, fantasy

As other reviewers have remarked, The Dead Seekers offers enjoyable light fantasy fare in the context of a believably detailed imaginary world of powerful spirits and humans with conflicted motives. This first entry is a strong hook for reading this author's back list while anticipating the next title in this new series.

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Dec 04, 2019 Alisi ☆ wants to read too many books ☆ rated it really liked it

Shelves: ghoulies-and-ghosties, fantasy

Loved it. I read this in one day, even though I'm really sick and took breaks. Albeit, it's not long but still. xD I loved the fantasy and ghost hunting combo.

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Jan 11, 2017 Jacque rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed, 2016-reviews, series, ghosts, fantasy, pinterest

As a child, Mari's family was murdered in front of her. The only thing that has kept her going is vengeance. She has been looking for the one called "The Dead's Man" who she suspects is the responsible one. Mari thinks she has found the killer with Tris, she just needs to be sure. Tris travels from village to village helping put spirits to rest. After being saved by Mari, he asks for her help as he travels to the next village. What they encounter tests Mari's beliefs and gives her more insight t ...more

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Dec 12, 2016 Nick Borrelli rated it really liked it

***I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

Barb and J.C Hendee's Noble Dead series has always been a favorite of mine. That is why I was so sad to see it end a while back. Well I'm happy to say that Barb and J.C. are at it again, this time with a brand new series set in the same world as the Noble Dead. These books are always a lot of fun and are a blend of vampire fiction/fantasy. In the first book of the series we are introduced t ...more

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Apr 12, 2017 Joy rated it it was ok

Shelves: fantastic-fiction, series, zombies-ghosts

The author knows how to write a good tale but this is still a very bland telling. Medivel Ghost Busters without any humor. Thrown in a gypsy shape shifter for romance.

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Nov 03, 2019 Tales Of A Bookbug rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, paranormal, ghosts

This was an amazing book with wonderful characters. Everything from the world-building to the mystery around things was brilliant. There isn't any romance in this book but there was a hint of future development. I was so hoping this would be a series, but looks like due to publishing issues the authors won't be continuing it. I was very saddened to hear that, because I would definitely read the sequel!

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Aug 21, 2019 Christian - Curious Quill rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Stars: 4.75/5

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Oct 27, 2016 Minx rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2016, fantasy, netgalley-arc-2016

Dark, intriguing and a real page turner! I enjoyed this story immensely and did not want to put this story down. Throughout this tale you are given just enough information to form a plausible assessment of the situation but are left with enough doubt that it draws you into the story because you just have to know what is going on! It was a fantastic spirit hunt from beginning to end!

This story starts out shrouded in mystery with the introduction of two different characters whose lives encounter t Dark, intriguing and a real page turner! I enjoyed this story immensely and did not want to put this story down. Throughout this tale you are given just enough information to form a plausible assessment of the situation but are left with enough doubt that it draws you into the story because you just have to know what is going on! It was a fantastic spirit hunt from beginning to end!

This story starts out shrouded in mystery with the introduction of two different characters whose lives encounter trauma and intersect without their knowledge of each other. You are left wondering who was Tris, what was Tris, exactly what happened at his birth? Then the story switches to Mari and you are left wondering what exactly happened to the Móndyalítko family, what exactly is she? Although, I was able to figure out what “else” Mari was pretty quickly, I liked that additional ability as it added to the story in several parts.

Tris Vishal’s character is haunted, lonely and fixated on what he considers his one cause, to capture and put rouge spirits in a final resting place. Though he was born with the ability to see spirits he had not until recently put them to use. With the help of his friend and mentor, Heilman “Heil” Tavakovich, Tris has started to gain a better understanding of capabilities but is really still in the early stages of self-discovery. I really enjoyed learning about him and his talents over the course of the story.

Mari Kaleja’s character is determined to find the person responsible for her family’s slaughter and she will not be turned aside from her mission. The all-consuming focus she has on discovering who the Dead’s man really is has brought her to Tris’s doorstep. She is not so far gone in her quest that she is beyond reason. She wants proof of guilt before she takes her prey and it is this caution that compels her to travel with Tris. I liked that her character was feminine but was ruggedly so. She lived by the mantra to keep her enemies close and once she started traveling with Tris she did not try to make friends or put her guard down. She kept her eyes on the prize and used her wits to see the truth in the situation.

There was little character development in this book which actually works just fine. You spend time getting to know the characters and seeing how the whole spirit hunting is done. There is action, the pace is great from scene to scene, and you will develop a connection to the characters. Not an all-consuming connection but enough that you will want to continue with this series. I know that I am completely on board for the next installment in this series!

This review is based on an eARC I received from NetGalley. It is an honest and voluntary review. The advanced receipt of it in no way affected my review or rating.

*Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group & NetGalley for this eARC of The Dead Seekers*

Find this review and more at The Genre Minx Book Reviews ...more

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Aug 28, 2017 Suzyq rated it liked it

Shelves: fantasy, 2017-books

I enjoyed the book, but was a bit frustrated by the inconclusive story and character development. I liked semi-feral Mari a lot, but spooky Tris was much less well-developed, and much less engaging as a result. This is clearly the start of a new series, but I feel I've already been down this road with the Noble Dead saga. Come to think of it, that series never resolved in a satisfying way, even after seven or eight books. Hmmm.

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Jul 26, 2017 Kari Marie rated it did not like it

I disliked this book. I found one of the main characters so one dimensional in her focus and just an idiot. The other main character was boring. I cannot think of one thing that really stands out. While the book is fast paced it is forgettable and the characters ruined anything I could have enjoyed about this book.

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Jan 02, 2017 Bibliofiendlm rated it really liked it

Shelves: i-see-dead-people, magic, sci-fi-fantasy, other-creatures, mystery-thriller, 2017-challenge

Full review: http://tinyurl.com/j8al8v6
_______________

Loved it! Excellent world-building and the introduction of dynamic character for a new epic fantasy series. ...more

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Jan 13, 2017 Fernanda Bomtempo-Marzo rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy

Really good start to a new series. Good world building without excessive info dumping. Can't wait till the next book.

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Jan 16, 2017 Kat rated it liked it

Shelves: fantasy, creepy, mystery, supernatural, high-fantasy, i-see-dead-people

***3.5 out of 5 stars***

Yes, there are ghosts all over the place in this book, and, no, they don't look quite like the example above, but I couldn't resist.

This is my first time reading anything by the Hendee's, and I am happy I took the time to check them out. In The Dead Seekers there isn't a lot of world building, but there is enough done in this book in order for book 2 of this series to go to interesting places.

The creep factor was actually present, because, in this world, the ghosts can actually hurt you. In fact, just being touched by one most likely means you'll be dead within a day. The only person who can touch them without running the risk of winding up dead is Tris, commonly known as the Dead's Man, who spends his time banishing ghosts wherever he is asked to assist. Tris is somewhat of a lonely, brooding, sort of main male lead. His ability has left him on the outside for his whole life, since most people are terrified of him.

The second main character is Mari. She's a shifter driven by the desire to avenge her family, who were all killed by spirits when she was only a child. Mari believes that the Dead's Man is responsible, but she needs proof before she can kill him. And, thus, Mari and Tris wind up travelling together.

What I liked about The Dead Seekers was the mystery element to the plot. Tris, and Mari would often have to discover more about the ghost they were hunting, in order to track it down, or save it's targets. Also, since the ghosts in this world aren't exactly the friendliest, there was real tension in the plot, because you were always wondering who might die next.

The thing I didn't like so much was not a lot of character growth. I do get that this is a series, so I shall make allowances, but Tris started the story dark, and brooding, and at the end, he seemed just the same, if not more. Meanwhile, Mari's constant questioning of whether or not she actually wanted to kill Tris got incredibly annoying. Having a character's motivation in life be only vengeance is a slippery slope. She just kept droning on and on about needing to kill the Dead's Man, and I just wanted to tell her to shut up. She also didn't fully clue in to the fact that Tris wasn't the one who killed her family until the last bloody chapter. So, yes, her need for retribution got old quick.

But, I did enjoy the addition of Heil, Tris' mentor, and father figure. There was just so little of him, since he didn't make a proper appearance until the last quarter of the book. I would love to see more of him in the next book.

Over all, The Dead Seekers has somewhat shaky main characters, but an engaging enough plot, so you can ignore the issue as you read. I will probably be picking up the next book whenever it releases, because I am interested to see what happens next, so this one is going in my recommendation pile. Hurrah for a good, solid start to a fantasy series! ...more

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Jun 20, 2017 Ro rated it liked it · review of another edition

The Dead Seekers, set in the world of the Noble Dead, is the first in a new series by high fantasy writing pair: Barb Hendee and J. C. Hendee.

Mari, orphaned in a horrific massacre at 10, believes she’s finally tracked down the one responsible for her family’s death. She’s a half-feral, vengeance minded young woman intent on tracking and killing her prey… until she meets him. Tris, is an unassuming, self-contained young man used to being feared due to his unusual, talents. Each exist as an outcas The Dead Seekers, set in the world of the Noble Dead, is the first in a new series by high fantasy writing pair: Barb Hendee and J. C. Hendee.

Mari, orphaned in a horrific massacre at 10, believes she’s finally tracked down the one responsible for her family’s death. She’s a half-feral, vengeance minded young woman intent on tracking and killing her prey… until she meets him. Tris, is an unassuming, self-contained young man used to being feared due to his unusual, talents. Each exist as an outcast; living on the edges of comfortable society. A not-so-chance run in with bandits in the woods shifts the dynamic between the two as Mari make she presence known and Tris find he welcomes her company despite knowing there’s more to her appearance than happenstance. This pair move forward towards an adventure that further entwines each in the others life and exposes their weaknesses.

The Dead Seekers pulls you into the midst of dual mysteries thirteen years apart: what is to become a stillborn child who spontaneously returns from the other side of the veil initially born and what does the future hold for the child who’s the sole survivor of the brutal massacre of her family? The answers to these questions, told in a straightforward and relatable fashion, plunge you into the main mystery at the heart of this story: what do you do when you find the person responsible for your life being plunged into loneliness and misery.

This is a unique revenge tale that takes an abrupt turn when life and new enemies intrude. Hendee (squared) create a riveting and rich landscape and lay out an adventure at turns horrific and triumphant. The conclusion to the mystery the pair find themselves caught up in is both satisfying and simultaneously opening the door for further daring from this tentative and highly complicated partnership.

side-note: This is a world previous readers are well acquainted from the Noble Dead books; as such the descriptions of the surrounding landscape take a bit for granted. This is not to say, there is no world building merely that its presented as a familiar environment that the characters are accustom to. There’s a very “on the ground” feel to the details provided about the surrounding countryside, its cities as well as the secondary characters filling out this story. It is not necessary to read any of the Noble Dead Saga in order to enjoy The Dead Seekers this world will capture your interest all on its own.

If you’re looking for a riveting fantasy world with unusual challenges to fall into, I recommend giving The Dead Seekers a read.

Rating 3.5 out of 5 stars

originally posted on www.writersafterdark.com This review was originally posted on Shelf Envy head on over to read a more detailed review! ...more

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Jan 04, 2017 Barb Lie rated it really liked it

The Dead Seekers by Barb and J.C. Hendee is the 1st book in their new Dead Seekers series. We meet our hero Tris Vishal very early on, when he was first born. Shall we say he was born dead, but within minutes he came back to life. From then on, Tris life has been all about death. His mother adored her miracle child, and his father hated and feared him. When he reaches the age to move on, Tris lives up to his nickname “The Dead’s Man”, as he is the only one who can force the dead to move on into The Dead Seekers by Barb and J.C. Hendee is the 1st book in their new Dead Seekers series. We meet our hero Tris Vishal very early on, when he was first born. Shall we say he was born dead, but within minutes he came back to life. From then on, Tris life has been all about death. His mother adored her miracle child, and his father hated and feared him. When he reaches the age to move on, Tris lives up to his nickname “The Dead’s Man”, as he is the only one who can force the dead to move on into the next world. Tris keeps to himself, talking very little. He has a mentor, Heil, who teaches him how to handle the different types of ghosts he must face.

Mari Kaleja has spent all her life seeking vengeance against the man who killed her family. Mari was only a child when she saw the strange apparitions (ghosts) viciously kill everyone in her village. She grew up in different homes, not staying long anywhere. Mari meets Tris one night when he is summoned to remove a ghost. She suspects he is the man who has been looking for, and to confirm her suspicions, Mari agrees to help him on another case. As they travel together, Mari has mixed feelings about Tris. She worries that though he seems like the right person, something is too nice and quiet to be that vicious killer.

As they end up in the town where multiple deaths have occurred, with sightings of ghosts like apparitions doing the killings. Both Tris and Mari work together to set up traps, and just when they think they have removed the threat, all hell breaks loose with many more. Tris desperately calls for his friend to join him, as the threat as escalated beyond his ability. The three will team up to help the soldiers and town eliminate the many threats to all the humans, and in doing so, Mari sees a dark apparition trying to come through the portal…..this dark vision is the one who killed her family. What does Tris have to do with this dark ghost? Will Mari trust Trish and continue to help him?

What follows is an exciting, action filled fantasy that does start off a bit slowly, in order for us to understand this new world. It is a different type of story line, and an interesting one. Though there is a resolution to this case, we are left open as to who is the dark one who Tris fears, and who Mari wants to complete her vengeance against. I look forward to the next book, and find out more about what the Hendee’s have in store for us.

Barb
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May 18, 2017 Sharon Tyler rated it really liked it

The Dead Seekers is the first book in a new series by the same name by Barb & J.C. Hendee. It is set in the same word as their Noble Dead saga, which I have not read. However, I think that readers with no prior knowledge of the world will be able to fully appreciate the story, as I did. Although I will admit that I am now intrigued to see what was written before.

In the dark reaches of the eastern continent, Tris Vishal travels from village to village, using his power to put unsettled spirits to The Dead Seekers is the first book in a new series by the same name by Barb & J.C. Hendee. It is set in the same word as their Noble Dead saga, which I have not read. However, I think that readers with no prior knowledge of the world will be able to fully appreciate the story, as I did. Although I will admit that I am now intrigued to see what was written before.

In the dark reaches of the eastern continent, Tris Vishal travels from village to village, using his power to put unsettled spirits to rest. He works alone, having learned that letting people close only leads to more death. Still, he finds himself accepting the help of the Móndyalítko woman who saves his life—a woman whose gifts are as much a burden as his own. Mari Kaleja thirsted for vengeance since the night her family was taken from her. She has searched far and wide for the one she thinks responsible, known only as “The Dead’s Man.” But before she can kill him, she has to be sure. Mari hopes traveling with Tris will confirm her suspicions. But as they embark on a hunt where the living are just as dangerous as the dead, she learns the risks of keeping your enemy close. Because it’s no longer clear who is predator and who is prey.

The Dead Seekers is a book that is unique and captured my attention very quickly. I enjoyed learning about the world this takes place in, and how Tris and Mari fit into it. I liked the level of internal conflict for both Mari and Tris, as it made their pasts and current situation much more engaging. I could understand Mari's desire for vengeance, and her vulnerability. I think the duality of her nature- with the strength and vulnerability she tried so hard to hide- made her character so interesting that I could not help but become engrossed in her story. I also wanted to know more of how Tris came to be who and where he was- while most of it was explained, I think there must be so much more to his story that I do not know yet. It just makes me want to read more from the author to see if those moments are in another book. The danger and relationship development were very well paced, with enough surprises and intrigue to keep me reading happily.

The Dead Seekers is an intriguing read that left me satisfied, but still wanting more. To me, this is a sign of a well crafted book. ...more

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Jan 02, 2017 Van (Short & Sweet Reviews) rated it really liked it

Disclosure: I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

Barb and J.C Hendee have an extensive backlog of books, but I’ve never had the pleasure of reading their books till now. And I must say it didn’t disappoint. The world building is pretty much straightforward and simple; there wasn’t a magical system or hierarchy that needed explanation. The only thing that was complex was the characters; Mari and Tris.

Tris is known as The Dead’s Man, banishing spirits whereve ...more

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Aug 20, 2017 Cheryl M-M rated it really liked it

Mari finds herself in a bit of a predicament, because Tris isn’t exactly what she envisioned the enemy to be. Instead of steering steadfast in the direction of revenge she finds herself distracted by others in need, and by the realisation that Tris isn’t the cold-blooded murderer she thinks he is.

Then again perhaps he is one and she is just blinded by her constant need to be the one at the front of every single conflict. Mari is a Mondyalitko, a shape-shifting traveller. She runs head-first into ...more

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About Barb Hendee

Barb Hendee

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[See barbhendee.org]

Like most writers, I've worked at many jobs in my life, including teaching pre-school until I completed my master's degree in Composition Theory. Between 1993 and 2006, I taught college English while writing fiction on the side, some independently and some with my husband and life-long partner J.C.

Over the years, we've lived in Washington State, Idaho, Colorado, and now moved j

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