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The Beginner's Guide to Necromancy #6
How to Wake an Undead City
Savannah has fallen to the vampires, and it’s up to Grier to take out their leader, Gaspard Lacroix, and restore peace. Lacroix might be more powerful and immune to her magic, but she’s got a plan. Too bad it’s got holes big enough for a new threat to waltz through while the city is on her knees.
Now Grier must risk her very soul if she hopes to slay her enemies and prevent her world from going up in flames. But salvation comes at a steep price, and she’s not the only one who will pay. The cost just might break her, and the man who owns her heart.
Now Grier must risk her very soul if she hopes to slay her enemies and prevent her world from going up in flames. But salvation comes at a steep price, and she’s not the only one who will pay. The cost just might break her, and the man who owns her heart.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2019
1581 people are currently reading
753 people want to read
About the author
Hailey Edwards
104 books2,841 followersHailey Edwards writes about questionable applications of otherwise perfectly good magic, the transformative power of love, the family you choose for yourself, and blowing stuff up. Not necessarily all at once. That could get messy.
Hailey isn't on Goodreads.
Please email her via her website:
https://haileyedwards.net/contact-form/
Hailey isn't on Goodreads.
Please email her via her website:
https://haileyedwards.net/contact-form/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 292 reviews
November 26, 2019
This series ended up being so much more than I expected when I casually picked up the first one. Now, I'm like NO!!! Don't end! I need more!
Aw! Bunny squee!! I am now thinking about bunnies and not reviews....
Stupid A.D.D.! Okay, so anyway. I love Linus and Grier. I love this world. I love Wooley the magical house, and Oscar the ghost boy. I even still love Lethe, Grier's bestie, even though she has become a caricature at this point who's only deal is to eat unbelievable amounts of food. She's the Lula of this series. And hey, I don't know about you, but I am annoyed when book girls can eat ridiculous amounts of crap - like 6 dozen donuts - yes, she ate 6 dozen donuts - and still have a perfect body while she runs around naked and perky. What the fuck? Why is this a thing? Are authors thinking we want to live vicariously through them and eat enough crap to make us puke, or do they just think it's funny? Cuz, NO to both of those things.
Aww such a cute doge. I want one.
This book is the last one in the series and by now Linus and Grier have a LOT of enemies. They kill some here and there, but they aren't killing enough to keep on top of things. Plus, they aren't sure which enemies are coming from where. It's a diverse group and things get confusing.
"Why can't just one villain be after us? Or even multiple villains united under one banner? It would be so much easier to keep track of them."
Hey, we can't all have what we wish for. Hence the fact that I don't own one of those new Tesla trapezoid trucks and twin chauffeurs named Chris and Liam. Life sucks that way.
Some loose ends tie up for the series, but not all of them. For instance That's a pretty big matzo ball hanging out there. There is another book that is the epilogue to this one. I'm not sure how I feel about that. Why no epilogue in this book - the supposed last book of the series instead of writing another book as the epilogue? And, if there's another book, isn't THAT the last book of the series, not this one? Not that I'm complaining about another book per say. It's just that this book says it's the last one and then there is another - so this book should call itself the second to last one. I just wonder why certain decisions were made here. I never even bitched about the character's names, which , let's face it, are totally bitch-worthy, but this epilogue book thing. It's annoying. I'm bitching now.
I think I need a puppy.
Aw! Bunny squee!! I am now thinking about bunnies and not reviews....
Stupid A.D.D.! Okay, so anyway. I love Linus and Grier. I love this world. I love Wooley the magical house, and Oscar the ghost boy. I even still love Lethe, Grier's bestie, even though she has become a caricature at this point who's only deal is to eat unbelievable amounts of food. She's the Lula of this series. And hey, I don't know about you, but I am annoyed when book girls can eat ridiculous amounts of crap - like 6 dozen donuts - yes, she ate 6 dozen donuts - and still have a perfect body while she runs around naked and perky. What the fuck? Why is this a thing? Are authors thinking we want to live vicariously through them and eat enough crap to make us puke, or do they just think it's funny? Cuz, NO to both of those things.
Aww such a cute doge. I want one.
This book is the last one in the series and by now Linus and Grier have a LOT of enemies. They kill some here and there, but they aren't killing enough to keep on top of things. Plus, they aren't sure which enemies are coming from where. It's a diverse group and things get confusing.
"Why can't just one villain be after us? Or even multiple villains united under one banner? It would be so much easier to keep track of them."
Hey, we can't all have what we wish for. Hence the fact that I don't own one of those new Tesla trapezoid trucks and twin chauffeurs named Chris and Liam. Life sucks that way.
Some loose ends tie up for the series, but not all of them. For instance That's a pretty big matzo ball hanging out there. There is another book that is the epilogue to this one. I'm not sure how I feel about that. Why no epilogue in this book - the supposed last book of the series instead of writing another book as the epilogue? And, if there's another book, isn't THAT the last book of the series, not this one? Not that I'm complaining about another book per say. It's just that this book says it's the last one and then there is another - so this book should call itself the second to last one. I just wonder why certain decisions were made here. I never even bitched about the character's names, which , let's face it, are totally bitch-worthy, but this epilogue book thing. It's annoying. I'm bitching now.
I think I need a puppy.
April 10, 2020
The sixth book in the 'Necromancy' series, it plays a capstone role in the storyline. By the time it ended, I'd say it felt like Kate Daniels Lite.™ Uber-talented woman sort of learning her power, but mostly just being Spechul. Super-powerful man that has eyes only for her. They've worked out the getting-together part and now are the most powerful couple in Atlanta Savannah. They've got a house with their pack of werewolves gwyllgi around them. They have the gay power couple as their friends. And, for the last couple of books, Grier has been trying to figure out how to deal with her super-powerful, amazingly-long-lived vampire father grandfather.
You do the math.
What works is that Edwards is able to get at some of the emotional truths that Andrews are capable of: friendship, love, the pull of family. What doesn't always work is that there's a lot couched in tropey and social assumptions. More damning, at least in the popcorn read sense, is that I felt like Edwards didn't really have her world-building worked out, and it only started to get fleshed out in the last couple of books. Essentially, she takes from the Charlaine Harris Sookie™ methodology and pretends the necromancers, vampires and the rest have been able to conceal themselves from mainstream society. It becomes very awkward here, as the premise for the conflict is her grandfather has 'taken over' Savannah with his force of vampires.
But, if you turn Thinking Brain™ off, it works pretty well. It's interesting, fun and fast-moving. There's a decent wrap-up. The next two books are more along the lines of HEA updates, one with a wedding and one with a honeymoon, but both wrapped in non-romantic conflict plotting. All in all, not a bad quarantine series. Not one to add to the physical shelves, but definitely one of the better distractions I've found.
3 1/2, rounding down because this wasn't my favorite one, and seriously, it's not a four-star book on the carol. scale.
You do the math.
What works is that Edwards is able to get at some of the emotional truths that Andrews are capable of: friendship, love, the pull of family. What doesn't always work is that there's a lot couched in tropey and social assumptions. More damning, at least in the popcorn read sense, is that I felt like Edwards didn't really have her world-building worked out, and it only started to get fleshed out in the last couple of books. Essentially, she takes from the Charlaine Harris Sookie™ methodology and pretends the necromancers, vampires and the rest have been able to conceal themselves from mainstream society. It becomes very awkward here, as the premise for the conflict is her grandfather has 'taken over' Savannah with his force of vampires.
But, if you turn Thinking Brain™ off, it works pretty well. It's interesting, fun and fast-moving. There's a decent wrap-up. The next two books are more along the lines of HEA updates, one with a wedding and one with a honeymoon, but both wrapped in non-romantic conflict plotting. All in all, not a bad quarantine series. Not one to add to the physical shelves, but definitely one of the better distractions I've found.
3 1/2, rounding down because this wasn't my favorite one, and seriously, it's not a four-star book on the carol. scale.
August 19, 2019
The end has come for The Beginner’s Guide to Necromancy. I’m sad to say goodbye to Savannah, Grier and company. It’s been a roller coaster ride of emotions and surprises.
When we left Grier and company, Savannah had fallen into the vampires hands.
In How to Wake an Undead City we finally get answers to questions, surprises that I didn’t see coming, and we see Greir come into her own. She still has a lot to learn, but with the help of friends and Linus at her side she’ll finally become what she was meant to be.
Edwards has a way of making you feel and care for all her characters from new to old. We see a resolution regarding Amelie and Boaz. I’m happy and grateful to have that done. And very pleased with how Grier dealt with both brother and sister. I was pleased to see how Linus and Grier’s relationship developed and how they plan to stay together. The author also treats use to battles mixed among moments of life. Last, we have a deadly vampire to stop. The ending delivered some unexpected twist and surprises. I was captured from begging to end!
This final novel answered questions, complemented the characters, and gave us closure, but also left the doors open for revisits. It also delivered the perfect setup for the spinoff series that begins with Shadow of Doubt. I’m happy and pleased with how The Beginner’s Guide to Necromancy series ends.
Rated: 4.5 Stars
When we left Grier and company, Savannah had fallen into the vampires hands.
In How to Wake an Undead City we finally get answers to questions, surprises that I didn’t see coming, and we see Greir come into her own. She still has a lot to learn, but with the help of friends and Linus at her side she’ll finally become what she was meant to be.
Edwards has a way of making you feel and care for all her characters from new to old. We see a resolution regarding Amelie and Boaz. I’m happy and grateful to have that done. And very pleased with how Grier dealt with both brother and sister. I was pleased to see how Linus and Grier’s relationship developed and how they plan to stay together. The author also treats use to battles mixed among moments of life. Last, we have a deadly vampire to stop. The ending delivered some unexpected twist and surprises. I was captured from begging to end!
This final novel answered questions, complemented the characters, and gave us closure, but also left the doors open for revisits. It also delivered the perfect setup for the spinoff series that begins with Shadow of Doubt. I’m happy and pleased with how The Beginner’s Guide to Necromancy series ends.
Rated: 4.5 Stars
November 16, 2019
YES!
respect
Why aren't there more people reading this!?
You know that feeling when you discover something new and don't know why more people haven't tried it? Or if they did, why they didn't tell you about it?
It's like a new flavor of ice-cream. Or a new desert.
I mean, it's awesome, you love it, yet you've never heard or tried it before.
That's exactly how I feel about this series.
It's one of the most interesting and fun series out there. It made me laugh, cry, and everything in-between.
Yes, the first 2 books were a bit slow maybe, but once you get into them, you can't let go. It will become your favorite. You will fall in love with these characters, with this world, with their story. It has everything a reader can possibly want.
Go for it. It's worth it!
respect
Why aren't there more people reading this!?
You know that feeling when you discover something new and don't know why more people haven't tried it? Or if they did, why they didn't tell you about it?
It's like a new flavor of ice-cream. Or a new desert.
I mean, it's awesome, you love it, yet you've never heard or tried it before.
That's exactly how I feel about this series.
It's one of the most interesting and fun series out there. It made me laugh, cry, and everything in-between.
Yes, the first 2 books were a bit slow maybe, but once you get into them, you can't let go. It will become your favorite. You will fall in love with these characters, with this world, with their story. It has everything a reader can possibly want.
Go for it. It's worth it!
May 29, 2019
I didn't know this was going to be the last full length book in this series until the day it came out and I'm both happy and sad about the news. Of course, I am sad because I have loved these books so much that part of me wants them to go on forever. But I'm happy to see Hailey Edwards wrap things up in such fantastic and unexpected ways.
This is the big showdown between Grier and her vampire grandfather. But it's so much more than that. It's a continuation of her love story with Linus. It's a resolution to her journey with Boaz and Amelie. Questions from the past are answered. And so are questions about the future. (Like how are Grier and Linus going to make it work with their ties to two different cities??)
I don't want to spoil too much, but this book made me cry. It made me cheer. And it satisfied me in every way. I'm so excited about the novellas to take me through more of this HEA.
Would rec this series for fans of urban fantasy, especially if you enjoy a swoon-worthy love story woven in.
This is the big showdown between Grier and her vampire grandfather. But it's so much more than that. It's a continuation of her love story with Linus. It's a resolution to her journey with Boaz and Amelie. Questions from the past are answered. And so are questions about the future. (Like how are Grier and Linus going to make it work with their ties to two different cities??)
I don't want to spoil too much, but this book made me cry. It made me cheer. And it satisfied me in every way. I'm so excited about the novellas to take me through more of this HEA.
Would rec this series for fans of urban fantasy, especially if you enjoy a swoon-worthy love story woven in.
April 4, 2020
Absolutely love how this all came together! So glad there are a couple of novellas after this because I'm not quite ready to say goodbye to these wonderful characters and this world!
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June 10, 2019
#1 How to Save an Undead Life: ★★★★
#2 How to Claim an Undead Soul: ★★★★
#3 How to Break an Undead Heart: ★★★★★
#4 How to Dance an Undead Waltz: ★★★★★+
#5 How to Live an Undead Lie: ★★★★★
*
2 stars.
*
How to Wake an Undead City has a tense atmosphere and quite a bit of action, yet the character development is nonexistent and the humor and charm steam roll the plot almost completely. This is supposed to be somewhat of a conclusion that doesn’t feel like one, with some of the big conflicts being rushed, and it borrows one of its main twists from Ilona Andrews’ Magic Breaks.
Hailey Edwards has created a unique world with this series and the world-building continues to expand with this installment. The pace is still quite fast and the writing is easy to follow, but the plot seems a little all over the place as it develops, especially as the characters feel sort of like a caricature of themselves. The tone is a little off coming from an incredible previous installment and there isn’t really any sort of danger or fear surrounding the story when this is supposed to be everyone’s fight for their lives.
I’m so so so so sad. This series has become one of my absolute favorites with just how funny and realistic it is, despite its supernatural focus, and all of that has pretty much gone out the window with this book. It’s like the humor and charm is amped up to 11 so readers won’t realize that the plot is kind of all over the place and the big conflicts are rushed. The threats never seem real. Wolly’s reveal has way more of an emotional impact than the resolution of the Odette and Lacroix scheme has on both the characters and the story, when that’s supposed to be the Big Conflict in the novel. And the way Grier stops Savannah from crumbling is plucked right out of Magic Breaks. I actually had to put the book down for a second after I read that scene.
Grier and Linus… I still love their relationship and how it’s been portrayed, but in this installment it seems like they’re nothing more than two people who flirt with each other all the time. There’s no emotion to it, in a way? They’re like cardboard cutouts repeating the cute lines and interactions from previous novels, but with no substance to it. The same can be said for the other characters. Lethe, specially, is reduced to someone who only likes to eat all the time.
The ending feels so incredibly rushed. I was shocked to find out this is supposed to be the last full length novel of the series, with novellas to follow and to tie up loose ends — though I have to say I am excited for those. And the plot choice regarding Amelie and the spin-off novels sounds… very odd to me and like that would never be allowed. The reasoning behind it also doesn’t convince me.
In the end, How to Wake an Undead City is a disappointment. It’s rushed, with no character development to speak of, an underdeveloped plot, and a rushed ending that doesn’t feel like an ending. This has been a favorite of mine for the past year, and I’m really sad with the direction this novel has taken. It mostly doesn’t work for me. I will be reading the novellas as they promise to tie up some loose ends from the series, but I’ll give the spin-off novels a pass.
*
Series: #6 in the Beginner’s Guide to Necromancy series.
Beings: Necromancers, vampires, wraiths, and ghosts!
POV: Told from Grier’s POV.
Content Warnings:
Steam: Nope.
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
Cliffhanger: Nope.
HEA:
Up Next: series of novellas and a spin-off novel featuring Amelie.
#2 How to Claim an Undead Soul: ★★★★
#3 How to Break an Undead Heart: ★★★★★
#4 How to Dance an Undead Waltz: ★★★★★+
#5 How to Live an Undead Lie: ★★★★★
*
2 stars.
*
“We go through. Together.”
How to Wake an Undead City has a tense atmosphere and quite a bit of action, yet the character development is nonexistent and the humor and charm steam roll the plot almost completely. This is supposed to be somewhat of a conclusion that doesn’t feel like one, with some of the big conflicts being rushed, and it borrows one of its main twists from Ilona Andrews’ Magic Breaks.
Hailey Edwards has created a unique world with this series and the world-building continues to expand with this installment. The pace is still quite fast and the writing is easy to follow, but the plot seems a little all over the place as it develops, especially as the characters feel sort of like a caricature of themselves. The tone is a little off coming from an incredible previous installment and there isn’t really any sort of danger or fear surrounding the story when this is supposed to be everyone’s fight for their lives.
I’m so so so so sad. This series has become one of my absolute favorites with just how funny and realistic it is, despite its supernatural focus, and all of that has pretty much gone out the window with this book. It’s like the humor and charm is amped up to 11 so readers won’t realize that the plot is kind of all over the place and the big conflicts are rushed. The threats never seem real. Wolly’s reveal has way more of an emotional impact than the resolution of the Odette and Lacroix scheme has on both the characters and the story, when that’s supposed to be the Big Conflict in the novel. And the way Grier stops Savannah from crumbling is plucked right out of Magic Breaks. I actually had to put the book down for a second after I read that scene.
Grier and Linus… I still love their relationship and how it’s been portrayed, but in this installment it seems like they’re nothing more than two people who flirt with each other all the time. There’s no emotion to it, in a way? They’re like cardboard cutouts repeating the cute lines and interactions from previous novels, but with no substance to it. The same can be said for the other characters. Lethe, specially, is reduced to someone who only likes to eat all the time.
The ending feels so incredibly rushed. I was shocked to find out this is supposed to be the last full length novel of the series, with novellas to follow and to tie up loose ends — though I have to say I am excited for those. And the plot choice regarding Amelie and the spin-off novels sounds… very odd to me and like that would never be allowed. The reasoning behind it also doesn’t convince me.
In the end, How to Wake an Undead City is a disappointment. It’s rushed, with no character development to speak of, an underdeveloped plot, and a rushed ending that doesn’t feel like an ending. This has been a favorite of mine for the past year, and I’m really sad with the direction this novel has taken. It mostly doesn’t work for me. I will be reading the novellas as they promise to tie up some loose ends from the series, but I’ll give the spin-off novels a pass.
*
Series: #6 in the Beginner’s Guide to Necromancy series.
Beings: Necromancers, vampires, wraiths, and ghosts!
POV: Told from Grier’s POV.
Content Warnings:
Steam: Nope.
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
Cliffhanger: Nope.
HEA:
Up Next: series of novellas and a spin-off novel featuring Amelie.
May 17, 2019
Things are looking rough around the edges for Grier and her crew...and all of Savannah, actually. The vampires have risen and they're doing their level best to destroy everything Grier holds dear.
Naturally, Grier fights back. She's trying to build alliances to protect those around her, starting with Wooly and her friends and extending to everyone who calls Savannah home. She's an equal opportunity saver and, while she can't save everyone, she does everything she can to hold the line. Even if it means sacrificing herself in the process.
A LOT of niggling questions were answered with this book. From Lethe and Hood's future plans (and their baby!) to Grier's deeper than normal connection to so many of the things she touches. The depth of Grier's powers have always been a mystery because of the way Maud tried to keep her protected, so answers are good. Very good.
I'm sad to see this series end, but I'm so happy with where all the cahracters ended up. When we first met Grier, her time in Atramentous had whittled her down to a shadow of who she could have been. She's rallied from those early days in every way possible and built a strong base of friends and found family around her and I really REALLY love that.
The big takeaway here (for me, at least) is the world might be crazy and vampires might be trying to kidnap you and use you in really unsavory ways, but there's hope when you have the right people standing beside you. #TeamGrier #TeamLinus #TeamWooly
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Naturally, Grier fights back. She's trying to build alliances to protect those around her, starting with Wooly and her friends and extending to everyone who calls Savannah home. She's an equal opportunity saver and, while she can't save everyone, she does everything she can to hold the line. Even if it means sacrificing herself in the process.
A LOT of niggling questions were answered with this book. From Lethe and Hood's future plans (and their baby!) to Grier's deeper than normal connection to so many of the things she touches. The depth of Grier's powers have always been a mystery because of the way Maud tried to keep her protected, so answers are good. Very good.
I'm sad to see this series end, but I'm so happy with where all the cahracters ended up. When we first met Grier, her time in Atramentous had whittled her down to a shadow of who she could have been. She's rallied from those early days in every way possible and built a strong base of friends and found family around her and I really REALLY love that.
The big takeaway here (for me, at least) is the world might be crazy and vampires might be trying to kidnap you and use you in really unsavory ways, but there's hope when you have the right people standing beside you. #TeamGrier #TeamLinus #TeamWooly
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
April 3, 2025
Niestety podobał mi się najmniej. Uwielbiam Lethe, ale jej żarłoczność w tej części doprowadzała mnie już do szału.
Uwielbiam Grier i Linusa, ale miejscami irytowała mnie już to całe cukrzenie w ich związku :)
Fabularnie wszystko na miejscu, a jednak wciągnął mnie słabiej niż poprzednie tomy.
Mimo wszystko oceniam całą serię naprawdę wysoko i polecam :)
Uwielbiam Grier i Linusa, ale miejscami irytowała mnie już to całe cukrzenie w ich związku :)
Fabularnie wszystko na miejscu, a jednak wciągnął mnie słabiej niż poprzednie tomy.
Mimo wszystko oceniam całą serię naprawdę wysoko i polecam :)
August 19, 2019
Savannah has fallen to the vampires led by Lacroix and in How to Wake an Undead City we find out answers to questions, see Greer really come into her own and suffer both heartbreak and healing. Battles mix among moments of living that bring romantic moments, donuts and new beginnings.
Edwards has really made me care for these characters from her new pack to Woolly. We see things resolved regarding Amelie and Boaz and I am grateful for Greer. Aside from these threads we have to stop one deadly vampire. Forget Buffy, Greer is one deadly necromancer. The ending delivered some unexpected twists that kept me reading past my bedtime.
The ending wrapped up well, but left the door open for revisits and delivered the perfect setup for the spinoff series that begins with Shadow of Doubt. (I am already reading it)
Fans of Ilona Andrews and Patricia Briggs will want to try Hailey Edwards. I think this will resonate with their fan base and they will appreciate the originality of the series. Snark, unique characters and a swoony-romance. Hailey Edwards has fast become a favorite. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Edwards has really made me care for these characters from her new pack to Woolly. We see things resolved regarding Amelie and Boaz and I am grateful for Greer. Aside from these threads we have to stop one deadly vampire. Forget Buffy, Greer is one deadly necromancer. The ending delivered some unexpected twists that kept me reading past my bedtime.
The ending wrapped up well, but left the door open for revisits and delivered the perfect setup for the spinoff series that begins with Shadow of Doubt. (I am already reading it)
Fans of Ilona Andrews and Patricia Briggs will want to try Hailey Edwards. I think this will resonate with their fan base and they will appreciate the originality of the series. Snark, unique characters and a swoony-romance. Hailey Edwards has fast become a favorite. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
July 4, 2025
Utterly loved this. A lot happens in this book, as a lot of plot threads get revealed ... but that's what you'd expect from the end of a series.
Grier and Linus are just great, and are so great together - they are one of the most complementary pairs I've seen in UF, and they are able to be strong without undercutting each other. Linus occasionally gets a little damsel'd, but I don't feel like it takes away from his character when he's so vividly strong in every other case.
In terms of where things are left, I really hope that
I'm glad to see the author note in the end, that we'll get more with these characters. I'm not sure what I think about the spinoff series following Amelie ... because I think she's an asshole, honestly. Her betrayal, plus the way she (and her shitty family) blamed Grier for her shitty choices ... it made me strongly dislike her. I don't know that I'm interested in following her as the heroine of her own series. I guess we'll see. *shrug*
Can't wait for the novellas continuing Grier and Linus's story!
Grier and Linus are just great, and are so great together - they are one of the most complementary pairs I've seen in UF, and they are able to be strong without undercutting each other. Linus occasionally gets a little damsel'd, but I don't feel like it takes away from his character when he's so vividly strong in every other case.
In terms of where things are left, I really hope that
I'm glad to see the author note in the end, that we'll get more with these characters. I'm not sure what I think about the spinoff series following Amelie ... because I think she's an asshole, honestly. Her betrayal, plus the way she (and her shitty family) blamed Grier for her shitty choices ... it made me strongly dislike her. I don't know that I'm interested in following her as the heroine of her own series. I guess we'll see. *shrug*
Can't wait for the novellas continuing Grier and Linus's story!
July 14, 2019
4.5 Stars... An explosive ending to this fantastic series... With her city under siege, Grier must face her past and the secrets that lie there in order to gather her power to confront the enemy... Grier must rely on Linus and her makeshift family to see her through the pain and anguish of loss and grief digging deep for her strength and resolve to do what no other is capable... This story takes readers on a journey filled with many twists and turns revealing secrets and surprises along the way... Filled with action, romance, humor, and magic this finale simply has all the components we want to see in the conclusion of this series... I am highly anticipating the novellas as well as the spin-off series!:)
July 15, 2019
4.5 stars.
Lier! 😂
❤️❤️❤️
Lier! 😂
❤️❤️❤️
September 20, 2019
3.5 stars. This was the last in the series but also the flattest.
January 19, 2020
Good but I feel like we coul've condesed this to a trilogy or tetralogy.
May 20, 2019
When I remembered this was the last book in the series, I died a little inside. I have grown to love all the characters, and I really, really hate to see them go. However, once I started this series ender, I was pulled immediately into the great writing, wonderful plot, pulse-pounding action, and LOL character interactions that I have come to expect from this series. I don’t want to say much so I don’t accidentally spoil the book, but this was a very fitting end to a great series. I am really looking forward to the novellas and series spin-off with another character so I will get to see all these great characters again. Loved this book and highly recommend! I received a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
August 14, 2019
4-1/2 *'s
June 27, 2020
Savannah has been stolen!
At the end of the last book, Grier got her heart shattered all over again because the very last person she expected to betray her did all of that and then some including almost getting Linus killed. Now LaCroix has bunkered down in city hall with plans to unleash the vampires on the city and kill everyone. Luckily, most of the humans were evacuated but now the gang needs a plan quick.
Grier, Linus and Boaz decide to travel to Atlanta to see if they can get help from the Marchands and the Alpha of the gwyllgi pack, aka Lethe's mother. Things do not exactly follow the plan and it leads Grier having to go back to the one place she never wanted to see again, Atramentous. The information deep within it's walls is key to taking down LaCroix and his minions once and for all.
I thought the revelations in the last book were explosive but I was still quite surprised at what was revealed in this one. One of the main reveals was learning how Maud died and how both sides of Grier's family played a large part in why her life has been so screwed up. Linus is and has been a literal god send to Grier. He helped her not only to open her eyes and really see the world around her but also to understand it as well as what's within her. He paved the road for her to heal and grow and man, he's just a really wonderfully written character.
I can't say too much without spoiling but this is definitely a well rounded series with true character development, excellent world building, fleshed out romantic arc and everything I look for in an urban fantasy series. I look forward to reading the novellas but I'm quite content with how this ended. I'll definitely try some of Hailey's other series because this was a good entry into her works.
At the end of the last book, Grier got her heart shattered all over again because the very last person she expected to betray her did all of that and then some including almost getting Linus killed. Now LaCroix has bunkered down in city hall with plans to unleash the vampires on the city and kill everyone. Luckily, most of the humans were evacuated but now the gang needs a plan quick.
Grier, Linus and Boaz decide to travel to Atlanta to see if they can get help from the Marchands and the Alpha of the gwyllgi pack, aka Lethe's mother. Things do not exactly follow the plan and it leads Grier having to go back to the one place she never wanted to see again, Atramentous. The information deep within it's walls is key to taking down LaCroix and his minions once and for all.
I thought the revelations in the last book were explosive but I was still quite surprised at what was revealed in this one. One of the main reveals was learning how Maud died and how both sides of Grier's family played a large part in why her life has been so screwed up. Linus is and has been a literal god send to Grier. He helped her not only to open her eyes and really see the world around her but also to understand it as well as what's within her. He paved the road for her to heal and grow and man, he's just a really wonderfully written character.
I can't say too much without spoiling but this is definitely a well rounded series with true character development, excellent world building, fleshed out romantic arc and everything I look for in an urban fantasy series. I look forward to reading the novellas but I'm quite content with how this ended. I'll definitely try some of Hailey's other series because this was a good entry into her works.
June 13, 2019
What a great end to the series! Loved it!
November 24, 2020
Wow i loved how this all came together at the end... And Wooly.... i did not see that coming.....
This book Grier and Linus are Battling her grandfather, Odette as well as a return Visit to Atremnetous
Linus is Griers rock through it all silently offering her his strength and Intelligence... I really cant wait to read the epilogues and how Grier handles a baby... i think being the Midwife for her housemate will have opened her eyes....
This book Grier and Linus are Battling her grandfather, Odette as well as a return Visit to Atremnetous
Linus is Griers rock through it all silently offering her his strength and Intelligence... I really cant wait to read the epilogues and how Grier handles a baby... i think being the Midwife for her housemate will have opened her eyes....
June 2, 2019
This has been one of my favorite UF series, and I'm sad to see it end. But boy did we go out with a bang! Loved every minute of it.
November 23, 2020
Grier and Linus must find a way to take back Savannah from the clutches of her vampiric grandfather. In order to do so, she must face the source of her greatest nightmares – Atramentous – and confront those that killed her loved ones long ago.
Damn, I love Grier and Linus. They just work as a couple and I like how much Grier has developed into the person he needs. Lethe continues to be the hilarious new bestie. Now that Grier has all her supporting characters in an official role within her household, I was hoping that there would be more adventures for all of them in the Society. However, it looks like the author has chosen instead to have several epilogues in Grier’s story that focus on the next steps for her relationship with Linus, and a spin-off with Amalie’s new role. I’m definitely on board with reading the novellas/epilogues – who doesn’t want to see them tie the knot - and will likely also put the spinoff on my TBR.
Damn, I love Grier and Linus. They just work as a couple and I like how much Grier has developed into the person he needs. Lethe continues to be the hilarious new bestie. Now that Grier has all her supporting characters in an official role within her household, I was hoping that there would be more adventures for all of them in the Society. However, it looks like the author has chosen instead to have several epilogues in Grier’s story that focus on the next steps for her relationship with Linus, and a spin-off with Amalie’s new role. I’m definitely on board with reading the novellas/epilogues – who doesn’t want to see them tie the knot - and will likely also put the spinoff on my TBR.
June 4, 2019
This book brings things to a close in a good way. Grier learns things about her family, both good and bad, Linus and her fight for Savannah bringing about some big changes for the city and by the end everyone is right where they are supposed to be with the people dear to them.
Want to read
May 14, 2019Yessss! I love this series!
May 30, 2019
I am sad to say this is the end of this fantastic series by Hailey. Grier, Linus and the whole cast is here. Grier finally faces both her mother's and father's side of the family; learns more about her powers; of the death of Maud and her mother and comes onto her own. She closes several chapters and starts to build a new future for herself. There are a lot of revelations in this one and everything comes to an end. Everything was just perfect. I will definitely read the spin-off despite the character not being a favourite at all.
June 18, 2025
This was a very enjoyable series with lots of unique and creative elements. Highly recommend it for people who love urban fantasy with a good slow burn romance.
PS. I need my own Wooly! LOVED the idea that the house is alive.
PS. I need my own Wooly! LOVED the idea that the house is alive.
May 24, 2019
This book was an amazing end to an amazing series. These books are so well written, and the characters feel like your friends by the end. Hailey did a perfect job of wrapping up the series and introducing the spin off. I freaking can't wait.
May 28, 2019
I swooned, I sighed, I squealed with delight.
How, just HOW does Hailey Edwards do this to me every time? I can honestly say that this series is one I've never been disappointed in. We get action, romance, conspiracy, intimacy, comedy, and it's just all bound together in this perfect package that makes me do nothing but binge every new release, forsaking my adulting for the hours it takes me to scour every page.
How to Wake an Undead City showcases all of the characters we've come to love in all the ways we truly need- we see them vulnerable, supportive, FIERCE (yes, it deserves all caps), humble, forgiving, hopeful. The character progression is REAL, ladies and gentlemen. Edwards never stops making her characters deeper and better than they were previously, and that's one of the big reasons I keep coming back.
Grier has some beautiful moments in HTWUC- we see her facing down some dark fears, setting old wounds to heal, and creating new connections that are going to ripple in the coming novellas and even spin-off. I don't think there was a single moment I was annoyed with her character; instead, I found myself on the edge of my seat, holding my breath, and just wishing her the best.
Linus is forever my favorite book boyfriend. Through his relationship with Grier we see the masks get shelved, and there's this incredible person underneath. The chemistry and dynamic between the two of them continues to just be swoonable. We might have to wait to get some s*xy-time fun (a long wait), but there's enough romance in the way they speak to each other, support each other, and fight for each other, that it never feels like the relationship is lacking.
All I can say is that Edwards also finds a way to bring a likability back to Boaz and Amelia. I won't spoil this, but I found myself more symathetic to them than I had expected, and I love that she's able to take her readers' emotions and bring us to change our perspectives on the world and people that she's created.
Overall, the plot flows smoothly, we see loose ties wrapped up, and there was a big twist that made me go OH SH*T I TOTALLY GET THIS, BUT HOW DID I NOT SEE IT COMING?! I don't know what more I can say besides- I loved it.
How, just HOW does Hailey Edwards do this to me every time? I can honestly say that this series is one I've never been disappointed in. We get action, romance, conspiracy, intimacy, comedy, and it's just all bound together in this perfect package that makes me do nothing but binge every new release, forsaking my adulting for the hours it takes me to scour every page.
How to Wake an Undead City showcases all of the characters we've come to love in all the ways we truly need- we see them vulnerable, supportive, FIERCE (yes, it deserves all caps), humble, forgiving, hopeful. The character progression is REAL, ladies and gentlemen. Edwards never stops making her characters deeper and better than they were previously, and that's one of the big reasons I keep coming back.
Grier has some beautiful moments in HTWUC- we see her facing down some dark fears, setting old wounds to heal, and creating new connections that are going to ripple in the coming novellas and even spin-off. I don't think there was a single moment I was annoyed with her character; instead, I found myself on the edge of my seat, holding my breath, and just wishing her the best.
Linus is forever my favorite book boyfriend. Through his relationship with Grier we see the masks get shelved, and there's this incredible person underneath. The chemistry and dynamic between the two of them continues to just be swoonable. We might have to wait to get some s*xy-time fun (a long wait), but there's enough romance in the way they speak to each other, support each other, and fight for each other, that it never feels like the relationship is lacking.
All I can say is that Edwards also finds a way to bring a likability back to Boaz and Amelia. I won't spoil this, but I found myself more symathetic to them than I had expected, and I love that she's able to take her readers' emotions and bring us to change our perspectives on the world and people that she's created.
Overall, the plot flows smoothly, we see loose ties wrapped up, and there was a big twist that made me go OH SH*T I TOTALLY GET THIS, BUT HOW DID I NOT SEE IT COMING?! I don't know what more I can say besides- I loved it.
April 24, 2025
Well done!
I loved this series. This was a very fitting end to The Beginners Guide to Necromancy. There are a few loose ends, but those will be easily tied up in the next few novellas, I'm sure. Issues are resolved, bad guys dealt with, and Grier and Linus are planning their future. I like how this story emphasized how Grier and Linus, who had little family growing up, have made their own. This novel also provided a great lead into her spin-off series, The Potentate of Atlanta.
I loved this series. This was a very fitting end to The Beginners Guide to Necromancy. There are a few loose ends, but those will be easily tied up in the next few novellas, I'm sure. Issues are resolved, bad guys dealt with, and Grier and Linus are planning their future. I like how this story emphasized how Grier and Linus, who had little family growing up, have made their own. This novel also provided a great lead into her spin-off series, The Potentate of Atlanta.
May 28, 2019
Wow!
How to wake an undead city is simply amazing! I hate to see the series end, but it couldn’t have been better done. Hailey Edwards is hands down my very favorite author. I literally gasped at some of the reveals. I am so excited for the spin off!
How to wake an undead city is simply amazing! I hate to see the series end, but it couldn’t have been better done. Hailey Edwards is hands down my very favorite author. I literally gasped at some of the reveals. I am so excited for the spin off!
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