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Necromancer's Lament
Mithron always hated and feared the undead, ever since a pair of walking cadavers nearly ate him alive when he was a child. As the scrawny son of a village blacksmith, there was little that he could do except remain vigilant. He had no talent for working at the forge, and, in spite of his father's wishes, instead trained with the local herbalist who saved him. Until a traveling wizard discovered his latent talent, when he chose to follow the path he was destined for.
Socially awkward, life in a wizard's tower suited him best: generally left to his own devices in a library that could keep him busy for a lifetime. His first lesson was the understanding that necromancy deals with both life and death, and he can use that power to destroy undead rather than creating them. Early in his training, he connects with Thessylia, a short-eared owl, who becomes his closest companion. His mentor had both friends and enemies, and in due time, Mithron would have to deal with them all.
Glitter's childhood was unkind, but her sparkling personality allowed her to persevere. As the daughter of a renowned baker, and later a domestic servant, she learned and honed her skills at sewing and cooking. When magic discovered her, it did so with barely controlled force, occasionally pushing her beyond her limits and constantly leaking out in the form of starry motes and minor changes to her appearance. She is naturally charismatic, and often uses her magic to further enchant the minds of others.
At a gathering and training session for the apprentices, Mithron unintentionally embarrassed Glitter by revealing a deep childhood secret, splitting the young wizards into rivals. But when tragedy struck, the mismatched pair were forced to put their differences aside to set things right.
Necromancer's Lament is Mithron's memoir, told completely from his perspective, focused on his teenage years. It is during this time that he learns wizardry, makes lifelong friends, and begins to learn about himself through his struggles and pain. He is good-hearted and highly intelligent, but has little understanding of social norms and interactions. Fortunately, he has friends who can teach him how to better handle being with people, so long as he does not drive them away first.
Socially awkward, life in a wizard's tower suited him best: generally left to his own devices in a library that could keep him busy for a lifetime. His first lesson was the understanding that necromancy deals with both life and death, and he can use that power to destroy undead rather than creating them. Early in his training, he connects with Thessylia, a short-eared owl, who becomes his closest companion. His mentor had both friends and enemies, and in due time, Mithron would have to deal with them all.
Glitter's childhood was unkind, but her sparkling personality allowed her to persevere. As the daughter of a renowned baker, and later a domestic servant, she learned and honed her skills at sewing and cooking. When magic discovered her, it did so with barely controlled force, occasionally pushing her beyond her limits and constantly leaking out in the form of starry motes and minor changes to her appearance. She is naturally charismatic, and often uses her magic to further enchant the minds of others.
At a gathering and training session for the apprentices, Mithron unintentionally embarrassed Glitter by revealing a deep childhood secret, splitting the young wizards into rivals. But when tragedy struck, the mismatched pair were forced to put their differences aside to set things right.
Necromancer's Lament is Mithron's memoir, told completely from his perspective, focused on his teenage years. It is during this time that he learns wizardry, makes lifelong friends, and begins to learn about himself through his struggles and pain. He is good-hearted and highly intelligent, but has little understanding of social norms and interactions. Fortunately, he has friends who can teach him how to better handle being with people, so long as he does not drive them away first.
- GenresFantasy
374 pages, Paperback
Published October 30, 2020
4 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 30, 2022
Mithron, the future necromancer, does not really belong in his family. But through his adventures, he makes one.
I really enjoyed this first novel by David F. Balog. The writing is simple and clear, but far from stupid. I think that was a refreshing change from many fantasy novels burdened by overly florid language. I also enjoyed the characters, though I must admit I think that young Mithron deserved a knuckle sandwich for his decisions in the book. But that just adds to the realism of his character and his journey, which is to not only learn to master his powers but trust members of his newfound "family" to help carry him to the end.
I also think that the author did a good job of building his world and thought long and hard about the mechanics of magic in his work. That sort of immersion is very important in fantasy literature. If you liked my Night Maiden books, either Riding a Black Horse or The Maiden's Thorn, you'll certainly like this one from this "newish" indie author.
I really enjoyed this first novel by David F. Balog. The writing is simple and clear, but far from stupid. I think that was a refreshing change from many fantasy novels burdened by overly florid language. I also enjoyed the characters, though I must admit I think that young Mithron deserved a knuckle sandwich for his decisions in the book. But that just adds to the realism of his character and his journey, which is to not only learn to master his powers but trust members of his newfound "family" to help carry him to the end.
I also think that the author did a good job of building his world and thought long and hard about the mechanics of magic in his work. That sort of immersion is very important in fantasy literature. If you liked my Night Maiden books, either Riding a Black Horse or The Maiden's Thorn, you'll certainly like this one from this "newish" indie author.
May 9, 2022
Thank you @davidf.balog for providing me with a copy of this amazing book 😇
I loved the book. Everyone likes a good fantasy story with action and drama. Found family is one of my favorite tropes anyways😍😍.
I liked the developments of various relationships throughout the book. The best part for me was the portrayal of the male protagonist. He was neither perfect and nor everyone worshipped him. He had his own flaws and his journey is described perfectly.
Also, the author has created footnotes after every chapters explaining any term or spell that a reader might not understand. I found them so helpful because when you are reading a fantasy book it is sometimes difficult to remember all the terms and names.
However, i found the incorporation of complex spell names made it difficult to remember. Almost all the spell names were too complicated to say out loud let alone remember. But, that is not a good enough reason to stay away from this beuty😉
overall, it was a fun read❤️
I loved the book. Everyone likes a good fantasy story with action and drama. Found family is one of my favorite tropes anyways😍😍.
I liked the developments of various relationships throughout the book. The best part for me was the portrayal of the male protagonist. He was neither perfect and nor everyone worshipped him. He had his own flaws and his journey is described perfectly.
Also, the author has created footnotes after every chapters explaining any term or spell that a reader might not understand. I found them so helpful because when you are reading a fantasy book it is sometimes difficult to remember all the terms and names.
However, i found the incorporation of complex spell names made it difficult to remember. Almost all the spell names were too complicated to say out loud let alone remember. But, that is not a good enough reason to stay away from this beuty😉
overall, it was a fun read❤️
February 7, 2021
Author David F Balog creates a world of magic and a memorable character learning his craft, Mithron. Written in the first person from the eyes of the youth who wants to become a magical marvel.
The character development of the protagonist makes him relatable. The path he takes to learn his craft is fraught with challenges to his survival and hopes for success.
Balog distinguishes the necromancy path of Mithron by showing the flip side of cruel and evil beings often portrayed in fantasy stories. Mithron has clearly identified his philosophy on his role as a vitae necromancer.
The realism in the situation and dialogue of the characters occurs early in the story. It continues to be a compelling read to the delightful end.
"Yoffa, we have an extra guest," announced Vletraka softly as she entered the cabin with me in tow.
"Oh? Who… child, why aren't you at home?" she asked with concern.
I was about to break down again—could feel it. I took a deep breath to steady myself before answering, "I have no home. It appears that I am no longer… my father's… son." I had barely choked out the last when tears began to run hotly down my cheeks once again.
Yoffa frowned and looked at Vletraka.
"His father was rather upset at Mithron's choice of profession, and none too pleased at his son's teacher either. He turned his back on him and cast him out of the family."
"' Tis true he has all the charm and grace of a fresh pile of lamb's droppings," sighed Yoffa, which caused me to sputter with laughter, "but I never thought he would react like that. Most families would be honored to count a wizard among them."
Clearly influenced by the author's enjoyment of Dungeon and Dragons, the world-building and storytelling is delightful unique in several aspects that you will enjoy exploring. The additional students, including Glitter, are characters who complement Mithron's learnings. In some respects, this story has a coming-of-age perspective that is delightful as Mithron tests his magical abilities.
If you enjoy fantasy and gothic fiction, this debut in the series is perfect. It is well-written, filled with engaging characters, and provides the learning aspects of magic as a foundation explored by few authors. This is the first in a planned trilogy that makes David Balog worth following to see where he takes his new world.
The character development of the protagonist makes him relatable. The path he takes to learn his craft is fraught with challenges to his survival and hopes for success.
Balog distinguishes the necromancy path of Mithron by showing the flip side of cruel and evil beings often portrayed in fantasy stories. Mithron has clearly identified his philosophy on his role as a vitae necromancer.
The realism in the situation and dialogue of the characters occurs early in the story. It continues to be a compelling read to the delightful end.
"Yoffa, we have an extra guest," announced Vletraka softly as she entered the cabin with me in tow.
"Oh? Who… child, why aren't you at home?" she asked with concern.
I was about to break down again—could feel it. I took a deep breath to steady myself before answering, "I have no home. It appears that I am no longer… my father's… son." I had barely choked out the last when tears began to run hotly down my cheeks once again.
Yoffa frowned and looked at Vletraka.
"His father was rather upset at Mithron's choice of profession, and none too pleased at his son's teacher either. He turned his back on him and cast him out of the family."
"' Tis true he has all the charm and grace of a fresh pile of lamb's droppings," sighed Yoffa, which caused me to sputter with laughter, "but I never thought he would react like that. Most families would be honored to count a wizard among them."
Clearly influenced by the author's enjoyment of Dungeon and Dragons, the world-building and storytelling is delightful unique in several aspects that you will enjoy exploring. The additional students, including Glitter, are characters who complement Mithron's learnings. In some respects, this story has a coming-of-age perspective that is delightful as Mithron tests his magical abilities.
If you enjoy fantasy and gothic fiction, this debut in the series is perfect. It is well-written, filled with engaging characters, and provides the learning aspects of magic as a foundation explored by few authors. This is the first in a planned trilogy that makes David Balog worth following to see where he takes his new world.
October 30, 2020
This is part of a new trilogy told in first person through a young necromancer eye's, Mithron. It focuses heavily on the process of learning magic. Much of fantasy skips over the apprentice years so this provides a unique niche. It also requires a more subtle approach to storytelling than just throwing fireballs, and one that Balog has under his command.
The focus is on a young vitae necromancer, a pleasant paradox. As he writes, “necromancy is the magic of life and death, creating and sustaining life as well as taking it away.” And later it’s said that it’s easier to destroy something when you know how it’s made, as it helps fight the animation that keeps the dead awake.
It's a delightful tale that fills the reader with memorable characters, world building, and scenes rife with meaningful conflict, instead of just grotesque details.
The focus is on a young vitae necromancer, a pleasant paradox. As he writes, “necromancy is the magic of life and death, creating and sustaining life as well as taking it away.” And later it’s said that it’s easier to destroy something when you know how it’s made, as it helps fight the animation that keeps the dead awake.
It's a delightful tale that fills the reader with memorable characters, world building, and scenes rife with meaningful conflict, instead of just grotesque details.
September 27, 2022
An action packed fantasy with a DnD flavor worth reading especially if you like dealing with the dead.
June 13, 2022
Necromancer’s Lament is full of characters honing and mastering their crafts, yet none are so masterful as the author himself, David F. Balog, who weaves a neat yet complex story set in a world of magical marvel.
Balog’s gift for writing is in his capacity to see the big picture and fit it flawlessly within a frame for the reader. Everything the reader needs to know is picked up along the journey, whether they realise it or not at the time. Each detail is attended to and, not far into the book, the reader will come to understand that no small comment is unimportant; each one has its part to play in the journey of the main character, Mithron.
Mithron is not an eminently likeable character, but then this is a far more realistic take on the fantasy hero than the likes of most popular fantasy, where flawless heroines with perfect hair (no matter whether they’re doing battle or have just finished running for their lives) are the order of the day. Mithron is a multi-faceted individual, understandably anti-social, and cynical about people. This is not unsurprising given his less than loving upbringing by his father, who had clear ideas of what it is to be a ‘man’. Mithron, not fitting his father’s unyielding definition, forges his own path, becoming the apprentice to a necromancer named Veltraka. While he is a quick study of magic, he struggles to see the value in people and friendship, understandably putting distance between himself and anyone who might hurt him after his father’s disdain. What I believe to be at the heart of Mithron’s cynicism is not a similar disdain, however, but his own fear of being a disappointment to others, of hurting others. Balog beautifully summarises this sentiment: “Sometimes the only way to become what you are meant to be is to leave the past behind.” And while Mithron is by no means perfect, he comes a long way during this book. I found is multi-faceted and well developed character to be far more appealing and interesting to read than most popular fantasy heroes because he was a character who not only existed in this story, but who could stand on his own two feet and could exist outside of the story as well.
Balog’s craftsmanship of characters extends beyond his main character, however. While the tropes of the genre are certainly represented, there is no character who does not have a unique backstory. Balog takes fantasy tropes, such as the knight, the damsel in distress and elevates them, carving away the rough and leaving us with well-defined characters. Glitter is by no means a typical damsel in distress; though she is suffering she certainly isn’t going to stand by and let someone else deal with her problems for her.
Balog’s writing is clearly underpinned by major themes: grief, loss, moving on, acceptance, and change. How can we look inwards to gain insight into our suffering so that we might overcome it? These universal themes Balog touches upon are exactly what makes fantasy such a poignant genre when written well. It is an opportunity to write about painful subjects in a fantastical world so as to soften the blow of our reality for the reader. Balog has taken this opportunity and run with it, crafting a marvellous book full of realistic characters and wonderful magic.
Balog’s gift for writing is in his capacity to see the big picture and fit it flawlessly within a frame for the reader. Everything the reader needs to know is picked up along the journey, whether they realise it or not at the time. Each detail is attended to and, not far into the book, the reader will come to understand that no small comment is unimportant; each one has its part to play in the journey of the main character, Mithron.
Mithron is not an eminently likeable character, but then this is a far more realistic take on the fantasy hero than the likes of most popular fantasy, where flawless heroines with perfect hair (no matter whether they’re doing battle or have just finished running for their lives) are the order of the day. Mithron is a multi-faceted individual, understandably anti-social, and cynical about people. This is not unsurprising given his less than loving upbringing by his father, who had clear ideas of what it is to be a ‘man’. Mithron, not fitting his father’s unyielding definition, forges his own path, becoming the apprentice to a necromancer named Veltraka. While he is a quick study of magic, he struggles to see the value in people and friendship, understandably putting distance between himself and anyone who might hurt him after his father’s disdain. What I believe to be at the heart of Mithron’s cynicism is not a similar disdain, however, but his own fear of being a disappointment to others, of hurting others. Balog beautifully summarises this sentiment: “Sometimes the only way to become what you are meant to be is to leave the past behind.” And while Mithron is by no means perfect, he comes a long way during this book. I found is multi-faceted and well developed character to be far more appealing and interesting to read than most popular fantasy heroes because he was a character who not only existed in this story, but who could stand on his own two feet and could exist outside of the story as well.
Balog’s craftsmanship of characters extends beyond his main character, however. While the tropes of the genre are certainly represented, there is no character who does not have a unique backstory. Balog takes fantasy tropes, such as the knight, the damsel in distress and elevates them, carving away the rough and leaving us with well-defined characters. Glitter is by no means a typical damsel in distress; though she is suffering she certainly isn’t going to stand by and let someone else deal with her problems for her.
Balog’s writing is clearly underpinned by major themes: grief, loss, moving on, acceptance, and change. How can we look inwards to gain insight into our suffering so that we might overcome it? These universal themes Balog touches upon are exactly what makes fantasy such a poignant genre when written well. It is an opportunity to write about painful subjects in a fantastical world so as to soften the blow of our reality for the reader. Balog has taken this opportunity and run with it, crafting a marvellous book full of realistic characters and wonderful magic.
August 18, 2022
Thank you thank you Little Lion Press and David for the physical ARC of Necromancer's Lament!
Let me tell you this book was such a treat to read. Necromancer's is different from what I normally read (yes fantasy..but different from the fantasy I normally read) and it was so refreshing!!!!
Necromancer's Lament follows Mithron through a tragedy. Which then sends him on a path finding five other cohorts; who couldn't each be more different from one another. They set out on a quest of revenge to save a kingdom. This is a tale of coming of age, facing hardships, and enduring...with magic at the heart of the story!
Mithron (our MMC)- is a low born son of a blacksmith.. and discovers he has magic! He trains to be a wizard/ a necromancer. He is very much an introvert, a hard worker, ambitious, pays attention to detail, extremely smart, a strategist, and talented. He dedicates all of his time to his studies. This makes him socially awkward and blunt (he has zero bedside manner but he doesn't mean to hurt those he wants to be friends with). This causes him a lot of trouble throughout the book. He dealt with a lot of trauma when it came to his family.
Glitter (our FMC)- Is a mage and shines!!!! Literally and figuratively! She is strong, loving, smart, extremely loyal, and caring. She gives our MMC a run for his money. She has also dealt with a lot of familial trauma. I love when a FMC can overcome the odds be strong and still soft at the same time.
Our side characters... especially the other four of the band... are extraordinary and all have difficult pasts!!!! I am particularly obsessed with Tsukatta "Katta"! I want to be her when I'm older. And I am obsessed with Thessylia ( a short-eared owl who is Mithron's familiar). Who let's be honest is truly the main character of the book! 😜 Actually the women in this book are superior and you will find out why!!!
What To Expect:
▪︎ Complex magical/ high fantasy story
- There are two appendices at the back of the. book that explains some of the spells
▪︎ Enemies to reluctant allies
▪︎ Found Family
▪︎ Undead beings, magical creatures, etc.
▪︎ Adventure
▪︎ Did I mention MAGIC
▪︎ Coming of Age
▪︎ Dark Humor and Dark Themes
- ⚠️Trigger Warnings ⚠️ (there may be more I'm missing)
1. Loss
2. Grief
3. Suicide is mentioned
4. PTSD
5. Torture
6. Survivor's Guilt
7. Trauma (especially familial trauma.. emotional and physical)
8. Murder
Sometimes the pacing was a little weird. But it never kicked me off track or had me confused! Like I said I love this book and it made me feel so much. All the feelings really. This is book one in the trilogy and here I am... not so patiently waiting for book two!!!!
Let me tell you this book was such a treat to read. Necromancer's is different from what I normally read (yes fantasy..but different from the fantasy I normally read) and it was so refreshing!!!!
Necromancer's Lament follows Mithron through a tragedy. Which then sends him on a path finding five other cohorts; who couldn't each be more different from one another. They set out on a quest of revenge to save a kingdom. This is a tale of coming of age, facing hardships, and enduring...with magic at the heart of the story!
Mithron (our MMC)- is a low born son of a blacksmith.. and discovers he has magic! He trains to be a wizard/ a necromancer. He is very much an introvert, a hard worker, ambitious, pays attention to detail, extremely smart, a strategist, and talented. He dedicates all of his time to his studies. This makes him socially awkward and blunt (he has zero bedside manner but he doesn't mean to hurt those he wants to be friends with). This causes him a lot of trouble throughout the book. He dealt with a lot of trauma when it came to his family.
Glitter (our FMC)- Is a mage and shines!!!! Literally and figuratively! She is strong, loving, smart, extremely loyal, and caring. She gives our MMC a run for his money. She has also dealt with a lot of familial trauma. I love when a FMC can overcome the odds be strong and still soft at the same time.
Our side characters... especially the other four of the band... are extraordinary and all have difficult pasts!!!! I am particularly obsessed with Tsukatta "Katta"! I want to be her when I'm older. And I am obsessed with Thessylia ( a short-eared owl who is Mithron's familiar). Who let's be honest is truly the main character of the book! 😜 Actually the women in this book are superior and you will find out why!!!
What To Expect:
▪︎ Complex magical/ high fantasy story
- There are two appendices at the back of the. book that explains some of the spells
▪︎ Enemies to reluctant allies
▪︎ Found Family
▪︎ Undead beings, magical creatures, etc.
▪︎ Adventure
▪︎ Did I mention MAGIC
▪︎ Coming of Age
▪︎ Dark Humor and Dark Themes
- ⚠️Trigger Warnings ⚠️ (there may be more I'm missing)
1. Loss
2. Grief
3. Suicide is mentioned
4. PTSD
5. Torture
6. Survivor's Guilt
7. Trauma (especially familial trauma.. emotional and physical)
8. Murder
Sometimes the pacing was a little weird. But it never kicked me off track or had me confused! Like I said I love this book and it made me feel so much. All the feelings really. This is book one in the trilogy and here I am... not so patiently waiting for book two!!!!
July 13, 2024
This was … okay.
Lots of world-building but not the type to get lost in because it’s inconsistently designed, taking both speech and customs from the distant past, and the present.
Tropes hit / triggers included:
Zombies.
Magical realism.
Sexism.
Homophobia.
Familiars.
Druids.
Noted:
A few continuity issues, very poor formatting and what seemed to be a lack of editing.
A good first draft, but it shouldn’t be published in this condition.
Lots of world-building but not the type to get lost in because it’s inconsistently designed, taking both speech and customs from the distant past, and the present.
Tropes hit / triggers included:
Zombies.
Magical realism.
Sexism.
Homophobia.
Familiars.
Druids.
Noted:
A few continuity issues, very poor formatting and what seemed to be a lack of editing.
A good first draft, but it shouldn’t be published in this condition.
January 21, 2022
Awesome and cozy read
A good story to enjoy over and over, comfortable and cozy. A must for travelling backpacks to long nights and warm tea.
A good story to enjoy over and over, comfortable and cozy. A must for travelling backpacks to long nights and warm tea.
April 20, 2022
I really enjoyed this story. I love fantasy but it's been awhile since I've read any so I'm glad this got me back to it. My only complaint is book two isn't available yet!
January 11, 2023
A creative and endearing journey into Mithron's world. I'm not a DND player, so this was my first foray into such a story, but after this, I'm definitely open to learning more!
January 16, 2023
Captivating
I was enthralled by the depth and complexity of the main character, a young man who finds his calling in magic. He decides to train as a necromancer in order to gain the knowledge to defeat others using that craft for evil. The author’s talent for character development is remarkable, and I found myself cheering them on throughout the book. I am really looking forward to reading the next one.
I was enthralled by the depth and complexity of the main character, a young man who finds his calling in magic. He decides to train as a necromancer in order to gain the knowledge to defeat others using that craft for evil. The author’s talent for character development is remarkable, and I found myself cheering them on throughout the book. I am really looking forward to reading the next one.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews