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Necromancer #1
Marked by Death
Asking a necromancer for help is scary; falling for him may be downright terrifying.
Darien Green's afraid he's going insane. The voices in his head are getting louder, weirder, and more numerous. But tattoos appearing on his skin say that there might be a magical reason, something other than his own brain going around the bend. He's worked up the nerve to ask the local necromancer for help. Now he just has to survive his encounter with tall, dark, and talks-to-ghosts.
Necromancer Silas Thornwood doesn't appreciate being woken out of his bed by a stranger pounding on his door. But when that stranger turns out to be a half-frozen young man with an unexpected appeal, Silas can't turn him away. Even Grim, his cat-familiar, agrees— in a world of death and demons, protecting gorgeous, ghost-ridden Darien is Silas's next difficult job.
Darien Green's afraid he's going insane. The voices in his head are getting louder, weirder, and more numerous. But tattoos appearing on his skin say that there might be a magical reason, something other than his own brain going around the bend. He's worked up the nerve to ask the local necromancer for help. Now he just has to survive his encounter with tall, dark, and talks-to-ghosts.
Necromancer Silas Thornwood doesn't appreciate being woken out of his bed by a stranger pounding on his door. But when that stranger turns out to be a half-frozen young man with an unexpected appeal, Silas can't turn him away. Even Grim, his cat-familiar, agrees— in a world of death and demons, protecting gorgeous, ghost-ridden Darien is Silas's next difficult job.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 23, 2020
325 people are currently reading
1026 people want to read
About the author
Kaje Harper
91 books2,730 followersI get asked about my name a lot. It's not something exotic, though. “Kaje” is pronounced just like “cage” – it’s an old nickname, and my pronouns are she/her/hers.
I was born in Montreal but have lived for 30 years in Minnesota, where the two seasons are Snow-removal and Road-repair, where the mosquito is the state bird, and where winter can be breathtakingly beautiful. Minnesota’s a kind, quiet (if sometimes chilly) place and it’s home.
I’ve been writing far longer than I care to admit (*whispers – fifty years*), mostly for my own entertainment, usually M/M romance (with added mystery, fantasy, historical, SciFi…) I also have a few Young Adult stories (some released under the pen name Kira Harp.)
My husband finally convinced me that after all the years of writing for fun, I really should submit something, somewhere. My first professionally published book, Life Lessons, came out from MLR Press in May 2011. I have a weakness for closeted cops with honest hearts, and teachers who speak their minds, and I had fun writing four novels and three freebie short stories in that series. I was delighted and encouraged by the reception Mac and Tony received.
I now have a good-sized backlist in ebooks and print, both free and professionally published. A complete list with links can be found on my website "Books" page at https://kajeharper.com/.
You can find me and my book reviews on my author page here on Goodreads - I hang out on Goodreads a lot because I moderate the Goodreads YA LGBT Books group. I also post free short YA stories on that group, more than 50 of them so far.
You can also find me on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/KajeHarper
I was born in Montreal but have lived for 30 years in Minnesota, where the two seasons are Snow-removal and Road-repair, where the mosquito is the state bird, and where winter can be breathtakingly beautiful. Minnesota’s a kind, quiet (if sometimes chilly) place and it’s home.
I’ve been writing far longer than I care to admit (*whispers – fifty years*), mostly for my own entertainment, usually M/M romance (with added mystery, fantasy, historical, SciFi…) I also have a few Young Adult stories (some released under the pen name Kira Harp.)
My husband finally convinced me that after all the years of writing for fun, I really should submit something, somewhere. My first professionally published book, Life Lessons, came out from MLR Press in May 2011. I have a weakness for closeted cops with honest hearts, and teachers who speak their minds, and I had fun writing four novels and three freebie short stories in that series. I was delighted and encouraged by the reception Mac and Tony received.
I now have a good-sized backlist in ebooks and print, both free and professionally published. A complete list with links can be found on my website "Books" page at https://kajeharper.com/.
You can find me and my book reviews on my author page here on Goodreads - I hang out on Goodreads a lot because I moderate the Goodreads YA LGBT Books group. I also post free short YA stories on that group, more than 50 of them so far.
You can also find me on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/KajeHarper
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
July 14, 2024
4 Stars
Quite the fast paced intense introduction to this new historical, urban fantasy MM romance series!
Poor Darien thinks he’s going absolutely bonkers. Random tattoos have started appearing upon his skin accompanied by voices in his head that won’t relent. His only hope is the far fetched notion of seeing some “necromancer” to help him gain his sanity back. What he finds is Silas, a pleasant childhood memory from his past who is now all grown up and who confirms that magic and paranormal happenings aren’t a figment of Darien’s imagination.
Silas is shocked to see Darien. He was on the cusp of adulthood when Darien was 12 years old, and that last meeting sealed Darien’s fate with a bit of protective magic. What Silas discovers is that Darien is far more powerful than he ever guessed.
These two come across several intense conflicts which showcases their connection and how much they complement each other. Though Darien was a complete hothead in contrast to Silas’s more reserved calming nature, this AU has plenty going for it despite the blatant lack of explicit smexy. There’s definitely dark things lurking in every corner, and the magical rules are very convoluted and interesting. Toss in fascinating, fully fleshed out talking animal familiars, and I was easily hooked!
Harper depicts a world of sorcerer hierarchy that’s brimming with ambition, power plays, and plenty of surprises. I look forward to seeing Darien grow into his magic as he and Silas face what's sure to be many future enemies and challenges!
Necromancer Series
1. Marked by Death - 4 Stars
2. Powered by Ghosts - 3.5 Stars
3. Bound by Memories - 4 Stars
4. Trapped by Greed - 4 Stars
5. Beset by Demons - 4 Stars
6. Consumed by Fire - 4 Stars
Quite the fast paced intense introduction to this new historical, urban fantasy MM romance series!
Poor Darien thinks he’s going absolutely bonkers. Random tattoos have started appearing upon his skin accompanied by voices in his head that won’t relent. His only hope is the far fetched notion of seeing some “necromancer” to help him gain his sanity back. What he finds is Silas, a pleasant childhood memory from his past who is now all grown up and who confirms that magic and paranormal happenings aren’t a figment of Darien’s imagination.
Silas is shocked to see Darien. He was on the cusp of adulthood when Darien was 12 years old, and that last meeting sealed Darien’s fate with a bit of protective magic. What Silas discovers is that Darien is far more powerful than he ever guessed.
These two come across several intense conflicts which showcases their connection and how much they complement each other. Though Darien was a complete hothead in contrast to Silas’s more reserved calming nature, this AU has plenty going for it despite the blatant lack of explicit smexy. There’s definitely dark things lurking in every corner, and the magical rules are very convoluted and interesting. Toss in fascinating, fully fleshed out talking animal familiars, and I was easily hooked!
Harper depicts a world of sorcerer hierarchy that’s brimming with ambition, power plays, and plenty of surprises. I look forward to seeing Darien grow into his magic as he and Silas face what's sure to be many future enemies and challenges!
Necromancer Series
1. Marked by Death - 4 Stars
2. Powered by Ghosts - 3.5 Stars
3. Bound by Memories - 4 Stars
4. Trapped by Greed - 4 Stars
5. Beset by Demons - 4 Stars
6. Consumed by Fire - 4 Stars
Read
October 24, 2020Now available as a free read on Smashwords in all formats (https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...) and hoping for an Amazon price match soon.
January 5, 2021
I really enjoy most of Kaje Harper's work, but when it comes to paranormal romance, my expectations are sky-freaking-high.
As someone who adores authors like K.J. Charles, you can see how middling books wouldn't satisfy me, and I found that to be the case with Marked by Death. I sort of got into the groove a little bit, but it was also lacking in a few ways.
I didn't quite understand the purpose of the historical setting. To make their romance more illicit? It felt forced, and, honestly, the covers for this series don't give me historical at all. To add to that, the world-building was meager at best and needed a LOT more umph to impress me.
Despite a whole bunch of flaws, I found myself... liking it? Maybe rooting for it, more than anything. I want to see where this series will take me.
I hope these Necromancer books continue to improve and we learn more about their powers and uses and, well, about everything.
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
As someone who adores authors like K.J. Charles, you can see how middling books wouldn't satisfy me, and I found that to be the case with Marked by Death. I sort of got into the groove a little bit, but it was also lacking in a few ways.
I didn't quite understand the purpose of the historical setting. To make their romance more illicit? It felt forced, and, honestly, the covers for this series don't give me historical at all. To add to that, the world-building was meager at best and needed a LOT more umph to impress me.
Despite a whole bunch of flaws, I found myself... liking it? Maybe rooting for it, more than anything. I want to see where this series will take me.
I hope these Necromancer books continue to improve and we learn more about their powers and uses and, well, about everything.
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
November 29, 2020
3.5 stars
I’m pretty sure the half rating is my fault this time. I’ve been having trouble concentrating on books and so I took longer than usual to read a pretty short story and I kept forgetting details about the world building, like the fact that the series is set in the 1960’s.
Despite my scattered brain, I enjoyed this first installment in a new Kaje Harper paranormal series—please, let it be a series and not just a duology, there are so many hints for future developments here!—very much.
I’m intrigued and eager to know more about the way the magic works in this world and how the magical society is organized, with the Guild Council, the master/apprentice setup and the familiar-sorcerer/necromancer bond.
I’m also curious about some secondary characters, , they made an impression despite the brief page time, I’m hoping to see more of them in the future.
Regarding the relationship between Silas and Darien, there was perhaps a touch of insta-love, but it was reined in and there was enough of a shared background story for the two MCs to make it acceptable.
And of course I can’t forget to mention Grim, the sarcastic feline familiar practically made the book. Whatever is in store for Darien and Silas next, you can be sure Grim will keep them in line with the tip of one little claw and a flick of his tail. But not before he’s had his fill of cream and bacon, thank you very much.
Edited on 29/11/2020: after thinking about it some more, I’m revising my rating and rounding down. Considering all the other 4-star books I’ve read by this author, this just isn’t up to those standards.
I’m pretty sure the half rating is my fault this time. I’ve been having trouble concentrating on books and so I took longer than usual to read a pretty short story and I kept forgetting details about the world building, like the fact that the series is set in the 1960’s.
Despite my scattered brain, I enjoyed this first installment in a new Kaje Harper paranormal series—please, let it be a series and not just a duology, there are so many hints for future developments here!—very much.
I’m intrigued and eager to know more about the way the magic works in this world and how the magical society is organized, with the Guild Council, the master/apprentice setup and the familiar-sorcerer/necromancer bond.
I’m also curious about some secondary characters, , they made an impression despite the brief page time, I’m hoping to see more of them in the future.
Regarding the relationship between Silas and Darien, there was perhaps a touch of insta-love, but it was reined in and there was enough of a shared background story for the two MCs to make it acceptable.
And of course I can’t forget to mention Grim, the sarcastic feline familiar practically made the book. Whatever is in store for Darien and Silas next, you can be sure Grim will keep them in line with the tip of one little claw and a flick of his tail. But not before he’s had his fill of cream and bacon, thank you very much.
Edited on 29/11/2020: after thinking about it some more, I’m revising my rating and rounding down. Considering all the other 4-star books I’ve read by this author, this just isn’t up to those standards.
January 19, 2021
4 Stars
Historical. Paranormal. M/M romance… This story was a real mixed bag of awesome themes, and I kind of loved it!
Weaving some seriously cool and unique magical lore into this historically-set, gothic-themed romance, Harper’s Marked by Death is the first in a new series that follows Darien—a young man plagued by an inexplicable haunting that sees tattoos appearing all over his body and countless voices dominating his mind—as he seeks out the local necromancer in a last-ditch effort to save his sanity.
As it turns out, Silas, the new necromancer in town, is actually a slightly older man from Darien’s childhood, who left town when Darien was only twelve—but apparently not before casting a protection spell on magically inclined (but unaware of the fact) Darien, which in turn, has led to his ghostly predicament in his adulthood.
In quick time, Darien and Silas, who have an instant and intense connection magically and romantically, work together to not only save Darien from his inner hauntings, but also to stop a power-hungry demon from causing death and destruction.
Darien might be new to the whole magical and paranormal aspects of life, but he takes to it all like a duck to water, throwing himself all in, not only in helping himself, but also in helping Silas, who is up against some seriously ghoulie supernaturals in his line of work, and also up against a council of practitioners that may ultimately be causing more harm than good.
I really enjoyed how this story played out. I was enraptured by the plot and sufficiently spooked by some of the paranormal elements present—demons always creep me out, guys—and I loved the way necromancy was portrayed, which was a little different to anything I’ve read on the matter previously.
The romance was fast-paced, but I bought into Darien and Silas’s connection hook, line and sinker, only disappointing in the fact that after a book’s worth of flirting, teasing and a whole load of prime sexual tension build-up, they finally came together only for it to be FADE TO BLACK! Seriously, the horror! I’m still in a state of shock and displeasure, to be honest, mostly because the chemistry between Darien and Silas was so goooood, that after all the promises of finally getting to the bedroom activities—after all the life-threatening drama was overcome—we got gypped of the experience. *insert my sad face here*
Regardless of my semi-dissatisfaction over the non-existent (but seemingly promised) steam, this story truly did exceed all my (other) expectations, proving yet again that Kaje Harper is an author I should be reading more of.
Book two, come at me!
Historical. Paranormal. M/M romance… This story was a real mixed bag of awesome themes, and I kind of loved it!
Weaving some seriously cool and unique magical lore into this historically-set, gothic-themed romance, Harper’s Marked by Death is the first in a new series that follows Darien—a young man plagued by an inexplicable haunting that sees tattoos appearing all over his body and countless voices dominating his mind—as he seeks out the local necromancer in a last-ditch effort to save his sanity.
As it turns out, Silas, the new necromancer in town, is actually a slightly older man from Darien’s childhood, who left town when Darien was only twelve—but apparently not before casting a protection spell on magically inclined (but unaware of the fact) Darien, which in turn, has led to his ghostly predicament in his adulthood.
In quick time, Darien and Silas, who have an instant and intense connection magically and romantically, work together to not only save Darien from his inner hauntings, but also to stop a power-hungry demon from causing death and destruction.
Darien might be new to the whole magical and paranormal aspects of life, but he takes to it all like a duck to water, throwing himself all in, not only in helping himself, but also in helping Silas, who is up against some seriously ghoulie supernaturals in his line of work, and also up against a council of practitioners that may ultimately be causing more harm than good.
I really enjoyed how this story played out. I was enraptured by the plot and sufficiently spooked by some of the paranormal elements present—demons always creep me out, guys—and I loved the way necromancy was portrayed, which was a little different to anything I’ve read on the matter previously.
The romance was fast-paced, but I bought into Darien and Silas’s connection hook, line and sinker, only disappointing in the fact that after a book’s worth of flirting, teasing and a whole load of prime sexual tension build-up, they finally came together only for it to be FADE TO BLACK! Seriously, the horror! I’m still in a state of shock and displeasure, to be honest, mostly because the chemistry between Darien and Silas was so goooood, that after all the promises of finally getting to the bedroom activities—after all the life-threatening drama was overcome—we got gypped of the experience. *insert my sad face here*
Regardless of my semi-dissatisfaction over the non-existent (but seemingly promised) steam, this story truly did exceed all my (other) expectations, proving yet again that Kaje Harper is an author I should be reading more of.
Book two, come at me!
August 14, 2023
I wish I could remember how this story popped up on my radar because I’d really like to thank whomever it was that brought it to my attention. And before I forget, many thanks to Kaje for offering this intro to the series complimentary on Smashwords. I’m not certain how long it’ll last, so you might want to grab it while you can. It was highly entertaining and I ended up binging the rest of the series. This triple serving was a great reminder of how much I enjoy Harper’s writing and stressed the fact that I really need to tackle more of her back shelf. I don’t gravitate towards scary or horror books, I’m too much of a scaredy-cat reader for that. However, I adore PNR and was mesmerized by the first necromancer series I read last year. As a result, I couldn’t wait to meet this new couple. I had to chuckle with the categorization of ‘historical’ when I discovered it was set in the ’60s. I guess my mind travels back a bit further when thinking about something taking place in the past but that’s on me. I was instantly captivated by Darren and it didn’t take long for Silas to work his magic on me too. Their adventures began a bit frantic and seem to be far from over. Powerful magic mixed with unexpected romance while they fight for their lives…sounds marvelous to me!
As we begin, we can see Darren is struggling. He’s trying to shoulder burdens that are not his. Even worse, he doesn’t know what exactly is happening to him or why. Desperation claws at him and begging the local necromancer for help is his last hope. Stumbling into Silas’s foyer was surprising in more ways than one. Yet, no one is more shocked than Silas. Darren is no longer the neighborhood boy he once knew. He’s grown into a gorgeous young man who seems to have the same inclinations as him. Could it be a twist of fate or fortunate serendipity? Tempting as he is, his professional work must come first. Darren came to him for a reason and he must help him. It’s just, Darren isn’t like anyone he’s ever known. And their magic together is a stunning force to be reckoned with. If only he can figure out how to keep him from the greedy council and the ghosts trying to consume him. When it comes to his work, Silas is exceptionally talented. He’s a simple man and a prestigious scholar. He is happy with his quiet life with Grim, his familiar. Until Darren storms into his life and shakes everything upside down. Suddenly, he’s faced with something he never knew he wanted…a partner. This was key for me. Oh sure, the exhilarating battles and wild magic is great fun but I adore it when love drops out of a clear blue sky.
Beware of: Fast and freaky fun, with an accidental fall. An abundance of build-up, which always seems to be the case at the beginning of a PNR series. And a catty cat, who truly runs the show…but don’t they all?
This book is for: If PNR is your thing and you’re looking to add death magic sorcery to your collection, this necromancer and his apprentice are definitely worthy of the addition in my opinion.
Book UNfunk
As we begin, we can see Darren is struggling. He’s trying to shoulder burdens that are not his. Even worse, he doesn’t know what exactly is happening to him or why. Desperation claws at him and begging the local necromancer for help is his last hope. Stumbling into Silas’s foyer was surprising in more ways than one. Yet, no one is more shocked than Silas. Darren is no longer the neighborhood boy he once knew. He’s grown into a gorgeous young man who seems to have the same inclinations as him. Could it be a twist of fate or fortunate serendipity? Tempting as he is, his professional work must come first. Darren came to him for a reason and he must help him. It’s just, Darren isn’t like anyone he’s ever known. And their magic together is a stunning force to be reckoned with. If only he can figure out how to keep him from the greedy council and the ghosts trying to consume him. When it comes to his work, Silas is exceptionally talented. He’s a simple man and a prestigious scholar. He is happy with his quiet life with Grim, his familiar. Until Darren storms into his life and shakes everything upside down. Suddenly, he’s faced with something he never knew he wanted…a partner. This was key for me. Oh sure, the exhilarating battles and wild magic is great fun but I adore it when love drops out of a clear blue sky.
Beware of: Fast and freaky fun, with an accidental fall. An abundance of build-up, which always seems to be the case at the beginning of a PNR series. And a catty cat, who truly runs the show…but don’t they all?
This book is for: If PNR is your thing and you’re looking to add death magic sorcery to your collection, this necromancer and his apprentice are definitely worthy of the addition in my opinion.
Book UNfunk
November 25, 2020
2.5 stars
This was very fantasy-lite. The world building was on the lackluster side but there was some good setup for where this could go in the future. The pacing felt off, very rushed with not enough time to really set up the characters or the world. That wasn't just apparent in the fantasy elements either (we're told more than see what the ghosts in Darien's head are doing to him) but also in the time and place the story is set, which is 1963 Somewhere, USA. If Silas hadn't mentioned the year early in the second chapter, and aside from a couple of things mentioned near the end, this story could just as easily have taken place in the current day. The dialogue was modern, there was no attempt to show what the US was like in the 60s or use the time era to set up the atmosphere of the story. There were no indicators in the clothing they wore, the music they listened to, the cars they drove. There was simply no detail at all, and I'm baffled why she decided to make this historical and not use the setting to its full advantage.
As for Darien and Silas, they were good characters. Silas wasn't very good about telling Darien anything that was going on, which led to some unforeseen consequences. I liked them both but there was no chemistry between them at all, and Darien was just a little too quick to figure out how to use magic to the level we see here. He's sort of a Gary Stu. I liked Silas's familiar, Grim, even if he was a talking cat. He provided the very few chuckles that were found here.
Still, there were good bones here, and there's potential. The second half was stronger than the first half, but again, things were happening to people we barely just met and there was no emotional payoff for any of it. I know she wrote this for her FB group, but I would have expected this to get fleshed out and go through a couple more drafts before being released to a wider audience. Or maybe it was, but if it was it didn't feel that way while reading it.
Oh, and can we talk about the covers for this series. This cover does at least have a paranormal/fantasy element to it in the bottom panel, but the top panel doesn't scream 1963. And the cover for the next book looks like an everyday contemporary romance. Not the best covers for this series.
This was very fantasy-lite. The world building was on the lackluster side but there was some good setup for where this could go in the future. The pacing felt off, very rushed with not enough time to really set up the characters or the world. That wasn't just apparent in the fantasy elements either (we're told more than see what the ghosts in Darien's head are doing to him) but also in the time and place the story is set, which is 1963 Somewhere, USA. If Silas hadn't mentioned the year early in the second chapter, and aside from a couple of things mentioned near the end, this story could just as easily have taken place in the current day. The dialogue was modern, there was no attempt to show what the US was like in the 60s or use the time era to set up the atmosphere of the story. There were no indicators in the clothing they wore, the music they listened to, the cars they drove. There was simply no detail at all, and I'm baffled why she decided to make this historical and not use the setting to its full advantage.
As for Darien and Silas, they were good characters. Silas wasn't very good about telling Darien anything that was going on, which led to some unforeseen consequences. I liked them both but there was no chemistry between them at all, and Darien was just a little too quick to figure out how to use magic to the level we see here. He's sort of a Gary Stu. I liked Silas's familiar, Grim, even if he was a talking cat. He provided the very few chuckles that were found here.
Still, there were good bones here, and there's potential. The second half was stronger than the first half, but again, things were happening to people we barely just met and there was no emotional payoff for any of it. I know she wrote this for her FB group, but I would have expected this to get fleshed out and go through a couple more drafts before being released to a wider audience. Or maybe it was, but if it was it didn't feel that way while reading it.
Oh, and can we talk about the covers for this series. This cover does at least have a paranormal/fantasy element to it in the bottom panel, but the top panel doesn't scream 1963. And the cover for the next book looks like an everyday contemporary romance. Not the best covers for this series.
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October 29, 2020
Wonderfully entertaining story set in an alternative 1960s where magic is part of society. I could vividly see it adapted to mini tv series format. The scenes came across with unusual visual clarity and with a very well paced action beat to them.
The romance was lovely too, both characters had a nice warmth to them as well as between them. Happy sigh! If I could have turned up the UST a tiny bit more, the book would have been my kind of perfect. But by no means did it take away or diminish my enjoyment of the story.
The magic worked so well it banished my month long reading slump, and the only bad thing is I want more right now. I'll definitely read the sequel as soon as it's released.
The romance was lovely too, both characters had a nice warmth to them as well as between them. Happy sigh! If I could have turned up the UST a tiny bit more, the book would have been my kind of perfect. But by no means did it take away or diminish my enjoyment of the story.
The magic worked so well it banished my month long reading slump, and the only bad thing is I want more right now. I'll definitely read the sequel as soon as it's released.
December 1, 2020
This was delightful. I absolutely loved this one and I'm looking forward to the sequel. The world and the take on magic and necromancy was really interesting and I liked the characters a lot, specially Grim. I loved that cat!
I was sad when this one ended, I felt this could have been even longer, there's so much potential in here. I'm glad the next one is only a month away! Thank you Ele for suggesting this BR, I'm looking forward to talk about this one with you.
I was sad when this one ended, I felt this could have been even longer, there's so much potential in here. I'm glad the next one is only a month away! Thank you Ele for suggesting this BR, I'm looking forward to talk about this one with you.
November 17, 2020
Why 4 stars
- elements of horror involving very detailed battles with demons, which is not my thing.
- a permanent change to one of the MCs that I wasn't fond of.
Other than that I loved the story :)
- elements of horror involving very detailed battles with demons, which is not my thing.
- a permanent change to one of the MCs that I wasn't fond of.
Other than that I loved the story :)
January 29, 2022
This is a pretty lightweight fantasy series, but I liked that aspect of it. I liked pretty much everything about it that involved magic, which is why I continued on to Book 2 even though the romance was too insta for me. Not sure I would recommend that strategy for anyone else struggling with the romance, though. I kind of hated them by the end of Book 2!
December 18, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Marked by Death is the first in Kaje Harper’s Necromancer series and, like with most of her works, it’s the characters that steal the show. The overall story has its ups and downs and there isn’t quite as much detail to the world building as I’ve come to expect form this author, but I think most fans of the paranormal are going to find this one pretty enjoyable.
Darren and Silas are a sweet couple that work well together from the start. Their relationship is rather rushed and, while it’s not instalove, it does seem like insta-something. That said, I didn’t really mind that here because I liked both characters so much.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Marked by Death is the first in Kaje Harper’s Necromancer series and, like with most of her works, it’s the characters that steal the show. The overall story has its ups and downs and there isn’t quite as much detail to the world building as I’ve come to expect form this author, but I think most fans of the paranormal are going to find this one pretty enjoyable.
Darren and Silas are a sweet couple that work well together from the start. Their relationship is rather rushed and, while it’s not instalove, it does seem like insta-something. That said, I didn’t really mind that here because I liked both characters so much.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
September 17, 2021
Silas is a necromancer and Darien desperately needs one! Strange things are happening to Darien. With random tattoos appearing on his body and all the voices in his head, he's about to go insane but Silas has a fix for most of his problems. And as it turns out, Darien also has a few nice tricks of his own for Silas's "demon invasion" situation!
The characters work nicely together and the story has a nice flow that kept me entertained and I enjoyed reading this book very much. The witty cat, Grim, was also a nice character.
I think the world-building, in the beginning, of the story could use a little more love and attention but overall it didn't affect the outcome that much.
There was not much steam which I hope the next book would rectify the issue and give these boys a bit more smexy time!!
I think I'll stick to the series and follow the adventures of these two in the next book Powered by Ghosts
The characters work nicely together and the story has a nice flow that kept me entertained and I enjoyed reading this book very much. The witty cat, Grim, was also a nice character.
I think the world-building, in the beginning, of the story could use a little more love and attention but overall it didn't affect the outcome that much.
There was not much steam which I hope the next book would rectify the issue and give these boys a bit more smexy time!!
I think I'll stick to the series and follow the adventures of these two in the next book Powered by Ghosts
November 28, 2022
Kindle-Sort-ReRead
I'm sure I've read this recently. It's a book that should be interesting yet makes little pact. It lacks something; I think more attention was placed on worldbuilding and plot than developing emotions, chemistry.
Despite the modern cover it's set early 1960s. For no discernable reason. Sodomy is illegal, telephones are relatively new. That's it. Was thrown by a character being offered a shower - yes, showers in various forms have been around a long time, but this is an old house. An electric (not specified in book) shower would be a very new novel commodity and I wasn't getting a sense of wealth. Though I just learnt American homes had them earlier.
The magic was largely on another plain. Distant. Never felt there was a threat or danger. The characters aren't really fighting against anything - until one is, but we're mainly around the corner with the other character doing...something!
The relationship was 'oh we met before when you were 8yrs' and goes immediately into attraction and supposed sexual tensio, that read more 'we're both here is there time for..?'
The shame is this story had the potential to be great. It just needs that spark to it.
-- --
at 63% this was too tedious a story, I didn't care, put it aside, forgot I was reading it.
The fact I can't think of anything to say about it proves how little it was working for me.
Maybe one day I'll return, but unlikely.
I'm sure I've read this recently. It's a book that should be interesting yet makes little pact. It lacks something; I think more attention was placed on worldbuilding and plot than developing emotions, chemistry.
Despite the modern cover it's set early 1960s. For no discernable reason. Sodomy is illegal, telephones are relatively new. That's it. Was thrown by a character being offered a shower - yes, showers in various forms have been around a long time, but this is an old house. An electric (not specified in book) shower would be a very new novel commodity and I wasn't getting a sense of wealth. Though I just learnt American homes had them earlier.
The magic was largely on another plain. Distant. Never felt there was a threat or danger. The characters aren't really fighting against anything - until one is, but we're mainly around the corner with the other character doing...something!
The relationship was 'oh we met before when you were 8yrs' and goes immediately into attraction and supposed sexual tensio, that read more 'we're both here is there time for..?'
The shame is this story had the potential to be great. It just needs that spark to it.
-- --
at 63% this was too tedious a story, I didn't care, put it aside, forgot I was reading it.
The fact I can't think of anything to say about it proves how little it was working for me.
Maybe one day I'll return, but unlikely.
July 23, 2024
2024 re-read, still excellent.
2020 review:
I finished this just after midnight, and am DELIGHTED that there's a preview! There's MORE!
This is an alternate 1960 with an intriguing magic system, kept secret, and how our guys meet. You will adore the familiar. Read this one.
2020 review:
I finished this just after midnight, and am DELIGHTED that there's a preview! There's MORE!
This is an alternate 1960 with an intriguing magic system, kept secret, and how our guys meet. You will adore the familiar. Read this one.
November 27, 2020
Everything about this paranormal/fantasy worked for me! And that’s kind of a weird thing for me to say because y’all know I’m not a fan of insta-love and this was a bit insta. I mean Darien and Silas knew each other as kids but there’s an eight or nine year age gap and Silas moved away when Darien was 8 so there was no romantic thing happening when they knew each other back then. Yet, I believed their nearly instant comfort and trust in each other because of the bonds established in their youth.
Beyond that, the story was less of a romance than a paranormal/magical/fantasy adventure so the attraction/romance aspect was in the background. That worked for me since I’m a huge fan of magical fantasy and that element alone had me completely hooked and immersed. For me, it was great that the magical and paranormal aspects were in the forefront.
Some reviewers mention that they felt the world building was weak or lacking but I didn’t have any problems with it and I’m very happy I didn’t let those reviews dissuade me from picking this up. Maybe it could have been fleshed out more thoroughly but I appreciated the pacing. I was so consumed that I read it cover to cover in one sitting. When I woke up this morning/afternoon, the first thing I though was that I was anxious to get back to Darien and Silas and Grim, my sleep fuzzy brain not remembering that I’d already finished. I’m so thankful that I have book 2 on my kindle and ready to go.
I got this one as a freebie but would be happy to have paid outright for it and was more than willing to buy book 2, Powered by Ghosts.
5 shiny, sparkling stars
Beyond that, the story was less of a romance than a paranormal/magical/fantasy adventure so the attraction/romance aspect was in the background. That worked for me since I’m a huge fan of magical fantasy and that element alone had me completely hooked and immersed. For me, it was great that the magical and paranormal aspects were in the forefront.
Some reviewers mention that they felt the world building was weak or lacking but I didn’t have any problems with it and I’m very happy I didn’t let those reviews dissuade me from picking this up. Maybe it could have been fleshed out more thoroughly but I appreciated the pacing. I was so consumed that I read it cover to cover in one sitting. When I woke up this morning/afternoon, the first thing I though was that I was anxious to get back to Darien and Silas and Grim, my sleep fuzzy brain not remembering that I’d already finished. I’m so thankful that I have book 2 on my kindle and ready to go.
I got this one as a freebie but would be happy to have paid outright for it and was more than willing to buy book 2, Powered by Ghosts.
5 shiny, sparkling stars
March 3, 2021
This is like the Supernatural series in the 1960s without that brotherly love (which is a good thing for some readers, lol!). Darien got the shock of his life when he saw that the necromancer everyone hush hush about was no other than Silas! Darien had a huge crush/admiration for Silas (his former neighbour) in his younger days and lost that connection when Silas left to follow his necromancer path. Silas was devastated (due to reasons which will be explained in the book) that Darien was haunted by so many spirits and decided to help him. They fought devils and dealt with magical communities which seemed more like a cult. I like the fast-paced action and plot development in the book but couldn't help being dissatisfied at the weak flavour of passion and love between the two MCs~
April 21, 2021
This ticks all my boxes...historical, paranormal, queer. It's the first in a new series and it sets the scene for a complicated, magic-is-normal-but-whoah-dangerous universe. One of the MCs is a necromancer--clue in the title there--and the other is a childhood friend who is pretty much having a magic-induced breakdown and goes to him for help. Shenanigans ensue. Their relationship develops against a background of threatening dark things, a threatening magical council and a not quite 1950s USA where the gay is still illegal. There was a distinct whiff of Renaissance Italy in the politics of the magical council that I really loved.
Oh, and there are familiars. Talking familiars.
Oh, and there are familiars. Talking familiars.
November 22, 2021
2.5 stars
Have to agree with majority of the less stellar reviews around here - the world-building was thin, and I didn't understand why it should be stated that it took place in the 1960s since I didn't see the importance of the timeline. It could easily be alternate contemporary universe. I was lost in the whole demons banishing and power gifting scenes - and I actually lost interest in about 1/3rd way.
While there might be potential for a urban fantasy series, I have to say that I'm not inclined to add this to my reading list
Have to agree with majority of the less stellar reviews around here - the world-building was thin, and I didn't understand why it should be stated that it took place in the 1960s since I didn't see the importance of the timeline. It could easily be alternate contemporary universe. I was lost in the whole demons banishing and power gifting scenes - and I actually lost interest in about 1/3rd way.
While there might be potential for a urban fantasy series, I have to say that I'm not inclined to add this to my reading list
June 24, 2021
This was book 1 in the
"Necromancer"
series. Darien Green's afraid he's going insane. The voices in his head are getting louder, weirder, and more numerous. But tattoos appearing on his skin say that there might be a magical reason, something other than his own brain going around the bend. He's worked up the nerve to ask the local necromancer for help. Necromancer Silas Thornwood doesn't appreciate being woken out of his bed by a stranger pounding on his door. But when that stranger turns out to be a half-frozen young man with an unexpected appeal, Silas can't turn him away. This book was set in the 1960's and two men being together was taboo but Darien doesn't care. Grim is Silas’s sarcastic, wise, and visionary familiar. This was a really good read from an author that I have read before. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
November 7, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, it wasn't very long but managed to pack in plenty of stuff without anything feeling rushed. I loved the hurt/comfort or caretaking aspects of it, and the romance was nice. The 1960s setting was probably the weakest point of the story, it didn't really add anything to the plot or characters other than some hand-waved homophobia, and the story had such little sense of time and place that it felt like it might as well be contemporary.
November 8, 2020
Darien, a young man who hears voices and has tattoos spring up pn his body hoes to Silas, the local necromancer for help.
A nice start to a new series
A nice start to a new series
Want to read
November 5, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/5/2020)! 🎁
November 21, 2020
Asking a necromancer for help is scary; falling for him may be downright terrifying.
Darien Green's afraid he's going insane. The voices in his head are getting louder, weirder, and more numerous. But tattoos appearing on his skin say that there might be a magical reason, something other than his own brain going around the bend. He's worked up the nerve to ask the local necromancer for help. Now he just has to survive his encounter with tall, dark, and talks-to-ghosts.
Necromancer Silas Thornwood doesn't appreciate being woken out of his bed by a stranger pounding on his door. But when that stranger turns out to be a half-frozen young man with an unexpected appeal, Silas can't turn him away. Even Grim, his cat-familiar, agrees— in a world of death and demons, protecting gorgeous, ghost-ridden Darien is Silas's next difficult job.
Review:
I was happy to see that Kaje Harper had a new book out. I finished it in one sitting - it is quite short, 145 pages and apparently it was previously a serial for her Facebook group. The sequel is apparently coming this month. Note that this part of the story does not end in any cliffhanger, it is a pretty good HFN, but it does read as a beginning of the series overall.
The blurb gives a good set up. Daren goes to local necromancer because he has voices in his head bothering him to the point of exhaustion. Reluctantly Silas is trying to help, but things start to unfold really fast and really dangerously.
This book was tons of fun. I thought Silas and Darren had a great chemistry and I hope they will have a good future, if they both survive till the end. I thought battle magics were really cool and I hope to have a more detailed explanation of how magic works in this world.
In fact, I hope to have a more detailed explanation of how real and magical coexist in this world. I mean we were given some, but I am still not sure how magic pretty much stays in the open ( besides " making it sound something boring" spell).
I thought talking cat was a great comic relief and an important character in the book. I hope we will see more of him in the sequel:
““Come on. Powerful guy who talks to demons…” “I don’t chat with them.” Silas’s voice was dry as bone. “I kill the host and banish them.” “Seriously? You?” High-pitched laughter sounded from the bathroom doorway. “Oh, I do like this kid. Time someone took you down a peg.” Darien looked that way, expecting a woman, or maybe the elderly necromancer after all. The only thing to walk into the steamy room was a very large, green-eyed tabby cat.
The cat paced towards them and sat, tapping at a little rivulet of water on the tile with one neat paw. Silas said, “Thanks, Grim. I always can count on you.” “Grim?” Darien looked back and forth from man to cat. “Is he yours? He’s gorgeous.” The cat’s pink mouth opened. “Do I thank you for the compliment, or add some more claw marks for suggesting anyone owns me?” Its voice was high but with a hint of vibration. Its voice? Darien rubbed his eyes vigorously, and stared at Silas. “It talks?” “He, if you please.” The cat raised a paw and slowly unsheathed a set of very sharp-looking claws. He flexed the paw a couple of times, then set it down and stared into Darien’s eyes. “And of course I do.””
Besides wishing for more details in the settings - both magical and non magical ( action takes place in the 60s but honestly I would not have known whether it was fifties or sixties or seventies of to was not mentioned), I thought the story was a little disjointed . The jumps from one event to another were a little abrupt for me. I am still very much looking forward to the sequel.
3.5 stars
Darien Green's afraid he's going insane. The voices in his head are getting louder, weirder, and more numerous. But tattoos appearing on his skin say that there might be a magical reason, something other than his own brain going around the bend. He's worked up the nerve to ask the local necromancer for help. Now he just has to survive his encounter with tall, dark, and talks-to-ghosts.
Necromancer Silas Thornwood doesn't appreciate being woken out of his bed by a stranger pounding on his door. But when that stranger turns out to be a half-frozen young man with an unexpected appeal, Silas can't turn him away. Even Grim, his cat-familiar, agrees— in a world of death and demons, protecting gorgeous, ghost-ridden Darien is Silas's next difficult job.
Review:
I was happy to see that Kaje Harper had a new book out. I finished it in one sitting - it is quite short, 145 pages and apparently it was previously a serial for her Facebook group. The sequel is apparently coming this month. Note that this part of the story does not end in any cliffhanger, it is a pretty good HFN, but it does read as a beginning of the series overall.
The blurb gives a good set up. Daren goes to local necromancer because he has voices in his head bothering him to the point of exhaustion. Reluctantly Silas is trying to help, but things start to unfold really fast and really dangerously.
This book was tons of fun. I thought Silas and Darren had a great chemistry and I hope they will have a good future, if they both survive till the end. I thought battle magics were really cool and I hope to have a more detailed explanation of how magic works in this world.
In fact, I hope to have a more detailed explanation of how real and magical coexist in this world. I mean we were given some, but I am still not sure how magic pretty much stays in the open ( besides " making it sound something boring" spell).
I thought talking cat was a great comic relief and an important character in the book. I hope we will see more of him in the sequel:
““Come on. Powerful guy who talks to demons…” “I don’t chat with them.” Silas’s voice was dry as bone. “I kill the host and banish them.” “Seriously? You?” High-pitched laughter sounded from the bathroom doorway. “Oh, I do like this kid. Time someone took you down a peg.” Darien looked that way, expecting a woman, or maybe the elderly necromancer after all. The only thing to walk into the steamy room was a very large, green-eyed tabby cat.
The cat paced towards them and sat, tapping at a little rivulet of water on the tile with one neat paw. Silas said, “Thanks, Grim. I always can count on you.” “Grim?” Darien looked back and forth from man to cat. “Is he yours? He’s gorgeous.” The cat’s pink mouth opened. “Do I thank you for the compliment, or add some more claw marks for suggesting anyone owns me?” Its voice was high but with a hint of vibration. Its voice? Darien rubbed his eyes vigorously, and stared at Silas. “It talks?” “He, if you please.” The cat raised a paw and slowly unsheathed a set of very sharp-looking claws. He flexed the paw a couple of times, then set it down and stared into Darien’s eyes. “And of course I do.””
Besides wishing for more details in the settings - both magical and non magical ( action takes place in the 60s but honestly I would not have known whether it was fifties or sixties or seventies of to was not mentioned), I thought the story was a little disjointed . The jumps from one event to another were a little abrupt for me. I am still very much looking forward to the sequel.
3.5 stars
December 21, 2020
3.5 stars, beginning was strong kinda petered out there towards the end. Gonna read the next one.
June 10, 2025
Soo glad that Darien didn't continue his behavior from the beginning when he first spoke with Silas again. I cringed so hard and almost wanted to set the book down after. I could understand to a certain degree but... No. Hard stop.
Except it's Kaje Harper and I've yet to be disappointed.
I really liked this world and the bits we get glimpses of here and there throughout this novel. Very interesting concepts and I liked how Darien and Silas' relationship goes here. The summary mentions nothing about the fact that the two knew each other years ago, and I truly don't understand why not. It doesn't do anything towards the plot (as far as giving anything away) knowing that beforehand. But... meh, what do I know?
Either way, I liked the fact that they already knew each other. I think that made this story make more sense in a lot of ways and really helped move the story along (even if there were contradictory bits). Their age difference is... 9 years, if I remember correctly and, honestly, I don't care about age-gaps, but I was worried that it was going to be a big thing here. It was handled very well (plus the magic bit) and I liked their progression.
And how straight-forward Darien was. He was of the sense that he was going crazy, that he might die any moment, etc. so got the point of view of "what the hell" and it worked soo well!
I loove Grim. He's fantastic in every way. I am very interested in seeing how Darien's magic goes and how it plays with Silas' as it already has.
I meant to read this forever ago for a reading challenge and then read a different from Harper instead. So glad I finally got around to it and will definitely be continuing this series!
I didn't expect to write so much about this so off-hand. I have quotes and was going to do a short spiel about this before going to sleep... May or may not add more to this later (I'd like to say I will but track record shows...) so we'll see.
3.5 stars rounded down for now. Might round up after reviewing my screenshots and whatnot.
Except it's Kaje Harper and I've yet to be disappointed.
I really liked this world and the bits we get glimpses of here and there throughout this novel. Very interesting concepts and I liked how Darien and Silas' relationship goes here. The summary mentions nothing about the fact that the two knew each other years ago, and I truly don't understand why not. It doesn't do anything towards the plot (as far as giving anything away) knowing that beforehand. But... meh, what do I know?
Either way, I liked the fact that they already knew each other. I think that made this story make more sense in a lot of ways and really helped move the story along (even if there were contradictory bits). Their age difference is... 9 years, if I remember correctly and, honestly, I don't care about age-gaps, but I was worried that it was going to be a big thing here. It was handled very well (plus the magic bit) and I liked their progression.
And how straight-forward Darien was. He was of the sense that he was going crazy, that he might die any moment, etc. so got the point of view of "what the hell" and it worked soo well!
I loove Grim. He's fantastic in every way. I am very interested in seeing how Darien's magic goes and how it plays with Silas' as it already has.
I meant to read this forever ago for a reading challenge and then read a different from Harper instead. So glad I finally got around to it and will definitely be continuing this series!
I didn't expect to write so much about this so off-hand. I have quotes and was going to do a short spiel about this before going to sleep... May or may not add more to this later (I'd like to say I will but track record shows...) so we'll see.
3.5 stars rounded down for now. Might round up after reviewing my screenshots and whatnot.
December 30, 2020
This was a good start to a series. Darrien is suffering from voices in his head and tattoos randomly appearing on is body. He finally decides to try a local necromancer but he's afraid as well. He doesn't want to go to a loony bin but there are rumours about necromancers. Only when he finally gets there, the guy is Silas, an old neighbor who he crushed on as a kid. Seems Silas new the kid had a lot of power so put a shield on him so strong that even the experts couldn't see it. When the shields fell, ghosts moved in and are making him crazy. So between battling demons, helping Darrien understand paranormal stuff and dealing with a stuffy council and their own attraction things get crazy.
It's set in the 60's and except for a lack of tech and the odd comment about homosexuality being illegal there's not really much difference to a present-day setting. I was left with some questions. Apparently Darrien's clothes are next to rags but he was attending college and his father obviously had enough money to send him. It was a bit disconcerting, but on the whole I enjoyed the story, the setting was kind of irrelevant and I enjoy Grim, his cat familiar a great deal.
It's set in the 60's and except for a lack of tech and the odd comment about homosexuality being illegal there's not really much difference to a present-day setting. I was left with some questions. Apparently Darrien's clothes are next to rags but he was attending college and his father obviously had enough money to send him. It was a bit disconcerting, but on the whole I enjoyed the story, the setting was kind of irrelevant and I enjoy Grim, his cat familiar a great deal.
January 26, 2021
Darien suddenly suffered from voices in his head, and weird tattoos on his body, and it is driving him nuts. He is at his wit's end, and is looking up the local necromancer to help him. Who happens to be Silas, his childhood neighbour. Silas knows what is happening with Darien, and is the only one who can help him. He helps Darien to discover his true destiny, and they also have a sizzling attraction. Then there is the plot, with friends and foes everywhere.
I liked this book, give me sorcerers and necromancers and I am loving it. The romance was nice, and as this is the first book in the series, I'm hoping it will develop even more in later books. Then there is Grim, Silas's cat familiar and my favourite character in the book. Super cool. I would definitely read the rest of the series.
I liked this book, give me sorcerers and necromancers and I am loving it. The romance was nice, and as this is the first book in the series, I'm hoping it will develop even more in later books. Then there is Grim, Silas's cat familiar and my favourite character in the book. Super cool. I would definitely read the rest of the series.
November 6, 2020
I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy this story. As much as I love Kaje Harper's style and writing, I seem to have overdosed recently reading paranormal and magical worlds, but I really enjoyed it. Magic, Familiars, Ghosts and Demons I really loved it and now waiting for the second instalment.
November 18, 2021
Good start to a series set in a magical world with a necromancer fighting ghosts and demons.
The romance between the found again childhood friends was fast paced and Grimalkin, the cat familiar, was awesome.
I'm going to give the next book in this series a try sometime.
3.5 stars
The romance between the found again childhood friends was fast paced and Grimalkin, the cat familiar, was awesome.
I'm going to give the next book in this series a try sometime.
3.5 stars
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