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The Drake Chronicles #4
Demon of the Dead
“The blood of the living shall welcome the blood of the dead. I am the keeper of the Fault Lands, and the dead shall keep me.”
For generations, the Corpse Lords of the Fault Lands have watched over the fire mountain of Aeretoll, preventing it from erupting and laying waste to the North. Not yet twenty, Náli is a powerful necromancer in service to his king, a talented swordsman known for his razor-sharp insults…and chained to his destiny as Corpse Lord, doomed since birth to lead a short, painful life; forced to beget an heir so that his essential magic can be passed on to the next Corpse Lord.
War looms on the horizon, but Náli must return to his homeland, to soothe the mountain, and to finally choose a bride. Painfully in love with his Dead Guard captain, Náli sets out to discover the secrets of his power once and for all – to settle the mountain, spare himself a wedding, and finally seize all that he truly wants.
The enemy is lurking, though, and war won’t wait for long. A war in which the heroes of Aeretoll will need the Demon of the Dead on their side.
This is the fourth installment of the Drake Chronicles, an epic fantasy romance series intended for adult audiences. Look for the first three books: Heart of Winter, Edge of the Wild, and Blood of Wolves.
For generations, the Corpse Lords of the Fault Lands have watched over the fire mountain of Aeretoll, preventing it from erupting and laying waste to the North. Not yet twenty, Náli is a powerful necromancer in service to his king, a talented swordsman known for his razor-sharp insults…and chained to his destiny as Corpse Lord, doomed since birth to lead a short, painful life; forced to beget an heir so that his essential magic can be passed on to the next Corpse Lord.
War looms on the horizon, but Náli must return to his homeland, to soothe the mountain, and to finally choose a bride. Painfully in love with his Dead Guard captain, Náli sets out to discover the secrets of his power once and for all – to settle the mountain, spare himself a wedding, and finally seize all that he truly wants.
The enemy is lurking, though, and war won’t wait for long. A war in which the heroes of Aeretoll will need the Demon of the Dead on their side.
This is the fourth installment of the Drake Chronicles, an epic fantasy romance series intended for adult audiences. Look for the first three books: Heart of Winter, Edge of the Wild, and Blood of Wolves.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2022
22 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
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September 19, 2024
“I loved you long before I fell in love with you…”
Oh my heart, I waited 4 books to hear that line.
I still highly recommend this series, but this was my least favorite so far. There were inconsistencies with a couple of characters that felt out of place. Náli and his Dead Guard, idk, I’ve a lot of questions.
Fantasy
MM romance
MF romance
Family love
Snark/humor
Political intrigue
Graphic intimacy
Dragons, skinwalkers, ancient magic
Emotionally intelligent characters
There is a lot more world-building to help explain WHY all these different kingdoms are fighting.
I’ve got one more book to go before the series is over, and I want to make it last.
Oh my heart, I waited 4 books to hear that line.
I still highly recommend this series, but this was my least favorite so far. There were inconsistencies with a couple of characters that felt out of place. Náli and his Dead Guard, idk, I’ve a lot of questions.
Fantasy
MM romance
MF romance
Family love
Snark/humor
Political intrigue
Graphic intimacy
Dragons, skinwalkers, ancient magic
Emotionally intelligent characters
There is a lot more world-building to help explain WHY all these different kingdoms are fighting.
I’ve got one more book to go before the series is over, and I want to make it last.
August 31, 2025
You would think I would know better by this point and expect the overwhelming sense of dread that precedes things getting worse in large scale fantasy epics and yet HERE WE ARE AND I AM STRESSED ABOUT IT.
I admit I had some complicated feelings about this instalment cause I could feel myself being dragged towards the inevitable pain thats to come like a belligerent dog being forcibly dragged towards the bath, but there is no denying that the plot and world development in this story, and specifically this instalment, continues to be top tier. (I knew the Revna development was going to happen and yet I stilled gasped! And finding out the horrors behind Reginald time in the war was also so shocking)
I enjoyed getting to spend so much time with Nali and getting to see just how bratty and sassy he is as well as exploring the bond between him and his Dead Guard. The romance between Nali and Mattias is still not my favourite (which surprises me cause I love a bodyguard romance). Whilst I understand and empathise with Mattias’ pain and responsibilities, I just found his constant doubt and dourness to be a bit of a buzz kill. But I guess if he makes Nali happy then whatevs……😒lol
I am taking a cautious guess that the next instalment is going to focusing more on the plot line with Leif and I am SO NERVOUS FOR HIM. God I hate Ragnar so much, I really hope this story isn’t going to make me want a redemption arc for him cause mostly every time he comes on page I am so mad about the discord his existence causes with Leif, Erik and Rune.
I am never going to not have a little whinge that I didn’t get as much Erik and Oliver as I wanted cause they’re my babies, but if they aren’t on page then they cant be caused pain, so like silver linings lol.
The dragons, and especially Valgrind (my precious boy) continues to be the real MVPs…
For people embarking on this series, no it isn’t finished, yes book 6 is currently being written and apparently the author plans to finish the story with book 7. So the wait and my suffering when I catch up will hopefully not be TOO LONG.
“Whatever you’re about to call yourself, don’t,” Mattias said, in the steely, unrelenting tone of the sword master he’d so often served as in their relationship. “You wanted me to understand, you said. To know what it felt like to cross the Nágrindr and meet with the dead. And I want you to understand that it cuts like a knife each time you speak of the person I love most in the world with contempt and malice.”
I admit I had some complicated feelings about this instalment cause I could feel myself being dragged towards the inevitable pain thats to come like a belligerent dog being forcibly dragged towards the bath, but there is no denying that the plot and world development in this story, and specifically this instalment, continues to be top tier. (I knew the Revna development was going to happen and yet I stilled gasped! And finding out the horrors behind Reginald time in the war was also so shocking)
I enjoyed getting to spend so much time with Nali and getting to see just how bratty and sassy he is as well as exploring the bond between him and his Dead Guard. The romance between Nali and Mattias is still not my favourite (which surprises me cause I love a bodyguard romance). Whilst I understand and empathise with Mattias’ pain and responsibilities, I just found his constant doubt and dourness to be a bit of a buzz kill. But I guess if he makes Nali happy then whatevs……😒lol
I am taking a cautious guess that the next instalment is going to focusing more on the plot line with Leif and I am SO NERVOUS FOR HIM. God I hate Ragnar so much, I really hope this story isn’t going to make me want a redemption arc for him cause mostly every time he comes on page I am so mad about the discord his existence causes with Leif, Erik and Rune.
I am never going to not have a little whinge that I didn’t get as much Erik and Oliver as I wanted cause they’re my babies, but if they aren’t on page then they cant be caused pain, so like silver linings lol.
The dragons, and especially Valgrind (my precious boy) continues to be the real MVPs…
For people embarking on this series, no it isn’t finished, yes book 6 is currently being written and apparently the author plans to finish the story with book 7. So the wait and my suffering when I catch up will hopefully not be TOO LONG.
“Whatever you’re about to call yourself, don’t,” Mattias said, in the steely, unrelenting tone of the sword master he’d so often served as in their relationship. “You wanted me to understand, you said. To know what it felt like to cross the Nágrindr and meet with the dead. And I want you to understand that it cuts like a knife each time you speak of the person I love most in the world with contempt and malice.”
July 4, 2022
**** 4.5 stars ****
Bloody hell! What a page turner!
Lauren Gilley seems to be in no rush to finish this series.💅
Here we are, at book 4, and yet she keeps broadening the magic universe and inciting us with new couples' possibilities while exploring to the maxim all the building up tension in between to drive us crazy.
WHAT.A.TEASER. Yes, I am looking at you, Leif, Ragnar, Connor, Amelia, Reg and mystery woman. 🤨
As for Erik and Olie, they are no longer my main interest after reading this book.🔥🔥
I am so in awe of the universe created here and Lauren Gillen's fabulous brain that for the first time I am not rushing to read a series. I am in sync with her pace, savouring each book as they come.
Bloody hell! What a page turner!
Lauren Gilley seems to be in no rush to finish this series.💅
Here we are, at book 4, and yet she keeps broadening the magic universe and inciting us with new couples' possibilities while exploring to the maxim all the building up tension in between to drive us crazy.
WHAT.A.TEASER. Yes, I am looking at you, Leif, Ragnar, Connor, Amelia, Reg and mystery woman. 🤨
As for Erik and Olie, they are no longer my main interest after reading this book.🔥🔥
I am so in awe of the universe created here and Lauren Gillen's fabulous brain that for the first time I am not rushing to read a series. I am in sync with her pace, savouring each book as they come.
May 12, 2023
Reread May 23
And wow!
I'm glad I did go back to this before book 5. I'd forgotten so many details.
Nali and Matti! 😍
Oliver and Eric! 😍
Rune and Tessa!😍
Bjorn and Revna!😍
But no, no, no, to Leif and Ragnar !I hate Ragnar and his slimy, manipulative self. WHY is Leif taken in by him? Why oh why? I can't see how he can make a come back, how I can ever like him.
Guess book 5 will tell us more!
Amaaazing writing.
original review
5 absolutely incredible stars and more!
So blooming fantastic, I can’t even ….
I probably should not write a review when I barely finished this book. But … damn. That was spectacular.
We knew this would be Nali’s book, and it was.
His story is everything you could have hoped for, and way way more.
What I loved…
.)the story, the plot ... absolutely breath-taking,tense and fast-paced.
.) Nali is one hell of a character, so young, yet so brave, so courageous, so determined, so snarky and vulnerable. I adored him and ached for his anguish.
.) Mattias is a rock, a man of calibre and integrity. And yet so gone for young Nali, it’s heartachingly wonderful. Swoon station here.
.) the slow burn between Nali and Mattias was driving me mad, but oh so good!
.) slowly the mystery to what’s happening in the overall arc is becoming a bit clearer. The Sels, the past, the reasons for the war are coming to light. So many revelations and yet so much to resolve!
.) Valdegrind! His relationship with Nali is just adorable. All the dragons are so well characterized in this series.
.) I adored those precious Oliver/Erik moments, but suddenly there is that dark cloud hanging over them, particularly considering what has been revealed by the Sel in Nali’s world of the dead! Why, oh why!!!!!😱
.) Omg. Nali and his guards! Loved all those jokes, the ribbing, the loyalty, the love, although I think I spotted something wrong with Darri. Worrying, considering what happens in the last 10%.
.) The tension, the love, the laughs, the increasing feel of doom descending and ...
OMG Leif.No, no, no! My heart ACHES for him all the way! And I really hate Ragnar, and so do the rest of Erik’s family. Will that glimpse into the future really come to pass. WTH is Lauren Gilley planning for Leif?
And then that ‘little’ plot twist for Revna. Good God. I didn’t expect that!
So many characters, and I love them ALL (well, except Ragnor, the manipulating b******! Can he really be turned for the better, or will Leif follow into his footsteps????)
And I can't wait to see what's going to happen on the Reginald/Connor/Amelia front!
But argh! That cliffhanger! Was that really necessary? 😱
What a series!
The writing is so imaginative, so deep, so rich, so full of feels. The world building is absolutely brilliant, and never have I been as invested in a series for a long, long time as this one.
Crying out for the next book already!
And wow!
I'm glad I did go back to this before book 5. I'd forgotten so many details.
Nali and Matti! 😍
Oliver and Eric! 😍
Rune and Tessa!😍
Bjorn and Revna!😍
But no, no, no, to Leif and Ragnar !I hate Ragnar and his slimy, manipulative self. WHY is Leif taken in by him? Why oh why? I can't see how he can make a come back, how I can ever like him.
Guess book 5 will tell us more!
Amaaazing writing.
original review
5 absolutely incredible stars and more!
So blooming fantastic, I can’t even ….
I probably should not write a review when I barely finished this book. But … damn. That was spectacular.
We knew this would be Nali’s book, and it was.
His story is everything you could have hoped for, and way way more.
What I loved…
.)the story, the plot ... absolutely breath-taking,tense and fast-paced.
.) Nali is one hell of a character, so young, yet so brave, so courageous, so determined, so snarky and vulnerable. I adored him and ached for his anguish.
.) Mattias is a rock, a man of calibre and integrity. And yet so gone for young Nali, it’s heartachingly wonderful. Swoon station here.
.) the slow burn between Nali and Mattias was driving me mad, but oh so good!
.) slowly the mystery to what’s happening in the overall arc is becoming a bit clearer. The Sels, the past, the reasons for the war are coming to light. So many revelations and yet so much to resolve!
.) Valdegrind! His relationship with Nali is just adorable. All the dragons are so well characterized in this series.
.) I adored those precious Oliver/Erik moments, but suddenly there is that dark cloud hanging over them, particularly considering what has been revealed by the Sel in Nali’s world of the dead! Why, oh why!!!!!😱
.) Omg. Nali and his guards! Loved all those jokes, the ribbing, the loyalty, the love, although I think I spotted something wrong with Darri. Worrying, considering what happens in the last 10%.
.) The tension, the love, the laughs, the increasing feel of doom descending and ...
OMG Leif.No, no, no! My heart ACHES for him all the way! And I really hate Ragnar, and so do the rest of Erik’s family. Will that glimpse into the future really come to pass. WTH is Lauren Gilley planning for Leif?
And then that ‘little’ plot twist for Revna. Good God. I didn’t expect that!
So many characters, and I love them ALL (well, except Ragnor, the manipulating b******! Can he really be turned for the better, or will Leif follow into his footsteps????)
And I can't wait to see what's going to happen on the Reginald/Connor/Amelia front!
But argh! That cliffhanger! Was that really necessary? 😱
What a series!
The writing is so imaginative, so deep, so rich, so full of feels. The world building is absolutely brilliant, and never have I been as invested in a series for a long, long time as this one.
Crying out for the next book already!
July 4, 2022
4.5
[General spoilers ahead. Mostly rambling and chaotic fangirl thoughts. ‘Review’ might not make sense unless you’ve read all 4 volumes.]
I loved this new addition to my second favorite Gilley series.
The book dropped out of nowhere in the middle of my work week — and we need to have words about this, Miss Gilley! Kindly notify your readers about things like that, so they’re prepared next time, yeah? — but did that stop me? No! I’d been whipping out my Kindle at every possible moment for the last three days, more or less ignoring everything else. This series is highly addictive, I’m telling you. 💀
I had some minor niggles, though. My biggest complaint about the Drake Chronicles series as a whole is this: these books are just too short to contain everything Gilley packed into this story, especially when she adds MORE heavy plot and relationship twists with every new volume. Also, multi-POV doesn’t bother me, but some of the switches here were a little frustrating; when I wanted to know more about some particular plotline, or simply see more character interaction, the POV changed, and it left me reeling a couple of times. I can’t help but feel like some characters were neglected here.
I wanted to get my hands Nali’s book since the little shit first appeared, and in that aspect, Demon of the Dead didn’t disappoint. Duh, the book’s literally named after him, and so he got LOTS of page-time, which I enjoyed immensely. He remains one of my fave characters here; I love how his snarky, bratty exterior hides his true character, which is badass, but also surprisingly sweet. ❤️ His interactions with Valgrind were so precious, too! 😍😂
But! Here comes another niggle: I’ve been holding my breath for Nali and Mattias’s romance for what felt like ages, and I’m not gonna lie: I wanted more than this. The UST, the pining — here and in the previous volume — were delicious and built up my expectations so high that what we finally got here just didn’t cut it for me. I mean, these two were still lovely, and HOT, but the pacing felt a little off, and ultimately, the way the whole situation was resolved wasn’t 100% satisfying for me. What’s more, it left me with some pressing questions
Last but not least: the ONE relationship I wanted to read about the most since the cryptic ending of vol 3, didn’t progress AT ALL here! 💀 Well, okay, so they took like half a step forward, and became ‘aware’ of each other, so to speak, but I WANTED MORE. I DEMAND at least 100 pages of their interaction in book 5. It’s your own fault, Lauren, you write pack dynamics too well. 😂❤️
All that aside, I really like where she’s taking the main plot. And the worldbuilding, the magic system, the mythology in this series continue to amaze me.
Yep, that’s it, that’s my review.
[General spoilers ahead. Mostly rambling and chaotic fangirl thoughts. ‘Review’ might not make sense unless you’ve read all 4 volumes.]
I loved this new addition to my second favorite Gilley series.
The book dropped out of nowhere in the middle of my work week — and we need to have words about this, Miss Gilley! Kindly notify your readers about things like that, so they’re prepared next time, yeah? — but did that stop me? No! I’d been whipping out my Kindle at every possible moment for the last three days, more or less ignoring everything else. This series is highly addictive, I’m telling you. 💀
I had some minor niggles, though. My biggest complaint about the Drake Chronicles series as a whole is this: these books are just too short to contain everything Gilley packed into this story, especially when she adds MORE heavy plot and relationship twists with every new volume. Also, multi-POV doesn’t bother me, but some of the switches here were a little frustrating; when I wanted to know more about some particular plotline, or simply see more character interaction, the POV changed, and it left me reeling a couple of times. I can’t help but feel like some characters were neglected here.
I wanted to get my hands Nali’s book since the little shit first appeared, and in that aspect, Demon of the Dead didn’t disappoint. Duh, the book’s literally named after him, and so he got LOTS of page-time, which I enjoyed immensely. He remains one of my fave characters here; I love how his snarky, bratty exterior hides his true character, which is badass, but also surprisingly sweet. ❤️ His interactions with Valgrind were so precious, too! 😍😂
But! Here comes another niggle: I’ve been holding my breath for Nali and Mattias’s romance for what felt like ages, and I’m not gonna lie: I wanted more than this. The UST, the pining — here and in the previous volume — were delicious and built up my expectations so high that what we finally got here just didn’t cut it for me. I mean, these two were still lovely, and HOT, but the pacing felt a little off, and ultimately, the way the whole situation was resolved wasn’t 100% satisfying for me. What’s more, it left me with some pressing questions
Last but not least: the ONE relationship I wanted to read about the most since the cryptic ending of vol 3, didn’t progress AT ALL here! 💀 Well, okay, so they took like half a step forward, and became ‘aware’ of each other, so to speak, but I WANTED MORE. I DEMAND at least 100 pages of their interaction in book 5. It’s your own fault, Lauren, you write pack dynamics too well. 😂❤️
All that aside, I really like where she’s taking the main plot. And the worldbuilding, the magic system, the mythology in this series continue to amaze me.
Yep, that’s it, that’s my review.
November 10, 2022
The Drake Chronicles world continues to grow!🎉
I really liked the expanded mythology, world building and the villain of this volume.
There’s talk of and known and unknown magic. I love this Epic Fantasy world, I wouldn’t mind reading ten more books about it❤️
It’s official, my powers of divination are nonexistent😐. I can speculate as much as I want, but I think I’ll never quite guess how this story, and its characters, will develop.
Spoilery ramblings about this book’s possible (and not so possible?) couples and stuff ahead:
(I have a song for Leif and Ragnar’s complicated and against-their-better-judgement relationship.
🎶 Muddy Waters by The One and Only LP)
...Ragnar❤️
I really liked the expanded mythology, world building and the villain of this volume.
There’s talk of and known and unknown magic. I love this Epic Fantasy world, I wouldn’t mind reading ten more books about it❤️
It’s official, my powers of divination are nonexistent😐. I can speculate as much as I want, but I think I’ll never quite guess how this story, and its characters, will develop.
Spoilery ramblings about this book’s possible (and not so possible?) couples and stuff ahead:
(I have a song for Leif and Ragnar’s complicated and against-their-better-judgement relationship.
🎶 Muddy Waters by The One and Only LP)
...Ragnar❤️
July 25, 2022
I DEMAND JUSTICE FOR LEIGH! ✊🏻✊🏻✊🏻
What the fuck is this? WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS!!!!! I'll wait, I have to, don't have a choice and yes, I DO LIKE THE APPROACH OF LEIF ENDING UP FUCKING HIS COUSIN, I don't know why so don't ask me, but I really want to have his HFN at least, COÑO!
Moving on to what actually happened in this story 🤣🤣🤣
I wasn't expecting the focus to be so much in another group of people that are not Oliver and the king, but of course Lauren is a brilliant writer and at the end I understood why, she's moving the pieces for the final countdown.
So I enjoyed being in Nali's pov and seeing his discovery of the other world and the enemies to come, I liked getting to meet his guards (I like Klemens more than Matti, sorry about that) and the world building of that part, we had a lot of information dumped on us in this one, but is was clearly necessary.
And who else thinks that Valgrind is the best good Boi there is? Cause I do, he's such a good boy!
The romance... I read a review that said that all the build up to the sex (because Matti refused to bed Nali) was disappointing when it happened. I agree, when it started I didn't understood why we had so much talk about other sex experiences that Matti had, it was their first time, maybe save it for later? So that made it all the worse for me and as I said, I prefer Klemens, he isn't so overprotective of Nali and he's funny. 🥰
But as every other book in this series, it was brilliant and I swear to God that the moment Leif kisses Ragnar I'LL EXPLODE.... 🤯🤯🤯
*clears her throat* Other thoughts:
- I still don't care about Erik as a king, the way he's treating Leif? Go fuck yourself Erik! 😡😡
IN FACT EVERYONE THAT TREATS LEIF LIKE SHIT SHOULD GO FUCK THEMSELVES! 🤬🤬 *breathes*
- I'm really confused about the dynamics with Amelia and the other two, are they going to be a trio? Or whut?
- I don't like the magic dude, he crazy.
Can't wait for the next one *squeals*
What the fuck is this? WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS!!!!! I'll wait, I have to, don't have a choice and yes, I DO LIKE THE APPROACH OF LEIF ENDING UP FUCKING HIS COUSIN, I don't know why so don't ask me, but I really want to have his HFN at least, COÑO!
Moving on to what actually happened in this story 🤣🤣🤣
I wasn't expecting the focus to be so much in another group of people that are not Oliver and the king, but of course Lauren is a brilliant writer and at the end I understood why, she's moving the pieces for the final countdown.
So I enjoyed being in Nali's pov and seeing his discovery of the other world and the enemies to come, I liked getting to meet his guards (I like Klemens more than Matti, sorry about that) and the world building of that part, we had a lot of information dumped on us in this one, but is was clearly necessary.
And who else thinks that Valgrind is the best good Boi there is? Cause I do, he's such a good boy!
The romance... I read a review that said that all the build up to the sex (because Matti refused to bed Nali) was disappointing when it happened. I agree, when it started I didn't understood why we had so much talk about other sex experiences that Matti had, it was their first time, maybe save it for later? So that made it all the worse for me and as I said, I prefer Klemens, he isn't so overprotective of Nali and he's funny. 🥰
But as every other book in this series, it was brilliant and I swear to God that the moment Leif kisses Ragnar I'LL EXPLODE.... 🤯🤯🤯
*clears her throat* Other thoughts:
- I still don't care about Erik as a king, the way he's treating Leif? Go fuck yourself Erik! 😡😡
IN FACT EVERYONE THAT TREATS LEIF LIKE SHIT SHOULD GO FUCK THEMSELVES! 🤬🤬 *breathes*
- I'm really confused about the dynamics with Amelia and the other two, are they going to be a trio? Or whut?
- I don't like the magic dude, he crazy.
Can't wait for the next one *squeals*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2023
Note: Demon of the Dead is book 4 of this series and these books do not stand alone. I'm also not sure how many books will be in this series before it is finished. I'm not sure the author knows, either. That said, I am enjoying the ride so far!
As you would guess by the title (assuming you've read the first 3 books in this series), Demon of the Dead is very Náli-centric. The first quarter/third of the book sees more of the overall cast of characters, but after that point it's mostly very focused on Náli. No complaints there, really, as much as I do love me some Eric and Oliver time. I've been looking forward to Náli getting his story and his guard for ages now. I wanted a bit more relationship development, though, I will admit.
Things I liked:
• All. Things. Dragon. I swear Valgrind stole every scene he was in. Adorable little beast.
• Tessa names her dragon, and it fits!
• Náli finding out more about not just himself, but his family history.
• Leif seems a touch more confident but he still has a long way to travel. I do hope he finds some happiness because my heart is breaking for him.
• The ending, because as cliffie as it was, it's making me salivate for the next book.
I didn't round down in my ratings for the previous books, but even though I am enjoying the story, noticing so many editing issues while I'm reading keeps taking me out of the narrative, so I am knocking off a star here (after re-reading). I especially wonder about the end of chapter 11 which kind of ends abruptly and then there is a note that just says "FINISH". As much as I love the story the author is telling with this series, it could be so much better. I really really wish the author would hire an editor. Not an editing program, but an actual editor.
I love the world Ms. Gilley has come up with, here. Absolutely love it. It could be a full on, no holds barred, five starts great, though, with just a bit more of an investment.
As you would guess by the title (assuming you've read the first 3 books in this series), Demon of the Dead is very Náli-centric. The first quarter/third of the book sees more of the overall cast of characters, but after that point it's mostly very focused on Náli. No complaints there, really, as much as I do love me some Eric and Oliver time. I've been looking forward to Náli getting his story and his guard for ages now. I wanted a bit more relationship development, though, I will admit.
Things I liked:
• All. Things. Dragon. I swear Valgrind stole every scene he was in. Adorable little beast.
• Tessa names her dragon, and it fits!
• Náli finding out more about not just himself, but his family history.
• Leif seems a touch more confident but he still has a long way to travel. I do hope he finds some happiness because my heart is breaking for him.
• The ending, because as cliffie as it was, it's making me salivate for the next book.
I didn't round down in my ratings for the previous books, but even though I am enjoying the story, noticing so many editing issues while I'm reading keeps taking me out of the narrative, so I am knocking off a star here (after re-reading). I especially wonder about the end of chapter 11 which kind of ends abruptly and then there is a note that just says "FINISH". As much as I love the story the author is telling with this series, it could be so much better. I really really wish the author would hire an editor. Not an editing program, but an actual editor.
I love the world Ms. Gilley has come up with, here. Absolutely love it. It could be a full on, no holds barred, five starts great, though, with just a bit more of an investment.
October 28, 2022
Some very quick thoughts: first, that cliffhanger was wrong on so many levels. It’s like wait a minute, WTF just happened! Second, Náli and Mattias finally getting together was all the swoony goodness I expected it to be. Finally, I can’t wait for the delicious trainwreck that is building up between Leif and Ragnar. Can you imagine the ensuing hate/angsty/kinky smutfest???
July 17, 2022
***4.5 - 5 ❤️***
July 3, 2022
I've anxiously anticipated Nali's story since the little sod was first introduced and once again Gilley did not disappoint. This book was jam packed from beginning to end with so many twists and turns. The romance is on the light side but, for me, this did not take away the pleasure I got from reading this. The over-arcing story line, world building, characters, magic, twists and turns and the "welp, I didn't see that one coming" moments are just beyond phenomenal in the classic, effortless Gilley way.
And now the wait for the next book to see where she's going to take Leif 😍
And now the wait for the next book to see where she's going to take Leif 😍
January 13, 2025
Re-read January 2025
Náli is definitely one of my favorite characters in this series.
I loved how he never gave up on Mattias and kept trying to find a way for them to be together.
Náli is definitely one of my favorite characters in this series.
I loved how he never gave up on Mattias and kept trying to find a way for them to be together.
June 2, 2024
The world development and the on going storyline is awesome! The author paints an extremely beautiful picture with words.
February 12, 2023
Nali and Mattias were something else! 💙💙
May 18, 2025
5⭐️
At this point I don’t have any thoughts. Just feels.
And it’s difficult to formulate even those 😀
All I can say is eeeep. EEEEEEP.
Nali 🥹 Nali is a spoilt egotistical brat and he’s so awesome. I love him.
Also the plot is thickening. The dangers are lurking in the shadows.
Maaan. I haven’t even started book 5 yet, but I’m sad that more books aren’t out already 😔 I NEED them. Arghhh.
As you see, I’m riveted. Which rarely happens to me. But I really am this time.
At this point I don’t have any thoughts. Just feels.
And it’s difficult to formulate even those 😀
All I can say is eeeep. EEEEEEP.
Nali 🥹 Nali is a spoilt egotistical brat and he’s so awesome. I love him.
Also the plot is thickening. The dangers are lurking in the shadows.
Maaan. I haven’t even started book 5 yet, but I’m sad that more books aren’t out already 😔 I NEED them. Arghhh.
As you see, I’m riveted. Which rarely happens to me. But I really am this time.
July 6, 2022
Ok so Leif has got to have his own book and soon!!! I feel thoroughly teased!!
—————
It’s out!! So excited to read this 🖤
—————
It’s out!! So excited to read this 🖤
November 10, 2022
My only complaint about this book is that it’s over. I have questions and now I need to wait for book 5?!!?!
This universe that Lauren Gilley is creating impresses me with every book. She keeps revealing more twists & turns so there’s much more going on than it seemed in book 1.
This book spent most of its time with my bestie Náli. I love his bratty, snarky, stubborn, secretly vulnerable character SO much! He and Mattias finally get together and it is emotional and really hot when Mattias gets all cocky and bossy.
I wish there had been more development with Leif and Amelia’s stories but there was a lot to unpack here with Náli. I am thirsting to see Leif & Ragnar’s vision come into fruition 👀
The romantic variety in this series is my favorite. There are multiple couples to follow and there are always new relationships with fresh sexual tension. It never gets dull and the plot is exciting and detailed. Every book ends with me needing more!
This universe that Lauren Gilley is creating impresses me with every book. She keeps revealing more twists & turns so there’s much more going on than it seemed in book 1.
This book spent most of its time with my bestie Náli. I love his bratty, snarky, stubborn, secretly vulnerable character SO much! He and Mattias finally get together and it is emotional and really hot when Mattias gets all cocky and bossy.
I wish there had been more development with Leif and Amelia’s stories but there was a lot to unpack here with Náli. I am thirsting to see Leif & Ragnar’s vision come into fruition 👀
The romantic variety in this series is my favorite. There are multiple couples to follow and there are always new relationships with fresh sexual tension. It never gets dull and the plot is exciting and detailed. Every book ends with me needing more!
August 30, 2025
not a nali fan so this was rated lower than some others in this series but i'll keep reading.
June 30, 2022
Better and Better
I love the way that the story builds with each new book. The characters learn and grow throughout the series, and I can't wait for the next episode.
I love the way that the story builds with each new book. The characters learn and grow throughout the series, and I can't wait for the next episode.
July 3, 2022
Wonderful. Happy that Nali got his wish, terrific world-building, can't wait for book 5 Fortunes of War.
August 13, 2022
I know I've been reading this for an entire month - just been busy lately, that's all. That being said, I loved every part of this book. That cliffhanger really making me want the next book now too 😭
I wonder how long this series is going to be? There's so much going on and a lot of characters..
I want to read more of Amelia, Connor, Reginald, Leif, Ragnar ~
This book had heavy polyamorous vibes going on. My theory is that Amelia is going to be lovers with all of them - Connor, Reginald, Leif, and Ragnar. As in, she will have two sets of lovers 😳
Also , Nali is such a tease and voyeur!!
"I asked if she thought he was handsome, not if she wanted to ride his cock while you lot watched," he snapped, and had the small satisfaction of watching all their faces color
Here in the Fault Lands, I'd be perfectly within my rights to drag my bride of choice behind a hedge and fuck her in front of my men."
"He had some complementary things to say about you, I said I might like to witness certain sparring formations to judge your prowess for myself. That's within a lord's purview, don't you think?"
Einrih blanched...and then blushed. 'I. That. Well-"
Tell me I'm wrong?! The biggest thing though that is giving me hope there will be more to his relationship with his guards.. its what his ancestor said about sharing power being a lot more intimate than he could imagine.
I wonder how long this series is going to be? There's so much going on and a lot of characters..
I want to read more of Amelia, Connor, Reginald, Leif, Ragnar ~
This book had heavy polyamorous vibes going on. My theory is that Amelia is going to be lovers with all of them - Connor, Reginald, Leif, and Ragnar. As in, she will have two sets of lovers 😳
Also , Nali is such a tease and voyeur!!
"I asked if she thought he was handsome, not if she wanted to ride his cock while you lot watched," he snapped, and had the small satisfaction of watching all their faces color
Here in the Fault Lands, I'd be perfectly within my rights to drag my bride of choice behind a hedge and fuck her in front of my men."
"He had some complementary things to say about you, I said I might like to witness certain sparring formations to judge your prowess for myself. That's within a lord's purview, don't you think?"
Einrih blanched...and then blushed. 'I. That. Well-"
Tell me I'm wrong?! The biggest thing though that is giving me hope there will be more to his relationship with his guards.. its what his ancestor said about sharing power being a lot more intimate than he could imagine.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2022
There be Dragons!
5 Stars. This series continues to amaze and delight. It’s so good! (Valgrind the dragon is the most awkward and adorable hero!).
Books must be read in order.
Highly recommend.
5 Stars. This series continues to amaze and delight. It’s so good! (Valgrind the dragon is the most awkward and adorable hero!).
Books must be read in order.
Highly recommend.
December 15, 2022
I'm so hooked with this series it's not even funny 😭
What a great book and what a cruel cliffhanger author!!!
If you need me I'll be patiently (not really) waiting for the next one...
What a great book and what a cruel cliffhanger author!!!
If you need me I'll be patiently (not really) waiting for the next one...
July 2, 2022
In my opinion is this book the best of the Drake chronicles yet. About two thirds of the book is just Nali and his Corpse Guard and damn, they are entertaining! I want more of them and their relationships with each other already. Their interactions are witty and playful and Nali is just as likeable as a character as you saw him before. Full of flaws and snarky humor.
For me it felt alot like the first book, where one couple was the focus and I enjoyed that a lot. Some of the side stories like Rune and Tessa are just not really interesting to me personally and while they did have some page time, it was very limited.
There were also some interesting hints to further story developments that I am looking forward to.
And boy the sex scenes got riled up a notch and I loved it. Steamy and tender exactly what I wanted from our sweet necromancer and his captain.
I don't think it will happen but I would love another book with a focus on Nali because I feel like some aspects just did not resolve itself! Somehow I feel like 100 pages were missing.
For me it felt alot like the first book, where one couple was the focus and I enjoyed that a lot. Some of the side stories like Rune and Tessa are just not really interesting to me personally and while they did have some page time, it was very limited.
There were also some interesting hints to further story developments that I am looking forward to.
And boy the sex scenes got riled up a notch and I loved it. Steamy and tender exactly what I wanted from our sweet necromancer and his captain.
I don't think it will happen but I would love another book with a focus on Nali because I feel like some aspects just did not resolve itself! Somehow I feel like 100 pages were missing.
August 21, 2022
5 stars for Náli and Mattias, 3.5 stars for everyone else.
Here we get to know our snarky Corpse Lord a whole lot better, and it was great. Náli could easily be my favourite character in this series, it was a delight to spend more time with him in his ancestral lands. The book is mostly centred around him and his quest to free himself from the yoke of his power, but it shifts through basically every character's perspective at one point or another and I don't know that I enjoyed that. The first half dragged quite a lot because of this, but as the story settled in the Fault Lands, it was a smoother read. I really loved Oliver and Erik in the first two books, and I'm glad we still get to be with them, but I'm also glad Náli and Mattias have their own book. The UST between them was great and when it was resolved it was pretty explosive.
I had no idea this series would end up being so epic, but I'm super happy Gilley is so prolific.
Here we get to know our snarky Corpse Lord a whole lot better, and it was great. Náli could easily be my favourite character in this series, it was a delight to spend more time with him in his ancestral lands. The book is mostly centred around him and his quest to free himself from the yoke of his power, but it shifts through basically every character's perspective at one point or another and I don't know that I enjoyed that. The first half dragged quite a lot because of this, but as the story settled in the Fault Lands, it was a smoother read. I really loved Oliver and Erik in the first two books, and I'm glad we still get to be with them, but I'm also glad Náli and Mattias have their own book. The UST between them was great and when it was resolved it was pretty explosive.
I had no idea this series would end up being so epic, but I'm super happy Gilley is so prolific.
September 11, 2025
Aburrido no, lo siguiente!
July 18, 2022
“The blood of the living shall welcome the blood of the dead. I am the keeper of the Fault Lands, and the dead shall keep me.”
Welcome back to the Drake verse !
DOTD is the most magic we’ve seen in the series so far. We learn a lot more about the origins of the North’s magic through Nàli’s adventures in the « Between », about the Drakes’ ability to communicate with dragons, and some shapeshifting abilities for one main character…
I have no idea how long this fantasy/paranormal/historical/dragons series will be, only that I hope there’s much more to happen to our heroes because I am not ready to say goodbye…
Next book in the series : Fortunes of War. Or the return of Nàli, the Aeretolleans, Aquitainians, and their drakes…
I can't wait !
Welcome back to the Drake verse !
DOTD is the most magic we’ve seen in the series so far. We learn a lot more about the origins of the North’s magic through Nàli’s adventures in the « Between », about the Drakes’ ability to communicate with dragons, and some shapeshifting abilities for one main character…
I have no idea how long this fantasy/paranormal/historical/dragons series will be, only that I hope there’s much more to happen to our heroes because I am not ready to say goodbye…
Next book in the series : Fortunes of War. Or the return of Nàli, the Aeretolleans, Aquitainians, and their drakes…
I can't wait !
July 17, 2022
I would give the first half 5 stars and the second one 3 - so yeah I guess in total a 4 start read lol
I think the story is unrevealing in a very intricate and engaging way and I can't wait to find out what happens to the main characters.
And that's where my 3 start reason comes in - main characters. I AM dying to find out Oliver's magic issues (I think this book foreshadowed quite a few conflicts that might pop up later), Lief's potential threesome, and well... That's it for me honestly hahah I couldn't care less what happens to other characters - I mean they are great as secondary characters but it doesn't mean I want to read their POVs.
So this book is primarily Nali, and while, again, he is a great addition to the story as a second character I really didn't want to read his POV for the most of the book.
His love story is okay for a side character but I don't think is interesting enough to stand on its own. And also, man, I'd totally be down for him having a polygamous relationship with all of his guards (instead of having Lief getting that). I think there was a good chemistry potential there. But oh well. I don't really care either way as I've mentioned.
The problem of getting too many POVs and even secondary characters getting their screentime is that there are only these many people I can realistically care about in a story. After a few, it just gets diluted and you stop being as invested (or you skim through most of the POVs until you get to the actual main characters.
Even great writers can't pull off introducing these many characters (even Game of Thrones latest books didn't work well with all those secondary new characters getting their POVs).
That being said, I don't like het so about third of the book for me is not interesting to begin with. So if you like both- maybe you'd like reading Tessa or Her mother in law POVs. I just skim through them. Thankfully those POVs don't drive the plot much (not sure they are necessary at all tbh).
However, as much as I like MM couples I'm a bit wary of one potential couple - aren't they freaking related lol? And I mean like not some distant relatives but cousins and stuff! I definitely need to know that they are distant af before I commit to liking that pairing hahah
At this point it's clear that I'm mostly invested in Oliver's story so while this book doesn't have much of his POV, we still get some delicious foreshadowing and he's still somewhat being treated as a main character by this story. Which I hope won't change - I can power through all these freaking POVs if at least the main character is clear. I like getting heavily invested in one dude lol
Anywho, despite all of these silly complaints I really enjoy the story, I just wish I could really ALL pages hahah I genuinely tried, even read the MF sex scenes in the previous book but I just couldn't get invested in these many people and couples. But yeah, I hope for more Oliver POV in the next book but will read it regardless hahahha
I think the story is unrevealing in a very intricate and engaging way and I can't wait to find out what happens to the main characters.
And that's where my 3 start reason comes in - main characters. I AM dying to find out Oliver's magic issues (I think this book foreshadowed quite a few conflicts that might pop up later), Lief's potential threesome, and well... That's it for me honestly hahah I couldn't care less what happens to other characters - I mean they are great as secondary characters but it doesn't mean I want to read their POVs.
So this book is primarily Nali, and while, again, he is a great addition to the story as a second character I really didn't want to read his POV for the most of the book.
His love story is okay for a side character but I don't think is interesting enough to stand on its own. And also, man, I'd totally be down for him having a polygamous relationship with all of his guards (instead of having Lief getting that). I think there was a good chemistry potential there. But oh well. I don't really care either way as I've mentioned.
The problem of getting too many POVs and even secondary characters getting their screentime is that there are only these many people I can realistically care about in a story. After a few, it just gets diluted and you stop being as invested (or you skim through most of the POVs until you get to the actual main characters.
Even great writers can't pull off introducing these many characters (even Game of Thrones latest books didn't work well with all those secondary new characters getting their POVs).
That being said, I don't like het so about third of the book for me is not interesting to begin with. So if you like both- maybe you'd like reading Tessa or Her mother in law POVs. I just skim through them. Thankfully those POVs don't drive the plot much (not sure they are necessary at all tbh).
However, as much as I like MM couples I'm a bit wary of one potential couple - aren't they freaking related lol? And I mean like not some distant relatives but cousins and stuff! I definitely need to know that they are distant af before I commit to liking that pairing hahah
At this point it's clear that I'm mostly invested in Oliver's story so while this book doesn't have much of his POV, we still get some delicious foreshadowing and he's still somewhat being treated as a main character by this story. Which I hope won't change - I can power through all these freaking POVs if at least the main character is clear. I like getting heavily invested in one dude lol
Anywho, despite all of these silly complaints I really enjoy the story, I just wish I could really ALL pages hahah I genuinely tried, even read the MF sex scenes in the previous book but I just couldn't get invested in these many people and couples. But yeah, I hope for more Oliver POV in the next book but will read it regardless hahahha
September 26, 2022
Enjoyment-wise rating: 3 stars (more on this later - it's not as bad as you might think)
General quality rating: 4 stars (It's a bit closer to 3.5 than 4, but again - it's not really as bad as you might think)
Okay! So, I basically binged this entire series in like, two days, so. Right to the point:
Nali and Mattias are a good pair, and the story did quite well at making me like them both. I can't say the way they resolved Nali's particular issue was very satisfying to me, but it did make sense.
Leif continues to be miserable, and I kind of want to hug him, but he's fictional, and with the whole wolf thing he probably wouldn't appreciate it. (It would absolutely be worth it though). Anyway, I have no strong feelings on him and Ragnar as of now, but it seems like it'll be him, Ragnar, and a third person (woman)? I'm... not the biggest fan of poly, to be honest - not because I dislike it in concept or disapprove of it or anything, but rather that it's very rare that I see poly handled well. I think it's a combination of lack of understanding about poly relationships and my own preference for monogamy, but I'd honestly prefer that it was just Leif and Ragnar... well, we'll see, I guess. Again, I'm totally fine with polygamy, if it feels right and it's handled respectfully. I don't want anyone taking me out of context there.
Part of the reason why my enjoyment rating is around 3 is because I just felt kind of miserable for Leif, so I was pretty much just really sad all throughout lol. Add my trepidation with what seems to be a poly romance and that really just kills the mood a bit. Still, I'm trying to have faith it'll work out or not happen
My main criticism of the book, I suppose, is that it spends a solid 40% of itself feeling like leftover things that might have worked better in the previous book. Like, yes, it's nice and all that I get to catch up, but between the POV shifts (which can get quite jarring, sometimes) and the general "but I thought this was Nali and Mattias book" and my own sadness on behalf of Leif, well, it just didn't feel quite right.
Still, I'm looking forward to the next book. I hope it's Leif, my man deserves some happiness after all this time. Like I know it's not anyone's fault in particular (besides Ragnar for turning him) but man, he just gets the short end of the stick like, every time :/
General quality rating: 4 stars (It's a bit closer to 3.5 than 4, but again - it's not really as bad as you might think)
Okay! So, I basically binged this entire series in like, two days, so. Right to the point:
Nali and Mattias are a good pair, and the story did quite well at making me like them both. I can't say the way they resolved Nali's particular issue was very satisfying to me, but it did make sense.
Leif continues to be miserable, and I kind of want to hug him, but he's fictional, and with the whole wolf thing he probably wouldn't appreciate it. (It would absolutely be worth it though). Anyway, I have no strong feelings on him and Ragnar as of now, but it seems like it'll be him, Ragnar, and a third person (woman)? I'm... not the biggest fan of poly, to be honest - not because I dislike it in concept or disapprove of it or anything, but rather that it's very rare that I see poly handled well. I think it's a combination of lack of understanding about poly relationships and my own preference for monogamy, but I'd honestly prefer that it was just Leif and Ragnar... well, we'll see, I guess. Again, I'm totally fine with polygamy, if it feels right and it's handled respectfully. I don't want anyone taking me out of context there.
Part of the reason why my enjoyment rating is around 3 is because I just felt kind of miserable for Leif, so I was pretty much just really sad all throughout lol. Add my trepidation with what seems to be a poly romance and that really just kills the mood a bit. Still, I'm trying to have faith it'll work out
My main criticism of the book, I suppose, is that it spends a solid 40% of itself feeling like leftover things that might have worked better in the previous book. Like, yes, it's nice and all that I get to catch up, but between the POV shifts (which can get quite jarring, sometimes) and the general "but I thought this was Nali and Mattias book" and my own sadness on behalf of Leif, well, it just didn't feel quite right.
Still, I'm looking forward to the next book. I hope it's Leif, my man deserves some happiness after all this time. Like I know it's not anyone's fault in particular (besides Ragnar for turning him) but man, he just gets the short end of the stick like, every time :/
October 13, 2023
So I'm a bit disappointed here. When I started this series I assumed (wrongly) that the story was complete in 4 books. Big mistake. The story arc is absolutely crawling in it's pace. That's not to say there aren't interesting things happening or it's not well written....it is. But I am infamous at abandoning a series. Hunger games, Twilight, Harry Potter, Outlander, with only a few exceptions I never seem to finished out a series as soon as one of the books became less interesting. There are exceptions i.e. Art of Murder by Josh Lanyon, The Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. It just takes a lot to keep my interest enough to keep going. This book focuses mostly on The Corpse Lord, Nali and his relationship with his Dead Guard. I adore Nali even with his petulance and sarcasm because he has a heavy burden. It's that glacial pacing of the war that throws everything off. I thought this would work excellent as a standalone in the "world of the Drake Chronicles" versus zero story progression. I just see no end in site at this pace and will probably do my usual abandoning scenario. This makes me sad but I know my habits and waiting for each new book ( at this pace I see several) will have me forgetting characters and story lines altogether. Unless the next book is a wrap up, which I will at the least investigate. Ymmv. 4 stars for story, 1 star for pacing. 3 star average.
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