How to Save an Undead Life (Beginner's Guide to Necromancy, #1)

by Hailey Edwards

[Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading]

How to Save an Undead Life, the first book in the Beginner’s Guide to Necromancy took in on an interesting journey into the world of a young necromancer looking to  I heard good things about the series and also the synopsis hinted at an exciting adventure, and so I had no qualms in picking up the first book.

The story introduces Grier, a 21-year-old necromancer, newly released from the magic world’s version of prison, where she spent time for the murder of her aunt. Despite gaining her freedom, she suffers from PTSD because of the horrors she experienced during her incarceration. She lost everything when she went to prison. She now works a tour guide for Haint Misbehavin’ Ghost Tours as a means of survival. The only things which remained constant were her friendship with Amelie and her connection with Wooly. Wooly is the sentient house she grew up in with her aunt Maud. However, with the reappearance of her childhood crush and the appearance of the two vampires whose actions reeked of suspicion, her life would take another dramatic turn.

This installment revealed the reason for Grier’s release from the magical prison, the identity of the person behind it, and the reason for her pardon.

It took me sometime to get into the story, but when I did, I could not put it down.  It felt as if I skipped the several pages and jumped right into the middle of the story. I had a hard time following, however, after sometime I found it easier to follow.

Grier is one of those heroines: if given the opportunity, I would shake some sense into her. Her indecisiveness frustrated me. However, the thing that had me wanting to shake her was the dumb move she made with the vampires. A move which placed her in danger. 

I found the secondary characters interesting, my favourite being Boaz, Grier’s childhood crush. I enjoyed their banter, which was flirty and funny and I loved how he always had her back.

The author gave readers some suspense and action, which added an element of excitement to the story. This thread showcased Grier’s capabilities. I loved the world the author created, and I look forward to returning to it.

Despite my misgivings, How to Save an Undead Life gave me enough to have me wanting to pick up the next book. Fans of Urban Fantasy would delight in this introduction to Grier Woolworth, her sentient house, and her zombie parakeet.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading