The Accused Dead

by Rhiannon Frater

[kimbacaffeinate]

Can I say I missed Frater and the intense, developed addictive world she creates? The Accused Dead picks up right where book one left off. Ilyse is busy preparing on the morning of the Bridal Action. She is hoping everything she and  Quade planned will go off without a hitch. Even though she was exonerated (twice) through the Necromancer Trial, she fears people in the community want her dead particularly their powerful leader.

As I stated in my previous review, the settlement Ilyse lives in follows the Lost Text. It reminds me of a very strict Amish or Mennonite community. The world fell apart due to a zombie outbreak and gated communities sprouted up. As the world rebuilt they learned to live with the dead.  Some communities cut ties with the world. Their teaching showed that the Necromancers allowed the dead to rise and caused the fall of man. They do not permit modern advancements and medication and believe technology is a gateway to evil.

In The Accused Dead, Frater continues to flesh out the world we find ourselves in and exposes the cracks. I devoured this story in one sitting as I never got to a point where I felt I could set it down. The Bridal Auction had me gripping my Kindle. Sabotage, overheard conversations and fear of the secret necromancer exposing Ilyse hung in the air. I felt as if I were on display. What a horrible way to decide a young woman's fate.

The story that unfolds pulled Ilyse in many directions. I honestly didn't know what she would decide. Quade would like her to join a society that will teach her control.  Someone else wants her to escape and join the rebel necromancers. It was nerve wracking. Meanwhile her biggest concern was exposure or worse being stoned to death.

Toss in zombies, crazy zealots, and this oppressive town and you've got yourself an intense story. Like the first book it resolves the immediate situation but for every answer ten more sit in the wings. It left me eager for more. I hope we get another book this year. *hint-hint* This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer