Grave Ransom (Alex Craft, #5)

by Kalayna Price

[Quirky Cat]

Grave Ransom is the (greatly anticipated) fifth book in the Alex Craft series. It’s only been a year and a half since Grave Visions released, but I’m sure I’m not the only one that felt like it was longer than that (impatience can do that to a person). Despite the (not so) long wait and resulting build-up Grave Ransom without a shadow of a doubt held up to my levels of expectations, which is such a relief!



Warnings first: This should shock absolutely no one, but there are (gasp!) corpses in this book. The details about the level of decay get somewhat graphic at times. I found that to be particularly true in regards to the animals found during one scene (perhaps just because I’m an animal lover? That and the surprise factor). There is also a reanimated child corpse at one point, so just be prepared.
I’ll admit right away that this series has always been a favorite of mine; in particular because I love it when a fantasy series includes consequences for using specific types of magic. Ironically, I’m also a bit of a snob when it comes to books about fae, but Price nails it and meets my standards and then some, so I can’t complain!
Alex Craft is dealing with a lot of new firsts in this book, such as her first time seeing a ghost riding an already dead body. That’s a whole new level of weird and gross, even for her. This mystery quickly pulls her into the middle, grabbing at her from all directions. Investigating along with her is a woman named Briar, part of the Magical Crimes Investigation Bureau (try saying that ten times fast). Falin and Death also become involved, mostly due to their concern for Alex (who admittedly has a knack for getting herself into dangerous situations without even trying).
On top of the mysterious necromancer running around the city, quite a lot is happening in this novel; some subtle, some less so. Everyone has moved into Alex’s new castle that resides in a folded space behind their house, which is a bit odd to think about, but also as far as the fae goes isn’t entirely that surprising either. Why is this relevant? Alex is both significantly safer and harder to reach (both good and bad) when in her new home.
I’m really enjoying watching Alex come to terms with her recently exposed heritage, while simultaneously learning how to handle the changes. Such as suddenly not being able to lie or having to balance out debts in response to a simple “thank you.” Her navigation of this new set of rules is both fascinating and oddly human (which is ironic, considering the cause).
As if learning how to be part fae wasn’t enough, Alex is also trying to gain some control over her plainweaving abilities. Which is easier said than done. In an attempt to not destroy everything, she (wisely) has chosen to try and limit this power; mostly just using it to look across rather than actually cross or pull over. She does make exceptions of course, a fact that has a direct result on how things end in this book.
One of the relationships changed, and for the sake of the story (since it happens at the very end) I won’t say who or what, as I feel it’s important to read it through. I do feel the change was inevitable, though I’ll admit that I don’t know what the next step or response will be. I am curious to see what happens though.
I just finished Grave Ransom last night, but I’m already anxious for book six (not sure if it has a name yet?) to release. Which is the sign of a good book - well, as long as it doesn’t end in a cliffhanger that is – which don’t worry, Grave Ransom doesn’t.


For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks