How to Save an Undead Life, the first book in the Beginner’s Guide to Necromancy took in me on an interesting journey into the world of a young necromancer.  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. It also gave 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.  I 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.

I buddy read this with Sophia for COYER Community Buddy Read.

Story Evaluation
Plot	3
Characters	4
World Building	4.5
Writing Style	3
Pacing	3
Cover	3
Enjoyment	4
Ending	4
Overall:

Join Grier and company as they journey into the magical unknown in the first book in the Beginner's Guide to Necromancy. #urbanfantasy #magic Click To Tweet

About Hailey Edwards

Hailey Edwards writes about questionable applications of otherwise perfectly good magic, the transformative power of love, the family you choose for yourself, and blowing stuff up. Not necessarily all at once. That could get messy. She lives in Alabama with her husband, their daughter, and a herd of dachshunds.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Instagram | Newsletter

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• Coyer 2021