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Grave Cold
Protect the dead.
Something strange is happening in the District of Portland (DP). As a result, a biting cold is spreading out from the city, expanding into the far wilderness, acting as a beacon for ravens. Most people don’t know that when someone dies, they remain trapped within their bodies until a raven, a long-lived person with a duty to the dead, releases them. For some reason, the cold call of death has expanded so far as to reach Nyle, a raven who hasn’t stepped foot into a city for centuries.
Cait, a beautician in DP with a mysterious problem of her own, has been unable to sleep due to the dead invading her dreams. She decides to camp outside the city walls and meets Nyle, who recognizes her as a necromancer and convinces her to smuggle him in. Together, they discover that the dead of DP are being used as an energy source. They must protect the dead and stop the technology from spreading before the abuse of the dead becomes a worldwide menace and they themselves end up on a laboratory table or trapped in a machine.
Something strange is happening in the District of Portland (DP). As a result, a biting cold is spreading out from the city, expanding into the far wilderness, acting as a beacon for ravens. Most people don’t know that when someone dies, they remain trapped within their bodies until a raven, a long-lived person with a duty to the dead, releases them. For some reason, the cold call of death has expanded so far as to reach Nyle, a raven who hasn’t stepped foot into a city for centuries.
Cait, a beautician in DP with a mysterious problem of her own, has been unable to sleep due to the dead invading her dreams. She decides to camp outside the city walls and meets Nyle, who recognizes her as a necromancer and convinces her to smuggle him in. Together, they discover that the dead of DP are being used as an energy source. They must protect the dead and stop the technology from spreading before the abuse of the dead becomes a worldwide menace and they themselves end up on a laboratory table or trapped in a machine.
454 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2023
20 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Knight
7 books17 followersShannon Knight lives in the Pacific Northwest with her most excellent cat. Their adventurous lives include coffee, reading, ribbon games, and K-dramas.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 13, 2023
Review originally published on JamReads
Grave Cold, by Shannon Knight, is a really difficult-to-classify novel, as it blends multiple genres into it, creating something quite unique; a mix between dystopian sci-fi and fantasy, with some touches of biopunk, all of this combined with an amazing pace growing steadily during all the plot. And making use of some themes that I haven't seen explored much in the genre.
Nyle is attracted to the District of Portland by the call of death; his long life might end if he doesn't solve the situation. But the electronic walls that keep mutants away are also blocking Nyle's kind outside, making them unable to enter and free the recent dead from their bodies.
Cait's dreams are plagued by death; she's just a beautician struggling with the rent and trying to dodge GM police. Returning from a field trip, she's convinced by Nyle to smuggle him into the city; and later, her life will be shaken once Nyle reveals to her she's not genetically modified, but a necromancer.
In the District, the dead are being trapped and used as an energy source. Nyle, with the help of Cait, must try to stop this technology from spreading, condemning those who pass to never experience the final freedom; but they are risking their own one, confronting the powers that control the district.
Grave Cold is quite unique in many aspects, starting with the world it is situated. While there are several elements of science fiction (advanced technology, genetic modifications) and dystopic ones, they are blended with fantasy ones, such as the ravens and the whole necromancy thing. Cities have become aisled entities, independent from each other and sometimes in conflict with others; corporations have a great share of political power. And meanwhile, citizens like Cait are not exactly living in opulence, quite the opposite actually.
Ravens are nomads, traveling from place to place liberating the dead from their bodies; and as a sort of reward, they live for a long time. They bring freedom to those who die, but in Portland, that's being negated, using the trapped dead as an energy source, reflecting the theme of profits over the people.
Nyle and Cait are both complex characters, and both are developed during the story. Despite his longevity, Nyle is a lonely character, trying to stay away from the people (he only came to Portland due to the call), and as a result of it, he's not used to the social customs, needing Cait's guidance for it. He's certainly brave, and soon, a real friendship with Cait appears.
Cait is quite similar in the loneliness aspect, as you could say she prefers the company of Fred, her cat, over people. She accepts a big risk by helping Nyle, but similarly, she does it because she feels it is the correct thing to do.
Grave Cold's plot is marvelously structured, going from a relatively small scale, and growing gradually, showing progressively its internal layers, like a matrioska. This is combined with excellent pacing, fast but adding slower scenes in the middle that helps you to take a breath and organize all your thoughts.
Knight also shows her strength in provoking feelings in the reader, packing several emotional punches during the narration, really impactful due to how much you get attached to these characters.
I would strongly recommend more people to read Grave Cold, independently of which genres are your favourite ones. It is such a unique novel, exploring themes I didn't certainly expect to see in fiction; an absolute pleasure to read.
Grave Cold, by Shannon Knight, is a really difficult-to-classify novel, as it blends multiple genres into it, creating something quite unique; a mix between dystopian sci-fi and fantasy, with some touches of biopunk, all of this combined with an amazing pace growing steadily during all the plot. And making use of some themes that I haven't seen explored much in the genre.
Nyle is attracted to the District of Portland by the call of death; his long life might end if he doesn't solve the situation. But the electronic walls that keep mutants away are also blocking Nyle's kind outside, making them unable to enter and free the recent dead from their bodies.
Cait's dreams are plagued by death; she's just a beautician struggling with the rent and trying to dodge GM police. Returning from a field trip, she's convinced by Nyle to smuggle him into the city; and later, her life will be shaken once Nyle reveals to her she's not genetically modified, but a necromancer.
In the District, the dead are being trapped and used as an energy source. Nyle, with the help of Cait, must try to stop this technology from spreading, condemning those who pass to never experience the final freedom; but they are risking their own one, confronting the powers that control the district.
Grave Cold is quite unique in many aspects, starting with the world it is situated. While there are several elements of science fiction (advanced technology, genetic modifications) and dystopic ones, they are blended with fantasy ones, such as the ravens and the whole necromancy thing. Cities have become aisled entities, independent from each other and sometimes in conflict with others; corporations have a great share of political power. And meanwhile, citizens like Cait are not exactly living in opulence, quite the opposite actually.
Ravens are nomads, traveling from place to place liberating the dead from their bodies; and as a sort of reward, they live for a long time. They bring freedom to those who die, but in Portland, that's being negated, using the trapped dead as an energy source, reflecting the theme of profits over the people.
Nyle and Cait are both complex characters, and both are developed during the story. Despite his longevity, Nyle is a lonely character, trying to stay away from the people (he only came to Portland due to the call), and as a result of it, he's not used to the social customs, needing Cait's guidance for it. He's certainly brave, and soon, a real friendship with Cait appears.
Cait is quite similar in the loneliness aspect, as you could say she prefers the company of Fred, her cat, over people. She accepts a big risk by helping Nyle, but similarly, she does it because she feels it is the correct thing to do.
Grave Cold's plot is marvelously structured, going from a relatively small scale, and growing gradually, showing progressively its internal layers, like a matrioska. This is combined with excellent pacing, fast but adding slower scenes in the middle that helps you to take a breath and organize all your thoughts.
Knight also shows her strength in provoking feelings in the reader, packing several emotional punches during the narration, really impactful due to how much you get attached to these characters.
I would strongly recommend more people to read Grave Cold, independently of which genres are your favourite ones. It is such a unique novel, exploring themes I didn't certainly expect to see in fiction; an absolute pleasure to read.
September 28, 2025
This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Gave Cold
Thank you to Shannon Knight for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!
Cait’s hands are branded with violet double helixes, labeling her as an unknown power. In a world where people can invade dreams or become weapons, an unknown is constantly watched. The last thing Cait wants is to attract attention, even if the ghosts haunting her dreams never allow her to sleep. Deciding to take a journey beyond the District of Portland's walls, where the dead do not linger, she finds a man who may have the answers to her powers, but they will forever change how she sees herself and the dead.
The obsessive side of discovery and human advancement is captured in terrifying clarity within Grave Cold. Countless souls lay trapped within electronics, harvested from their bodies and used as an energy source. While the public enjoys their new technology, the dead are forced to suffer in silence. And as Cait dives deeper into understanding her powers and saving the dead, even more horrific truths will be revealed. After all, the experiments had to start somewhere. And where there is an entire population seen as less than human, it makes for a variety of test subjects.
The world-building of Grave Cold will entrance readers as they learn of the mutations and past wars that have broken places into Districts and bred new humans. And the characters are no less impressive. Readers will witness Cait’s evolution from a woman hiding among the shadows to someone embracing her true nature and fighting for the dead. And let’s not forget Nyle, a man who lives among the wilds, a raven who bears no helixes, yet all the same carries abilities. A man who some would kill to study and tear apart just for the sake of advancement. Together, their powers and personalities collide into a wonderful synergy.
In a world where mutation has changed the way the world works and granted powers to some, Grave Cold has only brushed the surface of potential. I cannot wait to see what else is in store for the characters and what other unsavory characters they will come up against. I need more Cait and Nyle to see what else they team up against.
Thank you to Shannon Knight for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!
Cait’s hands are branded with violet double helixes, labeling her as an unknown power. In a world where people can invade dreams or become weapons, an unknown is constantly watched. The last thing Cait wants is to attract attention, even if the ghosts haunting her dreams never allow her to sleep. Deciding to take a journey beyond the District of Portland's walls, where the dead do not linger, she finds a man who may have the answers to her powers, but they will forever change how she sees herself and the dead.
The obsessive side of discovery and human advancement is captured in terrifying clarity within Grave Cold. Countless souls lay trapped within electronics, harvested from their bodies and used as an energy source. While the public enjoys their new technology, the dead are forced to suffer in silence. And as Cait dives deeper into understanding her powers and saving the dead, even more horrific truths will be revealed. After all, the experiments had to start somewhere. And where there is an entire population seen as less than human, it makes for a variety of test subjects.
The world-building of Grave Cold will entrance readers as they learn of the mutations and past wars that have broken places into Districts and bred new humans. And the characters are no less impressive. Readers will witness Cait’s evolution from a woman hiding among the shadows to someone embracing her true nature and fighting for the dead. And let’s not forget Nyle, a man who lives among the wilds, a raven who bears no helixes, yet all the same carries abilities. A man who some would kill to study and tear apart just for the sake of advancement. Together, their powers and personalities collide into a wonderful synergy.
In a world where mutation has changed the way the world works and granted powers to some, Grave Cold has only brushed the surface of potential. I cannot wait to see what else is in store for the characters and what other unsavory characters they will come up against. I need more Cait and Nyle to see what else they team up against.
October 8, 2024
This dystopian, post-apocalyptic version of Portland takes an interesting look at the soul and necromancers. In this world, the United States has split into individual city districts, each with their own governing body and with none really seeming to get along. How we got here isn’t really explained, but it’s hinted that it was a nuclear disaster of some sort as the world is plagued by mutants lurking outside of the city’s protective walls. With so much death so readily available, it was only a matter of time before someone figured out how to harness the soul’s energy before the raven’s (think of them as reapers) have a chance to move that soul and their energy into the afterlife. Enter Nyle: a raven drawn to Portland’s dead problem. An overabundance of fate, or coincidence, brings Nyle immediately to Cait, a necromancer who doesn’t know what she is—she’s not a mutant or genetically modified and yet is plagued by the dead—but she is exactly the person Nyle needs to free the dead from Portland. Much like the trapped souls in Portland, an overabundance of luck plagues “Grave Cold”.
I did really like the concept of this book: using the power of the dead and their trapped souls to power machines and security, not only trapping the living in a city controlled by the military, but trapping the dead as well. It’s dark in a way that I found really atmospheric and interesting! The twist on reapers with Nyle and the other ravens was really cool, too. But his quest always felt a bit too easy. He’s able to persuade Cait to do incredibly perilous things that could get her killed with very little convincing. Not to mention that, even though Nyle is new to Portland, the people he needs to help him get to the dead and infiltrate the city immediately recognize him for who and what he is. In a way, I understand. This book is long and cutting down on the world building in this way keeps the pacing up. But I think that could have been better addressed by removing the GM police part of the story because that part of the authoritarian regime didn’t do much. You never really see any of the genetically modified people, and the GM police don’t really pose much of a problem to Cait, beyond ferrying her to where she needs to go at the right time for plot purposes.
I won’t harp on that point too much, but I do want to mention that it affected the big bad confrontation. The two biggest obstacles seemed to be removed with far too much ease given the peril Nyle and Cait were meant to be in, which is a shame because who the big bads were was really interesting and I’d have loved to see even more of them! I loved the idea of power and immortality corrupting an entity that was meant to be helpful, and I liked the little twinge you get when you realize the other bad guy is the way they are because of nurture, rather than nature. I just wish we got more of those two in order to dive deeper into who they were as they served as a great foil for Cait and Nyle otherwise.
The last thing I’ll mention is a bit of TW for animal death. I know that can be very sensitive for some readers and I want those readers who find the concept of the soul powering machines interesting to be prepared when starting this novel. Still, I enjoyed the twist on the idea of the dead being abused/trapped in this way as I found it a really unique way to discuss topical political machinations. I just wish the execution of certain plot and character elements had been better executed, hence the 4 stars, but the author clearly did her research when it came to ancient necromancy practices and I always appreciate when an author does that! If you’re looking for a unique urban fantasy with a twist centered on dystopian societies, give “Grave Cold” a try! And thanks to the author for giving me an ecopy of the book.
I did really like the concept of this book: using the power of the dead and their trapped souls to power machines and security, not only trapping the living in a city controlled by the military, but trapping the dead as well. It’s dark in a way that I found really atmospheric and interesting! The twist on reapers with Nyle and the other ravens was really cool, too. But his quest always felt a bit too easy. He’s able to persuade Cait to do incredibly perilous things that could get her killed with very little convincing. Not to mention that, even though Nyle is new to Portland, the people he needs to help him get to the dead and infiltrate the city immediately recognize him for who and what he is. In a way, I understand. This book is long and cutting down on the world building in this way keeps the pacing up. But I think that could have been better addressed by removing the GM police part of the story because that part of the authoritarian regime didn’t do much. You never really see any of the genetically modified people, and the GM police don’t really pose much of a problem to Cait, beyond ferrying her to where she needs to go at the right time for plot purposes.
I won’t harp on that point too much, but I do want to mention that it affected the big bad confrontation. The two biggest obstacles seemed to be removed with far too much ease given the peril Nyle and Cait were meant to be in, which is a shame because who the big bads were was really interesting and I’d have loved to see even more of them! I loved the idea of power and immortality corrupting an entity that was meant to be helpful, and I liked the little twinge you get when you realize the other bad guy is the way they are because of nurture, rather than nature. I just wish we got more of those two in order to dive deeper into who they were as they served as a great foil for Cait and Nyle otherwise.
The last thing I’ll mention is a bit of TW for animal death. I know that can be very sensitive for some readers and I want those readers who find the concept of the soul powering machines interesting to be prepared when starting this novel. Still, I enjoyed the twist on the idea of the dead being abused/trapped in this way as I found it a really unique way to discuss topical political machinations. I just wish the execution of certain plot and character elements had been better executed, hence the 4 stars, but the author clearly did her research when it came to ancient necromancy practices and I always appreciate when an author does that! If you’re looking for a unique urban fantasy with a twist centered on dystopian societies, give “Grave Cold” a try! And thanks to the author for giving me an ecopy of the book.
June 30, 2023
I received a copy of Grave Cold for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
After reading Shannon's second remarkable book, Insiders, she contacted me and told me about Grave Cold. She said it might not be something fitting my usual reading material. She was right only because Grave Cold is not a space opera; it is set right here on a future Earth where cities are no longer accessible by just anyone. There are some strange goings on in the District of Portland, the setting for this tale. The book might fit into Dystopian Sci-Fi and Urban Fantasy classifications, but no matter how one describes it, it is a fine story that moves along at a fast pace with characters one will care about. The world building is colorful and more than a little scary.
Nyle is a Raven. He travels the world when he is called by the dead to release their… I'm not sure what to call it. Consciousness? Life force? Soul? In any case, the energy that exists in a person's body is trapped until someone like Nyle comes along to release them and allow them to pass into the next plane of existence. This is not a simple job, and it comes with perils. The raven can be killed if he/she tries to do too much.
Caitlin, known to her friends as Cait, is a young woman who struggles as a hairdresser to make a living. The only stable thing in her life is her cat. She thinks herself to be genetically altered, as many are in the District, but thanks to Nyle, she learns she is a necromancer. She can speak with the dead.
Together, they learn of a group of nefarious individuals who have learned how to use the life force of the dead to create energy used to power systems in the District. They make it their mission to stop this abuse to allow the dead to rest as they should.
Nyle and Cait are an interesting pair. Their relationship is a unique one that, as the tale unfolds, becomes borderline romantic. But before that, Nyle only wants Cait to be safe and does his best to make sure she is. Nyle's problem is, anytime he gets near the dead, he is inundated with spirits who want to be released, and they deplete his energy in doing so. Fortunately, Cait is on hand most of the time to make sure Nyle doesn't do too much and puts himself in jeopardy, at least most of the time.
Cait is a young woman living as a, more or less, free spirit. She has deep feelings about things, and will do whatever it takes to make sure the right things are done for those who have passed on.
Both are interesting characters with a lot of depth revealed as the story moves along. We get to know them both well enough to want them to be safe and successful. Cait is especially endearing because of her chaotic lifestyle. I enjoyed watching her try just to pay her rent, and being late nearly everywhere she went. Descriptions of the hairstyles she prefers were among the lighter moments in the story, and I found them enjoyable, although they wouldn't be for me.
Along with the characters, my favorite point of plot was the world building. The District of Portland is surrounded by a wall, making it an island-like place. Apparently, all large cities are similarly separated. Getting into a city is difficult if one is an outsider. Governance is handled by corporations and many live in luxury, while others, such as Cait, live by barely subsisting on some go-nowhere job paying just enough to live, but not enough to afford even the simplest pleasures of life.
Sometimes, Districts come into conflict with each other, and the results are disastrous.
My takeaway from Grave Cold is when someone is forced to live in loneliness, one must learn to get by as best they can. But one should never set aside their sense of what is right and wrong.
Both the characters in this story are lonely people because of their roles in their lives. They cannot share who they are without compromising what they have to do. This theme is explored throughout the book.
The theme of loneliness is so present in this story, the reader can almost taste it.
Grave Cold is a marvelous story about life and death, and perhaps afterlife. It features great and well-developed characters set in a future where energy can be derived from strange places, including the departed. It is set at a time when people can be genetically manipulated, and there is extreme prejudice that doesn't allow for people's growth. I enjoyed this story and the sci-fi included in the story is accessible to any reader, the fantasy aspects are not over-the-top, and there are some lighter moments to allow the reader time to catch their breath between some well-paced action. I look forward to Shannon's future work with eagerness.
After reading Shannon's second remarkable book, Insiders, she contacted me and told me about Grave Cold. She said it might not be something fitting my usual reading material. She was right only because Grave Cold is not a space opera; it is set right here on a future Earth where cities are no longer accessible by just anyone. There are some strange goings on in the District of Portland, the setting for this tale. The book might fit into Dystopian Sci-Fi and Urban Fantasy classifications, but no matter how one describes it, it is a fine story that moves along at a fast pace with characters one will care about. The world building is colorful and more than a little scary.
Nyle is a Raven. He travels the world when he is called by the dead to release their… I'm not sure what to call it. Consciousness? Life force? Soul? In any case, the energy that exists in a person's body is trapped until someone like Nyle comes along to release them and allow them to pass into the next plane of existence. This is not a simple job, and it comes with perils. The raven can be killed if he/she tries to do too much.
Caitlin, known to her friends as Cait, is a young woman who struggles as a hairdresser to make a living. The only stable thing in her life is her cat. She thinks herself to be genetically altered, as many are in the District, but thanks to Nyle, she learns she is a necromancer. She can speak with the dead.
Together, they learn of a group of nefarious individuals who have learned how to use the life force of the dead to create energy used to power systems in the District. They make it their mission to stop this abuse to allow the dead to rest as they should.
Nyle and Cait are an interesting pair. Their relationship is a unique one that, as the tale unfolds, becomes borderline romantic. But before that, Nyle only wants Cait to be safe and does his best to make sure she is. Nyle's problem is, anytime he gets near the dead, he is inundated with spirits who want to be released, and they deplete his energy in doing so. Fortunately, Cait is on hand most of the time to make sure Nyle doesn't do too much and puts himself in jeopardy, at least most of the time.
Cait is a young woman living as a, more or less, free spirit. She has deep feelings about things, and will do whatever it takes to make sure the right things are done for those who have passed on.
Both are interesting characters with a lot of depth revealed as the story moves along. We get to know them both well enough to want them to be safe and successful. Cait is especially endearing because of her chaotic lifestyle. I enjoyed watching her try just to pay her rent, and being late nearly everywhere she went. Descriptions of the hairstyles she prefers were among the lighter moments in the story, and I found them enjoyable, although they wouldn't be for me.
Along with the characters, my favorite point of plot was the world building. The District of Portland is surrounded by a wall, making it an island-like place. Apparently, all large cities are similarly separated. Getting into a city is difficult if one is an outsider. Governance is handled by corporations and many live in luxury, while others, such as Cait, live by barely subsisting on some go-nowhere job paying just enough to live, but not enough to afford even the simplest pleasures of life.
Sometimes, Districts come into conflict with each other, and the results are disastrous.
My takeaway from Grave Cold is when someone is forced to live in loneliness, one must learn to get by as best they can. But one should never set aside their sense of what is right and wrong.
Both the characters in this story are lonely people because of their roles in their lives. They cannot share who they are without compromising what they have to do. This theme is explored throughout the book.
The theme of loneliness is so present in this story, the reader can almost taste it.
Grave Cold is a marvelous story about life and death, and perhaps afterlife. It features great and well-developed characters set in a future where energy can be derived from strange places, including the departed. It is set at a time when people can be genetically manipulated, and there is extreme prejudice that doesn't allow for people's growth. I enjoyed this story and the sci-fi included in the story is accessible to any reader, the fantasy aspects are not over-the-top, and there are some lighter moments to allow the reader time to catch their breath between some well-paced action. I look forward to Shannon's future work with eagerness.
July 19, 2023
Wow. It took me a minute to get into this book, because it isn't usually a genre I would go out of my way to read. However, I'm SUPER glad I got to read and review it! The storyline is so unique and intriguing and once you start reading - it's hard to put down! Grave Cold pulled me into it's dystopian mysteries, and made it so I didn't want to put the book down until I knew how it ended.
One of the book's strengths lies in its well-developed characters. Nyle and Cait are both captivating protagonists, and as the narrative unfolds, readers witness their growth and evolution. The introduction of other characters (including Ethan whom I adore) adds further depth to the cast, making the story even more engaging. Knight's masterful writing of dialogue brings authenticity to Nyle's ancient persona, making it easy for readers to believe that he is who he says he is. Cait is a strong, (albeit a bit naïve at the beginning) character with great morals and an awesome gift.
The novel's plot is robust and captivating. Knight explores themes of abuse of power and the consequences of meddling with life and death, grounding the story in real-world issues while maintaining its sci-fi allure. The antagonists are skillfully portrayed, adding an extra layer of depth to the conflict and giving readers a sense of urgency as the narrative hurtles towards its climax.
The pacing of the book gradually picks up momentum, drawing readers deeper into the world of Portland's electronics, government control and its sinister secrets. As the story races towards its conclusion, the sense of urgency intensifies, leaving readers desperate to know how it will all unravel.
Once you start reading Grave Cold, the book becomes difficult to put down. Shannon Knight successfully weaves together an intriguing tapestry of science fiction, dystopia, and supernatural elements, creating a novel that leaves readers eager for more.
In conclusion, Grave Cold is a riveting read that will appeal to fans of sci-fi, dystopian tales, and those who appreciate a well-crafted and suspenseful storyline. Shannon Knight's ability to blend supernatural elements with real-world themes, coupled with compelling characters and a gripping narrative, make this book a must-read for any lover of the genre.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my voluntary review. All opinions are 100% mine.
One of the book's strengths lies in its well-developed characters. Nyle and Cait are both captivating protagonists, and as the narrative unfolds, readers witness their growth and evolution. The introduction of other characters (including Ethan whom I adore) adds further depth to the cast, making the story even more engaging. Knight's masterful writing of dialogue brings authenticity to Nyle's ancient persona, making it easy for readers to believe that he is who he says he is. Cait is a strong, (albeit a bit naïve at the beginning) character with great morals and an awesome gift.
The novel's plot is robust and captivating. Knight explores themes of abuse of power and the consequences of meddling with life and death, grounding the story in real-world issues while maintaining its sci-fi allure. The antagonists are skillfully portrayed, adding an extra layer of depth to the conflict and giving readers a sense of urgency as the narrative hurtles towards its climax.
The pacing of the book gradually picks up momentum, drawing readers deeper into the world of Portland's electronics, government control and its sinister secrets. As the story races towards its conclusion, the sense of urgency intensifies, leaving readers desperate to know how it will all unravel.
Once you start reading Grave Cold, the book becomes difficult to put down. Shannon Knight successfully weaves together an intriguing tapestry of science fiction, dystopia, and supernatural elements, creating a novel that leaves readers eager for more.
In conclusion, Grave Cold is a riveting read that will appeal to fans of sci-fi, dystopian tales, and those who appreciate a well-crafted and suspenseful storyline. Shannon Knight's ability to blend supernatural elements with real-world themes, coupled with compelling characters and a gripping narrative, make this book a must-read for any lover of the genre.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my voluntary review. All opinions are 100% mine.
August 22, 2024
★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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WHERE DOES GRAVE COLD TAKE PLACE?
In a dystopian future the geography of the (what we'd now consider) the Western U.S. looks much different—states are a thing of the past, and two major population centers are the District of Utah (which does contain Salt Lake City) and the District of Portland (Oregon, not Maine). There are people who have been Genetically Modified for one reason or another—and in the D.P. they're largely feared and ostracized because of what they are and what they can do.
D.P. is where the action takes place in the novel—and it feels like it came out of Portland, OR, too. And not just because Voodoo Doughnuts still exists. Yes, even in a quasi-dystopia people want their donuts. Maybe they need them more than we do, come to think of it.
There's a lot of the tech, etc. that one usually associates with more utopian-looking/feeling SF. And maybe for many people it's just that. But D.P.'s government is definitely of the dystopian type (and, boy howdy, do we learn more about that as the book continues), and the area outside the District feels that way, too, filled with mutants and who knows what else.
If you're one of those readers who really gets into worldbuilding, you're going to be happy with this read.
WHAT'S GRAVE COLD ABOUT?
Cait's a beautician with a lot flair and very little money. She's scraping by, barely. When she sleeps (which she tries not to), the dead come to her and talk to her, trying to get her to do things. So...it's easy to understand why she doesn't like to sleep.
A man named Nyle sneaks into Portland after having been prevented legal entrance by a guard—and he's not the only one like him who has been denied entrance. Nyle, however, is older, more experienced, more powerful, and probably more determined. He and those like him are called "ravens" (although there are other, more contemporary(?) names like "ferrymen")—they're tasked with freeing the spirits of the dead from their bodies. It's been so long since they've been permitted in D.P. that Nyle has been compelled to come so he can do his work.
He and Cait have a strong rapport right away, she has some friends (and some family she has a troubling relationship with), but not that many. The two of them click right away, and Cait helps Nyle change his appearance so he can hide from the authorities. He tells her that she's not Genetically Modified, she has supernatural abilities like him—she's a necromancer.
While it's not the same power, it's close to his and he has experience with necromancers and guides her to use her abilities better.
Working together, they begin to free the spirits of the dead and learn why ravens have been blocked from entering D.P.—those spirits are being used by newly developed technology. This pits the pair against the authorities and other powerful people.
HERE'S THE THING
I don't get magic/paranormal/supernatural systems like this one where someone/something is required to separate souls from bodies at/around/near death. Whether it's this book (and it's oncoming sequel), Amber Benson's Calliope Reaper-Jones series, the TV show Dead Like Me, or any of the other examples I had in mind for weeks to bring up that disappeared as soon as I started composing this post. It just doesn't make any sense to me.
This doesn't mean I don't enjoy these works of fiction. I just don't understand what ties these non-corporeal entities/substances/existences/whatever to the body at or after death and why someone has to come along and separate them.
So I guess I'm saying two things here—1. If you're like me on this point, you can still get into this book. I honestly didn't think about it while reading the Grave Cold, it's only when I think about the book/system that it gives me pause. 2. If you're not like me...can you explain this?
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT GRAVE COLD?
I cannot describe it to my satisfaction, but Knight has embued this novel with an atmosphere, a texture that you can't help but feel as you read. Her descriptions are pretty sparse, but at the same time, I really think I know what Cait's environs look and feel like.
It's difficult to think of spirits as capable of being mistreated or abused—they're spirits of dead people, right? But in Knight's world that's exactly what's happening. Abusing the dead ranks right up there with elder-abuse somehow. As Nyle says,
Instead of going on to whatever is next once the spirit is released, the former citizens of D.P. are trapped and exploited.
While this story is dark and harrowing, there's a real pleasure (and sometimes lightness) in watching the friendship between Nyle—a centuries-old being—and Cait deepen and grow stronger. It's a tricky thing to attempt (much less pull off), but Knight does it well.
Great world-building, questionable (to me) magic system—but it's cool to see in action, some well-designed characters (including all of them that I didn't mention here), a plot that moves well and is intricate enough that you're kept wondering where it's going until the end. Knight has written (on my blog) about coming up with the sequel, so I know one is coming. And I'm looking forward to it—at the same time, were this a stand-alone, it'd be very satisfactory as one.
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
WHERE DOES GRAVE COLD TAKE PLACE?
In a dystopian future the geography of the (what we'd now consider) the Western U.S. looks much different—states are a thing of the past, and two major population centers are the District of Utah (which does contain Salt Lake City) and the District of Portland (Oregon, not Maine). There are people who have been Genetically Modified for one reason or another—and in the D.P. they're largely feared and ostracized because of what they are and what they can do.
D.P. is where the action takes place in the novel—and it feels like it came out of Portland, OR, too. And not just because Voodoo Doughnuts still exists. Yes, even in a quasi-dystopia people want their donuts. Maybe they need them more than we do, come to think of it.
There's a lot of the tech, etc. that one usually associates with more utopian-looking/feeling SF. And maybe for many people it's just that. But D.P.'s government is definitely of the dystopian type (and, boy howdy, do we learn more about that as the book continues), and the area outside the District feels that way, too, filled with mutants and who knows what else.
If you're one of those readers who really gets into worldbuilding, you're going to be happy with this read.
WHAT'S GRAVE COLD ABOUT?
Cait's a beautician with a lot flair and very little money. She's scraping by, barely. When she sleeps (which she tries not to), the dead come to her and talk to her, trying to get her to do things. So...it's easy to understand why she doesn't like to sleep.
A man named Nyle sneaks into Portland after having been prevented legal entrance by a guard—and he's not the only one like him who has been denied entrance. Nyle, however, is older, more experienced, more powerful, and probably more determined. He and those like him are called "ravens" (although there are other, more contemporary(?) names like "ferrymen")—they're tasked with freeing the spirits of the dead from their bodies. It's been so long since they've been permitted in D.P. that Nyle has been compelled to come so he can do his work.
He and Cait have a strong rapport right away, she has some friends (and some family she has a troubling relationship with), but not that many. The two of them click right away, and Cait helps Nyle change his appearance so he can hide from the authorities. He tells her that she's not Genetically Modified, she has supernatural abilities like him—she's a necromancer.
While it's not the same power, it's close to his and he has experience with necromancers and guides her to use her abilities better.
Working together, they begin to free the spirits of the dead and learn why ravens have been blocked from entering D.P.—those spirits are being used by newly developed technology. This pits the pair against the authorities and other powerful people.
HERE'S THE THING
I don't get magic/paranormal/supernatural systems like this one where someone/something is required to separate souls from bodies at/around/near death. Whether it's this book (and it's oncoming sequel), Amber Benson's Calliope Reaper-Jones series, the TV show Dead Like Me, or any of the other examples I had in mind for weeks to bring up that disappeared as soon as I started composing this post. It just doesn't make any sense to me.
This doesn't mean I don't enjoy these works of fiction. I just don't understand what ties these non-corporeal entities/substances/existences/whatever to the body at or after death and why someone has to come along and separate them.
So I guess I'm saying two things here—1. If you're like me on this point, you can still get into this book. I honestly didn't think about it while reading the Grave Cold, it's only when I think about the book/system that it gives me pause. 2. If you're not like me...can you explain this?
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT GRAVE COLD?
I cannot describe it to my satisfaction, but Knight has embued this novel with an atmosphere, a texture that you can't help but feel as you read. Her descriptions are pretty sparse, but at the same time, I really think I know what Cait's environs look and feel like.
It's difficult to think of spirits as capable of being mistreated or abused—they're spirits of dead people, right? But in Knight's world that's exactly what's happening. Abusing the dead ranks right up there with elder-abuse somehow. As Nyle says,
"It's easy to see the dead as non-persons when you're alive. It's harder when you know them."
Instead of going on to whatever is next once the spirit is released, the former citizens of D.P. are trapped and exploited.
While this story is dark and harrowing, there's a real pleasure (and sometimes lightness) in watching the friendship between Nyle—a centuries-old being—and Cait deepen and grow stronger. It's a tricky thing to attempt (much less pull off), but Knight does it well.
Great world-building, questionable (to me) magic system—but it's cool to see in action, some well-designed characters (including all of them that I didn't mention here), a plot that moves well and is intricate enough that you're kept wondering where it's going until the end. Knight has written (on my blog) about coming up with the sequel, so I know one is coming. And I'm looking forward to it—at the same time, were this a stand-alone, it'd be very satisfactory as one.
August 17, 2023
This book took me by surprise! I'm not big into futuristic, dystopian, sci-fi type of books but Grave Cold is officially an exception. I instantly liked Cait and fell in love with Nyle. Their dynamic made this book easy to read and always curious to see what they were going to do next. The darker themes combined with the character personality's was fantastic.
There are a lot of dynamic plots to this book but necromancy/mystery elements of this book were my favorite and reminded me of Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo. Dark, misty, macabre settings surrounded by the dead give this story a spooky vibe but the characters are full of hope and humor and it's a great contrast. I also loved how Shannon Knight tied some topical political intrigue into a setting that seems so far from our world. The historical and mythical references in this book were top tier and the author did an amazing job of weaving in those details. I loved that Nyles character is casually grappling with a modern world he is resistant to on-top of everything else (some of which made me LOL). His references to the past and his story add a depth to this book that I thought was really moving.
Overall I felt the concept of this book was unique and has something for any reader. I even got my husband to read it to see what he thought and he was hooked from the start! Even asked me to pass along to the author that he would appreciate a sequel. At the end of the day I am a sucker for a PNW, rainy, cemetery walking aesthetic any day.
There are a lot of dynamic plots to this book but necromancy/mystery elements of this book were my favorite and reminded me of Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo. Dark, misty, macabre settings surrounded by the dead give this story a spooky vibe but the characters are full of hope and humor and it's a great contrast. I also loved how Shannon Knight tied some topical political intrigue into a setting that seems so far from our world. The historical and mythical references in this book were top tier and the author did an amazing job of weaving in those details. I loved that Nyles character is casually grappling with a modern world he is resistant to on-top of everything else (some of which made me LOL). His references to the past and his story add a depth to this book that I thought was really moving.
Overall I felt the concept of this book was unique and has something for any reader. I even got my husband to read it to see what he thought and he was hooked from the start! Even asked me to pass along to the author that he would appreciate a sequel. At the end of the day I am a sucker for a PNW, rainy, cemetery walking aesthetic any day.
May 19, 2023
Grave Cold is an inventive and refreshing blend of dystopian drama and urban fantasy. From the opening to the end, it keeps you moving at breakneck pace, intensifying as it goes. It delivers on all its promises, and builds on its intrigue, with each reveal giving you pause for thought. With Knight's clear penchant for researching and bringing less explored disciplines to the fore, we can all look forward to her future works.
July 12, 2024
Let's talk about dead people.
Like many indie books I've reviewed before, this one has ideas I love, but the execution was a little strange.
My biggest worldbuilding confusion was with the inclusion of genetic modification. Main character Cait thinks she has one, but beyond the early stages of the book, the concept isn't important. The synopsis itself already reveals that Cait isn't one of the genetically modified and those that are actually genetically modified never do much in the plot. There's never a point in the plot where they need someone with certain mods to help the, the people just exist on the periphery.
The GM police are meant to be a source of tension, but they're never effective as antagonists. And around two-thirds of the way into the book, the entire concept of GMs is dropped and never referenced again. I wish the book would have had Cait being investigated for being a "suspicious person" or something and focused more on the worldbuilding of necromancers and ravens. According to the Acknowledgements, the author researched ancient necromancy techniques to build the system and the work shows. The system of necromancers and ravens is much more fleshed out and infinitely more crucial to the plot. But that only highlights how superfluous the GM system was.
A lot of the characters acted as if they knew they were in the story and had to progress the plot. Everyone seemed to go along with events with remarkably little pushback. Nyle convinces Cait to help him at great danger to herself with little persuasion, Cait convinces characters that are supposed to be antagonistic towards her to help with a rescue mission (again, at great danger to themselves) with little persuasion. Most side characters in the story promptly recognize Nyle for the supernatural being that he is and go along with what he needs without issue. Even the reveal of "our electronics are powered by the souls of the dead" is quickly believed by anyone who learns of it. All pushback by side characters is nominal and easily overcome, making it feel like the protagonists are just waltzing through the plot laid out for them.
The antagonists aren't quite as easy to overcome as that, but they're not *much* harder. One of the antagonists is only on page for a couple of scenes before they're offed. And another is killed by the sudden appearance of a new ability with no build up. If these were minor side-antagonists, it would have made sense. But these were supposed to be the BIG baddies, the ones that were referenced repeatedly before they appeared. In both cases I had to reread the scenes because I couldn't believe the supposed masterminds were killed so easily.
As for the ending, it was much too happy and easily wrapped up. This is a story about a severely corrupt government that was so deep in the pocket of a corporation that they commit literal war crimes. But there's a general "don't worry, we'll make the government be good now" vibe at the end that is more than even my levels of idealistic optimism can believe.
That being said, I did like a lot of the ideas in themselves. The souls of the dead being used as a power source and what that would make people willing to do, the necromancer/raven system, and the idea of post-apocalyptic city states across the US all had promise. I just wish they'd been executed a bit differently.
Like many indie books I've reviewed before, this one has ideas I love, but the execution was a little strange.
My biggest worldbuilding confusion was with the inclusion of genetic modification. Main character Cait thinks she has one, but beyond the early stages of the book, the concept isn't important. The synopsis itself already reveals that Cait isn't one of the genetically modified and those that are actually genetically modified never do much in the plot. There's never a point in the plot where they need someone with certain mods to help the, the people just exist on the periphery.
The GM police are meant to be a source of tension, but they're never effective as antagonists. And around two-thirds of the way into the book, the entire concept of GMs is dropped and never referenced again. I wish the book would have had Cait being investigated for being a "suspicious person" or something and focused more on the worldbuilding of necromancers and ravens. According to the Acknowledgements, the author researched ancient necromancy techniques to build the system and the work shows. The system of necromancers and ravens is much more fleshed out and infinitely more crucial to the plot. But that only highlights how superfluous the GM system was.
A lot of the characters acted as if they knew they were in the story and had to progress the plot. Everyone seemed to go along with events with remarkably little pushback. Nyle convinces Cait to help him at great danger to herself with little persuasion, Cait convinces characters that are supposed to be antagonistic towards her to help with a rescue mission (again, at great danger to themselves) with little persuasion. Most side characters in the story promptly recognize Nyle for the supernatural being that he is and go along with what he needs without issue. Even the reveal of "our electronics are powered by the souls of the dead" is quickly believed by anyone who learns of it. All pushback by side characters is nominal and easily overcome, making it feel like the protagonists are just waltzing through the plot laid out for them.
The antagonists aren't quite as easy to overcome as that, but they're not *much* harder. One of the antagonists is only on page for a couple of scenes before they're offed. And another is killed by the sudden appearance of a new ability with no build up. If these were minor side-antagonists, it would have made sense. But these were supposed to be the BIG baddies, the ones that were referenced repeatedly before they appeared. In both cases I had to reread the scenes because I couldn't believe the supposed masterminds were killed so easily.
As for the ending, it was much too happy and easily wrapped up. This is a story about a severely corrupt government that was so deep in the pocket of a corporation that they commit literal war crimes. But there's a general "don't worry, we'll make the government be good now" vibe at the end that is more than even my levels of idealistic optimism can believe.
That being said, I did like a lot of the ideas in themselves. The souls of the dead being used as a power source and what that would make people willing to do, the necromancer/raven system, and the idea of post-apocalyptic city states across the US all had promise. I just wish they'd been executed a bit differently.
July 19, 2023
This was an interesting read, the book as a whole is hard to peg as just one type of genre but instead a mesh of different genres working together. You have an overall dystopian futuristic mystery with a dash of other things thrown in. I have to say overall this was a good read.
I enjoyed the futuristic atmosphere where things have progressed technology-wise but still had an overall familiar feel. Everything is run by technology but you can find things from the past like Caits old beat-up truck. I like how there were little things referenced throughout the book, as a way to link the reader to see that the plot is in the future but not too far ahead that things are forgotten. For example, a minor detail given was an old Evanescence song playing in the background of a retro-punk club.
Along with the worldbuilding I really enjoyed the characters overall. I liked the premise of a Grim Reaper (Ravens) working alongside a necromancer. The "Ravens" seemed very human, minus the exceptionally long life spans and fast healing abilities. We got to see bits of their backgrounds which helped the personalities shape the character. I was a bit nervous at the beginning when we were introduced to the main characters Cait and Nyle, I honestly thought they would be the typical characters with flat personalities. I am glad that this isn't the case, you can really see the work Shannon Knight put into each character to really make them come to life. Also, I'm so glad that Cait wasn't your typical tough girl. Instead, you get to see her insecurities and flaws and really grow and come to terms with her necromancer abilities.
I didn't find the plot rushed and really liked the pacing, again I pre-judged this book and thought it would be very rushed or would take way too long to get into anything good. Thankfully this isn't the case and instead, you get the necessary breaks to help with uncovering the mystery within this book. The only pace issue I found was with the ending, I found things wrapped up really quickly. I ended up having to re-read a few pages just to make sure I didn't skip a page. It really was concluded in a blink of an eye. Overall I'm not upset with the ending choice but was just a bit confused as it the tension buildup just sort of fizzled.
Overall I enjoyed this book and am giving it a solid 4-star rating. I would recommend this to anyone who likes sci-fi, dystopian, and supernatural mysteries. I'm interested in reading Shannon Knights's other books.
I was given this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed the futuristic atmosphere where things have progressed technology-wise but still had an overall familiar feel. Everything is run by technology but you can find things from the past like Caits old beat-up truck. I like how there were little things referenced throughout the book, as a way to link the reader to see that the plot is in the future but not too far ahead that things are forgotten. For example, a minor detail given was an old Evanescence song playing in the background of a retro-punk club.
Along with the worldbuilding I really enjoyed the characters overall. I liked the premise of a Grim Reaper (Ravens) working alongside a necromancer. The "Ravens" seemed very human, minus the exceptionally long life spans and fast healing abilities. We got to see bits of their backgrounds which helped the personalities shape the character. I was a bit nervous at the beginning when we were introduced to the main characters Cait and Nyle, I honestly thought they would be the typical characters with flat personalities. I am glad that this isn't the case, you can really see the work Shannon Knight put into each character to really make them come to life. Also, I'm so glad that Cait wasn't your typical tough girl. Instead, you get to see her insecurities and flaws and really grow and come to terms with her necromancer abilities.
I didn't find the plot rushed and really liked the pacing, again I pre-judged this book and thought it would be very rushed or would take way too long to get into anything good. Thankfully this isn't the case and instead, you get the necessary breaks to help with uncovering the mystery within this book. The only pace issue I found was with the ending, I found things wrapped up really quickly. I ended up having to re-read a few pages just to make sure I didn't skip a page. It really was concluded in a blink of an eye. Overall I'm not upset with the ending choice but was just a bit confused as it the tension buildup just sort of fizzled.
Overall I enjoyed this book and am giving it a solid 4-star rating. I would recommend this to anyone who likes sci-fi, dystopian, and supernatural mysteries. I'm interested in reading Shannon Knights's other books.
I was given this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 18, 2024
* Non-Spoiler Review*
I received an advanced copy for my honest review.
I usually don’t read much sci-fi fantasy, but I thoroughly enjoyed the world Knight built. Set in Portland where electronics rule the world, mutants exist and grim reaper types walk amongst them.
Nyle was your classic ancient immortal(ish) who was out of touch with the world but driven by duty to complete his work. Cait on the other hand is struggling to get by in her community, barely making money to live and having to hide her mutant traits from everyday society.
When Nyle gains access to the City of Portland, his work releasing the souls of the dead and Cait worlds collide, they are trying to solve how the souls of the dead are being used to power the city and the real reason behind why.
Overall, I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a refreshing concept of a paranormal and sci-fi blend.
I received an advanced copy for my honest review.
I usually don’t read much sci-fi fantasy, but I thoroughly enjoyed the world Knight built. Set in Portland where electronics rule the world, mutants exist and grim reaper types walk amongst them.
Nyle was your classic ancient immortal(ish) who was out of touch with the world but driven by duty to complete his work. Cait on the other hand is struggling to get by in her community, barely making money to live and having to hide her mutant traits from everyday society.
When Nyle gains access to the City of Portland, his work releasing the souls of the dead and Cait worlds collide, they are trying to solve how the souls of the dead are being used to power the city and the real reason behind why.
Overall, I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a refreshing concept of a paranormal and sci-fi blend.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews