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The Netherweird Chronicles #3
Lark Rising:
“My cat’s learned how to use the remote control, vampires keep ambushing me and I just kicked one of the most famous kings in history in his soft and squidgy bits. So much for resting in peace.”
Lilith O’Reilly might be dead, but that hasn’t stopped life throwing problems at her. An entire city is living rent-free in her head, and her favourite mermaid is hoarding things she probably shouldn’t in the dark depths of the Mersey.
And then there’s Liam. He might be the first man in a long time to stir Lil’s undead veins, but is Mr Tall, Dark and Gruesome really all he seems?
Lilith’s got some serious decisions to make if she’s going to survive the afterlife without losing what’s left of her undead mind. Unseen forces want her gone for good—and it’s a race to see who gets to her first.
The third book of The Netherweird Chronicles, LARK RISING is a fast and funny urban fantasy about friendship, familiars, and what really lives on—and below—the streets of one of the world’s most unique cities.
“As if Caimh McDonnell and Ben Aaronovitch had a book baby and abandoned it on the banks of the Mersey.”
***
Praise for The Netherweird
“Not a single dull character among them…even the cat is cool.”
“Phenomenal…A romp through the beautiful city, encompassing its unique people and historic buildings, sites sounds and smells, the author captures and evokes the weight of historical zeitgeist and as we scousers would say... blends it.”
“If the sequels are as good as this, have something to look forward to. Does for Liverpool what Ben Aaronovitch does for London.”
“Love this series. Lilith is wonderful. In fact, it's all the characters, setting, plot and pace.”
“I love, love, love this book! The main character is believable and well rounded, the writing is brilliant and the world building genuinely believable […] the best urban fantasy book I have read in years”
“The lazy, obvious summing up would be 'Scouse Rivers of London' but this book stands on its own merits. Great world-building, engaging characters and a fast, twisty plot”
“A great premise and interesting cast of characters. Fans of a slow burn style of urban fantasy will love it”
“…great pacing, fun and likeable characters with a great sense of humour. It’s backed up with good world building and a solid foundation of historical fact intermingled with folklore.”
“…this book knocked my socks off!!”
Lilith O’Reilly might be dead, but that hasn’t stopped life throwing problems at her. An entire city is living rent-free in her head, and her favourite mermaid is hoarding things she probably shouldn’t in the dark depths of the Mersey.
And then there’s Liam. He might be the first man in a long time to stir Lil’s undead veins, but is Mr Tall, Dark and Gruesome really all he seems?
Lilith’s got some serious decisions to make if she’s going to survive the afterlife without losing what’s left of her undead mind. Unseen forces want her gone for good—and it’s a race to see who gets to her first.
The third book of The Netherweird Chronicles, LARK RISING is a fast and funny urban fantasy about friendship, familiars, and what really lives on—and below—the streets of one of the world’s most unique cities.
“As if Caimh McDonnell and Ben Aaronovitch had a book baby and abandoned it on the banks of the Mersey.”
***
Praise for The Netherweird
“Not a single dull character among them…even the cat is cool.”
“Phenomenal…A romp through the beautiful city, encompassing its unique people and historic buildings, sites sounds and smells, the author captures and evokes the weight of historical zeitgeist and as we scousers would say... blends it.”
“If the sequels are as good as this, have something to look forward to. Does for Liverpool what Ben Aaronovitch does for London.”
“Love this series. Lilith is wonderful. In fact, it's all the characters, setting, plot and pace.”
“I love, love, love this book! The main character is believable and well rounded, the writing is brilliant and the world building genuinely believable […] the best urban fantasy book I have read in years”
“The lazy, obvious summing up would be 'Scouse Rivers of London' but this book stands on its own merits. Great world-building, engaging characters and a fast, twisty plot”
“A great premise and interesting cast of characters. Fans of a slow burn style of urban fantasy will love it”
“…great pacing, fun and likeable characters with a great sense of humour. It’s backed up with good world building and a solid foundation of historical fact intermingled with folklore.”
“…this book knocked my socks off!!”
- GenresFantasyUrban Fantasy
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 21, 2023
139 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 9, 2025
Awesome! did laugh out loud at Laim though, knew as soon as he gave his name who he was.
August 21, 2023
OMG book 3 in the Netherweird Chronicles does not disappoint! I've read it in one sitting as I wanted to see what was happening next. We find out a little more about someone, we have a very famous historical figure turn up, vampires, mermaids, revenants, ghosts and humans take us through this story. Honestly I want to say more but I don't want to give spoilers. Seriously you need to read this.
The Netherweird Chronicles is fast becoming my favourite series of books. Keep up the most excellent work Violet and dare I say it - hurry up with book 4!
The Netherweird Chronicles is fast becoming my favourite series of books. Keep up the most excellent work Violet and dare I say it - hurry up with book 4!
August 24, 2023
Fun read
A light, fast moving and fun read, with some funny moments and engaging characters. The plot wobbles a bit if you blow on it too hard, but, ah ey, it's sound, la.
A light, fast moving and fun read, with some funny moments and engaging characters. The plot wobbles a bit if you blow on it too hard, but, ah ey, it's sound, la.
September 26, 2023
Answer me this: despite having three excellent and hotly anticipated books in the ’to read’ pile, I blast through a couple of (being polite) lesser works. Why is that? Yes, they’re free on Kindle Unlimited, but that’s not an excuse. Is it that the convenience of simply fishing your phone out of your pocket outweighs the tactile pleasure of a physical book? Surely I’m not that shallow …
I don’t even know why I downloaded this (or its predecessor) when I dismissed the first volume in the series as ’cozy’, which is not my thing at all.
Anyway, having established the milieu, the author has decided to run with it, so the sequels have an overarching plot. This gives the storyline much more impetus. The coziness still threatens to break through from time to time but is much less prevalent.
There’s some half decent prose that is then interrupted by self conscious quirkiness, giving the story has a slightly schizophrenic feel. The city in Lilith’s head (bear with me) is profound one moment and sniggering like a teenager the next.
Action sequences and epic themes sit at odds with our mardy heroine running a cafe, and joining knitting circles.
The author obviously knows her history and has done her research. She also loves Liverpool. These things elevate the novels above the level of pulp. Just.
I don’t even know why I downloaded this (or its predecessor) when I dismissed the first volume in the series as ’cozy’, which is not my thing at all.
Anyway, having established the milieu, the author has decided to run with it, so the sequels have an overarching plot. This gives the storyline much more impetus. The coziness still threatens to break through from time to time but is much less prevalent.
There’s some half decent prose that is then interrupted by self conscious quirkiness, giving the story has a slightly schizophrenic feel. The city in Lilith’s head (bear with me) is profound one moment and sniggering like a teenager the next.
Action sequences and epic themes sit at odds with our mardy heroine running a cafe, and joining knitting circles.
The author obviously knows her history and has done her research. She also loves Liverpool. These things elevate the novels above the level of pulp. Just.
November 9, 2023
Good book, but I’m going to rant a bit.
Indeed, it was very entertaining. I couldn’t put it down and I’m enjoying the whole series.
However… this one’s a bit preachy and does quite a bit of going on about the patriarchy. I’m getting on years, and from the Women’s Lib generation. There’s work to be done, but women are generally better for the work of the women whose shoulders they stand on. And they owe it to the men, too, who in the space of two generations, have changed their attitudes quite substantially.
It also gets a bit whiney about equality, which pretty much everyone already agrees is how things should be, and I got completely confused by a section of the book where the author started using the “they” pronoun for a single person. I had to reread a couple of pages before I realized others characters were not included in the conversation.
So not my favorite of the three books I’ve read. It’s tiresome towards the end. I’m really tired of being preached at because they’re completely right and free to be themselves, but I am neither. You can’t aggressively hammer at people to think like you. That’s not actually how peaceful change is achieved, but it’s a pretty good way to start a war.
Indeed, it was very entertaining. I couldn’t put it down and I’m enjoying the whole series.
However… this one’s a bit preachy and does quite a bit of going on about the patriarchy. I’m getting on years, and from the Women’s Lib generation. There’s work to be done, but women are generally better for the work of the women whose shoulders they stand on. And they owe it to the men, too, who in the space of two generations, have changed their attitudes quite substantially.
It also gets a bit whiney about equality, which pretty much everyone already agrees is how things should be, and I got completely confused by a section of the book where the author started using the “they” pronoun for a single person. I had to reread a couple of pages before I realized others characters were not included in the conversation.
So not my favorite of the three books I’ve read. It’s tiresome towards the end. I’m really tired of being preached at because they’re completely right and free to be themselves, but I am neither. You can’t aggressively hammer at people to think like you. That’s not actually how peaceful change is achieved, but it’s a pretty good way to start a war.
May 11, 2024
This series was doing so well in the first two books, then this clunker comes along. The big problem is that there is almost no plot. Violet Fenn has a nice niche and clearly loves Liverpool and writing about it. But in this installment Lili makes some monumentous decisions, but with very little driving those decisions.
The plot trope of someone taking over the territory from Eadric, last book it was Ivo; now it's a new character based on William the Conquerer, is re-used. Lili has to decide what to do; but she really doesn't. The reasons for her actions are thin and where she was previously very loathe to act she now jumps in head long.
I found the writing to be good with character descriptions and dialogue being rich; but the lack of plot was really frustrating. Top that with the fact that the plot used was a re-tread from basically both the first two books and it spells 2 stars.
I may read the next book in the series but I won't be rushing out to buy it so I can find out what happens. Lili is undead after all so it's not like she won't be around when I get around to finding out what happened.
The plot trope of someone taking over the territory from Eadric, last book it was Ivo; now it's a new character based on William the Conquerer, is re-used. Lili has to decide what to do; but she really doesn't. The reasons for her actions are thin and where she was previously very loathe to act she now jumps in head long.
I found the writing to be good with character descriptions and dialogue being rich; but the lack of plot was really frustrating. Top that with the fact that the plot used was a re-tread from basically both the first two books and it spells 2 stars.
I may read the next book in the series but I won't be rushing out to buy it so I can find out what happens. Lili is undead after all so it's not like she won't be around when I get around to finding out what happened.
September 30, 2023
Violet Fenn and her Netherweird series has fast become a favourite author/read for me. In fact I couldn't bring myself to read it once it was say=t on my kindle because I knew that once I started it would all be over too soon! But start I did and oh my goodness, I laughed so much, I loved the world even more and the characters truly come alive. I suspect this book to be a filler for background story and world building, however don't let that put you off. Lil discovers big things, new people and learns a lot, both about herself and the world around her. I felt for her so much, there is a heavy expectation sat on her shoulders from those around her and she just wants to live her best undead life, serving coffee and not scaring normal living people away. What she manages to do instead is bring new people into her fold, and put on her big girl pants. I loved every minute of this wonderful book in this already favourite series of mine.
September 12, 2023
Love this series and couldn't wait for book 3 ,it did not disappoint.The usual cast of characters were in play with a notable addition,ghosts ,vampires,mermaids and the undead all play a part in the story but Liliths human family and friends also play their parts.Can't wait to find out more about Grimm ! Lilith is growing in this book,learning to use and accept her new powers but determined to do it her way.One of my favourite characters ever,set in one of my favourite cities ,great story and writing,can't wait for the next.
July 3, 2024
After reading the first two, the third book of the Netherweird Chronicles didn't disappoint. Violet's writing style is a mix of comical, witty, with a bit of darkness and history, something that I love and have indulged in since starting Red and Dead. Lilith and the team I can relate to in so many ways and having aspects of my hometown and home county of Shrewsbury and Shropshire makes it that little bit more personal. I can't wait to see what the future holds for this series, and I can't wait to see what Violet has in store.
May 4, 2025
I'm hoovering this fab series!
Things are moving fast in Lilith's unaliveness, yes I made a word up, lol.
It's not just Lili moving at speed, it's 'everything'!!
It seems that a Monster is heading back to rule the Netherweird and possibly England itself 😮
That person is William the Conqueror!
But, besides him turning up sometime, she's got to contend with the Vampires. 🤔🤔
There's so much good stuff in this book for the reader, the best bit I enjoyed was Mab getting a faceful of Grimm. 😁😁👍🏻👍🏻
Onto book 4 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Things are moving fast in Lilith's unaliveness, yes I made a word up, lol.
It's not just Lili moving at speed, it's 'everything'!!
It seems that a Monster is heading back to rule the Netherweird and possibly England itself 😮
That person is William the Conqueror!
But, besides him turning up sometime, she's got to contend with the Vampires. 🤔🤔
There's so much good stuff in this book for the reader, the best bit I enjoyed was Mab getting a faceful of Grimm. 😁😁👍🏻👍🏻
Onto book 4 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
August 25, 2023
A lot of fun
I really do enjoy these books. Lil reminds me so much of myself it's outrageous (except the being dead bit. I'm still alive and kicking) Her sense of humour is exactly mine, her love for a city she's not of, yep, except I'm from Liverpool, but my city is London now. All that to say, I feel connected to Lilith in a way I haven't felt connected to a character in a very long time. Well done, Ms. Fenn. Well done, indeed.
I really do enjoy these books. Lil reminds me so much of myself it's outrageous (except the being dead bit. I'm still alive and kicking) Her sense of humour is exactly mine, her love for a city she's not of, yep, except I'm from Liverpool, but my city is London now. All that to say, I feel connected to Lilith in a way I haven't felt connected to a character in a very long time. Well done, Ms. Fenn. Well done, indeed.
June 16, 2024
Love this series! *no spoilers*
Another instalment of Lili (Lilith) and her not exactly alive friends in the depths of the sometimes sunny Liverpool.
Love the inclusion of a map showing the assorted territories. This time Lili is facing her un-alive status head on because she’s a modern woman “born in the 20th century not the 12th”. One thing is clear life and unlife isn’t dull when Lili is around.
This is British urban fantasy at its finest.
Another instalment of Lili (Lilith) and her not exactly alive friends in the depths of the sometimes sunny Liverpool.
Love the inclusion of a map showing the assorted territories. This time Lili is facing her un-alive status head on because she’s a modern woman “born in the 20th century not the 12th”. One thing is clear life and unlife isn’t dull when Lili is around.
This is British urban fantasy at its finest.
April 26, 2025
Dare one say - brilliant?
Another wonderful off the wall tale of our Lil. Please note Fag Ash Lil was from the Birkenhead side of the Mersey. Our Lil inhabits the North Side. How VF does it I don’t know but she really takes you on the ride of the happenings with “the Eld Queen” Does the Audio have the full Scouse accents?
Another wonderful off the wall tale of our Lil. Please note Fag Ash Lil was from the Birkenhead side of the Mersey. Our Lil inhabits the North Side. How VF does it I don’t know but she really takes you on the ride of the happenings with “the Eld Queen” Does the Audio have the full Scouse accents?
March 13, 2024
Just brilliant
I don’t think I’ve ever inhaled a book as quickly as this one, but I absolutely love this series! It’s so vibrant and fun, and has a lovely vibe that cocoons you in its weird world-I feel right at home.
Im going to be so sad when I get to the end!
I don’t think I’ve ever inhaled a book as quickly as this one, but I absolutely love this series! It’s so vibrant and fun, and has a lovely vibe that cocoons you in its weird world-I feel right at home.
Im going to be so sad when I get to the end!
October 5, 2023
The continuing adventure of Lilith the reluctant undead person. This time involving vampires, whatever Mab is, and old Kings. Still no telling what the cat really is, though.
November 15, 2023
Long live Liverpool
This series of books is delightful. It’s really fun to learn about Liverpool and to follow the progress into the world of the undead for Lil.
This series of books is delightful. It’s really fun to learn about Liverpool and to follow the progress into the world of the undead for Lil.
December 13, 2023
Another dead good book. And I'm sure not all vampires smell bad, or sparkle. There's got to be a middle way.
February 1, 2024
What arrest book, great series of books
Any one who likes fast paced, well written, humorous fantasy genre will love the netherweird series. Great fun great read
Any one who likes fast paced, well written, humorous fantasy genre will love the netherweird series. Great fun great read
July 3, 2024
3 of 5 books in the series, so far, and I love them more with each new book.
Fast, funny, urban fantasy with all the things that go bump in the night. Not a mystery or romance, just good bloody fun.
Fast, funny, urban fantasy with all the things that go bump in the night. Not a mystery or romance, just good bloody fun.
July 19, 2024
Interesting book
I will never look at those birds the same again nice easy read still loving knowing all the places mentioned
I will never look at those birds the same again nice easy read still loving knowing all the places mentioned
August 29, 2024
Great fun, explains a lot about the vibe in Liverpool.
January 8, 2025
The entire series has me gripped, reckon it would make a good film.
July 9, 2025
Book 3 is excellent!
Another fantastic outing with Lilith and the gang. 😁 Always more drama and delights heading Liverpool’s way with new and surprising characters turning up!
Another fantastic outing with Lilith and the gang. 😁 Always more drama and delights heading Liverpool’s way with new and surprising characters turning up!
August 7, 2025
A good third book in this series, completing an initial arc about Lil's destiny
August 25, 2025
Another page turning story in the series. I always thought there was something strange going on in Liverpool 😉
September 1, 2023
I had this on pre-order as soon as I could and it didn't disappoint. The storylines are interesting and I'm looking forward to reading what happens next. But what I really love is the mix of history and mythology which Violet Fenn brings to her writing. She also shares a lot of fascinating material on her social media in case you fancy a gander at that
September 13, 2023
Well there was me thinking that this was the last in a wonderful series of books about the (after) life of our Lili but I was wrong, there is to be another volume. I have loved these books and will be finding the fourth when it comes out. They really are very good.
September 9, 2023
A fun read and I love the premise behind this. I cannot wait for Grimm’s back story to land. Keep writing these, Fenn, they are a seriously good time.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews