A Waltz with the Bone King

by Amanda Cessor

Lorelai, a young woman with an unusual fascination for the macabre, finds herself entangled in a haunting and mysterious world. During her solitary walks in a graveyard, she encounters a mysterious figure, the Bone King, who reveals himself as the ruler of the realm of the dead. As she navigates this eerie connection, her life takes a dark turn when a suitor, Westley, becomes obsessive and entraps her.

Genres: Romance, Fantasy

29 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2023

Reviews

[Nenia Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A WALTZ WITH THE BONE KING is a beautiful novella featuring the death and the maiden trope. Lorelai, a sickly and beautiful woman with morbid interests, meets the King of the Dead while walking in the woods. He has fallen in love with her and wants to court her, but every meeting with him carries a risk of death. Little does she know, she's been living on borrowed time already, and like Jareth, he has reordered time and turned the world upside-down for her already...

The Victorian goth-punk vibes of this reminded me a lot of Corpse Bride and Adalyn Grace's BELLADONNA, especially with the message that all of us are living on borrowed time at every moment and that while death is the true end to every story, it is nothing to be feared. The ending of this book made me cry because it made me think of my dad, who was ill with a terminal illness for almost six months. He was so at peace at the end, after going through so much discomfort and pain, and so much of what Lorelai had to say about her thoughts on death and living reminded me of him.

If you like cozy whimsigoth stories, you'll love this book. Especially if you love respectful skeleton daddies and the death and the maiden trope. I can't wait to read more from this author. I really like her writing style.

Thanks to the author/publisher for providing me with a review copy!

4 stars

[R. Raeta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful novella to start the year off right!

Dark and whimsical, this story straddles the line between Life and Death in a way that is both romantic and heart tugging. I love a good exploration of loss and grief and the way these themes intertwined with the romance was swoon worthy. My only wish is that it was longer but, truly, this is only a reflection of how much enjoyment I found within these pages.

A must read for lovers of BELLADONNA and THE CORPSE BRIDE.

4.5 ★!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautifully written story of love, loss and life! The imagery was so vivid I felt like I was in the book itself. I loved Lorelai's persnicketty attitude and her willingness to self-examine her beliefs and actions when called out. Her father was so sweet and devoted to her. I was not expecting to get so emotional but found myself wiping tears from my face as I read the last chapter.

*I received this ARC for free in exchange for my honest review.

[Lindsay Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this little story—the FMC's struggle between two choices was nice, and I love when things just come together. I just with there had been a bit more with an end character who came in at the end and helped her make her decision. Overall enjoyed, liked all the characters and have been thinking about it since finishing which is always a marker for me of something that worked for me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A waltz with the bone king is a dark, addictive and gripping romance novella with a brilliant portrayal of love, courage, mystery and twists.

The story follows Lorelai, a young woman who is ardently fascinated with macabre. Her father is trying to find her a suitable suitor and that when Westley arrives. However she isn't interested in romantic entanglements at least not with him. During stroll in the graveyard she has a strange but oddly familiar encounter with the Bone King, the ruler of death. Their subtle conversations and feelings of blooming love and affection hints at something that could blur the lines of life and death itself.

Will Lorelai be able to chose the one who loves her selflessly or is there someone else pulling the strings of fate?

Dark and compelling, "A waltz with the bone king" gives you one of a kind reading experience. I finished this book in a single sitting as I was absolutely intrigued by the storyline. Lorelori was an amazing character, her brave and straightforward attitude were what made her unique. She is winsome person who despite witnessing tragedies and being deeply affected believes in the power of love. The Bone King was etheral in all his glory and i definitely appreciate his actions and resolutions to make Lorelai feel like she can be her own person and doesn't need to follow anyone's opinions. I love Amanda's impressive writing style and i cannot wait to read more books from her.

If you are looking for engaging, compelling read with memorable characters then this book should be your next read.

[Roo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book absolutely has a part of me left inside of it pages! This book will draw you in and not let you go until you finish it! The narrator does an amazing job of portraying all of the characters emotions feelings, and how the characters interact!

I loved seeing the discussion of multiple topics that can be a little much for some readers or listeners depend on if you reading the novella or listening to the audiobook. Though you will succumb to this world and get lost inside of the pages! Amanda does an amazing job of portraying the characters emotions through different verbiage. That really puts you there with them. You feel like you’re part of the story in a way!

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Lissa B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes, you just need a short book that'll make you cry to cleanse the palette. This book was that cleanse for me today, even being so sad towards the end. I really loved the balance of life and death, and it kinda hit me deep in the soul.

[Ileana Weynberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a thrilling read! I absolutely devoured this book. I am very into the gothic side of literature. I am a huge huge fan of Edgar Allan Poe and his sinister writing. To discover Poe in this book made me absolutely elated. Such a intriguing read. I love the plot and everything about this book. The lead female character is amazing. I must confess I usually am just a dark romance reader. This was beyond beautifully written. I can not wait to read more from Amanda. The description of every detail made me feel like I was their wrh the character. The twists were so well timed. I was so upset when I finished it. I hope their is more.

[Bookwyrm_in_KC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this was a novella, Amanda Cessor crafted a lush, complete world, with well rounded characters. Lorelai is a sickly young woman with a bright and macabre mind who finds her affections divided between the worlds of the living and the dead. Love and loss are closely entwined in this tale and Death is such a sweet, respectful suitor to Lorelai. The ending was so beautiful and perfect it brought tears to my eyes.

Thank you, Amanda, for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy.

[Rebecca Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 stars

So I will warn you now...

No smut...

but such a sweet a romantic gothic romance. I breezed through this sucker in no time and it was a magical, macabre, and sugary romance for all gothic romance lovers to enjoy.

However with any novella... I WANT TO KNOW MORE!

[E Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC read/review.
Thank you Amanda, so much, for gifting me with such a beautiful story.
I absolutely felt every part of this story in my soul.
The writing- so refined, so beautiful, so atmospheric. The imagery and descriptive language had me seeing, smelling, hearing and feeling at every point of my read. I could almost hear soft music in the background as I read. Masterful use of prose and so poetic and bewitching in your execution.
The characters; engaging, soulful, and beautiful. As I read, I felt like they were mine and a part of who I am.
The plot- etched into my soul. I was completely entranced by this beautiful, macabre, romantic story.
Again, thank you! 5⭐️

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is out of the norm for my usual reading habits, but I absolutely devoured it! Amanda Cessor writes the Bone King as a captivating character, one to choose to love. I absolutely adored this depiction of him and how he's been known by so many names and depicted in so many different ways. I'd choose him over Wesley, too, especially in the original version! I loved this.

Fans of Corpse Bride might love this!

[Hillareads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A million stars for you AC. You go AC!

Lorelai never shies away from the strange and peculiar. She herself is quite strange and peculiar. She refuses to be anything but herself. After her mother’s passing, Lorelai and her father spend many years recovering from the emotional damage. Although Lorelai is content in her own spinster, macabre world, her father wants more for her; a family of her own perhaps. His ideal suitor for her is part of high society. Lorelai’s is from low society, as in six feet under.

Amanda Cessor, you’ve done it again! You’ve taken my love of gothic historical fiction and perfectly balanced it with paranormal romance.

[Nini · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
I got an alc, but my rating/review are my own!

Omgggg what was thiss?!!! I'm unwell 😭😭😭 destroyed 😭😭😭

when are we getting other one?👀👀

The audiobook? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Bonnie was amazing for this book🤧


We get the old and the new version on the audiobook (idk about the ebook/physical but I think it may be there too) and the old was good but the new version??

Tropes:
☆gothic romance
☆death
☆chronicle ill fmc
☆obssessed guy (not mmc)

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was lush and lovely and dark and dreary and I absolutely devoured it. but also, it maybe devoured me. It's bitter sweet and darkly romantic and I definitely recommend reading it!
(I received a free copy in exchange for a review!)

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautifully written story of love, loss and life! The imagery was so vivid I felt like I was in the book itself. I loved Lorelai's persnicketty attitude and her willingness to self-examine her beliefs and actions when called out. Her father was so sweet and devoted to her. I was not expecting to get so emotional but found myself wiping tears from my face as I read the last chapter.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story tore me apart in the best ways possible. It made me think of the inevitable and of what will happen during then. It made me smile and cry and everything in between.
It brought my inner thoughts to a head and made me analyze them.
A truly glorious story.
Warning. This is super dark and is all about death. I started reading this thinking it wouldn’t affect me but then proceeded to tear my soul from my body and make me grieve on only 100 pages. I am in awe of this story.
I cannot recommend this story enough.

[elanur · Rating 5 out of 5]

With over 120 notes and highlights in this 132-page novella on my Kindle, I think it’s obvious how much this story meant to me. I finished reading it exactly a week ago and needed time to process everything.

A Waltz with the Bone King is my first experience with Amanda Cessor’s writing, but it will definitely not be my last (I’ve already ordered With Love, Juniper). Her prose is stunning, and I was particularly impressed by the period-appropriate language (sadly, this was not a given for many other books I've read lately). It allowed me to fully immerse myself in the story without being pulled out by modern words or phrases that would have felt out of place in the setting.

Instead of summarising the plot, I want to focus on how this novella made me feel. If you’re not up for reading all of that, no worries—just go and READ the book! Lorelai’s journey, though short, was deeply touching. It broke me and then put me back together. Her growth throughout the story was incredible—some people spend a lifetime trying to achieve the level of maturity and self-awareness she reaches by the end. And every moment of her journey was worth it.

The last three years have been incredibly difficult for me, full of changes and grief I was never allowed to fully process or let go of. Letting go, I learnt, is the hardest thing to do, no matter how prepared—or unprepared—one is. Lorelai taught me this in the end. Cessor poured so much love into this novella and Lorelai’s journey that it was impossible not to take something meaningful from it. There was a moment when I found it hard to keep reading because I was crying so much. It was 1 a.m., and I had to get up at 6 a.m. on a Monday to teach a class. I was struuuuggling. But alas, I needed that cry. It felt so good, and I was surprised by HOW MUCH I needed to cry and hadn’t allowed myself to until that moment.

Cathartic—that’s what A Waltz with the Bone King was to me. I believe it might be the same for others, or it could be something entirely different. But one thing I’m sure of is that it won’t leave anyone untouched.

ps. I'm dying to share all my highlighted parts; they are soo good but I'm afraid they would be potential spoilers.

[Jordan Claybourn · Rating 5 out of 5]

So heartbreakingly beautiful

This story was recommended to me by the author and I am so glad that I took them up on their recommendation. This story is short (its a novella, so duh) and honestly saying it's beautiful feels like a travesty on its part because this story is so much more than that.

Y'all I sobbed my little heart out at this book. The way that the author writes of death and grief is so touching and so poignant. I seriously could not stop sobbing at this novella and had to finish it by TAKING OFF MY GLASSES. I had to finish it halfway blind you guys. Halfway blind. I don't know if you grasp how much this book hurts but in the best way.

This book is about Lorelai, a strange sickly young lady who stands out by being fascinated with death and the afterlife. She has a chance encounter with the King of Death himself, AKA the Bone King and is courted by death himself. He gifts her a lovely little raven (honestly wish my male suitors would gift me a raven 😮‍💨). But at the same time she meets Westley and he is smitten with her and wishes to court her. It's definitely a who will she choose situation between death and someone living. Things happen yall. SO MANY THINGS.

(This is where I would typically tell you tropes but my brain isn't braining)

"I will win your heart and your forgiveness."

"Little Flower."

"You are the warmth in my heart this night. With eternal love, the Bone King"

"Love with no place to land." (😭😭😭😭😭 I might have connected with this way too much)

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Waltz With The Bone King by Amanda Cesser, Lorelei is years away from her debutante ball and is almost considered a spinster, but she doesn’t mind. She finds dances and tea parties and sufferable, and that includes the latest one her cheerful dad convinces her to go to. this is where she meets Wesley Harper, the most eligible bachelor in the society she lives in and to make matters worse. Her dad couldn’t approve of him more. What is even more shocking is when he finds interest in Laura lie. on the day he is to come calling Lorelei has Cook pack a basket and she goes off exploring and finds an ancient cemetery. Something that is definitely in her macabre wheelhouse. this is where Lorelei meets the bone king. I won’t say what happens in the garden as I don’t want to give too much away, but just know throughout the book Wesley‘s real intentions are shown and he is definitely found lacking. he is dismissfull of everything She likes, but for some reason he wants to be with Laura lie who the villagers just find odd, sickly and dark. However, when Wesley asked for her hand and marriage little does he know he has arrival. this book was so good, if you like fairytales especially the ones from long ago you will definitely enjoyed this book. I absolutely did. I wasn’t expecting the ending, but it fit perfectly. Never thought I would be happy about something like that. #BookSprout, #AWaltzWithTheBoneKing, #AmandaCesser,

[Kitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was actually so crazy romantic. I read it twice. Like, I went back to look for quotes and check my annotations, and just ended up reading the whole thing again because it was so enthralling.
Lorelai, my dear, sweet Lorelai. My heart. She’s definitely a strong character, even if she has a “weak constitution.” Her mind is so quick, and I love that about her.
I’m so sure I was supposed to hate Westley but I just want to hug him. at least, in this second iteration of the story. The original? Westley, it’s on sight. But we’re just going to focus on the new, where in which Westley is worthy of my love.
Poe stole my heart. How could he not?
Obviously, I think The Bone King is absolutely stunning and I wouldn’t mind meeting him in a graveyard (sure, interpret that however you need to).
I’m in love with the ending. I refuse to spoil it for you, just know it’s going to make you feel things.
Amanda has written such an amazing story. She’s captivated my mind and heart, and I can’t thank her enough for this novella.

[Joy Michelle Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Such a beautiful, haunting little novella.

A Waltz with the Bone King has that dreamy, gothic fairytale feel that wraps around you like a velvet cloak. Yes, it’s a story we’ve seen before—Death falling in love with the living—but this version was so elegantly written, so moody in the best way, that I didn’t mind one bit.

The romance was soft, eerie, and slow-burning. Their conversations had this quiet intensity that pulled me in, and honestly? The waltzing scenes?? I could hear the music in my head while reading. There’s something so cinematic about it—I kept thinking, “Please, someone make this into a short film or a dreamy fantasy feature.” It would be absolutely stunning on screen.

Would I have liked more time in this world? Definitely. It’s a novella, and I felt it—I wanted more depth, more time with them, more stakes. But that said… I still liked it. A lot.

Darkly romantic, atmospheric, and just enough to leave you with that achey little sigh at the end. 💀🖤

[Tara Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a amazingly moving story. I didn’t expect so much to be contained within 131 pages. Lorelai is a regency ere Wednesday Addams, she has a quick wit and a fascination with the macabre that is unique for that era. She finds herself being courted by two suitors; Westley Harper who is a young man that finds her both frustrating and fascinating. The other suitor being Death himself, who has been infatuated with her since he first saw her. Relationships bloom between her and each suitor, soon Lorelai must decide on which man she wants to stay beside. While this is a love story it is also filled with grief and heartbreak so make sure to read the triggers before hand. This is a perfect book if you’re looking for a Halloween season book with a sweet story that will hit you right in the feels.

[Lex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, Bittersweet Romance Read

Absolutely loved this novella. It was the perfect start to my 2025 reading year.

I love gothic romances, especially when the love is as unconventional as falling for the Bone King, Death himself. Lorelai has spent her adulthood pushing away suitors. But one summer finds her the apple in not only the local town’s heartthrob, but also the afterlife’s own heartthrob.

What really got me about this story, though, was the tender love between Lorelai and her father. A patient man who clearly only wants the best for his daughter. There was a particular scene that even made me cry for them.

Definitely check the trigger warnings for this book as it deals heavily, but also quiet and softly, with themes of death.

[Nonagesimus Reads [Em] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This was a fantastic book. I had no idea what to expect when I started it, and I was pleasantly surprised. My emotions were all over the place with this one. Lorelai is a great character along with her dad and Westley. I was like I want the story to end this way and then I was like wait no! I love the way this novella evoked my thoughts like that, even if it was rather sad as well. The bone king seems to really love her and that made me happy, even though I had grown to love Westley. This just shows how well done the story is when you just love all the characters! I really enjoyed this novella.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarah Barolo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Waltz With The Bone King by Amanda Cessor is a novella focused on love, death, and the macabre. The FMC, Lorelai, suffers from chronic illness and spends her time studying the macabre and avoiding the prospect of courting, as is expected of her. This “he falls first” has the god of death as the MMC, along with a stubborn young bachelor who tries to court Lorelai. This novella is a 5⭐️ read for me, absolutely fell in love with the author and the narrator!

[Courtney Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bridgerton meets The Phantom of the Opera as Death Incarnate in this incredibly compelling novella featuring an ailing heroine who must choose between her greatest love in life or her greatest love in death. I loved the author's voice and ease with which this story unfolded, leaving me with some emotional moments by the end! Highly recommend.

[Lauren Sanatra · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet short read! I’ve been loving novellas just like this as of late, quick and all consuming! I LOVED the whole concept and this is one of those novellas that I would sooooo be into if it ever transitioned into a full on novel! I would love to have more time with these characters, but within the novella I felt satisfied enough but I am veryyyy hungry for more!

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Waltz With The Bone King

This novella was so cute! I love a good macabre setting and a little goth girl who sees dead people 🖤 Short and sweet, this is a closed door romance. It took me a while to decide if I liked the Bone King, but he won me over in the end!

3.5⭐️

[Jess Palacios · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝑰𝒏 𝒂 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒆𝒕𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒆𝒗𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝑳𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒊 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒅𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕—𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒍𝒚 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈.”
A Waltz With the Bone King by Amanda Cessor
⭐️:5 📚: 131 pages 🌶️: 2 of 5

Read it if you like:
👻 Paranormal Romance
💀 Death is the MMC
🧍‍♀️ Human FMC
🚫 Forbidden Romance
🔥 Love Triangle / Romantic Rivalry
🩺 Chronic Illness Rep

I'm suspiciously excited about this one because I love gothic romance—especially when Death is a character. So there was no way I wouldn't love this!

It’s a short novella, perfect if you want to dip your toes into the paranormal romance pool without feeling overwhelmed. The story is well-paced and carries a subtle historical vibe that I really enjoyed.

There’s drama, romance, doubt, pain, love, lust, and an aching, infinite desire to be seen and loved. It’s beautiful and enchanting—dark, romantic, hopeless, and decadently written.

I LOVE IT.