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Slave of the Necromancer
An enemies-to-lovers dark fantasy romance with a deliciously slow burn.
Following her untimely death, lowly field worker Evera wakes up among a powerful necromancer’s army of the undead. There’s just one thing that sets her apart from the warlock’s other Fallen.
She still has her soul.
Assigned to be the Necromancer’s personal servant, Evera vows to kill the warlock, or die trying, rather than become his pet. She refuses to submit to the same dark ruler responsible for the plague that killed off hundreds across southern Aulderfell. Including her mother.
But the Necromancer has bigger plans for Evera. Plans that will put her at the heart of a years-long conflict between ruling witchblood families.
Will this be a new beginning, or a fate worse than death?
Book One in the Born of Death and Magic trilogy, Slave of the Necromancer is a romantasy that will capture you with a “touch her and die,” “burn-the-world-for-her” antihero. Follow Evera, a newly undead heroine, as she finds her strength and courage through unspeakable hardship.
Following her untimely death, lowly field worker Evera wakes up among a powerful necromancer’s army of the undead. There’s just one thing that sets her apart from the warlock’s other Fallen.
She still has her soul.
Assigned to be the Necromancer’s personal servant, Evera vows to kill the warlock, or die trying, rather than become his pet. She refuses to submit to the same dark ruler responsible for the plague that killed off hundreds across southern Aulderfell. Including her mother.
But the Necromancer has bigger plans for Evera. Plans that will put her at the heart of a years-long conflict between ruling witchblood families.
Will this be a new beginning, or a fate worse than death?
Book One in the Born of Death and Magic trilogy, Slave of the Necromancer is a romantasy that will capture you with a “touch her and die,” “burn-the-world-for-her” antihero. Follow Evera, a newly undead heroine, as she finds her strength and courage through unspeakable hardship.
359 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 19, 2024
27 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 23, 2024
Entertaininggg enough
September 4, 2024
OMG! if you're looking for ACOTAR+WITCHER vibes! this is the book for you! I loved every second of it, plot is fresh not the usual trials and games to save the realm! Finally a good fantasy book that got me reading non stop!!!
July 11, 2025
I don’t give 5 stars reviews lightly but this one…WELL DESERVED! Not only was I instantly hooked and invested in the main characters story, but it kept me hooked and continued to drag me in to be all of the invested! It’s well written, engaging, and the story building is incredible. It’s such a unique idea and while it has all the tropes I love and adore: feisty and defiant FMC, brooding and morally grey MMC, dragons, Fae, witches, etc, it also is incredibly original and amazing. Highly highly recommend this read!
UPDATE: I re-read this book and found it just as mesmerizing and incredible as the first time!!
UPDATE: I re-read this book and found it just as mesmerizing and incredible as the first time!!
May 21, 2024
I really like this book; I will admit it took me a couple of chapters to really get into it, but by chapter 4 I was enjoying the book.
I enjoyed Leah Nightcrest's descriptions of the people and places which allowed me the ability to vividly imagine the scenes in my head. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Also like her writing style.
In this book we are introduced first to Evera, the FMC, her first love Winnely, and her overseer Petre. Evera was orphaned 10 years prior at the age of 9 when her mother died from the 'black pox' that swept through her town of Grollin. Evera was then forced to work the fields for Petre, and we later find out that Petre has sold Evera to become a birthing bride. The day before her 20th birthday she is killed. When she wakes up, she knows something isn't right. She learns she has become one of the Fallen. She now belongs to the Necromancer, Lord Devian of the House of Ebony.
From the first time we learn of the Necromancer we are told that he is the person who brought the black pox to the town of Grollin because without the dead he wouldn't have an army. At first Evera references Lord Devian as only 'the necromancer' and how she must kill him to protect her people but as the story goes on and Evera starts to see him in a different light, she begins referencing him as Lord Devian or Devian, and thinks maybe he isn't the stone-cold killer that the towns folk have made him out to be.
Evera is smart, witty, sarcastic, preceptive, strong willed, kind to animals -- we see this in a fight scene how she chooses to protect horses over her own second life and the way she treated her draft Unicorn, Cinamon. She is also incredibly loyal and curious and isn't afraid to ask questions or dig a little deeper.
Lord Devian of House of Ebony is a lot more than just the Necromancer, the leader of the Fallen Army. He is fiercely protective of Evera from the beginning, he is loyal to his friends -- the Dragon shifters and treats them as equals although the rest of the witchbloods treat them as lesser than; we start to see a different side of Lord Devian from the moment Evera responds back to him at their first meeting, we also get a glimpse of why Lord Devian is the way he is.
One of my favorite scenes that I think shows Lord Devian's appreciation towards Evera's wit and his appreciation for her as well as his true personality:
Evera is in the field as Lord Devian has just finished casting a spell; told from Evera's POV:
'"What are you doing?" I blurted before I could stop myself.
He turned to me, his eyes catching the moonlight and producing a cat-like reflection. "Servants don't speak unless spoken to."
"And dead people are to be buried under the ground. Yet here we are." I fired back.
His lips twitched in the hint of a smile, but he remained silent.'
From the beginning of the two main characters meeting, we start to feel the tension as the story goes on their feelings about each other start to develop. This is definitely every bit a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance.
Not to spoil too much of the book, but we learn how Evera died and who she really is, which quite literally changes everything. Fingers crossed for the continuance of this story and to see what will happen between Lord Devian and Evera, more on the story of the dragon shifters-- Rog and Col, and if Lord Devian is able to separate his province from the Queen.
Overall I would give this book a 4.5 star rating for the character depth, author's writing style, and story's plot.
I enjoyed Leah Nightcrest's descriptions of the people and places which allowed me the ability to vividly imagine the scenes in my head. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Also like her writing style.
In this book we are introduced first to Evera, the FMC, her first love Winnely, and her overseer Petre. Evera was orphaned 10 years prior at the age of 9 when her mother died from the 'black pox' that swept through her town of Grollin. Evera was then forced to work the fields for Petre, and we later find out that Petre has sold Evera to become a birthing bride. The day before her 20th birthday she is killed. When she wakes up, she knows something isn't right. She learns she has become one of the Fallen. She now belongs to the Necromancer, Lord Devian of the House of Ebony.
From the first time we learn of the Necromancer we are told that he is the person who brought the black pox to the town of Grollin because without the dead he wouldn't have an army. At first Evera references Lord Devian as only 'the necromancer' and how she must kill him to protect her people but as the story goes on and Evera starts to see him in a different light, she begins referencing him as Lord Devian or Devian, and thinks maybe he isn't the stone-cold killer that the towns folk have made him out to be.
Evera is smart, witty, sarcastic, preceptive, strong willed, kind to animals -- we see this in a fight scene how she chooses to protect horses over her own second life and the way she treated her draft Unicorn, Cinamon. She is also incredibly loyal and curious and isn't afraid to ask questions or dig a little deeper.
Lord Devian of House of Ebony is a lot more than just the Necromancer, the leader of the Fallen Army. He is fiercely protective of Evera from the beginning, he is loyal to his friends -- the Dragon shifters and treats them as equals although the rest of the witchbloods treat them as lesser than; we start to see a different side of Lord Devian from the moment Evera responds back to him at their first meeting, we also get a glimpse of why Lord Devian is the way he is.
One of my favorite scenes that I think shows Lord Devian's appreciation towards Evera's wit and his appreciation for her as well as his true personality:
Evera is in the field as Lord Devian has just finished casting a spell; told from Evera's POV:
'"What are you doing?" I blurted before I could stop myself.
He turned to me, his eyes catching the moonlight and producing a cat-like reflection. "Servants don't speak unless spoken to."
"And dead people are to be buried under the ground. Yet here we are." I fired back.
His lips twitched in the hint of a smile, but he remained silent.'
From the beginning of the two main characters meeting, we start to feel the tension as the story goes on their feelings about each other start to develop. This is definitely every bit a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance.
Not to spoil too much of the book, but we learn how Evera died and who she really is, which quite literally changes everything. Fingers crossed for the continuance of this story and to see what will happen between Lord Devian and Evera, more on the story of the dragon shifters-- Rog and Col, and if Lord Devian is able to separate his province from the Queen.
Overall I would give this book a 4.5 star rating for the character depth, author's writing style, and story's plot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2024
*ARC Read*
Dark Fantasy
*Slow burn (No spice in the first book)
*Tension
*Betrayal
*Enemies to lovers
*Magic, mages, dragons, necromancy
*Dual POV
World Building: Leah writes in a way that makes imagining the world easy.
Summary:
Evera is a lowly field worker who dies and wakes up in the necromancer's dungeon with other dead known as the Fallen. However, Evera is different because she still has her soul. She is assigned to be the Necromancer's personal assistant and she is determined to kill him because she believes he is responsible for the sickness in the area that causes so many deaths. Though Evera is not one who can naturally fight and defend, she doesn't let that stop her from trying to learn and jump in to help when she thinks help is needed. Her time in the necromancer's castle allows her to learn things she couldn't know as a field worker.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Strengths:
*Plot twists
*Intriguing characters
*Cliffhanger leaves me wanting to read the next book
*The tension is great and makes you yearn for them to deepen their connection.
Weaknesses:
*It took a few chapters to get into the story.
Conclusion:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would definitely consider this as one I would recommend to others to read. It is an engaging story with lovely tension and some action that keeps the story interesting.
Age: 14+
There is no spice in the first book so it is hard to say an age until the series is finished. With what this book contains I would say teen and higher. There is death and magic. The FMC is called a birthing bride in the beginning so if you are worried about having to answer questions about that topic keep that in mind.
Dark Fantasy
*Slow burn (No spice in the first book)
*Tension
*Betrayal
*Enemies to lovers
*Magic, mages, dragons, necromancy
*Dual POV
World Building: Leah writes in a way that makes imagining the world easy.
Summary:
Evera is a lowly field worker who dies and wakes up in the necromancer's dungeon with other dead known as the Fallen. However, Evera is different because she still has her soul. She is assigned to be the Necromancer's personal assistant and she is determined to kill him because she believes he is responsible for the sickness in the area that causes so many deaths. Though Evera is not one who can naturally fight and defend, she doesn't let that stop her from trying to learn and jump in to help when she thinks help is needed. Her time in the necromancer's castle allows her to learn things she couldn't know as a field worker.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Strengths:
*Plot twists
*Intriguing characters
*Cliffhanger leaves me wanting to read the next book
*The tension is great and makes you yearn for them to deepen their connection.
Weaknesses:
*It took a few chapters to get into the story.
Conclusion:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would definitely consider this as one I would recommend to others to read. It is an engaging story with lovely tension and some action that keeps the story interesting.
Age: 14+
There is no spice in the first book so it is hard to say an age until the series is finished. With what this book contains I would say teen and higher. There is death and magic. The FMC is called a birthing bride in the beginning so if you are worried about having to answer questions about that topic keep that in mind.
August 28, 2024
I picked it up immediately as if I too was its slave.
This book has such a hold on me, I’m not even sure if I should be worried or not. For you know, sanity purposes. And moral purposes. But you know, we take what we can get when we’re talking about sanity and morality when we’re talking about books. And just. The overall, uh- yes. Yep. I forgot how to words.
Anyways, the review-
The world-building was beautiful and just came to life. Which a lot of things tend to do in this book. You really learn a lot about the world, leaving more than enough intrigue for us to flesh out in the upcoming sequels.
The plot was very intriguing. Of course I picked it up for very, definitely, sane purposes. You start off slow, but this was needed to not only set the stage for the whole series, but to entice. And Leah did a wonderful job at this. It keeps going, much excitement and emotions get invoked as you read, it would definitely be hard to put it down.
Necromancy is definitely a huge thing in this book. It’s in the title, so… If such things or mentions of necromancy makes you uncomfortable, it mayyyy not be for you. But otherwise, it’s a really fun concept to play around with and really good when you know what you’re doing (which Leah definitely does). We don’t get to find out the whole extent of this power, but what we do see is amazing.
Evera is a strong-willed FMC that’s a bundle of curiosity. From the very start, we definitely feel her need for freedom, for her autonomy. She’s smart, perceptive, and while her upbringing left her at a disadvantage, she is so much more than what she’s been given.
Devian is our necromancer MMC that’s a bundle of mystery. He’s fiercely loyal and will always make sure nothing happens to the people close to his heart. There’s so much we find out about him, but there’s also so much to learn. He may practice necromancy, but he’s human too.
The romance is a sweet, sweet, slow burn. There’s a lot of getting to know happening here but there’s so much delicious tension, I can’t wait to read the next!
The other characters. They were some of the most interesting characters I’ve met! A lot of them really surprise you (for better or for worse).
I read this as preparation for the next book as I’m an ARC reader for it! Everything I said, I mean wholeheartedly 🫶🏻 I can’t wait to read the next :>
This book has such a hold on me, I’m not even sure if I should be worried or not. For you know, sanity purposes. And moral purposes. But you know, we take what we can get when we’re talking about sanity and morality when we’re talking about books. And just. The overall, uh- yes. Yep. I forgot how to words.
Anyways, the review-
The world-building was beautiful and just came to life. Which a lot of things tend to do in this book. You really learn a lot about the world, leaving more than enough intrigue for us to flesh out in the upcoming sequels.
The plot was very intriguing. Of course I picked it up for very, definitely, sane purposes. You start off slow, but this was needed to not only set the stage for the whole series, but to entice. And Leah did a wonderful job at this. It keeps going, much excitement and emotions get invoked as you read, it would definitely be hard to put it down.
Necromancy is definitely a huge thing in this book. It’s in the title, so… If such things or mentions of necromancy makes you uncomfortable, it mayyyy not be for you. But otherwise, it’s a really fun concept to play around with and really good when you know what you’re doing (which Leah definitely does). We don’t get to find out the whole extent of this power, but what we do see is amazing.
Evera is a strong-willed FMC that’s a bundle of curiosity. From the very start, we definitely feel her need for freedom, for her autonomy. She’s smart, perceptive, and while her upbringing left her at a disadvantage, she is so much more than what she’s been given.
Devian is our necromancer MMC that’s a bundle of mystery. He’s fiercely loyal and will always make sure nothing happens to the people close to his heart. There’s so much we find out about him, but there’s also so much to learn. He may practice necromancy, but he’s human too.
The romance is a sweet, sweet, slow burn. There’s a lot of getting to know happening here but there’s so much delicious tension, I can’t wait to read the next!
The other characters. They were some of the most interesting characters I’ve met! A lot of them really surprise you (for better or for worse).
I read this as preparation for the next book as I’m an ARC reader for it! Everything I said, I mean wholeheartedly 🫶🏻 I can’t wait to read the next :>
May 21, 2024
THIS IS A FIVE ⭐️ READ!
I was literally looking for a fantasy book that would renew my interest since the last few I’ve read have the same premise that I’m losing interest in the genre 🥲
I browse on my pile of ARCs and found this.
AND GIRL, did it NOT disappoint!!
Omygosh It was sooo good I fell in love 🖤 it was well-written.
This is a dark fantasy.
I liked the characters (not just the MMC and FMC)— how they were described and the places and scenes that you can imagine it in your head and felt like you were there experiencing it. I soo love the storytelling 🥹
And don’t get me started with the MMC and FMC. No spice YETTTT but ‘The’ TENSIONNN UGH 🌶️🥰 I’m a smutty smutty girl but I don’t mind it one bit because I know there will be more in the following books and I’m freaking here for itt!!
And the cliffhanger just made me want to read the nextt!
I’ll fight my spot for the next ARC 😈 (include me pleaseee)
Thank you for this beautiful book. I am so grateful to be part of the ARC team.
Fellow bookish babes read this. You won’t regret it.
ARC read. Honest review left voluntarily.
I was literally looking for a fantasy book that would renew my interest since the last few I’ve read have the same premise that I’m losing interest in the genre 🥲
I browse on my pile of ARCs and found this.
AND GIRL, did it NOT disappoint!!
Omygosh It was sooo good I fell in love 🖤 it was well-written.
This is a dark fantasy.
I liked the characters (not just the MMC and FMC)— how they were described and the places and scenes that you can imagine it in your head and felt like you were there experiencing it. I soo love the storytelling 🥹
And don’t get me started with the MMC and FMC. No spice YETTTT but ‘The’ TENSIONNN UGH 🌶️🥰 I’m a smutty smutty girl but I don’t mind it one bit because I know there will be more in the following books and I’m freaking here for itt!!
And the cliffhanger just made me want to read the nextt!
I’ll fight my spot for the next ARC 😈 (include me pleaseee)
Thank you for this beautiful book. I am so grateful to be part of the ARC team.
Fellow bookish babes read this. You won’t regret it.
ARC read. Honest review left voluntarily.
August 26, 2024
Slave of the Necromancer by Leah Nightcrest is an amazing fantasy slow-burn romance. Please keep in mind the title Necromancer, implying death is heavily prevalent in this book so keep that in mind when reading.
Evera is presented as a peasant girl yearning for her happy ever after with her one true love, Winnley. Lord Devian is the last necromancer in a long line of them. Can he raise enough dead? Throw in shapeshifting snarky dragons and the cast of this book is fun and the tension is perfect.
I read this book in one day, despite my various responsibilities I kept picking it back up eager to know how it ended. There are massive twists and the plot keeps you guessing with motives and how everything will end. I will say this does end in a cliffhanger so be aware you will be jonesing for book two.
Evera is presented as a peasant girl yearning for her happy ever after with her one true love, Winnley. Lord Devian is the last necromancer in a long line of them. Can he raise enough dead? Throw in shapeshifting snarky dragons and the cast of this book is fun and the tension is perfect.
I read this book in one day, despite my various responsibilities I kept picking it back up eager to know how it ended. There are massive twists and the plot keeps you guessing with motives and how everything will end. I will say this does end in a cliffhanger so be aware you will be jonesing for book two.
May 29, 2024
Our FMC Evera dies and wakes up in the necromancers dungeon. The other dead are now known as the Fallen, But Evera is different, she still has her soul. Evera is pure and kind I love her so much and her growth throughout the book. This book is a slow burn but with tons of tension. It's an enemies to lovers with a dual POV, Although most of the chapters are from Everas POV rather than Devian. My favorite chapters were those from Devian, I loved hearing what he thought during his time with Evera. This book was good, it built up tension and laid the groundwork for the second book. Im very excited to see where this story goes. It also ends on a cliffhanger so beware the drop :).
May 20, 2024
Slave to the Necromancer by Leah Nightcrest is a story with a great and flowing writing style and with a FMC I loved. Evera does not want to be someone’s tool and she vows to get even. She is fierce, smart. The banter and growing relationship between her and the MMC is great to read. The plot made me think of Hades & Persephone and Beauty and the Beast and that are tropes I love to read about.
Slave to the Necromancer is a slow burn enemies to lovers story, with great world-building and story-line and I am looking forward to reading the sequel.
Slave to the Necromancer is a slow burn enemies to lovers story, with great world-building and story-line and I am looking forward to reading the sequel.
August 29, 2024
OMG this was so good! A well written, dark, fantasy romance that draws you in with incredible characters and a wonderful slow burn romance. Our FMC dies and finds herself among a powerful necromancer’s army of the undead called the fallen. The only difference is that she has kept her soul whereas the others have not! Evera Is our undead heroine, is strong and kind and her journey is amazing. Thrilling, captivating, intense and with incredible world building, this author hooked me and has me ready for more!
August 23, 2024
THE BIGGEST ROLLERCOASTER!!
This is one of the best books I have read in a while….The storyline is amazing and the tension *MUAH* chefs kiss! From bein worried about being sold to become an enslaved baby maker to waking up dead! Mrs. Evera had a hard life while living but when she is killed and the brought back by the necromancer she’s no clue what to come definitely a page turner!
This is one of the best books I have read in a while….The storyline is amazing and the tension *MUAH* chefs kiss! From bein worried about being sold to become an enslaved baby maker to waking up dead! Mrs. Evera had a hard life while living but when she is killed and the brought back by the necromancer she’s no clue what to come definitely a page turner!
September 12, 2024
Slave of the Necromancer is an addictive roller coaster ride that will have you hanging off of the edge or your seat. This page turner novel has tension that you could cut with a knife, twists and turns that will keep you guessing every step of the way and a slow burn romance to pull it all together. Very well written! I highly recommend checking it out!
May 11, 2024
If you like beauty and the beast vibes, an opinionated FMC, MMC with a “touch her and die” attitude you’ll like this book! It has no spice and is a slow burn but I’m so excited to see where this story goes and for sure want to read the next book!
May 13, 2024
I absolutely loved this debut book from Leah Nightcrest. It has Hades/Persephone vibes, dragons, witches/warlocks, tension, slow burn and betrayal. Seriously I don’t know how Leah managed to fit so much into this book in under 300 pages. Cannot wait for the next book!
4 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
1/2 🌶️
4 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
1/2 🌶️
May 14, 2024
This book was a great palette cleanser as all I've been reading is dark romance. Anyways this book is so well written. She really makes you feel like you're amount the dead next to Evra and the necromancer. I can not wait for book 2 as you left me on a cliffhanger 😅
August 18, 2024
O.M.G
Did i devour this book in one day? Yes do i regret it? No!!!!! This book omg!!! Totally recommend to anyone and everyone!!!! This a must read!!!! I’ll be screaming it off the roof tops!!!!!
Did i devour this book in one day? Yes do i regret it? No!!!!! This book omg!!! Totally recommend to anyone and everyone!!!! This a must read!!!! I’ll be screaming it off the roof tops!!!!!
July 12, 2025
4.5 rounded up!
This was a fantastic first book and unique story! I've never read a perspective from a necromancer and dead beings, so it was quite a fresh and enjoyable experience for me. I am looking forward to starting book 2 next!
This was a fantastic first book and unique story! I've never read a perspective from a necromancer and dead beings, so it was quite a fresh and enjoyable experience for me. I am looking forward to starting book 2 next!
May 11, 2024
I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for the author to bless us with two more books equally as captivating as this masterpiece!
May 16, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. Leah left me wanting more and I am excited to see how Evera and Devian's story plays out.
May 22, 2024
I must admit the title and synopsis didn’t sound very enticing so I was a little doubtful when I started reading. But I really enjoyed the book and finished it in one sitting !
May 26, 2024
Love this book! Most fantasy books are super long so it was refreshing to have this book be just a little over 300 pages! Twists and turns, love interest & captivating pages! Cannot wait till book 2!
March 1, 2025
This book is everything I was looking for in my next fantasy read and so much more. The revelations and suspense kept me wanting more. I cannot wait to see what happens in book 2.
May 24, 2024
Wow. I absolutely loved this
August 11, 2024
Overall a good book. The heroine finds herself doing a 180 and starts to appreciate the hero. The love interest she had originally turned out to the villian. Her pain felt real enough and the characters were written with depth and are relatable in their ups and downs.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2024
I absolutely adored this book! I binge read it and it was sooo good! I can't believe the ending!!! I will be telling all my dark fantasy Romance friends about this book!
Outstanding book!
Outstanding book!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews