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Beauty & the Necromancer
When Beauty steals into the cursed lands of Eldritch Manor to save her starving family, she finds herself ensnared by its master - Darius, the dreaded Necromancer. Amidst a crumbling gothic manor where the dead dance and lost souls wail, an unlikely and dangerous passion ignites between captive and captor.
Beauty sees humanity buried beneath Darius's monstrous exterior, while Darius, enthralled by her defiant spirit, remembers the man he once was. Together, they seek to break Darius's curse. But vengeful forces in Beauty's village soon threaten to tear the lovers apart.
Step into a darkly seductive world where true love faces the ultimate test. Beauty & the Necromancer is a hauntingly romantic Gothic fantasy brimming with forbidden sorcery, tortured passion, and the triumph of the human heart over the forces of death itself.
Beauty sees humanity buried beneath Darius's monstrous exterior, while Darius, enthralled by her defiant spirit, remembers the man he once was. Together, they seek to break Darius's curse. But vengeful forces in Beauty's village soon threaten to tear the lovers apart.
Step into a darkly seductive world where true love faces the ultimate test. Beauty & the Necromancer is a hauntingly romantic Gothic fantasy brimming with forbidden sorcery, tortured passion, and the triumph of the human heart over the forces of death itself.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2024
150 people are currently reading
397 people want to read
About the author
Kate Seger
108 books134 followersKate is a book worm, dog mom, and world-builder, living on the banks of the Hudson River in NY. Her #lifegoal is to be kidnapped by the Fae or stumble into a portal and be transported to a magical land.
A lover of mythology and fairy tales, Kate writes YA Fantasy and Paranormal Romance. Her first novel, "The Wood Witch's Daughter," just launched on April 20th!
She has since thrown herself into the chaotic mayhem that passes for her writing process in an attempt to write the sequel.
A lover of mythology and fairy tales, Kate writes YA Fantasy and Paranormal Romance. Her first novel, "The Wood Witch's Daughter," just launched on April 20th!
She has since thrown herself into the chaotic mayhem that passes for her writing process in an attempt to write the sequel.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 25, 2024
Beauty and the Beast reimagined. The beast had been cursed as a Necromancer. Beauty believes she can bring the man back. What will the consequences be? Will the village accept Darius like Beauty has? Darius is fiercely protective and Beauty just wants to live in peace. This book has characters that you will love, a plot that is easy to follow and immersive and takes a beloved fairy tale and makes it better!!! Go check out Kate Seger and her other books as well, she is phenomenal!!!
May 26, 2025
Found out this author uses AI...
April 21, 2025
Enjoyed it, though I wish it was longer and in more depth. But good for a quick read.
September 8, 2024
This was too short of a book to really grasp everything.
The connection between the MCs was bot there. It seemed forced, and their love for one another wasn't believable.
The story could have been amazing if it were longer and more thought out with the plot.
The conversations just kept repeating the same things over and over. The characters were just flat and boring. Their interactions were limited, and that didn't help with their relationship building.
There could have been more emotions in the words and, again, more chemistry between the MCs.
Darius's humanity showed way too soon, in my opinion. He should have been more broody and evil for at least half the book.
For being cursed, Darius was way too soft. Beauty was totally opposite of what I would have expected. She should have been more compassionate. Beauty was opposite od that until she hurt Darius's feelings.
The connection between the MCs was bot there. It seemed forced, and their love for one another wasn't believable.
The story could have been amazing if it were longer and more thought out with the plot.
The conversations just kept repeating the same things over and over. The characters were just flat and boring. Their interactions were limited, and that didn't help with their relationship building.
There could have been more emotions in the words and, again, more chemistry between the MCs.
Darius's humanity showed way too soon, in my opinion. He should have been more broody and evil for at least half the book.
For being cursed, Darius was way too soft. Beauty was totally opposite of what I would have expected. She should have been more compassionate. Beauty was opposite od that until she hurt Darius's feelings.
July 23, 2025
This was a 3.5 for me it honestly was a play by play of the beauty and the beast story and it was really enjoyable. I really I wish there was a little more uniqueness but overall a great read!
September 29, 2024
Boring...DNF
Also it's in third person ☠️
Also it's in third person ☠️
July 5, 2025
I got this book last year during one of my "Stuff Your Kindle" events and then let it sit on my Kindle for a hot minute. But now I'm in the throes of my Summer Reading Challenge for the Indie Fantasy Addicts group and picked this up thinking it might fit some of the subgenre categories, and it did not disappoint.
Let's dive in, shall we?
POV: Third person limited
POV Character(s): Beauty and later, Darius
Verb Tense: Past
Trigger Warnings: Necromancy, animated skeletons, curses, on-page assault with intent for r*pe (thankfully thwarted)
Spice: Yes, some spice but not in explicit language and only a couple instances
I've got to start this by saying this is what I'd consider a grim dark "Beauty and the Beast" retelling. The world is dark due to a curse brought on a necromancer who now haunts a crumbling, decrepit old manor deep in a forest. The curse has radiated out to the forest and the small town beyond where our FMC Beauty lives with her father and mother. The village is falling to pieces, many homes have been abandoned as villagers have sought better lives for themselves, and the ones who have stayed are either timid or dangerous.
Rather than having our MMC be a tusked, furry beast a la the Disney tale, this take changes his role to that of a sorcerer-turned-necromancer due to the nature of the curse he brought on himself. His name is Darius, but he's known only as the necromancer by those who live in Beauty's village. But one thing that is known is how his gardens flourish despite the curse, while the rest of the village is living off scraps and whatever beasts their self-important hunter Harlow brings in from the cursed forest.
And it's that flourishing garden that calls to Beauty in a desperate bid to save her mother's life from an illness she's slowly succumbing to.
Between a dying mother and alcoholic father, Beauty has had to step up into the role of provider and caregiver for her family. So she finds herself hunting in the necromancer's gardens for herbs the old weaver Matilda might be able to use to create a potion for her mother. It's her ignorance to the curse and her desperation that leads her into the garden, but it's Darius's friendly wolf who draws her back again and orchestrates a meeting between Beauty and the necromancer that changes her life.
I won't go into more detail about the story for fear of spoilers, even with the knowledge it's a fairy tale retelling. As you might expect, there are some surprising elements to this one that make it twist and turn from the traditional.
What I will say is that I really loved Seger's prose. Her language is just a delight to read. It paints beautiful word pictures, and I love a good word picture, even if my aphantasic brain doesn't pull those into visuals for me to indulge in. The language is what really bumped this to a 4 star for me.
I do love Beauty. She's a lovely girl and has a spine of steel to face both the issues of poverty, the cursed forest, and the necromancer's fury. She has nuance in her character and feels like a person. Darius is a bit less nuanced in this story but only because he doesn't really get a POV from which we can see his thoughts. I suspect he'll become more real in the follow-up story that shares his quest for Beauty.
This book is grim-dark if you ask me because of the ending. I won't share the ending here, but I will warn that while it can be read as a standalone, it does have a dark ending. I'm likely going to get the sequel so I can see how the remainder of the story plays out.
I'd recommend this book to readers who want a dark twist on a fairy tale retelling and don't mind a little spice. The romance and spice weren't overwhelming, but they are there.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing how the rest of the story ends.
Let's dive in, shall we?
POV: Third person limited
POV Character(s): Beauty and later, Darius
Verb Tense: Past
Trigger Warnings: Necromancy, animated skeletons, curses, on-page assault with intent for r*pe (thankfully thwarted)
Spice: Yes, some spice but not in explicit language and only a couple instances
I've got to start this by saying this is what I'd consider a grim dark "Beauty and the Beast" retelling. The world is dark due to a curse brought on a necromancer who now haunts a crumbling, decrepit old manor deep in a forest. The curse has radiated out to the forest and the small town beyond where our FMC Beauty lives with her father and mother. The village is falling to pieces, many homes have been abandoned as villagers have sought better lives for themselves, and the ones who have stayed are either timid or dangerous.
Rather than having our MMC be a tusked, furry beast a la the Disney tale, this take changes his role to that of a sorcerer-turned-necromancer due to the nature of the curse he brought on himself. His name is Darius, but he's known only as the necromancer by those who live in Beauty's village. But one thing that is known is how his gardens flourish despite the curse, while the rest of the village is living off scraps and whatever beasts their self-important hunter Harlow brings in from the cursed forest.
And it's that flourishing garden that calls to Beauty in a desperate bid to save her mother's life from an illness she's slowly succumbing to.
Between a dying mother and alcoholic father, Beauty has had to step up into the role of provider and caregiver for her family. So she finds herself hunting in the necromancer's gardens for herbs the old weaver Matilda might be able to use to create a potion for her mother. It's her ignorance to the curse and her desperation that leads her into the garden, but it's Darius's friendly wolf who draws her back again and orchestrates a meeting between Beauty and the necromancer that changes her life.
I won't go into more detail about the story for fear of spoilers, even with the knowledge it's a fairy tale retelling. As you might expect, there are some surprising elements to this one that make it twist and turn from the traditional.
What I will say is that I really loved Seger's prose. Her language is just a delight to read. It paints beautiful word pictures, and I love a good word picture, even if my aphantasic brain doesn't pull those into visuals for me to indulge in. The language is what really bumped this to a 4 star for me.
I do love Beauty. She's a lovely girl and has a spine of steel to face both the issues of poverty, the cursed forest, and the necromancer's fury. She has nuance in her character and feels like a person. Darius is a bit less nuanced in this story but only because he doesn't really get a POV from which we can see his thoughts. I suspect he'll become more real in the follow-up story that shares his quest for Beauty.
This book is grim-dark if you ask me because of the ending. I won't share the ending here, but I will warn that while it can be read as a standalone, it does have a dark ending. I'm likely going to get the sequel so I can see how the remainder of the story plays out.
I'd recommend this book to readers who want a dark twist on a fairy tale retelling and don't mind a little spice. The romance and spice weren't overwhelming, but they are there.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing how the rest of the story ends.
June 3, 2025
Sadly, this was a flop for me. So much so that even though I have book two, I'm not going to bother reading it. I feel like I've done my due diligence by at least finishing this one. I have two primary complaints...well, three, but the third is a personal preference kind of thing.
The first is the writing. It's readable, I don't mean to say it isn't. But it's the purplest purple prose that ever purple prosed. For me to complain about this is a sign of how purple it is, because I'm generally pretty tolerant of purple prose. Seger's writing surpassed even my generous allowance for flowery speech.
Second, I'm unsure where the line between copying and retelling lies. However, this definitely falls much more closely to a carbon copy of Disney's Beauty and the Beast than any retelling that uses the fairytale as its source material. Sure, Seger changed the names (And we won't even touch how blunt changing Belle's name to Beauty is in this scenario or that her mother's name is Marybelle). The beast is a shadowy necromancer, rather than furry, but the plot points align precisely. So exactly, in fact, that by the end, I was literally calling them. "It's time to go to the garden now." "It's time for Gaston (Harrow) to show back up." "It's time for the angry Beast to make an appearance." Honestly, while I don't think this is actually the case, I almost feel like this reads as if Seger gave ChatGPT a "Write me a Beauty and the Beast story" prompt and this is the result.
Third, and on the personal preference front, this is far too sappy and sweet toward the end. This is an issue for me, both because it happens far too quickly and there isn't enough substance to support it, and because it's not believable (or for me, pleasant to read).
The first is the writing. It's readable, I don't mean to say it isn't. But it's the purplest purple prose that ever purple prosed. For me to complain about this is a sign of how purple it is, because I'm generally pretty tolerant of purple prose. Seger's writing surpassed even my generous allowance for flowery speech.
Second, I'm unsure where the line between copying and retelling lies. However, this definitely falls much more closely to a carbon copy of Disney's Beauty and the Beast than any retelling that uses the fairytale as its source material. Sure, Seger changed the names (And we won't even touch how blunt changing Belle's name to Beauty is in this scenario or that her mother's name is Marybelle). The beast is a shadowy necromancer, rather than furry, but the plot points align precisely. So exactly, in fact, that by the end, I was literally calling them. "It's time to go to the garden now." "It's time for Gaston (Harrow) to show back up." "It's time for the angry Beast to make an appearance." Honestly, while I don't think this is actually the case, I almost feel like this reads as if Seger gave ChatGPT a "Write me a Beauty and the Beast story" prompt and this is the result.
Third, and on the personal preference front, this is far too sappy and sweet toward the end. This is an issue for me, both because it happens far too quickly and there isn't enough substance to support it, and because it's not believable (or for me, pleasant to read).
September 15, 2024
This is a beauty and the beast retelling.
The way the author wrote made me feel like I was actually reading a fairytale book!
I do have to say, the MCs didn’t like either other Darius was abusive towards Beauty and then Beauty had a dream, we only see them barely interact, and then they are in love? I felt like there was so much animosity and then all the sudden he would burn worlds for her? That kind of threw me. ALSO Darius is still hung up on Eliza and even compared Beauty to her a few times, which if I was Beauty I would be questioning if he truly loves me.
I did wish we had more details and world/character building.
I felt like Darius has such cool powers and we barely scratch the surface of them, hopefully we see more of them in book two.
Overall it was a easy read to get lost in and I am interested to see how this will be two books….
The way the author wrote made me feel like I was actually reading a fairytale book!
I do have to say, the MCs didn’t like either other Darius was abusive towards Beauty and then Beauty had a dream, we only see them barely interact, and then they are in love? I felt like there was so much animosity and then all the sudden he would burn worlds for her? That kind of threw me. ALSO Darius is still hung up on Eliza and even compared Beauty to her a few times, which if I was Beauty I would be questioning if he truly loves me.
I did wish we had more details and world/character building.
I felt like Darius has such cool powers and we barely scratch the surface of them, hopefully we see more of them in book two.
Overall it was a easy read to get lost in and I am interested to see how this will be two books….
November 12, 2024
It’s a fairly uninspired retelling of Beauty and the Beast wherein the FMC’s name is literally Beauty and the “twist” is that the beast is a necromancer with a touch that causes death. His last relationship ended with and his next one isn’t going any better, judging by the ending of this novel. The Aesop-like “power of love” lecture at the end was a cringe fest and to back up the MMC’s testimony by raising the dead in front of a bunch of people all riled up to burn some witches… yeah, there’s no way that’s about to go well.
August 28, 2025
This is my first book by Kate Seger and it did not disappoint!
To be honest, all I knew was what was on the back cover and that she, in general, writes fantasy. I am newer to fantasy (in the last year), just to keep that in mind.
This book gave me vibes from several princess-like stories (such as Beauty and the Beast, Hansel and Gretel, and others). But it was so different- so unique- in how the story unfolds, who the characters are and why, and where their stories lead them.
Beautifully written; the words pulled me into the cursed village, the warmth yet sadness of Beauty, and the aging shambles of a ghastly home belonging to the Necromancer. The village antagonist was well done and took a turn in the second book that I didn’t expect but made sense. The way each of the side characters brought the whole story to life, and the character development shown, helped shape the overall story. This just highlights the ability the author has to entwine all aspects of writing to give the readers a true experience and not just a story.
To be honest, all I knew was what was on the back cover and that she, in general, writes fantasy. I am newer to fantasy (in the last year), just to keep that in mind.
This book gave me vibes from several princess-like stories (such as Beauty and the Beast, Hansel and Gretel, and others). But it was so different- so unique- in how the story unfolds, who the characters are and why, and where their stories lead them.
Beautifully written; the words pulled me into the cursed village, the warmth yet sadness of Beauty, and the aging shambles of a ghastly home belonging to the Necromancer. The village antagonist was well done and took a turn in the second book that I didn’t expect but made sense. The way each of the side characters brought the whole story to life, and the character development shown, helped shape the overall story. This just highlights the ability the author has to entwine all aspects of writing to give the readers a true experience and not just a story.
September 16, 2024
Okay, I didn’t know I needed a necromancer romance in my life until I picked up this book. This book blends dark magic, slow-burn romance, and gothic vibes in the best way possible. 🖤💀
The story follows a fiercely independent heroine, who—of course—finds herself tangled up with a brooding necromancer with a tragic past. Their chemistry? 🔥 Slow build but SO worth the wait. The gothic world was rich with atmosphere, and I could feel the tension on every page.
If you’re into dark academia, forbidden romance, and just the right amount of danger, you’re going to love this one. My only tiny gripe is that I wish the story was a bit longer so that the pacing didn't seem so rushed, but it didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the story. 🖤✨
Perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers with a magical twist!
The story follows a fiercely independent heroine, who—of course—finds herself tangled up with a brooding necromancer with a tragic past. Their chemistry? 🔥 Slow build but SO worth the wait. The gothic world was rich with atmosphere, and I could feel the tension on every page.
If you’re into dark academia, forbidden romance, and just the right amount of danger, you’re going to love this one. My only tiny gripe is that I wish the story was a bit longer so that the pacing didn't seem so rushed, but it didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the story. 🖤✨
Perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers with a magical twist!
October 1, 2025
I thought this would be different than it was. It had a lot of fluff wording but not a lot of meat to the story (both story development and spice). Felt more like a literary author trying to expand into the dark romance genre. Some may really like it, but it just wasn’t what I was looking for so I won’t be reading book 2 even though it ends in a cliffhanger and I already own the book. (Sorry, not sorry 😬)
August 13, 2024
This isn't my usual type of read, but I've loved everything Kate writes so I tried something new and I'm glad I did. Any book that isn't contemporary romance and keeps my attention to the point I'm reading at 2am when I should be sleeping is a 5-star read. Also, I just played Kiss, Marry, K*** in a reader group and chose the Necromancer as my Kiss, so again 5-stars.
June 16, 2025
that ending!!!
It took me a while to get into this book and over a month to get into it but once I hit 80%! OH EM GEE!!!! Not the ending I was expecting at all. Leaves you kinda like whhhattttt!!!! Would recommend to just attempt to try it and make thru and hopefully enjoy the book
It took me a while to get into this book and over a month to get into it but once I hit 80%! OH EM GEE!!!! Not the ending I was expecting at all. Leaves you kinda like whhhattttt!!!! Would recommend to just attempt to try it and make thru and hopefully enjoy the book
November 6, 2025
This has a lot of potential. Unfortunately, it really fell short with me. I think it could have been more into the gothic theme. The only big difference with this retelling is that he looks like a demon half the time. But it really wasn't that different from other retellings of Beauty and the Beast. It just seemed to be missing so much.
July 21, 2024
Loved this book! This was a true enchanting fairy tale. Beauty will do whatever she can to save her family even bargain with a Necromancer who is cursed. Can they find a way to break the curse and save Beauty’s village and family? I can’t wait to read book 2 and find out the rest of the story.
February 11, 2025
‘Twas alright. I liked the concept that she was going for with a maiden and lonely necromancer+ cursed world vibes but idk, I just wasn’t falling into the world and found it a little stagnant at times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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December 1, 2024July Book Club read - book 1 and 2 for book club, retelling, Look at us reading something that isn't contemporary
January 31, 2025
This is a Beauty & the Beast retelling, so it was kind of a foregone conclusion where the story was going. Still, it was enjoyable to see the twists and turns of the story. The ending was a surprise and sets up the next book. If you like gothic fantasy romance, then this is for you!
August 22, 2025
Very much a reenactment of beauty & the beast. Ending was giving some white, interested to read the 2nd book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2025
There was a lot of build up for a fast culmination.
pass
December 7, 2025AI?
December 24, 2025
audio
for a retelling- it fell flat. there was no fear into curiosity- no build up of feelings- just hate, and then ridiculous supposed love. no connection between characters
for a retelling- it fell flat. there was no fear into curiosity- no build up of feelings- just hate, and then ridiculous supposed love. no connection between characters
January 14, 2026
Boring
June 11, 2025
this was a super fun and simple story, and honestly who doesn’t need and love those now and then? i’m a huge slut for beauty and the beast retellings and go absolutely feral for necromancers, so this was fabulous! very cute, i loved it ♡
October 9, 2024
I loved this book a definite retelling of beauty and the beast with a twist. Darius was an amazing necromancer and beauty was an amazing part in his curse. Over all amazing read going to read the next
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews