Akademie der Nekromanten

Stones of Amaria #1

by Lindsey R. Loucks

Last spring, Dawn found her older brother dead in a pool of his blood. His killer stood over him, wearing a smile as sharp and ghastly as his knife.

Last summer, she tracked the killer down. He’s a student at Necromancer Academy and part of a secret fraternity known as the Diabolicals.

This fall, Dawn will scrap her admission to the prestigious White Magic Academy. She’ll trade sparkly healing charms and bright dresses for death charms and black cloaks. She’ll melt into the shadowy halls of Necromancer Academy.

And she will have her revenge.

Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Ebooks, Young Adult, Magic

276 pages, Paperback

Published October 10, 2024

About the author

Lindsey R. Loucks is a USA Today bestselling author of paranormal romance, science fiction, and contemporary romance. When she's not discussing books with anyone who will listen, she's dreaming up her own stories. Eventually her brain gives out, and she'll play hide and seek with her cat, put herself in a chocolate-induced coma, or watch scary movies alone in the dark to re-energize.

Check out her website for more information and to contact her. She would love to hear from you! http://www.lindseyrloucks.com

Reviews

[Moony (Captain Mischief) MeowPoff · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little let down, honestly. Didn`t enjoy is as much as i thought.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG what a start to this, what promises to be an amazing series! Hooking me from the very start this has an awesome revenge storyline that is so full of emotions you will feel like you are on a rollercoaster! Secrets, drama, mystery, suspense and intrigue along with some awesome characters, I cannot wait for the next book!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of this world fantasy story. Love anything by this author. Dawn finds her brother dead and the killer standing over him. Now she’ll get her revenge.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/9/2022)! 🎁

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars. Its a very good story and very engaging - kept me wanting to read it. The story ends with a cliff hanger which makes me want to know what happens next.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I first read the description for this book, I was super intrigued and excited about the storyline. The slow descent into darkness? Magic and necromancy? Strong female characters? Sign me up! And this book started off so good, and I loved it in the beginning! And then things go confusing.... and then they got weird. We start off with Dawn entering the necromancy academy, and she comes face to face with the boy who she saw kill her brother. When she confronts him he acts confused as to why she is hostile towards him. Dawn continues to stew, isolating herself from her classmates. Then all of a sudden Ramsey, the boy who killed her brother, seeks out Dawn, begins attacking her, and is suddenly a member of a secret society that is protecting a magical stone (its never explained whether they are evil or not). Next thing we know all of the upperclassmen at the entire school hate Dawn and her roommate, simply because she was hostile to Ramsey? I'm not sure the reasoning for this because the book jumped forward so quickly. I actually put down the book and had to look up the page count online to make sure I hadn't accidentally acquired an advanced version of the book that had a section missing. Nope, that's the way the story was supposed to be written. I was surprised when looking at reviews that no one mentioned this sudden unexplained jump in storyline. After finishing the book I still have no idea what caused this sudden change.

There were also some weird sections of the book, with one that stands out in particular because I actually said what the hell after reading it. Dawn and her roommate have just evaded mysterious cloaked figures that are following them, and Dawn's roommate Seph talks about how this group of people are just a bunch of bullies. The following dialogue is the next two lines in the story:

'Damn princess. Glad I'm on your side.'
'Grinning, she hooked her arm through mine again. "And I wish you a happy sex life"'

......Like what? Its such a deviation from anything the characters have talked about before, or mentioned since. It doesn't even make sense in the dialogue or storyline, I have no idea why the author decided this should be in the story.

It was disappointing that this story started off so good, but crumbled quickly because it seems the author became bored with the storyline and rushed to finish it. I hope in the future the author continues to develop her storyline to create greater, in depth stories because I know she has the potential to be great.

If you're looking for a book about an independent young woman who goes to school for necromancy, I would recommend Give the Dark My Love by Beth Revis, its amazing and everything I wanted from this book.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Necromancer Academy by Lindsey Loucks is book one in her Stones of Amaria series. We are introduced to a young woman on a mission – a mission of revenge. Her brother was murdered. She believes that she is tracking the murderer to Necromancer Academy. She is intent on staying just long enough to hunt him down, get him alone, and end him the same way that her precious older brother was ended. Right from the beginning things aren’t going the way that Dawn planned. The question arises…how is all of this going to play out? When dark things start happening at the Academy what path will Dawn take?
Necromancer Academy is an engaging novel that pulls the reader into the story as questions arise from the very beginning. Right from the start the author presents readers with Dawn and her dark agenda. I like that she is immediately faced with issues. I get to immediately see her magic skills at work and it had me raising my eyebrows in alarm. Haha! But of course, I pushed forward believing that she’s better than she appears and if not that she is going to a place to improve. But then the author reveals Dawn’s true agenda – murder. But this story is built upon layer, after layer, after layer. Just when you think you know one thing…just when you think you know the path the storyline is going to take…the author gives you that sharp unexpected turn that keeps you page-turning to learn what is going to happen next.
I honestly hate to say it BUT…there is one aspect of this story that I don’t like. That one thing is this – Dawn’s tunnel vision. Now! I’ll admit that the author does a fantastic job leading me down one path and then pulling the rug out from under me by throwing a twist my way. I just wish that Dawn was able to see past her craving for revenge and take a step back. When the pieces stop coming together to form the perfect picture, I wanted her to take a breath and relook at the picture and the pieces.
I am rating this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. This story is a truly engaging novel and it ends on a crazy cliffhanger so of course, I HAVE to know what happens next. I’m hopeful that Dawn will be able to take a breath, and let the cloud of anger and revenge dissipate enough so that she can see clearly what is going on around her because something dark is stalking not just the halls of the Academy…but her as well. If you are like me and are a huge fan of this author then I highly recommend that you grab this book and dive in. If you like academy novels and are looking for something dynamically different from the rest then this is the book for you.

[moonlit mystic · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very fast-paced, enjoyable read. I thought the world and characters were interesting. I loved the premise and thought this book was good and definitely intrigued enough to get the other books in the series. I thought the characters were interesting and the ending wanted to be to see what was going to happen next, however, something I did not like was the short amount of time it was. ***Some spoilers ahead*** I thought the friendship between Dawn and Seph, as nice as it was, was rushed because they only knew each other for one day and then they're suddenly best friends and inseparable, as well as Echo and Mossairey. All four of them became friends in a short amount of time and a lot of the events of the book happen within a week. And that's a pet peeve of mine in books. However, this was a great book and I enjoyed reading it and want to pick up the rest of the books in the series. I recommend it since this is an interesting and unique book and it was very enjoyable and intriguing.

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dawn has just one goal. Enter the Necromancer Academy to kill her brother's murderer.
Only it's not that easy. She can't blend into the shadows as she would like to, and definitely can't figure out the truth. The world is not only black and white, and she needs to uncover the secret behind the Onyx stone and the Diabolicals..
Nice and fast read with interesting dark setup and promising plot. Yet I can't decide how I feel about the book. Sometimes I could relate to Dawn or the other characters, only to find myself a chapter later wondering about their personalities and why I see them so flat, without any deeper personality. Same issue with the story itself, at some points it went smoothly on, developed nicely with tension and twists, and sometimes I felt like I had no idea where it was going and what was the reason behind. Somehow, it felt inconsistent, yet I got the total picture that was revealed to the reader. I feel a bit conflicted, but the darkness in the story and the revelations to the end of book one keep me convinced I should try to continue the series.
3.5 stars.

[Deb Barringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Necromancer Academy, book 1 of Lindsey Loucks new series Stones of Amaria, is a great start to a new series! Dawn is attending Necromancer Academy not to learn, but to seek revenge for the death of her brother. She is cold. She is calculating. She is ready for anything!

Or not! The Academy is not what she expected. Her roommate is nothing like she pictured, and life is not going at all according to her plan. Frustrated, stressed, harassed and abused, she is beyond her breaking point and still getting nowhere with her plan. She has seriously got to rethink things!

Necromancer Academy is well-written, fast-paced, filled with magic and mayhem, twists and turns, danger and intrigue. The characters are well-developed and engaging. I can't wait to see what book 2 brings!

[Jessica Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Necromancer Academy, a plan for murder goes awry in a mystery of supernatural origins. Dawn found her brother dying with his killer leaning over him. Now five months later, she's embraced black magic and given up on her dreams of White Magic Academy. She's going to the Necromancer Academy to kill her brother's killer. But simple plans rarely work out as she finds a lot more than meets the eye at the Academy. Disappearances and deaths that don't quite add up and maybe things are not so black and white when it comes to her plans. Knee deep in danger with some interesting new friends, Dawn's story will draw you in and keep you hanging with an on the edge cliff hanger. My voluntary, unbiased review is based on a review copy.

[T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received Necromancer Academy as a free copy from the author/publisher. The gifting did not determine the review/rating, which reflects my honest opinion. Great series starter. The opening chapters of the book felt a bit cliched, but as I read on, the world-building gained more substance, and the character development helped separate Dawn from other run-of-the-mill heroines. Some nicely tense moments and layered plotting, but some details were too vague or unbelievable for the storyline-- I'm hoping the next book will tighten some of the loose threads and maintain the pace. Oh, and way to go on that riveting cliffhanger.

[Kelly Vidito · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. This is the first book I have read by this author and I wasn’t disappointed. Dawn found her brother dead, while his killer stood over him with the murder weapon. She tracks the killer down and finds out he's a student at Necromancer Academy. Dawn attends the academy to avenge her brother's death. It's a well written story filled so many twists and turns to keep the pages turning. A great start to the series, that left me wanting more!

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

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m hooked on this series after just the first book! Dawn found her brother murdered. Now she will do anything to track down his killer and avenge his death. She enrols in Necromancer Academy and expects to hide in the shadows and her revenge will be swift. But nothing goes as planned. Mysterious deaths, stress, a roommate who is actually friendly, are just some of what awaits her at the academy. There are lots of twists and I really enjoyed the story!

I received an ARC from the author and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Kelly-Marie Pollock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rushed.

I have absolutely no idea what I just read. The story itself is a bit haphazard and feels really rushed in places. I just don't know if I care enough about any of the characters to continue this series. The book is relatively short, which was good for me as I got a bit bored, there wasn't enough substance to keep me absorbed in the story. I found myself jumping over sentences just to get to the end. There's a great base idea somewhere inside the rushed text, maybe the other books are fleshed out slightly more.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to the series. Dawn is heading to the Necromancer Academy with the plan of avenging her brother's murder. However, things are not going as she planned. Things start going bad before she even arrives at school. However, along the way she makes a few friends and learns that all is not as it seems. I can't wait to see what happens next. I really want to know more about Echo, Morrissey and Seph!

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first in the series kept me on edge. At the beginning we find out that Dawn's older brother was murdered by someone at the Necromancer Academy. It is her destination to find and avenge her brother's murderer. Nothing is as it seems in this story. It is filled with drama, mystery, and intrigue and ends in a cliffhanger. I can't wait until the next book.

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

[Annalisa]

This book was incredible. I just couldnt put it done. I finished it way too fast. It had alot of action and mystery in it. The characters were eccentric and the storyline was so exciting there were times when I found myself on the edge of my seat. The book ended in a cliffhanger and I cannot wait for the next book in the series to come out. I definitely recommend this series.

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

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a story I absolutely loved it. Dawn finds her brother dead and his killer standing over him with a big smile on his face. Dawn knows that he goes to the Necromancer Academy so she gives up her dream of going to the White Magic Academy and enrols in the Necromancer Academy to plot her revenge against the sorcerer but did he actually do it?. What an amazing story and that cliffhanger wow I so need book 2 now and I highly recommend this book it deserves more than 5 ⭐️ that’s for sure.

[Nilda Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Loved it! Great start for a series. Well written with a great story line. The characters are unique. I was glued from start to end. It is a world that you will be sucked into. Dawn wants to avenge her brother that was murder. This is a book full of mystery, drama, twist and lots of emotions that will keep you on edge. I really enjoyed this read alot. Can not wait for more. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark story that will amaze you. She wants revenge on the man who killed her brother. To do that she will follow him to the Necromancer Academy. A school of dark magic. As revenge takes over a young woman will go from sweet and good to something much darker. Where will she stop? Death surrounds her and threatens her and her roommate. Expect plenty of dark magic and some unique twists. Anything seems to be possible and trust no one.

[Maria Fledgling Author Park · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Different Sort of School

Last book of 2025/First book of 2026 and it's a winner. Excellent take on the magical young adult Academy with a unique theme.

I enjoyed Lindsay R. Loucks style of writing. Her character development was strong among the main actors, not so much for the background people.

The story caught my interest and held me in thrall to the end and I'm headed to the next book in the series. Good job.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Necromancer Academy: Book 1 by Lindsey R. Loucks , Stones of Amaria is an awesome story to read. This is book number one in this awesom start to a brand new series to read and I can not wait to read the next book in the series. I highly recommend this story to everyone.


I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[Heather Bane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great book!! The storyline is very well written and draws you in. The characters are enjoyable and well written. This is the first book in the series and I was not disappointed. I’m really looking forward to reading the next book. I highly recommend reading. (I received this book as an arc and am leaving a voluntary honest review)

[Layla · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me academy books is a hit or miss, it all depends on the story and how it is written. This book actually suprised me since I hate necromancer books but because it is an academy book I thought I would give it a go and I am so glad that I did.
The book is full of drama, mystery, and intrigue and ends on a cliffhanger I did not see coming.

[Philleys Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am such a fan of the academy romances and this one absolutely caught my attention! A murder mystery with an indomitable heroine who will do what she must to get justice for her brother's murder. Off to a really great start!

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

[Curly's Ramblings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook review: An interesting and entertaining story with mysterious characters. Who do you trust? Who has your back? Will vengeance blind you to the truth. Looking forward to the next book. The narrator did a good job! I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Elizabeth McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dawn is at Necromancer Academy for blood. She’s after the one who killed her brother. But things aren’t as they seem when she gets there. What will she do? Fun and exciting story

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

[Michelle Shemon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Necromancer Academy
Book 1
Lindsey R Loucks

This was a great book. The characters were wonderful. I loved Dawn. She was such a compelling lead!! The storyline was excellent. Once I started I could not stop until the end!!!

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m here and I’m going to die...this cliffhanger! This cliffhanger is going to kill me. I’m in love Love LOVE with dawn and her journey. I can’t wait for what’s next.

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