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Ghosts & Magic #1
Dead of Night
Small-time thief and hitman Conor Night thinks having terminal cancer is his worst problem. The illegal treatments keeping him alive are expensive, and the side effects a mixed bag:
Conor can raise the dead.
When a low-end hit points to a high-end job, Conor is suspicious, but it's an opportunity he can't afford to ignore. Armed with a set of soul-sucking ancient dice, a collection of corpses, and the estranged daughter of one of the most powerful wizards on Earth, it will take all of his wit, charm, and magic to navigate the treacherous world of the dominant Houses and either finish the job, or be finished himself.
He's got 99 problems, and dying is only one.
Conor can raise the dead.
When a low-end hit points to a high-end job, Conor is suspicious, but it's an opportunity he can't afford to ignore. Armed with a set of soul-sucking ancient dice, a collection of corpses, and the estranged daughter of one of the most powerful wizards on Earth, it will take all of his wit, charm, and magic to navigate the treacherous world of the dominant Houses and either finish the job, or be finished himself.
He's got 99 problems, and dying is only one.
384 pages, Paperback
Published May 17, 2014
254 people are currently reading
762 people want to read
About the author
M.R. Forbes
165 books1,007 followersM.R. Forbes is the author of a growing number of science-fiction series including Rebellion, War Eternal, Chaos of the Covenant, Stars End, and the Forgotten novels. Having spent his childhood trying to read every sci-fi novel he could find (and write his own too), play every sci-fi video game he could get his hands on, and see every sci-fi movie that made it into the theater, he has a true love of the genre across every medium. He works hard to bring that same energy to his own stories, with a continuing goal to entertain, delight, fascinate, and surprise.
He maintains a true appreciation for his readers and is always happy to hear from them.
To learn more about M.R. Forbes or just say hello:
Visit his website:
mrforbes.com
Send him an e-mail:
michael@mrforbes.com
Check out his Facebook page:
facebook.com/mrforbes.author
Join his Facebook fan group:
facebook.com/groups/mrforbes
Follow him on Instagram:
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Find him on Goodreads:
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Follow him on Bookbub:
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He maintains a true appreciation for his readers and is always happy to hear from them.
To learn more about M.R. Forbes or just say hello:
Visit his website:
mrforbes.com
Send him an e-mail:
michael@mrforbes.com
Check out his Facebook page:
facebook.com/mrforbes.author
Join his Facebook fan group:
facebook.com/groups/mrforbes
Follow him on Instagram:
instagram.com/mrforbes_author
Find him on Goodreads:
goodreads.com/mrforbes
Follow him on Bookbub:
bookbub.com/authors/m-r-forbes
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
December 23, 2025
12-23-25 re-read Plan to read the whole series again!
Dead of Night
Ghosts & Magic, Book 1
By: M.R. Forbes
Narrated by: Jeff Hays
Love this necromancer and his great spooky toys! He is dying of cancer, sucks up souls with this creepy dice, takes jobs with his best friend, a gal that has her legs missing from a job gone bad... There are all kinds of creatures in this world since the poles shifted. Trolls, goblins, weres, vamps, skinwalkers, and more but he is the only necromancer he knows. Magic rules. It is a fast-paced, action-packed book, sprinkled with dry humor and lots of twists, turns, and surprises. LOVED IT!!!
The narrator is one of my favorites and he did an excellent job as usual! Wonderful voices, and boy would that be hard with some of these creatures... Awesome performance!!!
Dead of Night
Ghosts & Magic, Book 1
By: M.R. Forbes
Narrated by: Jeff Hays
Love this necromancer and his great spooky toys! He is dying of cancer, sucks up souls with this creepy dice, takes jobs with his best friend, a gal that has her legs missing from a job gone bad... There are all kinds of creatures in this world since the poles shifted. Trolls, goblins, weres, vamps, skinwalkers, and more but he is the only necromancer he knows. Magic rules. It is a fast-paced, action-packed book, sprinkled with dry humor and lots of twists, turns, and surprises. LOVED IT!!!
The narrator is one of my favorites and he did an excellent job as usual! Wonderful voices, and boy would that be hard with some of these creatures... Awesome performance!!!
May 6, 2019
4.5 really entertaining and original read. A necromancer who is dying; ancient dice which eat souls; werewolves, skinwalkers and vampires; magic users; reanimating of the dead; kickass action. What’s not to love?! Definitely planning to read more of this author’s work.
June 3, 2017
"Totenacht" ist ein toller Urban-Fantasy Auftakt, der mit viel Charme, einem tollen flüssigen und leichten Schreibtil, tollen Charakteren und viel Spannung überzeugen konnte.
Conor war ein toller Protagonist, der eine tolle facettenreiche Persönlichkeit ist mit der ich mich sehr gut identifzieren konnte. Seine ganze Art und Weise war einfach nur total cool und interessant, sondern hat der Geschichte einen besonderen Charme gegeben. Auch die anderen Charaktere waren toll ausgearbeitet und haben sich sehr schön in die Geschichte integriert.
Die Handlung war ebenfalls sehr abwechslungsreich, bestückt mit viel Action, Spannung, Intrigen, Machtkämpfen, Liebe, Freundschaft und vielem mehr. Ich habe mitgefiebert, mit geweint und gelacht und habe die Geschichte in kürzester Zeit durchgesuchtet.
Die Atmosphäre, das Setting und die Thematik fand ich sehr interessant und spannend und energiegeladen. Das Setting war sehr gut gewählt und der Autor ist kein einziges mal abgeschweift und der rote Faden war durchgehend zu finden/sehen.
Ingesamt hat mir das Buch sehr gut gefallen und ich freue mich schon auf die Fortsetzung...
Conor war ein toller Protagonist, der eine tolle facettenreiche Persönlichkeit ist mit der ich mich sehr gut identifzieren konnte. Seine ganze Art und Weise war einfach nur total cool und interessant, sondern hat der Geschichte einen besonderen Charme gegeben. Auch die anderen Charaktere waren toll ausgearbeitet und haben sich sehr schön in die Geschichte integriert.
Die Handlung war ebenfalls sehr abwechslungsreich, bestückt mit viel Action, Spannung, Intrigen, Machtkämpfen, Liebe, Freundschaft und vielem mehr. Ich habe mitgefiebert, mit geweint und gelacht und habe die Geschichte in kürzester Zeit durchgesuchtet.
Die Atmosphäre, das Setting und die Thematik fand ich sehr interessant und spannend und energiegeladen. Das Setting war sehr gut gewählt und der Autor ist kein einziges mal abgeschweift und der rote Faden war durchgehend zu finden/sehen.
Ingesamt hat mir das Buch sehr gut gefallen und ich freue mich schon auf die Fortsetzung...
October 27, 2014
Didn't finish. Too bad though! This is a pretty damn good book.
I just couldn't take the pending demise of the hero. Or should I say peeeennnddiiiiinnnggg demise.
Every other paragraph we're reminded of his wasted, dying self. The massive, horrible expense of the only drug that keeps him alive (hundreds of thousands of dollars). The intense pain of receiving treatment (really really bad). The unfairly short duration of the relief (weeks or maybe just days). Then back to the wasting, while trying to get through the next caper. While dying. Of an incurable disease with an insanely expensive treatment that's soooo painful . . . Ugh.
It's hard to get attached to a character that will probably just keel over dead in the next page or so. If it wasn't for the length of the book I really expected him to be a corpse any minute.
So yeah. Didn't finish. Sorry
I just couldn't take the pending demise of the hero. Or should I say peeeennnddiiiiinnnggg demise.
Every other paragraph we're reminded of his wasted, dying self. The massive, horrible expense of the only drug that keeps him alive (hundreds of thousands of dollars). The intense pain of receiving treatment (really really bad). The unfairly short duration of the relief (weeks or maybe just days). Then back to the wasting, while trying to get through the next caper. While dying. Of an incurable disease with an insanely expensive treatment that's soooo painful . . . Ugh.
It's hard to get attached to a character that will probably just keel over dead in the next page or so. If it wasn't for the length of the book I really expected him to be a corpse any minute.
So yeah. Didn't finish. Sorry
March 4, 2018
Conor has a rather unique relationship with death: He's a necromancer. He's also dying of cancer. To pay for the illegal treatment he needs to keep him alive, he applies his corpse-raising talents to any number of unsavoury jobs, up to and including murder for hire. When he comes across a high-paying job that sounds surprisingly simple, he throws all caution to the wind and decides to take it. Unfortunately, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is, and the simple, straightforward theft Conor was hired for turns into a complete and utter shitstorm.
Kindle freebies are always somewhat of a mixed bag. This one, to my delight, turned out to be immensely entertaining. The futuristic urban fantasy setting comes with some unique elements and the plot contains enough fast-paced action and unexpected twists to make this quite the pageturner.
Kindle freebies are always somewhat of a mixed bag. This one, to my delight, turned out to be immensely entertaining. The futuristic urban fantasy setting comes with some unique elements and the plot contains enough fast-paced action and unexpected twists to make this quite the pageturner.
July 31, 2016
Wow. This world is vast in creatures and beings and magic. There is a system to the Houses that ruled in the magical ways. And lots of ghosts, though I did get confused as to who are ghosts and not, and what ghost meant here. I'm leaving the book believing ghost isn't exactly what we think of with ghost. I think Ghost is a term used for people who are affiliated with magic, touched by it some how or for those that are hired to do theft jobs along with assassinations.
In the end, I'm curious about this dark, magical world created. We get the complete story here but there are small openings in the world that could bring us to the series and to learn much much more about Conor and some answers he's seeking.
****FULL REVIEW****
On a job, Conor Night hears of another job paying two million dollars. That was a lot of money. More than his current job to kill the two men that were offered the job. After finishing his current job, Conor asks about the job. The Fixer gives it to him, but Conor has 48 hours to finish and contact him and Mr. Black or a kill team will be after him, and being a necromancer won't make a difference to them. What seemed to be a simple theft job turns out to be more, and the different powerful Houses are involved. Conor finds himself on the run while protecting another, yet fighting back against beings that shouldn't be.
I do enjoy the vast cast of voices Jeff performs in his narrations. That's the first thing that drew me to this novel, the second was it sounded like something I would read and enjoy. Jeff has not let me down with his talented voice. Not only do we get different voices but we get the muffled sounds of one talking without a jaw (you have to listen to understand) along with sounding like one is on the phone when doing so. Jeff breaths life into all the characters in a fourth dimension we don't always get in books, through voice and emotions.
Wow. This world is vast in creatures and beings and magic. There is a system to the Houses that ruled in the magical ways. And lots of ghosts, though I did get confused as to who are ghosts and not, and what ghost meant here. I'm leaving the book believing ghost isn't exactly what we think of with ghost. I think Ghost is a term used for people who are affiliated with magic, touched by it some how or for those that are hired to do theft jobs along with assassinations.
Conor is motivated by money, so he'll survive and send money to those he care(d) about. But he does have his own set of rules and morels too. Will he turn on his current employer to save his own neck? Or does he have something else up his baggy sleeves? You'll have to read to see what he'll do when put on the spot. Conor is an interesting character as he's a necromancer, and to be one you have to have one foot in the grave, so to speak. Conor is dying. That's when the necromancer ability shines along with the use of the drugs he needs to hold off the cancer from finishing it's work. He could always feel the pulse of the fields that brought magic back to the world, but that was all until he started the test drugs for his cancer.
The reason for magic being present in the world is interesting and feels well thought out. We get the descriptions are given through the book.
I think the jury is still out on this book and world. I'm just don't feel I understand what's happening in the world with ghosts and magic completely yet. We get some of the rules, but I'm not sure I understand it all yet. There is much here to see and learn, and with Conor being a hired gun or thief, there is great potential for us to see more of this powerful world.
In the end, I'm curious about this dark, magical world created. We get the complete story here but there are small openings in the world that could bring us to the series and to learn much much more about Conor and some answers he's seeking.
In the end, I'm curious about this dark, magical world created. We get the complete story here but there are small openings in the world that could bring us to the series and to learn much much more about Conor and some answers he's seeking.
****FULL REVIEW****
On a job, Conor Night hears of another job paying two million dollars. That was a lot of money. More than his current job to kill the two men that were offered the job. After finishing his current job, Conor asks about the job. The Fixer gives it to him, but Conor has 48 hours to finish and contact him and Mr. Black or a kill team will be after him, and being a necromancer won't make a difference to them. What seemed to be a simple theft job turns out to be more, and the different powerful Houses are involved. Conor finds himself on the run while protecting another, yet fighting back against beings that shouldn't be.
I do enjoy the vast cast of voices Jeff performs in his narrations. That's the first thing that drew me to this novel, the second was it sounded like something I would read and enjoy. Jeff has not let me down with his talented voice. Not only do we get different voices but we get the muffled sounds of one talking without a jaw (you have to listen to understand) along with sounding like one is on the phone when doing so. Jeff breaths life into all the characters in a fourth dimension we don't always get in books, through voice and emotions.
Wow. This world is vast in creatures and beings and magic. There is a system to the Houses that ruled in the magical ways. And lots of ghosts, though I did get confused as to who are ghosts and not, and what ghost meant here. I'm leaving the book believing ghost isn't exactly what we think of with ghost. I think Ghost is a term used for people who are affiliated with magic, touched by it some how or for those that are hired to do theft jobs along with assassinations.
Conor is motivated by money, so he'll survive and send money to those he care(d) about. But he does have his own set of rules and morels too. Will he turn on his current employer to save his own neck? Or does he have something else up his baggy sleeves? You'll have to read to see what he'll do when put on the spot. Conor is an interesting character as he's a necromancer, and to be one you have to have one foot in the grave, so to speak. Conor is dying. That's when the necromancer ability shines along with the use of the drugs he needs to hold off the cancer from finishing it's work. He could always feel the pulse of the fields that brought magic back to the world, but that was all until he started the test drugs for his cancer.
The reason for magic being present in the world is interesting and feels well thought out. We get the descriptions are given through the book.
I think the jury is still out on this book and world. I'm just don't feel I understand what's happening in the world with ghosts and magic completely yet. We get some of the rules, but I'm not sure I understand it all yet. There is much here to see and learn, and with Conor being a hired gun or thief, there is great potential for us to see more of this powerful world.
In the end, I'm curious about this dark, magical world created. We get the complete story here but there are small openings in the world that could bring us to the series and to learn much much more about Conor and some answers he's seeking.
September 29, 2014
Conor Night, a successful surgeon, left his life behind, including his young wife and daughter, the night he learned that he had terminal cancer. His doctor, a friend and colleague, gave him three months or less to live. He met Dannie, who showed him an underworld he had never realized existed. Illegal injections keep him alive, and sporadic hitman jobs let him send money home to his family, even though he's divorced and knows he'll never see them again.
One night, Conor goes out on a pretty standard job – at least, for his line of work. When he overhears his targets talking about a high paying job they were hired for, he takes them out and decides to take on the bigger job while he's at it. Trouble is, he has NO idea what he just signed up for! His life just got a lot more complicated, and he and Dannie are on the run, unsure who to trust.
The novel, besides a gripping story line and fascinating characters, has a subplot that reaches into the fantasy realm. The author, M. R. Forbes, takes a new angle I haven't read before in a storyline, which I think readers will find interesting and fresh! (I won't spoil the fun; you'll just have to go read it for yourself.) The suspense and action are thrilling and fast-paced. I could see this as a good choice to make into a full length feature film.
My only criticism would be that while the cover art is eye-catching and fits the storyline well, it was a little scary for younger eyes, and I had to read this when my two little girls weren't around, which made it take a bit longer than I had wanted it to to finish the book.
ISBN 9781941430101. The book was recently released, in May 2014, through Quirky Algorithms. It is a bit dark sometimes but honestly I kept finding myself drawn back to it, eager to see what happened next. This book is subtitled, “Ghosts & Magic #1” so I'm sure we can look forward to more of Conors adventures in the future. I would love to learn more about how his ex-wife and little daughter are faring in future novels.
One night, Conor goes out on a pretty standard job – at least, for his line of work. When he overhears his targets talking about a high paying job they were hired for, he takes them out and decides to take on the bigger job while he's at it. Trouble is, he has NO idea what he just signed up for! His life just got a lot more complicated, and he and Dannie are on the run, unsure who to trust.
The novel, besides a gripping story line and fascinating characters, has a subplot that reaches into the fantasy realm. The author, M. R. Forbes, takes a new angle I haven't read before in a storyline, which I think readers will find interesting and fresh! (I won't spoil the fun; you'll just have to go read it for yourself.) The suspense and action are thrilling and fast-paced. I could see this as a good choice to make into a full length feature film.
My only criticism would be that while the cover art is eye-catching and fits the storyline well, it was a little scary for younger eyes, and I had to read this when my two little girls weren't around, which made it take a bit longer than I had wanted it to to finish the book.
ISBN 9781941430101. The book was recently released, in May 2014, through Quirky Algorithms. It is a bit dark sometimes but honestly I kept finding myself drawn back to it, eager to see what happened next. This book is subtitled, “Ghosts & Magic #1” so I'm sure we can look forward to more of Conors adventures in the future. I would love to learn more about how his ex-wife and little daughter are faring in future novels.
April 1, 2015
Loved this - I'd put it up there with some of the other UF I've read in the past few years; Charming series by Elliott James, Hellequin Chronicles by Steve Mchugh and Alex Verus by Jacka.
At first I thought it was going to be like a lot of the other UF I've read; we got our wizards, witches, werewolves, vamps and Clans/Houses that control what goes bump in the night....and of course we have a Necromancer.
The action was so well done, the MC is no over-powered mage in this, his powers are based on luck of the dice (literally) and reading how he escapes certain situations was pretty damn cool to read. He can't summon an army of the dead to help him out, just one corpse at a time. And I loved how each corpse still had their own personality. Add in the whole mystery behind Death and exactly what Conors powers are and man, am I glad I found this series. Also, how awesome is it that we have a Necromancer thief/assassin? First I've read about one.
The secondary characters were also well written, we get flashbacks to show us exactly how Conor got to this point in life. And in this world, Necro's are shunned, no one likes being reminded of Death and what awaits them at the end. And Conor, having one foot in death's door is constantly reminding us that he's dying - yet everyone around him keeps reminding HIM that somehow he keeps escaping death.
Somehow I feel like someone is pulling these strings from behind the scenes, and I love the mystery. Buying book 2.
At first I thought it was going to be like a lot of the other UF I've read; we got our wizards, witches, werewolves, vamps and Clans/Houses that control what goes bump in the night....and of course we have a Necromancer.
The action was so well done, the MC is no over-powered mage in this, his powers are based on luck of the dice (literally) and reading how he escapes certain situations was pretty damn cool to read. He can't summon an army of the dead to help him out, just one corpse at a time. And I loved how each corpse still had their own personality. Add in the whole mystery behind Death and exactly what Conors powers are and man, am I glad I found this series. Also, how awesome is it that we have a Necromancer thief/assassin? First I've read about one.
The secondary characters were also well written, we get flashbacks to show us exactly how Conor got to this point in life. And in this world, Necro's are shunned, no one likes being reminded of Death and what awaits them at the end. And Conor, having one foot in death's door is constantly reminding us that he's dying - yet everyone around him keeps reminding HIM that somehow he keeps escaping death.
Somehow I feel like someone is pulling these strings from behind the scenes, and I love the mystery. Buying book 2.
September 20, 2017
I'm not really sure why all the Editions descriptions are not in English lol, but at least then you can't ruin the book accidentally reading a too descriptive summary! I have read the 3 books already out in the Ghosts and Magic series and am pretty impressed with them. The main character isn't the tall handsome ladies man that most authors seem to make their main characters, instead of a half-dead shadow of a man just trying to survive...at almost any cost. The magic system while not super defined is pretty straightforward and easily understood. The way magic originated had been used before (magnetic field or pole reversal), but was a good a reason as any. I find the books pretty witty, fast-paced, and entertaining if a little dark at times. I had read them before, but this time I listened to them via Audible and Jeff Hays does a fantastic job in narrating the books. I love how he adds sound effects along with his many different and distinct voices.
I would recommend these books to anybody who likes fantasy, or urban fantasy. Especially if you are a fan of the main character not necessarily being a good guy.
I would recommend these books to anybody who likes fantasy, or urban fantasy. Especially if you are a fan of the main character not necessarily being a good guy.
June 17, 2014
The Dead of Night is a contemporary Urban Fantasy with a Shadowrun feel. Conor, a necromancer in a world turned upside down by a magnetic shift, is dying from his gift but that’s not the worst of his troubles. Getting mixed up in a deal to steal from one of the most powerful wizards, set up as a patsy to take the blame, he fights back to try to preserve the life he has left. Necromancers might be pariah but by the end even the most powerful House will need his help if it wants to survive. The book grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let you go. Equal parts Dresden, Constantine, and Doctor Strange the story and the characters were exciting and compelling. The book was also well edited which is sometimes a challenge for self-published works so misspellings and poor grammar aren’t an issue. I thoroughly enjoyed it (and devoured it in one night!) and am now anxiously awaiting a sequel!
July 14, 2014
The paranormal genre has produced a number of novels that seem trite and formulaic. Kudos to Mr.Forbes for which is neither. Old characters and concepts, i.e. wizards, werewolves, magic and competing houses, all appear in this book, but twisted into a plot that feels excitingly fresh. The novel moves quickly and holds the reader's attention. The e-book is clean and well edited.
Our protagonist is a necromancer and the side effect of being a necromancer is that he is dying. Well he was dying before he became a wizard so its a wash. Fortunately, it is a very slow death as long as he gets his medicine. These are the side issues while he deals with a power struggle between wizards that could turn society on its ear.
My rating system (* = star)
1* couldn't finish book
2* finished book, but didn't like it
3* a good read
4* a very good read often with a novel concept or unusual plot
5* an exceptionally good read, a prominent example of the genre
Our protagonist is a necromancer and the side effect of being a necromancer is that he is dying. Well he was dying before he became a wizard so its a wash. Fortunately, it is a very slow death as long as he gets his medicine. These are the side issues while he deals with a power struggle between wizards that could turn society on its ear.
My rating system (* = star)
1* couldn't finish book
2* finished book, but didn't like it
3* a good read
4* a very good read often with a novel concept or unusual plot
5* an exceptionally good read, a prominent example of the genre
September 5, 2015
I have to admit, but I did like this book. The world-building was solid and interesting and the cast of characters was pretty fun. I've seen some comparison of this novel to The Dresden Files and I would concede that if you like Jim Butcher's series, you might like to take a look at this book too.
One issue, and it is a big one, was that I can see that this book was self-published. This is not necessary a bad thing - some of the best books I've ever read were self-published, BUT there are some areas where it needs some stronger editing to make the story a bit smoother to read.
I will be reading the second book in the series and am looking forward to seeing how the characters progress.
One issue, and it is a big one, was that I can see that this book was self-published. This is not necessary a bad thing - some of the best books I've ever read were self-published, BUT there are some areas where it needs some stronger editing to make the story a bit smoother to read.
I will be reading the second book in the series and am looking forward to seeing how the characters progress.
November 10, 2014
Listened to the audiobook version of this recently, and it's the best damn thing I've ever put my ears to. Takes fantasy, mushes it into the modern world, and then smothers it in a thick jacket of dark noir. I loved it.
June 23, 2015
Really good
It was a good story, well executed & wasn't predictable. There was a surprise I wasn't expecting & I had to re-read that part. Conor/Baron was a great anti-hero. And I do love my anti-hero's. Can't wait to read the next one.
It was a good story, well executed & wasn't predictable. There was a surprise I wasn't expecting & I had to re-read that part. Conor/Baron was a great anti-hero. And I do love my anti-hero's. Can't wait to read the next one.
May 25, 2015
Dead
Very entertaining, a find out the details and background as you read that worked very well. I will read book #2.
Very entertaining, a find out the details and background as you read that worked very well. I will read book #2.
May 31, 2015
Excellent read
In line with the world of the Dresden files a great read. Looking forward to seeing more of this character.
In line with the world of the Dresden files a great read. Looking forward to seeing more of this character.
June 19, 2015
I wont say this was a bad audio experience, but the storyline was way to depressing for me. My emotions are blank at the moment so I won't say more than that.
June 16, 2014
it was a great start to a new series and I look forward to more.
August 24, 2022
Characters: 7, while I was invested in the MC and one secondary character, I found it difficult to care about the love interest secondary character. I was definitely more about the world and plot/mystery than the characters. Most of the secondary characters just weren't developed enough for me to be invested.
Atmosphere: 9, reading this was like watching a movie- I could see every scene clearly in my head (which is sometimes difficult for me with action sequences, because of my inability to think spatially these days). From the description of the humanoid fantasy races to the physical locations (Chicago, New York, Boston), I was immersed.
Writing: 7, I thought the pacing and dialogue was fun in a very classic heist way. However, an editor was needed for the handful of misspellings and grammatical issues throughout this story. My copy is listed as written by M.R. Forbes, but Google Books lists as Michael Forbes, so I wonder if I somehow bought an early version (not an ARC, but a draft that hadn't yet been fully edited?)
Plot: 8, like all the best heist and mob movies, the MC gets in deep and every attempt to fix things is either sheer luck or digs him in deeper. For an escapism plot, that's pretty much all I want. I'd say this was the equivalent of a summer blockbuster movie.
Intrigue: 7, I was sick, stuck in a hotel room bed, so it's hard to say whether I would've been doing anything else had I not been reading this. But the fast pace definitely kept me going!
Logic: 6, there were some plot holes in the world building, but I hope they'll be addressed in the sequel. Several instances of very convenient (and never expanded upon) coincidences, and one notable lack of a consequence that abruptly lowered the stakes, at the very end.
Enjoyment: 7, I'd say my enjoyment was pretty consistent throughout. I'll likely pick up the second book, if only because it's likely to be a good popcorn read and sometimes you need a fun romp read.
*Read for the Orilium Academy Magical Readathon Autumn Equinox
Atmosphere: 9, reading this was like watching a movie- I could see every scene clearly in my head (which is sometimes difficult for me with action sequences, because of my inability to think spatially these days). From the description of the humanoid fantasy races to the physical locations (Chicago, New York, Boston), I was immersed.
Writing: 7, I thought the pacing and dialogue was fun in a very classic heist way. However, an editor was needed for the handful of misspellings and grammatical issues throughout this story. My copy is listed as written by M.R. Forbes, but Google Books lists as Michael Forbes, so I wonder if I somehow bought an early version (not an ARC, but a draft that hadn't yet been fully edited?)
Plot: 8, like all the best heist and mob movies, the MC gets in deep and every attempt to fix things is either sheer luck or digs him in deeper. For an escapism plot, that's pretty much all I want. I'd say this was the equivalent of a summer blockbuster movie.
Intrigue: 7, I was sick, stuck in a hotel room bed, so it's hard to say whether I would've been doing anything else had I not been reading this. But the fast pace definitely kept me going!
Logic: 6, there were some plot holes in the world building, but I hope they'll be addressed in the sequel. Several instances of very convenient (and never expanded upon) coincidences, and one notable lack of a consequence that abruptly lowered the stakes, at the very end.
Enjoyment: 7, I'd say my enjoyment was pretty consistent throughout. I'll likely pick up the second book, if only because it's likely to be a good popcorn read and sometimes you need a fun romp read.
*Read for the Orilium Academy Magical Readathon Autumn Equinox
March 5, 2019
Now this is how you make zombie haters like me fall in love with a Necromancer. I've read mixed reviews on this series. So glad I am an independent thinker. Connor Night is my new UF wizard anti-hero. I had a good time with this character, this world and the secondary characters. The story is told in first person so it was vital that Connor had an entertaining perspective and voice. He does.
Connor's story begins with what I will call an apocalypse. Magic breaks out and spills into the street. Normal humans turn into wizards and all kinds of other nasty things like ferals and vamps. There are also things that were never human now walking, crawling, and flying about. Connor was a doctor with a wonderful life when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Somehow he ended up taking a treatment that turned him into a necromancer. There are many problems with this outcome including the fact that he is the only one. It seems everyone agrees that necromancers are not required for the new world order. So he is operating on the down-low so he is not outright hunted.
What I love most about Connor is that he is not ready to die and he is not afraid to admit this fact quite freely and frequently. Why? Because he doesn't know what's on the other side and he can't seem to get a straight answer from his zombies. Yes, they talk. Connor has a nasty side that is also selfish. He makes decisions based on how he feels about it. He does it in his head so it's delivered cold. No whining for this one but out loud funny at time. Such a smooth inner dialog that cuts toward nasty. A few times, I thought -- don't do it Conner, then he did it anyway.
I am headed straight to the next book in the series. Don't let some of those shaky reviews put you off this one.
Connor's story begins with what I will call an apocalypse. Magic breaks out and spills into the street. Normal humans turn into wizards and all kinds of other nasty things like ferals and vamps. There are also things that were never human now walking, crawling, and flying about. Connor was a doctor with a wonderful life when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Somehow he ended up taking a treatment that turned him into a necromancer. There are many problems with this outcome including the fact that he is the only one. It seems everyone agrees that necromancers are not required for the new world order. So he is operating on the down-low so he is not outright hunted.
What I love most about Connor is that he is not ready to die and he is not afraid to admit this fact quite freely and frequently. Why? Because he doesn't know what's on the other side and he can't seem to get a straight answer from his zombies. Yes, they talk. Connor has a nasty side that is also selfish. He makes decisions based on how he feels about it. He does it in his head so it's delivered cold. No whining for this one but out loud funny at time. Such a smooth inner dialog that cuts toward nasty. A few times, I thought -- don't do it Conner, then he did it anyway.
I am headed straight to the next book in the series. Don't let some of those shaky reviews put you off this one.
July 30, 2019
Weird book. Not bad, but definitely weird.
I got this book series as a single collection, but I've decided to review each book separately and then I'll review the entire collection as well, though it will inflate my number by 1 book I technically didn't read, but oh well. Considering my goal for the year, I don't feel too bad and this is the easiest way to review each book. For this one, I've gonna go with three stars, though it's probably more like a 3.5 stars. There was some typos and grammar issues but nothing too terrible. The book was a bit difficult to get into at the beginning and I really didn't like Conor much. I definitely don't think this book gives me the same vibe as the Dresden Files, but that doesn't necessarily make it bad. Still not sure about the book, but I really liked the magic system and science fiction elements. Those were cool enough to keep me entertained. I'll keep moving on through the next few books.
I got this book series as a single collection, but I've decided to review each book separately and then I'll review the entire collection as well, though it will inflate my number by 1 book I technically didn't read, but oh well. Considering my goal for the year, I don't feel too bad and this is the easiest way to review each book. For this one, I've gonna go with three stars, though it's probably more like a 3.5 stars. There was some typos and grammar issues but nothing too terrible. The book was a bit difficult to get into at the beginning and I really didn't like Conor much. I definitely don't think this book gives me the same vibe as the Dresden Files, but that doesn't necessarily make it bad. Still not sure about the book, but I really liked the magic system and science fiction elements. Those were cool enough to keep me entertained. I'll keep moving on through the next few books.
March 25, 2019
The last book I read from M.R. Forbes was in 2016. I was a bit burned out after the fourth book in his series (War Eternal) featuring the evil A.I. protagonist, but always appreciate his strong storytelling and writing chops. So I came back to him through this (Urban Fantasy) series. I'm so glad to experience all of the aforementioned qualities with the added freshness and imaginative take on his necromancer character. The world building and general setting are very interesting and really eclectic; we have some classic fantasy beasts, some paranormal abilities, some political warring faction/Houses and even some virtual reality. The writing is fast paced, easy-to-read, the storytelling is up to AAA level and the imagination on display is quite impressive. I'm glad to be back on board with M.R. Forbes.
August 10, 2019
A Cracking Story
I came across this book accidentally and the blurb sounded interesting, a necromancer in an urban fantasy setting.
I really enjoyed how fleshed out this world with all the different houses and fantasy races that now populate it after an apocalyptic event.
For anyone who remembers the Shadowrun table top RPG it has very similar elements with magic and technology.
The main character Conor is a necromancer who plies his trade using death magic which puts him on the fringe. He is good guy doing bad things with a power that is slowly rotting him from the inside.
Even the supporting cast are more than cardboard cutouts.
I heartily recommend you read this novel, it moves along at a furious pace. 5 Stars!!!
I came across this book accidentally and the blurb sounded interesting, a necromancer in an urban fantasy setting.
I really enjoyed how fleshed out this world with all the different houses and fantasy races that now populate it after an apocalyptic event.
For anyone who remembers the Shadowrun table top RPG it has very similar elements with magic and technology.
The main character Conor is a necromancer who plies his trade using death magic which puts him on the fringe. He is good guy doing bad things with a power that is slowly rotting him from the inside.
Even the supporting cast are more than cardboard cutouts.
I heartily recommend you read this novel, it moves along at a furious pace. 5 Stars!!!
May 21, 2018
Facebook book ads have been surprisingly pretty helpful. I've found quite a few books that ended up being awesome that I never would have found otherwise. This series was awesome. I got sucked in and finished reading all the books over the course of a couple days. The protagonist is definitely a well done grey character; none of that black and white, right and wrong crap here. And he often has no clue if he's on the right track, if he's making the right decision, etc. It was pretty refreshing. Definitely recommend.
October 21, 2019
Exactly what it says on the tin. A dying story barely kept alive by plot armor.
The dice gimmick is used, abused and overused to move this coughing mess of a story with the inevitable "The world was in a conspiracy our protagonist stumbled into" twi..., It doesn't really turn enough to be a twist, let's call it a gentle kink.
The "love interest is clearly disgusted by the MC until the author has to physically force her to like him through contrived circumstances.
I fell dirty just trying to remember this incoherent mess.
I'm going to take a shower and hope i forget this mess.
The dice gimmick is used, abused and overused to move this coughing mess of a story with the inevitable "The world was in a conspiracy our protagonist stumbled into" twi..., It doesn't really turn enough to be a twist, let's call it a gentle kink.
The "love interest is clearly disgusted by the MC until the author has to physically force her to like him through contrived circumstances.
I fell dirty just trying to remember this incoherent mess.
I'm going to take a shower and hope i forget this mess.
July 14, 2020
This book was a impulse buy, I'm a pretty decent Dresden Files fan & Conor Night is quite the contrast. Conor went from a brilliant surgeon with a wife & kid, but once a terminal cancer diagnosis is given he throws it all away & runs away. Years later Conor is in a half life & a necromancer staying alive thru a treatment he must take regularly to stay alive. I really did enjoy this book, the pacing was perfect & the narration was amazing. I will return to this series & would completely recommend this.
May 30, 2017
Totally original and exceptionally well written
I read about 15 Kindle Urban fantasies each month.
Forbes stands out amongst them all, due to narrative and plot. Read this series if you want adventure and wonder- distractions that I find are more sorely needed the older I get. No spoilers here... the cost of each novel is negligible for the vast amount of entertainment gained.
I read about 15 Kindle Urban fantasies each month.
Forbes stands out amongst them all, due to narrative and plot. Read this series if you want adventure and wonder- distractions that I find are more sorely needed the older I get. No spoilers here... the cost of each novel is negligible for the vast amount of entertainment gained.
June 14, 2017
Es ist schon eine Weile her, dass ich Fantasy gelesen habe, und dieses Buch ist für mich das erste aus dem Sub-Genre Urban Fantasy. Es hat die Messlatte für alle weiteren Bücher dieses Genres definitiv hoch gehängt, denn ich habe mich sehr gut unterhalten gefühlt. Auch die Übersetzung ist gelungen, zu keinem Zeitpunkt stolpert man über ungewöhnliche Sätze oder ungelenke Formulierungen.
Wie so viele Bücher unserer heutigen Zeit ist auch dieses in der Ich-Perspektive geschrieben, doch im Gegensatz zu vielen anderen Autoren gelingt es Forbes, den Leser mit diesem Stil vom ersten Moment an zu fesseln. Wir sehen die Welt durch die Augen von Conor Night, und wir erleben von Anfang an mit, dass Conor ein zynischer, aber nicht vollkommen des Lebens müder Mensch ist. Er will seine Familie ernähren, auch wenn er nicht bei ihr sein kann, und dafür nimmt er den furchtbaren Zustand seines Körpers gerne in Kauf. An Conors Seite steht Danelle, die wie er als Söldnerin für Geld so ziemlich alles tut. Sie ist der kluge Kopf des Duos, sie hat ihm alles beigebracht. Wir erleben sie nur aus der Sicht von Conor und so sind einige Details, die wir später erfahren, durchaus überraschend.
Die Welt, in der die beiden leben, ist finster. Obwohl es nur wenige Jahrzehnte in der Zukunft spielt, muss man sich doch immer wieder in Erinnerung rufen, dass alles auf der Erde ist wie gehabt – mal abgesehen von den mutierten Menschen und der Magie. Die Regierungen und Nationalstaaten bestehen fort, es gibt Internet und Fernsehen und Autobahnen und Flughäfen. Zwischen all dem Zauber, der veranstaltet wird, und all den Gestalten aus Sagen und Legenden wirken so kleine, beinahe nachlässig eingestreute Hinweise auf Normalität skurril. Und genau das ist die Stärke dieses Buches: Die Art, wie alles, was sich seit der „Umkehrung“ geändert hat, beschrieben wird, ist so authentisch und plastisch, dass der Leser gar nicht auf die Idee kommt, es in Frage zu stellen. Das Andere ist normal und akzeptiert, das Normale wirkt fremd und lässt einen aufhorchen.
Der Fantasy-Roman streift auch immer wieder Fragen von Rassismus und der Gestaltung des gesellschaftlichen Zusammenlebens im Angesicht neuer Bedrohungen. Den Rassismus erleben wir regelmäßig und sehr ausdrucksstark in der Figur von Amos, der mir aber trotzdem am Ende ans Herz gewachsen ist. Es ist interessant zu sehen, wie die Regierungen (oder zumindest jene der Vereinigten Staaten) ohne zu zögern bewachte Lager einrichten, um dort jene mutierte Menschen, die durch Aggression geprägt und kaum zu kontrollieren sind, so genannte Wilde, einzusperren. Es sagt viel über das gesellschaftliche Klima der Welt aus, dass das allgemein akzeptiert wird. Doch obwohl sich der Roman Mühe gibt, auch diese politischen Aspekte der „Umkehrung“ zu beschreiben, liegt seine Stärke woanders.
Was mich vom ersten Moment an die Geschichte gefesselt hat, waren die Würfel. Vielleicht liegt es daran, dass ich Rollenspielerin mit Leib und Seele bin, aber die Magie der Würfel ist faszinierend. Sie haben ein Eigenleben und sie müssen überredet werden, um zu wirken. Ihre Magie ist vielschichtig, tödlich und brutal. Nekromantie ist in dieser von Magie durchwirkten Welt verachtet, weil sie weniger elegant ist als die auf bspw. dem Wasserelement basierende Magie, aber wen kümmert elegant? Nekromantie ist cool. Und Conor ist cool. Er ist der Typ, der eine Explosion verursacht, aber nicht abwartet, um sie anzuschauen, sondern einfach davongeht, wohl wissend, dass sein Werk getan ist. Er kennt die Würfel und er weiß ohne hinzuschauen, was sie gewürfelt haben, wenn er die Effekte sieht. Als er später ein mächtigeres Artefakt erhält, dass ebenfalls einen hohen Preis für den Einsatz fordert, zögert er nur kurz. Er ist abgebrüht genug, um sich wenig um sein eigenes Leben zu kümmern.
Nur manchmal wackelt der Plot und zwar immer dann, wenn der Autor aus den Stärken der Ich-Perspektive ausbricht und uns eine ex-machina Entwicklung präsentiert, die nicht funktionieren kann. Manchmal tut Conor Dinge oder weiß Dinge, die aus dem Nichts kommen und wo es unlogisch ist, dass der Leser nicht eingeweiht war. Da gibt es bspw. eine Kampfszene, in der wir Conor bei der Planung beobachten, seine Gedanken zu allem mitbekommen – und plötzlich hat er einen Trumpf in der Hand, an den er die ganze Zeit während der Planung nicht gedacht hat. Die Szene gerät dadurch ins Wanken und verliert ihre Kraft, da die Präsentation leidet. Manche Dinge kann man mit der Ich-Perspektive einfach nicht tun, und solche Twists, die auf das Genie des Protagonisten zurückzuführen sind, gehören dazu.
Am Ende erhalten wir eine ordentliche, wenn auch unerwartete Aufklärung für die Geschehnisse des Romans, während zeitgleich klar ist, dass noch mehr folgen muss. Obwohl wir also keinen echten Cliffhanger haben, ist doch gekonnt Neugierde auf die Fortsetzung geweckt, was für den Mut und das Selbstbewusstsein des Autors spricht, nicht auf billige „abreißende Handlung“ setzen zu müssen.
Fazit
Der Roman „Der Nekromant – Totennacht“ von M. R. Forbes ist ein gelungener Auftakt zu dieser Urban-Fantasy-Trilogie. Der Protagonist Conor Night ist ebenso cool wie liebenswert und die Welt, die ihn umgibt, ist meisterhaft aufgebaut. Der Autor schafft es auf herausragende Weise, bekannte Elemente des Fantasy auf neue Weise zusammenzumischen und so eine dunkle, spannende Welt zu kreieren, in der Nekromantie einfach das Coolste ist, was die Erde je gesehen hat.
Wie so viele Bücher unserer heutigen Zeit ist auch dieses in der Ich-Perspektive geschrieben, doch im Gegensatz zu vielen anderen Autoren gelingt es Forbes, den Leser mit diesem Stil vom ersten Moment an zu fesseln. Wir sehen die Welt durch die Augen von Conor Night, und wir erleben von Anfang an mit, dass Conor ein zynischer, aber nicht vollkommen des Lebens müder Mensch ist. Er will seine Familie ernähren, auch wenn er nicht bei ihr sein kann, und dafür nimmt er den furchtbaren Zustand seines Körpers gerne in Kauf. An Conors Seite steht Danelle, die wie er als Söldnerin für Geld so ziemlich alles tut. Sie ist der kluge Kopf des Duos, sie hat ihm alles beigebracht. Wir erleben sie nur aus der Sicht von Conor und so sind einige Details, die wir später erfahren, durchaus überraschend.
Die Welt, in der die beiden leben, ist finster. Obwohl es nur wenige Jahrzehnte in der Zukunft spielt, muss man sich doch immer wieder in Erinnerung rufen, dass alles auf der Erde ist wie gehabt – mal abgesehen von den mutierten Menschen und der Magie. Die Regierungen und Nationalstaaten bestehen fort, es gibt Internet und Fernsehen und Autobahnen und Flughäfen. Zwischen all dem Zauber, der veranstaltet wird, und all den Gestalten aus Sagen und Legenden wirken so kleine, beinahe nachlässig eingestreute Hinweise auf Normalität skurril. Und genau das ist die Stärke dieses Buches: Die Art, wie alles, was sich seit der „Umkehrung“ geändert hat, beschrieben wird, ist so authentisch und plastisch, dass der Leser gar nicht auf die Idee kommt, es in Frage zu stellen. Das Andere ist normal und akzeptiert, das Normale wirkt fremd und lässt einen aufhorchen.
Der Fantasy-Roman streift auch immer wieder Fragen von Rassismus und der Gestaltung des gesellschaftlichen Zusammenlebens im Angesicht neuer Bedrohungen. Den Rassismus erleben wir regelmäßig und sehr ausdrucksstark in der Figur von Amos, der mir aber trotzdem am Ende ans Herz gewachsen ist. Es ist interessant zu sehen, wie die Regierungen (oder zumindest jene der Vereinigten Staaten) ohne zu zögern bewachte Lager einrichten, um dort jene mutierte Menschen, die durch Aggression geprägt und kaum zu kontrollieren sind, so genannte Wilde, einzusperren. Es sagt viel über das gesellschaftliche Klima der Welt aus, dass das allgemein akzeptiert wird. Doch obwohl sich der Roman Mühe gibt, auch diese politischen Aspekte der „Umkehrung“ zu beschreiben, liegt seine Stärke woanders.
Was mich vom ersten Moment an die Geschichte gefesselt hat, waren die Würfel. Vielleicht liegt es daran, dass ich Rollenspielerin mit Leib und Seele bin, aber die Magie der Würfel ist faszinierend. Sie haben ein Eigenleben und sie müssen überredet werden, um zu wirken. Ihre Magie ist vielschichtig, tödlich und brutal. Nekromantie ist in dieser von Magie durchwirkten Welt verachtet, weil sie weniger elegant ist als die auf bspw. dem Wasserelement basierende Magie, aber wen kümmert elegant? Nekromantie ist cool. Und Conor ist cool. Er ist der Typ, der eine Explosion verursacht, aber nicht abwartet, um sie anzuschauen, sondern einfach davongeht, wohl wissend, dass sein Werk getan ist. Er kennt die Würfel und er weiß ohne hinzuschauen, was sie gewürfelt haben, wenn er die Effekte sieht. Als er später ein mächtigeres Artefakt erhält, dass ebenfalls einen hohen Preis für den Einsatz fordert, zögert er nur kurz. Er ist abgebrüht genug, um sich wenig um sein eigenes Leben zu kümmern.
Nur manchmal wackelt der Plot und zwar immer dann, wenn der Autor aus den Stärken der Ich-Perspektive ausbricht und uns eine ex-machina Entwicklung präsentiert, die nicht funktionieren kann. Manchmal tut Conor Dinge oder weiß Dinge, die aus dem Nichts kommen und wo es unlogisch ist, dass der Leser nicht eingeweiht war. Da gibt es bspw. eine Kampfszene, in der wir Conor bei der Planung beobachten, seine Gedanken zu allem mitbekommen – und plötzlich hat er einen Trumpf in der Hand, an den er die ganze Zeit während der Planung nicht gedacht hat. Die Szene gerät dadurch ins Wanken und verliert ihre Kraft, da die Präsentation leidet. Manche Dinge kann man mit der Ich-Perspektive einfach nicht tun, und solche Twists, die auf das Genie des Protagonisten zurückzuführen sind, gehören dazu.
Am Ende erhalten wir eine ordentliche, wenn auch unerwartete Aufklärung für die Geschehnisse des Romans, während zeitgleich klar ist, dass noch mehr folgen muss. Obwohl wir also keinen echten Cliffhanger haben, ist doch gekonnt Neugierde auf die Fortsetzung geweckt, was für den Mut und das Selbstbewusstsein des Autors spricht, nicht auf billige „abreißende Handlung“ setzen zu müssen.
Fazit
Der Roman „Der Nekromant – Totennacht“ von M. R. Forbes ist ein gelungener Auftakt zu dieser Urban-Fantasy-Trilogie. Der Protagonist Conor Night ist ebenso cool wie liebenswert und die Welt, die ihn umgibt, ist meisterhaft aufgebaut. Der Autor schafft es auf herausragende Weise, bekannte Elemente des Fantasy auf neue Weise zusammenzumischen und so eine dunkle, spannende Welt zu kreieren, in der Nekromantie einfach das Coolste ist, was die Erde je gesehen hat.
December 3, 2020
Conor was surgeon until he found out he was dying. Now is necromancer with a pair of magic dice and is only alive with help from painful illegal drugs he has to take regularly. Has become a Ghost and with help from legless bestie has taken on a 2 million dollar job for one of the five main ruling houses, The Blacks. When leader of The Reds is killed, he helps her niece stay alive and fight against werewolves and vampires.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2019
Really enjoyed the story. Felt a bit confused at some things characters said that weren't really explained... It was more like a secret between the characters that I wasn't privy to. However for the most part it was captivating and kept me hooked. Interesting story and well fleshed out characters makes for a good read. Definitely plan to read more
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