What do you think?
Rate this book
Hopeless Necromantic
Sticks and stones may break their bones, but he'll just resurrect them.
Four years ago, Sikras 'Catseye' Nikabod had it all: a beautiful wife, friends and family, and the endless luxuries that came with being the all-powerful necromancer to the queen.
Now, his brother-in-law is a walking corpse, he's wanted for tax evasion, his oldest friend, Vessik, has slaughtered thousands of the queen's people with a skeleton army, and his wife is dead. Sort of.
With the kingdom under threat, it's only natural for the queen to task Sikras with the totally normal, not-at-all-cruel chore of brutally murdering his dearest friend. Sure. Great. It's not like he already failed to stop Vessik's reign of terror twice or anything.
Turns out, it's hard to kill a monster when you can't stop remembering the good man he used to be. Harder still when you're pretty sure his descent into madness is kind of, sort of, hypothetically ... all your fault.
Raise a glass. Raise the dead. Just don't raise your hopes.
Four years ago, Sikras 'Catseye' Nikabod had it all: a beautiful wife, friends and family, and the endless luxuries that came with being the all-powerful necromancer to the queen.
Now, his brother-in-law is a walking corpse, he's wanted for tax evasion, his oldest friend, Vessik, has slaughtered thousands of the queen's people with a skeleton army, and his wife is dead. Sort of.
With the kingdom under threat, it's only natural for the queen to task Sikras with the totally normal, not-at-all-cruel chore of brutally murdering his dearest friend. Sure. Great. It's not like he already failed to stop Vessik's reign of terror twice or anything.
Turns out, it's hard to kill a monster when you can't stop remembering the good man he used to be. Harder still when you're pretty sure his descent into madness is kind of, sort of, hypothetically ... all your fault.
Raise a glass. Raise the dead. Just don't raise your hopes.
Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2025
84 people are currently reading
1373 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
November 1, 2024
My main criticism would be (and it's not a criticism) that the Necromantic was never, as a matter of fact, Hopeless.
Sikras has many, many faults; you could argue that he is mostly faults, but throughout the entire book he holds on to love, light, joy, goodness - and hope - with a white-knuckled, reckless intensity that is both ill-advised and inspiring.
I've always liked stories about goodness (not morality, per se), and took offense at people insinuating that the concept was boring, old-fashioned or simplistic.
The characters in this book (with the glaring exception that'll be obvious once you read it) are good - and still in constant conflict with each other, the world and themselves. Because being good is HARD and it doesn't always come naturally to us, and it doesn't mean the same thing to everyone. But it's the only thing worth doing, especially when the world is so often unkind.
Now, don't get me wrong. This man is sooooo poorly adjusted. These coping skills are wretched. There's so many stupid, inappropriate jokes, there's so much violence (thank the gods, I needed that after reading so much YA this year) and so much swearing. There's honestly far more sex talk than I am generally comfortable with. But like. That's why it's fun, right?
Sikras has many, many faults; you could argue that he is mostly faults, but throughout the entire book he holds on to love, light, joy, goodness - and hope - with a white-knuckled, reckless intensity that is both ill-advised and inspiring.
I've always liked stories about goodness (not morality, per se), and took offense at people insinuating that the concept was boring, old-fashioned or simplistic.
The characters in this book (with the glaring exception that'll be obvious once you read it) are good - and still in constant conflict with each other, the world and themselves. Because being good is HARD and it doesn't always come naturally to us, and it doesn't mean the same thing to everyone. But it's the only thing worth doing, especially when the world is so often unkind.
Now, don't get me wrong. This man is sooooo poorly adjusted. These coping skills are wretched. There's so many stupid, inappropriate jokes, there's so much violence (thank the gods, I needed that after reading so much YA this year) and so much swearing. There's honestly far more sex talk than I am generally comfortable with. But like. That's why it's fun, right?
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Orbit and NetGalley for the ARC!
I'm obsessed with anything that has necromancy in it!!!
This is light but still dark fantasy with deliciously dark humor, the kind where death is basically just a minor inconvenience. A necromancer, a demon girl, and a skeleton? Peak chaotic squad.
I loved that the romance stays simple and super slow-burn. Every character is adorable in their own weird way, and I’m a sucker for that vibe of a charismatic necromancer who'd burn the world down for his people. I seriously need more books about them.
I'm obsessed with anything that has necromancy in it!!!
This is light but still dark fantasy with deliciously dark humor, the kind where death is basically just a minor inconvenience. A necromancer, a demon girl, and a skeleton? Peak chaotic squad.
I loved that the romance stays simple and super slow-burn. Every character is adorable in their own weird way, and I’m a sucker for that vibe of a charismatic necromancer who'd burn the world down for his people. I seriously need more books about them.
October 29, 2024
When the Read Lives Up To The Hype
Admittedly, I found this book through social media. When I learnt the author was an artist, and was using their own drawings I was even more intrigued.
Their memes had me laughing, but I was skeptical. Is the book *actually* going to be good? I’ve been burned so many times by seeing a snippet of a book and it being terrible.
This, delightfully, was not the case. I am a SUCKER for good banter, and not only is this book witty, it deals with several serious and complex issues all the while dropping you into a story that is vibrant, intriguing, and actually keeps you reading.
There is some mild spice, but nothing crazy.
Hands down one of the best books I’ve read in a few years, and I’m sad I’ve got to wait until the next one.
You’ve got a fan for life. Congratulations on your success, Shiloh.
Admittedly, I found this book through social media. When I learnt the author was an artist, and was using their own drawings I was even more intrigued.
Their memes had me laughing, but I was skeptical. Is the book *actually* going to be good? I’ve been burned so many times by seeing a snippet of a book and it being terrible.
This, delightfully, was not the case. I am a SUCKER for good banter, and not only is this book witty, it deals with several serious and complex issues all the while dropping you into a story that is vibrant, intriguing, and actually keeps you reading.
There is some mild spice, but nothing crazy.
Hands down one of the best books I’ve read in a few years, and I’m sad I’ve got to wait until the next one.
You’ve got a fan for life. Congratulations on your success, Shiloh.
Want to read
December 1, 2025It's giving Astarion x Karlach NEED RIGHT NOW and UPDATE: Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit for answering my prayers and sending me an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review 😭😭😭🧡🧡🧡
November 19, 2024
As a debut novel, Hopeless Necromantic is an impressive blend of dark humor, heartfelt moments, and a unique take on the fantasy genre. It has an intriguing, if morbid, premise: the main character, a reluctant necromancer, embarks on a journey that is as much about friendship and grief as it is about dealing with the undead. I was pleasantly surprised by how touching the story turned out to be.
One of my favourite aspects of this, is that it doesn’t rely on romantic love to carry the emotional weight. Instead, friendship is front and center. The bond between the necromancer and his best friend, an ex soldier who really just wants to be a bard and who just happens to be —a reanimated skeleton of his ex-brother-in-law—adds layers of both humor and complexity. The MMC Sikras/catseye is written well, he isn't a stereotypical necromancer, he is witty, sassy, has dark humour and an emotional backstory. Helspira, is a badass FMC and complements both Sikras and Ben but is a strong character in her own right, with a complex background and her own motivations.
The book does a beautiful job of portraying grief, balancing its darker themes with moments of humor that feel natural and well-timed. Briar uses humor to soften the morbid elements, creating a unique tone that works well for the setting and characters.
If there’s one area where the book could improve, it’s the world-building. While the character dynamics are vividly drawn, the world itself felt a bit underdeveloped. A bit more depth here could make future books in the series easily 5 stars.
Overall, I loved this book, I laughed, cried and swooned this is perfect if you're looking for a dark yet witty adventure.
One of my favourite aspects of this, is that it doesn’t rely on romantic love to carry the emotional weight. Instead, friendship is front and center. The bond between the necromancer and his best friend, an ex soldier who really just wants to be a bard and who just happens to be —a reanimated skeleton of his ex-brother-in-law—adds layers of both humor and complexity. The MMC Sikras/catseye is written well, he isn't a stereotypical necromancer, he is witty, sassy, has dark humour and an emotional backstory. Helspira, is a badass FMC and complements both Sikras and Ben but is a strong character in her own right, with a complex background and her own motivations.
The book does a beautiful job of portraying grief, balancing its darker themes with moments of humor that feel natural and well-timed. Briar uses humor to soften the morbid elements, creating a unique tone that works well for the setting and characters.
If there’s one area where the book could improve, it’s the world-building. While the character dynamics are vividly drawn, the world itself felt a bit underdeveloped. A bit more depth here could make future books in the series easily 5 stars.
Overall, I loved this book, I laughed, cried and swooned this is perfect if you're looking for a dark yet witty adventure.
April 30, 2025
legitimately the best book I've read this year. fun characters, amazing plot, awesome worldbuilding. I fell in love with the characters, nearly cried and laughed a lot. if you like fantasy, please read this!!!
December 9, 2025
Necromancer, check. Demons, check. Death, check. Unlikely but satisfying romance, check. Emotionally challenging war, check. This had all the elements of a pleasant read. For most of the book I was enjoying myself, but not so much that I'd tell everyone about it/write home. I was planning to give it four stars. However, that ending was really good and elevates this to a five-star read, imo.
March 30, 2025
Hopeless Necromantic is delightful read with a memorable cast of lovable (if trauma stricken) characters. Very much a character driven novel. We follow Sikras ‘Catseye’ Nikabod, a necromancer resurrecting loved ones for gold along with his undead brother-in-law Ben. Sikras is affable, aloof, but very much has a heart of gold when it counts, but isn’t above pulling a fast one on those not ingratiated in his good will. Sikras would be the most powerful magic user in the land if he wasn’t using the lion’s share of his power to keep Ben’s soul tied to his skeletal remains.
They’re joined by Helspire (or Hels) a Red Sentinal warrior torn between duty to her job and the ever growing loyalty she feels to Sikras and Ben as she’s sent to help them deal with Vessik’s army invading their small kingdom. Ben becomes the true heart of the cast, which is ironic because he doesn’t have one anymore. He’s quick with a joke and to light up your smoke and is the emotional anchor for Sikras that keeps the necromancer from falling into abject misery The three form a small fellowship set out to save their little home.
If I’m on about the characters a lot its because the book is mostly about them, their interactions, their web of hang ups and emotional ties to each other. Not to say the plot doesn’t have its share of intrigue or twists. Plenty of those. However, the characters and their relationships with one another form a fun tale of witty banter, healing past trauma, and my personal favorite: the power of friendship and overwhelming violence.
On a technical level, the book is incredibly polished. Not a typo or formatting error that I noticed. The plot is well placed, never moves too fast or too slow, but does take time to stop and smell the proverbial roses. Even during those times, you’re having so much fun watching Sikras, Ben, and Hels interact that time flies by and you wish there was a bit more between them all. Trauma and healing from it becomes a central theme to the book. While I’ve come to see a lot of modern authors use trauma as a cheap narrative device to give a false sense of character depth, Shiloh Briar uses it effectively and makes sure her characters are well and truly likable before delving into the reasoning they are defined by their past traumas.
But always the characters are likable and, most importantly, they like each other and their camaraderie carries them through the book. A romance sub-plot simmers through the book between Sikras and Hels, but doesn’t feel forced and develops at a believable pace. A few action scenes punctuate the narrative, but the tension and investment in what happens to the trio keeps the reader invested throughout. If there was anything to critique (light spoilers) its that a villainous element comes along that could have used a touch more narrative development to fully appreciate, but isn’t enough to ruin anything.
Hopeless Necromantic stands above many indie fantasy novels in providing a lovable cast of somewhat damaged characters you’d love to be friends with. Highly recommend–especially if you want a good change of pace from your usual reads.
They’re joined by Helspire (or Hels) a Red Sentinal warrior torn between duty to her job and the ever growing loyalty she feels to Sikras and Ben as she’s sent to help them deal with Vessik’s army invading their small kingdom. Ben becomes the true heart of the cast, which is ironic because he doesn’t have one anymore. He’s quick with a joke and to light up your smoke and is the emotional anchor for Sikras that keeps the necromancer from falling into abject misery The three form a small fellowship set out to save their little home.
If I’m on about the characters a lot its because the book is mostly about them, their interactions, their web of hang ups and emotional ties to each other. Not to say the plot doesn’t have its share of intrigue or twists. Plenty of those. However, the characters and their relationships with one another form a fun tale of witty banter, healing past trauma, and my personal favorite: the power of friendship and overwhelming violence.
On a technical level, the book is incredibly polished. Not a typo or formatting error that I noticed. The plot is well placed, never moves too fast or too slow, but does take time to stop and smell the proverbial roses. Even during those times, you’re having so much fun watching Sikras, Ben, and Hels interact that time flies by and you wish there was a bit more between them all. Trauma and healing from it becomes a central theme to the book. While I’ve come to see a lot of modern authors use trauma as a cheap narrative device to give a false sense of character depth, Shiloh Briar uses it effectively and makes sure her characters are well and truly likable before delving into the reasoning they are defined by their past traumas.
But always the characters are likable and, most importantly, they like each other and their camaraderie carries them through the book. A romance sub-plot simmers through the book between Sikras and Hels, but doesn’t feel forced and develops at a believable pace. A few action scenes punctuate the narrative, but the tension and investment in what happens to the trio keeps the reader invested throughout. If there was anything to critique (light spoilers) its that a villainous element comes along that could have used a touch more narrative development to fully appreciate, but isn’t enough to ruin anything.
Hopeless Necromantic stands above many indie fantasy novels in providing a lovable cast of somewhat damaged characters you’d love to be friends with. Highly recommend–especially if you want a good change of pace from your usual reads.
November 13, 2024
We found this for book club after seeing the author's social media posts with lil comics of the characters, and I ended up giving this not nearly enough credit when I picked it up.
I started reading this thinking it'd be a light-hearted fantasy romp with some romance. The nuance shocked me if I'm being honest. It's WAY more fantasy than I thought I was in for, and has actually a pretty cool investigation on grief and what it would mean to people in a fantasy setting who know exactly how the afterlife works and know they won't see their loved ones again. The main character is a necromancer who can't let go of the people he lost, so he just doesn't. And it hurts the people that are kept around cause he's denying them their rest. Like the world building was pretty cool!!
So the humor hits about 80% of the time (that's a good percentage on my scale!) and was not distracting when it didn't land. Honestly, it's actually pretty necessary to prevent this book from getting too heavy subject-wise. I did have some slight issues with it but overall I feel like there's a demographic that's gonna LOVE this book. I do think a cover redesign might be benificial.
Give it a shot if you're into fantasy/comedy with charming characters. It ain't perfect but definitely deserves way more reads than it has.
I started reading this thinking it'd be a light-hearted fantasy romp with some romance. The nuance shocked me if I'm being honest. It's WAY more fantasy than I thought I was in for, and has actually a pretty cool investigation on grief and what it would mean to people in a fantasy setting who know exactly how the afterlife works and know they won't see their loved ones again. The main character is a necromancer who can't let go of the people he lost, so he just doesn't. And it hurts the people that are kept around cause he's denying them their rest. Like the world building was pretty cool!!
So the humor hits about 80% of the time (that's a good percentage on my scale!) and was not distracting when it didn't land. Honestly, it's actually pretty necessary to prevent this book from getting too heavy subject-wise. I did have some slight issues with it but overall I feel like there's a demographic that's gonna LOVE this book. I do think a cover redesign might be benificial.
Give it a shot if you're into fantasy/comedy with charming characters. It ain't perfect but definitely deserves way more reads than it has.
November 15, 2025
This book started off really good! Very Assistant to the Villain: snarky, sassy, fun, with a little action.
Then… it sunk. After the Sentinels left to go fight the necromancer, the book just flattened. It was really boring for me. Maybe if you like cozy fantasy, you’d like this portion but the pacing was terrible. It was like 150 pages of bleh and then 50 pages of fast-paced ending … except the “real” ending / reveal had no impact because there wasn’t enough build up. I was just like “okay.” 🤷♀️
And that’s what the book was overall. Okay. I’d never recommend it to anyone but it’s also not like I disliked it.
Maybe this will find its audience with the trad pub deal… but sadly that’s not me.
Then… it sunk. After the Sentinels left to go fight the necromancer, the book just flattened. It was really boring for me. Maybe if you like cozy fantasy, you’d like this portion but the pacing was terrible. It was like 150 pages of bleh and then 50 pages of fast-paced ending … except the “real” ending / reveal had no impact because there wasn’t enough build up. I was just like “okay.” 🤷♀️
And that’s what the book was overall. Okay. I’d never recommend it to anyone but it’s also not like I disliked it.
Maybe this will find its audience with the trad pub deal… but sadly that’s not me.
November 10, 2024
Missing a good 'ol snarky fantasy book? Good dialogue? Entertaining characters? A book that makes you laugh and cry? Then this book is for you.
I literally sprinted to write this review after finishing this book because DANG I have not enjoyed a book this much in a long, long time. It scratches every itch of the fun, but still meaningful type of story. It's HIGHLY character focused, with a straightforward but still compelling plot, and the dialogue is SPECTACULAR. Some nice twists, and the ending was absolutely brilliant (I really can't say anything about it without spoilers).
The prose and style of the writing is also pretty fantastic- it's been very difficult for me to find books nowadays that aren't overly clunky or very bland in their prose and this book knocked a couple of very well-known bestsellers out of the water with the sheer writing quality. *cough, stormlight archives, cough*
This is a fantastic book, (I believe it's a debut? If so, it's the best debut I've ever read) and I will be on the lookout for more from this author!
I literally sprinted to write this review after finishing this book because DANG I have not enjoyed a book this much in a long, long time. It scratches every itch of the fun, but still meaningful type of story. It's HIGHLY character focused, with a straightforward but still compelling plot, and the dialogue is SPECTACULAR. Some nice twists, and the ending was absolutely brilliant (I really can't say anything about it without spoilers).
The prose and style of the writing is also pretty fantastic- it's been very difficult for me to find books nowadays that aren't overly clunky or very bland in their prose and this book knocked a couple of very well-known bestsellers out of the water with the sheer writing quality. *cough, stormlight archives, cough*
This is a fantastic book, (I believe it's a debut? If so, it's the best debut I've ever read) and I will be on the lookout for more from this author!
December 12, 2025
A demon with pink hair, a morally gray necromancer and his dead brother in law walk into a bar....
😂
Hopeless Necromantic is a MUST READ!!!!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I knew I'd love it based on the cover and blurb alone, but it was so much more!! It was hilarious, fun, and so heartwarming!?! I teared up many times, and actually had to leave the room towards the end so my sobs didn't wake my husband 🤣🤣
I have never felt so invested in characters so quickly. Right from the start I was obsessed. The plot was so engaging. The romance was definitely a side plot, but oh so sweet. It's a quick and funny read with a lot of heart 😭
Everyone should give it a try! But I especially recommend for fans of The Irresistible Urge or the 2023 Dungeons and Dragons Movie 🤷♀️
The trad pub (yay!!) is out 6.9.26 ✨️
Don't you just love when you find a new favorite right at the end of the year???
Thanks to @orbitbooks_us for the eARC!
😂
Hopeless Necromantic is a MUST READ!!!!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I knew I'd love it based on the cover and blurb alone, but it was so much more!! It was hilarious, fun, and so heartwarming!?! I teared up many times, and actually had to leave the room towards the end so my sobs didn't wake my husband 🤣🤣
I have never felt so invested in characters so quickly. Right from the start I was obsessed. The plot was so engaging. The romance was definitely a side plot, but oh so sweet. It's a quick and funny read with a lot of heart 😭
Everyone should give it a try! But I especially recommend for fans of The Irresistible Urge or the 2023 Dungeons and Dragons Movie 🤷♀️
The trad pub (yay!!) is out 6.9.26 ✨️
Don't you just love when you find a new favorite right at the end of the year???
Thanks to @orbitbooks_us for the eARC!
December 1, 2025
First off, thank you NetGalley for allowing me to receive an ARC copy of the Hopeless Necromantic in return for a honest review.
Oh my gosh! What can I say. This was such a fun fantasy. I haven’t read anything like this book but I am now a huge Shiloh Briar fan after this.
I’m pretty sure I went through every emotion white reading this book. At times I was laughing, kicking my feet. Other times I was angry or crying.
I feel that is obvious that Benjamin is the best character from this story. However, it’s rare that you fall in love with the FMC, MMC and all of the side characters.
I felt this book/story had so much depth, character and emotion. The world was paint with such vivid details, the characters were written where you actually felt like you knew them and the plot was an emotional roller coaster.
I can’t wait to see what happens next. I’ll be ordering this book when it comes out and referring it to all of my friends!
Oh my gosh! What can I say. This was such a fun fantasy. I haven’t read anything like this book but I am now a huge Shiloh Briar fan after this.
I’m pretty sure I went through every emotion white reading this book. At times I was laughing, kicking my feet. Other times I was angry or crying.
I feel that is obvious that Benjamin is the best character from this story. However, it’s rare that you fall in love with the FMC, MMC and all of the side characters.
I felt this book/story had so much depth, character and emotion. The world was paint with such vivid details, the characters were written where you actually felt like you knew them and the plot was an emotional roller coaster.
I can’t wait to see what happens next. I’ll be ordering this book when it comes out and referring it to all of my friends!
January 5, 2025
So so freaking good. Need the second one immediately!! The feels, the dark humor, love, loss. Sikras and the gang had me laughing throughout the entire book.
November 27, 2025
Shiloh Briar hits it out of the park with debut novel Hopeless Necromantic. The plot is well-executed, but where it really shines is in character development. Sikras, Helspira, and Ben are incredibly fun to read about, and easy to root for. The romance arc is also lovely, Sikras and Helspira have good chemistry and a believable arc. Ben as a character is just a joy.
So much about this book is just so clever and funny. Shiloh Briar manages to strike the perfect balance between high-stakes fantasy, romance, and humor. No spoilers, but the ending provides a very satisfying conclusion to both the plot as well as character arcs.
Small plug for Shiloh Briar as an author and artist - I have been following Shiloh on Instagram for years, and that’s where I first heard about Hopeless Necromantic. It’s really a brilliant stroke of artistry to be able to write your novel and depict your characters.
Thank you so much to Shiloh Briar, Orbit, and NetGalley for the ARC!
So much about this book is just so clever and funny. Shiloh Briar manages to strike the perfect balance between high-stakes fantasy, romance, and humor. No spoilers, but the ending provides a very satisfying conclusion to both the plot as well as character arcs.
Small plug for Shiloh Briar as an author and artist - I have been following Shiloh on Instagram for years, and that’s where I first heard about Hopeless Necromantic. It’s really a brilliant stroke of artistry to be able to write your novel and depict your characters.
Thank you so much to Shiloh Briar, Orbit, and NetGalley for the ARC!
December 1, 2025
I picked up Hopeless Necromantic because I needed a funny book, and wow, did it overdeliver. Imagine if someone threw Dungeons & Dragons, emotional damage, chaotic humor, and a heart-melting moral compass into a cauldron and said, “Yeah, this seems fine.” That’s the vibe.
From page one, this book had me cackling, cringing, and clutching my chest. The wit is sharp, the action is wild, and the characters? They’re the kind that move into your brain and refuse to pay rent. Sikras especially.
This man is… a disaster. A lovable, catastrophically maladjusted disaster. Someone once said he’s “mostly faults,” and honestly? Valid. Absolutely valid. Yet through every blood-soaked, bone-rattling moment, he clings to love, light, joy, and hope with a frantic, white-knuckled determination that should not work but absolutely does. It’s unhinged, ill-advised, and, somehow, deeply inspiring.
I’ve always adored stories about goodness, not moral perfection or saintly behavior, but goodness that’s messy, hard, and sometimes downright chaotic. This book refuses the idea that goodness is boring. Instead, it shows you characters who want to do the right thing even when they’re exhausted, traumatized, or arguing with each other at inopportune moments. Being good isn’t easy, and these characters prove it on every page.
And please. Let me be clear: this story is not clear. The jokes are inappropriate. The coping mechanisms are atrocious. There is violence. There is swearing. There is more sex talk than I typically tolerate. And that’s exactly why it’s so damn fun. It’s like watching your favorite party of DnD idiots try to save the world using emotional issues and questionable banter.
The core trio is where the magic really happens.
✨ Sikras “Catseye” Nikabod - necromancer, scammer, heart-of-gold menace. He could easily be the most powerful mage alive if he wasn’t funneling half his magic into keeping his undead brother-in-law’s soul tied to a skeleton. Priorities.
✨ Ben - the said skeletal brother-in-law, easily the heart of the story. Except, you know… he doesn’t have one. His humor, warmth, and ride-or-die loyalty keep Sikras from spiraling into the abyss, and every scene he’s in is pure delight.
✨ Helspire (Hels) - a Red Sentinel warrior torn between duty, logic, and the growing loyalty she feels toward these two absolute disasters. The emotional slow-burn between her and Sikras simmers beautifully without ever hijacking the story.
Together, these three form a tiny fellowship you can’t help rooting for as they try to fend off Vessik’s invading army while juggling trauma, trust issues, and jokes that should not be as funny as they are.
This is, at its core, a character-driven novel, and one of the best I’ve seen in the indie fantasy realm. Their banter, their unraveling, their healing, their fierce affection for each other… that’s the real story. The plot has twists and intrigue for sure, but the emotional bonds are what make the book feel alive.
Technically? It’s polished. Smooth pacing, no grammar gremlins, and action scenes placed just right so you can breathe before screaming again. The trauma arcs are handled with actual care, no cheap depth here, just genuine character work that hits in the way it’s meant to.
Hopeless Necromantic rises above so many fantasy releases because it gives you characters who are broken, funny, loyal, chaotic, and so wonderfully good at the core. They’re the kind you want to adventure with. The kind you want to protect. The kind you remember.
From page one, this book had me cackling, cringing, and clutching my chest. The wit is sharp, the action is wild, and the characters? They’re the kind that move into your brain and refuse to pay rent. Sikras especially.
This man is… a disaster. A lovable, catastrophically maladjusted disaster. Someone once said he’s “mostly faults,” and honestly? Valid. Absolutely valid. Yet through every blood-soaked, bone-rattling moment, he clings to love, light, joy, and hope with a frantic, white-knuckled determination that should not work but absolutely does. It’s unhinged, ill-advised, and, somehow, deeply inspiring.
I’ve always adored stories about goodness, not moral perfection or saintly behavior, but goodness that’s messy, hard, and sometimes downright chaotic. This book refuses the idea that goodness is boring. Instead, it shows you characters who want to do the right thing even when they’re exhausted, traumatized, or arguing with each other at inopportune moments. Being good isn’t easy, and these characters prove it on every page.
And please. Let me be clear: this story is not clear. The jokes are inappropriate. The coping mechanisms are atrocious. There is violence. There is swearing. There is more sex talk than I typically tolerate. And that’s exactly why it’s so damn fun. It’s like watching your favorite party of DnD idiots try to save the world using emotional issues and questionable banter.
The core trio is where the magic really happens.
✨ Sikras “Catseye” Nikabod - necromancer, scammer, heart-of-gold menace. He could easily be the most powerful mage alive if he wasn’t funneling half his magic into keeping his undead brother-in-law’s soul tied to a skeleton. Priorities.
✨ Ben - the said skeletal brother-in-law, easily the heart of the story. Except, you know… he doesn’t have one. His humor, warmth, and ride-or-die loyalty keep Sikras from spiraling into the abyss, and every scene he’s in is pure delight.
✨ Helspire (Hels) - a Red Sentinel warrior torn between duty, logic, and the growing loyalty she feels toward these two absolute disasters. The emotional slow-burn between her and Sikras simmers beautifully without ever hijacking the story.
Together, these three form a tiny fellowship you can’t help rooting for as they try to fend off Vessik’s invading army while juggling trauma, trust issues, and jokes that should not be as funny as they are.
This is, at its core, a character-driven novel, and one of the best I’ve seen in the indie fantasy realm. Their banter, their unraveling, their healing, their fierce affection for each other… that’s the real story. The plot has twists and intrigue for sure, but the emotional bonds are what make the book feel alive.
Technically? It’s polished. Smooth pacing, no grammar gremlins, and action scenes placed just right so you can breathe before screaming again. The trauma arcs are handled with actual care, no cheap depth here, just genuine character work that hits in the way it’s meant to.
Hopeless Necromantic rises above so many fantasy releases because it gives you characters who are broken, funny, loyal, chaotic, and so wonderfully good at the core. They’re the kind you want to adventure with. The kind you want to protect. The kind you remember.
August 5, 2025
I think this is the first self-published book I've read, and I was pleasantly surprised.
Overall I liked the book. The banter was fun, and the characters endearing.
I do have some overall thoughts that pulled it down from 4/5 stars.
I feel like the author missed some moments to make the story more nuanced and impactful.
For example, at some point, when they interrogate one of Vessik's minions - a now undead farmer I think - he kind of comes back with the exact same witty-attitude as all the rest of the characters. I think this was a missed opportunity to make you feel like the attack on the village, and Vessik, were actually a threat and scary. It felt weird to me, that this man who got mind controlled to fight, lost his family and village, and is now undead, would meet it with the same detached attitude as other characters (i.e. Sikras), instead of awe and fear. Though I suppose detached gallows humor is more in-line with the book. I just think there should be space for both.
And then the ending felt a bit rushed to me. It's always risky to do a "plot twist" in the end, and switch the villain out right in the end. But it's a bit sad, when the reader have spent most of the book hearing about Vessik - just to have him be there for like 3 pages, and the "true" villain be someone else, you never heard about.
There was other small things;
- The deal with death in the end, for more time, confused me. I don't think it was very explicit that it was to buy Benjamins soul more time.
- Then when there is the fight with the diavoli, after Vessik died, it still keeps talking about the deal? That Sikras doesn't have infinite time to kill the diavoli, because of the deal with death? Doesn't make sense when Vessik is already dead -> and later when Sikras is on the ground, having a rough time, it's brough up again, and assumedly Death takes one of his remaining lives. But why? I guess the deal was "until I bring Benjamin back", but it was really more phrased as "until I kill Vessik", which I found confusing.
- When Sikras has the soul-pendant think from the diavoli, he spends the time releasing Imri's soul, instead of killing the diavoli while she does not have the pendant. This, I can understand as a character flaw. But this + Sikras making the deal for all 8 lives right away + other small things, like Helspira immediately knowing to ask for the diavoli to release the souls, despite not having been present - felt like rushing things, and upping the stakes, more for the sake of upping the stakes, than actual nuanced plot reasons.
But I guess that comes with it being a debut novel. It's just sad, cause I did really enjoy most of the book - but the ending just didn't land for me. But overall, kudos to the author, and impressive to manage to self-publish!
I mostly write this, because I couldn't find another place where people discussed the plot, and these things bothered me, so feel free to agree or disagree with me in comments.
Overall I liked the book. The banter was fun, and the characters endearing.
I do have some overall thoughts that pulled it down from 4/5 stars.
I feel like the author missed some moments to make the story more nuanced and impactful.
For example, at some point, when they interrogate one of Vessik's minions - a now undead farmer I think - he kind of comes back with the exact same witty-attitude as all the rest of the characters. I think this was a missed opportunity to make you feel like the attack on the village, and Vessik, were actually a threat and scary. It felt weird to me, that this man who got mind controlled to fight, lost his family and village, and is now undead, would meet it with the same detached attitude as other characters (i.e. Sikras), instead of awe and fear. Though I suppose detached gallows humor is more in-line with the book. I just think there should be space for both.
And then the ending felt a bit rushed to me. It's always risky to do a "plot twist" in the end, and switch the villain out right in the end. But it's a bit sad, when the reader have spent most of the book hearing about Vessik - just to have him be there for like 3 pages, and the "true" villain be someone else, you never heard about.
There was other small things;
- The deal with death in the end, for more time, confused me. I don't think it was very explicit that it was to buy Benjamins soul more time.
- Then when there is the fight with the diavoli, after Vessik died, it still keeps talking about the deal? That Sikras doesn't have infinite time to kill the diavoli, because of the deal with death? Doesn't make sense when Vessik is already dead -> and later when Sikras is on the ground, having a rough time, it's brough up again, and assumedly Death takes one of his remaining lives. But why? I guess the deal was "until I bring Benjamin back", but it was really more phrased as "until I kill Vessik", which I found confusing.
- When Sikras has the soul-pendant think from the diavoli, he spends the time releasing Imri's soul, instead of killing the diavoli while she does not have the pendant. This, I can understand as a character flaw. But this + Sikras making the deal for all 8 lives right away + other small things, like Helspira immediately knowing to ask for the diavoli to release the souls, despite not having been present - felt like rushing things, and upping the stakes, more for the sake of upping the stakes, than actual nuanced plot reasons.
But I guess that comes with it being a debut novel. It's just sad, cause I did really enjoy most of the book - but the ending just didn't land for me. But overall, kudos to the author, and impressive to manage to self-publish!
I mostly write this, because I couldn't find another place where people discussed the plot, and these things bothered me, so feel free to agree or disagree with me in comments.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2024
Hopeless Necromantic by Shiloh Briar is a fantasy story destined to be a cult classic. While on the surface it appears akin to a lighthearted Dungeons and Dragons quest, this story is far richer and more complex. The sharp, well-timed humor serves to offset dark themes and tragic backstories and twists. There is gentleness and compassion but also brutality and betrayal in this narrative that speaks to the dichotomy of not just the characters and their fictional world but also our own.
Speaking of the characters, Briar’s cast of charming misfits are some of the most well-fleshed out, complicated, wonderful characters I’ve had the pleasure of following on their journeys. The titular Necromancer, Sikras, is a man with a very questionable moral code, but who loves a select few with all that he is and would do anything for them, whether it be to burn the world or save it at their behest. He is drawn to those who are better than himself, softer and gentler and kinder, because while he struggles with those things, he values them. Enter Helspira. A demon with a past that would make anyone shudder, she struggles for all she’s worth to be better than the place she left behind. Despite bloodthirsty, rage-filled thoughts often popping into her head, she is the most compassionate and gentle and non-judgmental character. That said, hurt someone she loves, and the demon in her will be let loose to glorious, very bloody effect. The last, but most certainly not least, of our trio is Benjamin, the living skeleton and Sikra’s best friend and former brother-in-law. Brought back to life and kept that way by Sikras, Benjamin is sure to be a reader favorite. Full of quips, loyal and brave without end, Benjamin steals nearly every scene he’s in. But a man so full of life deprived of a true one hides deep pain under his unfailing humor that speaks so poignantly about how people can never truly know what burdens someone carries under their smile.
These three captivating heroes are brought together to save the kingdom from an evil necromancer, Vessik, who just so happens to be Sikras’ childhood best friend. The story follows them as they work to this end, facing trials, battles and their own complex internal struggles along the way. With a fantastic balance of humor, romance, emotion, and action, the story moves quickly, and by the end, these characters are so real and their journey so engaging that a reader is sure to want to keep following them on many adventures to come. I know I do.
Speaking of the characters, Briar’s cast of charming misfits are some of the most well-fleshed out, complicated, wonderful characters I’ve had the pleasure of following on their journeys. The titular Necromancer, Sikras, is a man with a very questionable moral code, but who loves a select few with all that he is and would do anything for them, whether it be to burn the world or save it at their behest. He is drawn to those who are better than himself, softer and gentler and kinder, because while he struggles with those things, he values them. Enter Helspira. A demon with a past that would make anyone shudder, she struggles for all she’s worth to be better than the place she left behind. Despite bloodthirsty, rage-filled thoughts often popping into her head, she is the most compassionate and gentle and non-judgmental character. That said, hurt someone she loves, and the demon in her will be let loose to glorious, very bloody effect. The last, but most certainly not least, of our trio is Benjamin, the living skeleton and Sikra’s best friend and former brother-in-law. Brought back to life and kept that way by Sikras, Benjamin is sure to be a reader favorite. Full of quips, loyal and brave without end, Benjamin steals nearly every scene he’s in. But a man so full of life deprived of a true one hides deep pain under his unfailing humor that speaks so poignantly about how people can never truly know what burdens someone carries under their smile.
These three captivating heroes are brought together to save the kingdom from an evil necromancer, Vessik, who just so happens to be Sikras’ childhood best friend. The story follows them as they work to this end, facing trials, battles and their own complex internal struggles along the way. With a fantastic balance of humor, romance, emotion, and action, the story moves quickly, and by the end, these characters are so real and their journey so engaging that a reader is sure to want to keep following them on many adventures to come. I know I do.
December 18, 2025
If you took the feeling of having your favorite dessert for the first time, your first good kiss, and the nostalgia from an old favorite show, and mashed them all together, you get Hopeless Necromantic.
Am I obsessed?
Yes. Yes I am.
The plot itself is simple, which is what allows it to go through such extensive character development, making it a more character driven story (if that kind of book isn't for you, I would recommend reading something else).
But if you're still here and love that kind of book, you should pick up this one.
Sikras Nikabod is a devoted widower to his wife that is, sadly gone.
But not far enough, unfortunately, considering she's undead.
She's also mentally enslaved to his ex best friend.
Which...I don't know, as you do?
But then he meets Helspira. A bright eye (her others fake, so can I still say bright *eyed?*) demon from Cthonia, she did unspeakable things to save her family as a child from that hellscape, but still retains her good heart, and unwavering loyalty to the kingdom she ran too; they might hate her for being a demon, discriminate against her, and even mutilate her, but she never let it get her down.
Still, even as Helspira and Sikras get closer, in the company of his undead brother in law he ressurcted to play elaborate chess with constantly, her commander begins a game of dangerous manipulation and blackmail that could tear apart their small group forever.
I love how, even though Sikras is such a cute, funny sweetheart with people who are nice to him, if someone hurts Ben or Helspira, he will not hesitate to doom the whole kingdom for them- and almost does, until Helspira convinces him not to.
The EPITOME of morally grey heroes, my guys.
War crimes, but for love.
Even though I felt like Helpsira and Sikras' relationship could have grown a bit more, I can't take points off!
Also, Helspiras father bakes, and still protects his family like a badass.
SECURE MASCULINITY.
This book has representation, healthy relationships, and sweet slow burn that makes you squeal when they brush hands.
Yes. I, the girl who kept a straight face while reading smut in a church (my friends Christian and dragged me along, I am Muslim and mortally annoyed), blushed at hands brushing.
The things this book has done to me.
If you're looking for a cute, cozy romantasy like Legends and Lattes, Hopeless Necromantic is for you!
I was given an ARC for an honest review ❤️ 🍹
Am I obsessed?
Yes. Yes I am.
The plot itself is simple, which is what allows it to go through such extensive character development, making it a more character driven story (if that kind of book isn't for you, I would recommend reading something else).
But if you're still here and love that kind of book, you should pick up this one.
Sikras Nikabod is a devoted widower to his wife that is, sadly gone.
But not far enough, unfortunately, considering she's undead.
She's also mentally enslaved to his ex best friend.
Which...I don't know, as you do?
But then he meets Helspira. A bright eye (her others fake, so can I still say bright *eyed?*) demon from Cthonia, she did unspeakable things to save her family as a child from that hellscape, but still retains her good heart, and unwavering loyalty to the kingdom she ran too; they might hate her for being a demon, discriminate against her, and even mutilate her, but she never let it get her down.
Still, even as Helspira and Sikras get closer, in the company of his undead brother in law he ressurcted to play elaborate chess with constantly, her commander begins a game of dangerous manipulation and blackmail that could tear apart their small group forever.
I love how, even though Sikras is such a cute, funny sweetheart with people who are nice to him, if someone hurts Ben or Helspira, he will not hesitate to doom the whole kingdom for them- and almost does, until Helspira convinces him not to.
The EPITOME of morally grey heroes, my guys.
War crimes, but for love.
Even though I felt like Helpsira and Sikras' relationship could have grown a bit more, I can't take points off!
Also, Helspiras father bakes, and still protects his family like a badass.
SECURE MASCULINITY.
This book has representation, healthy relationships, and sweet slow burn that makes you squeal when they brush hands.
Yes. I, the girl who kept a straight face while reading smut in a church (my friends Christian and dragged me along, I am Muslim and mortally annoyed), blushed at hands brushing.
The things this book has done to me.
If you're looking for a cute, cozy romantasy like Legends and Lattes, Hopeless Necromantic is for you!
I was given an ARC for an honest review ❤️ 🍹
December 2, 2024
The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
EDITORIAL REVEW
2nd December 2024
TITLE: Hopeless Necromantic
AUTHOR: Shiloh Briar
Star Rating: 5
‘Very funny, making the darker moments that little bit darker. A FIVE STAR read and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
What a fun novel novel is! I read this over a long weekend and, as my mother-in-law was staying over, it was (a) a very, VERY long weekend and (b) this was by far the most enjoyable part of it. The author is very talented, offering the readership a mix of romance and magic, adventure and comedy. And it's the comedy element which brings this story to life. The author’s comic timing is 99% of the time spot on. So, not only did I get to enjoy a cleverly plotted, fantasy adventure involving a talking skeleton, I also got to laugh a lot.
So, what's the plot? Well, in a nutshell, it’s the story of Sikras (Glowing Cat’s Eye in Death’s Darkness, former necromancer to Queen Saelihn of the Kingdom of Nyllmas) who can return life (of a sort) to a corpse. Sikras is given a task by his queen to kill Vessik, his best pal of old, who is threatening her kingdom. Oh, and Sikras has a few tax problems too – I know how he feels! What follows is a fun-filled adventure with plenty of clever twists, over-the-top characters, and always with the emphasis on the ‘fun’ parts.
There are a lot of elements to this story I particularly enjoyed. Firstly, it's very unpredictable; this unpredictability is particularly enhanced by the MC who, to be honest, is rather random – but in a good way. Secondly, it’s not all fun, fun, fun; it’s dark too, in parts, and even thought-provoking. And thirdly, I chuckled a lot. I suspect, if the author had been writing back in the 1970s, he/she (can’t tell from the name – sorry) would be made to feel very welcome at a Monte Python scriptwriting meeting!
So, if you enjoy fantasy, memorable characters and plenty of witty one-liners, this book is for you. I think most readers will enjoy rooting for the MC who, despite being a rather flawed character, is still the sort of fellow you can’t help loving. Sort of like Han Solo in Star Wars – total rogue, morally inept, but you got to love him!
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
EDITORIAL REVEW
2nd December 2024
TITLE: Hopeless Necromantic
AUTHOR: Shiloh Briar
Star Rating: 5
‘Very funny, making the darker moments that little bit darker. A FIVE STAR read and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
What a fun novel novel is! I read this over a long weekend and, as my mother-in-law was staying over, it was (a) a very, VERY long weekend and (b) this was by far the most enjoyable part of it. The author is very talented, offering the readership a mix of romance and magic, adventure and comedy. And it's the comedy element which brings this story to life. The author’s comic timing is 99% of the time spot on. So, not only did I get to enjoy a cleverly plotted, fantasy adventure involving a talking skeleton, I also got to laugh a lot.
So, what's the plot? Well, in a nutshell, it’s the story of Sikras (Glowing Cat’s Eye in Death’s Darkness, former necromancer to Queen Saelihn of the Kingdom of Nyllmas) who can return life (of a sort) to a corpse. Sikras is given a task by his queen to kill Vessik, his best pal of old, who is threatening her kingdom. Oh, and Sikras has a few tax problems too – I know how he feels! What follows is a fun-filled adventure with plenty of clever twists, over-the-top characters, and always with the emphasis on the ‘fun’ parts.
There are a lot of elements to this story I particularly enjoyed. Firstly, it's very unpredictable; this unpredictability is particularly enhanced by the MC who, to be honest, is rather random – but in a good way. Secondly, it’s not all fun, fun, fun; it’s dark too, in parts, and even thought-provoking. And thirdly, I chuckled a lot. I suspect, if the author had been writing back in the 1970s, he/she (can’t tell from the name – sorry) would be made to feel very welcome at a Monte Python scriptwriting meeting!
So, if you enjoy fantasy, memorable characters and plenty of witty one-liners, this book is for you. I think most readers will enjoy rooting for the MC who, despite being a rather flawed character, is still the sort of fellow you can’t help loving. Sort of like Han Solo in Star Wars – total rogue, morally inept, but you got to love him!
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
December 7, 2024
Edit: I needed to add that Benjamin’s “I’m tired, Sikras” on page 328 hit like a sack of bricks. This moment was built up to so beautifully. And we needed it so badly for the characters to heal. But ouch was it painful.
The handling of the themes of love and loss and letting go are so well done here.
There is so much heart in this book, for its dark and humorous packaging. I was cracking up a few times a page at the beginning with Sikras and Benjamin’s banter, and then I fell in love with them, and Helspira, and darn it, even Ronan of all people by the end.
I have two main criticisms which did not detract at all from my love of the characters and story.
Vessik never appears physically in the story, until the very climax. That’s fine. We get plenty of portraits of him earlier. But when we finally see him, he’s just there. We need shock, a more vivid description, something to give that moment more oomf! I know it’s the middle of a fight scene, but that was a moment that didn’t hit hard enough for me as is. I’m looking forward to the prequel, because as is I still don’t understand why he was fool enough to give his soul to a demon to “help people.” And why does he want to help people so badly? I need to know!! And oh my gosh it broke my heart when he stabbed himself.
The other is this story suffered a bit from the sagging middle. We had our inciting incident, the scene where Sikras loses Benjamin in the grand hall, and then much of the middle is without conflict or tension, with one fun side quest and one battle out of nowhere. I would have liked to have seen the plot more tightly wound with more minor trials and tests to grow the characters and their bonds with each other. As it is, I still enjoyed the middle and the dancing and dialogue, but the pace was a little slow for my taste.
A word to Sikras and Helspira’s relationship: it was super sweet and beautiful. They were so respectful toward each other. I’d love to see more relationships like theirs in romantasy!
All that to say, this book was a fun wild romp and planted these characters firmly in my heart. And I’m so excited to see more from the author! I’d highly recommend it for all fans of dark fantasy and romantasy.
The handling of the themes of love and loss and letting go are so well done here.
There is so much heart in this book, for its dark and humorous packaging. I was cracking up a few times a page at the beginning with Sikras and Benjamin’s banter, and then I fell in love with them, and Helspira, and darn it, even Ronan of all people by the end.
I have two main criticisms which did not detract at all from my love of the characters and story.
Vessik never appears physically in the story, until the very climax. That’s fine. We get plenty of portraits of him earlier. But when we finally see him, he’s just there. We need shock, a more vivid description, something to give that moment more oomf! I know it’s the middle of a fight scene, but that was a moment that didn’t hit hard enough for me as is. I’m looking forward to the prequel, because as is I still don’t understand why he was fool enough to give his soul to a demon to “help people.” And why does he want to help people so badly? I need to know!! And oh my gosh it broke my heart when he stabbed himself.
The other is this story suffered a bit from the sagging middle. We had our inciting incident, the scene where Sikras loses Benjamin in the grand hall, and then much of the middle is without conflict or tension, with one fun side quest and one battle out of nowhere. I would have liked to have seen the plot more tightly wound with more minor trials and tests to grow the characters and their bonds with each other. As it is, I still enjoyed the middle and the dancing and dialogue, but the pace was a little slow for my taste.
A word to Sikras and Helspira’s relationship: it was super sweet and beautiful. They were so respectful toward each other. I’d love to see more relationships like theirs in romantasy!
All that to say, this book was a fun wild romp and planted these characters firmly in my heart. And I’m so excited to see more from the author! I’d highly recommend it for all fans of dark fantasy and romantasy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2025
This book felt like playing DnD with your friends on a warm summer night for six hours straight (yes, I am very much a target audience).
I remember a few years ago, seeing the author's comic on social media and thinking how compelling the characters looked even through the short clips I saw. If I am honest, I was a little skeptical about the book at first, since I have been let down by romantic fanatsy books so many times but this was so delightful and exceeded all of my expectations.
The shining star of this book is definitely characters. The main trio is absolutely fantastically written and executed, and the side characters feel very alive (pun not intended) as well. Sikras is one of the most compelling male protagonsists I have seen in a long time and a great example that you can write a morally grey characters without making them racist assholes. He was so funny, and witty, but also very gentle and respectful and just super heart fluttering! Haven't felt this much love for a male love interest in a really long time. Ben and Helspira were an absolute delight too, and I love the clashing of motivations and alingments that made characters work so well together.
From minor things I wish the book was longer because while I enjoyed the romance it did feel a little rushed for me by the end. I think if they shared smaller stakes adventures before coming into the last act of the book I would find the declaration of eternal love a little more believable.
Nevertheless, the romance was delightful too! I liked that since the beginning Sikras and Helspira had so much respect for each other, and the romance is not rooted in racism/animosity, but more in a genuine connection of two very broken people who accidentally found peace in each other.
Downed this in two days and just couldn't put down. Wishing the author all of the best and will try to support her as much as I can!
I remember a few years ago, seeing the author's comic on social media and thinking how compelling the characters looked even through the short clips I saw. If I am honest, I was a little skeptical about the book at first, since I have been let down by romantic fanatsy books so many times but this was so delightful and exceeded all of my expectations.
The shining star of this book is definitely characters. The main trio is absolutely fantastically written and executed, and the side characters feel very alive (pun not intended) as well. Sikras is one of the most compelling male protagonsists I have seen in a long time and a great example that you can write a morally grey characters without making them racist assholes. He was so funny, and witty, but also very gentle and respectful and just super heart fluttering! Haven't felt this much love for a male love interest in a really long time. Ben and Helspira were an absolute delight too, and I love the clashing of motivations and alingments that made characters work so well together.
From minor things I wish the book was longer because while I enjoyed the romance it did feel a little rushed for me by the end. I think if they shared smaller stakes adventures before coming into the last act of the book I would find the declaration of eternal love a little more believable.
Nevertheless, the romance was delightful too! I liked that since the beginning Sikras and Helspira had so much respect for each other, and the romance is not rooted in racism/animosity, but more in a genuine connection of two very broken people who accidentally found peace in each other.
Downed this in two days and just couldn't put down. Wishing the author all of the best and will try to support her as much as I can!
February 1, 2025
"In a world of violence, what a beautiful thing it is to love someone you barely know"
If one sentence could define a novel, it would be this. The love this trio has for each other is amazing - whether it is Sikras and Helspira's blossoming romance or Helspira's sibling-like bond with Benjamin. Of course Sikras loves Ben as well, but they know each other very well. The characters in this novel are not only funny, but so full of depth that one would be excited to see both a prequel and a sequel. I'd like to see Sikras before he became a broken man, Benjamin with flesh. Imri's entire characterization - we heard so much about her in this novel but saw so little, due to her circumstances. I think most readers would definitely recommend this novel.
I saw another review stating that the "Necromantic" Sikras was never hopeless to begin with, and that is true in the romantic sense. The man is suave, but gentle, and holds a heart of gold under his mask of deceit. Helspira was wrapped around his finger for almost the entire novel! But Sikras as a character was a man without hope. A grieving widower of four years who not only could not accept his wife's death, but couldn't let go of his Brother-in-Law either. Benjamin died with his sister, but Sikras used every ounce of the power of the Catseye to bring him back as an undead with free will, not just because he loves his brother, but because he can't let go. Sikras has no hope for the future, so he clings to the past that he once had. He clung to Benjamin, to Imri, to Vessik, and that hurts his relationship with the living. Perhaps in another life he could've been friends with Rowan, perhaps his relationship with Saelihn wouldn't be so strained if he could've just let go all those years ago and have hope for something better.
If one sentence could define a novel, it would be this. The love this trio has for each other is amazing - whether it is Sikras and Helspira's blossoming romance or Helspira's sibling-like bond with Benjamin. Of course Sikras loves Ben as well, but they know each other very well. The characters in this novel are not only funny, but so full of depth that one would be excited to see both a prequel and a sequel. I'd like to see Sikras before he became a broken man, Benjamin with flesh. Imri's entire characterization - we heard so much about her in this novel but saw so little, due to her circumstances. I think most readers would definitely recommend this novel.
I saw another review stating that the "Necromantic" Sikras was never hopeless to begin with, and that is true in the romantic sense. The man is suave, but gentle, and holds a heart of gold under his mask of deceit. Helspira was wrapped around his finger for almost the entire novel! But Sikras as a character was a man without hope. A grieving widower of four years who not only could not accept his wife's death, but couldn't let go of his Brother-in-Law either. Benjamin died with his sister, but Sikras used every ounce of the power of the Catseye to bring him back as an undead with free will, not just because he loves his brother, but because he can't let go. Sikras has no hope for the future, so he clings to the past that he once had. He clung to Benjamin, to Imri, to Vessik, and that hurts his relationship with the living. Perhaps in another life he could've been friends with Rowan, perhaps his relationship with Saelihn wouldn't be so strained if he could've just let go all those years ago and have hope for something better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2025
Odd but true realization I’ve come to this year: I love books with necromancy. I don’t really know what it is about it, but I find every book involving this subject fascinating. I mean, in simplest terms, its definition is the practice of communicating with the dead, usually with the goal of predicting the future. But books today have taken its meaning to a whole new level. Today, books that involve necromancy have shifted its primary goal to RAISING the dead which just adds to the entertaining aspects of it. It makes for the most fascinating fantasy books. You put necromancy in a romance novel? I am SOLD! Immediately.
I had no idea what to expect of this book, and I went into it pretty blind, but it had me cracking up within the first chapter. I need a Benjamin in my life. I need more horribly timed, absolutely terrible (but in the best way) bone jokes. I need more of this wonderfully depressing romantic comedy. Right now!
I truly don’t have much to compare it to, but this was such an enjoyable, easy, freaking hilarious fantasy rom com. I am so beyond happy that this is getting traditionally published. The new cover? Unreal.
For all my book lover friends who adore Brynne Weaver’s style of dark, morbid humor: this is for you!!! Reading this reminded me so much of the humor in Weaver’s books. Clearly, I’m obsessed. This book is massively character driven, so while it didn’t focus on the twists and adventure a ton, it has so much character development that I didn’t even mind it.
I could go on and on about this for ages, but I absolutely recommend you picking this up ASAP! So grateful I was able to read this before its publication and that I took a chance on a book I had never heard of before now.
A HUGE thank you to NetGalley and Orbit for this eARC! It was absolutely incredible.
I had no idea what to expect of this book, and I went into it pretty blind, but it had me cracking up within the first chapter. I need a Benjamin in my life. I need more horribly timed, absolutely terrible (but in the best way) bone jokes. I need more of this wonderfully depressing romantic comedy. Right now!
I truly don’t have much to compare it to, but this was such an enjoyable, easy, freaking hilarious fantasy rom com. I am so beyond happy that this is getting traditionally published. The new cover? Unreal.
For all my book lover friends who adore Brynne Weaver’s style of dark, morbid humor: this is for you!!! Reading this reminded me so much of the humor in Weaver’s books. Clearly, I’m obsessed. This book is massively character driven, so while it didn’t focus on the twists and adventure a ton, it has so much character development that I didn’t even mind it.
I could go on and on about this for ages, but I absolutely recommend you picking this up ASAP! So grateful I was able to read this before its publication and that I took a chance on a book I had never heard of before now.
A HUGE thank you to NetGalley and Orbit for this eARC! It was absolutely incredible.
December 11, 2025
I was not prepared to get so emotionally invested in these characters when I received this ARC. This book is like a D&D romantasy that even the guys will love. Balanced with emotional depth and dark humor, we are introduced to Sikras, a cordial, yet emotionally reserved, necromancer and his best friend and brother-in-law, Ben, a former Red Sentinal in life and current undead, skeletal bard. In a fantasy world where Death’s veil hides no mystery, many seek Sikras’s talents to resurrect their loved ones, but it is the kingdom’s queen who knows he is no ordinary necromancer. She conscripts his skills to help stop an approaching threat—an undead army led by Sikras’s childhood-friend-turned-evil, Vessik.
Meanwhile, Sikras and Ben are joined by a member of the queen’s Red Sentinal, a demon named Helspire. She is eager to be accepted by her peers, determined to protect her parents, and resolved in holding back her infernal nature. Though she is tasked with making sure Sikras follows through with his mission, the motley trio form the most heartwarming bonds along the way that I have had the pleasure to read in a long time. The banter is well timed and dovetails some of the heavier issues of grief, loyalty, and the ills of power that are confronted as the story unfolds.
Briar knows her craft. She delivers complex characters, a well-paced plot, and a genuine slow burn romance that blossoms from friendship and not lust. If you’re a reader looking for accessible fantasy with layer characters and well-woven back stories, I highly recommend Hopeless Necromantic. I’m definitely looking forward to the next one.
Meanwhile, Sikras and Ben are joined by a member of the queen’s Red Sentinal, a demon named Helspire. She is eager to be accepted by her peers, determined to protect her parents, and resolved in holding back her infernal nature. Though she is tasked with making sure Sikras follows through with his mission, the motley trio form the most heartwarming bonds along the way that I have had the pleasure to read in a long time. The banter is well timed and dovetails some of the heavier issues of grief, loyalty, and the ills of power that are confronted as the story unfolds.
Briar knows her craft. She delivers complex characters, a well-paced plot, and a genuine slow burn romance that blossoms from friendship and not lust. If you’re a reader looking for accessible fantasy with layer characters and well-woven back stories, I highly recommend Hopeless Necromantic. I’m definitely looking forward to the next one.
November 16, 2024
A book about love, forgiveness and grieving.
I have followed Shiloh Briar for some time on Instagram, taking in info about her debut novel like a vacuum cleaner. So I really was excited when the publishing date came and it almost magically appeared on my e-reader.
Her writing style is full of wordplays and dark humor, exactly what I needed between other, non-fiction books. I devored the funny parts as well as the sad parts (I just keep laughing about that one scene with the undead rat—not to spoiler anything).
I adored the characters from the start, not only because of what info I got beforehand. The protagonist is—for a lucky change—no five-hundred year old fae but a human necromantic and confirmed liar named Sikras in his thirties, accompanied by his undead brother-in-law Ben and the demon Helspira. The story behind it is quite simple: Together, they have to fight evil, impersonated by Sikras' and Ben's former best friend. But what Shiloh Briar hauled out of such a allegedly "simple woven" story is immense. There were no parts I thought of as needless, the tension was upgeld until the end of the book. And—what should I say?—I also CRIED my eyes out at some point of the book.
All in all, the five stars I gave that book are truely earned. I am so excited to lay my handy on part 2 sometime in the future. Shiloh, if you read this: you are truely an amazing author! Thank you for this amazing story I never knew I desperately needed! Keep going 🫶
I have followed Shiloh Briar for some time on Instagram, taking in info about her debut novel like a vacuum cleaner. So I really was excited when the publishing date came and it almost magically appeared on my e-reader.
Her writing style is full of wordplays and dark humor, exactly what I needed between other, non-fiction books. I devored the funny parts as well as the sad parts (I just keep laughing about that one scene with the undead rat—not to spoiler anything).
I adored the characters from the start, not only because of what info I got beforehand. The protagonist is—for a lucky change—no five-hundred year old fae but a human necromantic and confirmed liar named Sikras in his thirties, accompanied by his undead brother-in-law Ben and the demon Helspira. The story behind it is quite simple: Together, they have to fight evil, impersonated by Sikras' and Ben's former best friend. But what Shiloh Briar hauled out of such a allegedly "simple woven" story is immense. There were no parts I thought of as needless, the tension was upgeld until the end of the book. And—what should I say?—I also CRIED my eyes out at some point of the book.
All in all, the five stars I gave that book are truely earned. I am so excited to lay my handy on part 2 sometime in the future. Shiloh, if you read this: you are truely an amazing author! Thank you for this amazing story I never knew I desperately needed! Keep going 🫶
January 2, 2025
4.5 stars!!! absolutely loved the ride this book took me on. i had seen comics and illustrations the author made of her characters on tiktok and they seemed so endearing and quirky and fun! but. i have been burned many times before by tiktok recs, no offense to authors who advertise on there. so i put off reading it for a few weeks.
i needn’t have feared because i devoured this book and enjoyed every second!! the characters were just as endearing and funny in the book as they were in the comics and memes. i love benjamin so much and i would kill for him, die for him, even talk to a cranky old wizard for him. sikras my beloved pathetic necromancer also has my heart. and of course, helspira my demon sweetheart who just wants to protect her new home is the best and i want her to be so happy forever.
the plot was well-paced, interesting, and had enough twists to keep me quickly turning pages while not being too twisty as to be unbelievable or contrived.
subtracting half a star because there were a few clunky phrasings, typos, and a plot point or two that were introduced and resolved too quickly for me. but for a debut novel that was independently published? incredible work. shiloh briar is an auto-buy author for me from now on and i will read anything she writes. (also she’s very fun to follow on tiktok, i highly recommend it).
definitely read this one if you love a good fantasy with funny and lovable characters, and if you love a good romance side plot!
i needn’t have feared because i devoured this book and enjoyed every second!! the characters were just as endearing and funny in the book as they were in the comics and memes. i love benjamin so much and i would kill for him, die for him, even talk to a cranky old wizard for him. sikras my beloved pathetic necromancer also has my heart. and of course, helspira my demon sweetheart who just wants to protect her new home is the best and i want her to be so happy forever.
the plot was well-paced, interesting, and had enough twists to keep me quickly turning pages while not being too twisty as to be unbelievable or contrived.
subtracting half a star because there were a few clunky phrasings, typos, and a plot point or two that were introduced and resolved too quickly for me. but for a debut novel that was independently published? incredible work. shiloh briar is an auto-buy author for me from now on and i will read anything she writes. (also she’s very fun to follow on tiktok, i highly recommend it).
definitely read this one if you love a good fantasy with funny and lovable characters, and if you love a good romance side plot!
December 21, 2025
Sikras has major issues!! This necromancer has absolutely no idea how to cope with his grief, yet beneath the chaos you realize he isn’t a bad person at all. He’s thoughtful, caring in his actions, deeply flawed, and strangely lovable because of it. He’s chaotic, funny, emotionally volatile! And his best friend, the walking skeleton, Ben is hilarious and truly cares for Sikras.
I didn’t know what to expect going into this book, but I found myself laughing out loud one moment and then struggling through the raw weight of Sikras’s grief the next. The emotional whiplash works. His pain feels real, uncomfortable, and earned.
Both of our main characters struggle. Helspira, a demon trying to survive in a world she doesn’t belong to, wants desperately to make it work. Ironically, she often shows more humanity and decency than the humans around her, which makes her story especially compelling.
Overall, this was a great read. Some parts slowed down a bit, but never enough to pull me out of the story. The author’s writing has a whimsical, slightly off-kilter charm that fits the characters perfectly, and I’d absolutely pick up another book by her.
Tropes
• Chaotic necromancer MMC
• Grief as a character arc
• Morally gray but soft inside
• Demon FMC with a heart
• Found family energy
• Dark fantasy with humor
• Emotional damage (with jokes)
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC for the re-release!
I didn’t know what to expect going into this book, but I found myself laughing out loud one moment and then struggling through the raw weight of Sikras’s grief the next. The emotional whiplash works. His pain feels real, uncomfortable, and earned.
Both of our main characters struggle. Helspira, a demon trying to survive in a world she doesn’t belong to, wants desperately to make it work. Ironically, she often shows more humanity and decency than the humans around her, which makes her story especially compelling.
Overall, this was a great read. Some parts slowed down a bit, but never enough to pull me out of the story. The author’s writing has a whimsical, slightly off-kilter charm that fits the characters perfectly, and I’d absolutely pick up another book by her.
Tropes
• Chaotic necromancer MMC
• Grief as a character arc
• Morally gray but soft inside
• Demon FMC with a heart
• Found family energy
• Dark fantasy with humor
• Emotional damage (with jokes)
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC for the re-release!
December 29, 2024
This is my first GoodReads review. In fact, I've created an account just to write this. This book is magical. I don't know whether to feel absolutely devastated or happy now that I've finished it, but I don't regret reading it. Not at all.
The greatest strength of "Hopeless Necromantic" is in its characters. Shiloh Briar makes you care about them deeply and they feel like real human beings with all their flaws. How beautiful it is to love these people you barely know. The main trio is deeply endearing and their relationships are realistic. It works very well in a hauntingly beautiful way.
This story is funny, sad and hopeful all at the same time. It never feels like "too much" or "not enough" (even though I'd read hundreds of pages about these characters). I love the tone of the book as it really feels like reading the character's internal thoughts. I think like they do which adds to their endearing aspect.
It was a very emotional read for me and I can't wait for the author's next work. Thank you for writing this!
The greatest strength of "Hopeless Necromantic" is in its characters. Shiloh Briar makes you care about them deeply and they feel like real human beings with all their flaws. How beautiful it is to love these people you barely know. The main trio is deeply endearing and their relationships are realistic. It works very well in a hauntingly beautiful way.
This story is funny, sad and hopeful all at the same time. It never feels like "too much" or "not enough" (even though I'd read hundreds of pages about these characters). I love the tone of the book as it really feels like reading the character's internal thoughts. I think like they do which adds to their endearing aspect.
It was a very emotional read for me and I can't wait for the author's next work. Thank you for writing this!
November 28, 2025
Hopeless Necromantic was SUCH A FUN TIME. I wouldn't quite call it cozy fantasy, because the stakes are high. But I think with the humor and overall silliness it felt a lot like Tusk Love or Legends and Lattes. Hopeless Romantic is a quest to save the country from a rogue necromancer by a rag tag crew of a demon, necromancer, and skeleton. The banter between the three is absolutely hilarious, and I found myself cackling multiple times. Beyond just being funny, this was heartfelt. The themes of grief and depression and moving on are done in such a touching way, and I found myself getting emotional at points. There is a romance here, but it's not the main plot of this story. I really enjoy when the plot takes the driver's seat in a fantasy romance, AND I can't wait to see more of our MMC and FMC together.
I am blown away by Shiloh Briar and her debut novel, and I cannot wait for book 2. Book 1 ends in a satisfying way, but with additional quests to come. So you won't experience a traumatic cliffhanger, just more people to save and things to do and quests to go on.
I am blown away by Shiloh Briar and her debut novel, and I cannot wait for book 2. Book 1 ends in a satisfying way, but with additional quests to come. So you won't experience a traumatic cliffhanger, just more people to save and things to do and quests to go on.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews