K.M. Harrell’s The Graveyard Club is an enthralling adventure set against the eerie backdrop of 19th century Newald, where magic, danger, and deep bonds of friendship collide in a tale that is both thrilling and heartfelt.
At its core, the novel follows Besa Melponte, a fourteen-year-old girl grappling with grief, isolation, and an unexpected inheritance of power after her father—the city’s only necromancer—is imprisoned under tragic circumstances. Harrell skillfully brings Besa’s emotional turmoil to life, painting a poignant portrait of a girl forced to grow up too soon in a world that fears and misunderstands magic.
The true magic of The Graveyard Club, however, lies in its vibrant cast of supporting characters. Besa’s loyal friends form the titular club, and together they stumble, scheme, and battle their way through a series of increasingly dangerous encounters. Harrell captures the awkwardness, courage, and fierce loyalty of adolescence with striking authenticity, making the stakes feel all the more real when the Shadows, led by the menacing Bishop Delacroix, come for them.
Harrell’s worldbuilding is another standout. Newald is a city steeped in gothic atmosphere, and the dark rituals, ancient tomes, and lurking supernatural threats lend the story a rich, textured backdrop that is at once chilling and enchanting. The pacing is brisk, with enough twists and turns to keep readers hooked without ever feeling rushed.
Themes of legacy, responsibility, and the fight against corruption give the story deeper resonance. While the magic system is imaginative and occasionally mysterious, it’s the emotional heart of the story—Besa’s struggle to honor her father’s legacy while forging her own path—that makes this novel memorable.
The Graveyard Club is a perfect read for fans of dark fantasy, found family narratives, and coming-of-age adventures. Harrell deftly balances spooky thrills with moments of warmth and hope, delivering a story that lingers long after the final page.