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Love, Death & Other Awkward Spells: A Necromantic Cozy Fantasy
Eldritch Blackwood Jr. never quite fit the mold of a proper necromancer.
Instead of raising armies of the dead, he specializes in bringing beloved pets back to life. But when Eld’s prestigious family forces him to enroll at Bathurst Academy of Post-Mortem Studies, his unlife takes an unexpected turn. Between dodging his father’s ever-growing expectations and navigating the bizarre social landscape of underworld academia, Eld stumbles upon something far more terrifying than final exams—a buried girl in the academy’s graveyard.
But Lea isn’t just another restless spirit. She’s an eldritch entity whose missing memories hide apocalyptic secrets. Can Eld and his misfit crew of nightkin companions unravel the mysteries of Bathurst all while finding dates to Necropromicon?
A stitched-up amalgamation of cozy fantasy and comedic horror, Love, Death, and Other Awkward Spells is about how it’s never too late to find purpose—even if you’re buried six feet under.
Instead of raising armies of the dead, he specializes in bringing beloved pets back to life. But when Eld’s prestigious family forces him to enroll at Bathurst Academy of Post-Mortem Studies, his unlife takes an unexpected turn. Between dodging his father’s ever-growing expectations and navigating the bizarre social landscape of underworld academia, Eld stumbles upon something far more terrifying than final exams—a buried girl in the academy’s graveyard.
But Lea isn’t just another restless spirit. She’s an eldritch entity whose missing memories hide apocalyptic secrets. Can Eld and his misfit crew of nightkin companions unravel the mysteries of Bathurst all while finding dates to Necropromicon?
A stitched-up amalgamation of cozy fantasy and comedic horror, Love, Death, and Other Awkward Spells is about how it’s never too late to find purpose—even if you’re buried six feet under.
499 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2025
60 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 31, 2025
This was such a fun, unique, and totally unexpected story! I had no clue what to expect from this going in, but it was so good! Like nothing I've ever read, in a good way! I wouldn't call this one cozy, as it's marketed, but it was a super fun story regardless. Perfect for spooky season (spooky vibes without being actually scary)! I look forward to the next book! The narration was super good too!
October 10, 2025
I adore this book, so glad I stumbled upon it. The story is filled with fun, magic, and punny humor with a dash of dark academia. I will definitely be re-reading this. The voice actors for the audiobook take this story to the next level and the reader is instantly transported into another realm.
November 8, 2025
I'm obsessed with the cover but have nothing else positive to say. This was a mess and I have no explanation for why I made myself push through it.
October 26, 2025
My reviews are my own. If you liked this book, I’m glad you enjoyed it. If not, I respect your opinion. This is merely my opinion, so let's keep it courteous. My review is honest and voluntary.
Issues:
-There are numerous rearranged situations inspired by the Harry Potter books, which are somewhat unoriginal/predictable.
-I also had issues with the family situation. Parents need to be more supportive of their kids and not constantly put them down; the world outside does that constantly. Also had a problem with the lack of support when their own brother was bullying them. What is the point of having parents like that?
-Michael Scott, The Office references...really? I'm not sure to which audience this book is intended. It read too immature to be an adult book, but there are comments about things only adults will understand because of their age. So is it aimed at immature adults/teens? It reminds me of old school cheap slapstick comedy, not for me, but based on the reviews, many others do enjoy it. So good for you!
-Bullying, even in books, should be banned! Especially when adults are supporting/allowing it.
-The "romance" is cringeworthy! These are supposed to be centennial beings...but acting like teens?!?
Other than that, the story was entertaining enough to finish, and it was an ok read for the season.
On to my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
Issues:
-There are numerous rearranged situations inspired by the Harry Potter books, which are somewhat unoriginal/predictable.
-I also had issues with the family situation. Parents need to be more supportive of their kids and not constantly put them down; the world outside does that constantly. Also had a problem with the lack of support when their own brother was bullying them. What is the point of having parents like that?
-Michael Scott, The Office references...really? I'm not sure to which audience this book is intended. It read too immature to be an adult book, but there are comments about things only adults will understand because of their age. So is it aimed at immature adults/teens? It reminds me of old school cheap slapstick comedy, not for me, but based on the reviews, many others do enjoy it. So good for you!
-Bullying, even in books, should be banned! Especially when adults are supporting/allowing it.
-The "romance" is cringeworthy! These are supposed to be centennial beings...but acting like teens?!?
Other than that, the story was entertaining enough to finish, and it was an ok read for the season.
On to my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
October 28, 2025
What an enjoyable story!
4.5 stars! This was such a fun story! Not as cozy and low stakes as I anticipated, but still really enjoyable. Eld is a necromancer, but his specialty is reviving animals, specifically pets. He would rather be on the surface helping others, but his very demanding undead father has other academic plans for him. Elm and his various undead pets decend into the underworld to go to the academy. But nothing here is what he expected.
The author did a great job weaving this world together. It's such a vivid world full of a litany of amazing creatures. Between the professors and the other students, there is no shortage of odd and strange encounters, but each one is charming in it's own way. The humor and love for the animals made me appreciate it all the more. I look forward to what the next book brings!
4.5 stars! This was such a fun story! Not as cozy and low stakes as I anticipated, but still really enjoyable. Eld is a necromancer, but his specialty is reviving animals, specifically pets. He would rather be on the surface helping others, but his very demanding undead father has other academic plans for him. Elm and his various undead pets decend into the underworld to go to the academy. But nothing here is what he expected.
The author did a great job weaving this world together. It's such a vivid world full of a litany of amazing creatures. Between the professors and the other students, there is no shortage of odd and strange encounters, but each one is charming in it's own way. The humor and love for the animals made me appreciate it all the more. I look forward to what the next book brings!
September 28, 2025
While I wouldn't call it a comedy, this story is written with a definite tongue-in-cheek macabre flair. Eldrich Pact Blackwood has grown tired of his son, Eldrich Blast Blackwood, traveling around the human world doing good deeds instead of becoming a powerful and feared lich like Eldrich P. so he sends Eld to a private underworld school for training alongside vampires, werewolves, ghouls, and other nightkin students and professors. The story has a definite Harry-Potter-discovers-threat-to-the-wider-world vibe, but is good despite the common trope.
September 18, 2025
Really fun book with great narration. It is perfect for Halloween. I am excited for what book 2 will bring.
October 19, 2025
Such a great book! Good characters, fun story, and perfect read for the fall!
October 28, 2025
Absolute delight!!
October 31, 2025
Very good. Well rounded characters and the storyline was well thought out.
November 3, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
December 11, 2025
The more I get into this book, the more I enjoy it. I knew that it was having a Halloween-ish Cozy fantasy, but I didn't expect to get the feels of reading Buffy's Scoobies without the Buffy. It has been really enjoyable with everything that is going on. And perfect release time with October hitting and all decorations going up for Halloween.
I can't wait for Book 2 to hit.
I can't wait for Book 2 to hit.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews