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Grave Magic and Other Forms of Courtship #1
A Necromancer's Guide to Grave Mistakes
A new fairytale inspired romantic fantasy standalone from author Melissa Wright.
Ellenora Morgrave has a problem letting go. When her emotions grow unruly, so does her magic, and the creatures she accidentally raises from the dead refuse to return to the grave. In a kingdom where necromancy exists solely to investigate crimes against the crown, Ella’s undead family could spell her end. But when her father is murdered and her stepfamily stands to inherit not just his estate but his post as head necromancer, Ella must turn to investigations of her own.
Prince Silas has a problem hanging on. Over the years, he’s gained a bit of a reputation. But as sole heir, he’s used to the things he cares about being torn away, including the wild and slightly terrifying girl with a penchant for collecting wounded creatures he fell for in his youth. When his valet dies under suspicious circumstances and the palace guard can’t be trusted, he knows just who to turn to.
Together, Ella and Silas dig up a conspiracy, old wounds, and the dead. But setting things right will test the walls they’ve built to protect themselves, and as Prince Silas realizes he’s found something worth holding onto, Ella may be forced to finally let go.
This light, fun standalone fantasy with humor, heart, and a whole lot of dark whimsy is the first book in the Grave Magic and Other Forms of Courtship series. Perfect for fans of Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries and Nettle & Bone.
Prince Silas has a problem hanging on. Over the years, he’s gained a bit of a reputation. But as sole heir, he’s used to the things he cares about being torn away, including the wild and slightly terrifying girl with a penchant for collecting wounded creatures he fell for in his youth. When his valet dies under suspicious circumstances and the palace guard can’t be trusted, he knows just who to turn to.
Together, Ella and Silas dig up a conspiracy, old wounds, and the dead. But setting things right will test the walls they’ve built to protect themselves, and as Prince Silas realizes he’s found something worth holding onto, Ella may be forced to finally let go.
This light, fun standalone fantasy with humor, heart, and a whole lot of dark whimsy is the first book in the Grave Magic and Other Forms of Courtship series. Perfect for fans of Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries and Nettle & Bone.
260 pages, Paperback
Published April 7, 2026
19 people are currently reading
2153 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Wright
53 books1,535 followersMelissa is the author of more than a dozen YA and fantasy novels including The Frey Saga and Between Ink and Shadows. When not writing she can generally be found talking with an author friend about a book, painting something from a book, or tucked between headphones listening to a book. It’s kind of a theme. She loves reasonable heroines in unreasonable situations, noble--if brooding--heroes, slow burn and sweet kisses, a lot of havoc, and a little magic. Stay updated on works in progress at Instagram. Contact her through the web at www.melissa-wright.com
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 25, 2026
This read was super cute! Warm, cozy fantasy!
Love the little animal sidekicks, those were my favorite!
Super quick read, finished it in a day!
Love the little animal sidekicks, those were my favorite!
Super quick read, finished it in a day!
May 12, 2026
The first chapter had me hooked with all the macabre elements and descriptions of cinder magic. Eleanora was a fun protagonist to follow: spunky, but not mean (usually), goal driven, unorthodox. Prince Silas had more personality than a lot of romantasy dudes I've read and I liked him. He was clever and acted independent of the female lead, with his own goals and values.
Romance was meh, but that's usually how I feel about romance. The plot confused me at several turns, but I'm not sure if it was because my mind was being a bit fuzzy or if it was the book's fault. I'll have to give it a second read and report back on that. Eleanora lost her agency near the halfway point, and sometimes the story felt like it belonged more to Silas than her (I liked Silas, so I didn't mind).
The undead were probably the best part of this book. They were each so full of quirks and made me laugh: the sassy mice, Henry with his shovel, Blackthorn's ominous obsession over tea, George as the worst lookout in the history of lookouts (I don't think he ever once did his job right). I'm a little disappointed that we never got to meet the lizard, though.
Overall, an enjoyable book that I will probably read again at least once.
Romance was meh, but that's usually how I feel about romance. The plot confused me at several turns, but I'm not sure if it was because my mind was being a bit fuzzy or if it was the book's fault. I'll have to give it a second read and report back on that. Eleanora lost her agency near the halfway point, and sometimes the story felt like it belonged more to Silas than her (I liked Silas, so I didn't mind).
The undead were probably the best part of this book. They were each so full of quirks and made me laugh: the sassy mice, Henry with his shovel, Blackthorn's ominous obsession over tea, George as the worst lookout in the history of lookouts (I don't think he ever once did his job right). I'm a little disappointed that we never got to meet the lizard, though.
Overall, an enjoyable book that I will probably read again at least once.
Did Not Finish
April 27, 2026I don’t think cozy fantasy is for me, even in retelling form.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
I love! LOVE! LOVE! This book! This slightly dark…completely cozy…whimsical tale was everything I had hoped for and everything I hadn’t even realized I needed to read during this dreary February! And my heart sang and my soul danced with every turn of the page!
Ella can’t believe the terrible luck she is having. Not only has her father died, but her step mother has kicked her out of their estate. Lucky for her she has found lodging and a job at The Spinster Inn. But Ella isn’t about to give up her dream of becoming a Cinder—hopefully High Cinder like her father before her. But with a missing will, a roguish prince, secrets upon secrets upon…even more secret, and a whole menagerie of undead creatures and beings that refuse to return to the grave, Ella may just have her work cut out for her.
This story was simply…PERFECTION! Like I seriously couldn’t have loved it any more.
The characters were unique and delightful (or delightfully fiendish)! From Prince Silas—whom was PERFECTION and ROGUISH CHAOS at its absolute swoonworthiness—to Magnes and his undead, crazy badger antics, this story had ALL the hilarious, dark, and unexpectedly heartwarming moments.
Then there was the world building! The world building was fantastic! I loved that the necromancers were called Cinders and that played so well into the Cinder-Ella niche and I loved how Ella’s magic worked and how she influenced it. I loved the darkness and the necromancy atmosphere and how it contrasted so beautifully with the sweet, swoony, romantic soul of the tale. I loved that on one hand it was super cozy and on the other I found myself tearing up on an occasion or two.
Speaking of soul of the tale…Then there is the fact that this story was in a way a Cinderella Retelling…and yet…it wasn’t. I mean…it was…there was all the important details—a prince, a ball, mice…etc…but Wright created this amazing tale that truly took on a whole life of its own. It was just just “chef’s kiss” and Wright couldn’t have written a more complete yet delightfully twisted version.
Seriously! I’ve read A LOT of Cinderella retellings and A Necromancer’s Guide to Grave Mistakes is by far my absolute favorite of them all! But more than that…because this story is so much more than a simple retelling…this story has quickly become one of my favorite escapes of ALL TIME!
So yep…I could absolutely write another several hundred words about this stories delightfully dark and wonderful nature…but instead let me leave you with one of my favorite passages…
“Everyone thinks you’re a rake.” He hummed agreeably. “Think of how much more they’ll allow me to get away with, then. We might be able to brush shoulders. Sit too closely and touch thighs.”
Ella can’t believe the terrible luck she is having. Not only has her father died, but her step mother has kicked her out of their estate. Lucky for her she has found lodging and a job at The Spinster Inn. But Ella isn’t about to give up her dream of becoming a Cinder—hopefully High Cinder like her father before her. But with a missing will, a roguish prince, secrets upon secrets upon…even more secret, and a whole menagerie of undead creatures and beings that refuse to return to the grave, Ella may just have her work cut out for her.
This story was simply…PERFECTION! Like I seriously couldn’t have loved it any more.
The characters were unique and delightful (or delightfully fiendish)! From Prince Silas—whom was PERFECTION and ROGUISH CHAOS at its absolute swoonworthiness—to Magnes and his undead, crazy badger antics, this story had ALL the hilarious, dark, and unexpectedly heartwarming moments.
Then there was the world building! The world building was fantastic! I loved that the necromancers were called Cinders and that played so well into the Cinder-Ella niche and I loved how Ella’s magic worked and how she influenced it. I loved the darkness and the necromancy atmosphere and how it contrasted so beautifully with the sweet, swoony, romantic soul of the tale. I loved that on one hand it was super cozy and on the other I found myself tearing up on an occasion or two.
Speaking of soul of the tale…Then there is the fact that this story was in a way a Cinderella Retelling…and yet…it wasn’t. I mean…it was…there was all the important details—a prince, a ball, mice…etc…but Wright created this amazing tale that truly took on a whole life of its own. It was just just “chef’s kiss” and Wright couldn’t have written a more complete yet delightfully twisted version.
Seriously! I’ve read A LOT of Cinderella retellings and A Necromancer’s Guide to Grave Mistakes is by far my absolute favorite of them all! But more than that…because this story is so much more than a simple retelling…this story has quickly become one of my favorite escapes of ALL TIME!
So yep…I could absolutely write another several hundred words about this stories delightfully dark and wonderful nature…but instead let me leave you with one of my favorite passages…
“Everyone thinks you’re a rake.” He hummed agreeably. “Think of how much more they’ll allow me to get away with, then. We might be able to brush shoulders. Sit too closely and touch thighs.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
This Cinderella retelling was so impressive! It had all the cozy vibe but mixed with a very captivating darkness. You know those cute animal sidekicks around Cinderella? Make them undead and you got the gist of it. I was quite obsessed since the first page, this is a mix I didn't know would be so fascinating.
Our heroine Ella was such a nice character to follow. Even though she's a necromancer, and it could be gloomy to follow her, it was the contrary. She was so full of compassion and even through her hardships she was still being so nice and trying her best through life. The found family was so satisfying with these undeads stuck with Ella. There was something super cute about their interactions and the way they cared and understood one another.
Prince Silas brought a lot of funny moments on the page. He was a diverting character and I loved his banter and charming personality. Both characters had their agenda, and it mixed together so well. The mystery was there and with the murders there was a lot at stake. It definitely kept me glued to the pages till the very end.
The fact that this story is on a short side did not take away from the plot. There was time for everything and the pace was good.
Overall, this was a very entertaining one and such a fun take on the usual Cinderella retelling. I will look for more from this author because I really liked this one!
Thanks to MTMC Tours and the author for the review copy. All opinions are my own.
Our heroine Ella was such a nice character to follow. Even though she's a necromancer, and it could be gloomy to follow her, it was the contrary. She was so full of compassion and even through her hardships she was still being so nice and trying her best through life. The found family was so satisfying with these undeads stuck with Ella. There was something super cute about their interactions and the way they cared and understood one another.
Prince Silas brought a lot of funny moments on the page. He was a diverting character and I loved his banter and charming personality. Both characters had their agenda, and it mixed together so well. The mystery was there and with the murders there was a lot at stake. It definitely kept me glued to the pages till the very end.
The fact that this story is on a short side did not take away from the plot. There was time for everything and the pace was good.
Overall, this was a very entertaining one and such a fun take on the usual Cinderella retelling. I will look for more from this author because I really liked this one!
Thanks to MTMC Tours and the author for the review copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was an absolute delight!
This is the perfect blend of cozy but dark fantasy and emotional storytelling, with strong T. Kingfisher vibes. Ella is messy, desperate, and incredibly charming in the way she clings to both grief and responsibility, while Silas is the kind of charming disaster prince I will always fall for. Their dynamic is hilarious and heartfelt in equal measure, full of banter, bad decisions, and genuinely sweet moments.
The humor lands beautifully without undercutting the emotional stakes, and the mystery gives the plot a spine. I loved how the story treats death, love, and loyalty with equal weight; sometimes funny, sometimes painful, always sincere. This book completely won me over with its warmth, wit, and undead chaos, and I count it among my favorite reads this year.
HIGHLY recommend, fans of T. Kingfisher!
Thanks to Storygram and the author for the complimentary copy. I hugged it more than once. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
This is the perfect blend of cozy but dark fantasy and emotional storytelling, with strong T. Kingfisher vibes. Ella is messy, desperate, and incredibly charming in the way she clings to both grief and responsibility, while Silas is the kind of charming disaster prince I will always fall for. Their dynamic is hilarious and heartfelt in equal measure, full of banter, bad decisions, and genuinely sweet moments.
The humor lands beautifully without undercutting the emotional stakes, and the mystery gives the plot a spine. I loved how the story treats death, love, and loyalty with equal weight; sometimes funny, sometimes painful, always sincere. This book completely won me over with its warmth, wit, and undead chaos, and I count it among my favorite reads this year.
HIGHLY recommend, fans of T. Kingfisher!
Thanks to Storygram and the author for the complimentary copy. I hugged it more than once. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
April 11, 2026
This is the kind of story that feels whimsical on the surface, undead antics, a chaotic prince, and a determined heroine, but underneath, it carries real weight. Ella is messy, grieving, and stubborn in the most human way, and I loved watching her navigate loss, responsibility, and her dream of becoming a Cinder, even when everything keeps going wrong (including the dead refusing to stay dead). And Silas brings that perfect “charming disaster” energy. Their dynamic is full of banter, tension, and genuinely sweet moments that made me smile more than once.
What stood out most to me was the balance. The humor never undercuts the emotional core, and the story treats grief, love, and loyalty with sincerity while still delivering plenty of fun, slightly chaotic moments (hello undead companions). It has the bones of a Cinderella retelling, but it very much becomes its own story, one filled with found family, secrets, and a wonderfully cozy-dark atmosphere. A perfect pick if you love fantasy that’s equal parts heartwarming, funny, and slightly macabre.
What stood out most to me was the balance. The humor never undercuts the emotional core, and the story treats grief, love, and loyalty with sincerity while still delivering plenty of fun, slightly chaotic moments (hello undead companions). It has the bones of a Cinderella retelling, but it very much becomes its own story, one filled with found family, secrets, and a wonderfully cozy-dark atmosphere. A perfect pick if you love fantasy that’s equal parts heartwarming, funny, and slightly macabre.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A fairy tale retelling of Cinderella, with murder and necromancy and plots to take over the kingdom, which turns out to be a lot of fun with a lot of heart. Our Heroine is Ella, who can wake the dead (getting them back to sleep is another matter) who seeks to follow in her late father’s footsteps as the necromancer (or “Cinder”) in the kingdom. In order to do so, she must find paperwork that he supposedly left behind, naming her as his successor.
Standing in her way we have her greedy step-family, an unsolved murder or two, and the difficulty of traveling around with a growing found family of undead folks (and mice! And a badger!)
We also have Prince Silas, who’s by turns charming and annoying (to Ella) but ultimately a good guy. I liked him a lot.
It’s a mostly-light and cozy read, but there’s some darkness to it – a good balance. I’ve enjoyed the author’s Rivenwilde series in the past, and I’m happy I have another series to follow!
Standing in her way we have her greedy step-family, an unsolved murder or two, and the difficulty of traveling around with a growing found family of undead folks (and mice! And a badger!)
We also have Prince Silas, who’s by turns charming and annoying (to Ella) but ultimately a good guy. I liked him a lot.
It’s a mostly-light and cozy read, but there’s some darkness to it – a good balance. I’ve enjoyed the author’s Rivenwilde series in the past, and I’m happy I have another series to follow!
April 28, 2026
Oh what a fun book this was! A standalone romantasy that I devoured in one sitting, it’s a darkly funny, whimsical fairytale.
Ellenora is a necromancer who accidentally brings back cute creatures (and the occasional person) from the dead, she just hasn’t quite mastered putting them back in the ground again! Add in a tall, dark & handsome Prince Charming who falls, quite literally - head over heels for her & you have the perfect combo! 💕
Prince Silas & Ellas connection in this book was so addictive and I loved her little (recently deceased) critter companions that helped her along the way - particularly Magnus the wicked little Badger! 🖤🥰
If you’re a fan of Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries and Nettle & Bone - you’re going to love this! Out now!
Follow me on Instagram @fae_evermore for more Fantasy Reviews 💕
Ellenora is a necromancer who accidentally brings back cute creatures (and the occasional person) from the dead, she just hasn’t quite mastered putting them back in the ground again! Add in a tall, dark & handsome Prince Charming who falls, quite literally - head over heels for her & you have the perfect combo! 💕
Prince Silas & Ellas connection in this book was so addictive and I loved her little (recently deceased) critter companions that helped her along the way - particularly Magnus the wicked little Badger! 🖤🥰
If you’re a fan of Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries and Nettle & Bone - you’re going to love this! Out now!
Follow me on Instagram @fae_evermore for more Fantasy Reviews 💕
Read
April 17, 2026I think this must be my favourite Melissa Wright story yet! You've absolutely never read a Cinderella retelling quite like this one. Ella is a necromancer with a few small problems - her father's dead, her stepmother's responsible, and she can't figure out how to lay the spirit of her mother which haunts a tree outside the family manor. Her only hope of untangling her father's murder and claiming his legacy lies with a handsome, if inebriated prince.
This book reads like a screwball comedy and kept me chuckling throughout. I'd call the flavour very cosydark - while the romance is a strong element, there's also elements of cosy mystery and of course, the little family of undead corpses that Ella can't help gathering around her, from mice to former royal valets. Great fun.
This book reads like a screwball comedy and kept me chuckling throughout. I'd call the flavour very cosydark - while the romance is a strong element, there's also elements of cosy mystery and of course, the little family of undead corpses that Ella can't help gathering around her, from mice to former royal valets. Great fun.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Necromancer’s Guide to Grave Mistakes is a very entertaining and fun read and the description stoked my interest enough to support the kickstarter. Main ingredients are a great main character with a difficult past, a mystery waiting to be solved and quite a bit of romance. But the icing on the cake here in my opinion are the undead side-characters (human and furry ones, but the latter are definitely my favorites).
The writing is smooth and fast-paced, A Necromancer’s Guide to Grave Mistakes is a quick and cozy read. I really enjoyed the worldbuilding and the different take on necromancers, kudos to author Melissa Wright.
The writing is smooth and fast-paced, A Necromancer’s Guide to Grave Mistakes is a quick and cozy read. I really enjoyed the worldbuilding and the different take on necromancers, kudos to author Melissa Wright.
April 3, 2026
This was such a cute and cozy loose Cinderella retelling! I loved all the little undead sidekicks and how they each had their own personalities! The romance is sweet and swoony and the back and forth between Ella and Silas was amazing! The comfort scene was one of my favorites! It has mystery, magic, and is the perfect quick read to give you all the warm hug feelings!!
-Loose Cinderella retelling
-Necromancy magic
-Reluctant allies
-Best animal sidekicks
-One horse
-Mystery
-He falls first
“You are unbearably provoking.”
“What a pair we make, then, as you arouse the strongest emotion in me as well.”
-Loose Cinderella retelling
-Necromancy magic
-Reluctant allies
-Best animal sidekicks
-One horse
-Mystery
-He falls first
“You are unbearably provoking.”
“What a pair we make, then, as you arouse the strongest emotion in me as well.”
March 31, 2026
Okay this was really fun and cute!! Such a unique take on Cinderella. It was a delightful mix of cozy and gothic fantasy. Loved all the undead companions that Ella kept accumulating 🤣. Silas is such a smooth talker and so adorable. He sure fell first and harder. Honestly I hope there are more in this world because there are definitely threads that could be followed more. Thanks to MTMC tours and the author for the review copy!
Read
April 15, 2026A fresh and delightful take on the Cinderella retelling scene!! As a Cinderella Stan, I loved how aspects of the original fairytale were incorporated while the plot was strong enough to stand on its own. The characters also shone with whip smart repartee and a hilarious screwball air. Undead animal companions only completed the great cast. I enjoyed this a lot!!
April 30, 2026
A fun spin on Cinderella.
This was a fun book very loosely based on Cinderella. I liked Ella ... and Prince Charming was a little bit of a rake. The evil stepmother was REALLY evil. The author kept me guessing as to what would happen next. Truly a fun, light, read.
This was a fun book very loosely based on Cinderella. I liked Ella ... and Prince Charming was a little bit of a rake. The evil stepmother was REALLY evil. The author kept me guessing as to what would happen next. Truly a fun, light, read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Delightfully odd and entirely romantic somehow, even with all the bodies roaming about. Gobbled this one up in less than a day! Wholeheartedly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Got an early copy of this through Kickstarter. This is a fun, if not a bit dark and twisted, version of Cinderella. Interesting magic and I really enjoyed Ella's sass and banter with Silas.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I bought this on kickstarter. it was a super cute ya story.
the mice and badger were absolutely hilarious.
I feel like there may be a book two but also may not. it ended quite lovely.
the mice and badger were absolutely hilarious.
I feel like there may be a book two but also may not. it ended quite lovely.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A dark, slightly twisted take on Cinderella, complete with wandering bodies and the coolest little zombie sidekicks, and somehow it still manages to be adorably romantic. 🖤 I loved this one!
April 29, 2026
A little dark whimsical tale! It reminded me of T. Kingfisher, which I consider a huge plus! I was laughing out loud on more than one occasion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*Actual rating is 3.5 stars*
A Necromancer’s Guide to Grave Mistakes is a Cinderella retelling that adds reanimated corpses, animal companions and a necromancer with less control over her abilities than she would have liked. There’s also a prince that is the living embodiment of a charming disaster. Que a series of unexpected and unfortunate events, but in a darkly fun way.
There’s emotional stakes, warmth and a healthy dose of undead chaos. The reason the rating isn’t higher is that I had high hopes for this odd cozy fantasy and it just didn’t hit the spot for me, despite a promising premise, fun vibes and a cute romance. I don’t know what it was that made me not love this book, because it has many positive points and I have a hard time pinpointing the bad ones. All I know is that it didn’t end up keeping my attention, despite enjoying the overall story and characters.
If you’re the kind of reader who enjoys sweet, cozy and romantic retellings or fantasy with a healthy dose of fun undead - then I recommend you give this one a go!
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Thank you to the author for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
A Necromancer’s Guide to Grave Mistakes is a Cinderella retelling that adds reanimated corpses, animal companions and a necromancer with less control over her abilities than she would have liked. There’s also a prince that is the living embodiment of a charming disaster. Que a series of unexpected and unfortunate events, but in a darkly fun way.
There’s emotional stakes, warmth and a healthy dose of undead chaos. The reason the rating isn’t higher is that I had high hopes for this odd cozy fantasy and it just didn’t hit the spot for me, despite a promising premise, fun vibes and a cute romance. I don’t know what it was that made me not love this book, because it has many positive points and I have a hard time pinpointing the bad ones. All I know is that it didn’t end up keeping my attention, despite enjoying the overall story and characters.
If you’re the kind of reader who enjoys sweet, cozy and romantic retellings or fantasy with a healthy dose of fun undead - then I recommend you give this one a go!
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Thank you to the author for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews