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Necromancer Tales #4
Deadly Arrogance
Necromancer Erasmus Boone’s life is on hold—every shadow suspect, every trip outside his warded home a gamble. Afraid of bringing more attention to already wary necromancers, Erasmus has stopped hunting for his own kind. Unwilling to place an even larger target on his back, Erasmus has even delayed his own wedding.
Human homicide detective Franklin O’Hare wants nothing more than to be there for the necromancer he loves. Unfortunately, he’s neck-deep in not one but two separate multiple-body dump scenes. With little more than skeletal remains to go on, Franklin’s days are consumed with work, and his sleepless nights are spent wishing he had more time for his fiancé.
Waiting and wondering when Tenzen Huxley will make his move is physically exhausting and emotionally draining. Information regarding shadow borne is slim and little more than hearsay, and what is known is horrifying.
Will Erasmus and Franklin be ready when Tenzen finally makes his move? Is there truly any way to be prepared for the hell a shadow borne can unleash? Despite the support of powerful friends and family, Erasmus and Franklin desperately need to find a shadow borne’s weakness.
Sometimes, weakness comes from within, not without, and often, arrogance is the deadliest flaw of all.
Deadly Arrogance is the fourth book in the Necromancer Tales series and should be read in order. This series is a spin-off of the Perfect Pixie series and takes place in the same world but can be read as a stand-alone series. Deadly Arrogance is a m/m romantic fantasy mystery with an unusually sane necromancer just trying to make a living, a humble human detective attempting to keep his necromancer fiancé alive, an arrogant but redeemably overprotective warlock father, a questionably moral all-powerful djinn who may just get her scuttlebutt wish, a welcome Mississippi spring, and an ancient being who desires more power than any creature should wield and has decided a certain necromancer is key to satisfying that greed.
Mentions of violence, murder, souls brought back from the beyond, speciest bigotry, and a few characters of questionable morals and sanity.
Human homicide detective Franklin O’Hare wants nothing more than to be there for the necromancer he loves. Unfortunately, he’s neck-deep in not one but two separate multiple-body dump scenes. With little more than skeletal remains to go on, Franklin’s days are consumed with work, and his sleepless nights are spent wishing he had more time for his fiancé.
Waiting and wondering when Tenzen Huxley will make his move is physically exhausting and emotionally draining. Information regarding shadow borne is slim and little more than hearsay, and what is known is horrifying.
Will Erasmus and Franklin be ready when Tenzen finally makes his move? Is there truly any way to be prepared for the hell a shadow borne can unleash? Despite the support of powerful friends and family, Erasmus and Franklin desperately need to find a shadow borne’s weakness.
Sometimes, weakness comes from within, not without, and often, arrogance is the deadliest flaw of all.
Deadly Arrogance is the fourth book in the Necromancer Tales series and should be read in order. This series is a spin-off of the Perfect Pixie series and takes place in the same world but can be read as a stand-alone series. Deadly Arrogance is a m/m romantic fantasy mystery with an unusually sane necromancer just trying to make a living, a humble human detective attempting to keep his necromancer fiancé alive, an arrogant but redeemably overprotective warlock father, a questionably moral all-powerful djinn who may just get her scuttlebutt wish, a welcome Mississippi spring, and an ancient being who desires more power than any creature should wield and has decided a certain necromancer is key to satisfying that greed.
Mentions of violence, murder, souls brought back from the beyond, speciest bigotry, and a few characters of questionable morals and sanity.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 22, 2025
About the author
M.J. May
24 books304 followersI've been a veterinarian for almost twenty years and have recently added published author to my resume. I've been writing for over fifteen years, most of those stories languishing on my computer. A couple of years ago my fear of never trying to publish my stories overcame my fear of failure. The result is my first book, "Sow What You Reap". It is the first in the Reaping Covetous series. The next book, "Dead Women Tell Tales" should be out by the end of October 2021.
I love supernatural, urban fantasy, paranormal, and mystery genres. I write both M/F and M/M oriented stories.
Please don't hesitate to ask me a question or two.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy my stories. I know I love telling them.
MJ May
I love supernatural, urban fantasy, paranormal, and mystery genres. I write both M/F and M/M oriented stories.
Please don't hesitate to ask me a question or two.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy my stories. I know I love telling them.
MJ May
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 12, 2026
Some niggles but otherwise a great ending
Look suspicioned might be an actual word, albeit a non traditional past tense of suspicion, but using it randomly in the voice of a very modern homicide detective from Chicago, just makes it look like a grammatical mistake.
It also interrupts the flow of the narrative and took me out of the story every time I saw it because it annoyed me so much.
Having got that out of the way, this final (so far) book really is an excellent wrapping up of some of the plotlines left over, although not all.
I hope there is more to come because what's going to happen with the necromancer search is still wide open at the end.
However, the major threat to Erasmus and Franklin is dealt with in a very satisfying manner and there's enough danger to make the reader feel the tension as the narrative rushes towards the conclusion.
I loved how Aurelia's actions were atypical and yet beautifully within her character's sense of morality and i was intrigued by the other djinn we discover throughout this book.
The ending is wonderful and gathering everyone together really helped to give the sense of a family that has come grown through adversity and necessity.
The final reveal of what's coming next is beyond brilliant though, I'm very much looking forward to reading that.
Look suspicioned might be an actual word, albeit a non traditional past tense of suspicion, but using it randomly in the voice of a very modern homicide detective from Chicago, just makes it look like a grammatical mistake.
It also interrupts the flow of the narrative and took me out of the story every time I saw it because it annoyed me so much.
Having got that out of the way, this final (so far) book really is an excellent wrapping up of some of the plotlines left over, although not all.
I hope there is more to come because what's going to happen with the necromancer search is still wide open at the end.
However, the major threat to Erasmus and Franklin is dealt with in a very satisfying manner and there's enough danger to make the reader feel the tension as the narrative rushes towards the conclusion.
I loved how Aurelia's actions were atypical and yet beautifully within her character's sense of morality and i was intrigued by the other djinn we discover throughout this book.
The ending is wonderful and gathering everyone together really helped to give the sense of a family that has come grown through adversity and necessity.
The final reveal of what's coming next is beyond brilliant though, I'm very much looking forward to reading that.
April 28, 2026
“I think you are a very unfortunate necromancer, Erasmus Boone”.
Se acabó. Última novela del Spin Off Necromancer Tales de MJ May Se me ha hecho raro no saber más de Erasmus y sus aventuras.
¿Ha sido lo que esperaba esta serie? Por un lado sí pero por otro no. Me ha sorprenido para bien, la verdad. Ha sido bastante acogedora y con una serie de casos no tan enrevesados. Lo que más me ha gustado yo creo ha sido los giros de guiones finales.
En general, no puedo pedir más me lo pase bien y se me ha quedado un hueco en el corazón con ellos dos.
Se acabó. Última novela del Spin Off Necromancer Tales de MJ May Se me ha hecho raro no saber más de Erasmus y sus aventuras.
¿Ha sido lo que esperaba esta serie? Por un lado sí pero por otro no. Me ha sorprenido para bien, la verdad. Ha sido bastante acogedora y con una serie de casos no tan enrevesados. Lo que más me ha gustado yo creo ha sido los giros de guiones finales.
En general, no puedo pedir más me lo pase bien y se me ha quedado un hueco en el corazón con ellos dos.
January 10, 2026
This was fantastic. I went through all the emotions, and thankfully was 100% satisfied with the ending. I love this author and this complex and fun world she has created. I hope we never have to leave it. Highly recommend this series and if you're in the mood for more, definitely check out her Perfect Pixie series. Worth all the hype (and absolutely deserves more hype!)
April 10, 2026
Solid update to the series, and what I am assuming is the conclusion for this spin-off, as we get what I assume is the conclusion to the main arc. I did find said conclusion to feel a little anticlimactic, but it was all generally enjoyable. And I'm intrigued enough about the implied pairing for a spin-off that I'll keep an eye on what this author does next.
December 25, 2025
Did I wipe an entire star off this for the repeated use of “suspicioned”? Yes, yes I did.
December 24, 2025
I absolutely love it.
Rating: 5🌈
Deadly Arrogance is the series finale that brings the journey of Necromancer Erasmus Boone to an exciting and happy conclusion.
I’ve been absolutely thrilled by this fantasy/paranormal universe of May’s since the first Perfect Pixie novel, a series which introduced necromancer Erasmus Boone.
So it’s fitting that many of those characters play roles here in Boone and Franklin’s battle against a terrifying enemy. It’s emotional and wonderful to see each one, settled into their own lives and relationships, as they come together to fight and support their friends and own communities.
And May, who has created throughly villainous characters in the past, has exceeded herself here in crafting shadow bourne Tenzen Huxley, a seemingly unbeatable and immortal being. Huxley is an ominous figure whose role is one that’s always in the game, even when absent from the current situation. The enormous threat he brings to the couple and those around them is a real concern, no matter what else they are dealing with.
They are mentally, emotionally and spiritually under pressure and attack all the time and the reader, who’s intimately connected with them, feels that same overwhelming stress and suspense.
On top of Huxley’s magical threat to everyone, there’s a multiple murder investigation that requires the attention of both Franklin and Boone. It’s highly unusual, incredibly rare in its sheer scope of detail and complexity.
I won’t elaborate further because there’s many twists here that spin beautifully within the plot. The story is highly suspenseful, compelling emotionally, and has some truly heartbreaking scenes.
And yes, it does end happily with everyone in attendance. I absolutely love it.
And there’s a new connected series on the horizon. Thrilled about that too!
Check out all the books below if you’re new to this universe. Read them in the order they are written. Enjoy them! Highly recommended!
Cover design by cheriefox.
Perfect Pixie Series
Perfectly Imperfect Pixie
Perfectly Perfect Pixie: Peaches’s Story
Perfectly Charmed Pixie: Parsnip’s Story
Perfectly Perplexing Zombie: Wendall’s Story
Purrfectly Peculiar Pixie: Phlox’s Story—finale
Perfectly Petite Shorts: Short Stories from the Perfect Pixie Series M/M
Necromancer Tales Series: Spin-Off from the Perfect Pixie Series
Deadly Lineage: Necromancer Tales Book I
Deadly Deception: Necromancer Tales Book II
Deadly Avarice: Necromancer Tales Book III
Deadly Arrogance: Necromancer Tales Book IV—End
Warlock Nikodemus Holland’s Book—Coming Spring 2026
Rating: 5🌈
Deadly Arrogance is the series finale that brings the journey of Necromancer Erasmus Boone to an exciting and happy conclusion.
I’ve been absolutely thrilled by this fantasy/paranormal universe of May’s since the first Perfect Pixie novel, a series which introduced necromancer Erasmus Boone.
So it’s fitting that many of those characters play roles here in Boone and Franklin’s battle against a terrifying enemy. It’s emotional and wonderful to see each one, settled into their own lives and relationships, as they come together to fight and support their friends and own communities.
And May, who has created throughly villainous characters in the past, has exceeded herself here in crafting shadow bourne Tenzen Huxley, a seemingly unbeatable and immortal being. Huxley is an ominous figure whose role is one that’s always in the game, even when absent from the current situation. The enormous threat he brings to the couple and those around them is a real concern, no matter what else they are dealing with.
They are mentally, emotionally and spiritually under pressure and attack all the time and the reader, who’s intimately connected with them, feels that same overwhelming stress and suspense.
On top of Huxley’s magical threat to everyone, there’s a multiple murder investigation that requires the attention of both Franklin and Boone. It’s highly unusual, incredibly rare in its sheer scope of detail and complexity.
I won’t elaborate further because there’s many twists here that spin beautifully within the plot. The story is highly suspenseful, compelling emotionally, and has some truly heartbreaking scenes.
And yes, it does end happily with everyone in attendance. I absolutely love it.
And there’s a new connected series on the horizon. Thrilled about that too!
Check out all the books below if you’re new to this universe. Read them in the order they are written. Enjoy them! Highly recommended!
Cover design by cheriefox.
Perfect Pixie Series
Perfectly Imperfect Pixie
Perfectly Perfect Pixie: Peaches’s Story
Perfectly Charmed Pixie: Parsnip’s Story
Perfectly Perplexing Zombie: Wendall’s Story
Purrfectly Peculiar Pixie: Phlox’s Story—finale
Perfectly Petite Shorts: Short Stories from the Perfect Pixie Series M/M
Necromancer Tales Series: Spin-Off from the Perfect Pixie Series
Deadly Lineage: Necromancer Tales Book I
Deadly Deception: Necromancer Tales Book II
Deadly Avarice: Necromancer Tales Book III
Deadly Arrogance: Necromancer Tales Book IV—End
Warlock Nikodemus Holland’s Book—Coming Spring 2026
March 30, 2026
Emotional
I love this series, a spinoff of the Pixie series. I like how May has championed humans in this series, as opposed to all the nonhuman characters of the Pixie books. This is the final book of the Necromancer Tales, and it was very emotional. I got very teary at one point. (I do get a little confused about why the author uses the word “suspicioned” in place of “suspected.” It occurs several times in a couple different iterations, so it is obviously getting through spelling and grammar checks, as well as any proofreader May might be using. As a Midwesterner, I never heard it, so is it supposed to be a Southern thing? But Franklin is from Chicago? I’d love an explanation of this.)
I love this series, a spinoff of the Pixie series. I like how May has championed humans in this series, as opposed to all the nonhuman characters of the Pixie books. This is the final book of the Necromancer Tales, and it was very emotional. I got very teary at one point. (I do get a little confused about why the author uses the word “suspicioned” in place of “suspected.” It occurs several times in a couple different iterations, so it is obviously getting through spelling and grammar checks, as well as any proofreader May might be using. As a Midwesterner, I never heard it, so is it supposed to be a Southern thing? But Franklin is from Chicago? I’d love an explanation of this.)
February 19, 2026
This one was much better written than the other 3. It kept me reading. The protagonists didnt do unnecessarily dumb things to create convenient situations to let the plot progress. I do wish that we got a happier outcome to the necromancer treatment in the world or at least more information on Boones search for other necromancers.
Lastly, I wondered if AI was used to help editing or something because why the repetition of "Caribbean blue eyes," "suspicioned" and the use of irreplicable instead of irreplaceable?
so maybe 3.75 🌟 rounded up. (i wish goodreads allowed for half stars.
Lastly, I wondered if AI was used to help editing or something because why the repetition of "Caribbean blue eyes," "suspicioned" and the use of irreplicable instead of irreplaceable?
so maybe 3.75 🌟 rounded up. (i wish goodreads allowed for half stars.
August 8, 2026
3.25 stars
I finished this book a week ago and sat on it before writing this review. In some ways, this book pulled all the right emotions out of me, but the ending turned out disappointing.
Hear me out...
One of the running themes in this series is Franklin's humanity, the good, the bad, the unfortunate, and how very fleeting and limited the human lifespan it. Franklin's 'human-ness' is tested in every way in this book. He's tried, he's overworked, he's not getting enough sleep, he has to be investigating supernatural creatures despite him having no defense against them. Okay, fine....
The reoccurring wish/hope warlock Holland has throughout the entire series is that Boone would have been able to live longer since his lifespan is that of a typical human, despite his magic. One way to prolong human life is to mate with someone who has a longer life span or be turned into either a werewolf or a vampire.
Enter the vampire Leon, a friend of Boone, and beloved to a pixie. You'd think all those pesky aforementioned human issues would be solved, right?
***Spoilers ahead***
Franklin is mortally wounded and dies, but before his life force was completely drained, Leon offered to turn him, and Boone said no... ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!!!!
Not only would that have made Franklin live longer, which would also result in Boone living longer since they are mated, but all the human issues that I mentioned before, the exhaustion and overworked and going up against supernatural opponents, would have been mute because Franklin would now be on equal footing with these supernatural creatures.
Also, wouldn’t him being vampire make him better able to protect Boone since Warlock Holland's second concern was that (Franklin being human) couldn't protect his son properly? Which has been proven in the previous books.
Like, it would have taken nothing for the author to vampirize Franklin. Make up some lore about him feeding on Boone's blood and it giving him the ability to walk in daylight or some other forbidden ability vampires don't have if they want him to continue to pass as human for his family's sake. Boone's blood giving him these abilities would make sense since Boone, being a necromancer, has dominion over the dead, and Franklin (now a vampire) would be undead. See how easy that was???
Like it make sense since everybody else in this book was supernatural and long-lived. This would have given Boone and Franklin more time with their friends. Also, Boone is the only sane necromancer in history. You're telling me that Gaia or Mother Nature or whoever wouldn't want to preserve his life/abilities somehow?
Sigh... I was so peeved with the ending of this book, and what looks like the ending of the series, since the epilogue was in a different character's POV.
An okay read overall, but a bullshit ending, IMO...
I finished this book a week ago and sat on it before writing this review. In some ways, this book pulled all the right emotions out of me, but the ending turned out disappointing.
Hear me out...
One of the running themes in this series is Franklin's humanity, the good, the bad, the unfortunate, and how very fleeting and limited the human lifespan it. Franklin's 'human-ness' is tested in every way in this book. He's tried, he's overworked, he's not getting enough sleep, he has to be investigating supernatural creatures despite him having no defense against them. Okay, fine....
The reoccurring wish/hope warlock Holland has throughout the entire series is that Boone would have been able to live longer since his lifespan is that of a typical human, despite his magic. One way to prolong human life is to mate with someone who has a longer life span or be turned into either a werewolf or a vampire.
Enter the vampire Leon, a friend of Boone, and beloved to a pixie. You'd think all those pesky aforementioned human issues would be solved, right?
***Spoilers ahead***
Franklin is mortally wounded and dies, but before his life force was completely drained, Leon offered to turn him, and Boone said no... ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!!!!
Not only would that have made Franklin live longer, which would also result in Boone living longer since they are mated, but all the human issues that I mentioned before, the exhaustion and overworked and going up against supernatural opponents, would have been mute because Franklin would now be on equal footing with these supernatural creatures.
Also, wouldn’t him being vampire make him better able to protect Boone since Warlock Holland's second concern was that (Franklin being human) couldn't protect his son properly? Which has been proven in the previous books.
Like, it would have taken nothing for the author to vampirize Franklin. Make up some lore about him feeding on Boone's blood and it giving him the ability to walk in daylight or some other forbidden ability vampires don't have if they want him to continue to pass as human for his family's sake. Boone's blood giving him these abilities would make sense since Boone, being a necromancer, has dominion over the dead, and Franklin (now a vampire) would be undead. See how easy that was???
Like it make sense since everybody else in this book was supernatural and long-lived. This would have given Boone and Franklin more time with their friends. Also, Boone is the only sane necromancer in history. You're telling me that Gaia or Mother Nature or whoever wouldn't want to preserve his life/abilities somehow?
Sigh... I was so peeved with the ending of this book, and what looks like the ending of the series, since the epilogue was in a different character's POV.
An okay read overall, but a bullshit ending, IMO...
May 18, 2026
happily ever after battling the shadows
Book 4.
Huxley has made offers to help Necromancer Boone - but no one trusts what his real agenda might be.
Franklin is overwhelmed as 12 sets of remains turn up in his district and is kept busy trying to solve their murders.
Boone puts his plans on hold to find more Necromancer and sets to trying to work out what Huxley wants with him - or is it him?
Book 4.
Huxley has made offers to help Necromancer Boone - but no one trusts what his real agenda might be.
Franklin is overwhelmed as 12 sets of remains turn up in his district and is kept busy trying to solve their murders.
Boone puts his plans on hold to find more Necromancer and sets to trying to work out what Huxley wants with him - or is it him?
July 4, 2026
Erasmus and his amazing heart
I laughed, cried and laughed again. I love these characters so very much. MJ May, I really hope you continue to bring us into this world with not just Erasmus, Franklin and their family and friends. I love them all and am so glad you included them all. Not wanting to give anything away, this is a must read and I can't wait for the next one,!
I laughed, cried and laughed again. I love these characters so very much. MJ May, I really hope you continue to bring us into this world with not just Erasmus, Franklin and their family and friends. I love them all and am so glad you included them all. Not wanting to give anything away, this is a must read and I can't wait for the next one,!
December 25, 2025
Loved it!
As a fan of the Perfectly Imperfect Pixie series, I was very excited to see some of those characters appear again! The ending was sweet and I am excited for the next connected story!
As a fan of the Perfectly Imperfect Pixie series, I was very excited to see some of those characters appear again! The ending was sweet and I am excited for the next connected story!
April 19, 2026
Truly heart stoppingly brilliant. A few times whilst reading this I thought that some characters wouldn't make it to the end, but the ending is only the beginning of the next chapter. Truly worth the read and I highly recommend.
June 13, 2026
Wonderful, very moving and enjoyable.
Moved me to tears again, this author is a master at weaving stories. I'm very much hopeful she will continue with more from this madcap group of varied species with all their exciting adventures.
Moved me to tears again, this author is a master at weaving stories. I'm very much hopeful she will continue with more from this madcap group of varied species with all their exciting adventures.
December 24, 2025
wonderful series!
I love the main and supporting characters. The mystery cases are interesting, too. This series has really deepened and evolved so much from its pixie beginning.
I love the main and supporting characters. The mystery cases are interesting, too. This series has really deepened and evolved so much from its pixie beginning.
December 24, 2025
Boone and Franklin are goals
I adored this series. Each quirky character just added to the fun of this series. I can’t wait to read what happens next.
I adored this series. Each quirky character just added to the fun of this series. I can’t wait to read what happens next.
December 28, 2025
Beautiful Ending!
Wow, what a beautiful ending to the Necromancer Tales and an intriguing epilogue. I can't wait to see what the author plans on next. Highly recommended!
Wow, what a beautiful ending to the Necromancer Tales and an intriguing epilogue. I can't wait to see what the author plans on next. Highly recommended!
January 14, 2026
I have read two finales by MJ May, and that's two out of two finales that are really awesome.
January 16, 2026
5 I Don't Want to Say Goodbye Stars
M.J. May is pure magic and I hope she continues to give us looks into this universe of hers with new stories and overlapping characters
M.J. May is pure magic and I hope she continues to give us looks into this universe of hers with new stories and overlapping characters
January 21, 2026
loved it!
Great story with just enough of a hook to make me anxious for the next installment. I love this series.
Great story with just enough of a hook to make me anxious for the next installment. I love this series.
January 24, 2026
Excellent!
I hope to see more of Erasmus and Franklin ,I thoroughly enjoyed this series and all the different characters within.
I hope to see more of Erasmus and Franklin ,I thoroughly enjoyed this series and all the different characters within.
February 1, 2026
That epilogue and the announcement of her next book!!
February 1, 2026
I enjoy this series very much even if I am not always content with the writing. But this whole world and the set of characters makes up for it for me.
February 2, 2026
4.5 This was great but was definitely slow in the beginning, the second half had me gripping my seat!!
March 1, 2026
🥰 A satisfying ending to the series... made even better with the promise of more to come in this world!
March 10, 2026
I had the best time reading this series and the ending was amazing! I cant wait for more Nikodemus!
March 14, 2026
Surprise - more kidnappings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2026
this is the end? no more necromancer found, and the murders unresolved. 4 book of what? how many traumas can the MC get...
March 23, 2026
loved it!
This has been a great series and I can’t wait to book 5! I can’t wait till the warlock dad and Kit hooks up!!
This has been a great series and I can’t wait to book 5! I can’t wait till the warlock dad and Kit hooks up!!
March 28, 2026
good read
A really good read and well written. I was thinking that a book five would be a good addition to the series
A really good read and well written. I was thinking that a book five would be a good addition to the series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews