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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
46 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
M.J. May
23 books289 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 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 26, 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
April 9, 2026
Deadly Arrogance by M.J. May delivers a compelling blend of dark fantasy, mystery, and romance, making it a standout entry in the Necromancer Tales series.
The story excels in its character dynamics, particularly the relationship between Erasmus and Franklin, which adds emotional weight to the high stakes narrative. Their connection grounds the story, even as danger and supernatural threats continue to escalate.
The world building is immersive, filled with intriguing elements from necromancy to shadow borne that keep the plot engaging and unpredictable. The tension builds steadily, balancing investigative mystery with looming supernatural conflict.
A gripping and well paced read that will appeal to fans of urban fantasy and paranormal romance, offering both excitement and emotional depth.
The story excels in its character dynamics, particularly the relationship between Erasmus and Franklin, which adds emotional weight to the high stakes narrative. Their connection grounds the story, even as danger and supernatural threats continue to escalate.
The world building is immersive, filled with intriguing elements from necromancy to shadow borne that keep the plot engaging and unpredictable. The tension builds steadily, balancing investigative mystery with looming supernatural conflict.
A gripping and well paced read that will appeal to fans of urban fantasy and paranormal romance, offering both excitement and emotional depth.
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.
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!
December 25, 2025
This book made me feel all warm and fuzzy!!! I love this world so much. I'm glad that even tho Erasmus' story is now concluded there will be at least one more book that takes place in the pixie universe!
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.
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
January 2, 2026
What a fab ending 💚
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews