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The Necromancer's Apprentice
Medical student Isaac is struggling to find his purpose. When an encounter with a patient leaves him shaken, he seeks a different internship and is drafted into a profession he can neither believe nor explain. In a world dominated by men, angels, and demons, the ancient order of Necromancy maintains the thin layer separating heaven from hell. In this edition, the first steps unfold in Isaac's journey down this dark path.
113 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 20, 2016
7 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Buza
28 books31 followersPart-time author and full-time stay at home dad. I'm a Podcast Junkie and addicted to storytelling and radio dramas. I have been known to dabble in the Belgian Trappist Beers.
Visit my web site to get a free book!
https://www.matthewbuza.com/
Visit my web site to get a free book!
https://www.matthewbuza.com/
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 6, 2018
3.5 stars. A good series opener but way too short, you can read it all in under 2 hours. The story just gets going when the book ends, which I feel lets it down. Perhaps books 1 and 2 should be a bundle to hook readers into the story.
It has an interesting concept, with the necromancer a part of the medical community, which has some mileage for future development. The main characters are just beginning to reveal more of themselves as you reach the somewhat abrupt ending, and I am left wondering if some of the lesser characters like James will actually have any reason to be there as the plot unfolds. As a main character I rather like Isaac, but we need to see more of his thoughts,feelings and motivations in order to flesh him out a bit.
The writing isn't bad, and the plot structure is well considered. I felt that the story was hurried though, which might contribute to why I thought it was difficult to connect with the characters. I just didn't feel as if I got to know them well enough. Overall, though, I would say that I enjoyed this book.
It has an interesting concept, with the necromancer a part of the medical community, which has some mileage for future development. The main characters are just beginning to reveal more of themselves as you reach the somewhat abrupt ending, and I am left wondering if some of the lesser characters like James will actually have any reason to be there as the plot unfolds. As a main character I rather like Isaac, but we need to see more of his thoughts,feelings and motivations in order to flesh him out a bit.
The writing isn't bad, and the plot structure is well considered. I felt that the story was hurried though, which might contribute to why I thought it was difficult to connect with the characters. I just didn't feel as if I got to know them well enough. Overall, though, I would say that I enjoyed this book.
December 10, 2017
I just finished the first book in the series ... LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. I had to get the boxed set, so I can continue reading. I love to write, have my own Indie book, and am an avid reader, so I'm not a newbie reader nor do I give reviews lightly. In fact, I don't even leave a review unless I really enjoyed a story because I know exactly how important reviews are.
I am a huge fan of James Rollins, Ted Dekker, Stephen King, Dean Koontz, anything historical fiction, Graham Hancock, Dan Brown, etc. This story is riveting, I LOVE the characters, and I can't wait for more. Thank you for gifting us all with your awesome imagination!
I am a huge fan of James Rollins, Ted Dekker, Stephen King, Dean Koontz, anything historical fiction, Graham Hancock, Dan Brown, etc. This story is riveting, I LOVE the characters, and I can't wait for more. Thank you for gifting us all with your awesome imagination!
April 14, 2021
This was a very interesting read, and it kept me engaged from the first page to the end. Isaac has had a bad go in life and wants to prove that he can be better to spite those who have done him wrong. He starts seeing things he can't explain and on top of that he lands an internship that is way over his head. This story has intriguing characters and it gradually introduces us to the world of necromancy through Lazarus. I have to read the rest of the series to find out why Isaac was chosen and why he is seeing supernatural spirits.
April 4, 2018
This book is fun, but definitely has flaws.
One serious dramatic scene, the protagonist's introduction to the supernatural, is skipped over entirely. That's not the author's only questionable choice. Within the first two chapters older, naked women are presented as examples of body horror (really, 'wrinkled breasts' is a phrase used twice). It fails the Bechdel test as well.
The book could really use some polish and several additional scenes.
One serious dramatic scene, the protagonist's introduction to the supernatural, is skipped over entirely. That's not the author's only questionable choice. Within the first two chapters older, naked women are presented as examples of body horror (really, 'wrinkled breasts' is a phrase used twice). It fails the Bechdel test as well.
The book could really use some polish and several additional scenes.
May 17, 2020
I read all four books in his series in quick succession. There was a major surprise at the end of the third book, I knew I had to read the follow up to it...Lazarus and those he are grooming are amazing. He (Matthew) adds an amazing female to the mix and its perfect! Powerful sources from both sides keep you reading and cheering for the good guys to win the day. Great book!
April 3, 2019
I wasn't sure how I came across this book. Wasn't even sure I was going to like it. It started as a short story the towards the end everything came together. I'm looking forward to reading the next book. I have a feeling it's going to be a crazy ride.
January 1, 2018
A short read. It looked like a collection of short stories till near the end of the book. The end seems like it was just starting. It should be labeled as Part 1 of 3.
March 28, 2018
A bit creepy but mostly just a strange story. Maybe it will develop more in the next book
March 11, 2017
While Necromantia was not the type of book I would usually pick, I thought of giving it a shot. There are the pros and cons according to my subjective self:
Pros:
• I managed to finish it in spite of not being my cup of tea.
• Started in an interesting way which made me want to read more (try the sample to get a feel).
• Unexpected outcomes from early on.
• Good, interesting description of unusual objects.
• Some parts feel a lot like a book version of a Supernatural episode (tv show).
• Has sequels in case I wanted more.
Cons:
• Some chapters felt pointless and didn’t add anything to the story.
• Didn’t feel like opening the book once I was done with a reading session – no pull factor.
• Goes a little overboard with description. Many pages could be cut off while keeping the story intact, perhaps even enhancing it.
• Have no intention of reading the sequels.
• Cliffhanger ending.
Not too sure about:
• The characters didn’t stand out and many felt shallow (from their actions and speech) in spite of rigorous backstories which seemed to add less to their stories than they were expected to.
Ideally I'd go for a 3.5 star rating, but to manage expectations I'd give it a 3 star. Read it as such, with neutrality towards the genre, and I believe you'd enjoy it.
Pros:
• I managed to finish it in spite of not being my cup of tea.
• Started in an interesting way which made me want to read more (try the sample to get a feel).
• Unexpected outcomes from early on.
• Good, interesting description of unusual objects.
• Some parts feel a lot like a book version of a Supernatural episode (tv show).
• Has sequels in case I wanted more.
Cons:
• Some chapters felt pointless and didn’t add anything to the story.
• Didn’t feel like opening the book once I was done with a reading session – no pull factor.
• Goes a little overboard with description. Many pages could be cut off while keeping the story intact, perhaps even enhancing it.
• Have no intention of reading the sequels.
• Cliffhanger ending.
Not too sure about:
• The characters didn’t stand out and many felt shallow (from their actions and speech) in spite of rigorous backstories which seemed to add less to their stories than they were expected to.
Ideally I'd go for a 3.5 star rating, but to manage expectations I'd give it a 3 star. Read it as such, with neutrality towards the genre, and I believe you'd enjoy it.
July 31, 2017
The concept of a necromancer as a valued member of "normal" society rather than on the fringes is a welcome change in the genre. While this overall theme is worth pursuing, I am not sure I will read any more of this series. My disappointment stems from the total lack of positive female characters (alive or dead).
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews