What do you think?
Rate this book
Victoria Cage Necromancer #1
Garden of Lilies
‘A lonely girl in a necromancy-hating world trying to avoid a good-old fashioned stake burning whilst also avoiding her sexy fae stalker? Just a walk in the park for funeral director and closet ghost magnet, Victoria Cage.’
Surviving the near-genocide of her kind, Victoria Cage is one of the world’s few remaining necromancers. To stay alive, she hides in plain sight by running the funeral home that’s been in her family for generations.
When a murder victim reanimates on her embalming table, Victoria—‘Tori’—has two choices: ignore the spirit’s plea for help or try to catch the killer.
Drawn into a mystery involving child trafficking, a dark court fairy named Blackthorn, and a mysterious half-brother with a twisted sense of humor, Tori soon finds she’s knee-deep in a cocktail of blood magic, death power, and fae meddling.
With things getting messier by the minute, Tori realizes that this time things are different, and solving someone’s unfinished business might change everything for her, including the powers she’s still learning to master.
But when a spirit comes knocking, what’s a necromancer going to do? She opens the door to a whole new world, of course, self-preservation be damned.
Surviving the near-genocide of her kind, Victoria Cage is one of the world’s few remaining necromancers. To stay alive, she hides in plain sight by running the funeral home that’s been in her family for generations.
When a murder victim reanimates on her embalming table, Victoria—‘Tori’—has two choices: ignore the spirit’s plea for help or try to catch the killer.
Drawn into a mystery involving child trafficking, a dark court fairy named Blackthorn, and a mysterious half-brother with a twisted sense of humor, Tori soon finds she’s knee-deep in a cocktail of blood magic, death power, and fae meddling.
With things getting messier by the minute, Tori realizes that this time things are different, and solving someone’s unfinished business might change everything for her, including the powers she’s still learning to master.
But when a spirit comes knocking, what’s a necromancer going to do? She opens the door to a whole new world, of course, self-preservation be damned.
389 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 12, 2018
339 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
About the author
Eli Constant
77 books83 followersEli Constant also writes as Eliza Grace.
The Victoria Cage Series and more.
***
Stalk Eli on social media:
Twitter @Author_EliC
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorEliCon...
Books on Amazon: http://bit.ly/Author_EliConstant_Amaz...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
The Victoria Cage Series and more.
***
Stalk Eli on social media:
Twitter @Author_EliC
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorEliCon...
Books on Amazon: http://bit.ly/Author_EliConstant_Amaz...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
March 26, 2018
One of my very favourite books! Such an original concept, and so bloody great to see a heroine that isn't a size 0 with long blond hair and big boobs!
I love how Eli incorporates so many different plot weaves into this story, with so many different genres all meshing together and so many different fantasy elements you would think it would get confusing...kind of like Midnight Texas, and yet it doesn't. Not even a little bit.
This story is equal parts romance as it is fantasy, and just as much comedy as it is horror. It both perfectly combines the skill of a mystery while weaving in elements of necromancy that had me on the edge of my seat. Not to mention the romance that had me grinning like a Cheshire cat from ear to ear.
I was lucky enough to beta read this, and am chomping at the bit to get the next in the series. I know that Eli plans to rapid release these pretty soon, and I would highly recommend that you read them!
Ps... this cover!!! #dies
I love how Eli incorporates so many different plot weaves into this story, with so many different genres all meshing together and so many different fantasy elements you would think it would get confusing...kind of like Midnight Texas, and yet it doesn't. Not even a little bit.
This story is equal parts romance as it is fantasy, and just as much comedy as it is horror. It both perfectly combines the skill of a mystery while weaving in elements of necromancy that had me on the edge of my seat. Not to mention the romance that had me grinning like a Cheshire cat from ear to ear.
I was lucky enough to beta read this, and am chomping at the bit to get the next in the series. I know that Eli plans to rapid release these pretty soon, and I would highly recommend that you read them!
Ps... this cover!!! #dies
June 6, 2018
O.M.G Eli Constant has just become one of my Favorite Authors!
I was given the honor of being able to read an ARC and I'm so glad I did.
Victoria Cage is a Funeral Director/Necromancer. She has to hide that she is a Necromancer for fear of being burned at the stake. She does however use this gift and helps Terrance (Police Chief) on some cases.
When she feels pain, saddness, laughter, or anger she pulls you into her character and you feel those same feelings.
This book is packed with mystery, ghosts, fae's, child trafficking, and murder.
A+++
I was given the honor of being able to read an ARC and I'm so glad I did.
Victoria Cage is a Funeral Director/Necromancer. She has to hide that she is a Necromancer for fear of being burned at the stake. She does however use this gift and helps Terrance (Police Chief) on some cases.
When she feels pain, saddness, laughter, or anger she pulls you into her character and you feel those same feelings.
This book is packed with mystery, ghosts, fae's, child trafficking, and murder.
A+++
June 5, 2018
I can't even.... this book has caused my brain & emotions to go crazy. Seriously good! Eli makes characters you either love or love to hate. She causes you to feel for them when something happens to them. I could not put this book down & want more already! Victoria Cage is not the typical girl, it is nice to see a character of normal size, down to earth, that can learn to use her abilities. I love the cover and its exactly what I pictured in my head for her.
The concept of this book and necromancy is pretty interesting! I look forward to learning more about Tori's world.
The concept of this book and necromancy is pretty interesting! I look forward to learning more about Tori's world.
June 8, 2018
Could’nt put this book down, it is a very emotional book, you feel sorrow, happiness, excitement, all the emotions a person can feel. Eli you created a wonderfully written book. I can’t wait for the next one.
April 5, 2021
I really liked this book for the first few chapters. Victoria is a very interesting character and so are many of the other characters. The mystery is heart-breaking but promises satisfaction. The end of the book is likewise interesting and satisfying. But in the middle, there it descended into chaos.
The premise of a necromancer solving mysteries really appealed to me and still does but that isn't what this book is about. I honestly can't say what it is about. The mystery starts in the first few chapters, then there is a lot of chapters about paranormal stuff and world building, then we return to the mystery in the last few chapters.
Overall, I liked the story. I just didn’t like the grammar issues and the relentless explanations of everything. I often forgot the beginning of a conversation because the explanations would go on for pages before the next part of the conversation happened. I hope the author finds an great editor.
The premise of a necromancer solving mysteries really appealed to me and still does but that isn't what this book is about. I honestly can't say what it is about. The mystery starts in the first few chapters, then there is a lot of chapters about paranormal stuff and world building, then we return to the mystery in the last few chapters.
Overall, I liked the story. I just didn’t like the grammar issues and the relentless explanations of everything. I often forgot the beginning of a conversation because the explanations would go on for pages before the next part of the conversation happened. I hope the author finds an great editor.
June 14, 2018
I didn’t know what to expect going into this new series. I’ve read some of Eli’s zombie-themed books so I already knew she was a good writer, but this series is something totally new and unique. A brilliant mashup of dark urban fantasy goodness! It’s a slow burning tale with an organic flow.
The story begins by introducing Victoria Cage, a necromancer who must keep her gifts hidden. The world she lives in is set post WWIII after a major event that demands all necromancers be put to death. I was intrigued the moment I saw the word necromancer, but there is so much more to this story. It’s part crime thriller, part paranormal/fantasy, and part romance. While I normally steer clear of too much romance in my reading library, I decided to make an exception for this series. The fantasy aspect is incredible and kept me captivated throughout. Just when I thought I knew how something would turn out…it was time to rethink. There are characters that I adored and those that made me wish for their demise. A perfect balance of light and dark.
I look forward to diving deeper into this world that Eli Constant has breathed life (and death) into with the upcoming books in the series! The good news is: you don’t have to wait too long read each installment. This is a rapid release series which means the books are already written. I recommend picking up a copy of this first book and jumping in quick!
The story begins by introducing Victoria Cage, a necromancer who must keep her gifts hidden. The world she lives in is set post WWIII after a major event that demands all necromancers be put to death. I was intrigued the moment I saw the word necromancer, but there is so much more to this story. It’s part crime thriller, part paranormal/fantasy, and part romance. While I normally steer clear of too much romance in my reading library, I decided to make an exception for this series. The fantasy aspect is incredible and kept me captivated throughout. Just when I thought I knew how something would turn out…it was time to rethink. There are characters that I adored and those that made me wish for their demise. A perfect balance of light and dark.
I look forward to diving deeper into this world that Eli Constant has breathed life (and death) into with the upcoming books in the series! The good news is: you don’t have to wait too long read each installment. This is a rapid release series which means the books are already written. I recommend picking up a copy of this first book and jumping in quick!
June 14, 2018
Victoria Cage is a necromancer who has also inherited the family business of a funeral home. Necromancers who were discovered were instantly executed but Victoria has been under the radar her entire life. She helps police on cases as an unofficial informant but encounters danger at every turn when trying to find missing girls in a human trafficking case which unknown to police has supernatural elements.
The characters in this story were well developed and some you love and some you love to hate. I loved this story and am anxious to read the next in the series. Anyone who loves paranormal suspense should consider this a must read!
The characters in this story were well developed and some you love and some you love to hate. I loved this story and am anxious to read the next in the series. Anyone who loves paranormal suspense should consider this a must read!
June 21, 2018
Garden of Lilies is the first book in the Victoria Cage Necromancer series. It is both exciting and heart wrenching while keeping the reader completely entranced in the story. Tori is a funeral director and more importantly a Necromancer. In this world, being a Necromancer is a death sentence. I would call this book a magical dystopian, but I’m not sure that’s a real genre lol.
In a world turned gray by death and despair, Tori is just trying to live her life and be the best person she can be without giving away her forbidden secret. You can see how she struggles with the decisions she must make regarding her powers and whether or not to help the ghost of a child who met a horrifying end. The things this child went through are disturbing and heartbreaking.
I’ve not read many books involving child trafficking for obvious reasons. I think it is a very touchy subject that both authors and readers may avoid in order to protect their hearts. It’s a horrible practice and if it’s not written with just the right touch can damage someone’s spirit. In my opinion, Constant tackled this topic in a way that is as respectful as possible to victims and I don’t feel damaged by reading it. I think she did a phenomenal job in portraying events in a way that was concise and relatable without being overly graphic. Not to say I didn’t still feel horrible for the victim, I totally did, but I didn’t feel like she used unnecessary imagery to get the point across.
The further this story goes, the more convoluted Tori’s life gets. Most of the people in her life feel like old friends. I can see why she has them around. They are realistic and relatable. Jim was probably my favorite. I do like Tori’s sense of humor also. It’s dark but not depressing.
One of the many things I loved about this story is how Tori is described as appearing. She isn’t the stereotypical gorgeous heroine with flowing locks of golden (or raven) hair. She isn’t in amazing shape. She has the same insecurities that many of us have. She has curves that she doesn’t quite love but has come to terms with. Even the cover of this book shows a woman who isn’t necessarily the epitome of societal perfection. I think she’s beautiful myself, but that’s just me. I like the reality of this imperfect perfect character. It makes her likeable and adds to her personality. She is incredibly humble and I love that about her.
The story itself is well written and creative. Eli Constant consistently warps the ideas we usually have about supernatural creatures and gives them their own unique characteristics that I would never have guessed.
Overall, despite the sadness I felt over the topic and certain events within the story, I think Garden of Lilies is very well written, moves at a quick but smooth pace and kept my attention from the first few pages. I am looking forward to the other stories in this series and can’t wait to see what happens in the next one.
In a world turned gray by death and despair, Tori is just trying to live her life and be the best person she can be without giving away her forbidden secret. You can see how she struggles with the decisions she must make regarding her powers and whether or not to help the ghost of a child who met a horrifying end. The things this child went through are disturbing and heartbreaking.
I’ve not read many books involving child trafficking for obvious reasons. I think it is a very touchy subject that both authors and readers may avoid in order to protect their hearts. It’s a horrible practice and if it’s not written with just the right touch can damage someone’s spirit. In my opinion, Constant tackled this topic in a way that is as respectful as possible to victims and I don’t feel damaged by reading it. I think she did a phenomenal job in portraying events in a way that was concise and relatable without being overly graphic. Not to say I didn’t still feel horrible for the victim, I totally did, but I didn’t feel like she used unnecessary imagery to get the point across.
The further this story goes, the more convoluted Tori’s life gets. Most of the people in her life feel like old friends. I can see why she has them around. They are realistic and relatable. Jim was probably my favorite. I do like Tori’s sense of humor also. It’s dark but not depressing.
One of the many things I loved about this story is how Tori is described as appearing. She isn’t the stereotypical gorgeous heroine with flowing locks of golden (or raven) hair. She isn’t in amazing shape. She has the same insecurities that many of us have. She has curves that she doesn’t quite love but has come to terms with. Even the cover of this book shows a woman who isn’t necessarily the epitome of societal perfection. I think she’s beautiful myself, but that’s just me. I like the reality of this imperfect perfect character. It makes her likeable and adds to her personality. She is incredibly humble and I love that about her.
The story itself is well written and creative. Eli Constant consistently warps the ideas we usually have about supernatural creatures and gives them their own unique characteristics that I would never have guessed.
Overall, despite the sadness I felt over the topic and certain events within the story, I think Garden of Lilies is very well written, moves at a quick but smooth pace and kept my attention from the first few pages. I am looking forward to the other stories in this series and can’t wait to see what happens in the next one.
June 13, 2018
I really enjoyed this first installment of the Victoria Cage Necromancer series. It started off kind of slow but then it picked up and I was fully pulled into the story and didn't want to put the book down. I really liked the main character of Tori and felt like I could connect to her in some ways. She's very relatable despite her paranormal powers. She's very drawn to 2 new men that appear in her life suddenly and while we are only just getting to know them, I'm definitely interested in learning more about each of them and why she feels so connected to them so soon. There is a lot of world building in this first book, which is to be expected, and I hope to further learn more about these characters in future books. Eli Constant has built an interesting world and she has definitely drawn me into it. I felt emotionally connected to the characters and found myself reacting to the situations they found themselves in. I'm looking forward to reading more in this series!
June 6, 2018
Omg! I’ve missed your words my Eli ❤️ a great start to a new series!
July 16, 2018
I might have rated this book higher were it not for the numerous grammatical issues and problems with tense. The premise is interesting but, when the reader has to constantly stop and reread a sentence, it becomes quite frustrating. Nonetheless, I will give the next book an opportunity to change my opinion of the writer's poor editing practice.
December 23, 2019
This is the first book in the Victoria Cage Necromancer series and is set after World War III, some time in the future. This war was set off by people known as necromancers, whether knowingly or otherwise, causing the dead to rise from their graves in the hundreds, thousands and millions. Armies around the world had to fight the zombies that formed from the dead and escape their single-minded, flesh eating hunger. After the war, anyone identified as a necromancer, or even born with the genes or showing signs of being one, was put to a horrible death. Since the war, all children are routinely screened at birth through a blood test to see if they are one of these dangerous beings.
The main character is Victoria Cage, or Tori to her friends, who runs a family owned funeral parlour and works as the mortician. It was a business set up in 1945 by her grandfather who died before she can remember. Her father taught her most of what she knew and she studied to learn the rest and get her qualifications. Her grandmother was a great help in teaching Tori how to control the one part of herself that she could never reveal to anyone else – the fact that she is a necromancer! She was born in an isolated no place with little or no rules and avoided being tested at birth. She has never been to a hospital or anywhere where her blood may be taken, until events occur later in this book.
She knows that there are good and evil people everywhere, not just amongst necromancer, however few there may now be, but also in the general population. Not all necromancers were evil, most had never been trained and so didn’t understand the calling of blood and raising of the dead, but all that got discovered were put to death. She finds it difficult with her job, as she is around dead bodies every day, but it also allows her to help the deceased to pass over and at times pass information onto the local police chief about how someone may have ended up dead in violent cases. She tries to pass on messages to the family anonymously, and is mostly thought to possibly be a medium of some sort.
Events ramp up when she has to deal with the body of a young figure called Lilly, who was taken, brutally raped and killed. There are four other missing girls, the police are looking for, but she was the youngest! Lilly sits up on the mortuary table as Tori is trying to prepare her for burial, giving her one almighty shock. She wants her mummy but Tori has to protect her body and not allow her soul to go back into her body. If that happens, it never turns out well, as Tori found out after the death of her fiancée. She manages to get some clues from the little girl and goes off to investigate matters at a local bar frequented by criminals.
This leads to her and others she has involved, in coming into contact with something evil, more evil than she can comprehend and of a different existence she knew nothing about and will soon learns she is part of. There are dark parts to the story once this happens and her past, hidden by her grandparents multiple name changes, that she is thrust into the middle of. She is heir to an important role within a community she never knew existed and has to come to terms with learning what, never mind who, others really are!
A cracking start to this series. If you enjoy reading about necromancy, dark and light fae, zombies and more, then this is just the boom for you. A main character who knows a little bit about her power and is trying to use it for good, soon learning she is much more than she ever imagined and will have to hit the ground running if she hopes to stop those causing evil to happen in her town! There is obviously more to come and although this book is nearly 400 pages long, I read it straight through in a couple of hours as I was so entranced. I can’t wait to see what she will be up to next. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
The main character is Victoria Cage, or Tori to her friends, who runs a family owned funeral parlour and works as the mortician. It was a business set up in 1945 by her grandfather who died before she can remember. Her father taught her most of what she knew and she studied to learn the rest and get her qualifications. Her grandmother was a great help in teaching Tori how to control the one part of herself that she could never reveal to anyone else – the fact that she is a necromancer! She was born in an isolated no place with little or no rules and avoided being tested at birth. She has never been to a hospital or anywhere where her blood may be taken, until events occur later in this book.
She knows that there are good and evil people everywhere, not just amongst necromancer, however few there may now be, but also in the general population. Not all necromancers were evil, most had never been trained and so didn’t understand the calling of blood and raising of the dead, but all that got discovered were put to death. She finds it difficult with her job, as she is around dead bodies every day, but it also allows her to help the deceased to pass over and at times pass information onto the local police chief about how someone may have ended up dead in violent cases. She tries to pass on messages to the family anonymously, and is mostly thought to possibly be a medium of some sort.
Events ramp up when she has to deal with the body of a young figure called Lilly, who was taken, brutally raped and killed. There are four other missing girls, the police are looking for, but she was the youngest! Lilly sits up on the mortuary table as Tori is trying to prepare her for burial, giving her one almighty shock. She wants her mummy but Tori has to protect her body and not allow her soul to go back into her body. If that happens, it never turns out well, as Tori found out after the death of her fiancée. She manages to get some clues from the little girl and goes off to investigate matters at a local bar frequented by criminals.
This leads to her and others she has involved, in coming into contact with something evil, more evil than she can comprehend and of a different existence she knew nothing about and will soon learns she is part of. There are dark parts to the story once this happens and her past, hidden by her grandparents multiple name changes, that she is thrust into the middle of. She is heir to an important role within a community she never knew existed and has to come to terms with learning what, never mind who, others really are!
A cracking start to this series. If you enjoy reading about necromancy, dark and light fae, zombies and more, then this is just the boom for you. A main character who knows a little bit about her power and is trying to use it for good, soon learning she is much more than she ever imagined and will have to hit the ground running if she hopes to stop those causing evil to happen in her town! There is obviously more to come and although this book is nearly 400 pages long, I read it straight through in a couple of hours as I was so entranced. I can’t wait to see what she will be up to next. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
June 21, 2018
A world after WWIII. The world was thrown into chaos, but when the call of the blood of the many dead became too strong the power of necromancers rose to the surface. Then the world stopped its petty squabbling and aligned against a common "enemy"...the necromancers. Victoria was born during the surge of fear of necromancers. She was kept hidden so that her blood couldn't be tested and her life extinguished due to ignorance and fear. Now she is a grown woman, a necromancer, but not fully in control of her power. She keeps it a secret to avoid the tortuous death that would await her should her secret ever be found out. A funeral director is her main job, but she helps to solve crimes with her local small town police department. What she is facing now is a true horror. Little girls have been abducted, and one has turned up...dead. The spirit still lingers, but Tori knows that she must help the child move on. She needs answers, too. Victoria quickly finds herself drawn into a darkness that she had no idea was lurking so close to home. Her secret is put in jeopardy, an enemy surfaces that shows that it is more than she thought it was, and she learns that she is more than she could have ever imagined.
Garden of Lilies by Eli Constant is book one in her Victoria Cage Necromancer series. This is the first book that I have read by this author and let me tell you it had me hooked from the beginning. I was immediately pulled into the story as the author weaves a tapestry painting a picture of life after WWIII for someone like Tori. It's a dangerous place. She must keep the secret of what she is at all times or face the consequences. She's never hurt anyone but the powers that be...the government doesn't care. There is so much going on with this story. There is a heavy air of danger and mystery as Tori races against the clock to find out who killed sweet little Lilly and find the remaining missing girls. The author introduces us to unique characters that will draw you in, each with their own uniqueness. This book is so full of surprises I didn't want to put it down. Even when I was exhausted I didn't want to stop. (Too bad my body said otherwise and crashed. LOL) This story is full of paranormal, mystery, horror and some romance to balance it all out.
There isn't a single thing that I can complain about this book! I honestly wish that I could step into the pages and enter this world for myself. The author does such a fantastic job with this story and I love Victoria as a character. She's engaging and I like how different she is. I really applaud the author for having Victoria be so different from other authors main female character. Usually, the main female character is fit, slim and has the perfect body, but Victoria (Tori) isn't that. She's a bit overweight, but she's working on it. She's been through a lot, but she is working on improving herself and healing. I love that we have a less than perfect character in more ways than one and that we get to see her changing, evolving and developing.
This book honestly has so much going for it. The author has put so much research into this book with the proper medical terms, the fun police jargon that most of us even have picked up from watching a ton of Law & Order. I absolutely am a huge fan of horror and this story has some fantastic horror moments that bring the perfect shock element at the right moment. I literally shouted more than once whooping about how awesome a particular scene was because of how much it surprised me.
As you can tell I absolutely loved this book. A top 5 favorite for the year so far for me. I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. This story is absolutely fantastic and I'm beyond eager for the next book in this series. This book is a must-have in your library if you like necromancers, fae, and lots of mystery. This book will NOT disappoint.
Garden of Lilies by Eli Constant is book one in her Victoria Cage Necromancer series. This is the first book that I have read by this author and let me tell you it had me hooked from the beginning. I was immediately pulled into the story as the author weaves a tapestry painting a picture of life after WWIII for someone like Tori. It's a dangerous place. She must keep the secret of what she is at all times or face the consequences. She's never hurt anyone but the powers that be...the government doesn't care. There is so much going on with this story. There is a heavy air of danger and mystery as Tori races against the clock to find out who killed sweet little Lilly and find the remaining missing girls. The author introduces us to unique characters that will draw you in, each with their own uniqueness. This book is so full of surprises I didn't want to put it down. Even when I was exhausted I didn't want to stop. (Too bad my body said otherwise and crashed. LOL) This story is full of paranormal, mystery, horror and some romance to balance it all out.
There isn't a single thing that I can complain about this book! I honestly wish that I could step into the pages and enter this world for myself. The author does such a fantastic job with this story and I love Victoria as a character. She's engaging and I like how different she is. I really applaud the author for having Victoria be so different from other authors main female character. Usually, the main female character is fit, slim and has the perfect body, but Victoria (Tori) isn't that. She's a bit overweight, but she's working on it. She's been through a lot, but she is working on improving herself and healing. I love that we have a less than perfect character in more ways than one and that we get to see her changing, evolving and developing.
This book honestly has so much going for it. The author has put so much research into this book with the proper medical terms, the fun police jargon that most of us even have picked up from watching a ton of Law & Order. I absolutely am a huge fan of horror and this story has some fantastic horror moments that bring the perfect shock element at the right moment. I literally shouted more than once whooping about how awesome a particular scene was because of how much it surprised me.
As you can tell I absolutely loved this book. A top 5 favorite for the year so far for me. I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. This story is absolutely fantastic and I'm beyond eager for the next book in this series. This book is a must-have in your library if you like necromancers, fae, and lots of mystery. This book will NOT disappoint.
June 21, 2018
A world after WWIII. The world was thrown into chaos, but when the call of the blood of the many dead became too strong the power of necromancers rose to the surface. Then the world stopped its petty squabbling and aligned against a common "enemy"...the necromancers. Victoria was born during the surge of fear of necromancers. She was kept hidden so that her blood couldn't be tested and her life extinguished due to ignorance and fear. Now she is a grown woman, a necromancer, but not fully in control of her power. She keeps it a secret to avoid the tortuous death that would await her should her secret ever be found out. A funeral director is her main job, but she helps to solve crimes with her local small town police department. What she is facing now is a true horror. Little girls have been abducted, and one has turned up...dead. The spirit still lingers, but Tori knows that she must help the child move on. She needs answers, too. Victoria quickly finds herself drawn into a darkness that she had no idea was lurking so close to home. Her secret is put in jeopardy, an enemy surfaces that shows that it is more than she thought it was, and she learns that she is more than she could have ever imagined.
Garden of Lilies by Eli Constant is book one in her Victoria Cage Necromancer series. This is the first book that I have read by this author and let me tell you it had me hooked from the beginning. I was immediately pulled into the story as the author weaves a tapestry painting a picture of life after WWIII for someone like Tori. It's a dangerous place. She must keep the secret of what she is at all times or face the consequences. She's never hurt anyone but the powers that be...the government doesn't care. There is so much going on with this story. There is a heavy air of danger and mystery as Tori races against the clock to find out who killed sweet little Lilly and find the remaining missing girls. The author introduces us to unique characters that will draw you in, each with their own uniqueness. This book is so full of surprises I didn't want to put it down. Even when I was exhausted I didn't want to stop. (Too bad my body said otherwise and crashed. LOL) This story is full of paranormal, mystery, horror and some romance to balance it all out.
There isn't a single thing that I can complain about this book! I honestly wish that I could step into the pages and enter this world for myself. The author does such a fantastic job with this story and I love Victoria as a character. She's engaging and I like how different she is. I really applaud the author for having Victoria be so different from other authors main female character. Usually, the main female character is fit, slim and has the perfect body, but Victoria (Tori) isn't that. She's a bit overweight, but she's working on it. She's been through a lot, but she is working on improving herself and healing. I love that we have a less than perfect character in more ways than one and that we get to see her changing, evolving and developing.
This book honestly has so much going for it. The author has put so much research into this book with the proper medical terms, the fun police jargon that most of us even have picked up from watching a ton of Law & Order. I absolutely am a huge fan of horror and this story has some fantastic horror moments that bring the perfect shock element at the right moment. I literally shouted more than once whooping about how awesome a particular scene was because of how much it surprised me.
As you can tell I absolutely loved this book. A top 5 favorite for the year so far for me. I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. This story is absolutely fantastic and I'm beyond eager for the next book in this series. This book is a must-have in your library if you like necromancers, fae, and lots of mystery. This book will NOT disappoint.
Garden of Lilies by Eli Constant is book one in her Victoria Cage Necromancer series. This is the first book that I have read by this author and let me tell you it had me hooked from the beginning. I was immediately pulled into the story as the author weaves a tapestry painting a picture of life after WWIII for someone like Tori. It's a dangerous place. She must keep the secret of what she is at all times or face the consequences. She's never hurt anyone but the powers that be...the government doesn't care. There is so much going on with this story. There is a heavy air of danger and mystery as Tori races against the clock to find out who killed sweet little Lilly and find the remaining missing girls. The author introduces us to unique characters that will draw you in, each with their own uniqueness. This book is so full of surprises I didn't want to put it down. Even when I was exhausted I didn't want to stop. (Too bad my body said otherwise and crashed. LOL) This story is full of paranormal, mystery, horror and some romance to balance it all out.
There isn't a single thing that I can complain about this book! I honestly wish that I could step into the pages and enter this world for myself. The author does such a fantastic job with this story and I love Victoria as a character. She's engaging and I like how different she is. I really applaud the author for having Victoria be so different from other authors main female character. Usually, the main female character is fit, slim and has the perfect body, but Victoria (Tori) isn't that. She's a bit overweight, but she's working on it. She's been through a lot, but she is working on improving herself and healing. I love that we have a less than perfect character in more ways than one and that we get to see her changing, evolving and developing.
This book honestly has so much going for it. The author has put so much research into this book with the proper medical terms, the fun police jargon that most of us even have picked up from watching a ton of Law & Order. I absolutely am a huge fan of horror and this story has some fantastic horror moments that bring the perfect shock element at the right moment. I literally shouted more than once whooping about how awesome a particular scene was because of how much it surprised me.
As you can tell I absolutely loved this book. A top 5 favorite for the year so far for me. I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. This story is absolutely fantastic and I'm beyond eager for the next book in this series. This book is a must-have in your library if you like necromancers, fae, and lots of mystery. This book will NOT disappoint.
June 14, 2018
I tend not to review books, as reviews are dependent on the reader's personal likes/dislikes/quirks, and what I may find annoying another reader may love, so I just keep my opinions to myself (online, in person it's a whole other story). However, I was fortunate to receive an ARC copy of this book in return for an honest review. So here it is:
I loved it.
I did have one quirk about it, which I discussed with the author (she is amazingly understanding and patient btw) and that quirk has been 'dealt with'.
The lead character, Victoria, isn't your normal svelte heroine which pulled me in to start with. She's overweight, somewhat pretty, with an amazing personality - she also just happens to be a funeral director and a necromancer in a world where necros are hunted to extinction.
I won't give anything away any spoilers as readers who come here looking for reviews/opinions BEFORE they read don't deserve that.
The author manages to develop Victoria's character incredibly well, and her relationships/friendships with the people she comes across during the story. At one point I cried - there have been (now) 4 books in total that have made me cry (the first when I was 14 - SE Hinton's The Outsiders - and I'm closing in on 50) over the years, so for me that shows how good the story writing is, how it pulls you in.
The love interests are different and intriguing, and I found myself switching teams often as each character was developed further as the story continued.
The sexy scenes have been very light (whether that will change as the series continues, who knows - I mean hell, look at how the Anita Blake series started to how it is now...sigh) but I doubt it, I get the feeling from dealing with the author that it is the story itself that matters, so for readers not interested in that kind of thing, there is no worry in that regard.
I hadn't read any of the other books by this author (I dislike YA books and most non-Fantasy/Sci-Fi), so I was pleasantly surprised, and will now be taking a peek at the rest of her work.
I also cannot wait for the next book in the series.
I loved it.
I did have one quirk about it, which I discussed with the author (she is amazingly understanding and patient btw) and that quirk has been 'dealt with'.
The lead character, Victoria, isn't your normal svelte heroine which pulled me in to start with. She's overweight, somewhat pretty, with an amazing personality - she also just happens to be a funeral director and a necromancer in a world where necros are hunted to extinction.
I won't give anything away any spoilers as readers who come here looking for reviews/opinions BEFORE they read don't deserve that.
The author manages to develop Victoria's character incredibly well, and her relationships/friendships with the people she comes across during the story. At one point I cried - there have been (now) 4 books in total that have made me cry (the first when I was 14 - SE Hinton's The Outsiders - and I'm closing in on 50) over the years, so for me that shows how good the story writing is, how it pulls you in.
The love interests are different and intriguing, and I found myself switching teams often as each character was developed further as the story continued.
The sexy scenes have been very light (whether that will change as the series continues, who knows - I mean hell, look at how the Anita Blake series started to how it is now...sigh) but I doubt it, I get the feeling from dealing with the author that it is the story itself that matters, so for readers not interested in that kind of thing, there is no worry in that regard.
I hadn't read any of the other books by this author (I dislike YA books and most non-Fantasy/Sci-Fi), so I was pleasantly surprised, and will now be taking a peek at the rest of her work.
I also cannot wait for the next book in the series.
May 5, 2023
meh
I really really wanted to like this book. I tried so hard but the writing style was just freaking weird. Super descriptive over every little thing from what the FMC was wearing to what the clouds looked like when it was about to rain. I had to start skimming over so many parts just to get to the content that actually moved the plot along.
It also seems like the author is trying to promote body positivity which would be fine except that they have the FMC reference her weight at least 19 times that I counted (and I’m sure I missed a few) throughout the book, to the point it threw me out of the story for being overly pushy and annoying.
The thing with Liam is so forced that it’s cringy. I mean, she meets him and within 5 words they’re kissing?? Come on. At least the thing with Kyle is more natural. It’s like the author was trying to not have instalust but also wanted to make sure Liam was an option as a romantic partner but without putting any effort into actually developing the connection there.
75% of the dialogue is cringy and seems like it’s trying too hard to show that the FMC is awkward in a quirky way but it makes the conversations pretty wooden and just weird.
She also references herself being a necromancer about 85 times. Like, we get it already ffs!!
I wanted to be able to continue this series but I just can’t.
I really really wanted to like this book. I tried so hard but the writing style was just freaking weird. Super descriptive over every little thing from what the FMC was wearing to what the clouds looked like when it was about to rain. I had to start skimming over so many parts just to get to the content that actually moved the plot along.
It also seems like the author is trying to promote body positivity which would be fine except that they have the FMC reference her weight at least 19 times that I counted (and I’m sure I missed a few) throughout the book, to the point it threw me out of the story for being overly pushy and annoying.
The thing with Liam is so forced that it’s cringy. I mean, she meets him and within 5 words they’re kissing?? Come on. At least the thing with Kyle is more natural. It’s like the author was trying to not have instalust but also wanted to make sure Liam was an option as a romantic partner but without putting any effort into actually developing the connection there.
75% of the dialogue is cringy and seems like it’s trying too hard to show that the FMC is awkward in a quirky way but it makes the conversations pretty wooden and just weird.
She also references herself being a necromancer about 85 times. Like, we get it already ffs!!
I wanted to be able to continue this series but I just can’t.
March 6, 2024
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
DNF
Interesting world idea.
I just could not get into the story.
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: No
Would you recommend?: No
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
DNF
Interesting world idea.
I just could not get into the story.
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: No
Would you recommend?: No
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
June 1, 2021
Good
**Warning** this has some pretty graphic descriptions of sexual trauma, and if you are sensitive to that topic, you won’t want to read this book. Pay attention to the author’s warnings!
An entertaining story, in which we are introduced to necromancer and mortician Victoria Cage.
When the body of a little girl comes to her for burial, it brings the girl’s spirit into Victoria’s orbit, and the unsavoury details behind her death.
That leads Tori down a dangerous path, facing an evil she didn’t even know existed…
Despite the rather horrific (and at times graphic) subject, this was a very good story. The world in which it is set is an intriguing one, and just a little different from our own.
There is a bit of a love triangle, and some death (it is about a mortician/necromancer after all), but is predominantly about a woman with an unusual power, just trying to find her way in the world, and coming to terms with the curve balls thrown at her.
An entertaining story, that dark urban fantasy fans may well enjoy.
**Warning** this has some pretty graphic descriptions of sexual trauma, and if you are sensitive to that topic, you won’t want to read this book. Pay attention to the author’s warnings!
An entertaining story, in which we are introduced to necromancer and mortician Victoria Cage.
When the body of a little girl comes to her for burial, it brings the girl’s spirit into Victoria’s orbit, and the unsavoury details behind her death.
That leads Tori down a dangerous path, facing an evil she didn’t even know existed…
Despite the rather horrific (and at times graphic) subject, this was a very good story. The world in which it is set is an intriguing one, and just a little different from our own.
There is a bit of a love triangle, and some death (it is about a mortician/necromancer after all), but is predominantly about a woman with an unusual power, just trying to find her way in the world, and coming to terms with the curve balls thrown at her.
An entertaining story, that dark urban fantasy fans may well enjoy.
March 17, 2019
Cool premise. Possible spoilers
Well written. Unique premise and world building. This story revolves around a necromancer who is also a little bit more. Or a lot more, actually. The author knew quite a bit about the funeral parlor\mortician line of work which really served as a great backbone to the story. It was interesting to read how Victoria was able to use her forbidden powers to help others. That's what the story is about, her helping the local police catch the someone's responsible for abducting young girls and killing another. Through it all we meet quite a few interesting characters including two love interests in Liam and kyle. Liam is not but Kyle has that special connection I want to explore w tori! There are a few scenes which are not for the faint of heart including an almost rape scene so beware. There is no sex yet but plenty of intrigue!
Well written. Unique premise and world building. This story revolves around a necromancer who is also a little bit more. Or a lot more, actually. The author knew quite a bit about the funeral parlor\mortician line of work which really served as a great backbone to the story. It was interesting to read how Victoria was able to use her forbidden powers to help others. That's what the story is about, her helping the local police catch the someone's responsible for abducting young girls and killing another. Through it all we meet quite a few interesting characters including two love interests in Liam and kyle. Liam is not but Kyle has that special connection I want to explore w tori! There are a few scenes which are not for the faint of heart including an almost rape scene so beware. There is no sex yet but plenty of intrigue!
June 7, 2019
I had been wanting to read this for months and finally got the chance...did not disappoint! Though it took me a few chapters to get into it, I was enthralled pretty quickly and found myself reading well into the night every time I picked it up. I loved Tori, and the fantasy elements truly felt like unique spins on fantasy. However, I couldn't quite give it a perfect rating due to poor proofreading (issues with grammar, typos, and switching tenses throughout), but these issues were not noticeable enough to take away from how much I enjoyed the book. Be warned, though. It's got some really dark themes and elements, including child trafficking and rape, so if that is something that will bother you, read with caution. All that said, I can't wait to pick up the next book!
June 23, 2018
Absolutely thrilling!!!!
I must admit I’m not used to necromancer novels and this was honestly my first. Holy mackerel- I might be looking into more now!
This was full of mystery, and fights, and evil doing. There was also sad parts and even passages that hit home.
I really like how relatable Tori was (in the normal human sense, not the necromancer part- obv.) she still got the creeps from some people and felt overweight at times and even using her boyfriends hoodie at one point.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope to read more!!!
I received an ARC copy of this book in return for my honest and unbiased review.
I must admit I’m not used to necromancer novels and this was honestly my first. Holy mackerel- I might be looking into more now!
This was full of mystery, and fights, and evil doing. There was also sad parts and even passages that hit home.
I really like how relatable Tori was (in the normal human sense, not the necromancer part- obv.) she still got the creeps from some people and felt overweight at times and even using her boyfriends hoodie at one point.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope to read more!!!
I received an ARC copy of this book in return for my honest and unbiased review.
February 28, 2019
Definitely worth more than 5 stars
This has been in my TBR list for a little while but always picked something else...wish I'd read it sooner!! An ordinary girl with a secret, one that could get her killed, who helps the police occasionally. This latest case turns her world upside down...and she finds out she is so much more than she thought. Strong characters, all with their own part to play, but there is still a hint of mystery. You will love this if you like the Merry Gentry series or The Hallows. A series that will be added to my wishlist.
This has been in my TBR list for a little while but always picked something else...wish I'd read it sooner!! An ordinary girl with a secret, one that could get her killed, who helps the police occasionally. This latest case turns her world upside down...and she finds out she is so much more than she thought. Strong characters, all with their own part to play, but there is still a hint of mystery. You will love this if you like the Merry Gentry series or The Hallows. A series that will be added to my wishlist.
November 14, 2019
I went in to this book thinking its just about necromancers which i was so excited for but turns out to be so much more and i love it. I cant wait to see what and who else is revealed in book 2
There was a nice steady build up at the beginning with the lilly case and oh god it broke my heart. Then more is revealed, new faces and secrets uncovered. Gets more fast paced and more action. Victoria doesn't give up easily and keeps on fighting no matter what, i absolutely love her.
Brilliant secondary character's. Writting is discriptive and flowed lovely.
There was a nice steady build up at the beginning with the lilly case and oh god it broke my heart. Then more is revealed, new faces and secrets uncovered. Gets more fast paced and more action. Victoria doesn't give up easily and keeps on fighting no matter what, i absolutely love her.
Brilliant secondary character's. Writting is discriptive and flowed lovely.
December 28, 2020
This is the premier of Victoria Cage,( Tori for short) funeral home director and necromancer. Tori was born after WWIII, when zombies plagued the world and forced dormant necromancer powers to explode. She was born in the Columbia underground, since the whole world deemed all necromancers too dangerous to live. All people testing positive for necromancy were out through torture and burned at the stake. Tori has been hiding her powers, but when girls go missing, she risks exposure.
This is a real page turner, and I couldn't put it down until the last sentence was read.
This is a real page turner, and I couldn't put it down until the last sentence was read.
June 22, 2018
I absolutely love this book! I thought the character Victoria Cage is very relatable in certain aspects. She is just an average woman working as a funeral director, who is also a necromancer that just so happens to be a queen of all fae. This book kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through to the end. Also so much packed in to a book. The book is so detailed that I felt I was Victoria Cage.
July 14, 2018
It was good but...
It was fun, funny sexy at times. Just feel like it was missing something. Like it never really got to a good peak before it was over. I plan on reading the next book to see if it gets better though. I still enjoyed the book. Just could have been more to it. Maybe a little bit too much much explanation about a few things. The best friend was very random. A lot was a bit too random.
It was fun, funny sexy at times. Just feel like it was missing something. Like it never really got to a good peak before it was over. I plan on reading the next book to see if it gets better though. I still enjoyed the book. Just could have been more to it. Maybe a little bit too much much explanation about a few things. The best friend was very random. A lot was a bit too random.
February 21, 2019
Garden of Lilies
Victoria is a necromancer who must hide her gifts or be killed. She runs a funeral parlor, living in a apartment upstairs from it. She helps the police whenever possible, her latest case is helping to find missing children. One of them dies, she sees and speaks to her spirit. This sends her on a path of death, injuries and startling revelations. Totally enjoyed this book! Very good, great storytelling.
Victoria is a necromancer who must hide her gifts or be killed. She runs a funeral parlor, living in a apartment upstairs from it. She helps the police whenever possible, her latest case is helping to find missing children. One of them dies, she sees and speaks to her spirit. This sends her on a path of death, injuries and startling revelations. Totally enjoyed this book! Very good, great storytelling.
July 15, 2024
Ultimately disappointing
The book started out well. I enjoyed the characters and storyline. This should be a great series I thought to myself. However personally for me the reveal around the half brother/sister and dialogue between them spoilt the whole thing. The final 10% of the book left me uninterested and I flicked to the end. Such a shame it went off the rails. Still probably personal taste. Read it and see what you think, but can't personally recommend it.
The book started out well. I enjoyed the characters and storyline. This should be a great series I thought to myself. However personally for me the reveal around the half brother/sister and dialogue between them spoilt the whole thing. The final 10% of the book left me uninterested and I flicked to the end. Such a shame it went off the rails. Still probably personal taste. Read it and see what you think, but can't personally recommend it.
March 30, 2019
Really Liked
A entertaining read. Author should load into word and do a search for stood and replace them all with standing. Other than weird switch of past tense instead of present, there weren't too many other errors to detract from story. I will definitely read the rest in series.
A entertaining read. Author should load into word and do a search for stood and replace them all with standing. Other than weird switch of past tense instead of present, there weren't too many other errors to detract from story. I will definitely read the rest in series.
November 23, 2018
Garden of Lilies Review
This story has so many twists and turns it was not at all what I was expecting but I really enjoyed it. It's definitely dark but it kept me guessing and left me wanting to jump right in the next book so I would recommend it.
This story has so many twists and turns it was not at all what I was expecting but I really enjoyed it. It's definitely dark but it kept me guessing and left me wanting to jump right in the next book so I would recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews