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Ghosts & Magic #1–4 omnibus
Necromancer. The Complete Series Box Set.
Available for the first time from Amazon bestselling science-fiction and fantasy author M.R. Forbes. Over 1300 pages of mystery, magic, mayhem, action, horror and humor in this gritty urban fantasy adventure. Everybody hates necromancers. Death magic? It’s disgusting. And dangerous. For Conor, it’s also the skill that pays the bills. The medication that keeps him cancer free is expensive, and he’s terrified to die. He should be. Death doesn’t like being played. When the promise of a big payout for a small bit of thievery presents itself, Conor is all in. But nothing comes easy when magic is involved, and it isn’t long before he’s caught up in the machinations of the most powerful wizards on Earth and left with only two ways Will he cheat Death?
Or meet him?
If you like Dresden, Temple, or the Iron Druid, you’ll want to meet Conor Night. Dead of Night, Dead Red, Dead Stare, Dead End, and the novella Dead Lucky. * the individual books are listed under the series name 'Ghosts & Magic.'
1162 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 11, 2019
1432 people are currently reading
290 people want to read
About the author
M.R. Forbes
149 books1,003 followersM.R. Forbes is the author of a growing number of science-fiction series including Rebellion, War Eternal, Chaos of the Covenant, Stars End, and the Forgotten novels. Having spent his childhood trying to read every sci-fi novel he could find (and write his own too), play every sci-fi video game he could get his hands on, and see every sci-fi movie that made it into the theater, he has a true love of the genre across every medium. He works hard to bring that same energy to his own stories, with a continuing goal to entertain, delight, fascinate, and surprise.
He maintains a true appreciation for his readers and is always happy to hear from them.
To learn more about M.R. Forbes or just say hello:
Visit his website:
mrforbes.com
Send him an e-mail:
michael@mrforbes.com
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He maintains a true appreciation for his readers and is always happy to hear from them.
To learn more about M.R. Forbes or just say hello:
Visit his website:
mrforbes.com
Send him an e-mail:
michael@mrforbes.com
Check out his Facebook page:
facebook.com/mrforbes.author
Join his Facebook fan group:
facebook.com/groups/mrforbes
Follow him on Instagram:
instagram.com/mrforbes_author
Find him on Goodreads:
goodreads.com/mrforbes
Follow him on Bookbub:
bookbub.com/authors/m-r-forbes
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
April 2, 2019
One of the best
I read a lot. Think 25 books a month, a lot. The books in this series are some of the best I've read in ages. Engaging, suspenseful, with levity at the right moments. I highly recommend this series, and I'll be tracking down the authors other books momentarily.
I read a lot. Think 25 books a month, a lot. The books in this series are some of the best I've read in ages. Engaging, suspenseful, with levity at the right moments. I highly recommend this series, and I'll be tracking down the authors other books momentarily.
May 11, 2019
The 4 book box set that follows the (much shorter than it seems to be) journey of Conor Night, necromancer.
When we meet Conor, he is a an established Ghost (mercenary-thief) and necromancer. In doing the job he was hired to do, he steals a different job, which leads him down a very convoluted road. Magic houses, ancient artifacts, "new" humans, and money. Lots and lots of money. Unfortunately, Conor spends a good amount of time trying not to die, which, in turn, causes death and destruction everywhere he goes. At some point, he has to decide: live, and doom the people, or die, and doom some of the people? Of course, as he struggles with this decision, he learns that death is probably NOT the end. Warnings for racism, xenophobia, gore, death, sexual innuendos, and general terrible decision making. Includes wizards, magical beings, and creatures that don't exist - we hope.
When we meet Conor, he is a an established Ghost (mercenary-thief) and necromancer. In doing the job he was hired to do, he steals a different job, which leads him down a very convoluted road. Magic houses, ancient artifacts, "new" humans, and money. Lots and lots of money. Unfortunately, Conor spends a good amount of time trying not to die, which, in turn, causes death and destruction everywhere he goes. At some point, he has to decide: live, and doom the people, or die, and doom some of the people? Of course, as he struggles with this decision, he learns that death is probably NOT the end. Warnings for racism, xenophobia, gore, death, sexual innuendos, and general terrible decision making. Includes wizards, magical beings, and creatures that don't exist - we hope.
July 31, 2019
Finished the short novella included in the set. It was actually really enjoyable. A nice little window into how Conor got his hands on the dice in the first place. Considering how important those dice were to the whole story, I think it was a very important addition.
Overall, a nice series though I'm not sure I would have chosen to buy this series if it hadn't been on sale and it wasn't in a massive collection bundled together. It was a little strange, and some of the elements didn't always work out. And maybe the excessive amount of sex and crudity was a little much for me. I can get behind a certain amount of crudeness and dirty jokes and sex references, but when it feels like it's consuming the entire plot than it's a bit heavy.
The abrupt ending of the plot also sort of caught me off-guard. Maybe I just need to read the end again, but I felt like it just cut-off weirdly. Still, it was the ending I was expecting and I did enjoy certain elements about these books. I'm not sure if I'd recommend the series or not. I guess I'd have to go with yea, it wasn't terrible. And considering the price it was worth it. There was enough interesting things about the book series to keep me entertained and to make up for the parts I didn't like.
Overall, a nice series though I'm not sure I would have chosen to buy this series if it hadn't been on sale and it wasn't in a massive collection bundled together. It was a little strange, and some of the elements didn't always work out. And maybe the excessive amount of sex and crudity was a little much for me. I can get behind a certain amount of crudeness and dirty jokes and sex references, but when it feels like it's consuming the entire plot than it's a bit heavy.
The abrupt ending of the plot also sort of caught me off-guard. Maybe I just need to read the end again, but I felt like it just cut-off weirdly. Still, it was the ending I was expecting and I did enjoy certain elements about these books. I'm not sure if I'd recommend the series or not. I guess I'd have to go with yea, it wasn't terrible. And considering the price it was worth it. There was enough interesting things about the book series to keep me entertained and to make up for the parts I didn't like.
September 18, 2019
Conor takes more hits than most of Mike Tyson's opponents.
A great series that dips into an interesting cyberpunk adventure that follows our nearly dead protagonist through many runs. Throughout the series I was drawn in by new characters, creatures, and spells or abilities, objects of power, and the steady pace that Conor discovers the manipulators and manipulations that have affected his new "life's" waning years. Truly glad to have read the entire series in one go, without months in between. I rarely read a full series in one go, but this has been one of my favorites.
While Conor is on borrowed time, there are plenty of twists and turns before he realizes that a personification of Death is looking for him. I wish there was a bit more depth to Conor, or maybe a little less defeatist attitude; but who can say what the mental strain and stress would do to us knowing you are only alive through expensive experimental meds, the guilt of your power, and finally that Death wants to chat...
The cyberpunk style world and story really drew me in and kept me reading day after day.
In any flavor, adventuring really is just strings of quests, jobs, or tasks in different locations for varying rewards.
A great series that dips into an interesting cyberpunk adventure that follows our nearly dead protagonist through many runs. Throughout the series I was drawn in by new characters, creatures, and spells or abilities, objects of power, and the steady pace that Conor discovers the manipulators and manipulations that have affected his new "life's" waning years. Truly glad to have read the entire series in one go, without months in between. I rarely read a full series in one go, but this has been one of my favorites.
While Conor is on borrowed time, there are plenty of twists and turns before he realizes that a personification of Death is looking for him. I wish there was a bit more depth to Conor, or maybe a little less defeatist attitude; but who can say what the mental strain and stress would do to us knowing you are only alive through expensive experimental meds, the guilt of your power, and finally that Death wants to chat...
The cyberpunk style world and story really drew me in and kept me reading day after day.
In any flavor, adventuring really is just strings of quests, jobs, or tasks in different locations for varying rewards.
May 10, 2019
Necromancer complete box set
It was not a bad read, interesting in some way, but also a bit confusing. It took me a bit to get an understanding of Connor and asked myself, has he now died, or is he a ghost because he often says he don't want to die. In some way he was a ghost, with a soul? So I didn't liked this concept because at the end he still had a soul to fight the enemy.
And I didn't liked the end after he actually passed away and the other characters like Amos, I actually liked this character, funny guy. And there was Frank also nice character, very likeable. There is no much information what happened why there not died or crossed over, instead you read how Connor got in the possession of the dice. I actually thought that Connor takes over the job of Death, because he could hear the other souls. The other thing that bogs me is that there is some insight on how he was diagnosed with cancer and that he didn't answer the call from his wife, I though it maybe comes later to find out how he faked his death, but it never came up again. It feels like unfinished for me. Still it was ok for the price at it took some time away while in hospital.
It was not a bad read, interesting in some way, but also a bit confusing. It took me a bit to get an understanding of Connor and asked myself, has he now died, or is he a ghost because he often says he don't want to die. In some way he was a ghost, with a soul? So I didn't liked this concept because at the end he still had a soul to fight the enemy.
And I didn't liked the end after he actually passed away and the other characters like Amos, I actually liked this character, funny guy. And there was Frank also nice character, very likeable. There is no much information what happened why there not died or crossed over, instead you read how Connor got in the possession of the dice. I actually thought that Connor takes over the job of Death, because he could hear the other souls. The other thing that bogs me is that there is some insight on how he was diagnosed with cancer and that he didn't answer the call from his wife, I though it maybe comes later to find out how he faked his death, but it never came up again. It feels like unfinished for me. Still it was ok for the price at it took some time away while in hospital.
November 18, 2019
First of all Necromancer gets a bonus point for having a magical fantasy set in present(ish) day and not in dark Middle Ages.
So, the magic returned to Earth and with it "users", persons able control different types of magic. Conor, the main protagonist, is a necromancer, rarest of them all, able to control desth magic. Downside of being a necromancer is that the closer you are on dying, the stronger you become. So Conor's advancing cancer is a double-edged sword.
The whole series is then for Conor a slow march to his ultimate death while growing stronger and trying to save the world and those few he cares about despite his own demise.
I liked the early books better as the topics and themes were more personal for Conor. The later books had the common sequel problem; in order to impress everything needs to be made bigger and more epic.
It's not too bad after all, and I quite liked to series with it's personal take on impending doom atmosphere. Characters are well written and while they are not always the most likeable, they are well fleshed out and their personalities and motives are nicely eloborated.
So, the magic returned to Earth and with it "users", persons able control different types of magic. Conor, the main protagonist, is a necromancer, rarest of them all, able to control desth magic. Downside of being a necromancer is that the closer you are on dying, the stronger you become. So Conor's advancing cancer is a double-edged sword.
The whole series is then for Conor a slow march to his ultimate death while growing stronger and trying to save the world and those few he cares about despite his own demise.
I liked the early books better as the topics and themes were more personal for Conor. The later books had the common sequel problem; in order to impress everything needs to be made bigger and more epic.
It's not too bad after all, and I quite liked to series with it's personal take on impending doom atmosphere. Characters are well written and while they are not always the most likeable, they are well fleshed out and their personalities and motives are nicely eloborated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2019
Never thought Death could be so adventurous
This series was a page turner right from the get go. I had no idea what I was in for when I first started it. Didn’t even realize I had purchased the entire 5 book series in one whack! But I couldn’t put it down. The characters were amazing. I loved Connor/Baron. His personality and his conflicts and his lack of banter for the most part all melded together to make a great character. And all the people connected to him were made even stronger because of his traits. The story was perfect for me. Not too slow. Not too fast. Kept pace just right. I can see where there might be some spots that others might find slow but I loved it all. This is an amazing author and I will most definitely be purchasing more content from him.
This series was a page turner right from the get go. I had no idea what I was in for when I first started it. Didn’t even realize I had purchased the entire 5 book series in one whack! But I couldn’t put it down. The characters were amazing. I loved Connor/Baron. His personality and his conflicts and his lack of banter for the most part all melded together to make a great character. And all the people connected to him were made even stronger because of his traits. The story was perfect for me. Not too slow. Not too fast. Kept pace just right. I can see where there might be some spots that others might find slow but I loved it all. This is an amazing author and I will most definitely be purchasing more content from him.
December 10, 2021
Not You're Grandpa's Necromancer
Ok. You've been reading fantasy since you were a tiny grasshopper. You've read everything, starting with Andre Norton and coming forward. You KNOW what a necromancer is, you know it deals in death magic.
Think again.
This book has got to be a classic. A whole different Necromancer. There have been only a few Necromancers, because you have to be dying before you can be one, and you die before you get enough experience to be a really good Necromancer, unless your last name is Knight (Get it? I'm sure the pun was intended).
This is a fun read, really fun. Do yourself a giant favor and read it. Sometime, at some places in the book, you'll laugh so hard you'll think you're going to die.
Ok. You've been reading fantasy since you were a tiny grasshopper. You've read everything, starting with Andre Norton and coming forward. You KNOW what a necromancer is, you know it deals in death magic.
Think again.
This book has got to be a classic. A whole different Necromancer. There have been only a few Necromancers, because you have to be dying before you can be one, and you die before you get enough experience to be a really good Necromancer, unless your last name is Knight (Get it? I'm sure the pun was intended).
This is a fun read, really fun. Do yourself a giant favor and read it. Sometime, at some places in the book, you'll laugh so hard you'll think you're going to die.
June 25, 2019
A thrilling, unique tale.
I was lucky enough to pick the entire set up for a really low price and have since read through it all enjoying everyone moment of Connor nights troubled journey. For me it was a unique take on a very interesting form of magic, necromancy. It was actually the reason I looked at it in the first place and it meets expectations and more.
If you want a thrilling adventure, troubled decisions and a whole host of human mistakes. Give it a read you won't regret it.
I was lucky enough to pick the entire set up for a really low price and have since read through it all enjoying everyone moment of Connor nights troubled journey. For me it was a unique take on a very interesting form of magic, necromancy. It was actually the reason I looked at it in the first place and it meets expectations and more.
If you want a thrilling adventure, troubled decisions and a whole host of human mistakes. Give it a read you won't regret it.
August 1, 2019
Containing 4 books and a prequel novella.
Lots of magic, theists and gun fights mixed in with intrigue and dark humour.
I like the way magic works and the new humans (especially frank)
It was good enough to keep me reading throughout, felt a little long at times but then it is actually 6 books. I found the simple proof reading errors broke my suspension of disbelief, but then I'm a bit tetchy at the moment.
Lots of magic, theists and gun fights mixed in with intrigue and dark humour.
I like the way magic works and the new humans (especially frank)
It was good enough to keep me reading throughout, felt a little long at times but then it is actually 6 books. I found the simple proof reading errors broke my suspension of disbelief, but then I'm a bit tetchy at the moment.
August 19, 2019
Dragged on
Ok I’m one of those people that starts a book reads it to the end no matter what it’s like
This nearly became the first the amount of time he went on about there powers and the scenery was terrible.Halfway into book three did it actually feel like a fantasy book.But as always that’s my point of view,others might be right in there higher ratings of it.Either way every writer is worth a look at gives them a chance
Ok I’m one of those people that starts a book reads it to the end no matter what it’s like
This nearly became the first the amount of time he went on about there powers and the scenery was terrible.Halfway into book three did it actually feel like a fantasy book.But as always that’s my point of view,others might be right in there higher ratings of it.Either way every writer is worth a look at gives them a chance
May 21, 2020
Necromancer The Complete Series. I am so glad I bought the series as I would be jumping up and down in frustration, impatient to read the next one.
I loved this series. The characters were brilliant and the action had me holding my breath. The main character was one at times I related to while other times I wanted to punch him. A sign of a true writer and one who can spin a tale which had me hanging on every word.
If you love Jim Butcher novels then you will love Necromancer.
I loved this series. The characters were brilliant and the action had me holding my breath. The main character was one at times I related to while other times I wanted to punch him. A sign of a true writer and one who can spin a tale which had me hanging on every word.
If you love Jim Butcher novels then you will love Necromancer.
February 8, 2025
Meh?!?! Not an especially great read. I’m a huge fan of Mr. Forbes, but I believe his foray into urban horror does not approach his outstanding sci-fi talent. This series , to me, did not hold my interest in the same manner that his sci-fi series has. That is not to say that it is poorly written. My opinion is that this group of books is just boring. Mr. Forbes has done far better than this effort.
April 13, 2019
Just loved it. Great fusion of magic and technology.
I liked this so much that I read the entire series back to back. The premise - magic returns to the modern world and turns everything around. Without wanting to give anything away it is the story of one man dying very slowly and his ragtag team of misfits trying to make a living. Starts simple and ends with something epic.
I liked this so much that I read the entire series back to back. The premise - magic returns to the modern world and turns everything around. Without wanting to give anything away it is the story of one man dying very slowly and his ragtag team of misfits trying to make a living. Starts simple and ends with something epic.
May 6, 2019
Fast paced, solid plot, likable characters
Is, as they say all artists and scientists stand on the shoulders of giani, then M. R. Forbes is standing directly on Jim Butchers shoulders. He gives many a nod to the Dresden Files booo, but we get to explore a different vein of magic - the Necromancer!
Is, as they say all artists and scientists stand on the shoulders of giani, then M. R. Forbes is standing directly on Jim Butchers shoulders. He gives many a nod to the Dresden Files booo, but we get to explore a different vein of magic - the Necromancer!
June 5, 2019
Solid enough story with interesting and likable characters. Its only weakness is the formulaic manner in which the characters discover and deal with their obstacles. A few twists and turns would have been nice.
If you're jonesing for urban fantasy and want a good weekend book M.R. Forbes's earlier efforts here are satisfying enough to reward the purchase.
If you're jonesing for urban fantasy and want a good weekend book M.R. Forbes's earlier efforts here are satisfying enough to reward the purchase.
July 1, 2019
Good kept my attention. I enjoyed it. Still it was repetive. Quest or heist. Main guy is dying. Meets very hot powerful woman who is attracted to his grey emasculates dying body. Why? Why would anyone be attracted. He isn’t any fun. He is a jerk. He isn’t attractive. Then mix in a large stupid smart alleviation side kick that pokes fun at him. Rinse and repeat. Each book is the same
July 12, 2019
Time well spent.
Not my usual sort of read and was slow going to start with as a bit techy . Pleased I persevered as by the start of the second book I was taught really getting quite engrossed. The blend of technology and magic really sat together well as the story progressed. Most enjoyable
Not my usual sort of read and was slow going to start with as a bit techy . Pleased I persevered as by the start of the second book I was taught really getting quite engrossed. The blend of technology and magic really sat together well as the story progressed. Most enjoyable
September 2, 2019
A Darned Good Read
As in the title, this series is a darned good read. It isn't Tolstoy and it isn't Pulitzer material but is good read. Every Pulitzer winner I ever tried to read lost me pretty quickly. The Necromancer series is NOT a fairy tale (even though it DOES have fairies - sorta) and it is sorta dark. But it IS a darned good read.
As in the title, this series is a darned good read. It isn't Tolstoy and it isn't Pulitzer material but is good read. Every Pulitzer winner I ever tried to read lost me pretty quickly. The Necromancer series is NOT a fairy tale (even though it DOES have fairies - sorta) and it is sorta dark. But it IS a darned good read.
September 5, 2019
Raising the dead never felt so good ;)
Death dice and a penchant for staying a live long after his expiration, this is a story that effortlessly pulls you along and reinforces your suspension of believe. A fun filled “Magic-punk” novel that keeps you looking around corner. Forbes has succeeded and exceeded my expectations.
Death dice and a penchant for staying a live long after his expiration, this is a story that effortlessly pulls you along and reinforces your suspension of believe. A fun filled “Magic-punk” novel that keeps you looking around corner. Forbes has succeeded and exceeded my expectations.
September 30, 2019
Average books, really annoying main character. The magic mechanics are engaging enough and I wanted to find out how it actually ended. There's a lot of deus ex machina here, but that's mostly because of the power level of the individuals involved. An ok read, but I was really forcing myself to just finish it.
February 5, 2022
Absolutely FANTASTIC!!
You really NEED to read this, you absolutely positively will NOT regret it!! Completely and totally engrossing!! I truly could not put it down! I usually have at least 4 books going at any given time but I haven't read any of them while reading this!! It really is that good!!
You really NEED to read this, you absolutely positively will NOT regret it!! Completely and totally engrossing!! I truly could not put it down! I usually have at least 4 books going at any given time but I haven't read any of them while reading this!! It really is that good!!
April 24, 2019
Great read for urban fantasy fans
An unlucky, terminally ill doctor becomes a necromancer and will do anything to avoid what he doesn’t know happens to people when they die. All while finding himself in deeper and deeper trouble, what’s not to love.
An unlucky, terminally ill doctor becomes a necromancer and will do anything to avoid what he doesn’t know happens to people when they die. All while finding himself in deeper and deeper trouble, what’s not to love.
May 15, 2019
A lot of action and imagination
This series. Box set. Whatever, kept me engrossed, entertained, invested the whole time. I loved the characters. Even Amos. Sometimes stories don't have to be deep to have value. I love this story set. Just plain fun.
This series. Box set. Whatever, kept me engrossed, entertained, invested the whole time. I loved the characters. Even Amos. Sometimes stories don't have to be deep to have value. I love this story set. Just plain fun.
July 17, 2019
My own fault
To read a book -actually three books- that took forever and put me behind on my reading challenge. The book was too disjointed although again that may be because it was really several books in one. Rats it only counts as one.
To read a book -actually three books- that took forever and put me behind on my reading challenge. The book was too disjointed although again that may be because it was really several books in one. Rats it only counts as one.
August 8, 2019
Grisly, but Excellent
This series will grab you from the beginning and, by the end, you will be said it’s over. Interesting, sometimes strange, characters and incredible situations and adventures. Well worth the read.
This series will grab you from the beginning and, by the end, you will be said it’s over. Interesting, sometimes strange, characters and incredible situations and adventures. Well worth the read.
August 29, 2019
An entertaining read that grabbed me from the first page and never let up.
Having not encountered this author before, this purchase was a gamble, but one that paid off. I fully intend to check out more from this author in the future.
Having not encountered this author before, this purchase was a gamble, but one that paid off. I fully intend to check out more from this author in the future.
September 1, 2019
A wild ride full of "laughs", bewilderment, and pestules.
This book is full of non stop action, all sorts of weird mythical characters that encompasses a mortals life and science to answer the complexities of a world gone mad
This book is full of non stop action, all sorts of weird mythical characters that encompasses a mortals life and science to answer the complexities of a world gone mad
August 21, 2021
Deliciously muddy plot and action
Realistically confusing, with as much humor as macabre violence. Characters are complex, drawing the reader in even as the mix of repulsion and attraction vie for supremacy.
Realistically confusing, with as much humor as macabre violence. Characters are complex, drawing the reader in even as the mix of repulsion and attraction vie for supremacy.
May 13, 2022
Fantastic!
I'm hard to impress being an avid reader since grade school and this book was extremely refreshing compared to a lot of books I've tried to read lately! I highly recommend it!
I'm hard to impress being an avid reader since grade school and this book was extremely refreshing compared to a lot of books I've tried to read lately! I highly recommend it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews