What do you think?
Rate this book
Second Breath Academy #1
How To Raise The Dead
A dark mystery, a wildly inaccurate reputation, and a snarky black pug familiar. Kati’s first term at Second Breath Academy is off to one hell of a start.
All Kati Wilson wants is to keep her head down, ignore the rumours about her brother, and avoid anything that qualifies as danger, drama, or evil deeds. But the academy has other plans. Completely against her will, Kati finds herself lumbered with two perky, over-enthusiastic friends, the centre of attention in every class, and fending off dark dreams that suggest not everyone will survive the term. Not to mention there’s a prophecy that says Kati will vanquish a great evil.
At least there’s the sweet, handsome guy who sees Kati as more than the sister of a maybe-evil-mastermind. The bad news is he’s utterly, irrefutably Off Limits. Because he’s her death magic teacher. And that comes scarily close to drama.
But at least Kati will get through the rest of her time at Second Breath Academy without encountering danger or evil deeds. Right…?
How To Raise The Dead takes place in a university-age academy for necromancers and reapers, but there’s plenty of magic, mystery, and romance to keep your interest if you’re totally over the academy genre. SBA is slow burn RH and builds with each book. This is a full-length novel at 71,000 words. All characters are adults.
All Kati Wilson wants is to keep her head down, ignore the rumours about her brother, and avoid anything that qualifies as danger, drama, or evil deeds. But the academy has other plans. Completely against her will, Kati finds herself lumbered with two perky, over-enthusiastic friends, the centre of attention in every class, and fending off dark dreams that suggest not everyone will survive the term. Not to mention there’s a prophecy that says Kati will vanquish a great evil.
At least there’s the sweet, handsome guy who sees Kati as more than the sister of a maybe-evil-mastermind. The bad news is he’s utterly, irrefutably Off Limits. Because he’s her death magic teacher. And that comes scarily close to drama.
But at least Kati will get through the rest of her time at Second Breath Academy without encountering danger or evil deeds. Right…?
How To Raise The Dead takes place in a university-age academy for necromancers and reapers, but there’s plenty of magic, mystery, and romance to keep your interest if you’re totally over the academy genre. SBA is slow burn RH and builds with each book. This is a full-length novel at 71,000 words. All characters are adults.
281 pages, ebook
First published September 28, 2019
228 people are currently reading
438 people want to read
About the author
Leigh Kelsey
110 books494 followersLeigh Kelsey is the author of romance and reverse harem books for anyone with a soft spot for steely women and the tortured men who love them. No matter what stories she's writing - vampires or shifters or bad boys - they all share a common thread of love, heart, and action. She is the author of the Lili Kazana series, the Moonlight Inn series, the Dead Space stand alone, and the Blacktower Prison for Supernaturals series, plus many more books.
https://www.facebook.com/leighkelseya...
https://www.facebook.com/leighkelseya...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
October 5, 2019
DNF @ 26%.
No. Nope. Nuh uh. I can't read the MC's whining anymore.
No. Nope. Nuh uh. I can't read the MC's whining anymore.
October 7, 2019
Not one for me. It was a battle getting past 30% and I wanted to DNF a few times. Its young, inspired by HP and pretty much has zilch on the romance front. I didn't get a RH feel from this one. I did like the prank but other than that its one to just roll with and accept the MC is cranky and whiny for a reason.
October 4, 2019
Right wow, what an amazing journey
So a few things you need to know going into this book is that the romance is about 5% or less. Its focuses on the slight mystery, Kati dealing with the fallout of her brother's alleged actions and her starting at the Academy. I dont really consider this a spoiler cause it was either in the blurb or authors note but
My favourite type of rh is slow burn, focusing more on a "realistic" build of relationship overtime. I enjoy the friendships being formed even none romantic types. This book provides that and more.
I loved all the characters
I loved the story
I f*ing loved this book
So a few things you need to know going into this book is that the romance is about 5% or less. Its focuses on the slight mystery, Kati dealing with the fallout of her brother's alleged actions and her starting at the Academy. I dont really consider this a spoiler cause it was either in the blurb or authors note but
My favourite type of rh is slow burn, focusing more on a "realistic" build of relationship overtime. I enjoy the friendships being formed even none romantic types. This book provides that and more.
I loved all the characters
I loved the story
I f*ing loved this book
October 30, 2019
World building leans really heavily into Harry Potter; it was off-putting how much so. Naia is basically Hermione, just a more timid version. Character building was also seriously lacking - I felt like we didn't really get to know anyone in this story aside from Kati. Also, there were plot inconsistencies. I was excited, but I was ultimately left disappointed and wanting more. I may still check out the next one, but not sure.
September 24, 2019
If your looking for a High-Burn RH book then this is not for you but if your looking for a Slow-Burn, Witty, Brilliant story then read this. You wont be disappointed. Kati (MFC) has just started at The Second Breath Academy for Necromancers and Reapers. A place she has just been dreaming about attending since she was a kid. That was until her brother Theo was accused of Murder and of being a Dark Lord. So in some folks eyes they see her as guilty by association especially when dead bodies start turning up and the fingers are pointing to her. This book is not all doom and gloom though there's plenty of laughs too. What with food that tastes the opposite of what its meant to be, talking chairs and sarcastic pugs its a great read. Bring on book 2
September 24, 2019
How to Raise the Dead: Second Breath Academy
by Leigh Kelsey
TLDR: A solid start to a story-driven, slow-burn romance academy series (with some bullying). The romance comes second to the story, though by no means absent. Characters are solid and developing as the story progresses; the overarching circumstances and people’s reactions to those circumstances are believable. I recommend this book.
ARC: I received a free Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
Release date: September 28th, 2019
Technical stuff: There is some bullying and violence which may be triggering for some, although the bullying is not by the romantic interests. There is also a “taboo”-ish relationship that develops between a student and professor. (It is clear that there is no expressly written rule being broken by this relationship, and that both parties are of age.) If these bother you, then perhaps this isn't the book for you.
This story is a paranormal, story-driven reverse-harem romance in an Academy setting (with some bullying). The story is told in third person by Katriona (Kati) Wilson, the Female Main Character (FMC). There is a cliff-hanger ending in the overarching story line, with several “loose ends” needing to be resolved in future books.
Backstory: We know from the first chapter that Kati has been subjected to a media circus. The apparent black magic rite where one person died, one committed suicide, and the third, the FMC’s brother who went on the run, brought about the media frenzy. (There is a solid distinction made between reaper and necromancer magic, and black magic.)
Opinions and overview of story (with minimal/no spoilers):
Kati, pondering a prophesy which might or might not involve her, finds herself both an outcast and acquiring 2 friends-whether she wants them or not-upon arriving at Second Breath Academy.
“Making friends was not part of her plan, but what the souls? I wasn’t like it could get much worse.
It got worse.”
Expect to “feel all the feels” while reading this book. The personal challenges and emotional responses of the characters (including the bullies) are not only plausible, but believable and feel authentic. I laughed, smiled, was outraged, sat on the edge of my seat with my heart racing, and even shed a few tears. I definitely enjoyed the story and the developing relationships between the characters, whether Kati’s brother, friends, enemies, professors, or headmaster.
by Leigh Kelsey
TLDR: A solid start to a story-driven, slow-burn romance academy series (with some bullying). The romance comes second to the story, though by no means absent. Characters are solid and developing as the story progresses; the overarching circumstances and people’s reactions to those circumstances are believable. I recommend this book.
ARC: I received a free Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
Release date: September 28th, 2019
Technical stuff: There is some bullying and violence which may be triggering for some, although the bullying is not by the romantic interests. There is also a “taboo”-ish relationship that develops between a student and professor. (It is clear that there is no expressly written rule being broken by this relationship, and that both parties are of age.) If these bother you, then perhaps this isn't the book for you.
This story is a paranormal, story-driven reverse-harem romance in an Academy setting (with some bullying). The story is told in third person by Katriona (Kati) Wilson, the Female Main Character (FMC). There is a cliff-hanger ending in the overarching story line, with several “loose ends” needing to be resolved in future books.
Backstory: We know from the first chapter that Kati has been subjected to a media circus. The apparent black magic rite where one person died, one committed suicide, and the third, the FMC’s brother who went on the run, brought about the media frenzy. (There is a solid distinction made between reaper and necromancer magic, and black magic.)
Opinions and overview of story (with minimal/no spoilers):
Kati, pondering a prophesy which might or might not involve her, finds herself both an outcast and acquiring 2 friends-whether she wants them or not-upon arriving at Second Breath Academy.
“Making friends was not part of her plan, but what the souls? I wasn’t like it could get much worse.
It got worse.”
Expect to “feel all the feels” while reading this book. The personal challenges and emotional responses of the characters (including the bullies) are not only plausible, but believable and feel authentic. I laughed, smiled, was outraged, sat on the edge of my seat with my heart racing, and even shed a few tears. I definitely enjoyed the story and the developing relationships between the characters, whether Kati’s brother, friends, enemies, professors, or headmaster.
September 29, 2019
Amazing start of a new series 💞
OMG this book has it all: great world building and stroy line, amazing FMC, unconditional new BFF, hot teacher, magic and unexpected twists and turns that will keep you on edge!!! 😰😵🤪... Kati grows so much during all these trials, finding trust and real friendship, along with some allies and a new romance, in spite of the dark cloud that hangs over her head, she's not alone in her fight against evil!!!! 🤗😍✨... Can't wait for the next book, need to know who's really behind all of these attacks and their final goal!!! 😨🤔😓
OMG this book has it all: great world building and stroy line, amazing FMC, unconditional new BFF, hot teacher, magic and unexpected twists and turns that will keep you on edge!!! 😰😵🤪... Kati grows so much during all these trials, finding trust and real friendship, along with some allies and a new romance, in spite of the dark cloud that hangs over her head, she's not alone in her fight against evil!!!! 🤗😍✨... Can't wait for the next book, need to know who's really behind all of these attacks and their final goal!!! 😨🤔😓
September 30, 2019
How To Raise The Dead: A Necromancer Academy Romance (Second Breath Academy Book 1) by Leigh Kelsey is an amazing story to read. This is book number one in this amazing start to a brand new series for me to read. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about mystery, magic and romnce.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
May 20, 2020
Thank christ for new (new to me, at least) RH material because I felt like I have been reading too much RH lately (note that may past rh-starved self would consider this a sacrilege). Or I have been reading the same content for the past few weeks. I'll let you decide.
I just...I really adore this read the same way Kati does Mr. Worth.
I think it was interesting when the author warned the readers that the series would be story-centered and very slow burn in romance and rh build up. And I am fnding myself very happy and content with that. There was nothing really wrong with explosive chemistry and uber steamy scenes but I have always originally preferred slowburn and plot/character development over the romance.
I also have initially sought this out because of the f/f content. Again, the romantic elements are going to build up as the story goes but I've had an inkling who the other two romantic interests are aside from Mr. Worth...aaaaand I'm really excited to explore them.
Many readers have pointed out the heavy HP inspo and I would agree, to an extent. I love how there are scenes (thoughts and feelings) that one would consider from HP references but are totally not, at the same time. It feels familiar but is totally different. Just have to read for yourself to understand what I meant.
I decided to off one star because it's true that the characters aren't characters I can say I connect with. Nothing really wrong. Oooh, I actually appreciate that this read wasn't heavy on mean girls/dudes or as teen school drama as most. There were unsavory characters but not overly done so.
I just...I really adore this read the same way Kati does Mr. Worth.
I think it was interesting when the author warned the readers that the series would be story-centered and very slow burn in romance and rh build up. And I am fnding myself very happy and content with that. There was nothing really wrong with explosive chemistry and uber steamy scenes but I have always originally preferred slowburn and plot/character development over the romance.
I also have initially sought this out because of the f/f content. Again, the romantic elements are going to build up as the story goes but I've had an inkling who the other two romantic interests are aside from Mr. Worth...aaaaand I'm really excited to explore them.
Many readers have pointed out the heavy HP inspo and I would agree, to an extent. I love how there are scenes (thoughts and feelings) that one would consider from HP references but are totally not, at the same time. It feels familiar but is totally different. Just have to read for yourself to understand what I meant.
I decided to off one star because it's true that the characters aren't characters I can say I connect with. Nothing really wrong. Oooh, I actually appreciate that this read wasn't heavy on mean girls/dudes or as teen school drama as most. There were unsavory characters but not overly done so.
May 14, 2022
DNF: Childish, Slow, and Disorganized
24% of the way into this book and I wanted to absolutely rip my hair out. The author takes great pains to say that these characters are 18 yet writes them as petulant pre-teens. I still had no idea what the plot of this story was. This is the equivalent of writing: woe is me, brother is a murderer, he’s not, oh look mean girls, awesome room, weird friends, ate weird dinner, don’t say mean things, oh I hide behind resting b**** face, say that again about my - oh look a tour. Like what the Hades am I reading and how does this have so many good reviews?
24% of the way into this book and I wanted to absolutely rip my hair out. The author takes great pains to say that these characters are 18 yet writes them as petulant pre-teens. I still had no idea what the plot of this story was. This is the equivalent of writing: woe is me, brother is a murderer, he’s not, oh look mean girls, awesome room, weird friends, ate weird dinner, don’t say mean things, oh I hide behind resting b**** face, say that again about my - oh look a tour. Like what the Hades am I reading and how does this have so many good reviews?
March 1, 2024
Some parallels can be drawn between this book and the Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling but this story is more adult in the themes it tackles. Young adults are learning magic spells but this is interwoven with murder mystery when people are killed at the Second Breath Academy. Kati, the main character in the book is suspected to have something to do with these murders because of the supposed actions of her brother Theo when he was at the SBA. She faces a struggle to overcome the negativity that she faces. The only disappointment in the book is that it is not a complete story, with the story continuing into the next book in the series.
October 11, 2021
Loved this book! I loved the story and world building.
I really liked Kati and thought she was fierce and determined even though everyone treated her unfairly just because of what her brother did. I also liked how her two friends stuck up for her.
This was a great magical read with necromancy, reapers and ghosts. Can’t wait to see what happens next!
I really liked Kati and thought she was fierce and determined even though everyone treated her unfairly just because of what her brother did. I also liked how her two friends stuck up for her.
This was a great magical read with necromancy, reapers and ghosts. Can’t wait to see what happens next!
May 1, 2020
Ohh good book awesome charaters, can't wait to read what happens next. The mystery of what happened to and with Theo and of course what's going to Happen with Mr Worth. Da da darrr. Off to read the next book now
September 25, 2020
i really liked this book alot Kati the heroine gets sent to The Second Breath Academy for Necromancers and Reapers and she gets caught up in a mystery, her brother is considered a dark lord, and meets a guy who is totally off limits. can Kati survive her First year and find the killer.
April 6, 2021
Wow
Wellll must admit Im pretty hooked now on the whole mystery of who she maybe, I love katis personality and her don't give a shit attitude and I think I'm in love with iain bless him, can't wait to read next one now
Wellll must admit Im pretty hooked now on the whole mystery of who she maybe, I love katis personality and her don't give a shit attitude and I think I'm in love with iain bless him, can't wait to read next one now
October 25, 2021
DNF@19% This was boring. Maybe I’m just not in the mood or something. I might try it again later but right now I can’t get myself to continue. I mean, the first 6% of the book was the FMC on a bus bitching about bitches. Zzzz~
Read
September 1, 2024DNF. The first chapter failed to capture my interest, causing me to stop after reading only Chapter One. However, I might give it another try in the future.
🛍️ Jess' 2023 Reading Book List: https://amzn.to/3Ug7iSZ
🛍️ Jess' 2023 Reading Book List: https://amzn.to/3Ug7iSZ
May 24, 2020
💘
OMMFG I'M IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK!! So glad it will be a series!! I legit did not know where this story was going and it is simply amazing!!
OMMFG I'M IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK!! So glad it will be a series!! I legit did not know where this story was going and it is simply amazing!!
May 26, 2020
I'm sure it's a good story, but for some reason I could not get passed 22%. To be honest I skimmed quite a bit to get that far. Maybe I'll try again later.
November 22, 2020
NICE BOOK REMEBER YOU NEED A OPEN MIND FOR THIS STORY AND RESPECT THE PEAPLE WHO LOVE WHAT GENDER THEY ARE ,HAVE PEACE EN JOIN THE READING ADICTS
May 1, 2021
Loved it
Of course 2 people who have not so nice people in their family are drawn together. I loved this book, on to the next!
Of course 2 people who have not so nice people in their family are drawn together. I loved this book, on to the next!
October 16, 2021
Dead
A very interesting start. This isn't about mean girls and love interests. Even though both are present. It was intriguing and there are some really good characters.
A very interesting start. This isn't about mean girls and love interests. Even though both are present. It was intriguing and there are some really good characters.
October 17, 2021
Cool.
This is an interesting story. It ha
s really well done characters that are easy to like. I found myself drawn right in.
This is an interesting story. It ha
s really well done characters that are easy to like. I found myself drawn right in.
October 19, 2021
was good.
July 16, 2025
Very slow start, I was annoyed so I am not continuing.
June 29, 2022
Great book!
I highly recommend this book, is slowww burn and in third person so took me a bit to get used to that but its great! I can't wait to see what happens next!
I highly recommend this book, is slowww burn and in third person so took me a bit to get used to that but its great! I can't wait to see what happens next!
October 21, 2019
The book on itself has an interesting premise. And the reason why I wanted to jump on an ARC wagon when I had a chance. But I was left disappointed.
The book started great, Ms. Kelsey threw us some interesting bones to chew on. But that was all.
I personally could not relate to the characters as much as I tried to force myself to read the book but at the end I failed.
I am not inclined to read about adults being confined in a secluded and restricted area without them coming and going as they please and where they are treated as little children. Not to mention having all the high school drama. Should our heroine be of age 15 or 16 this type of story would fit the bill perfectly. However explicit scenes had to be forced into the story to appease the majority of Ms. Kelsey's readers. To do that you have to have adult characters and that ruined it for me.
Should this book stayed YA appropriate I believe I would consider ranking it higher than I did.
All in all the book read like Harry Potter with adults and that definitely has not struck an accord with me.
The book started great, Ms. Kelsey threw us some interesting bones to chew on. But that was all.
I personally could not relate to the characters as much as I tried to force myself to read the book but at the end I failed.
I am not inclined to read about adults being confined in a secluded and restricted area without them coming and going as they please and where they are treated as little children. Not to mention having all the high school drama. Should our heroine be of age 15 or 16 this type of story would fit the bill perfectly. However explicit scenes had to be forced into the story to appease the majority of Ms. Kelsey's readers. To do that you have to have adult characters and that ruined it for me.
Should this book stayed YA appropriate I believe I would consider ranking it higher than I did.
All in all the book read like Harry Potter with adults and that definitely has not struck an accord with me.
September 28, 2019
Mystery , murder with a touch of Romance
Katie had dreamed of going to Second Breath Academy since she was 3. Her brother ,accused of murder disappeared from there the prior year. She meets 2 woman that are determined to be her friends , and of course the mean girl bullies. Of course , there is the hot teacher ; she can't stop staring at. Almost immediately people are being murdered. Who else but Katie is the likely suspect? What do you expect to happen at an academy that teaches you how to kill someone? Katie is determined to find out who is trying to frame her . She also wants to clear her brother's name . That may not be as easy as she thought. Can Katie unravel the mysteries at Second breath academy ? What happened to the tower that disappeared? You'll need to read the book to find out. I did but I'm not telling. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. Oh , btw it ends in a cliffhanger.
Katie had dreamed of going to Second Breath Academy since she was 3. Her brother ,accused of murder disappeared from there the prior year. She meets 2 woman that are determined to be her friends , and of course the mean girl bullies. Of course , there is the hot teacher ; she can't stop staring at. Almost immediately people are being murdered. Who else but Katie is the likely suspect? What do you expect to happen at an academy that teaches you how to kill someone? Katie is determined to find out who is trying to frame her . She also wants to clear her brother's name . That may not be as easy as she thought. Can Katie unravel the mysteries at Second breath academy ? What happened to the tower that disappeared? You'll need to read the book to find out. I did but I'm not telling. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. Oh , btw it ends in a cliffhanger.
September 24, 2019
Second breath academy was pretty good. I was not aware there would be a female love interest along with the males until I read the blurb at the beginning of the story (which isn't my thing). It reminded me a lot of a certain HP wizarding world, as there were a lot of similar scenes such as the talking photos, magic school, potions class, a petrified person (although they were bad) and the MC last name is famous, but not in a good way. This may be for necromancer and reapers but it did ring a lot the the HP bells, just grown up, complete with hunky teacher and mean girls. Her familiar is my favorite. The little pug has some snark, and her two roommates are great. Slower burn RH than things I have read recently which was nice, as the story needed time to build. It was written well, and flowed into each chapter nicely.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews