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Knights and necromancers are never on the same side… are they?
Sairis has known all his life that knights are not his friends…until the last few weeks, when he somehow forgot, and tumbled into bed with one. He told Roland to leave, hurt him badly, used as many cruel words as possible. And yet Roland stubbornly refuses to leave Sairis alone, half-naked and friendless in the wilderness.
After a surreal week of shared secrets beneath the stars, they’re about to rejoin Mistala’s army as it prepares for a desperate battle with a deadly sorcerer. Sairis’s help might make the difference, but he is deeply conflicted, afraid of being trapped and stripped of his magic by Mistala’s unfriendly magicians. He’s not sure whether he’s the prince’s lover or his prize. He feels like an outlaw, trussed up across Roland’s saddle. If he could just leave them all their deaths, things would be so much easier.
Sairis has known all his life that knights are not his friends…until the last few weeks, when he somehow forgot, and tumbled into bed with one. He told Roland to leave, hurt him badly, used as many cruel words as possible. And yet Roland stubbornly refuses to leave Sairis alone, half-naked and friendless in the wilderness.
After a surreal week of shared secrets beneath the stars, they’re about to rejoin Mistala’s army as it prepares for a desperate battle with a deadly sorcerer. Sairis’s help might make the difference, but he is deeply conflicted, afraid of being trapped and stripped of his magic by Mistala’s unfriendly magicians. He’s not sure whether he’s the prince’s lover or his prize. He feels like an outlaw, trussed up across Roland’s saddle. If he could just leave them all their deaths, things would be so much easier.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2020
218 people are currently reading
485 people want to read
About the author
A.H. Lee
13 books202 followersA.H. Lee writes fantasy under several names. These are her steamier books.
(Source: Amazon.com)
Main Goodreads Author profile: Abigail Hilton
(Source: Amazon.com)
Main Goodreads Author profile: Abigail Hilton
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews
January 25, 2025
A wonderfully unique take on a romance between a knight and a necromancer. Heavier on the fantasy with less emphasis on their relationship, but it is wonderfully woven throughout the story.
Gay fantasy
Age gap
Size difference
Morally complex
Excellent side characters
Dual POV
Violent battles
HEA
Roland and Sairis get their hard earned hea, but I wish we had more moments of them together.
Candice should have gotten a larger part at the end, her leadership seriously lagged. Her character was portrayed so much stronger in the previous stories.
Overall, it’s a fun blend of fantasy and romance with complex, flawed characters. Knights and necromancers may not always be on the same side, but this story made me root for their relationship.
Gay fantasy
Age gap
Size difference
Morally complex
Excellent side characters
Dual POV
Violent battles
HEA
Roland and Sairis get their hard earned hea, but I wish we had more moments of them together.
Candice should have gotten a larger part at the end, her leadership seriously lagged. Her character was portrayed so much stronger in the previous stories.
Overall, it’s a fun blend of fantasy and romance with complex, flawed characters. Knights and necromancers may not always be on the same side, but this story made me root for their relationship.
February 13, 2025
3.5 Stars
A triumphant conclusion as the heroes defeat not only their evil enemies but their hateful traitors as well.
Full of interesting magic, powerful necromancy, and an idealistic romance between two unlikely allies, fans of MM historical fantasy should not skip this satisfying trilogy!
The Knight and the Necromancer Series
1. The Capital - 3.5 Stars
2. The Border - 3.5 Stars
3. The Sea - 3.5 Stars
A triumphant conclusion as the heroes defeat not only their evil enemies but their hateful traitors as well.
Full of interesting magic, powerful necromancy, and an idealistic romance between two unlikely allies, fans of MM historical fantasy should not skip this satisfying trilogy!
The Knight and the Necromancer Series
1. The Capital - 3.5 Stars
2. The Border - 3.5 Stars
3. The Sea - 3.5 Stars
May 24, 2020
I’m going to review the entire trilogy as one book, because that’s the way I read it.
I could’ve reviewed each book as I finished it, but the way the story was cut into three volumes was such that it didn’t make much sense to stop and try to formulate thoughts on the single book. Especially in the jump from the second to the third book, it would’ve been like stopping at the end of a random chapter to review half a book only to immediately resume reading the remaining chapters until the end.
So, no spoilers about the plot, just general considerations.
Perhaps the most impressive thing about this story by a new-to-me author was the characters. Sairis and Roland surprised me at every turn, they were so not what I would’ve expected and that’s not something I take lightly. Reading so many books every year, some aspects of the genre start to feel a little ‘been there, done that.’ I don’t want to say much about how they surprised me, because part of the fun reading their story was getting to know them, their past, their strengths and weaknesses, little by little.
I can say that I loved how well rounded and real they felt, their personalities distinct and consistent. I loved the humor that permeates the story and how the romance was a big part of it, but not the main focus. The world bulding was really good, the plot interesting and well paced, with some rather surprising turns, and the perfect setting for what for me was the main appeal: the character growth of...well, basically everybody.
Sairis and Roland, of course. Sairis’s character arc was, or at least felt to me, more prominent and evident, more powerful, in a way, maybe because he seemed less well put-together than Roland at the beginning. Roland’s journey was more subtle, the changes weren’t as obvious throughout the series, or maybe I was the one who overlooked the signals distracted as I was by other things, but they certainly became evident at the end.
The MCs weren’t the only ones to change and grow during the series. A truly remarkable aspect of this trilogy, and a clear sign of very competent writing, was the attention and care poured into outlining basically every character, even the minor ones. They all felt like actual people, their lives and personalities painted vividly, sometimes with just a few sentences. Even the relationships between secondary characters were nuanced in a way rarely reserved for characters with so little page time.
If that wasn’t enough, mention of honor for
My first experience with this author and it definitely won’t be the last!
----------------------------------------------
Thank you to Rosa and Teal for another amazing BR and, in Teal’s case, also for pointing me to another awesome read. My TBR isn’t grateful, but I am.
I could’ve reviewed each book as I finished it, but the way the story was cut into three volumes was such that it didn’t make much sense to stop and try to formulate thoughts on the single book. Especially in the jump from the second to the third book, it would’ve been like stopping at the end of a random chapter to review half a book only to immediately resume reading the remaining chapters until the end.
So, no spoilers about the plot, just general considerations.
Perhaps the most impressive thing about this story by a new-to-me author was the characters. Sairis and Roland surprised me at every turn, they were so not what I would’ve expected and that’s not something I take lightly. Reading so many books every year, some aspects of the genre start to feel a little ‘been there, done that.’ I don’t want to say much about how they surprised me, because part of the fun reading their story was getting to know them, their past, their strengths and weaknesses, little by little.
I can say that I loved how well rounded and real they felt, their personalities distinct and consistent. I loved the humor that permeates the story and how the romance was a big part of it, but not the main focus. The world bulding was really good, the plot interesting and well paced, with some rather surprising turns, and the perfect setting for what for me was the main appeal: the character growth of...well, basically everybody.
Sairis and Roland, of course. Sairis’s character arc was, or at least felt to me, more prominent and evident, more powerful, in a way, maybe because he seemed less well put-together than Roland at the beginning. Roland’s journey was more subtle, the changes weren’t as obvious throughout the series, or maybe I was the one who overlooked the signals distracted as I was by other things, but they certainly became evident at the end.
The MCs weren’t the only ones to change and grow during the series. A truly remarkable aspect of this trilogy, and a clear sign of very competent writing, was the attention and care poured into outlining basically every character, even the minor ones. They all felt like actual people, their lives and personalities painted vividly, sometimes with just a few sentences. Even the relationships between secondary characters were nuanced in a way rarely reserved for characters with so little page time.
If that wasn’t enough, mention of honor for
My first experience with this author and it definitely won’t be the last!
----------------------------------------------
Thank you to Rosa and Teal for another amazing BR and, in Teal’s case, also for pointing me to another awesome read. My TBR isn’t grateful, but I am.
May 26, 2020
This "series" isn't really a series but a book cut into three parts plus two short stories which makes a nice prologue and epilogue. They aren't neccesary to enjoy the story, but they're a nice addition. So, beware of that when you start it, because I tell you, you wouldn't be able to stop.
This has been an awesome surprise. (Thank you, Teal!) The world described and the characters are delightful (I even loved the female characters in this one... yes, I know, Hell must be freezing...). The characters have distinctive voices and all of them are well fleshed out, even the ones who have little page time. Or I should say, specially those characters.
The action is frenetic and once you start it's difficult to put it down. We're in the middle of a war, it's a time of changes in the world and our characters have to deal with that. I won't say more not to spoil the story, but, you need to read both short stories that are free through the author newsletter, specially the last one Spring in the Haunted Forest, because that one completes the story.
Thank you Ele and Teal. Reading and commenting with you makes books more amazing.
This has been an awesome surprise. (Thank you, Teal!) The world described and the characters are delightful (I even loved the female characters in this one... yes, I know, Hell must be freezing...). The characters have distinctive voices and all of them are well fleshed out, even the ones who have little page time. Or I should say, specially those characters.
The action is frenetic and once you start it's difficult to put it down. We're in the middle of a war, it's a time of changes in the world and our characters have to deal with that. I won't say more not to spoil the story, but, you need to read both short stories that are free through the author newsletter, specially the last one Spring in the Haunted Forest, because that one completes the story.
Thank you Ele and Teal. Reading and commenting with you makes books more amazing.
March 8, 2021
My favorite of the series!
This was BY FAR the best part of this story!!
Plans
Tempers
Treason
Battle
Death
Mayhem
Ghosts
Rescues
Demons
Seas
Revenge
Good stuff!
This was quite the payout!
This was BY FAR the best part of this story!!
Plans
Tempers
Treason
Battle
Death
Mayhem
Ghosts
Rescues
Demons
Seas
Revenge
Good stuff!
This was quite the payout!
June 12, 2020
This is not a complete book but is the third of three parts of a single book. However, since the author decided to release these parts separately, I will review each one accordingly. (There is a three-in-one "bundle" available, so you can get that rather than wasting your money buying them individually.)
While there are still quite a few dangling threads by the end of this (I'm assuming the author plans to tell more stories in this universe), the main conflict with Hastafel is wrapped up, as well as the main subplot with Winthrop. Those both go pretty much how I expected, so they are on the predictable side, but one thing this author really knows how to write well is action. And there is a lot of action in this story. :)
I can finally say I'm team Sairis, though his occupation still has some f-ed up things about it, not gonna lie. If he ever has to kill a cat or a dog for one of his spells, I'm out, I don't care how old or decrepit it is. But he does use his powers for good instead of evil, and I liked how some of the expectations were subverted Plus, having more friends and attachments among the living can only help him find that very valuable work-life balance that can cause other necromancers to go cray-cray if not maintained properly, so that's a good thing. 😁
I was expecting to see a little more done with the inequality themes that this story was using. We got that brief scene in the previous book with some other creatures that are forced to lurk on the edges of society, and I kept waiting for at least a brief mention of it here but there was nothing. Roland did have his eyes opened, as did Marsden, and slowly so will everyone else, so hopefully we'll see more of that as well if future stories do happen.
There are a couple of short stories available if you sign up for the author's newsletter. One is set before The Capital, and the other is set after The Sea (but has a pretty detailed recap of the first short story, which was kind of unnecessary; that could have been condensed a bit). The short story that comes after this involves a pretty momentous occasion for Sairis, so I recommend reading that one at least, if not both. And they really are very short, so you might as well read both.
Overall rating for this series as a whole: 4 stars
I do wish the author hadn't split up this story into three books since it clearly wasn't meant to be three books and that constantly distracted me while reading. I also joked at one point she must really love Harry Potter because some of the names and concepts do seem to be inspired by it. And my brain kept picturing a young Danielle Radcliffe as Sairis because of those glasses he wears. It was not a good thing. 😂🙈 (Why doesn't he have glasses on the cover? Are models with glasses that hard to find? 😢)
There are a minimum of typos, so long as you're all right with "alright" and can ignore some enthusiastic comma usage. There are a few typos scattered here and there, but this is still much better edited than most of the stuff available on KU.
Thanks to by BR companions, Teal, Rosa and Elena!
While there are still quite a few dangling threads by the end of this (I'm assuming the author plans to tell more stories in this universe), the main conflict with Hastafel is wrapped up, as well as the main subplot with Winthrop. Those both go pretty much how I expected, so they are on the predictable side, but one thing this author really knows how to write well is action. And there is a lot of action in this story. :)
I can finally say I'm team Sairis, though his occupation still has some f-ed up things about it, not gonna lie. If he ever has to kill a cat or a dog for one of his spells, I'm out, I don't care how old or decrepit it is. But he does use his powers for good instead of evil, and I liked how some of the expectations were subverted Plus, having more friends and attachments among the living can only help him find that very valuable work-life balance that can cause other necromancers to go cray-cray if not maintained properly, so that's a good thing. 😁
I was expecting to see a little more done with the inequality themes that this story was using. We got that brief scene in the previous book with some other creatures that are forced to lurk on the edges of society, and I kept waiting for at least a brief mention of it here but there was nothing. Roland did have his eyes opened, as did Marsden, and slowly so will everyone else, so hopefully we'll see more of that as well if future stories do happen.
There are a couple of short stories available if you sign up for the author's newsletter. One is set before The Capital, and the other is set after The Sea (but has a pretty detailed recap of the first short story, which was kind of unnecessary; that could have been condensed a bit). The short story that comes after this involves a pretty momentous occasion for Sairis, so I recommend reading that one at least, if not both. And they really are very short, so you might as well read both.
Overall rating for this series as a whole: 4 stars
I do wish the author hadn't split up this story into three books since it clearly wasn't meant to be three books and that constantly distracted me while reading. I also joked at one point she must really love Harry Potter because some of the names and concepts do seem to be inspired by it. And my brain kept picturing a young Danielle Radcliffe as Sairis because of those glasses he wears. It was not a good thing. 😂🙈 (Why doesn't he have glasses on the cover? Are models with glasses that hard to find? 😢)
There are a minimum of typos, so long as you're all right with "alright" and can ignore some enthusiastic comma usage. There are a few typos scattered here and there, but this is still much better edited than most of the stuff available on KU.
Thanks to by BR companions, Teal, Rosa and Elena!
January 19, 2022
What a perfect ending to this trilogy!
I absolutely devoured these books and I want more. It’s so hard to end a story well and I was impressed with how things wrapped up. The pacing was great throughout, no rushed conclusions, everyone got the ending you wanted them to get, and I loved the messages presented throughout.
All of these characters were amazing! Strong female characters that don’t annoy are hard to find in MM romance and easy to judge. Both Daphne and Candice were fleshed-out characters who got the page time they deserved without overtaking the story. I even want to know more about Candice and where she ends up.
Roland and Sairis…how do I even describe my love for them. Roland is such a strong character in so many ways. I loved how he showed emotions, but it was never discussed as being a weakness. He was a physically strong knight, a leader, a defender of what’s right, and so wholly human. Sairis was perfect in his own ways. The lonely and abused boy he was couldn’t eclipse the goodness in him. I thought the dichotomy of his light and “dark” parts was well done and not too heavy-handed. The exploration of his powers could have been darker, but I was happy it didn’t go that way. Their love is so beautiful it made me smile.
“Roland ran a finger over his cheek. ’Do you still feel like you need to put away part of yourself to be with me?’
Sairis straightened. He reached over, picked up his glasses and slid them onto his nose. He turned to look Roland in the eyes. ‘Roland Malconwy, I am in love with you.’”
I’m such a sucker for fantasy romance. I love excellent sex scenes held together with thin plot, but my goodness does an expansive and engaging plot with a gorgeous romance hit different. They’re just so rare! I love the magic system, the history, the political intrigue, and the love. This author somehow managed to create an in-depth world without being overwhelming in any way. Hastafel might be my favorite villain ever. I quite enjoyed his Voldemort vibes, but his soul splitting was much more satisfying for me.
I highly recommend this trilogy for any fantasy lovers looking for a quick read and a world you can’t get enough of.
“Sairis stared up at him. ‘You look like a knight,’ he whispered.
‘You look like a necromancer,’ said Roland and kissed him.”
I absolutely devoured these books and I want more. It’s so hard to end a story well and I was impressed with how things wrapped up. The pacing was great throughout, no rushed conclusions, everyone got the ending you wanted them to get, and I loved the messages presented throughout.
All of these characters were amazing! Strong female characters that don’t annoy are hard to find in MM romance and easy to judge. Both Daphne and Candice were fleshed-out characters who got the page time they deserved without overtaking the story. I even want to know more about Candice and where she ends up.
Roland and Sairis…how do I even describe my love for them. Roland is such a strong character in so many ways. I loved how he showed emotions, but it was never discussed as being a weakness. He was a physically strong knight, a leader, a defender of what’s right, and so wholly human. Sairis was perfect in his own ways. The lonely and abused boy he was couldn’t eclipse the goodness in him. I thought the dichotomy of his light and “dark” parts was well done and not too heavy-handed. The exploration of his powers could have been darker, but I was happy it didn’t go that way. Their love is so beautiful it made me smile.
“Roland ran a finger over his cheek. ’Do you still feel like you need to put away part of yourself to be with me?’
Sairis straightened. He reached over, picked up his glasses and slid them onto his nose. He turned to look Roland in the eyes. ‘Roland Malconwy, I am in love with you.’”
I’m such a sucker for fantasy romance. I love excellent sex scenes held together with thin plot, but my goodness does an expansive and engaging plot with a gorgeous romance hit different. They’re just so rare! I love the magic system, the history, the political intrigue, and the love. This author somehow managed to create an in-depth world without being overwhelming in any way. Hastafel might be my favorite villain ever. I quite enjoyed his Voldemort vibes, but his soul splitting was much more satisfying for me.
I highly recommend this trilogy for any fantasy lovers looking for a quick read and a world you can’t get enough of.
“Sairis stared up at him. ‘You look like a knight,’ he whispered.
‘You look like a necromancer,’ said Roland and kissed him.”
April 7, 2020
This was a fantastic series. It has everything I look for in a fantasy romance: magic, heroics, impossible odds, adventure, and most importantly, a wonderful love story. I highly recommend these books!
August 22, 2024
This volume is the most action-packed and emotional of the series. I love it! Roland and Sair are so CUTE!!! 🥰🥰🥰
September 30, 2021
Awwww I hope the ghost mouse is okay!
Good. Start with part 1. Buy the 3 books in a lump and read back to back. It’s all one book.
Honestly, these characters are so great I’d happily read a story where they are sitting at a table reading the phone book to each other.
Lee has clearly set things up for many more stories to come, and I could not be happier.
Good. Start with part 1. Buy the 3 books in a lump and read back to back. It’s all one book.
Honestly, these characters are so great I’d happily read a story where they are sitting at a table reading the phone book to each other.
Lee has clearly set things up for many more stories to come, and I could not be happier.
March 10, 2021
I absolutely loved this series but have to agree with others who have said that it definitely shouldn't have been split into 3 books. It might have been enough for 2 but I think it could have been fine as one long one.
The story was excellent though and I loved the main MCs. The fact that there were so many secondary characters and it didn't get muddled was a testament to how well it was written. A story with fantasy, magic, war, and intrigue must be difficult to keep straight but I appreciated that even with the fear of discovery and death that the two MCs still were flawed but intrinsically good enough to sacrifice for the greater good and it had a better outcome for the couple's chance in the end.
I think the "twists" in the story were done well such as the discovery of who the person who helped Hastafell gain access to the castle initially and when we find that people aren't always as they seem esp with certain characters that seemed pretty terrible.
All-in-all, I truly enjoyed this one and was glad that I waited until it was out on audio. I started reading it a while ago but got distracted (surprise, surprise) so I forgot about it until I saw that the audio was out. Kirk Graves was an excellent choice as narrator for this series in my opinion. He has the gravity in his tone that goes along with stories like this.
The story was excellent though and I loved the main MCs. The fact that there were so many secondary characters and it didn't get muddled was a testament to how well it was written. A story with fantasy, magic, war, and intrigue must be difficult to keep straight but I appreciated that even with the fear of discovery and death that the two MCs still were flawed but intrinsically good enough to sacrifice for the greater good and it had a better outcome for the couple's chance in the end.
I think the "twists" in the story were done well such as the discovery of who the person who helped Hastafell gain access to the castle initially and when we find that people aren't always as they seem esp with certain characters that seemed pretty terrible.
All-in-all, I truly enjoyed this one and was glad that I waited until it was out on audio. I started reading it a while ago but got distracted (surprise, surprise) so I forgot about it until I saw that the audio was out. Kirk Graves was an excellent choice as narrator for this series in my opinion. He has the gravity in his tone that goes along with stories like this.
April 12, 2020
A very satisfying conclusion to this series. There are plot twists and turns, heroics, losses, bargains, battles, and a solid sweet ending at last. I really enjoyed this ride through a new favorite fantasy adventure. This trilogy felt a little less emotionally intense than some of my other favorites, despite desperate dangers and harsh moments, but the imagination and plot pulled me along through the series and I was cheering for these wonderful main characters (and the excellent array of secondaries) all the way.
I may have to pick up the author's other (MMF) series to follow a great secondary character to their next adventure. Definitely an author to watch.
I may have to pick up the author's other (MMF) series to follow a great secondary character to their next adventure. Definitely an author to watch.
October 16, 2020
**grm**
I started reading this series with great enthusiasm, but along the way I almost lost it all. I found really annoying the way the author tried to milk this story, interrupting each book with a cliffhanger, and in the last book without a real epilogue. This story was born to be in one book, of this I feel pretty sure. And while I still liked the characters, I really wanted to just finish this story and move on. I forgot to add, that there were, and always will be, things that didn't get an explanation. I don't know if I'll read more books from this author, for sure not if she/he divides the story without any sense(see book 2 last words, and you'll understand what I mean).
I started reading this series with great enthusiasm, but along the way I almost lost it all. I found really annoying the way the author tried to milk this story, interrupting each book with a cliffhanger, and in the last book without a real epilogue. This story was born to be in one book, of this I feel pretty sure. And while I still liked the characters, I really wanted to just finish this story and move on. I forgot to add, that there were, and always will be, things that didn't get an explanation. I don't know if I'll read more books from this author, for sure not if she/he divides the story without any sense(see book 2 last words, and you'll understand what I mean).
January 8, 2022
I just loved this series!!!!
September 7, 2022
Brilliant end to the series. This is top notch romantic fantasy.
February 25, 2021
“Love is a mannerless houseguest. It stalks in uninvited and leaves footprints all over the rugs. Love never arrives at a time that would be rational or convenient.”
was a good ending to the series, twists and turns.
was a good ending to the series, twists and turns.
June 10, 2020
This absolutely is not a stand-alone book at all and you must have read the previous two books in order to understand this book at all. Some books in a series you can get away with skipping a book, this series you absolutely cannot. Be aware of that.
I really liked this series because it often didn't do what I expected. As a whole, I didn't feel like, "Yes, I am someone who has read fantasy a lot, I know where this story is going already." This book didn't feel quite as twisty and unexpected as the previous two, but it was still lots of fun. I'm sad to see Sairis and Roland go; I'll miss them and I'm actually going to push myself to read A.H. Lee's MMF series (The Incubus series) which I don't usually dip into. Fingers crossed!
I really liked to watch both Roland and Sairis change throughout the books, both as they interacted with each other (and their varying moral stances, lived experiences, places in society, and ways of interacting with the world) and as they had other interactions external to each other. Getting to know them, and watching them getting to know each other and themselves, was such fun.
I also liked that people in this book didn't know everything about everything, that some people knew things that others didn't. And not just in a, "A wise sage tells the protagonist something as a way to inform the reader," way. No, different people (both individuals and groups) had access to different knowledge and that played into the plot. That was very enjoyable and doesn't always happen.
I also really appreciated that
I really liked this series because it often didn't do what I expected. As a whole, I didn't feel like, "Yes, I am someone who has read fantasy a lot, I know where this story is going already." This book didn't feel quite as twisty and unexpected as the previous two, but it was still lots of fun. I'm sad to see Sairis and Roland go; I'll miss them and I'm actually going to push myself to read A.H. Lee's MMF series (The Incubus series) which I don't usually dip into. Fingers crossed!
I really liked to watch both Roland and Sairis change throughout the books, both as they interacted with each other (and their varying moral stances, lived experiences, places in society, and ways of interacting with the world) and as they had other interactions external to each other. Getting to know them, and watching them getting to know each other and themselves, was such fun.
I also liked that people in this book didn't know everything about everything, that some people knew things that others didn't. And not just in a, "A wise sage tells the protagonist something as a way to inform the reader," way. No, different people (both individuals and groups) had access to different knowledge and that played into the plot. That was very enjoyable and doesn't always happen.
I also really appreciated that
April 18, 2020
I'm so mad and happy and lost now because I read this series in two days. Can I say book hangover? Serious book hangover.
READ IT IF YOU HAVEN'T. I have no regrets. Except, maybe, reading it in two days.
READ IT IF YOU HAVEN'T. I have no regrets. Except, maybe, reading it in two days.
May 11, 2020
4.5 stars for the trilogy
The Knight and the Necromancer trilogy includes The Capital, The Border, and The Sea. In my opinion they are one story split into three books. There is also a 17-page prequel (Putting the Romance in Necromancy) and a 33-page "second epilogue" (Spring in the Haunted Forest), which I have yet to read. A.H. Lee is a pen name for Abigail Hilton who writes primarily mainstream fantasy and one or two YA titles. The pen name AH Lee is reserved for, in her words, "where I publish my more explicit romances" including "gay romance". You'll laugh, you might cry, you might throw your hand up over your mouth. A truly exceptional story.
So, in a word... outstanding. I am thrilled to be able to add this series to my Best of 2020 list. It's one of the best high fantasy stories I've read in recent memory. As my fellow GR reviewer Teal said in their review: "Fresh, original, full of surprises, and extremely well written and edited". In addition, deftly drawn characters with whom I fell in love, stellar world building, and atmosphere one could cut with a knife. We get to watch the effects of different kinds of magic and a new envisaging of necromancy. I vastly enjoyed the alternating points of view that offered a more complete picture of the relationship between the Knight of the Realm and a young necromancer, and the extraordinary challenges they faced. And can I just say... the action scenes were phenomenal, a rare thing in MM high fantasy. Highly recommended to fans of MM fantasy.
Critique:
1) I hope the author considers unique covers if and when she releases second editions.
2) There are a tiny number of misspellings that need to be fixed, i.e., a structure holding back water is a dam, not a damn.
3) My only disappointment was discovering that a fascinating demonic character in this series, Mal, is the “star” in Lee’s MMF series entitled Incubus Caged. Sadly, I have an aversion to MMF.
The Knight and the Necromancer trilogy includes The Capital, The Border, and The Sea. In my opinion they are one story split into three books. There is also a 17-page prequel (Putting the Romance in Necromancy) and a 33-page "second epilogue" (Spring in the Haunted Forest), which I have yet to read. A.H. Lee is a pen name for Abigail Hilton who writes primarily mainstream fantasy and one or two YA titles. The pen name AH Lee is reserved for, in her words, "where I publish my more explicit romances" including "gay romance". You'll laugh, you might cry, you might throw your hand up over your mouth. A truly exceptional story.
So, in a word... outstanding. I am thrilled to be able to add this series to my Best of 2020 list. It's one of the best high fantasy stories I've read in recent memory. As my fellow GR reviewer Teal said in their review: "Fresh, original, full of surprises, and extremely well written and edited". In addition, deftly drawn characters with whom I fell in love, stellar world building, and atmosphere one could cut with a knife. We get to watch the effects of different kinds of magic and a new envisaging of necromancy. I vastly enjoyed the alternating points of view that offered a more complete picture of the relationship between the Knight of the Realm and a young necromancer, and the extraordinary challenges they faced. And can I just say... the action scenes were phenomenal, a rare thing in MM high fantasy. Highly recommended to fans of MM fantasy.
Critique:
1) I hope the author considers unique covers if and when she releases second editions.
2) There are a tiny number of misspellings that need to be fixed, i.e., a structure holding back water is a dam, not a damn.
3) My only disappointment was discovering that a fascinating demonic character in this series, Mal, is the “star” in Lee’s MMF series entitled Incubus Caged. Sadly, I have an aversion to MMF.
May 17, 2021
Perfect ending!
January 3, 2021
Overall rating for all three parts is 4.25.
My problem with the second part was a somewhat long stretch of info dumps in the middle of the book, while the characters were traveling.
My problem with the third part is Candice, a very shady, very slippery teenage witch. There is not enough of her in the three parts to make full sense of her character, her abilities, her history, and her ties to others.
My problem with the second part was a somewhat long stretch of info dumps in the middle of the book, while the characters were traveling.
My problem with the third part is Candice, a very shady, very slippery teenage witch. There is not enough of her in the three parts to make full sense of her character, her abilities, her history, and her ties to others.
May 25, 2020
“Love is a mannerless houseguest. It stalks in uninvited and leaves footprints all over the rugs. Love never arrives at a time that would be rational or convenient.”
That was really very very satisfying. I enjoyed it a lot, just as much as the second book led me to believe I would, but it also impressed me in a few ways. Tying up a series can be difficult, even though this one wasn't extremely long. But everything came together in a super satisfying way, and the pace of this was just perfect. It's really hard for me to actually get into battle scenes, and discussions of terrain and troop movements and all that, but I found it all super well done, kept me interested and hooked. I liked all the the action, and the plot twists. I know I previously said that I don't like when characters are separated for a long time and it gets super angsty. That happens, but it also doesn't? As in, the plot developments were engaging enough that I didn't mind, and the payoff was so good. SO GOOD!!
Romance-wise, it was incredibly sweet. Not as great deal of time has passed in their world but Roland and Sairis' love was still very believable. I loved everything that dealt with names, and true names, and becoming your own enemy. I came to adore some of the secondary characters as well. (Candice!!! I wish she'd shown up a lot more than she did tbh, and I would have liked to get more insight into what she'd been planning and doing, and her feelings about... everything. But still, I love her, and Mal, so much.) The familial relationships were great. I felt more connected to the world than I did in previous books (though some aspects of the magic were still confusing).
I think the book could have done a better job of tying things up with a couple more of the secondary characters (esp. Karakaroth). But while reading this, the only thing I was thinking about was how much I was enjoying it. So, kudos! A fun, entertaining, fairly short fantasy romance series.
That was really very very satisfying. I enjoyed it a lot, just as much as the second book led me to believe I would, but it also impressed me in a few ways. Tying up a series can be difficult, even though this one wasn't extremely long. But everything came together in a super satisfying way, and the pace of this was just perfect. It's really hard for me to actually get into battle scenes, and discussions of terrain and troop movements and all that, but I found it all super well done, kept me interested and hooked. I liked all the the action, and the plot twists. I know I previously said that I don't like when characters are separated for a long time and it gets super angsty. That happens, but it also doesn't? As in, the plot developments were engaging enough that I didn't mind, and the payoff was so good. SO GOOD!!
Romance-wise, it was incredibly sweet. Not as great deal of time has passed in their world but Roland and Sairis' love was still very believable. I loved everything that dealt with names, and true names, and becoming your own enemy. I came to adore some of the secondary characters as well. (Candice!!! I wish she'd shown up a lot more than she did tbh, and I would have liked to get more insight into what she'd been planning and doing, and her feelings about... everything. But still, I love her, and Mal, so much.) The familial relationships were great. I felt more connected to the world than I did in previous books (though some aspects of the magic were still confusing).
I think the book could have done a better job of tying things up with a couple more of the secondary characters (esp. Karakaroth). But while reading this, the only thing I was thinking about was how much I was enjoying it. So, kudos! A fun, entertaining, fairly short fantasy romance series.
May 19, 2020
Really enjoyed this sorcerer, knights and magic series, just what I needed after the trauma of the Foxtale Court books😋
September 6, 2024
Ughhh I NEED more!!!!
December 28, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed this dark fantasy series about, literally, a knight and a necromancer and all the geopolitical drama you could want in a medieval fantasy world. It felt quite short, even though there are 3 books in the series. The plot is interesting, the romance sweet. It's worth it if you're a fan of the genre.
April 12, 2020
4.5 stars
April 14, 2020
✮4.5 Stars✮
💗
December 10, 2025
4.5 stars
January 4, 2021
4.5 rounded down
There was a lot I really enjoyed about this conclusion but, if I'm being honest, I did like it slightly less than the first two--enough to round down instead of up, though the essential rating is the same.
Partially, I just found the action scenes to be a bit boring and there were a lot of them (understandable, this is the final battle!) but I did a bit more skimming because of it. Generally, throughout the novel, I wanted a little more of Candice given the roll she plays in everything--she didn't feel quite fully fleshed out the way most of the other background characters did, but she plays a pretty large role, ultimately, so I do wish she'd been a little more present throughout to give those moments more weight.
Continued to love the characters, and I found the ending quite satisfying! I love that it's very resolved and happy, but doesn't feel too neat or forced, something I find a lot of romance authors struggle to find the balance of. Overall I really loved this series and I'm definitely excited to see what they come out with next!
There was a lot I really enjoyed about this conclusion but, if I'm being honest, I did like it slightly less than the first two--enough to round down instead of up, though the essential rating is the same.
Partially, I just found the action scenes to be a bit boring and there were a lot of them (understandable, this is the final battle!) but I did a bit more skimming because of it. Generally, throughout the novel, I wanted a little more of Candice given the roll she plays in everything--she didn't feel quite fully fleshed out the way most of the other background characters did, but she plays a pretty large role, ultimately, so I do wish she'd been a little more present throughout to give those moments more weight.
Continued to love the characters, and I found the ending quite satisfying! I love that it's very resolved and happy, but doesn't feel too neat or forced, something I find a lot of romance authors struggle to find the balance of. Overall I really loved this series and I'm definitely excited to see what they come out with next!
March 14, 2021
Epic
am utterly enchanted by this addictive, magical series. Read/listened all three books in one and half days. And enjoyed listening to Kirt Graves deliver a thrilling , passionate and clear audio performance.
Roland , the Knight and Sair, the Necromancer are two of the most fully portrayed and personified heroes have come across in a long time. I know they aren't real people , but they feel real to me.
The Knight and the Necromancer series is the type of story one reads/listen again and again (at least I do) because every time one revisit, one find something new. Something missed the first , second o/and third time around. And of course, because one love the characters, the world building and cannot simply let them all go .
Yes, I recommend this entertaining , epic , fantasy romance trilogy.
#Audible #KU #Read2021 #Listen2021
am utterly enchanted by this addictive, magical series. Read/listened all three books in one and half days. And enjoyed listening to Kirt Graves deliver a thrilling , passionate and clear audio performance.
Roland , the Knight and Sair, the Necromancer are two of the most fully portrayed and personified heroes have come across in a long time. I know they aren't real people , but they feel real to me.
The Knight and the Necromancer series is the type of story one reads/listen again and again (at least I do) because every time one revisit, one find something new. Something missed the first , second o/and third time around. And of course, because one love the characters, the world building and cannot simply let them all go .
Yes, I recommend this entertaining , epic , fantasy romance trilogy.
#Audible #KU #Read2021 #Listen2021
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