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Necropolis
Necropolis is a dark fantasy series about the afterlife in which eight men, three after being killed, and five after entering a portal, acknowledge the life they once knew ended, but continues within the hellish confines of the underworld.
Hell is the operative word as this is a story featuring curses, black magic, and the supernatural powers who impose them. Being cast into a lake of fire is one of a number of potential horrors the men face should they fail to avoid the Shetani, malevolent spirits personified as men.
These misanthropic and supernatural forces who work in concert with the necromancer, the chief practitioner of dark arts and sorcery, could not be more indifferent to the fallen men’s plight. The man eating ghouls, and the gargoyles they encounter while on their never ending quest to find safety aren’t any more hospitable.
In the midst of desperation to discover whether there is a way to find some place of refuge or save their souls, five of the eight men learn the Necropolis, a diamond-studded jewel imbued with a magical power, is critical to their having any hope of finding salvation.
Hell is the operative word as this is a story featuring curses, black magic, and the supernatural powers who impose them. Being cast into a lake of fire is one of a number of potential horrors the men face should they fail to avoid the Shetani, malevolent spirits personified as men.
These misanthropic and supernatural forces who work in concert with the necromancer, the chief practitioner of dark arts and sorcery, could not be more indifferent to the fallen men’s plight. The man eating ghouls, and the gargoyles they encounter while on their never ending quest to find safety aren’t any more hospitable.
In the midst of desperation to discover whether there is a way to find some place of refuge or save their souls, five of the eight men learn the Necropolis, a diamond-studded jewel imbued with a magical power, is critical to their having any hope of finding salvation.
403 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2020
15 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Penn Fawn
15 books16 followersPenn Fawn, a graphic arts production artist with a research and writing background is a New Yorker. He is the author of the dark fantasy series, Necropolis. For more information about it and him please visit pennfawn.com
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 31, 2021
This book Necropolis by Penn Fawn, tells the story of characters, and their journey in the afterlife. It tells the beauty and horror of the journey. The plot being engaging takes the reader through everything step by step, and never leaves the reader's head. The imagery tends to bring the characters and the moments to life entirely. The language is simple and astounding. It is actually a pretty good start for a new series. I would love t0 read the new books in series. Thank you BookTasters. It is a fantasy and is fantastic.
June 19, 2020
Necropolis Book One by Penn Fawn is a wonderful story that I have read. I really liked it and enjoyed reading it very much. I recommend it to all.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased revie
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased revie
June 24, 2020
Necropolis is Book 1 of The Series by Penn Fawn. This is a new author for me and I found this book to be interesting and an enjoyable read. I am looking forward to Book 2 to see what happens next. I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary and honest review.
December 2, 2020
Too Much Curiosity Leads to Too Much of an Adventure
Penn Fawn’s Necropolis is about eight adventurous characters bent on conquering the wild.
The story begins with three of the men venturing into the vast field to hunt for wild animals. At the sight of their target, Keita, Ossouna, and Aswad aim their bows and poisoned arrows at the elephants. Unbeknown to them, some lions are also ready to attack them from behind. And in an instant, the wild cats kill them. Meanwhile, from a safe distance, hidden among the shrubs is Daniel Salah. He watches in horror as his friends are swallowed by the lions.
Daniel goes back to the camp and reports the incident to his companions. The horrible news gains varied reactions. Some of the men want to stay put at the camp. While others are eager to go ahead and find the Sanctuary. The latter think of the gold and other materials of value that they might find.
The Plight of the First Three Hunters
Keita, Ossouna, and Aswad find themselves in a strange land. Eerie sights surround them and indistinguishable creatures are everywhere. And, as they continue to wonder about a seemingly circuitous path, a stranger appears before them. The latter leads them farther until they reach a community. The newcomers are introduced to the residents of the place. As they assimilate with the locals, they are trained for self-defense.
When the inevitable invasion from the enemy camp arrives, the three men flee to a safer place with some of the locals. While some leaders stay behind to defend their territory.
The Expedition Begins
On the other hand, after hearing Daniel’s account of the incident, the expedition team decides to consult the local tribe. They ask for information regarding the Sanctuary. But despite being warned that it’s a “place of no return”, the men still decide to go ahead with their plan.
And so, on the appointed day, the team starts off. Ali, Daniel, Asfar, Sodom, and Penal walk through a vast plain for long hours until they see the mountain. They enter a portal on the side of the mountain and found themselves in a pitch-black surrounding. Not long after their entry and while groping in the dark, some women appear before them. The women bound them and usher them to a certain section of the cave. Soon after that, the newcomers are assigned specific tasks. Not knowing where they are, Ali and his companions soon realize they are in a difficult situation. Eventually, the men learn more things about the place. They also learn that the immortals are afraid of children.
The Book and the Author
Penn Fawn is a good writer with a vivid imagination. And, it shows in Necropolis. He creates a very good plot. His descriptions of each scene are so clear, making the reader feel like they’re right there with the characters. What I like the most in the story is the part where one immortal courageously gives something to the child. The author makes an impactful dialogue between them that the reader can feel its intensity. I mean, that’s how I feel while reading that part.
However, I notice that Penn Fawn leaves some loose ends. And, this is what I don’t like in Necropolis. But in fairness to the author, I reason that perhaps he does it intentionally. After all, Necropolis is the first installment of a series. Maybe he will tie these loose ends in the subsequent installments of the book.
The Technical Part of the Necropolis
Necropolis needs another round of proofreading. I see several typographical errors throughout the ARC copy that I get. The errors are too bothersome and affect the whole reading experience. I suggest Fawn submits a copy of this book for more serious proofreading before he goes ahead with reproductions. I guess that when well-proofread, Necropolis will hook many readers.
Generally, the book is a good read. But for the reason I mentioned above, I give Necropolis a rating of 3 out of 5 stars for now. I recommend it to readers 14 years old and above. But, I don’t suggest it to younger readers. The eerie descriptions of many scenes might scare them.
Penn Fawn’s Necropolis is about eight adventurous characters bent on conquering the wild.
The story begins with three of the men venturing into the vast field to hunt for wild animals. At the sight of their target, Keita, Ossouna, and Aswad aim their bows and poisoned arrows at the elephants. Unbeknown to them, some lions are also ready to attack them from behind. And in an instant, the wild cats kill them. Meanwhile, from a safe distance, hidden among the shrubs is Daniel Salah. He watches in horror as his friends are swallowed by the lions.
Daniel goes back to the camp and reports the incident to his companions. The horrible news gains varied reactions. Some of the men want to stay put at the camp. While others are eager to go ahead and find the Sanctuary. The latter think of the gold and other materials of value that they might find.
The Plight of the First Three Hunters
Keita, Ossouna, and Aswad find themselves in a strange land. Eerie sights surround them and indistinguishable creatures are everywhere. And, as they continue to wonder about a seemingly circuitous path, a stranger appears before them. The latter leads them farther until they reach a community. The newcomers are introduced to the residents of the place. As they assimilate with the locals, they are trained for self-defense.
When the inevitable invasion from the enemy camp arrives, the three men flee to a safer place with some of the locals. While some leaders stay behind to defend their territory.
The Expedition Begins
On the other hand, after hearing Daniel’s account of the incident, the expedition team decides to consult the local tribe. They ask for information regarding the Sanctuary. But despite being warned that it’s a “place of no return”, the men still decide to go ahead with their plan.
And so, on the appointed day, the team starts off. Ali, Daniel, Asfar, Sodom, and Penal walk through a vast plain for long hours until they see the mountain. They enter a portal on the side of the mountain and found themselves in a pitch-black surrounding. Not long after their entry and while groping in the dark, some women appear before them. The women bound them and usher them to a certain section of the cave. Soon after that, the newcomers are assigned specific tasks. Not knowing where they are, Ali and his companions soon realize they are in a difficult situation. Eventually, the men learn more things about the place. They also learn that the immortals are afraid of children.
The Book and the Author
Penn Fawn is a good writer with a vivid imagination. And, it shows in Necropolis. He creates a very good plot. His descriptions of each scene are so clear, making the reader feel like they’re right there with the characters. What I like the most in the story is the part where one immortal courageously gives something to the child. The author makes an impactful dialogue between them that the reader can feel its intensity. I mean, that’s how I feel while reading that part.
However, I notice that Penn Fawn leaves some loose ends. And, this is what I don’t like in Necropolis. But in fairness to the author, I reason that perhaps he does it intentionally. After all, Necropolis is the first installment of a series. Maybe he will tie these loose ends in the subsequent installments of the book.
The Technical Part of the Necropolis
Necropolis needs another round of proofreading. I see several typographical errors throughout the ARC copy that I get. The errors are too bothersome and affect the whole reading experience. I suggest Fawn submits a copy of this book for more serious proofreading before he goes ahead with reproductions. I guess that when well-proofread, Necropolis will hook many readers.
Generally, the book is a good read. But for the reason I mentioned above, I give Necropolis a rating of 3 out of 5 stars for now. I recommend it to readers 14 years old and above. But, I don’t suggest it to younger readers. The eerie descriptions of many scenes might scare them.
December 4, 2020
Necropolis is an exploration of life and the Afterlife. In the setting of Necropolis, there are two ways to enter the Afterlife. Die in your primary plane or searching out for “the place of no return.”
The story begins as an expedition consisting of convicts, cutthroats, and scalawags. Their lure to the expedition is upon completion, and return, they will be set free from their sentences. Within this motley crew, we travel both paths to the Afterlife.
The leaders of the expedition think to have a sideline in tusks and other items. This leads to our entering the Afterlife by death. Daniel, one of the expedition leaders, takes three villagers out to poach elephants for their tusks. Armed with bows and poisoned arrows, Aswad, Keita, and Ossouna focus on their prey, oblivious to the attack approaching from the rear. A Shetani, a malevolent demon in the form of men, sends three lions to attack them. Seeing them approach from a distance, Daniel hides, remaining silent as the men are killed, fearing for himself.
This Shetani, Nyeusi, is himself a creature of legend in this setting. It is said he travels the portal between this life and the Afterlife at will. He is a staunch defender of animals and their environment. He is the driving force of Book One.
These three men die only to awaken on a grassy plain near a great forest. Disoriented and trying to make sense of their predicament, they are attacked and try to hide in the forest. Throughout the first part of Necropolis, we learn the basic ground rules of the Afterlife through their eyes.
Meanwhile, the five members of the expedition, Ali, Asfar, Daniel, Sodom, and Penal, set out to find a mythical city and its treasures, including the fabled world’s largest diamond – Necropolis.
They have received dire warnings; the only entrance is through the “place of no return.” After an arduous journey, they arrive in the other side of the Afterlife, the Underworld.
As these eight men seek refuge or a means of saving their souls, they learn the Necropolis is real. Imbued with magical powers, and in the hands of The Necromancer, it’s their only key to salvation.
Penn Fawn creates a vivid image of an Afterlife you don’t learn during the religious education of any religion I am familiar with. Yes, there are burning lakes of fire, and these are just the beginning of the horrors. Penn is a very imaginative and profound writer creating a world and characters which will make you think and question.
On the surface, Necropolis appears to be a grimdark fantasy, and it is but is more than horror. Nyeusi is an environmentalist of infernal proportion. Read carefully, and you will find his motivations come from protecting the land and its denizens from those who would harm it. Those who come to the Afterlife from other planes have no hunger, no thirst. They hunt for sport and killing, not for meat or sustenance, for it tastes terrible and makes them sick. They clear forests to leave their imprint and do not try to live in harmony with nature. All of this is anathema to Nyeusi.
I strongly recommend the book for its compelling story. Yet, this would not be an honest review if I did not share some of the issues I found while reading it.
Transitions in point of view are, in places, abrupt—last sentence in one paragraph to the first sentence of the next paragraph abrupt. I had to reread a couple of times to make sure I had not missed anything.
The copy editing leaves something to be desired. The content is good but loses some of its shine for the typos and dropped words. They are not enough to stop reading the story, but they stand out as you read.
My final observation is this an entertaining, imaginative, creative, and insightful look at the Afterlife and well worth the read.
Thank you for reading,
Ernest Russell
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for writing a review. I was not obligated to give a positive review, and all thoughts are my own.
The story begins as an expedition consisting of convicts, cutthroats, and scalawags. Their lure to the expedition is upon completion, and return, they will be set free from their sentences. Within this motley crew, we travel both paths to the Afterlife.
The leaders of the expedition think to have a sideline in tusks and other items. This leads to our entering the Afterlife by death. Daniel, one of the expedition leaders, takes three villagers out to poach elephants for their tusks. Armed with bows and poisoned arrows, Aswad, Keita, and Ossouna focus on their prey, oblivious to the attack approaching from the rear. A Shetani, a malevolent demon in the form of men, sends three lions to attack them. Seeing them approach from a distance, Daniel hides, remaining silent as the men are killed, fearing for himself.
This Shetani, Nyeusi, is himself a creature of legend in this setting. It is said he travels the portal between this life and the Afterlife at will. He is a staunch defender of animals and their environment. He is the driving force of Book One.
These three men die only to awaken on a grassy plain near a great forest. Disoriented and trying to make sense of their predicament, they are attacked and try to hide in the forest. Throughout the first part of Necropolis, we learn the basic ground rules of the Afterlife through their eyes.
Meanwhile, the five members of the expedition, Ali, Asfar, Daniel, Sodom, and Penal, set out to find a mythical city and its treasures, including the fabled world’s largest diamond – Necropolis.
They have received dire warnings; the only entrance is through the “place of no return.” After an arduous journey, they arrive in the other side of the Afterlife, the Underworld.
As these eight men seek refuge or a means of saving their souls, they learn the Necropolis is real. Imbued with magical powers, and in the hands of The Necromancer, it’s their only key to salvation.
Penn Fawn creates a vivid image of an Afterlife you don’t learn during the religious education of any religion I am familiar with. Yes, there are burning lakes of fire, and these are just the beginning of the horrors. Penn is a very imaginative and profound writer creating a world and characters which will make you think and question.
On the surface, Necropolis appears to be a grimdark fantasy, and it is but is more than horror. Nyeusi is an environmentalist of infernal proportion. Read carefully, and you will find his motivations come from protecting the land and its denizens from those who would harm it. Those who come to the Afterlife from other planes have no hunger, no thirst. They hunt for sport and killing, not for meat or sustenance, for it tastes terrible and makes them sick. They clear forests to leave their imprint and do not try to live in harmony with nature. All of this is anathema to Nyeusi.
I strongly recommend the book for its compelling story. Yet, this would not be an honest review if I did not share some of the issues I found while reading it.
Transitions in point of view are, in places, abrupt—last sentence in one paragraph to the first sentence of the next paragraph abrupt. I had to reread a couple of times to make sure I had not missed anything.
The copy editing leaves something to be desired. The content is good but loses some of its shine for the typos and dropped words. They are not enough to stop reading the story, but they stand out as you read.
My final observation is this an entertaining, imaginative, creative, and insightful look at the Afterlife and well worth the read.
Thank you for reading,
Ernest Russell
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for writing a review. I was not obligated to give a positive review, and all thoughts are my own.
March 7, 2021
DNF - ARC copy received and an honest review given! I would happily attempt a re-read if the points below were addressed in a re-release
The concept of the book really interested me and was the reason I managed to get as far as 14% in. I really wanted to read this book but unfortunately I couldn't put myself through it. My reasons for this were:
- At only 14% in the word "hitherto" had been used 3 times! Which is 3 times more than it needed to be used.
- The story jumps without rhyme, reason or explanation. Couple that with multiple characters named, made it difficult at times to know what the hell was going on. One minute I'm in the forest and then I'm with Nyeusi and Kifo?? (My personal taste doesn't suit large numbers of characters but I know this isn't a deal breaker for some)
- At times the writing feels pretentious, or more possibly the actor tries to sound better than needed. In simple terms, it often feels like the author went through the book and swapped out simple words for the longest synonym they could find. This added to the "jerkiness" of the story and in my opinion was unnecessary.
In summary, the concept of the story seems to be good but I think it needs a good editor to rip it open and strip out the unnecessary "clutter" which ruins the story for the reader.
I am deeply saddened that this is my first DNF for over a year (the last one being a Man Named Ove)
The concept of the book really interested me and was the reason I managed to get as far as 14% in. I really wanted to read this book but unfortunately I couldn't put myself through it. My reasons for this were:
- At only 14% in the word "hitherto" had been used 3 times! Which is 3 times more than it needed to be used.
- The story jumps without rhyme, reason or explanation. Couple that with multiple characters named, made it difficult at times to know what the hell was going on. One minute I'm in the forest and then I'm with Nyeusi and Kifo?? (My personal taste doesn't suit large numbers of characters but I know this isn't a deal breaker for some)
- At times the writing feels pretentious, or more possibly the actor tries to sound better than needed. In simple terms, it often feels like the author went through the book and swapped out simple words for the longest synonym they could find. This added to the "jerkiness" of the story and in my opinion was unnecessary.
In summary, the concept of the story seems to be good but I think it needs a good editor to rip it open and strip out the unnecessary "clutter" which ruins the story for the reader.
I am deeply saddened that this is my first DNF for over a year (the last one being a Man Named Ove)
June 23, 2022
Life in purgatory is hell indeed!
Penn Fawn creates an afterlife that is complex, cruel, unforgiving and treacherous. This land is truly hell and salvation is difficult to find, but for the recently dead, and those who find admission by choice, there is no way out. The land has echoes of the African continent and I am not sure if Fawn borrows from mythology, but he has created a place as devilish as Dante’s Inferno. Needing neither food nor water, immortal life in hell is truly eternal torment. Even besting your enemies is only a temporary reprise, as they will continue to come after you.
This is a complex tale, and I found the number and names of the characters a little challenging. I read the book with care, to avoid confusion. As a result, I would say this was not an easy read, but a very fulfilling one for those who enjoy this genre. The seeking of the Necropolis will not disappoint.
Penn Fawn creates an afterlife that is complex, cruel, unforgiving and treacherous. This land is truly hell and salvation is difficult to find, but for the recently dead, and those who find admission by choice, there is no way out. The land has echoes of the African continent and I am not sure if Fawn borrows from mythology, but he has created a place as devilish as Dante’s Inferno. Needing neither food nor water, immortal life in hell is truly eternal torment. Even besting your enemies is only a temporary reprise, as they will continue to come after you.
This is a complex tale, and I found the number and names of the characters a little challenging. I read the book with care, to avoid confusion. As a result, I would say this was not an easy read, but a very fulfilling one for those who enjoy this genre. The seeking of the Necropolis will not disappoint.
November 26, 2020
Mr Fawn wrote a magnificent piece of dark fantasy. Philosophical approach of life's meaning entangled with the omnipresent action and dangerous creatures. Also, it shows a power of humankind and adaptability; or better lack of it; in stranger's land.
Fight-longing strategists versus pacifists who opted for leave brought an aspect of democracy and it was described masterfully. Chilling novel ideal for bed warming and snuggling to pillow while cuddling to favourite teddy.
P.S. Characters are ready to jump of the page and dance in front of your face, celebrating SPOILER without acknowledgement of their enemy's movement.
Recommended for fantasy readers, but also every book enthusiast of this planet. I enjoyed every bit of it. No skipping pages. Well written.
Fight-longing strategists versus pacifists who opted for leave brought an aspect of democracy and it was described masterfully. Chilling novel ideal for bed warming and snuggling to pillow while cuddling to favourite teddy.
P.S. Characters are ready to jump of the page and dance in front of your face, celebrating SPOILER without acknowledgement of their enemy's movement.
Recommended for fantasy readers, but also every book enthusiast of this planet. I enjoyed every bit of it. No skipping pages. Well written.
November 9, 2021
Fawn is truly a new and inventive voice in story telling. Fawn's retelling of man versus Mother Nature is captivating. In this story the author literally details how we man are at war with ourselves and the Earth around us. You do have too pay close attention to the narrative otherwise the reader will miss some of the expertly woven examples Fawn has given us regarding these truths. The story is a slow burn, but worth the read as you will start cheering for Team Damned or Team Nyeusi. Either way I highly recommend this story for all to read, because after you are done your mind will forever be changed regarding our one and only earth. Thank you Voracious Only Readers and author for my free copy.
November 5, 2020
This novel is a horror fiction. If you are a lover of horror fiction, you'll probably enjoy this book
But I won't recommend it for someone new to horror fiction.
It's well written and describes it's characters well, but there are a lot of characters to keep track of, so you might have to refer back sometimes.
Anyway, the book is a good book, and I appreciate the author for the effort put in it, but personally I won't say I'm looking forward to book two.
But I won't recommend it for someone new to horror fiction.
It's well written and describes it's characters well, but there are a lot of characters to keep track of, so you might have to refer back sometimes.
Anyway, the book is a good book, and I appreciate the author for the effort put in it, but personally I won't say I'm looking forward to book two.
March 20, 2020
Necropolis Book One of Book One by Penn Fawn is a wonderful story to read. This is a wonderful start to a brand new series writen by a brand new author for me to read. I highly recommend it to all.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
November 9, 2020
Necropolis is a very dark book about the underworld and its perils.It showcases everyday things we don't acknowledge,like how we view each other.That our difference of opinion can lead to dangerous times which call for war. And it becomes survival of the fittest.
November 13, 2020
Necropolis is Book One by Penn Fawn. This is a horror fiction. I did not enjoy it much. I had to drag through the book. The beginning of book was amazing but as I progressed it became a little boring.
September 20, 2021
Described as the afterlife, Necropolis does an excellent job of describing life itself in a troubled world. It is an exceptionally human book with many gratifying points to make and a very rewarding ending.
December 2, 2020
Decent book, jumped around a little though which sometimes was confusing. All in all a good start to the series.
December 7, 2020
Horror fiction with a peculiar story, never have read anything like it before, the characters are amazing and very intriguing.
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June 15, 2020Necropolis (Book One), my first read from author Penn Fawn, a brand new author for me. 333 pages in length but reads even longer due to the detail & development of the story. A dark fantasy, personally not to my liking. I'm not sure I'll read more from this author. "I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews