The Wicked & The Dead

Faery Bargains #1

by Melissa Marr

Enter a new faery world written by the author of the internationally bestselling Wicked Lovely series...for readers of Patricia Briggs, Chloe Neill, and Jeaniene Frost.

Half witch, half killer, wholly unpreparedly for a Faery Bargain...Geneviève Crowe makes her living beheading the dead in near-future New Orleans.

But now, her magic’s gone sideways, and the only person strong enough to help her is the one man who could tempt her to think about picket fences: Eli Stonecroft, a faery bar-owner in New Orleans.

When human businessmen start turning up as draugar, both the queen of the again-walkers and the wealthy son of one of the victims, hire Geneviève to figure it out. She works to keep her magic in check, the dead from crawling out of their graves, and enough money for a future that might be a lot longer than she’d like. Neither her heart nor her life are safe now that she’s juggling a faery, murder, and magic.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Paranormal, Fae, Romance, Magic, Audiobook

281 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 2, 2020

About the author

Melissa Marr writes fiction for adults, teens, and children. Her books have been translated into 28 languages and been bestsellers in the US (NY Times, LA Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal) as well as overseas. Wicked Lovely, her debut novel, was an instant New York Times bestseller and evolved into an internationally bestselling multi-book series with a myriad of accolades.

In 2024 she released a queer fantasy (Remedial Magic via Bramble), a picturebook about a wee one and his two moms (Family is Family via Penguin), and a DC Comics graphic novel about teen Harley & Ivy (The Strange Adventures of Harleen & Harley).

An Illumicrate edition of 6 Wicked Lovely books will release in 2025.

If she's not writing, you can find her in a kayak or on a trail with her wife.

Reviews

[Naia Pard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think that I have missed something. This was a paranormal book (it is in the title, the urban setting and the mythical creatures--Fairy BARGAINS). Ok, that was clear enough, thus far all clear.

What lost me was the raport between ROMANCE-//-ACTUAL PLOT.

I am still a bit dizzy because I don`t know for sure what's just happened. There is a recipe for an urban paranormal that goes somewhere along the lines of:

Mystery to solve+the main character+ the love interest+the bad people/creatures that we love to hate- Because You Love to Hate Me: 13 Tales of Villainy (sorry, I couldn`t help myself)

And it is usually all layered up in such a way, that the mystery solving part plays along the plot while the love affair reapers and submerges from time to time alongst it. I know those rules.

****I am not saying that all books should appeal to them. I am just saying that I have been used to look for that scheme in them.*****

Here, it felt like I`d jumped directly to the second book in the installment. Not just that, but it was as if I`ve skipped it all fast forward to the romance. Like, what`s going on?

Everything starts casually enough,
--the lead fights with some dead creatures and strides by/in a graveyard.

Simple enough.

--After that, she enters in a tavern/bar

Ok, not uncommon.

But then----- she has all this entire emotional baggage drop with a fae bartender. She loves him, but not really. And she dosen`t know much about him because she is afraid of growing attached to him.

What is crazy enough is that WE KNOW from the book`s description that he is a FAE PRINCE(---> "Neither her heart nor her life are safe now that she’s juggling a FAERY PRINCE, murder, and magic."), but our main lead DOSEN`T KNOW that. And we are dumb struck watching her having all this emotional break downs for a fae princeling that she dosen`t allow herself to catch feelings for.

But, yea,
I am not accusing her for having doubts about him. I am saying that I did not even know from where it was all tumbling down. All that drama gave me whiplash. A mere moment ago she was fighting creatures in the cemetery and then she went all mushy mushy for a bartender-fae-prince that calls her dessert names. AND THEY ARE NOT A THING.
BUT SOMEHOW, THEY ARE.

“I couldn’t decide if I was feeling protective or possessive, but I sent out a jolt of accidental magic toward the room.
He refilled our glasses. “Should I ask what that was?”
“No.”
He nodded. This was one of the many reasons I liked having Eli around—despite his need to repeatedly call me by some sort of dessert.”

I think that the book would have had a great deal of potential if it was more focused on one single theme at hand, instead of trying to commute between a dramatic love life and the rest of the stuff that was going on.
Or, it could have helped if the story had been more developed?
What I got was a mashing of plot structures and character traits from main top paranormal books.

The fae-bartender- so popular that I can barely pinpoint
The part with the venom creatures *DRAUGR—it reminded me of Archangel's Kiss series

“Despite the romanticized attitudes of some people, draugr were not the sparkling angsty vampires of popular fiction. They weren’t crypt-napping, bat-transforming, cape-wearing creatures of the classic stories either. They were creatures out of mostly forgotten Icelandic folklore. Modern people, injected with a venom that had peculiar bio-magical traits, woke and eventually carried on as if they were alive.”

When does she find out about his status as a prince? Does she find it at the end of the book?
answer> Not quite, but almost.

The end had to be filled by the marriage proposal--those kind of endings seem to be in trend, lately---From Blood and Ash.

It was like some Cardan move-ish.
He “tricked” her in having her as a bride. ???
By choosing to kiss her. It all went like this:
His uncle (the fae king) told him to stop fooling around a pick a bride (???) by choosing from all the fae women brought to the palace just for the occasion. He had to kiss one of them to make her his bride.

He brings Gen(evive) with him, too. He kisses her (because of course he would). And then the uncle praises him for being wickedly smart.



BUT before this The Selection part, the lead had had a serios conversation with her mother in which her mother admitted that she might have “tampered” with her daughter`s powers as they could be released just if she found her match. Her powers were released. According to dear mommy it was because she had found her match/mate. But, SHE WAS STILL IN DENIAL OF HER RELATIONSHIP WITH THE BARTENDER YET-UNKNOWN-FAE-PRINCE.

“Baby girl, you’re going to be upset with me, but”[...]“I tamped your magic down until you found a real partner,” she said shakily, not looking at me as she spoke. “I meant to tell you, and eventually, I would have. You know that . . . but you said you weren’t dating. I ask Jesse’s parents every time I see them. I used to think it would be him, you know? Close as you two were? I was afraid I’d done all that only to have you find your intended as a teenager. Most people never find their perfect mate, Gen.”

All right, I think it is enough. If I`ll go further on I might as well retell the entire novel. I do not want to steal that pleasure from you;)

At last, a part that made me really laugh (because there had been good parts, too, otherwise I wouldn`t have finished it)

“Maybe I liked Eli because he wasn’t going to die of natural causes” Oh, mama, I laughed so hard at that. Cheers to some truthfulness or sincerity. Because yes, the age is always a problem when dealing with supernatural beings but I wouldn`t be so concerned about that as you are not a human but a WITCH.
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[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 68%.

I was left feeling greatly confused on "what I missed" as this book reads like the third in a series where the author assumes you know a lot. There's an overabundance of "telling" us about the world instead of 'showing" us. Relationships were odd, confusing, and in the case of Eli almost juvenile in their attempt at being "complicated".

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genevieve is excellent at her job, removing the threat of the terrifying, newly reborn, again-walkers. But then again, maybe it's easier to hunt when you're a monster too. There's a reason she's so capable, one that she's been hiding for a long time, and one that she really doesn't want her friends to find out about.

Things are changing though, Gen is far busier than usual and the new Draugr she encounters are getting stronger and more aware than ever before. At the same time, her magic seems to be gong haywire and she needs to get it under control before she gets herself into trouble she can't get out of.

The main character was a little bit annoying at first. She came across quite arrogant at the start, but she definitely grew on me once we passed that. On the other hand, I really liked Eli and his bluntness immediately. This is the first time I've heard of Draugr and it was really interesting to learn about something new, but for those who like a bit of familiarity, the book also involves the fae which I love.

As always with Melissa Marr's books, the world is so elaborately built. It's been a while since I read such a rich world. There is a very different magic system and some unique traits, for example I loved how Gen could drink vodka for breakfast but fruit made her drunk! I really enjoyed the book and I'm very glad this is the start of a series. There's a reason Melissa is one of my favourite authors!

[Shell S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing feels as right as slaying the undead draugr for New Orleans native Genevieve Crowe, a 30-ish Jewish witch warrior with a knack for necromancy. But now a very ancient and sophisticated leader of the draugr needs her help and that also feels oddly right...

Gen is a protector at her core, an archetype I adore, and she exists in-between in a lot of ways and that push-pull likewise makes for a very compelling main character. Pagan witch and Jewish. Bisexual. Slayer of undead (the unruly, ravenous kind) and a shepherd of sentient and peaceable undead. Half-draugr herself on her sinister father's side, and still learning about (and terrified of) how that will affect her.

Plenty of other reviewers have noted, as I now must, how cool and fascinating Gen's magic is, from feeling the presence of undead, to limited telepathy (which she tries not to abuse), to being able to summon draugr to fight for her or even bind them to her as servants (though she is scrupulous and chooses not to do this if she can avoid it). Ditto what an intriguing character the ancient undead matriarch Beatrice is, who we'll definitely see more of (though whether as ally, adversary, or something in between is less certain).

I'm surprised more reviewers didn't comment on being hooked by the central mystery introduced in the first chapter--some devious person or entity is trying to weaponize draugr venom in syringes. It's so ominous, so coldly clinical, and implies someone may be exploiting draugr and not just threatening humans by turning them undead against their will. Gen's protective instincts extend beyond the living, and she never gives up without a fight. Her sword and special ammunition are also just too freakin' cool not to mention as well.


[Side note: a quick look at the interesting setting and lore Marr has cooked up around her draugr a.k.a. again-walkers.

For the first few years they behave like savage mindless zombies who rend flesh in their need to sate their undead thirst for blood. After that they regain sentience, self-control and their former personalities, though they must still feed on blood. Regardless of what stage they are in, they can flow, a movement so fast it's comparable to teleportation, and this is well-used to suspenseful effect many times by Gen and her quarry.

I have yet to find an urban fantasy series I didn't enjoy where supernaturals lived out in the open instead of disguising their presence, and this was no exception. Sure, humans tend to want to keep the undead at a distance and Gen has no shortage of paid jobs involving her sword and special ammunition, but cities do provide special hospitals called T-Cells where family can pay to have their "newly returned" relatives housed and fed until they regain their faculties.

Fae, notably Gen's best friend and sometimes slaying partner Eli, are usually more welcome among humans, extremely desirable as their beauty makes them, even though the legends are all true about the pitfalls of bargaining with them or getting spirited away to Elphame. Nigh irresistible sexiness is a popular interpretation of fey allure in urban fantasy but I was more interested in Eli's superhuman strength, tricky bargains, and occasional reversion to courtly manners.

With supernaturals living openly in society (usually reclaiming abandoned houses or wandering the lawless countryside called "the Outs" rather than welcomed as neighbors in gated communities), sadly but not surprisingly there sprang up anti-supernatural/"pro-human" agitators. One such group may or may not be involved in all the skullduggery...]


But let's get back to the best part of this story as with most others for me, the characters.

How and why Gen's draugr father died the second and final time is a tidbit too juicy to spoil here. Why her lovable, big-hearted earth witch mother Mama Lauren chose him to father her child, other than his charms, will almost certainly remain a mystery to everyone but herself; it doesn't change that she's my favorite character.

Gen's circle of loyal, likeable friends have unique dynamics with her and I enjoyed each of them: big-brotherly best friend (and occult bookstore owner) Jesse, hyper-organized businesswoman and meddler Sera whom she dated once in college, and perceptive, ride-or-die pool hustling pal Christy. Moments with friends provide much needed levity and balance to the drama and intense danger, as well as a fierce support system that is truly moving in how far they'll go to take care of their half-draugr friend.

Then there's half-fae bartender Eli, a staunch friend to Gen and one of the only beings strong enough to back her up on her slaying jobs, and the series' only love interest (as of the novella sequel Blood Martinis & Mistletoe anyway). Eli woos her every way he knows how while Gen mostly (except for some steamy embraces) resists for reasons she tells herself aren't selfish.

I liked how supportive Eli was and how he seemed to truly respect and see her strengths, her fierceness, her good intentions even when she was most worried about turning into a monster for one reason and another. And I appreciated his own complicated backstory and tangled family relationships that made him feel like an independent person and not just a love interest.

Eli and Gen's "will they, won't they" sexual tension will thrill many readers, but it just wasn't for me because I'm too much of a romantic and Gen put too much emphasis on sex while deliberately retreating from tender feelings. That's no slight on the author or character, that's my personal preference. Marr did her best to explain Gen's many logical reasons they couldn't be together and happy, only some of which felt contrived to me because it was the author's particular fae lore throwing up the biggest road blocks, and...ah, other blocks.

Aside from experiencing frustration and awkwardness over the Eli and Gen's relationship, I also felt the ending regarding the mystery was too abrupt and didn't give the main characters a chance to shine, and both of these together were my only motivation to drop from five stars of enjoyment to four.

That said, Marr did an incredible job setting up her sequels with exciting developments regarding Gen's powers and abilities, and characters and setting I'd like to revisit, and I immediately bought the next book and am stoked to finish out this page-turner of a series.


WHEN A SERIES STIRS YOUR IMAGINATION AND HEART LIKE A WITCH HER CAULDRON, SPEAK UP--BOOST THE SIGNAL!

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was slow in the beginning but ultimately picked up. Not bad

[Anniken Haga]

I DNFed this around page 50. One thing was the very messy writing style, another was the story. Or lack there of. Or the multiple stories and characters that just left a mess. I felt like this was the third book in a series and I'd skipped the two first ones.

I've tried one other book by this author, and I seem to recall I had the same issues then, so I guess Marr just isn't for me.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one started out slow for me, had to figure out what was going on and who the players were. It slowly picked up as I realized that Geneviève is special, that she for some reason is hiding a lot, yet all of the people she let in her inner circle has figured things out and just goes along with her. When Geneviève figured that out it was funny, but also very helpful as now her actions can be out in the open. Then there is the weird relationship between Geneviève and Eli. It's all kinds of awkward as both are drawn to each other, but each wants something different. The whole time they are together you keep wondering will they or won't they.

Things are going along fine and then it all goes to hell. Geneviève is in life or death danger, an odd ally pops up, Eli saves her, but maybe has damned himself or claimed Geneviève, it's all up in the air. The one thing we know for sure is that life as Geneviève knew it is over and going forward will be interesting.

[RavensScar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this book yesterday. And now that I slept on it I must say a few things.

Firstly the book has the potential to be awesome and I really liked the story.

Buuuuut I kinda didn't like all aspects of the main character..... and now I have to warn y'all about spoilers.

Genevieve makes me kinda mad with the whole Eli situation. Like hot and cold???? I hate when people play the hot and cold game. Gen has to get over her all her issues. And maybe she should discuss stuff with Eli before making all the decisions????



I've just finished rereading this book. And I must say I liked it much better this time. I don't know why I liked it better this time, I just did *shrugs*.

[Brigid · Rating 4 out of 5]

tw: self surgery (non-suicidal), death, loss of a loved one

I have been dry heaving for some witchy books. I did not expect to be getting a Bi witch with blue hair and a sword.

Imagine New Orleans with a vampire outbreak except the vampires are actually Draugr, creatures out of mostly forgotten Icelandic folklore. Fifteen years prior, a handsome man was ripped apart on Bourbon Street. Draugrs had existed for centuries but the newly dead started attacking across the nation. Some cities with law after law (and some blood tests) managed to be Draugr free. This is the part where our own world’s threat of COVID-19 seems eerily similar and almost metaphorical. Like Marr’s New Orleans, there is corruption in our own world and people suffer greatly from that.

Gen is a hired hand. A witch warrior with a faery bartender assistant, she goes in to prevent family member’s loved ones from rising and becoming the walking dead. Born of magic and death, our Geneviève.

The magic system is very earthy. Gen’s own magic is completely earth based. Mother: witch. Father: Draugr. She is Draugr and Witch. Her bed has dirt in it, something very like vampire lore. Her prayers are much like what I imagine a real Witch would do. The importance of prayer for witches is significant and that is represented here. I appreciate all the key details to lore and religion that Marr has written into her novel. Gen is also Jewish in addition to being a witch. Since I was born Catholic, and not Jewish, I cannot speak to how Jewish people are represented.

I was Witch. The fire of life and death was in my veins, and I could end a life or create one from the ashes of death. Small dead creatures rested in the soil. The bones of a wolf scattered on the ground as flowers pushed their blossoms between dried remnants of its ribs. The hunter had become the food. His meat had fed the soil, and seeds had sprouted. I could bring wolf and prey to life again.

Melissa Marr
Her mother seems like all those classic flower power hippie witches. Gen’s herb and flower growing earth witch mother wanted Gen’s walking dead father to give up everything (meaning his vampy food source) for a ‘vegan lifestyle’ which had me rolling on the floor. It feels like such a nod to a certain sparkly vamp trying to be vegan.

I cannot think of very many Urban Fantasy novels giving a nod to the origins of Urban Fantasy: Faeries. The only other author I know that is writing Faerie’s in urban fantasy is Seanan McGuire.

When I was in high school I used to be a big fan of Marr and Holly Black. I remember Black mentioning in a podcast all these old anthologies from the 80s and 90s. Terri Windling edited these anthologies, the Borderlands. They launched the subgenre now called Urban Fantasy. I am still waiting for Urban Fantasy’s origins with Faerie to come back with the same popularity that werewolves or vampire have been given.

Melissa Marr is here for reader’s like me. Readers that want to see that earthy and urban within cities, where flowers, magic, and sin reside amidst the politics of humans and faerie. I would really love to read those types of stories again. I know that other readers would too.

Gen’s best friend, draugr slaying assistant and faerie bartender reminds me so much of that history. Eli and Gen have a grumpy friendship to resisting love type of relationship. When the story starts, they already know and have feelings for eachother. He offers his castle of drinks and she flirts with him. The sexual tension of a faerie offering you drinks and ancient swords. Sizzle.

You see their development through other means of the narrative. Eli is the softest cuddle bear faerie whose totally willing to torch the entirety of New Orleans for his buttercup warrior witch. He’s constantly referring to Gen by delicious desserts. It’s not done in the way misogynists typically do it but there’s a reason for it and it is very sexy.

I also just find it entirely funny that a soft romantic faerie is calling a rough around the edges warrior Witch cute little nicknames.

Gen placing an importance on her female friendships had me sighing in relief. I still feel Urban Fantasy could work on its female friendships. There is a reason I have strayed from this sub-genre for years. It all sums up to the internalized misogyny. Marr strips and revises the hell out the toxic tropes this genre has been known for. She gives a cast of diverse characters. All those nods to Urban Fantasy’s origins. The Wicked and the Dead reads like the soft earthy magic of Practical Magic but with the hardness of thriller urban fantasy novels.

The romantic cuddle bear Faerie dead gone on his slayer lady love is exactly the shape I want my urban fantasy future to look like. Of all the vodka drinking witches and cupcake faerie beaus slaying monsters in New Orleans I choose this one.

Thank you to Melissa Marr for providing an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes used are from an advanced readers copy and are subject to change.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This isn't earth-shattering, but I like the characters, and I'm curious about the overarching mystery about the magic system. This is my kind of fun easy reading to unwind, like watching network urban fantasy TV.

[Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, loved this book, this world was so fantastic, I loved Gen and Eil! Must read more now!

[Preeti · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Alix · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25….

[Kalli Kounavong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guys!! Omg!! The Wicked and The Dead by Melissa Marr is sooooo goooood!!! It's completely new and fresh...so unique and thrilling...I can't wait for the next one!...5 stars and 2 thumbs way way up!!!

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 1 of the Fairy Bargains series.
I enjoyed this book even though you are thrown into the middle of the action. The background of the story is given to the reader in spurts as you read the story.
This is a richly crafted story and world.

[Starinatstars03 · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Melissa Marr posted on her Facebook page that she had a new book coming out and was seeking early readers for it, I briefly read through the book description and raced to her website to put my hat in the ring. I've been reading Melissa's books for a very long time. Almost half of my life. It's pretty much a guarantee that anything she writes, I'll enjoy it. When I saw that I was chosen for the early read, I went back and read the book description more thoroughly. I was so excited.

The story introduces us to Genevieve Crowe, a witch whose night job, well, only job, is making sure that when someone’s loved one dies, they stay dead. During one of these paid gigs she discovered that something wasn’t quite right. Men who are a part of a hate club are suddenly showing up as the again-walkers, something they deeply despised before they died. Genevieve has been hired to solve this mystery. With her magic being out of her control lately, she has to enlist the help of Eli Stonecroft. Eli is a faery who is the first being to ever come close to winning her heart.

I really loved this story. So much so, that I was going to bed with my kindle and falling asleep with it in my hands each night till I finished it. I loved the mythology behind it all. Draugr was a term that I had only heard of once before, from Rachel Caine's Morganville series. I did some research as it had been awhile. The draugr in those stories were sea-draugr. While in this novel, the Icelandic version of the lore seems to be the inspiration. One of my absolute favorite parts of Melissa's writing is that she brings in old mythology and incorporates it in a modern world. She has always inspired me to dig deeper into the lore she uses and learn more about it. Which could be attributed to her experience with teaching and inspiring curiosity in others.

The mystery itself was super interesting. I won't say too much on this because I don't want to give any spoilers, but I loved it and I wasn't able to solve it which was nice. Even more intriguing was the story behind Gen's connection to the dead and the again-walkers. Especially, Beatrice, the Queen like figure of the draugr in New Orleans.

The relationships in the book are something I hope to get a bit more out of in the next installment. The build up between Genevieve and Eli was fun. I love the cutesy nicknames he has for her. It's exciting to watch what you know is inevitable and see Gen try to deny their chemistry.

I absolutely adored her friendship with Jesse, though I do have questions. They're both from the Outs, and Jesse seems to have been raised right along with her. We know he has a relationship with Gen's mom, Mama Lauren. What about his family though? It seems like humans mostly have an aversion to the Outs, so there must be some story behind his family. Also, what made them both move into the city?

On the other hand, her friendships with Christy and Sera left something to desired. I feel like her female friendships needed a bit more substance to them. It felt like their only purpose in the story was an attempt to show Gen has humanity and that she has healthy female friendships. Which is fine, but Jesse was able to handle the humanity aspect of Gen better than the other two, so that really only leaves the female friendship part. I'd like to see a little more from them in the next book.

Overall, I think this is a great first book in a promising new series from Melissa Marr. It's a breath of fresh and something new that hasn't been overdone. I can't wait for the finished copy to be released so I can add it to my shelves.

[Spira Virgo · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5

Trigger Warnings: Blood, Gore, Decapitation.

"Marie might have been an angel in life, but right now she was a killer.
In my city.
If I found the person who decided to release Marie- or the woman with the syringe- I'd call the police. I tried to avoid killing the living. But if I found Marie, or others like her, I wasn't calling dispatch. When It came to venomous killers, I tended to be more of a behead first, ask later kind of woman."

I love Melissa Marr. I became a instant fan after reading one of her fairy series, Seven Black Diamond (which I highly recommend to check out) and she is just spectacular with her creative take on fae stories. Then in the early beginning of 2020 she announced that her new adult series was coming out and I couldn't stop myself and immediately purchase it. How could I refuse myself? It's an urban fantasy with a Jewish-Wiccan witch woman slaying the walking dead.

Genevieve Crowe is an interesting character, she is the textbook example of urban fantasy/paranormal lead who is magical and happens to be in the center of a mysterious case but what I didn't expect is how the case will be so little in compression to what's going on with her. Her powers that we suppose to know are getting out of control, her other biology is kicking in and she has no way of subduing it so what does she do? Going back home to her mother, learn a little bit more about herself, the bargain her mother made so she'd be safe and all the while deal with her fairy romantic love interest, Eli Stonecroft. I love seeing her vulnerability in not only from her struggling with her upbringing is a half witch half draguar (one of the dead she's killing in her everyday life) but her friendships with her friends and partnership or more precisely her romantic attraction to Eli and how hard it is to confine in them. She has trust issues and walls and she think she can manage everything in her life but Jesse, her childhood friend or her brother as he calls it, constantly there to remind her that she doesn't have to be alone and she can relay on him and her friends. Even her interaction with Eli which are so sweet are really thoughtful, they both want each other but they are too scared to commit to it. it such a slow pace romance I'm all here for.

But despite what I love, my problem lies with the mystery case and the world building of this story. I thought the murder mystery was actually compelling but its conclusion felt so out of nowhere for me. Genevieve did a lot of investigating but it feels so... rushed? I think that's the word. As for Genevieve being a earth witch like her mother that was pretty interesting take on witches in an urban fantasy I've seen for a long time. As for the rising dead, the Draugar, they sound nothing like your typical undead corpses you consume in creative media. Reptilian like with vampire like tendencies but with barley any control over themselves sounds terrifying but it is also... confusing. Where did they come from? How is it possible for a hybrid like Genevieve to be around? Are there Human-Draguar hybrids out there? What about Fairy-Draguar? However, this is but the first book so why do I rattle on about, THE ANSWERS WOULD BE REVEALED IN THE NEXT BOOK~~~

[Marsha · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5 Stars)
“The Wicked and the Dead” is one of those reads that left me unsure as to how I really feel about it. On one hand it has a clever plot but in the other hand it is a hodgepodge of ideas trying to see what will and what won’t.

In New Orleans, Genevieve is a witch with an affinity for raising or insuring the dead do not rise. Some of have a bad habit of coming back as human eating draugr. If they manage to survive for a period of ten years or so then they will be reanimated as a civilized dead person. Unfortunately 10-12 years is a long time to allow a draugr to roam.

Gen has been hired by a young wide own to insure her elderly husband doesn’t rise again. When he rises, Gen makes him true dead but what she find is that someone has been injecting the dead with venom from draugr to ensure they will rise again.

Gen needs someone to watch her back so she calls on the last person she wants to see, the sexy fae owner or a bar, Eli. Gen fights her increasing her attraction to Eli but he makes it clear he wants her in his life no matter the circumstances. Here is a really annoying part of the story for me. He calls her these silly pet names (mostly desserts) which makes him sound like a creepy older man enamored with a young woman rather than a sexy man. Apparently, Eli has secrets of his own that he is carrying.

When the oldest draugr, Beatrice, comes into the bar she tells Genevieve that she has information about her hat she is and that she really needed to know the truth. Gen is dumbfounded and unsettled. When Gen is offered another case to investigate the death of the widows husband’s death by his son, Tres, Gen is about to uncover a major plot that can upset everything she has ever know about the draugr.

Does all of this sound confusing and convoluted? Well, it sort of feels that way as you read it as well. I still am not sure if I want to go on to the next book in this series or not. Truth be told I have cut back on the number of books I am really to only include the hose that I truly love. Now I just need to find out if this series could be one of those.

[Jeffe Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series and wow! You all seriously want to read this. It's an urban fantasy - very cool twist on vampires - with a heroine simultaneously so kickass, warmly human, and passionate about the world that I want to be her. I also want to be her because of the insanely hot Eli, her fae love interest. Those of you who've followed me for a while know I love a well-executed fae bargain, and Marr excels at this. Also, did I mention how sexy Eli is? Get in on the ground level with this series, because it's going to be an auto buy. Highly recommend.

In the interests of full disclosure, I read this novel because the sequel novella, BLOOD MARTINIS & MISTLETOE, will be in the midwinter holiday anthology UNDER A WINTER SKY that I'm doing with Marr, Kelley Armstrong, and L. Penelope. The novella is crazy good and super sexy too. I'm seriously chuffed to have a story sharing pages with it.

[Gracie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this! Melissa Marr never disappoints, but this was my favorite book of her's since the Wicked Lovely series. I had to buy the next two as soon as I was done. This book gives an interesting take on the idea of the undead, and I haven't seen anything quite like it in other books. Genevieve has a unique set of powers, and I liked her character a lot. She's strong and smart in the traditional way you'd expect of an ass-kicking urban fantasy MC, but she's also kind and cares deeply about those around her, and isn't afraid to admit that. She actually has friends and a life outside of her job of beheading evil creatures, something you don't always see in these types of books. Overall a really fun read!

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa Marr does it again. Rich world-building, a cast of complex characters, a healthy dose of snark, and some good old-fashioned ass-kicking make this story un-put-downable. Set in New Orleans, an already magical and fantastical city, Marr builds a world in which fae, witches, draugr, and humans live in something akin to balance. The only thing better than reading The Wicked and the Dead is knowing that there is more coming!

[Katherine B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have missed paranormal romance! And books with faeries.

[Lafourche Parish Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s no other city quite like New Orleans, full of dark mystery and intrigue. It’s no surprise that Melissa Marr chose our great city as the backdrop for her newest adult urban fantasy series, Faery Bargains. In the first installment, titled The Wicked and the Dead, we meet Geneviève Crowe, a Jewish-Wiccan woman who makes sure the dead stay dead. Set in the distant future, the world is plagued by draugr, undead creatures from Scandinavian folklore (think zombie and vampire wrapped up into one). These draugr shamble around, much like zombies for the first century of their after-life. It’s only after 100 years they become sentient. Since many people don’t want their loved ones to turn into blood-thirsty monsters, Geneviève takes the not so legal job of beheading these monsters to ensure they don’t harm the living. But lately, her magic’s been off, and to make matters worse, wealthy businessmen have been turning up undead.

To help with her magic, Gen seeks out her most powerful ally, Eli Stonecroft, a faery in exile who owns the bar Gen frequents. Gen has mixed romantic feelings about Eli, as he’s her only friend that knows of her supernatural mixed heritage. It’s at his bar that Gen meets her strangest client yet; Beatrice, the self-proclaimed queen of the draugr. The queen, along with one of the sons of the recently deceased businessmen, hire Gen to figure out why wealthy businessmen are being murdered and turned into draugr. Gen, along with Eli, begin to uncover the causes of her magic gone awry and the mystery of the murdered men. After taking the job, Gen realizes that neither her heart nor her life is safe as she tries to juggle her feelings toward Eli, her increasing magic affinity for the dead, and the uptick in people rising again as draugr.

I absolutely loved this novel. Geneviève Crowe is a fascinating character. She’s a witch of mixed supernatural heritage with an affinity for the dead. Plus, she’s one kick-butt heroine. Although she portrays herself as hard and unfeeling, there’s a certain charming vulnerability to her once she opens up to her friend, Eli. I especially loved the tension between Gen and Eli—sometimes she wants to kill him and others, she has to do everything in her power not to fall helplessly into his arms. The story was compelling and fresh as well. Prior to Faery Bargains: Book 1: The Wicked and the Dead, I had not encountered such creatures as the Scandinavian draugr. Melissa Marr does a brilliant job of weaving obscure folklore into a modern story. If you enjoyed Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter series, you’ll enjoy Melissa Marr’s Faery Bargains: Book 1: The Wicked and the Dead.

Availability: Book; eBook in cloudLibrary
Rating: ***** Stars (I loved it)
Reviewer: Katie, Reference Librarian

[Danae · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the characters, the world… I just didn’t like the writing. I picked the book because it sounded like a mash up of her books Graveminder and The Wicked Lovely series (which are way better than this book if you must read one of her books those or Made for You are my absolute favorite because the writing is chef’s kiss). In a way it was but it was so repetitive that I got a headache from reading it. Honestly the repetition was annoying and threw me off wanting to reread this book or continue the series if it becomes one.
It was an interesting concept, but the repetition left me confused and feeling like I was missing something because if it’s repeated it must be important, right? But it failed to answer the why is it important? It felt like the author had a certain word count to reach and felt repeating things would help her reach it. Which is sad because I liked Genevieve (which the beginning is pronounced John not Jen like they do in the book), Eli was my favorite and I adored Jesse, Christy (also why the heck was the b in black capitalized did I miss some random grammar thing that states you need to capitalize the b in black when describing skin color because she isn’t the first author to do this), the other friend that I can’t remember her name except it starts with a S.
Also, what sexual orientation was Genevieve supposed to be because I didn’t know if she was supposed to be ace, bi, experimenting figuring out what she liked? I feel like the author tried so hard to have representation in the book but she didn’t know what she wanted to represent (if that makes sense?).

If you love fae, walking dead, uncertain love, then read her other books because they are way better and all have touches of these themes except Made for You that book will haunt you and make you question people because there’s no fae or walking dead just a serial killer that is obsessed with one of the FMCS.

⭐️3
💧5

[Ilona Nurmela · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you liked Rachel Rener’s Inked, you’ll love this one - gritty, sarky, dark, loved it!

I think I found me another fave author. Gritty, sarky, an enjoyable dark sort of read. If you liked Rachel Rener’s Inked, you’ll love this one.

I mean - “Cemeteries had become “stage one” of the verification of death process /…/ B&E was still illegal. And I was breaking into a cemetery where I might need to carry out a contracted beheading. That was illegal, too.”

New Orleans is a dead-friendly city. Always has been. Except now this city as well as many others are plagued by the draugr - venom-spewing undead predators, NOT your classical glorified vampires. 29yo Genevieve is a blue-haired pale-skinned witch uniquely qualified for decapitation kind of removals. Gen teams up with Eli, a fae bar owner who looks like he should be in magazines, selling anything, promising everything and calls her all kinds of dessert names. He seems to think it’s inevitable they’ll get together and a matter of when, she seems to think it’s an if - as in better if not. When her magic goes haywire and wealthy businessmen start dying there’s a good explanation to be found.

Loved the New Orleans vibe. Loved the swearing… I meant - shit cookies and monkey balls and fucksickles. Lol. Learnt a few. Loved the self-deprecating Jessica Jones type of dry dark humour and all that sizzling desire between Gen and Eli…yum. I think he’s the first decent fae book boyfriend I’ve read about in like…ever. Very noir vibe from the FMC. Loved it! Keep’em coming!

Recommended for lovers of NA noir-feels undead urban fantasy with witch-fae will-they-won’t-they romantic side-line. While the FMC was 29, she did struggle with first real relationship, running from herself and trying to come to terms with her identity - which is kind of new adult to me.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this book while looking for books set in New Orleans. Although I've never been there, there's something special about New Orleans. It always feels like it's one of the few towns in the world where people literally dance with death. I assume it's also the reason why the paranormal and supernatural are never far away. However, I was really curious about this story, I've also heard a lot of good things about the author, so it was time to get started.

The beginning of the book felt a little overwhelming. The author came up with a unique supernatural creature, a mix of a zombie and a vampire actually, and we were thrown in the middle of the action without explanations or introductions. However, I was really sucked into this story right away. I was really curious what was going on, why our heroine was out there hunting those things and what mystery would have to be solved.

And the story eventually managed to surprise me in a very positive way. I absolutely loved how the author mixed the supernatural, romance and mystery. It never felt like one element was forgotten to focus on another element. All elements were influencing each other and things happening while trying to solve the mystery caused things to happen in the romance and the other way round. Eventually it feels like the story has only just started.

The finale however does promise a lot of interesting stuff to happen in future books. I don't want to give away too much, of course. This is the kind of story you want to explore for yourself so you can be surprised by certain plot-twists. However, especially the romance has gotten insanely interesting. And, I do think I know what's really going on between our heroine and her fae, but I can't wait to see it all play out.

[Tiff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't even express how happy I was to have received a draft copy of this book by the amazing Melissa Marr!

I love a story with a good ass-kicking woman! Geneviève is a great person to follow into the night while she rekills again-walkers. A bonus is the way she cusses. I laughed out loud every single time she exclaimed something ridiculous. She has a stubborn, and hard to reach vulnerable side too that adds some extra depth to her character. From what you get of the people closest to her, I really liked them. No one character stood out as annoying anyways. Gen keeps her circle small, so there wasn't a mess of characters to follow. Her relationship with her friend/brother Jesse was interesting, and I think there's an good back story there, but her girlfriends seemed kind of like filler. Maybe there will be more of them in the future?

This book had all the best of the fantasy world: witches, interesting vampire-like-reptilian-dead-things. (I honestly don't know where to start to describe them), fey, the regular shambling walking dead sorts, just... everything. Along with a good mystery. Some intrigue there with Beatrice of the Draugr. I'm interested to see how much she knows of Gen's past and what she probably has in-store for her future as well. I'm really looking forward to seeing more of Gen's erm... romantic interest, Eli. I'm hoping with how things played out in the second half of this book, that we're in for some really cool backstory and look into the faery world he comes from.

All together, I was very pleased with this book, and I'm looking forward to getting my hands on a real copy of this and the books to follow in the series.

[Dina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, that was disappointing. As a big fan of Marr’s Wicked Lovely books (well, really the first two) I had been expecting this new series to be similarly engrossing.

It wasn't.

Where do I start? Certainly, there’s more than a strong whiff of another popular urban fantasy series here. (Female necromancer/vampire killer, with a bad attitude?) I also confess I don’t understand the apparent universal appeal of the FMC. Genevieve is surly, insensitive and utterly self-absorbed. The devotion of her faery love interest, her unrealistically devoted tight group of close friends--I assume we’re just supposed to believe there’s something incredible about Genevieve that inspires this blind loyalty? She's not at all likeable or relatable, so everyone around having such unqualified love for her is frankly baffling.

The plot just meanders with no discernible pacing. Scene transitions are jarring. It’s often infuriating. Instead of having a clear structure, it’s just a “bunch of things that happen” rather than a cohesive story. Genevieve’s internal dialogue is repetitive and tedious, often sidetracking the events. It's basically an endless loop of GUILT->SHAME->AVOIDANCE->DENIAL->GUILT, etc rinse and repeat. There’s nothing exceptionally compelling about her plight; she just has a lot of Wangst. (I suppose we might call it "fangst".)

Also, perhaps someone needs to tell Ms. Marr that it’s not necessary for her FMC to constantly drop f-bombs to validate the novel’s "adult" status. And while we’re on that topic, Genevieve’s characterization makes it difficult to believe she’s supposed to be 29. Her reactivity, impulsivity, volatility and immature attitudes put her more at 17 imo.

Needless to say, I won’t be rushing out to pick up the sequels.

[Noone · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great example that you can use common tropes to great effect without appearing unoriginal or boring.
Technically this book is not much different from the hundreds of other UF/PnR books out there, but to me, it has a unique charm that gives it character and distinguishes it from the crowd.

My biggest issue with this was the writing itself. For the most part, I enjoyed the writing style but it has the tendency to become unintentionally rambly and repetitive. Especially in the first half, thoughts get repeated multiple times but worded differently.
This issue makes sections drag unnecessarily and hurts the pacing.

Another common problem is scene consistency. There are numerous examples of things happening without the reader having been told. People just warp through rooms, change positions, stand up or sit down etc. Other stuff is affected by these kinds of issues as well.
Scene setting is largely missing and sometimes even contradictory in places.

Scenes appear unnatural and stilted because everything seems to happen in sequence. Even simple things like walking and talking frequently don't appear to happen at the same time even though it seems natural for the characters to do so.

I think a thorough editing pass by an experienced editor could've massively improved the quality.
To me, those issues were far less noticeable towards the end but I am not sure if this was because I got so invested or because it's actually less of an issue.
Without those basic writing issues, this would've been a 4-star rating.

If you are sensitive to amateurish writing issues like that you will probably hate this but otherwise, I would recommend giving it a try because the ideas are great.
I will for sure listen to the second book in the series as soon as it becomes available as an audiobook.
The narration of the first one was great.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

In near-future New Orleans, Draugar, again-walkers, are faster and stronger than most humans, but not venomous until they are a century old. Until then, they shamble and bite. Since not everyone wants to see their relatives end up that way, Geneviève Crowe makes her living beheading the dead.
But now, her magic’s gone sideways, and the only person strong enough to help her is the one man who could tempt her to think about picket fences: Eli Stonecroft, a faery who chose to be a bar-owner in New Orleans rather than live in Elphame.
Then human businessmen start turning up as draugar.
Suddenly, the queen of the again-walkers and the wealthy son of one of the victims, both hire Geneviève to figure it out. She works to keep her magic in check, the dead from crawling out of their graves, and enough money for a future that might be a lot longer than she’d like. Neither her heart nor her life are safe now that she’s juggling a faery prince, murder, and magic.

Heather's Notes
So I read this book because I liked a short story I read in an anthology. This story was not bad, but I don't know if I would continue if I hadn't already read the anthology. I liked the story, but Gen is hard to like at times. She seems to hate herself and that always annoys me. I like characters that like themselves or at least accept themselves. I really like Eli. I like the "names" he comes up with for Gen. I will probably read the next book to see where the story goes.