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Memento Mori #2
Dreams of the Necromancer
Digging up the past might be digging her own grave.
Marguerite went in search of answers. The ones she found led her to only more questions…and down a very dangerous path.
Doctor Gideon Raithe claims that she has every right to hate him, and yet all she feels is drawn to him. The Ordo ut Solis, a secret order of holy warriors against the dark creatures of the world, wants her help to contain him.
Two warring sides want her help, but she can’t trust either of them. Hell, she can’t even trust her own memories. But if she wants to get to the bottom of what’s happening, she’ll have to choose.
Even if it means disaster.
Marguerite went in search of answers. The ones she found led her to only more questions…and down a very dangerous path.
Doctor Gideon Raithe claims that she has every right to hate him, and yet all she feels is drawn to him. The Ordo ut Solis, a secret order of holy warriors against the dark creatures of the world, wants her help to contain him.
Two warring sides want her help, but she can’t trust either of them. Hell, she can’t even trust her own memories. But if she wants to get to the bottom of what’s happening, she’ll have to choose.
Even if it means disaster.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2021
59 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Ann Kingsley
67 books2,460 followersKathryn has always been a storyteller. Years of scriptwriting for performances on stage and for tourism in Boston led her to writing romantically dark, fantastical tales, which was an obsession of hers that began once seeing The Phantom of the Opera at a young age.
When she isn’t penning new villainous leads, she works in video game development. There, she has been everything from Creative Director to Chief of Staff, Design Manager, Executive Producer, and Principal Writer for various companies in the industry.
She shares her antique home with three very fluffy animals and one very patient and loving husband.
When she isn’t penning new villainous leads, she works in video game development. There, she has been everything from Creative Director to Chief of Staff, Design Manager, Executive Producer, and Principal Writer for various companies in the industry.
She shares her antique home with three very fluffy animals and one very patient and loving husband.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 11, 2022
4 Stars
Gah I love a loyal hero😩 anyone who can wait 500 years for their love deserves all the applause 👏 the only reason for the 4 Stars instead of 5 is because it drag on just a bit and I got a little annoyed of the lack of answers, but I'm glad we finally got somewhere towards the end, and now I'm super curious to how everything will play out👀
Safety: Safe
Hero has never been with anyone but the heroine since he has known her (not sure about before though because he's almost 1k years older than her) but hes been loyal since they first met (500 years)
Virgin h?
No ow/om drama
Gah I love a loyal hero😩 anyone who can wait 500 years for their love deserves all the applause 👏 the only reason for the 4 Stars instead of 5 is because it drag on just a bit and I got a little annoyed of the lack of answers, but I'm glad we finally got somewhere towards the end, and now I'm super curious to how everything will play out👀
Safety: Safe
Hero has never been with anyone but the heroine since he has known her (not sure about before though because he's almost 1k years older than her) but hes been loyal since they first met (500 years)
Virgin h?
No ow/om drama
November 13, 2021
Maggie is pulled and pushed between two sides of what seems to be a very ancient war. Gideon tells her that he’s done horrible things to her in the past but always in the name of love. An order of monster hunting priests wants her help to kill Gideon and his revenants. Both sides have information Maggie needs to rebuild her memories. As she plays both sides of this war, Maggie will find her courage and resolve tested.
I did like this second book in the series better than the first. There’s more character development and they just DO more. If the repetitive sections of both books had been cut, Kingsley could have created one longer piece that had a good story with a mysterious beginning, strong action sequences, a search for identity, and interesting characters. As it is, Maggie becomes quite a different person in this book from the first one. There are circumstances that help to push her along but it did feel like she changed too much. This level of Maggie felt more appropriate for the third book. Pacing is just so important for a reader to be completely immersed in a plot or a character’s life. I wish Kingsley had paced this series a bit differently in that way.
However, there are some really good aspects to this one. I liked seeing new locations as Maggie and the ensemble travel the world in order to jump start her memories and repair her fractured brain. The side characters are fun: a pair of star crossed lovers (priest and demon), an ancient vampire, a menagerie of revenant animals. We get more out of the relationship between Maggie and Harry, and of course much more out of Maggie and Gideon. Maggie does get to experience more of her past lives as she tries to find the pieces of Gideon’s phylactery. Gideon is annoyingly cryptic. In fact, everyone seems to keep something from Maggie. It doesn’t seem quite fair to put her through certain things. She meets someone who was once very close to her (no spoilers) and it’s quite shocking and upsetting for her. But her journey of self-discovery is a necessary one and she pushes forward like a trooper.
I enjoyed this one a bit more than the first. It was interesting and entertaining. Some parts dragged but not enough to make me feel disconnected. I feel much better about choosing to read the third book, even though I really do feel like this could have been a two book series.
I did like this second book in the series better than the first. There’s more character development and they just DO more. If the repetitive sections of both books had been cut, Kingsley could have created one longer piece that had a good story with a mysterious beginning, strong action sequences, a search for identity, and interesting characters. As it is, Maggie becomes quite a different person in this book from the first one. There are circumstances that help to push her along but it did feel like she changed too much. This level of Maggie felt more appropriate for the third book. Pacing is just so important for a reader to be completely immersed in a plot or a character’s life. I wish Kingsley had paced this series a bit differently in that way.
However, there are some really good aspects to this one. I liked seeing new locations as Maggie and the ensemble travel the world in order to jump start her memories and repair her fractured brain. The side characters are fun: a pair of star crossed lovers (priest and demon), an ancient vampire, a menagerie of revenant animals. We get more out of the relationship between Maggie and Harry, and of course much more out of Maggie and Gideon. Maggie does get to experience more of her past lives as she tries to find the pieces of Gideon’s phylactery. Gideon is annoyingly cryptic. In fact, everyone seems to keep something from Maggie. It doesn’t seem quite fair to put her through certain things. She meets someone who was once very close to her (no spoilers) and it’s quite shocking and upsetting for her. But her journey of self-discovery is a necessary one and she pushes forward like a trooper.
I enjoyed this one a bit more than the first. It was interesting and entertaining. Some parts dragged but not enough to make me feel disconnected. I feel much better about choosing to read the third book, even though I really do feel like this could have been a two book series.
August 12, 2021
Ok, so here I am simping over yet another book from Kathryn Kingsley. She is hands down my favorite author. This book was a fast read, I blew threw it in a most regrettably fast fashion. Sigh. Book 2 of the Necromancer trilogy picks with with Gideon and Maggie on the hunt for the missing pieces of his talisman. This book is action packed, with just enough spice to keep things fun. Kat has written some pithy one liners that had me grinning ear to ear. I can't wait to finish up this trilogy with book 3 once it is released
August 19, 2021
First off, holy cliff hanger!! 😱
As we continue from book one, Maggie is now helping Gideon find the parts of his talisman so she can finally learn the truth. What she doesn't know is their is a crazy twist waiting there for her. This book held my attention from start to finish! Maggie has a great sense of humor! (mostly at Gideons expense lol) The banter that occurs between all of the characters is super amusing. I like that Rinni and Ally are on Maggies side. You learn a lot more about Maggie through her memories along with why Gideon has so much guilt. Harry is still his usual charming self throughout this book as well lol. This book was packed with a lot of suspense and intense emotions! I DEFINITELY recommend reading this book/series!
As we continue from book one, Maggie is now helping Gideon find the parts of his talisman so she can finally learn the truth. What she doesn't know is their is a crazy twist waiting there for her. This book held my attention from start to finish! Maggie has a great sense of humor! (mostly at Gideons expense lol) The banter that occurs between all of the characters is super amusing. I like that Rinni and Ally are on Maggies side. You learn a lot more about Maggie through her memories along with why Gideon has so much guilt. Harry is still his usual charming self throughout this book as well lol. This book was packed with a lot of suspense and intense emotions! I DEFINITELY recommend reading this book/series!
August 19, 2021
“It wasn’t the sadness of the living forgetting the dead that made her heart hurt. It was the fact that she had been abandoned by the dead.”
The first book of Kathryn Ann Kingsley’s Memento Mori series had a slow start but picked up a good pace halfway through and ended with an explosive revelation and exciting turn of events. The second book Dreams of the Necromancer picks immediately from that moment as our protagonist Marguerite continues to navigate her way through recovering her memories even as all-out war begins between the world’s most powerful necromancer Gideon Wraithe and the Ordo ut Solis, a secret Vatican order that monitors all supernaturals and wants Marguerite and Gideon eliminated or under their control. As Marguerite simultaneously recovers bits and pieces of her memory and helps Gideon piece together his broken phylactery, she also pieces together pieces of the puzzle that seems to be her past and Gideon’s place in it.
Something I really enjoy in fiction is a running theme, especially if the theme is also a clever reference to itself. As the second book of a trilogy, Dreams of the Necromancer is truly about being in the middle. Marguerite is undecided about whether her loyalties lie with the Vatican or with Gideon. Their budding relationship also has a feel of being in the middle. Marguerite, with her lost and fragmented memories feels like she has stumbled into the middle of a long running saga without really knowing how it began and with a lot of apprehension about how it might end. Gideon worries that it will end as it always does but worse, but he is content to enjoy their time together in the middle before that terrible conclusion.
Marguerite continues to develop as a fascinating character as we begin getting more glimpses into her memories and her past. It is particularly fascinating to see how particular traits of her character express themselves in particular eras in accordance with the time period. It is also delightful to read her interactions with Gideon and Harry. Their relationship both evolve and are further revealed as the book progresses and it is a joy to read.
August 19, 2021
Kingsley does it again with superb characters in an amazing adventure. Thoroughly enjoyable, couldn’t hit pre-order for the third book fast enough.
August 20, 2021
I really enjoyed this second book of the series.
I felt Gideon and Maggie's chemistry a lot more and I really liked their dynamic.
Maggie is pretty similar to most of Katbryn's heroines, but I don't mind that because I find the way she writes then really engaging.
We get some answers as to the shared history of them both, but there are still plenty of revelations to come in the next book.
I can't really say too much specifically, as there would be too many spoilers.
If you like the author's previous work, then you'll definitely enjoy this.
I felt Gideon and Maggie's chemistry a lot more and I really liked their dynamic.
Maggie is pretty similar to most of Katbryn's heroines, but I don't mind that because I find the way she writes then really engaging.
We get some answers as to the shared history of them both, but there are still plenty of revelations to come in the next book.
I can't really say too much specifically, as there would be too many spoilers.
If you like the author's previous work, then you'll definitely enjoy this.
June 18, 2022
I hate to rate so low for one of KAK’s books because I do love most of her books. (See my review of book 1 for more on this.) However, I got about one-third the way in, the skipped the middle, and read the 1/6th or so. Despite skipping over quite a lot of the book, I didn’t feel like I missed anything essential. :-/ Skipping through a book is an automatic 2 star rating from me. Book 2 was also where Gideon got a true “nope” from me.
Yet, did I pick up book 3 in this series immediately after completing this book?? Yep, I sure did! Hope springs eternal, et cetera, et cetera.
Yet, did I pick up book 3 in this series immediately after completing this book?? Yep, I sure did! Hope springs eternal, et cetera, et cetera.
September 5, 2021
I need more
I am gonna need that 3rd book ASAP!! This book had a lot happening. The phylactery is now complete, more of Maggie’s memories have returned, her feelings for Gideon has been acknowledged and acted upon (bring on the steam 😍), and plenty of action and heart wrenching drama.
I can’t help but feel pity for Gideon. This is why I love villain romances and why this author is one of the best at writing them. You know they have made poor choices or have had little regards to doing the right thing, but you still find yourself hoping they have their happy ending. This author, in my opinion, never crosses that line of unforgivable or unredeemable with her villains which makes it easy to be team villain. The villain characters are easily likable and to relate to.
I hope Maggie holds up her end of the deal and her promise she had made to Gideon. I have a feeling I know what to expect with the 3rd book which will probably take me on a dramatic and emotional ride. Yet again, another amazing book by an equally amazing and talented author!
I am gonna need that 3rd book ASAP!! This book had a lot happening. The phylactery is now complete, more of Maggie’s memories have returned, her feelings for Gideon has been acknowledged and acted upon (bring on the steam 😍), and plenty of action and heart wrenching drama.
I can’t help but feel pity for Gideon. This is why I love villain romances and why this author is one of the best at writing them. You know they have made poor choices or have had little regards to doing the right thing, but you still find yourself hoping they have their happy ending. This author, in my opinion, never crosses that line of unforgivable or unredeemable with her villains which makes it easy to be team villain. The villain characters are easily likable and to relate to.
I hope Maggie holds up her end of the deal and her promise she had made to Gideon. I have a feeling I know what to expect with the 3rd book which will probably take me on a dramatic and emotional ride. Yet again, another amazing book by an equally amazing and talented author!
September 3, 2021
The cliffhanger at the end of this book is illegal.
Where the first novel was an infant getting its feet below it and learning to walk, this one took off running. The story moves very quickly keeping you engrossed until the very end where, as you have already read, it leaves you in a terrible cliffhanger.
KAKs writing style is amazing as are her characters. As the world builds up around our characters, we see where other parts of her universe are shimmering in the background.
In this novel we follow Gideon and Maggie with their host of amazing supporting characters as she pieces her psyche back together and begins to understand who she is and what has happened to her. The depravity of Gideon's actions comes to light and you learn the lengths that a desperate man so deep in love will go to in order to be with the object of his affections. Or will you? (Cliffhanger) As I always say about her work, just do yourself a favor and read it.
Where the first novel was an infant getting its feet below it and learning to walk, this one took off running. The story moves very quickly keeping you engrossed until the very end where, as you have already read, it leaves you in a terrible cliffhanger.
KAKs writing style is amazing as are her characters. As the world builds up around our characters, we see where other parts of her universe are shimmering in the background.
In this novel we follow Gideon and Maggie with their host of amazing supporting characters as she pieces her psyche back together and begins to understand who she is and what has happened to her. The depravity of Gideon's actions comes to light and you learn the lengths that a desperate man so deep in love will go to in order to be with the object of his affections. Or will you? (Cliffhanger) As I always say about her work, just do yourself a favor and read it.
September 24, 2023
Great read!
I'm actually hating these cliffhanger endings of hers but is my only gripe. Story is very well thought out & flows nicely. I love Maggie. She's my kinda girl. Her, Gideon & Hero (read Léopold) have a complicated relationship. I was hoping to read more on Radu, the vampire, but maybe he's in the last book or gets his own story? Here's hoping. Gideon is a lich & necromancer that's been in the same form for 1,440 years. Maggie is 400+ years. Hero is probably the same age, maybe older than Maggie. I'm not certain due to cliffhanger. I highly recommend. Kudos to Nutmeg. On to book 3!
I'm actually hating these cliffhanger endings of hers but is my only gripe. Story is very well thought out & flows nicely. I love Maggie. She's my kinda girl. Her, Gideon & Hero (read Léopold) have a complicated relationship. I was hoping to read more on Radu, the vampire, but maybe he's in the last book or gets his own story? Here's hoping. Gideon is a lich & necromancer that's been in the same form for 1,440 years. Maggie is 400+ years. Hero is probably the same age, maybe older than Maggie. I'm not certain due to cliffhanger. I highly recommend. Kudos to Nutmeg. On to book 3!
August 22, 2021
Original, Gripping and Totally Hot!
I stumbled on Kathryn's writing earlier this year and so glad I did. She is so original and fresh. Her prose grips you and drags you along for the ride.
Having never been a big fan of zombies or necromancy as a fictional genre, I was reserving judgment on this series, but I'm so glad I have it a try.
If anyone can make necromancy sexy, it seems that Kathryn can!
Try it. I promise you won't be disappointed.
Algernon insists!
Can't wait for the next book.
I stumbled on Kathryn's writing earlier this year and so glad I did. She is so original and fresh. Her prose grips you and drags you along for the ride.
Having never been a big fan of zombies or necromancy as a fictional genre, I was reserving judgment on this series, but I'm so glad I have it a try.
If anyone can make necromancy sexy, it seems that Kathryn can!
Try it. I promise you won't be disappointed.
Algernon insists!
Can't wait for the next book.
October 3, 2021
Thank God for steroids! I'm sadly reading these two fast! Amazing like always
I can't wait to read the third one this kept me on the edge of my seat I love your villains they actually do what they do for a reason and follow their heart I love the humor and flow of your stories please never stop writing you've given me a lot of book boyfriends and a way to escape reality
I can't wait to read the third one this kept me on the edge of my seat I love your villains they actually do what they do for a reason and follow their heart I love the humor and flow of your stories please never stop writing you've given me a lot of book boyfriends and a way to escape reality
August 20, 2021
As always
So well written and as always a great story. I love how these characters developed and I can't wait to read the conclusion. Gideon is one of my favorite villains and Maggie is just the one to set him straight.....I hope....
So well written and as always a great story. I love how these characters developed and I can't wait to read the conclusion. Gideon is one of my favorite villains and Maggie is just the one to set him straight.....I hope....
October 14, 2021
better
Getti somewhere. I love Gideon. Bad pet or not he loves her a d was living in the times. But I love that she is getting stronger and smarter on her own. A bit more steam here.
Getti somewhere. I love Gideon. Bad pet or not he loves her a d was living in the times. But I love that she is getting stronger and smarter on her own. A bit more steam here.
August 21, 2021
Superb!
Excellent story by my favorite author. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! If you love villain romances, you will love this book.
Excellent story by my favorite author. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! If you love villain romances, you will love this book.
November 30, 2021
It felt slightly boring when it came to the past stories. I kand of wanted to read them really quickly, skim them really. Also , saw the phylantic (idk how to spell it) problem come from a mile away.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2022
I FUCKING KNEW IT OMFG THIS WAS SO GOOD BUT THATS WHAT I SAY FOR ALL OF HER BOOKS BC ITS TRUE UGH OKAY JOW THE LAST ONE MIGHT STAY UP ALL NIGHRH AND FINISH BC I NEED TO KNOW😩😩😩
March 12, 2023
3.75 stars because I breezed through this continuation of the story. It's a sllooooowww burn, folks, which I really prefer. Here in book 2 we get more answers and a cliffhanger ending.
October 21, 2023
That twist has me fucked up just a lil, not gonna lie. I'm torn between feeling mad, sad, intrigued? about it. I'm not sure whose side *I* want to be on anymore. 🤣
September 15, 2024
Oh heck yeah this was good
October 18, 2021
This book was lovely. Well-deserved 5 stars, tight plot, good pacing, no plot holes.
For me it was the best book of the whole trilogy.
For me it was the best book of the whole trilogy.
January 21, 2025
Kathryn!! Queen!! I adored this read. I am all about Marguerite's freedom and her spirit. It's usually at this point that the lovers have the big blow up that is entirely unnecessary and I get so sick of that! I loved that they hooked up, had a great spicy time and that Maggie is keeping her head and not being an over-dramatic hero. Just let yourself be happy!! I'm sure I haven't escaped the drama but I was pleased to skip it in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2024
Such an exciting story. It's so hard to put the book down!
And I'm still so so in love with Gideon. I always love Kingsley's MMCs, but Gideon feels especially unique. He feels less like a villain (as he said himself, ) but that doesn't make him boring at all. I love his soft and sad moments, love the way it's described throughout both books how he looks at her. It really got through to me how intense his feelings are towards her, long before knowing anything storywise.
This series is such a good mix of humour, excitement, romance, sadness and of course some great smut.
And I'm still so so in love with Gideon. I always love Kingsley's MMCs, but Gideon feels especially unique. He feels less like a villain (as he said himself, ) but that doesn't make him boring at all. I love his soft and sad moments, love the way it's described throughout both books how he looks at her. It really got through to me how intense his feelings are towards her, long before knowing anything storywise.
This series is such a good mix of humour, excitement, romance, sadness and of course some great smut.
September 16, 2024
This is, hands down, one of my all-time favorite series that KAK has written. The characters, their growth, the twisting plotlines that always leave your mind blown... This is the best kind of mind candy. The romance is so satisfying, the slow kind of burn that just makes sense and when they do come together, I just never wanted to leave that scene. I would say this series is probably one of the more underrated. It's also one you can re-read over and over again. 10/10 would recommend.
July 8, 2024
Post reading notes:
I am DISTRESSED and UPSET and ANXIOUS PLEASE AAAAAA
I am DISTRESSED and UPSET and ANXIOUS PLEASE AAAAAA
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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