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Memento Mori #3
Tale of the Necromancer
As Marguerite finally learns the terrible truth behind what she is—and why Gideon Raithe needs her—the memories of her past come flooding back. As she travels through all her previous lives, she learns she has been running from a decision the entire time. And now, she has nowhere left to hide.
Is her life one worth living? And despite how she has come to feel about Gideon, can she forgive him for all that he’s done?
Or are some things worth leaving in the grave?
__________________
If you’re drawn to compelling villains and sinister love stories, the Memento Mori series by Kathryn Ann Kingsley is your next book obsession! Occult horror blends seamlessly with romance in this gripping page-turner!
Is her life one worth living? And despite how she has come to feel about Gideon, can she forgive him for all that he’s done?
Or are some things worth leaving in the grave?
__________________
If you’re drawn to compelling villains and sinister love stories, the Memento Mori series by Kathryn Ann Kingsley is your next book obsession! Occult horror blends seamlessly with romance in this gripping page-turner!
248 pages, Paperback
First published August 31, 2021
24 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Ann Kingsley
67 books2,467 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 - 30 of 36 reviews
December 21, 2021
In Tale of the Necromancer, readers find Maggie reliving her previous lives or at least that’s what I thought it was going to be based on the description. She really just relives her first life in great detail. The others are mentioned or are flashes in the previous books. Originally, Marguerite is the daughter of the king of France and his lover (not his wife, Catherine de Medici). Like a pawn in a sick game of possession, Marguerite is manipulated and used by the people around her, especially Gideon - the man claiming to love her. The true depth of his deception and lies is pretty awful. No wonder the poor woman has run from him her whole life and the lives following every death. I’m not sure Gideon ever really did enough to warrant forgiveness. Also, I’m not sure I ever bought the love story between Maggie and Gideon…in any time period. The bulk of the novel is spent in 1500s France and focuses on the origin story of Maggie and Gideon. Then it flashes forward and resolution for all of the characters is found in the present timeline after Maggie repairs her damaged psyche. With some good editing, Kingsley could have combined all three books into two. She definitely had a good concept with two people who circle around each other for centuries. I liked reading this last book in the series.
September 11, 2021
I'm a massive fan of Kathryn Ann Kingsley and have loved all of her books so I'm really sad to say this but, I found these books a slog. I ended up skimming quite a bit of Tale of the Necromancer as I was just over it. Maybe I'll reread at a different time and love it but yeh... disappointed.
September 18, 2021
4.5.
This was a really satisfying ending to what has been an enjoyable series. Kathryn really is the Queen of villain romance and I'm always so impressed at how he villain is presented.
We see all of their tragic back story, with two thirds if this book being set in the past and showing us what really happened in their edaly relationship. Then the last third is Maggie deciding how they all get to move forward.
I highly recommend this series and, in fact, any of the authors series'.
This was a really satisfying ending to what has been an enjoyable series. Kathryn really is the Queen of villain romance and I'm always so impressed at how he villain is presented.
We see all of their tragic back story, with two thirds if this book being set in the past and showing us what really happened in their edaly relationship. Then the last third is Maggie deciding how they all get to move forward.
I highly recommend this series and, in fact, any of the authors series'.
November 4, 2021
*warning! Spoiler heavy review! Do not read further if you don’t want the ending spoiled!*
I really enjoyed this series right up until the ending.
In this book, we start with the flashbacks of Maggie’s first life and death. We get the full story of what had been hinted at this entire series.
We find out that she can do necromancy, and that Henry is her revenant, and Algernon is her familiar.
When she comes back from her flashback, she has all her memories back, and decides she needs time to process everything.
Great, cool. About a year later, she meets up with Rin and Ally. They figure out she’s the phylactery, and also that in the year she’s become the worlds most powerful necromancer though a year of…self study? Ok. That’s a tough sell, but ok.
Then we find out that the Cardinal has been working with Gideon the whole time, to give her a push, with the agreement to not kill anyone. What about all those soldiers shooting at her? What if a stray bullet had hit her?
Story continues, she eventually decides to meet back up with Gideon. They go to dinner, she confesses she loves him…and then scene.
Not even a god damn reunion sex scene. The best we get is in the epilogue when they are getting *re*married, we get a little aftermath.
I’m just left disappointed. I would have loved an explanation of WHY he was so drawn specifically to her - eg, her latent necromantic powers were so strong that they pulled to each other. Would have been a lot more understandable why he did what he did, how she became so powerful so quickly, etc. The ending just felt rushed, and I’d have loved a more fleshed out HEA.
I really enjoyed this series right up until the ending.
In this book, we start with the flashbacks of Maggie’s first life and death. We get the full story of what had been hinted at this entire series.
We find out that she can do necromancy, and that Henry is her revenant, and Algernon is her familiar.
When she comes back from her flashback, she has all her memories back, and decides she needs time to process everything.
Great, cool. About a year later, she meets up with Rin and Ally. They figure out she’s the phylactery, and also that in the year she’s become the worlds most powerful necromancer though a year of…self study? Ok. That’s a tough sell, but ok.
Then we find out that the Cardinal has been working with Gideon the whole time, to give her a push, with the agreement to not kill anyone. What about all those soldiers shooting at her? What if a stray bullet had hit her?
Story continues, she eventually decides to meet back up with Gideon. They go to dinner, she confesses she loves him…and then scene.
Not even a god damn reunion sex scene. The best we get is in the epilogue when they are getting *re*married, we get a little aftermath.
I’m just left disappointed. I would have loved an explanation of WHY he was so drawn specifically to her - eg, her latent necromantic powers were so strong that they pulled to each other. Would have been a lot more understandable why he did what he did, how she became so powerful so quickly, etc. The ending just felt rushed, and I’d have loved a more fleshed out HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2021
I have not the slightest idea how I could develop such a burning hatred and disgust within a few hours, only to finally hope again that she can somehow forgive him. I fell for this fucking wraith, sorry ... Lich. And I adore Maggie. Lie to her one more time and I swear to the gods - I rip your bones, G!
February 23, 2025
Ugly cried. 13/10
October 5, 2021
As much as I loved this nothing can beat Dracula's series.
It's was cute, I liked how the author put out flashbacks, a satisfying ending but I would have loved to know what death told her.
And honestly I'm starting to be obsessed with Kathryn's books. This the second series I read by her and it did not disappoint.
Oh by the way about Gideon, I loved him but like I said no one can beat Dracula. His place in my heart is unmoveable.
100% recommend
It's was cute, I liked how the author put out flashbacks, a satisfying ending but I would have loved to know what death told her.
And honestly I'm starting to be obsessed with Kathryn's books. This the second series I read by her and it did not disappoint.
Oh by the way about Gideon, I loved him but like I said no one can beat Dracula. His place in my heart is unmoveable.
100% recommend
September 11, 2021
I finally....finaaaaally, got enough free time in my schedule to just sit down and finish the last two books of the trilogy. Part of me is head over heels in love because quite frankly, I can't find anything close to the kind of books Mrs. Kingsley writes, but on the other hand a small (teeny tiny microscopic) part of me is disappointed. 😔. I fully enjoyed the first two books (2nd is my faaaaav) but this one was just ok for me. The issue for me was that there was too much flashback. 71% of the book was all flashback *sigh* with us readers finally, after 2 books, finding out about Marguerite's and subsequently Gideon's past. That's fine, I'm cool with it, but it also just took away from the overall story and the finale, which then felt like a small blip on the radar and then everything was over. I personally felt like the backstory should have been wrapped up pretty quickly, or even better, been one of those in the middle stories (necromancer 2.5) kind of thing. That way I could have gotten me more of my couple finally getting together which is why I'm reading the story. (and by getting together, I do mean it in every sense. 2nd book- cemetery scene, check that out.😉 I think my heart stopped, or exploded, or phased into another dimension. Hot damn. *fans face*)
That aside, can I just say how much I love Gideon? Deeply (like bottom of the abyss, deeply) flawed, emotional, and the pining... I swear no one does pining better than Kingsley. Makes my poor heart ache for him. You know you shouldn't love the villian but you just can't help it. Gideon is just so soft and gooey on the inside... ♡♡♡
I love the characters she writes, her side characters are even interesting and Harry and Agrenon (did I spell that right?) were my favorites for obvious reasons if anyone else reads this.
Overall, if you love a good villian and want to see the bad guy get the girl, I really reccomend this Author. I think I've picked up every single one of her books now, and they just keep getting better and better.
Ultimate favorite series: Harrow Faire (I ♡ Simon)
2nd: Julian Strande series (I love that the heroine has Alice in Wonderland tats, it has a wonderfully spooky plot, and Julian is sexy af)
3rd: probably the Dracula series, though this one comes pretty close to beating it out.
Tell me what you guys think and if anyone has questions or just straight up wants to talk about the books, hit me up. 😀
Until next time, happy reading!
That aside, can I just say how much I love Gideon? Deeply (like bottom of the abyss, deeply) flawed, emotional, and the pining... I swear no one does pining better than Kingsley. Makes my poor heart ache for him. You know you shouldn't love the villian but you just can't help it. Gideon is just so soft and gooey on the inside... ♡♡♡
I love the characters she writes, her side characters are even interesting and Harry and Agrenon (did I spell that right?) were my favorites for obvious reasons if anyone else reads this.
Overall, if you love a good villian and want to see the bad guy get the girl, I really reccomend this Author. I think I've picked up every single one of her books now, and they just keep getting better and better.
Ultimate favorite series: Harrow Faire (I ♡ Simon)
2nd: Julian Strande series (I love that the heroine has Alice in Wonderland tats, it has a wonderfully spooky plot, and Julian is sexy af)
3rd: probably the Dracula series, though this one comes pretty close to beating it out.
Tell me what you guys think and if anyone has questions or just straight up wants to talk about the books, hit me up. 😀
Until next time, happy reading!
September 8, 2021
Kathryn Ann Kingsley's Tale of the Necromancer is a fitting and very fulfilling finale to her Memento Mori trilogy. The secrets of Gideon and Maggie's past are unveiled as Maggie takes a deep dive into memories of her mortal life. Nearly half of the novel covers their twisted origins and takes us through their twisted tale of love, as the burden of truth and judgement both fall upon Maggie.
What I love about Kingsley's writing is her use of classic literary tropes and subverting and recasting them in her story. Tale of the Necromancer is that final segment of the design that the series is built upon which, in this case, is a subversion of tropes of medieval romance. This is apt and beautiful, especially considering that half of this book is set in medieval France. There is a princess who is not quite a princess, a hero who is not quite a hero, and a villain who is, well, still a villain but also a lover and the main love interest. The form of the series follows the model of the quest which concludes both tragically and anticlimactically where no one really emerges the champion.
Like many of Kingsley's villain love interests, Gideon's biggest challenge in his schemes for winning Maggie's love is the fact that he is his own worst enemy. Without that fatal flaw, however, he wouldn't be who he is, something that Maggie remarks on herself when all is revealed. She says, "If you could have just gotten out of your own goddamn way, and waited for a hot fucking second, everything would have been fine ... If you had just introduced yourself like a normal person, dated me like a normal person, and been a little less, well, you, I would’ve fallen in love with you. I would’ve married you." The narrative of the series attests to what Maggie is convinced is true.
This series holds a special place in my heart for its impeccable and sensitive portrayal of an asexual character and asexual, aromantic love. It is very rare to find ace/aro representation in mainstream romance books, and even rarer to find wholesome representation. This character and the relationship they share with the protagonist is one of my favourite aspects of this book.
What I love about Kingsley's writing is her use of classic literary tropes and subverting and recasting them in her story. Tale of the Necromancer is that final segment of the design that the series is built upon which, in this case, is a subversion of tropes of medieval romance. This is apt and beautiful, especially considering that half of this book is set in medieval France. There is a princess who is not quite a princess, a hero who is not quite a hero, and a villain who is, well, still a villain but also a lover and the main love interest. The form of the series follows the model of the quest which concludes both tragically and anticlimactically where no one really emerges the champion.
Like many of Kingsley's villain love interests, Gideon's biggest challenge in his schemes for winning Maggie's love is the fact that he is his own worst enemy. Without that fatal flaw, however, he wouldn't be who he is, something that Maggie remarks on herself when all is revealed. She says, "If you could have just gotten out of your own goddamn way, and waited for a hot fucking second, everything would have been fine ... If you had just introduced yourself like a normal person, dated me like a normal person, and been a little less, well, you, I would’ve fallen in love with you. I would’ve married you." The narrative of the series attests to what Maggie is convinced is true.
This series holds a special place in my heart for its impeccable and sensitive portrayal of an asexual character and asexual, aromantic love. It is very rare to find ace/aro representation in mainstream romance books, and even rarer to find wholesome representation. This character and the relationship they share with the protagonist is one of my favourite aspects of this book.
October 18, 2021
This book opens on a long flashback, where I semi-skipped some paragraphs. At about 50% I almost threw my kindle against the wall , instead I decided to do laundry. Afterwards, I continued to skip a bit until the resolution and phew, finally finished. So, I feel like this was a large filler that could have been condensed without losing the character development. The ending was a bit underwhelming.
September 8, 2021
4.5 stars
This book dealt with the history of Marguerite and Gideon. Absolutely beautiful and equally tragic. But had to remove half a star because it barely had like 20 pages of present day. Even the epilogue felt rushed, especially what was up with the azrael thing? And what happened after Maggie got Maxine Parker's number? There are still so many questions left unanswered AND I wanted more Maggie and Gideon and their craziness.
This book dealt with the history of Marguerite and Gideon. Absolutely beautiful and equally tragic. But had to remove half a star because it barely had like 20 pages of present day. Even the epilogue felt rushed, especially what was up with the azrael thing? And what happened after Maggie got Maxine Parker's number? There are still so many questions left unanswered AND I wanted more Maggie and Gideon and their craziness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2021
ummm
Ok. It was just ok. Low steam. But I felt it ended anti-clamatic. Maybe I’m more of a romantic and I guess she should get her revenge or whatever but I just felt it was less then her normals. Usually there is more kick. More bang. This was very neutral the whole way thru.
Ok. It was just ok. Low steam. But I felt it ended anti-clamatic. Maybe I’m more of a romantic and I guess she should get her revenge or whatever but I just felt it was less then her normals. Usually there is more kick. More bang. This was very neutral the whole way thru.
September 29, 2022
I feel conflicted about this review. I have never read a book that has made me sob, quite the way this book has. The things Mags goes through is truly heartbreaking, and I just could not forgive the necromancer. I felt betrayed honestly.
Truly and honestly sad
I understand liking their relationship before everything is revealed, but after?
Truly and honestly sad
I understand liking their relationship before everything is revealed, but after?
March 12, 2023
Ah, I made it through the whole series! The book is different than the others in that the narration actually takes place in the past so we see Maggie and Gideon's history not just in flashbacks. We also get some big reveals and answers to questions. I was a little sad at how certain parts of the story wrapped up, even if I saw it coming.
August 6, 2022
Swearing and sarcasm ruined this series.
September 3, 2021
At this point I should just copy and paste my reviews for KAK. (Total fangirl)
I absolutely adored this story. I loved the chemistry between Gideon and Maggie. It was undeniable and fun but tragic. This book shifts to the beginning of their story and how they first met and it does not disappoint. You really get to see the change in both of our leads. Maggie in the modern world as this dark, sarcastic woman that's coming to grips with her world and developing a backbone and really coming out of her shell (broken as it may have been) from the frightened young woman she once was. Times have changed but so has she, and it's really well done. Gideon's an interesting arc to follow as we see how long it takes for a man to truly come to grips with his actions. (And he's certainly had plenty of years and plenty of actions)
This series was less smutty than some of her other stuff, but it didn't detract from it at all. It was a beautiful story and my new favorite.
Thanks for yet another book hangover KAK and keep them coming. <3
I absolutely adored this story. I loved the chemistry between Gideon and Maggie. It was undeniable and fun but tragic. This book shifts to the beginning of their story and how they first met and it does not disappoint. You really get to see the change in both of our leads. Maggie in the modern world as this dark, sarcastic woman that's coming to grips with her world and developing a backbone and really coming out of her shell (broken as it may have been) from the frightened young woman she once was. Times have changed but so has she, and it's really well done. Gideon's an interesting arc to follow as we see how long it takes for a man to truly come to grips with his actions. (And he's certainly had plenty of years and plenty of actions)
This series was less smutty than some of her other stuff, but it didn't detract from it at all. It was a beautiful story and my new favorite.
Thanks for yet another book hangover KAK and keep them coming. <3
September 8, 2021
This was such a great conclusion for this series! I really enjoyed reliving Maggies former life and getting to see how she was before Gideon claimed her. I was happy to find out that Harry was a with her and a true friend from the start to the end. We are also able to finally find out why Gideon has such a strong self loathing towards himself after we learn all of the lengths he went to, to be able to have Maggie. I really enjoyed this book series from start to end, Kathryn always does an amazing job with her character building, and revealing bits and pieces of them along the journey. The worlds that she creates are always so interesting! While I was sad to see our "Hero" go, I was very happy with the ending :) This book and whole series are definitely worth reading!!
November 4, 2021
Perfect ending
I was curious as to how the author would bring Maggie and Gideon back together and how the reconciliation would go. Gideon had done quite a bit of messed up things all in the name of love so I had my doubts on the author being able to draft a resolution between the 2 that I would find satisfying.
The twists with the order and even with Maggie was surprising and unexpected. It was definitely a curveball I didn’t see coming.
Like always, Kathryn is my go to author for villain romances and this one was another great series. I cannot wait to see what else she hammers out so I can have another unrealistic villain crush.
I was curious as to how the author would bring Maggie and Gideon back together and how the reconciliation would go. Gideon had done quite a bit of messed up things all in the name of love so I had my doubts on the author being able to draft a resolution between the 2 that I would find satisfying.
The twists with the order and even with Maggie was surprising and unexpected. It was definitely a curveball I didn’t see coming.
Like always, Kathryn is my go to author for villain romances and this one was another great series. I cannot wait to see what else she hammers out so I can have another unrealistic villain crush.
September 7, 2021
Another triumph from KAK!!!
This series dragged me into it (quite willingly) from the first chapter of the first book. This one dived right in, exactly where the second had left me, finally ending the cliff hanger angst. So well written. Cried a few times, and I detest crying. Laughed so many more times though, and as always, ended it feeling more accepting of my own self, dark and light, sarcastic, crazy, weird, and loving. Thank you, KAK. Now we just need to find a way to speed up time to the next book of your's comes out!
This series dragged me into it (quite willingly) from the first chapter of the first book. This one dived right in, exactly where the second had left me, finally ending the cliff hanger angst. So well written. Cried a few times, and I detest crying. Laughed so many more times though, and as always, ended it feeling more accepting of my own self, dark and light, sarcastic, crazy, weird, and loving. Thank you, KAK. Now we just need to find a way to speed up time to the next book of your's comes out!
September 10, 2021
A Fairytale for Grown Ups
The whole premise of this series is a bit weird. A romance involving a person who kills people abs resurrects them to be his slaves? Surely not possible and how on earth could anyone empathise or relate?
Well, as ever, Kathryn Ann Kingsley seems to have done it again. This is a great series and perfect for those lovers of Fantasy romance who want to break away from those well worn tropes we often see. As usual with this author, it doesn't always make for comfortable reading but there is always a fantastic story.
The whole premise of this series is a bit weird. A romance involving a person who kills people abs resurrects them to be his slaves? Surely not possible and how on earth could anyone empathise or relate?
Well, as ever, Kathryn Ann Kingsley seems to have done it again. This is a great series and perfect for those lovers of Fantasy romance who want to break away from those well worn tropes we often see. As usual with this author, it doesn't always make for comfortable reading but there is always a fantastic story.
September 27, 2023
Momento Mori Finit?
I was somewhat sad to think that this would be the last of Gideon & Maggie's (Marguerite's) story but the author left the door open, as it were, to possibly see more of this dynamic necromancing couple! Here's hoping! I loved their story, very yin & yang, sad, tragic, endless love (literally). Still no Radu & he never made an appearance to their wedding! I was gobsmacked, especially after what Maggie did for him at the Vatican in the 2nd book! I highly recommend this series.
I was somewhat sad to think that this would be the last of Gideon & Maggie's (Marguerite's) story but the author left the door open, as it were, to possibly see more of this dynamic necromancing couple! Here's hoping! I loved their story, very yin & yang, sad, tragic, endless love (literally). Still no Radu & he never made an appearance to their wedding! I was gobsmacked, especially after what Maggie did for him at the Vatican in the 2nd book! I highly recommend this series.
July 2, 2022
YEP! that’s all I have to say about this it was so fucking good omg I love Maggie and Gideon so much and I loved Harry so much🥺. omfg all of her books are literally so good 5 stars bc I have read all her books in one sitting I love them so much and I’m kinda mad bc I only have 3more of her series to read. I’m literally zooming through them. I would be nice if she uk sent me all of her books for free just a suggestion 😛
November 3, 2023
Good gods, I hated Gideon so much throughout this entire book, hated him more and more as each detail was revealed -- yet, I couldn't help rooting for them in the end. 😅
The ultimate truth behind who Maggie fully is tho??? Fantastic.
It's a little slower read than the first two, but the history was interesting (and infuriating) to learn.
The ultimate truth behind who Maggie fully is tho??? Fantastic.
It's a little slower read than the first two, but the history was interesting (and infuriating) to learn.
September 7, 2021
So good that I’m sad to see it end
Finally a heroine who is relatable and intelligent in a romance novel. Love how Kingsley can make me actually sympathize for a hero who isn’t always deserving of it!
Finally a heroine who is relatable and intelligent in a romance novel. Love how Kingsley can make me actually sympathize for a hero who isn’t always deserving of it!
October 8, 2021
Brutal and Sweet
This is truly a wonderful completion of this imaginative tale of Gideon and Marguerite, star crossed lovers on a whole different plane. Or is it complete? More would be fine with me.
This is truly a wonderful completion of this imaginative tale of Gideon and Marguerite, star crossed lovers on a whole different plane. Or is it complete? More would be fine with me.
October 14, 2021
Thank you for the amazing read
Loved it! Like I've loved all your other books! I'm now about to hop on to one of your other stories thank you for the amazing read and I can't wait to read more of your work.
Loved it! Like I've loved all your other books! I'm now about to hop on to one of your other stories thank you for the amazing read and I can't wait to read more of your work.
November 5, 2021
Necromancer
I really enjoyed learning Maggie's whole story and all the things Gideon had his fingers in. I loved the whole series and I would recommend it. It is morbid but it's also filled with action and romance.
I really enjoyed learning Maggie's whole story and all the things Gideon had his fingers in. I loved the whole series and I would recommend it. It is morbid but it's also filled with action and romance.
November 27, 2024
wow
I didn’t want this book to end. What a fabulous series, with so many shocks along the way. It is very clever storytelling that something so horrific could also be regarded as quite beautiful. Highly recommend.
I didn’t want this book to end. What a fabulous series, with so many shocks along the way. It is very clever storytelling that something so horrific could also be regarded as quite beautiful. Highly recommend.
September 10, 2021
perfect ending
A perfect ending to a haunting love story. I really enjoyed watching Maggie come into her own and Gideon finally getting it. Great series.
A perfect ending to a haunting love story. I really enjoyed watching Maggie come into her own and Gideon finally getting it. Great series.
September 13, 2021
Kind of sad
Not her best, but nothing can beat Harrow Fair. This was a different story love her imagination but a little too sad for me.
Not her best, but nothing can beat Harrow Fair. This was a different story love her imagination but a little too sad for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews