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In the House of Transcendence
Zora is a necromancer. Some say she’s gifted, others say she’s cursed, but her abilities always terrify her. Hoping to start a new life, she flees her childhood home and travels to Savannah, but she soon learns that some things can’t be changed.
There, she meets an alluring and powerful witch named Birdie. She offers Zora a she’ll give Zora a place to stay, a job dancing at a magical burlesque club called Nightingale’s, and help controlling her powers if Zora can solve her lover’s murder.
Zora accepts Birdie’s offer and is soon drawn into the magical community of Savannah, where rituals and magical fights are performed in grand old homes, potions can make people float on air, and three magical houses vie for dominance. As she tries to put the pieces together and solve the murder, Zora gets caught in the sight of the very forces responsible for the killing.
Can she rise up and learn to control her powers and solve the murder or will her fears cause her to lose it all?
There, she meets an alluring and powerful witch named Birdie. She offers Zora a she’ll give Zora a place to stay, a job dancing at a magical burlesque club called Nightingale’s, and help controlling her powers if Zora can solve her lover’s murder.
Zora accepts Birdie’s offer and is soon drawn into the magical community of Savannah, where rituals and magical fights are performed in grand old homes, potions can make people float on air, and three magical houses vie for dominance. As she tries to put the pieces together and solve the murder, Zora gets caught in the sight of the very forces responsible for the killing.
Can she rise up and learn to control her powers and solve the murder or will her fears cause her to lose it all?
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 22, 2022
16 people are currently reading
881 people want to read
About the author
Amanda B.Weaver (formerly Amanda Ross)
4 books93 followersAmanda B. Weaver (formerly Ross) is an indie fantasy and horror author. Her books include In The House of Transcendence, To Astera, With Love and its sequel, To Ilaris, In Desperation, the YA fantasy anthologies Girls of Might and Magic and Kindred Kingdoms, and her upcoming horror novel, No One’s Gonna Take Her Soul Away. When she’s not writing, Amanda is spending too much time on TikTok (@amandabweaver) or recording her horror podcast, Horror Heaux Support Group.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 16, 2023
Amanda Ross delivered on what she said she would in this book! There was mystery, rivalry, sexy burlesque dancing, Witchy vibes, and Queer Black realness.
I wasn't expecting to devour this as quickly as I did, but honestly it was hard to put down.
I felt the mystery aspect was ok, but what really shone for me in this book was the characters and their bond and sense of community. (There was also a ton of petty drama I was here for as well 🤭).
I didn't realize how close I got to the characters until the end when I was trying not to cry lol. This was such a treat to read and I'm crossing my fingers that this isn't the last we'll hear from these characters!
I wasn't expecting to devour this as quickly as I did, but honestly it was hard to put down.
I felt the mystery aspect was ok, but what really shone for me in this book was the characters and their bond and sense of community. (There was also a ton of petty drama I was here for as well 🤭).
I didn't realize how close I got to the characters until the end when I was trying not to cry lol. This was such a treat to read and I'm crossing my fingers that this isn't the last we'll hear from these characters!
August 2, 2022
Y'all are going to love this witchy fantasy!
I had the distinct pleasure of reading an early copy of this book and it made me grateful to be an author with author friends. This book is unapologetically Black, magical, and Queer. With necromancy, burlesque dancing, high fashion, and murder, you're not going to want to put this book down!
I honestly can't wait for more people to read it just so I can have more people to gush about it with!
I had the distinct pleasure of reading an early copy of this book and it made me grateful to be an author with author friends. This book is unapologetically Black, magical, and Queer. With necromancy, burlesque dancing, high fashion, and murder, you're not going to want to put this book down!
I honestly can't wait for more people to read it just so I can have more people to gush about it with!
October 3, 2022
This Black, Queer, Witchy Book Was Everything!
This was such a wonderful book! It started off great and kept me consistently interested throughout. I’m the type of reader who reads multiple books at once, but while reading this book, I didn’t pick up anything else! I just had to finish it.
I loved so much about this book. I am IN LOVE with the Black, magical burlesque club! The movie Burlesque is one of my favorite movies, so making it Black and witchy was like a dream come true. I wanna go there, I wanna work there, it’s just perfection. The characters were very interesting. You either loved them or hated them, but no one was forgettable! I really enjoyed watching our main character, Zora, grow as a person and as a witch. The fashion descriptions in this book were everything! And the author really knew how to set the tone and describe everything you’re reading, from outfits to detailed scene descriptions, without it feeling like info dumping or getting boring.
I just have so many wonderful things to say about this book! My only complaint was that I found the reveal of the murder mystery to be kinda obvious. It’s like the person you most suspect is the one who did it. I wish the reveal had been more of a twist. But, I loved everything else about this book. It’s Black, Queer, and witchy, what else do you need? More! That’s what else I need, more! I will definitely be reading more from Amanda Ross ASAP!
This was such a wonderful book! It started off great and kept me consistently interested throughout. I’m the type of reader who reads multiple books at once, but while reading this book, I didn’t pick up anything else! I just had to finish it.
I loved so much about this book. I am IN LOVE with the Black, magical burlesque club! The movie Burlesque is one of my favorite movies, so making it Black and witchy was like a dream come true. I wanna go there, I wanna work there, it’s just perfection. The characters were very interesting. You either loved them or hated them, but no one was forgettable! I really enjoyed watching our main character, Zora, grow as a person and as a witch. The fashion descriptions in this book were everything! And the author really knew how to set the tone and describe everything you’re reading, from outfits to detailed scene descriptions, without it feeling like info dumping or getting boring.
I just have so many wonderful things to say about this book! My only complaint was that I found the reveal of the murder mystery to be kinda obvious. It’s like the person you most suspect is the one who did it. I wish the reveal had been more of a twist. But, I loved everything else about this book. It’s Black, Queer, and witchy, what else do you need? More! That’s what else I need, more! I will definitely be reading more from Amanda Ross ASAP!
September 19, 2022
There is so much I want to say!
This book had one of the most beautiful LGBTQ+ representation
The way this author described these characters omg I fell in love so many times.
She is so descriptive down to what they typically wear and their personalities.
The relationships in here were absolutely chefs 😘
The story line had be gripped from the begging I mean come on! Our main FMC is a queer necromancer!
The descriptions of her visions or what she sees….so gripping and downright daunting in the best ways!
She even got so descriptive with smells I felt like I was living this through the pages! Like I was there!
The murder mystery to all this was also a complete cherry on top! Because when you think you know BAMN plot twist!
There is also such good music in here mentioned!
Come on there is a burlesque run by witches you know damn well
It was magical! There are all kinds of witches in here all with their own unique powers! God it was magical!
Ugh 😩 I want to read this all over again! I can’t wait to get my hands on this copy!
This author had me from the begging and I’m so proud of her work! I’m truly blessed to have read her ARC! September 22nd couldn’t come by any sooner!
May need to reread this for the upcoming spooky season
This book had one of the most beautiful LGBTQ+ representation
The way this author described these characters omg I fell in love so many times.
She is so descriptive down to what they typically wear and their personalities.
The relationships in here were absolutely chefs 😘
The story line had be gripped from the begging I mean come on! Our main FMC is a queer necromancer!
The descriptions of her visions or what she sees….so gripping and downright daunting in the best ways!
She even got so descriptive with smells I felt like I was living this through the pages! Like I was there!
The murder mystery to all this was also a complete cherry on top! Because when you think you know BAMN plot twist!
There is also such good music in here mentioned!
Come on there is a burlesque run by witches you know damn well
It was magical! There are all kinds of witches in here all with their own unique powers! God it was magical!
Ugh 😩 I want to read this all over again! I can’t wait to get my hands on this copy!
This author had me from the begging and I’m so proud of her work! I’m truly blessed to have read her ARC! September 22nd couldn’t come by any sooner!
May need to reread this for the upcoming spooky season
July 27, 2024
If you're looking for a book filled to the brim with black characters and a strong history of magical abilities and an intricate history behind it, look no further. Watching Zora find her independence, learn who she was as a necromancer, and find community all the while solving a murder was so interesting.
Being able to enjoy a book with a strong black community and no heavy racism or oppression was sooooo refreshing let me tell you. Im forever grateful I found this book, the cover is as beautiful as the quotes. And trying to distinguish who the suspect was as you watch Zora grow and become more comfortable, made the story fly by. Im excited to see what other works this author cooks up and I'd love to see this book published traditionally, it would be a beautiful movie.
Being able to enjoy a book with a strong black community and no heavy racism or oppression was sooooo refreshing let me tell you. Im forever grateful I found this book, the cover is as beautiful as the quotes. And trying to distinguish who the suspect was as you watch Zora grow and become more comfortable, made the story fly by. Im excited to see what other works this author cooks up and I'd love to see this book published traditionally, it would be a beautiful movie.
September 30, 2022
A queer magical, burlesque dancing necromancer who is also a sleuth! Enough said?
This book was so magical and fun. It's equal parts crime fiction and thriller with healthy doses of suspense and spooky folded in! Well worth the read!!!
This book was so magical and fun. It's equal parts crime fiction and thriller with healthy doses of suspense and spooky folded in! Well worth the read!!!
October 14, 2022
I loved EVERYTHING about this book! It was the right amount of everything! The characters were great. The setting was awesome! I love witches and I love when books are unapologetically queer AF! I’m definitely reading Ross’ other books!
February 23, 2023
I was recommended this book in a Patreon that I am a part of and I loved it!
This book is witchy, it's queer, it's BIPOC, and it's a murder mystery.
Zora is a necromancer that has recently moved to Savannah. She isn't planning on it being for a long time but when she meets Birdie-or more like Birdie inserts herself into Zora's life- Zora decides having a community of witches may not be such a bad thing after all.
The community in Savannah had recently lost a witch that a lot of the members had a close relationship with. When she get's murdered and the police do nothing about it, Birdie does the only thing she can think of- find a necromancer. Zora has been used for her skills throughout her life by her father, but this time is different. She is learning how to use her powers and how to actually control what is going on. As she learns more about how to use ghosts and make them go away if needed, she finds her family that she never had.
I loved the Burlesque and fashion aspect of this book. I think it added a fun aspect to a book that is actually pretty dark in terms of the main plot. The romance between Zora and Whitley also makes me so happy.
I enjoyed reading Zora's character growth and seeing how having a community made her a stronger person and witch in this case. I think it helps show how important finding a family - blood or not- is important.
I would really love to get another book in this world because it was a good time. The author posted her "book bible" will all of the world components so I am hoping that means we might get to spend more time here.
This book is witchy, it's queer, it's BIPOC, and it's a murder mystery.
Zora is a necromancer that has recently moved to Savannah. She isn't planning on it being for a long time but when she meets Birdie-or more like Birdie inserts herself into Zora's life- Zora decides having a community of witches may not be such a bad thing after all.
The community in Savannah had recently lost a witch that a lot of the members had a close relationship with. When she get's murdered and the police do nothing about it, Birdie does the only thing she can think of- find a necromancer. Zora has been used for her skills throughout her life by her father, but this time is different. She is learning how to use her powers and how to actually control what is going on. As she learns more about how to use ghosts and make them go away if needed, she finds her family that she never had.
I loved the Burlesque and fashion aspect of this book. I think it added a fun aspect to a book that is actually pretty dark in terms of the main plot. The romance between Zora and Whitley also makes me so happy.
I enjoyed reading Zora's character growth and seeing how having a community made her a stronger person and witch in this case. I think it helps show how important finding a family - blood or not- is important.
I would really love to get another book in this world because it was a good time. The author posted her "book bible" will all of the world components so I am hoping that means we might get to spend more time here.
September 24, 2023
One of the best books I have read, so much twists and turns and a great plot. Amazing writing!
Read
January 21, 2023Update Jan 21, 2023
Because I can never let sleeping dogs lie, I went back and finished the book. Pretty much everything I said when I decided to DNF holds true to the end of the book. The reveals and the ending felt rushed too. Ah, I really need to learn how to DNF properly.
DNF @ 67%
The characters never clicked for me, unfortunately. Everyones motivations and actions felt like they were in service to the plot instead of a result of their personality.
I’m positive this is something other people can overlook, choosing instead to focus on the good things like the magic system, but it was quite jarring to read :/
Because I can never let sleeping dogs lie, I went back and finished the book. Pretty much everything I said when I decided to DNF holds true to the end of the book. The reveals and the ending felt rushed too. Ah, I really need to learn how to DNF properly.
DNF @ 67%
The characters never clicked for me, unfortunately. Everyones motivations and actions felt like they were in service to the plot instead of a result of their personality.
I’m positive this is something other people can overlook, choosing instead to focus on the good things like the magic system, but it was quite jarring to read :/
October 4, 2022
A memorable fall read with a murder mystery, new friendships, romance (loved Whitley and Zora!), gorgeous descriptions of people and places, dancing, and fascinating magic (everything from necromancy to teleportation to potions).
June 8, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. The plot was fun and interesting. The cast was engaging and I got really invested in the characters. However….it felt like all the characters were in their 20’s. And while I understand the main character is 21
So she’s going to gravitate towards that age group for friends, it didn’t seem like there were any witches in that community that were over 30. For a magical triarchy that’s been around since 1900, even if they’re coupled off and moved in separately with their significant other and families, the book says that witches really need to join a house in their city. Even Whitley’s parents are still involved back in LA. So where are all the older generations of witches in Savannah during the rituals?
So she’s going to gravitate towards that age group for friends, it didn’t seem like there were any witches in that community that were over 30. For a magical triarchy that’s been around since 1900, even if they’re coupled off and moved in separately with their significant other and families, the book says that witches really need to join a house in their city. Even Whitley’s parents are still involved back in LA. So where are all the older generations of witches in Savannah during the rituals?
February 12, 2023
I loved this book! It was so magical, action packed, and full of amazing and interesting characters. I especially loved that Zora was learning about her magic, so we as readers got to learn alongside her as the story went on.
This book has so many amazing elements, from a murder mystery to keep you turning pages, burlesque dancing, queer rep, ghosts and of course a whole lot of Black girl magic.
I definitely recommend this book, especially to lovers of witchy reads
I’m so glad I picked up this book and I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in the future!
April 4, 2024
This is the type of witchy book I was looking for!
Loved the entire witchy setup with the houses, spellbooks and powers, it had the Charmed vibes I love.
Also found Zora very compelling as a main character and seeing her necromancer powers develop was fun! The Savannah setting along with Nightingale’s was right up my alley too, great attention to detail.
The only thing I was underwhelmed by was the revelation of who killed Marquitta, but the overall story was so enjoyable that it didn’t bother me as much as I thought it would!
Loved the entire witchy setup with the houses, spellbooks and powers, it had the Charmed vibes I love.
Also found Zora very compelling as a main character and seeing her necromancer powers develop was fun! The Savannah setting along with Nightingale’s was right up my alley too, great attention to detail.
The only thing I was underwhelmed by was the revelation of who killed Marquitta, but the overall story was so enjoyable that it didn’t bother me as much as I thought it would!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2024
I enjoyed this book. I think it’s the first book I’ve read that involved necromancy. Reason for I couldn’t give it five stars was that I felt the characters weren’t completely flushed out. The characters would sometimes have an attitude with each other out of nowhere. It would have been nice to learn more about all the characters powers.
March 18, 2024
I flew right through this book. To describe in short: a Black, queer, witchy murder mystery. It was easy to read, the characters were lovely, and if more stories were told about this group or within this universe, I would immediately pick it up.
October 22, 2022
Mystery is not this authors forte but I liked the vibes. The characters were all so quick to anger too like just out of nowhere and then the end???
March 21, 2023
wonderfully witchy
This book is full of magic, love, and finding yourself.
Ghosts a plenty, dancing … sexy sexy dancing, and self discovery.
This book is full of magic, love, and finding yourself.
Ghosts a plenty, dancing … sexy sexy dancing, and self discovery.
triggering
February 22, 2024I wished therapy could work faster so I can read books like this ;-;
TW/CW: Murder, Stalking, Gaslighting, Death, Parental Abuse
TW/CW: Murder, Stalking, Gaslighting, Death, Parental Abuse
July 2, 2024
Magical read based on black queer witches. 💕 I loved the necromancy aspect as I have not encountered a book where they are the focus. Dope diverse book showcasing magic with min the black diaspora💕
October 23, 2025
Such good premise and it just fell flat. I was hoping my reading slump would have been over
September 24, 2023
This book was everything!!!
August 22, 2023
I was so excited to read this book and I really wanted to love it. I mean a necromancer, witches, a magical faction! What more can I a girl ask for. The idea was there, but the story wasn't hitting. It felt short and drawn out at the same time. I couldn't connect to any of the characters because all we learned about them were in connection to the murder that needed to be solved. I really wanted to learn more about the factions, the powers and etc, but there was only glimpses. The focus of the story was solely on solving the murder and anything Zora learned about her powers or the magical community was in connection to that.
I found the characters frustrating. Zora's attraction to Jabari gave me the ick because sis the man had so many red flags and was literal community d**k. Like please have some decorum.
MK could catch these hands because she hated Zora from the jump with no rhyme or reason. She was such a pick me that I couldn't even want better for her.
All in all I think more character development and more deep dive into the factions and the magical system would have saved this book.
I found the characters frustrating. Zora's attraction to Jabari gave me the ick because sis the man had so many red flags and was literal community d**k. Like please have some decorum.
MK could catch these hands because she hated Zora from the jump with no rhyme or reason. She was such a pick me that I couldn't even want better for her.
All in all I think more character development and more deep dive into the factions and the magical system would have saved this book.
February 25, 2023
Zora is a necromancer tasked with solving the mysterious death of a well-respected witch within the Savannah paranormal community in exchange for a job dancing at a magical burlesque club and help with controlling the ghosts that haunt her. In this novel that is Charmed meets Pose, readers explore themes about the importance of community, facing your past, and conquering your fears.
I really enjoyed the main character, Zora. It was great to see her come into her own. I also liked how strongly the prose and the dialogue were rooted in today’s time period, which made the story really relatable. I also loved how this paranormal fantasy was set in Savannah, Georgia. There is a mystery plot, but the charm of the novel really revolves around the queer black characters and the bonds between this magical community. How can you not love a magical burlesque club!?
Perfect for fans of contemporary paranormal fantasy, queer black characters, and witches solving murder mysteries.
I really enjoyed the main character, Zora. It was great to see her come into her own. I also liked how strongly the prose and the dialogue were rooted in today’s time period, which made the story really relatable. I also loved how this paranormal fantasy was set in Savannah, Georgia. There is a mystery plot, but the charm of the novel really revolves around the queer black characters and the bonds between this magical community. How can you not love a magical burlesque club!?
Perfect for fans of contemporary paranormal fantasy, queer black characters, and witches solving murder mysteries.
November 14, 2023
Reluctant necromancer Zora has fled her childhood home, only to meet powerful witch Birdie, who offer her sanctuary and a fresh start in return for help with solving the mystery of her murdered partner.
I'm always on the look-out for books that put an original or intriguing spin on witches or magical lore, and having read and fully enjoyed the Witchkind series by the same author, I was already very much looking forward to In the House of Transcendence. Throw in some mystery and it's even better. Relatable and engaging main characters thrown into interesting stories in well fleshed out low/urban fantasy settings are always a solid recipe for my tastes, and Amanda Ross can always be relied on to deliver in spades in this respect. I really enjoyed In the House of Transcendence and I look forward to reading more from this author.
I'm always on the look-out for books that put an original or intriguing spin on witches or magical lore, and having read and fully enjoyed the Witchkind series by the same author, I was already very much looking forward to In the House of Transcendence. Throw in some mystery and it's even better. Relatable and engaging main characters thrown into interesting stories in well fleshed out low/urban fantasy settings are always a solid recipe for my tastes, and Amanda Ross can always be relied on to deliver in spades in this respect. I really enjoyed In the House of Transcendence and I look forward to reading more from this author.
November 23, 2025
The descriptions of the setting were cinematic. Like they were quick, but I knew exactly what things looked like, and I wished I could see it for myself. I enjoyed spending time in Zora's head and found her struggles with socializing or being in new places very relatable. I appreciated that Zora is a bi woman who's very involved with her Black queer community and who also finds effeminate Black men attractive. I thought the mystery was weak. I guessed the villain very quickly, and Zora has no stealth as an investigator, which required me to suspend my disbelief that the villain took so long to come after her. I enjoyed the atmosphere of the magic system, but it didn't mesh well with the battle scenes. The process of casting a spell moves too slowly for me to believe someone could accomplish it before being physically taken out.
June 25, 2023
2.5⭐️
The premise of this book was great-a community of witches who love and support each other, a mysterious death, and a necromancing main character. However, the writing and editing of this book need A LOT of work and I was constantly annoyed by the pacing. As someone who loves a good fantasy story, I still want to feel like it’s real and that these magical worlds really exist. But this book had a very weird and unbelievable magic system, and the actions of most of the characters was just so ridiculous that I couldn’t help rolling my eyes. The main character was also one of the least likable people in the book-she was a newbie and of course had a temper, but oh my goodness was she stupid. I wish I liked this book more, but it just wasn’t for me.
The premise of this book was great-a community of witches who love and support each other, a mysterious death, and a necromancing main character. However, the writing and editing of this book need A LOT of work and I was constantly annoyed by the pacing. As someone who loves a good fantasy story, I still want to feel like it’s real and that these magical worlds really exist. But this book had a very weird and unbelievable magic system, and the actions of most of the characters was just so ridiculous that I couldn’t help rolling my eyes. The main character was also one of the least likable people in the book-she was a newbie and of course had a temper, but oh my goodness was she stupid. I wish I liked this book more, but it just wasn’t for me.
January 22, 2023
I want to live in this world! I want to live with these characters, I want to be in House Transcendence, I want to work at Nightingale’s, all of it. Amanda weaves a vivid world with vivid and diverse characters and I want to be apart of it. Zora, our main character, has a problem most people can identify with, magic aside. She is ashamed of herself, of her power, of who she is because it is not the norm in her community. She finds the courage to push through in her new home and embrace her power and solve a murder all while being a kick ass burlesque dancer. Her story was magical, and I need more!
February 25, 2023
This was fun. There were a few elements of the story that didn’t work for me but I enjoyed the plot, the magic and loved the burlesque. I wasn’t completely in love with Zora and felt that she could have been more developed as a character. The side characters were cool and the mystery, once we narrowed down the suspects, was pretty easy to guess whodunit.
October 11, 2022
I’ll come back to write a proper review but this was so good! Beautifully done. It was decadent, gothic, Black, and queer. Definitely add it your list! I’ll certainly be reading more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews