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Haunted by a tragic loss, one woman defies the laws of magic.

But will the cost of freedom claim her last breath?

Flynt is devastated by her husband’s untimely demise on a space station hub. Not only is she drowning in grief for a man she truly loved, he was the only one protecting her from the fate that killed her mother. Vowing to avoid the twisted law that her race must become breeders, Flynt’s heartbreak awakens her high-stakes ability to manipulate death.

Training to control her deadly new skills at a forbidden school, her magical gift hides a formidable power not seen in centuries. But when the queen falls gravely ill, only Flynt can save her life… if she can prove she’s not the necromancer to blame.

Can she expose the devious truth before she’s cast out to die?

Bone River is the explosive first book in the Last Necro-Equitem dark science fiction fantasy series. If you like relentless heroines, mind-blowing worldbuilding, and epic battles against evil, then you’ll love Jesse Sprague’s spellbinding tale.

Buy Bone River to orbit an alchemist’s galaxy today!

311 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 19, 2022

68 people are currently reading
195 people want to read

About the author

Jesse Sprague

38 books44 followers
Hi. My name is Jesse and I’m a compulsive writer

I can’t help it. I write prolifically. I write because I must! And luckily for you, my dear reader, the stories never stop.

What do I write?

I write fantasy because the world we live in can feel like a trap.

I write sci-fi because I like to toy with worlds, universes, and cultures. I like to play god. I write horror as a kind of decadence. I mean, who doesn’t like writing that bleeds?

Regardless of what type of speculative fiction I write, you can expect that it will be dark. Whether my inspiration comes from a shiver crawling up my spine while darting across a dark parking lot, a fascination with Gothic heroines and their delightful kidnappability, or a desire to build a world to suit a spiffy MMO character, that dark undercurrent of fear makes me feel alive.

So, if you enjoy science fiction and fantasy with an eye to horror, join my readers group.

I’d love to have you along for special sneak-peeks, cover reveals, free stories, and more! Just to show how special you are to me, I’ll start you off with an exclusive short story!

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5 stars
54 (59%)
4 stars
24 (26%)
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11 (12%)
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Profile Image for Mira Mio.
333 reviews78 followers
December 4, 2022
DNF 10%

Ой, плохо все.

Дано: героиня похоронила любимого мужа и возвращается в свою квартиру собирать вещички. И вот как она описывает квартиру читателю.

The set of rooms inside were all open, the kitchen separated from the eating area by a low half wall. The eating area curved into the living space.

Жопа, товарищи, полная жопа.
Profile Image for Ligia Wit.
Author 8 books81 followers
September 21, 2022
You got any problem with Flynt? She won't take any of that. As her name suggests, sparks fly when she's around. That was what I loved about her--while I get tired of reading the same cookie-cut badass female character so common nowadays, Flynt is a fresh breath of air in how she reacts to any given situation. Husband dead? (not a spoiler, we find out about it in the first pages) Let's shout at his grave and blame him for leaving her alone! It makes her so interesting because she doesn't get stuck in Level 1. She grows as other characters help her throughout the book, not always with the best intentions.
And yes, I'm focused on her because she drives the plot forward and it's amazing how Jesse Sprague carries her character through diverse situations. Along her, side characters aren't one-dimensional. They are intriguing and rounded, which makes this reading a joy.
But let's talk about Bone River's worldbuilding. Holy mackerel! This isn't a brush-over worldbuilding, no sir. This is a complete badass, rounded and complete heck of a world-building. That's the second thing I loved about this book.
The third thing you ask? Bones. Bones whispering about death in a way that is intriguing and refreshing. Won't talk about Bone River proper, though. You'd have to discover that for yourselves!
All in all, a very satisfying start to a series and one I highly recommend.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion, which didn't taint any of my comments above. Really enjoyed this.
But make sure you're not expecting a soft FMC because Flynt ain't soft except for her curves. Oh, yeah.
Profile Image for Bekki's  Books.
568 reviews9 followers
February 28, 2024
Death Magi

Flynt is a widow whose future as a breeder is to have as many children as possible before her death. The problem is Flynt doesn't want any children! She has 30 days to find an alternative path before she is sent back to her home planet to remarry and breed. I never would have imagined that alternate path leading to her becoming a master in death magic and saving the Queen. The action is engaging and will keep you turning the page to find out what happens next.
Profile Image for DianaKay Abraham.
Author 2 books26 followers
December 10, 2024
Bone River was probably one of my favorite reads and all of 2024.

Is spectacularly both sci-fi and fantasy combined into one beautiful package. You follow the FMC who is just trying to survive in a rather harsh world. She just lost her best friend / husband and is thrown into the middle of this pick and choose Battle of whether or not to follow her birthright or to basically become a concubine.

Love the hard decisions that this character made and absolutely devoured it.
Profile Image for Lee Renee.
91 reviews7 followers
December 23, 2024
Quite the story. Many mysteries in this story that keep you turning the pages. So many interesting characters. Very strong female main character. Early on you root for her, hoping she gets everything she wants in her life.
Profile Image for Ann.
63 reviews1 follower
February 14, 2024
Wow... just wow. I absolutely loved this book and am looking forward to getting my hands on the rest of this series and some of the others Jesse writes.
7 reviews
February 16, 2025
amazing

Went through this in two days. Great and original world building, good balance of fantasy and sci-fi, and just a smidge of romance. 10/10
Profile Image for Sel de Mer.
120 reviews2 followers
May 12, 2025
I could NOT put this down! Can't wait to read book 2
Profile Image for Rose.
62 reviews
January 25, 2025
⭐️ Book Review 🌕

Bone River by Jesse Sprague is not your average space opera. I was blown away by the blend of technology and magic, the hierarchical society, and the world itself. The world building is phenomenal and incredibly creative.

The story begins with our main character, Flynt, mourning her husband. He was the only one keeping her from being forced into a role that killed her mother and claimed countless others. And now her protection is gone.

With only weeks left until she is forced back to her home planet, she is desperate for anything that will keep her free. Even if it sends her into the arms of Death and the conspiracy rotting away at the core of her adopted home.

The premise intrigued me: space necromancy, fighting against the fate everyone is pushing you into, the manic craving of freedom—and doing whatever you can to obtain it.

I really liked how death was not just seen as an end, but also as something vulnerable, spiritual, but also comforting. Even beautiful.

As soon as I was finished, I wanted to buy the other three books in the series. Immediately. But, I was torn. I put a soft ban on buying books until I get my physical TBR down.

But, digital copies don’t count right?

RIGHT?!?


🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was blown away by this! Highly recommend to everyone.

Space necromancy, in this economy? Yes, babe.
Profile Image for Megan Barclay.
96 reviews2 followers
December 31, 2024
Great read. FMC learning her place in life and trying her best to make it happen. Saving lives and kicking ass!!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews

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