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Raise the Dead
It started with a murder.
Emilio Kane enjoyed a peaceful life, tending to the spirits of the dead. However, the tragic death of Queen Marisol brought that to a screeching halt when her ghost materialized in his workshop.
Daring to dance with adversarial Politics and dangerous Magic - Kane finds himself risking everything for a perfect stranger. A perfect, beautiful stranger. It might be more than his life that Doctor Kane has to risk to raise the dead. It could be his heart.
A new story from authors Tony Fuentes and C.S. Kading, asks the question:
What would you do for love?
Whatever is necessary.
Emilio Kane enjoyed a peaceful life, tending to the spirits of the dead. However, the tragic death of Queen Marisol brought that to a screeching halt when her ghost materialized in his workshop.
Daring to dance with adversarial Politics and dangerous Magic - Kane finds himself risking everything for a perfect stranger. A perfect, beautiful stranger. It might be more than his life that Doctor Kane has to risk to raise the dead. It could be his heart.
A new story from authors Tony Fuentes and C.S. Kading, asks the question:
What would you do for love?
Whatever is necessary.
243 pages, ebook
Published November 2, 2022
13 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 25, 2025
I was drawn in immediately to the story and our main characters. Very unique perspective to necromancy and the ways it can be used as a force for good over evil. And the romance simmering in the background is beautiful. Flew through this in a single day because I was entranced. Great story.
April 19, 2023
I Love the flow between retelling the past without interupting the current event… Love that the surrounding description not overly exaggerated but enough to visualise. Love the character and I Can’t wait to read what’s happen next.
I received an e-advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an e-advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 16, 2022
I like romance, but love a bit of action and real story behind it. It is even more entertaining if you throw ghosts and fantasy into the equation. I found the characters very enjoyable and there were a few surprises in this book. I really did enjoy this book.
December 2, 2022
I received a ARC of this book and I am so glad I did! I am a suckered for good and coherent world-building and this book does not disappoint. The characters are well written and easy to become invested in. I am looking forward to reading more.
December 8, 2022
Thank you to Reedsy Discovery for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was really excited by the prospect of this story. Recently I’ve been fascinated by stories that revolve around gods of the underworld, or grim reaper type characters. This story promised to deliver a necromancer and his latest charge, a murdered queen.
This novel had many strengths including elements that were executed well, and moments that had me sitting up a little straighter in anticipation. For the length of this novel I thought that the pacing was adequate and appropriate. The story moved from character introductions to new settings, and high energy scenes often enough to keep me engaged in the story. I think there is a lot of potential here for world building, and so many areas that can be expanded on in future novels.
There were a few things I selfishly wished the novel had done differently. I wish there had been more time spent explaining the history and origins of this supernatural kingdom. We just barely brushed the surface, and I think because these topics were discussed so briefly, I found myself getting confused when the issues were brought up again later in the novel. I really enjoyed the direction that the novel attempted to take us in, by setting up this moral dilemma of good versus evil in the art of necromancy, and the resulting wars the kingdom has endured because of it.
I wish this novel had taken more of a professorial approach, reminiscent of “A Discovery of Witches” by Deborah Harkness. The most interesting aspects of this novel were the moments when we were being told about the art of necromancy, the schooling and education, as well as the targeted hate due to the misuse of these talents in the past. Along with the action sequences, those were some of the strongest moments in the novel and they were few and far between. I loved the snippets of the necromancy text and art in the back of the book, and think sprinkling those throughout the next novel would be a huge asset to this story, and would help the reader submerge themself in this world and magic system.
I also found myself wanting more when it came to the relationship between our necromancer and the murdered queen. When the title pronounces this as a love story, I’m expecting it to reach off the page and squeeze my own heart. Instead I found myself searching endlessly for sparks and chemistry. The characters didn’t feel fleshed out enough to empathize with in a romantic sense. While I could understand their compulsions when it came to their independent jobs, or what guided their actions in the novel regarding the queen’s murder, I couldn’t quite find their romantic connection. While there were hints of fleeting looks, quick reassuring caresses, and words left unspoken, what came off the page instead felt more like a newly formed friendship, and less of a romantic awakening between two characters. Friendship is a great place to allow a romance to grow from, and I’m hopeful that the rest of the series will continue to bring these characters together in a way that makes sense romantically.
I really enjoy the potential this novel has, but I think the execution in this first novel just wasn’t fully formed. I almost wish this book could become the prequel to this series, so that we as the audience could get a bit of a do over as we watch what happens next. I hope the authors continue with this story, because I do think it’s unique, and there are so many directions to take it. Give the characters more room to grow, and allow the audience to fall in love alongside them.
I was really excited by the prospect of this story. Recently I’ve been fascinated by stories that revolve around gods of the underworld, or grim reaper type characters. This story promised to deliver a necromancer and his latest charge, a murdered queen.
This novel had many strengths including elements that were executed well, and moments that had me sitting up a little straighter in anticipation. For the length of this novel I thought that the pacing was adequate and appropriate. The story moved from character introductions to new settings, and high energy scenes often enough to keep me engaged in the story. I think there is a lot of potential here for world building, and so many areas that can be expanded on in future novels.
There were a few things I selfishly wished the novel had done differently. I wish there had been more time spent explaining the history and origins of this supernatural kingdom. We just barely brushed the surface, and I think because these topics were discussed so briefly, I found myself getting confused when the issues were brought up again later in the novel. I really enjoyed the direction that the novel attempted to take us in, by setting up this moral dilemma of good versus evil in the art of necromancy, and the resulting wars the kingdom has endured because of it.
I wish this novel had taken more of a professorial approach, reminiscent of “A Discovery of Witches” by Deborah Harkness. The most interesting aspects of this novel were the moments when we were being told about the art of necromancy, the schooling and education, as well as the targeted hate due to the misuse of these talents in the past. Along with the action sequences, those were some of the strongest moments in the novel and they were few and far between. I loved the snippets of the necromancy text and art in the back of the book, and think sprinkling those throughout the next novel would be a huge asset to this story, and would help the reader submerge themself in this world and magic system.
I also found myself wanting more when it came to the relationship between our necromancer and the murdered queen. When the title pronounces this as a love story, I’m expecting it to reach off the page and squeeze my own heart. Instead I found myself searching endlessly for sparks and chemistry. The characters didn’t feel fleshed out enough to empathize with in a romantic sense. While I could understand their compulsions when it came to their independent jobs, or what guided their actions in the novel regarding the queen’s murder, I couldn’t quite find their romantic connection. While there were hints of fleeting looks, quick reassuring caresses, and words left unspoken, what came off the page instead felt more like a newly formed friendship, and less of a romantic awakening between two characters. Friendship is a great place to allow a romance to grow from, and I’m hopeful that the rest of the series will continue to bring these characters together in a way that makes sense romantically.
I really enjoy the potential this novel has, but I think the execution in this first novel just wasn’t fully formed. I almost wish this book could become the prequel to this series, so that we as the audience could get a bit of a do over as we watch what happens next. I hope the authors continue with this story, because I do think it’s unique, and there are so many directions to take it. Give the characters more room to grow, and allow the audience to fall in love alongside them.
January 17, 2023
A doctor who happens to also be a necromancer named Emilio finds himself in the presence of his queen, but she is no longer alive. Queen Marisol has been murdered. Her spirit finds its way to Emilio, so she can finally be at peace. First, however, the truth must come out to those nearest to her as someone, or something, is impersonating her.
Raise the Dead by Tony Fuentes and C. S. Kading takes readers on an adventure that Emilio is unsure of, but he is willing to do anything to help his queen. The pair encounter skeptics of his work, shades, and other undead creatures as they search for a way to help Queen Marisol uncover the truth and share it with those nearest to her. However, during this time, unexpected feelings are growing between Emilio and Marisol.
The authors have created a unique, riveting dark fantasy novel with a slow-burn romance. The chemistry between the two main characters is subtle and sets readers up for a more extended storyline beyond this one novel. I found myself anxious to get to the moment when they would finally be together. The slow pace works with the story, as there is more at stake than love. The narrative and plotline flow smoothly, giving readers a complete picture of what is happening. Bringing the truth into the light comes off as the story's focus and romance complement it perfectly.
Raise the Dead is a gripping dark fantasy and paranormal romance novel that takes readers into the world of necromancers. With richly developed characters, magic and adventure, there is something for readers of all fantasy to enjoy. This novel has a lot of potentials to be a fantastic series. I look forward to seeing how Tony Fuentes and C. S. Kading develop this budding romance.
Raise the Dead by Tony Fuentes and C. S. Kading takes readers on an adventure that Emilio is unsure of, but he is willing to do anything to help his queen. The pair encounter skeptics of his work, shades, and other undead creatures as they search for a way to help Queen Marisol uncover the truth and share it with those nearest to her. However, during this time, unexpected feelings are growing between Emilio and Marisol.
The authors have created a unique, riveting dark fantasy novel with a slow-burn romance. The chemistry between the two main characters is subtle and sets readers up for a more extended storyline beyond this one novel. I found myself anxious to get to the moment when they would finally be together. The slow pace works with the story, as there is more at stake than love. The narrative and plotline flow smoothly, giving readers a complete picture of what is happening. Bringing the truth into the light comes off as the story's focus and romance complement it perfectly.
Raise the Dead is a gripping dark fantasy and paranormal romance novel that takes readers into the world of necromancers. With richly developed characters, magic and adventure, there is something for readers of all fantasy to enjoy. This novel has a lot of potentials to be a fantastic series. I look forward to seeing how Tony Fuentes and C. S. Kading develop this budding romance.
November 10, 2022
https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi...
Five Stars!
Dark fantasy lovers will find plenty to enjoy in Raise the Dead. Authors Tony Fuentes and C.S. Kading spin a gripping yarn soaked in romance, mystery, and magic that will keep your eyes glued to the pages. The plot is well-paced, and the writing has a smooth flow to it. The characters of Emilio, Marisol, and Kalidah share much of the page time, each of them driven by their own agendas for their actions and words. Emilio and Marisol have a complex dynamic. While Marisol is his queen, as they spend time together, Emilio seems to develop much deeper feelings for her. All in all, a romantic odyssey dark fantasy readers will surely love.
~ Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Five Stars!
Dark fantasy lovers will find plenty to enjoy in Raise the Dead. Authors Tony Fuentes and C.S. Kading spin a gripping yarn soaked in romance, mystery, and magic that will keep your eyes glued to the pages. The plot is well-paced, and the writing has a smooth flow to it. The characters of Emilio, Marisol, and Kalidah share much of the page time, each of them driven by their own agendas for their actions and words. Emilio and Marisol have a complex dynamic. While Marisol is his queen, as they spend time together, Emilio seems to develop much deeper feelings for her. All in all, a romantic odyssey dark fantasy readers will surely love.
~ Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
March 15, 2023
3.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ overall
0/5 🌶 spice (nonspicy romance)
4/5 🧔👱♀️💀👸 characters
4/5 🌎🌎🌎🌎 world building
4/5 📈📈📊📈 plot
This was a surprising little paranormal, nonspicy romance novel, with an interesting take one necromancy.
I enjoyed this book, and the world building within. Both main characters where likeable and Emilio especially was a very sweet, gentle, caring and comforting male lead. His devotion to his work and therefore Marisol was lovely to read. I love stories about magic and necromancers so this was right up my ally. I'm very interested to see where the next book goes, as book 1 was left with a lot of questions and a little cliff hanger.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
0/5 🌶 spice (nonspicy romance)
4/5 🧔👱♀️💀👸 characters
4/5 🌎🌎🌎🌎 world building
4/5 📈📈📊📈 plot
This was a surprising little paranormal, nonspicy romance novel, with an interesting take one necromancy.
I enjoyed this book, and the world building within. Both main characters where likeable and Emilio especially was a very sweet, gentle, caring and comforting male lead. His devotion to his work and therefore Marisol was lovely to read. I love stories about magic and necromancers so this was right up my ally. I'm very interested to see where the next book goes, as book 1 was left with a lot of questions and a little cliff hanger.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 9, 2022
"Who cares for the man who cares for the dead?"
Review:
A paranormal romance, a necromist and his queen now a spirit; A well detailed, moderately paced story following their adventure.
I took some time to finish reading this book, but now I'm on my way to reread it... It easily became one of my favorite books I've read this year.
I became so attached to the story halfway through, to the point that I read it in one sitting and ignored all my other studies.
Trigger warnings:
Death and violence
Disclaimer:
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review:
A paranormal romance, a necromist and his queen now a spirit; A well detailed, moderately paced story following their adventure.
I took some time to finish reading this book, but now I'm on my way to reread it... It easily became one of my favorite books I've read this year.
I became so attached to the story halfway through, to the point that I read it in one sitting and ignored all my other studies.
Trigger warnings:
Death and violence
Disclaimer:
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 8, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
With a medium-paced plot and well-developed characters, 'Raise the Dead' by Tony Fuentes and C.S. Kading shows mastery at longing for more in this dark fantasy romance. The character development was tasteful, where the settings and circumstances justified their actions and emotions, making you engrossed in the story. Emilio and Marisol are dynamic, witty and endearing, as, with a necromantic and his queen, where you are left with complexity and romance.
With a medium-paced plot and well-developed characters, 'Raise the Dead' by Tony Fuentes and C.S. Kading shows mastery at longing for more in this dark fantasy romance. The character development was tasteful, where the settings and circumstances justified their actions and emotions, making you engrossed in the story. Emilio and Marisol are dynamic, witty and endearing, as, with a necromantic and his queen, where you are left with complexity and romance.
November 30, 2022
Loved this book!
The storyline was well paced and the world building was interesting. The characters were complex with histories and relationships sculpting them into the people they are today.
The characters each have their clear voices and the journey they undertake is one that has you turning pages until none are left. Hope to read more of this series!
The storyline was well paced and the world building was interesting. The characters were complex with histories and relationships sculpting them into the people they are today.
The characters each have their clear voices and the journey they undertake is one that has you turning pages until none are left. Hope to read more of this series!
November 12, 2022
Not my first time reading a book by these two authors and I hope not the last. This time a different set of characters and a new location. Here you meet Emilio, Marisol and Kalidah. A necrmansist, his queen and her guard on a mission to, well of all things, save the queen and return her to her people and beloved.
But I won't leave spoilers, only to say it was a hard one to put down.
But I won't leave spoilers, only to say it was a hard one to put down.
January 14, 2023
Kading and Fuentes do a great job of combining dark fantasy and romance. The story is well written and flows smoothly. The authors present an intriguing take on romance. The world building was well crafted. Overall a great read. (I was gifted this book and am leaving a review)
December 28, 2024
I picked this up to read before sleep last night, and ended up staying up late as I couldn't put it down, finally my eyes were so tired I had to put it down for some rest, but as soon as I woke this morning, I finished it up.
I absolutely loved it!
I absolutely loved it!
December 26, 2023
Enjoyed the escape and await the next adventure.
March 1, 2025
A spellbinding occult adventure! The rich detail of magic in action brings the story to life.
May 15, 2023
(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily).
From the beginning I was very intrigued and wanted to read this, I haven't read many books about necromancers (or that kind of theme) so my curiosity was piqued as soon as I read the summary (a necromancer helping his murdered queen and in the process falling in love...), I was very excited... And the book delivered!
The characters are really well-thought and I think their development is great, the book has a nice pace that keeps you entertained no matter if you're at the beginning or nearing the end...
About the romance I felt more like it was a really slow-burn that didn't quite end, there wasn't enough of their romantic interactions (in my opinion), and I feel like this ends with them having more of a strong friendship-soon-to-be-romantic-relationship than romance (but maybe in future books...). But at the same time I feel like this was a nice touch because romance isn't the main interest here, so it's nice that this book leaves room for growth...
The whole world-building is something I would love to see more explored, it'd be great to see this book develop into a series with more characters and plots... Maybe a bit more of a back story about the whole history of the world, and necromancy and things like that...
I also enjoyed the dichotomy between good and evil revolving around the whole necromancy... I'd also love to see that more explored!
Overall it was a really nice read that surprised me (in a good way)! And I know for sure that I'll be rereading this book in the future!
From the beginning I was very intrigued and wanted to read this, I haven't read many books about necromancers (or that kind of theme) so my curiosity was piqued as soon as I read the summary (a necromancer helping his murdered queen and in the process falling in love...), I was very excited... And the book delivered!
The characters are really well-thought and I think their development is great, the book has a nice pace that keeps you entertained no matter if you're at the beginning or nearing the end...
About the romance I felt more like it was a really slow-burn that didn't quite end, there wasn't enough of their romantic interactions (in my opinion), and I feel like this ends with them having more of a strong friendship-soon-to-be-romantic-relationship than romance (but maybe in future books...). But at the same time I feel like this was a nice touch because romance isn't the main interest here, so it's nice that this book leaves room for growth...
The whole world-building is something I would love to see more explored, it'd be great to see this book develop into a series with more characters and plots... Maybe a bit more of a back story about the whole history of the world, and necromancy and things like that...
I also enjoyed the dichotomy between good and evil revolving around the whole necromancy... I'd also love to see that more explored!
Overall it was a really nice read that surprised me (in a good way)! And I know for sure that I'll be rereading this book in the future!
April 7, 2023
I love you, Marisol. I cannot imagine what you have gone through to get here; to get to this moment.
-Lykos
Raise the Dead
A Love Story
By Tony Fuentes
243 pages
Currently on KU in the USA.
Publication date October 28, 2022
I received an advanced reader copy of this book, and this is my honest review. Please, watch out for possible spoilers, including but not limited to, TW/CN/Etc.
Possible TW, Tropes, and Genres
Dark Romance, Romance, Gaslamp Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Violence, Death, Mystery, Magic, Necromancy, Ghosts/Undead, Open Ended?, HEA?, and possibly more.
This is the first book, I have read by these authors. Based on this book, I would read more by them.
I really enjoyed the world building, and the characters that we saw. They seemed fleshed out, and real. The world, is something that I hope we get more of, because I could read more about this world.
The romance was enjoyable, and didn’t seem rushed, pushed, or out of place.
If you like dark fantasy, action and some romance, I would say check this out via KU.
4 / 5
-Destynnee
-Lykos
Raise the Dead
A Love Story
By Tony Fuentes
243 pages
Currently on KU in the USA.
Publication date October 28, 2022
I received an advanced reader copy of this book, and this is my honest review. Please, watch out for possible spoilers, including but not limited to, TW/CN/Etc.
Possible TW, Tropes, and Genres
Dark Romance, Romance, Gaslamp Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Violence, Death, Mystery, Magic, Necromancy, Ghosts/Undead, Open Ended?, HEA?, and possibly more.
This is the first book, I have read by these authors. Based on this book, I would read more by them.
I really enjoyed the world building, and the characters that we saw. They seemed fleshed out, and real. The world, is something that I hope we get more of, because I could read more about this world.
The romance was enjoyable, and didn’t seem rushed, pushed, or out of place.
If you like dark fantasy, action and some romance, I would say check this out via KU.
4 / 5
-Destynnee
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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December 2, 2022I was provided a free copy of this book by Booksirens, and this is my honest review.
I can see the hard work that went into this book. The necromist is a really interesting twist on typical necromancy. I just don’t think I was the target audience. I wasn’t able to get sucked in like I needed to be, but that could just be reader preference.
I can see the hard work that went into this book. The necromist is a really interesting twist on typical necromancy. I just don’t think I was the target audience. I wasn’t able to get sucked in like I needed to be, but that could just be reader preference.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews