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The Netherweird Chronicles #1
Red & Dead
“Netherworld? Nether-f*cking-weird, more like.”
Lili O’Reilly and her beloved cat, Grimm, live happily together on a quiet Liverpool back street above the coffee shop Lili runs with her best friend, Izzy.
But everything changes the day Lili wakes up with a sore head and no pulse. When she accidentally murders someone—not a very nice someone, but a someone all the same—Lili has to consider that maybe she’s no longer entirely human. And as the inhabitants of the city’s underworld start taking an interest, Lili is forced to fight for her (after)life.
Discover a magical world hidden in plain sight—a world where immortals jostle for power, and history tangles with mythology. A world in which the spirit of a city is the highest power of them all.
Neverwhere meets Rivers of London in this fast-paced urban fantasy about friendship, family secrets, and the perils of dating the undead.
Lili O’Reilly and her beloved cat, Grimm, live happily together on a quiet Liverpool back street above the coffee shop Lili runs with her best friend, Izzy.
But everything changes the day Lili wakes up with a sore head and no pulse. When she accidentally murders someone—not a very nice someone, but a someone all the same—Lili has to consider that maybe she’s no longer entirely human. And as the inhabitants of the city’s underworld start taking an interest, Lili is forced to fight for her (after)life.
Discover a magical world hidden in plain sight—a world where immortals jostle for power, and history tangles with mythology. A world in which the spirit of a city is the highest power of them all.
Neverwhere meets Rivers of London in this fast-paced urban fantasy about friendship, family secrets, and the perils of dating the undead.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 24, 2022
495 people are currently reading
511 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
March 3, 2024
DNF
I tried so hard with this book. It had everything that I should have loved. It was a quirky, supernatural, cosy novel set in Liverpool. I was so excited to read it.
But the writing! There were so many adverbs. Everything anyone did or said was described as, 'slowly, idiotically, politely, archly, happily, angrily' and on and on... It was never-ending. I couldn't take it anymore.
I don't have anything against an author using adverbs, but when every single paragraph includes one or more, it is lazy writing.
There are more creative ways to describe things.
It's a shame because I feel like the premise of the book is fantastic, but the writing should have been proofread more and had additional edits.
I tried so hard with this book. It had everything that I should have loved. It was a quirky, supernatural, cosy novel set in Liverpool. I was so excited to read it.
But the writing! There were so many adverbs. Everything anyone did or said was described as, 'slowly, idiotically, politely, archly, happily, angrily' and on and on... It was never-ending. I couldn't take it anymore.
I don't have anything against an author using adverbs, but when every single paragraph includes one or more, it is lazy writing.
There are more creative ways to describe things.
It's a shame because I feel like the premise of the book is fantastic, but the writing should have been proofread more and had additional edits.
July 30, 2023
This turned out all right in the end, although there was too much infodump and too much of that terrible soap opera trope of people not telling each other things when they easily could have done. I was glad the author admitted to bending geography, as otherwise I thought my memory was going, since I used to know Liverpool very well. I liked the stealth gags (Lily the Red, for instance) and I loved the birds. Good fun, and I look forward to reading the next in the series, which I kind of bought by accident ...
January 13, 2023
A good start to a promising trilogy
November 24, 2025
"Red & Dead" is a creative and imaginative urban fantasy that presents a hidden panorama of paranormal activity lurking just under the surface of a major British metropolis. Off course, this territory has been explored countless times, and comparisons to works such as the "Rivers of London" series or "Neverwhere" are apt, but only in a general if not superficial manner.
This book distinguishes itself on several fronts. In particular, the conceptualization of magical and paranormal beings is fairly unique. The book introduces paranormal beings that are unlike those in similar stories and the more familiar beings that it includes vary strongly from common portrayals.
Additionally, the book is set primarily in Liverpool, unlike the majority of similar books which are set in London. Liverpool stands out as a setting and the city's unique history, geography and architecture are key to both the book's setting and for driving many of it's plot elements forward.
Finally, it should be noted that although the protagonist and primary supporting characters are not significantly different from ones in similar stories, they are very well conceived and developed though the course of the book.
4.5 stars out of 5 rounded to 4.
This book distinguishes itself on several fronts. In particular, the conceptualization of magical and paranormal beings is fairly unique. The book introduces paranormal beings that are unlike those in similar stories and the more familiar beings that it includes vary strongly from common portrayals.
Additionally, the book is set primarily in Liverpool, unlike the majority of similar books which are set in London. Liverpool stands out as a setting and the city's unique history, geography and architecture are key to both the book's setting and for driving many of it's plot elements forward.
Finally, it should be noted that although the protagonist and primary supporting characters are not significantly different from ones in similar stories, they are very well conceived and developed though the course of the book.
4.5 stars out of 5 rounded to 4.
June 16, 2024
Scouse soup for the soul
I was immediately drawn to this as it's set in Liverpool.
I really enjoyed how Lili the FMC was so fiesty, all be it , a bit whingey. I think considering all that happened , I would have been a little that way too!
Plunged into a paranormal world so suddenly, I think she did well!
I loved this incorporates the iconic landmarks of Liverpool and the legendary Liver Birds.
Izzy is a great friend and character, I liked how she just accepted what was happening. I liked most of the side characters ( not Maria ) but Billy and Kitty were my favorite, along with Grimm the cat.
It was a bit drawn out in places though and the details of the underground were a little too much.
I'm really looking forward to reading the next in the series!
Triggers : attempted rape, gore, violence, lots of Swearing .
I was immediately drawn to this as it's set in Liverpool.
I really enjoyed how Lili the FMC was so fiesty, all be it , a bit whingey. I think considering all that happened , I would have been a little that way too!
Plunged into a paranormal world so suddenly, I think she did well!
I loved this incorporates the iconic landmarks of Liverpool and the legendary Liver Birds.
Izzy is a great friend and character, I liked how she just accepted what was happening. I liked most of the side characters ( not Maria ) but Billy and Kitty were my favorite, along with Grimm the cat.
It was a bit drawn out in places though and the details of the underground were a little too much.
I'm really looking forward to reading the next in the series!
Triggers : attempted rape, gore, violence, lots of Swearing .
August 5, 2025
Absolutely wonderful, I wasn't sure going in but by the 3rd chapter I was hooked.
November 29, 2022
I LOVED this book. Kept me hooked from the start. The characters are all fabulous and I loved the history and landmarks of Liverpool being in there. Having never been I now need to go and do a book tour. If you like Neil Gaiman or the Rivers of London series this is absolutely the right book for you. I can't wait for the next book in the series, I have high expectations and if this first book is anything to go by it will not disappoint!
February 14, 2023
It’s froth and halfway to being cozy. It gets an extra star for not being unreadable but there’s no depth or grit. Sarah Painter's 'Crow Investigations' does this better.
PS There's a little nod to the excellent Ben Aaronovitch's 'Foxglove Summer'
PS There's a little nod to the excellent Ben Aaronovitch's 'Foxglove Summer'
June 24, 2023
Definitely weird
It was ok but I'm not sure I'd want to pay to read any more. It was a bit too slow going and focused too much on romance/love life which was really creepy considering the main character is dead!
There were too many loose ends too and too many typos throughout.
It was ok but I'm not sure I'd want to pay to read any more. It was a bit too slow going and focused too much on romance/love life which was really creepy considering the main character is dead!
There were too many loose ends too and too many typos throughout.
July 3, 2023
Started off sooooo good then it got very dull think they did this to stretch the book out for the rest off the series which unfortunately I won't be continuing took me newrly a week to read a book just over 200 pages long as felt so drawn out
May 23, 2023
Good pacing, interesting world, but the lead character is a whiner. The promise is enough that I'm going to give the next book in the series a try regardless.
March 9, 2025
I finished Red and Dead yesterday and here is what I thought: it's a neat little urban fantasy (just under 300 pages), which fairly zips along. I had some serious fun reading it and would recommend it to anyone who likes the genre.
Ok, so what did I like about it? Well, to begin with, I was fairly surprised to find that it was not set in London (colour me intrigued!) and there are hardly any police officers mentioned throughout. Don't get me wrong, I have loved some of the urban fantasies set in our fair capital but it is nice to see some other places getting a mention. I was born and bred in Liverpool, so I might be a bit biased but it is a place that lends itself well to the more spooky aspects of fantasy. I haven't lived there for a while so it was also nice to revisit some old haunts. Yes, the Author does play a bit loose with the geography but this is acknowledged in the notes and it wasn't as issue for me. I loved that the Author gave the city such a vivid atmosphere that it becomes a character in itself. The use of the Liver birds was a personal favourite of mine, as was some of the other local legends that werer used.
I also liked the premise of a normal person goes Weird. Lily is bog standard early thirties who ends up dead but doesn't stop living. She's a cafe owner who know has to remember to pretend to breath in order to not freak out her customers. She has no idea what is going on or what the rules of being dead are. It's fun to see a character navigate through an unknown situation, although some of the other (still alive) characters handle it better than Lily does! I also liked the use of revenants as the main undead population we interact with as I feel that I haven't come across them a lot except for being killed as a side plot for magic users (mainly). Because of that, the plot seemed fresh in a somewhat overcrowded genre.
The characters are a lively (or not) bunch. Lily is somewhat introverted, sarky and a little put out by her circumstances. She can come across as a bit whingy but I feel that I could give her some leeway considering. Her best friend Izzy is more sociable, if a bit flaky but honestly takes Lily's lack of life in a fairly casual way. Both of them have a realistic feel to them, which added to my enjoyment. The or banter helped to bring some humour to the preceedings but there is a lot of swearing. A lot of swearing! Most of the other characters that we get a feel for are undead of some kind. Some are a lot more fleshed out than others but that's to be expected. There are a lot of mysteries around some of these characters which are not answered here but with, currently, six books in the the series, this is to be expected. There are some local famous personalities dropped in, which added to the fun. And I did Google who one of the characters might be - I probably spoilered myself here but it did give me a giggle.
I did have a lot of fun with Red and Dead. It's not going to win any literary rewards but I thought it was an enjoyable read that scratched my urban fantasy itch. It's full of hints and mysteries that I hope will be explored further in the series, so the next book has been added to the ever expanding TBR. I was recommend this to anyone who enjoys urban fantasy, especially for those that like to see some other places than London and see a relatively underused set of the undead explored.
Ok, so what did I like about it? Well, to begin with, I was fairly surprised to find that it was not set in London (colour me intrigued!) and there are hardly any police officers mentioned throughout. Don't get me wrong, I have loved some of the urban fantasies set in our fair capital but it is nice to see some other places getting a mention. I was born and bred in Liverpool, so I might be a bit biased but it is a place that lends itself well to the more spooky aspects of fantasy. I haven't lived there for a while so it was also nice to revisit some old haunts. Yes, the Author does play a bit loose with the geography but this is acknowledged in the notes and it wasn't as issue for me. I loved that the Author gave the city such a vivid atmosphere that it becomes a character in itself. The use of the Liver birds was a personal favourite of mine, as was some of the other local legends that werer used.
I also liked the premise of a normal person goes Weird. Lily is bog standard early thirties who ends up dead but doesn't stop living. She's a cafe owner who know has to remember to pretend to breath in order to not freak out her customers. She has no idea what is going on or what the rules of being dead are. It's fun to see a character navigate through an unknown situation, although some of the other (still alive) characters handle it better than Lily does! I also liked the use of revenants as the main undead population we interact with as I feel that I haven't come across them a lot except for being killed as a side plot for magic users (mainly). Because of that, the plot seemed fresh in a somewhat overcrowded genre.
The characters are a lively (or not) bunch. Lily is somewhat introverted, sarky and a little put out by her circumstances. She can come across as a bit whingy but I feel that I could give her some leeway considering. Her best friend Izzy is more sociable, if a bit flaky but honestly takes Lily's lack of life in a fairly casual way. Both of them have a realistic feel to them, which added to my enjoyment. The or banter helped to bring some humour to the preceedings but there is a lot of swearing. A lot of swearing! Most of the other characters that we get a feel for are undead of some kind. Some are a lot more fleshed out than others but that's to be expected. There are a lot of mysteries around some of these characters which are not answered here but with, currently, six books in the the series, this is to be expected. There are some local famous personalities dropped in, which added to the fun. And I did Google who one of the characters might be - I probably spoilered myself here but it did give me a giggle.
I did have a lot of fun with Red and Dead. It's not going to win any literary rewards but I thought it was an enjoyable read that scratched my urban fantasy itch. It's full of hints and mysteries that I hope will be explored further in the series, so the next book has been added to the ever expanding TBR. I was recommend this to anyone who enjoys urban fantasy, especially for those that like to see some other places than London and see a relatively underused set of the undead explored.
April 2, 2024
This is not yet another in the world of the undead mysteries or police series so popular now (at least with this reader). This book explores a relatively un-explored type of undead human, a revenant. The simply undead who aren't zombies, vampires, or any of the more commonly explored undead. The heroine Lili and her best friend Izzy lead a pretty quiet life running a small cafe on a "less traveled" street in Liverpool dealing with Beatles tourists and a plumbing system that is "challenging".
Then one day Lili finds an intruder in her apartment (above her cafe) and the next thing she knows she is flying over the fire escape railing and plunging down three stories to land on the hood of her vintage VW beetle.
After this she enters the world of the undead and must learn to navigate the various denizens, including the ghost of her great aunt and at the same time solve a mystery that was triggered by her entry into the undead world. This is part basic story of the undead and part mystery in the sense of a cozy mystery; but a well written one.
Violet Fenn does a nice job of developing her characters and providing them with great motivation, growth and decent dialogue. The plot is not fantastic but it is still pretty good. The book is an easy read and won't challenge your thoughts or make you believe in the undead, but it is likely to provide an enjoyable read. I finished in a few days and have ordered the second book in the series.
I'd recommend the book but the jury is still out on the series. The blurb compares this to Rivers of London and that's not fair because Rivers of London is a lot better (at least the first books - Ben Aaronovitch has diluted his fantastic creation to the point that I'm ready for the end) and it doesn't quite live up the the Conrad Clarke series either; but it's still worth a read.
Then one day Lili finds an intruder in her apartment (above her cafe) and the next thing she knows she is flying over the fire escape railing and plunging down three stories to land on the hood of her vintage VW beetle.
After this she enters the world of the undead and must learn to navigate the various denizens, including the ghost of her great aunt and at the same time solve a mystery that was triggered by her entry into the undead world. This is part basic story of the undead and part mystery in the sense of a cozy mystery; but a well written one.
Violet Fenn does a nice job of developing her characters and providing them with great motivation, growth and decent dialogue. The plot is not fantastic but it is still pretty good. The book is an easy read and won't challenge your thoughts or make you believe in the undead, but it is likely to provide an enjoyable read. I finished in a few days and have ordered the second book in the series.
I'd recommend the book but the jury is still out on the series. The blurb compares this to Rivers of London and that's not fair because Rivers of London is a lot better (at least the first books - Ben Aaronovitch has diluted his fantastic creation to the point that I'm ready for the end) and it doesn't quite live up the the Conrad Clarke series either; but it's still worth a read.
February 25, 2023
What a wonderful book to start the year! Sometimes when I read a book by a new to me author, I get the special vibe, so excited because I know the world and the characters gel perfectly with what I want to read and experience. The sort of book that makes reading such a special and unique experience. This was once such book. I loved it from pretty much the first page, it had me gripped. Not often do you get such a brilliant British urban fantasy. I've been very lucky with the quality of the ones I have read lately and this book stood on it's own and held it's head high with them.
I loved the incorporation of Liverpool as an entity with the Liver birds featuring prominently. Who wouldn't look at them and imagine they were magical creatures? The world building was so unique and original, and Lili is a wonderful character. I immediately liked her, and she had just the right amount of credibility for her belief in what was happening to her. I sincerely hope that this is going to be a long and successful series because I am already a fan!
I loved the incorporation of Liverpool as an entity with the Liver birds featuring prominently. Who wouldn't look at them and imagine they were magical creatures? The world building was so unique and original, and Lili is a wonderful character. I immediately liked her, and she had just the right amount of credibility for her belief in what was happening to her. I sincerely hope that this is going to be a long and successful series because I am already a fan!
August 4, 2023
I have been off work for a little while currently which has left me more time than usual on my hands. What better way to use that time than to get into a thoroughly enjoyable tale. Feet up, kindle on chest and on with the show.
This book was both quirky and funny and left me thinking I will never view the Liver birds in the same way again if ever I return to Liverpool. There was a good build up in terms of character formation and even though they were not your every day characters they were strangely very believable. The main character would have been your very ordinary but relatable woman who lives on your own street, living a mundane life running her own business, except that she was dead. What's not to love? On to book two immediately, The High Gate. I hope the same high standards are kept here.
This book was both quirky and funny and left me thinking I will never view the Liver birds in the same way again if ever I return to Liverpool. There was a good build up in terms of character formation and even though they were not your every day characters they were strangely very believable. The main character would have been your very ordinary but relatable woman who lives on your own street, living a mundane life running her own business, except that she was dead. What's not to love? On to book two immediately, The High Gate. I hope the same high standards are kept here.
July 13, 2025
quirky
Really good easy read. Full of some fun quirky characters that you can’t help but love. The main character dying in the first chapter then waking as a undead living person called a revenant was an interesting idea. However the rest of the book is mainly taken up by her working out what she is and meeting a whole new world of dead and mythical people/beings so could be a little slow at times. The use of profane language is unfortunately quite common throughout but nowadays authors seem to believe that it’s necessary to use such language,readers not so much! Would like to go on and read next in series but just realised book 7 isn’t out till December so will wait till then to read this series in the hope that it’s the last one…..
Really good easy read. Full of some fun quirky characters that you can’t help but love. The main character dying in the first chapter then waking as a undead living person called a revenant was an interesting idea. However the rest of the book is mainly taken up by her working out what she is and meeting a whole new world of dead and mythical people/beings so could be a little slow at times. The use of profane language is unfortunately quite common throughout but nowadays authors seem to believe that it’s necessary to use such language,readers not so much! Would like to go on and read next in series but just realised book 7 isn’t out till December so will wait till then to read this series in the hope that it’s the last one…..
February 1, 2024
Like a well cooked pan of Scouse - delicious.
Somehow you know when you pick a book up how good/bad it’s going to be. Red & Dead I knew was going to be good, why? I cannot explain but you will know when you open it. Like a pot of Scouse the ingredients were added slowly, in the correct order and gently cooked out. Then you reach the part when the final ingredients are added and the lid is put on the pan and you wait for all those wonderful flavours come together to make something wonderful. A brilliant story that you do not understand why it has never been done before. Forget the blurb - dive in and get immersed in a different but welcome addition to your library.
Somehow you know when you pick a book up how good/bad it’s going to be. Red & Dead I knew was going to be good, why? I cannot explain but you will know when you open it. Like a pot of Scouse the ingredients were added slowly, in the correct order and gently cooked out. Then you reach the part when the final ingredients are added and the lid is put on the pan and you wait for all those wonderful flavours come together to make something wonderful. A brilliant story that you do not understand why it has never been done before. Forget the blurb - dive in and get immersed in a different but welcome addition to your library.
April 21, 2024
Red & Dead
by Violet Fenn
⭐⭐⭐
Set in the heart of Liverpool, this book has a great character selection and good story. This is the first book in a series, but can be read as a standalone.
I loved the way that the local mythology of the Liver Birds were brought into the story, and seemed to entwine everything together.
Although I did thoroughly enjoy the book, I felt I couldn't give it any more than three stars, as in a lot of places, the story was so slow. There were also parts which I honestly thought were too ridiculous, and could have been omitted from the book completely.
However, I do highly recommend this book - especially if you're a local (Liverpool / Merseyside) resident.
by Violet Fenn
⭐⭐⭐
Set in the heart of Liverpool, this book has a great character selection and good story. This is the first book in a series, but can be read as a standalone.
I loved the way that the local mythology of the Liver Birds were brought into the story, and seemed to entwine everything together.
Although I did thoroughly enjoy the book, I felt I couldn't give it any more than three stars, as in a lot of places, the story was so slow. There were also parts which I honestly thought were too ridiculous, and could have been omitted from the book completely.
However, I do highly recommend this book - especially if you're a local (Liverpool / Merseyside) resident.
June 6, 2024
I really enjoyed this. Lili is chaotic and whiny but somehow it works? and it feels like a lot of actions are based on the result of dealing with a traumatic event and then adjusting to your new life. I also liked Grimm and Izzy and Kitty. All the side characters are truly a delight. It was also a fun adventure diving into the world. I will say I found the descriptions to be excessively long and exhausting at times. I did power through because I was invested in this motley crew but could have done with 100 pages less of descriptive adjectives. A fun start to the series! 3.5.
July 24, 2024
Easygoing, cute and quirky.
I’d describe it almost like an English version of the Sookie Stackhouse Mysteries but with its own unique flavour and completely different take on the undead population eg vamps ain’t glam, zombies don’t eat brains and drip ick everywhere and centred around a cute red head who owns a coffee shop rather than a sassy southern bell working in a bar.
Really promising start to a series which I’m eager to binge! Also to see who some of the main characters turn out to be in a previous life…
I’d describe it almost like an English version of the Sookie Stackhouse Mysteries but with its own unique flavour and completely different take on the undead population eg vamps ain’t glam, zombies don’t eat brains and drip ick everywhere and centred around a cute red head who owns a coffee shop rather than a sassy southern bell working in a bar.
Really promising start to a series which I’m eager to binge! Also to see who some of the main characters turn out to be in a previous life…
April 28, 2025
Deadly Wonderful!
What happens when to are pushed off your fire escape and you hurtle four floors down?????
When Lili woke up, she'd no idea she was now undead, not in the Zombie/Vampire way either.
She just carried on working in her coffee shop like nothing was wrong.
Except for not being able to eat. But thank God she could still drink coffee!!!!
Then she started to learn about the Netherworld and her place in it!
Adore Lil's snarky attitude and not being pushed around. She stands her ground.
Off to pick up book two. 😁😁👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
What happens when to are pushed off your fire escape and you hurtle four floors down?????
When Lili woke up, she'd no idea she was now undead, not in the Zombie/Vampire way either.
She just carried on working in her coffee shop like nothing was wrong.
Except for not being able to eat. But thank God she could still drink coffee!!!!
Then she started to learn about the Netherworld and her place in it!
Adore Lil's snarky attitude and not being pushed around. She stands her ground.
Off to pick up book two. 😁😁👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
January 3, 2023
Fabulous urban fantasy
I wasn't sure what to expect from Red & Dead, but I loved it and read it in one sitting. The book is well-paced with fun characters, albeit not without their darkness and flaws, making them convincing. And, whilst I don't know Liverpool, the setting was absolutely believable. There's enough of a story arc to feel very satisfied with book one, and the longer story arc is well positioned, in addition to a few loose ends that I'm intrigued by.
I wasn't sure what to expect from Red & Dead, but I loved it and read it in one sitting. The book is well-paced with fun characters, albeit not without their darkness and flaws, making them convincing. And, whilst I don't know Liverpool, the setting was absolutely believable. There's enough of a story arc to feel very satisfied with book one, and the longer story arc is well positioned, in addition to a few loose ends that I'm intrigued by.
January 7, 2023
Excellent story, shame about the typos
Loved this book and read it in one day. I read lots of urban fantasy and this had a great new story with a unique paranormal species at the centre. Loved that it was set in the U.K. and I’ll be getting the next book in this series. However, there were quite a few typos, which I find irritating, so that’s why I deducted a star. Otherwise a fantastic read for relaxing day.
Loved this book and read it in one day. I read lots of urban fantasy and this had a great new story with a unique paranormal species at the centre. Loved that it was set in the U.K. and I’ll be getting the next book in this series. However, there were quite a few typos, which I find irritating, so that’s why I deducted a star. Otherwise a fantastic read for relaxing day.
January 21, 2023
Fun,fresh,original fantasy.
Fantastic world building,original ideas,fun and funny urban fantasy with a great intriguing cast of characters and an appealing heroine who after suddenly finding herself dead but still walking has to deal with a lot of strange creatures and situations.Reminiscent of the books of Helen Harper this is just as good.Looking forward to book 2,can't wait to see how the story develops.
Fantastic world building,original ideas,fun and funny urban fantasy with a great intriguing cast of characters and an appealing heroine who after suddenly finding herself dead but still walking has to deal with a lot of strange creatures and situations.Reminiscent of the books of Helen Harper this is just as good.Looking forward to book 2,can't wait to see how the story develops.
February 21, 2023
An immersive story
I love fantasy; discworld and rivers of London. I liked the story very much but the author didn't really develop the mystery of the dastardly plot. Nothing really seemed to be going on until the end and I'm left a bit flummoxed by the bad character's motives. I am fascinated by the world the author has created and would read more but the characters are not quite believable. Not a patch on Neverwhere.
I love fantasy; discworld and rivers of London. I liked the story very much but the author didn't really develop the mystery of the dastardly plot. Nothing really seemed to be going on until the end and I'm left a bit flummoxed by the bad character's motives. I am fascinated by the world the author has created and would read more but the characters are not quite believable. Not a patch on Neverwhere.
November 6, 2023
Very nice read.
I have to admit that, as I've aged, stories about young girls finding themselves and true love have become a bit tedious. When I started this book I thought that's what it was and I almost stopped reading it. I'm very glad I didn't. It was different and fun and exciting. It had depth. I enjoyed it thoroughly and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I have to admit that, as I've aged, stories about young girls finding themselves and true love have become a bit tedious. When I started this book I thought that's what it was and I almost stopped reading it. I'm very glad I didn't. It was different and fun and exciting. It had depth. I enjoyed it thoroughly and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
June 12, 2024
Found this series by accident
It’s a fascinating take on the supernatural and urban fantasy set in the UK is always a breath of fresh air.
In a rather mundane setting the heroine Lily (Lilith) is running her own cafe and gets attacked in her own home, in a strange turn of events she wakes up dead. That’s just the beginning of all the weird that Lily has to cope with. Well worth reading.
It’s a fascinating take on the supernatural and urban fantasy set in the UK is always a breath of fresh air.
In a rather mundane setting the heroine Lily (Lilith) is running her own cafe and gets attacked in her own home, in a strange turn of events she wakes up dead. That’s just the beginning of all the weird that Lily has to cope with. Well worth reading.
June 16, 2024
Too repetitive to enjoy, i didnt need a reminder of the lead characters condition every chapter.
And what happened to proof-reading?? This seems to be an ongoing, and increasingly common problem with E-Books nowadays. Way too many spelling and grammar errors, I kind of understand that in self published straight to kindle titles, but recently I have found this with Harper Collins and Simon & Schuster titles.
Maybe they have hired an ex Sunday Times copy editor???
And what happened to proof-reading?? This seems to be an ongoing, and increasingly common problem with E-Books nowadays. Way too many spelling and grammar errors, I kind of understand that in self published straight to kindle titles, but recently I have found this with Harper Collins and Simon & Schuster titles.
Maybe they have hired an ex Sunday Times copy editor???
September 20, 2024
A wonderfully refreshing and exciting delve into Liverpool's underground weird side!
Mixing Discworld with Rivers of London, the humour, magic, mythology are bettered only by characters you can't help but love (even when they're not entirely alive).
Having read this one over a 24 hour flight home from my honeymoon, I'm excited to crack on with the 2nd book - though I did have to promise my husband not to get ahead of him haha!
Mixing Discworld with Rivers of London, the humour, magic, mythology are bettered only by characters you can't help but love (even when they're not entirely alive).
Having read this one over a 24 hour flight home from my honeymoon, I'm excited to crack on with the 2nd book - though I did have to promise my husband not to get ahead of him haha!
January 8, 2025
Red & Dead
It is not often that a book starts off with the main character dying in the first paragraph. That is what happens to Lilith O’Reilly and her undead afterlife begins. Set in and indeed under Liverpool Lilith’s not-death is only the beginning of a series of increasingly bewildering events as she meets further denizens of The Netherworld or The Netherweird as Lili calls.
Bonus points if you guess correctly Nicolaus’s former identity.
It is not often that a book starts off with the main character dying in the first paragraph. That is what happens to Lilith O’Reilly and her undead afterlife begins. Set in and indeed under Liverpool Lilith’s not-death is only the beginning of a series of increasingly bewildering events as she meets further denizens of The Netherworld or The Netherweird as Lili calls.
Bonus points if you guess correctly Nicolaus’s former identity.
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