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Kali James #4
Gathering the Dead
Coexisting with a demon is going to take more than a meditation playlist and good intentions.
These days, I’m training hard core. My only accessories are bladed weapons and bruised ribs. It’s a price I’m willing to pay if it means staying in control.
Unfortunately, Frederick Masterson has been just as busy building his hybrid army. Every day I’m here training, more shifters go missing. Worse, I find out my BFF has gone off grid. And now I’m having visions warning me about what’s coming. It’s long past time to take the fight to him.
Even with more than sewing skills in my arsenal, I’m not sure it will be enough. To stop the supernatural war that’s brewing, I’ll have to embrace my inner demon. I just hope I don’t lose my soul in the process.
Gathering the Dead is the fourth book in the complete Kali James series, featuring a reluctant necromancer who finds herself in a world of werewolves, vampires, and ghosts. If you like your urban fantasy with quirky characters, a side of supernatural mystery, and a dose of slow-burn romance, this is the book for you.
These days, I’m training hard core. My only accessories are bladed weapons and bruised ribs. It’s a price I’m willing to pay if it means staying in control.
Unfortunately, Frederick Masterson has been just as busy building his hybrid army. Every day I’m here training, more shifters go missing. Worse, I find out my BFF has gone off grid. And now I’m having visions warning me about what’s coming. It’s long past time to take the fight to him.
Even with more than sewing skills in my arsenal, I’m not sure it will be enough. To stop the supernatural war that’s brewing, I’ll have to embrace my inner demon. I just hope I don’t lose my soul in the process.
Gathering the Dead is the fourth book in the complete Kali James series, featuring a reluctant necromancer who finds herself in a world of werewolves, vampires, and ghosts. If you like your urban fantasy with quirky characters, a side of supernatural mystery, and a dose of slow-burn romance, this is the book for you.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2023
117 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 19, 2024
Shoo, talk about starting a book running! Both literally and figuratively, geez, Kali can't get a break! And this is the first of many twists... once I started reading, the book didn't let up for one minute, so what else could I do but fly through the pages? I bet my bottom dollar you'll do the same...
Who would have thought that an innocuous tatoo would bring forth a demon? A demon Kali desperately tries to control from taking her over, from causing mayhem and destruction, from using Kali for his own purpose. Although, the more I read, the more I feel a niggling at the periphery of my senses, telling me Raum isn't all THAT evil, is he? And then the weirdest thing happened, I started LIKING Raum! Yes, I know, I'm just as shocked by that revelation!
Oh Lordie did Kali make me laugh a few times! She tickles me pink with her sass! No matter where she is, no matter with whom she is, no matter how afraid she is, her snark and righteousness burst forth! How can I not adore such a wonderful strong character???
I loved seeing Aleksei at a loss for words. Suave, unflappable Aleksei and that scene with the dogs, well, my goodness, I couldn't stop my giggles! What chutzpah she has! Gone is the timid costume maker, making way for a tougher, less gullible, assertive 2.0 Kali!
As Kali prepares, or tries to, for a task even she knows she's ill equipped for, her musings on the people surrounding her, has my paranoia at full throttle, I am looking at every shadow (excuse the pun!) and distrusting them all! Of course that excludes Riley, she's the best friend a gal can have! The rest of them, hmmmm. Riley is, well, Riley! One of the most endearing characters I've come across and she's a goat shifter to boot! Everything about Riley screams awesome!
Even though I didn't get to see much of Craig in this book, what I did, just reinforced what a super cool gargoyle boyfriend he is. I Loved this book and indeed the entire series, sometimes funny, sometimes tense, always evolving and exciting. This book is everything I expected it to be but so much more! As this is the final book of this series, the only thing keeping from collapsing in a ball of despair is the promise of Riley's story, the promise that this isn't the final book in this wonderous world and one I'm eager to read.
Who would have thought that an innocuous tatoo would bring forth a demon? A demon Kali desperately tries to control from taking her over, from causing mayhem and destruction, from using Kali for his own purpose. Although, the more I read, the more I feel a niggling at the periphery of my senses, telling me Raum isn't all THAT evil, is he? And then the weirdest thing happened, I started LIKING Raum! Yes, I know, I'm just as shocked by that revelation!
Oh Lordie did Kali make me laugh a few times! She tickles me pink with her sass! No matter where she is, no matter with whom she is, no matter how afraid she is, her snark and righteousness burst forth! How can I not adore such a wonderful strong character???
I loved seeing Aleksei at a loss for words. Suave, unflappable Aleksei and that scene with the dogs, well, my goodness, I couldn't stop my giggles! What chutzpah she has! Gone is the timid costume maker, making way for a tougher, less gullible, assertive 2.0 Kali!
As Kali prepares, or tries to, for a task even she knows she's ill equipped for, her musings on the people surrounding her, has my paranoia at full throttle, I am looking at every shadow (excuse the pun!) and distrusting them all! Of course that excludes Riley, she's the best friend a gal can have! The rest of them, hmmmm. Riley is, well, Riley! One of the most endearing characters I've come across and she's a goat shifter to boot! Everything about Riley screams awesome!
Even though I didn't get to see much of Craig in this book, what I did, just reinforced what a super cool gargoyle boyfriend he is. I Loved this book and indeed the entire series, sometimes funny, sometimes tense, always evolving and exciting. This book is everything I expected it to be but so much more! As this is the final book of this series, the only thing keeping from collapsing in a ball of despair is the promise of Riley's story, the promise that this isn't the final book in this wonderous world and one I'm eager to read.
December 17, 2024
OH HELL YES! After that doozy of a cliffhanger in book 3, you can bet my heart was already beating in anticipation for the final installment of the series and to see what fate had in store for Kali. And my god what a finale. The twists and turns still kept coming, one of which completely knocked me on my butt (or would of if I'd been standing) but I LOVED every second of it, every intense action packed moment that kept me glued to my kindle until the very last word. Of course there were a few tears along the way, even the ending which was perfect made me cry as I know there are no more books to Kali's story. However, it has been pointed out to me Riley has her own series, so maybe I'll get to see Kali again there. (I sure do hope so 😁).
Co-existing with a demon wasn't something that Kali ever expected to have happen to her, but she is trying to make the best of the hand she's been dealt. With intense training filling her days, it's a price she's willing to pay to stay in control. Learning that Fredrick Masterson has been busy building his hybrid army seeking to destroy her, it's now time for Kali to embrace her inner demon and take the fight to him.....
Watching Kali grow throughout this series has been amazing, from the unassuming costume designer who had no idea about the supernatural world to a powerful necromancer with a demon in a tattoo, I've loved Kali at every juncture of her journey. No matter what odds she faces she has kept that feisty spark all the way through, even with her inner monologue banter with Raum she doesn't back down making her one of my favourite female characters to date. I'm damn well gonna miss this girl..
Next to Kali, Riley has to be my second favourite character in this series. She's the BFF that I didn't know I needed but absolutely want to get into trouble with, laugh and have by my side through thick and thin. Yes this pink haired menace
is a pleasure to read, and the fact that she gets under Max's skin is a bonus. I'm totally looking forward to reading her series to find out what trouble she can get into next.
Although I didn't get nearly enough Craig in this book, he still has my heart when he's around, making me smile with his protectiveness and love for Kali.
And the fact that the man who is stoic in his emotions stress bakes, who can not love a man like that..❤️
And a special mention has to be said for Riley's witchy friends, Bea, Alyce, Helen and Janis these old girls are hell on wheels, with all the control of hyped up toddlers. But do you know what, there's no-one else I'd like to go into battle with as they can kick ass with the best of them.
This was an fabulous conclusion to Kali's story and I enjoyed this series immensely
it's definitely a big 10/10 from me. I'm looking forward to reading more in this world with Riley's tale and I just know that the author won't disappoint. I highly recommend this series go read today 😁
Co-existing with a demon wasn't something that Kali ever expected to have happen to her, but she is trying to make the best of the hand she's been dealt. With intense training filling her days, it's a price she's willing to pay to stay in control. Learning that Fredrick Masterson has been busy building his hybrid army seeking to destroy her, it's now time for Kali to embrace her inner demon and take the fight to him.....
Watching Kali grow throughout this series has been amazing, from the unassuming costume designer who had no idea about the supernatural world to a powerful necromancer with a demon in a tattoo, I've loved Kali at every juncture of her journey. No matter what odds she faces she has kept that feisty spark all the way through, even with her inner monologue banter with Raum she doesn't back down making her one of my favourite female characters to date. I'm damn well gonna miss this girl..
Next to Kali, Riley has to be my second favourite character in this series. She's the BFF that I didn't know I needed but absolutely want to get into trouble with, laugh and have by my side through thick and thin. Yes this pink haired menace
is a pleasure to read, and the fact that she gets under Max's skin is a bonus. I'm totally looking forward to reading her series to find out what trouble she can get into next.
Although I didn't get nearly enough Craig in this book, he still has my heart when he's around, making me smile with his protectiveness and love for Kali.
And the fact that the man who is stoic in his emotions stress bakes, who can not love a man like that..❤️
And a special mention has to be said for Riley's witchy friends, Bea, Alyce, Helen and Janis these old girls are hell on wheels, with all the control of hyped up toddlers. But do you know what, there's no-one else I'd like to go into battle with as they can kick ass with the best of them.
This was an fabulous conclusion to Kali's story and I enjoyed this series immensely
it's definitely a big 10/10 from me. I'm looking forward to reading more in this world with Riley's tale and I just know that the author won't disappoint. I highly recommend this series go read today 😁
December 18, 2024
Kali is learning to live with her demon and training at Aleksei’s compound to make sure that she can control the demon.
But Frederick Masterson and his demon are busy building an army. He can only be stopped by some demon relics. Kali has to rely on her demon to locate the relics and try to get them first.
She’s also worried about Riley who has disappeared and missing Craig as she cannot contact anyone.
Aleksei is a very interesting character that I would love to see more of – he’s a hard assed shifter but seems to have a bit of a marshmallow core – he gets mad and frustrated with Kali and although she is wary of him, she has no problem pushing his buttons.
This book has a lot of action, humour (the Chihuahua is a good example), surprises, suspense, not a lot of romance but some, and some very interesting characters.
This was a quick, easy (at times), fun read.
This was a great finale to a great series but I’m disappointed that there’s no more books – I definitely love this world.
So far both this series and the Riley Cruz series are ones that I will be rereading more than once.
I highly recommend them.
But Frederick Masterson and his demon are busy building an army. He can only be stopped by some demon relics. Kali has to rely on her demon to locate the relics and try to get them first.
She’s also worried about Riley who has disappeared and missing Craig as she cannot contact anyone.
Aleksei is a very interesting character that I would love to see more of – he’s a hard assed shifter but seems to have a bit of a marshmallow core – he gets mad and frustrated with Kali and although she is wary of him, she has no problem pushing his buttons.
This book has a lot of action, humour (the Chihuahua is a good example), surprises, suspense, not a lot of romance but some, and some very interesting characters.
This was a quick, easy (at times), fun read.
This was a great finale to a great series but I’m disappointed that there’s no more books – I definitely love this world.
So far both this series and the Riley Cruz series are ones that I will be rereading more than once.
I highly recommend them.
January 15, 2025
Finishing a good series is a lot like saying goodbye to a friend. You know you can see them again, but it leaves a little hole behind that you feel obligated to fill with something.
McBride's books left me feeling this way. I'm going to miss hanging out with these amazing characters and seeing what trouble they dig up, but I'm glad to have shared their adventures.
The good news is that another book comes out in Riley's series next month. I can't wait!
McBride's books left me feeling this way. I'm going to miss hanging out with these amazing characters and seeing what trouble they dig up, but I'm glad to have shared their adventures.
The good news is that another book comes out in Riley's series next month. I can't wait!
March 31, 2023
A fitting end to a wonderful series.
L.A. McBride has taken a nice premise of a girl who can speak with the dead and morphed it into a more powerful and electrifying series where nothing less than the fate of the world is at stake. Kali’s training is going well but the threat keeps getting bigger and bigger. From Romania to KC to Chicago to the Baltic Sea island of the leaders of all supernaturals the goal is to help Kali in her quest to stop Masterson and his Demon. What a great ending (sadly it seems to be) of a series I really enjoyed.
L.A. McBride has taken a nice premise of a girl who can speak with the dead and morphed it into a more powerful and electrifying series where nothing less than the fate of the world is at stake. Kali’s training is going well but the threat keeps getting bigger and bigger. From Romania to KC to Chicago to the Baltic Sea island of the leaders of all supernaturals the goal is to help Kali in her quest to stop Masterson and his Demon. What a great ending (sadly it seems to be) of a series I really enjoyed.
April 14, 2023
Unputdownable. Sorry I needed a made up word to describe this book.
What can I say? Non stop action, surprises galore,all action and romance in the mix. The story still has heart and all the feels. I just read all 4 books in this series. I was never disappointed. Wow!!!
What can I say? Non stop action, surprises galore,all action and romance in the mix. The story still has heart and all the feels. I just read all 4 books in this series. I was never disappointed. Wow!!!
August 29, 2024
Final book!
Overall it is a great light read.
Kali James needs training, stat! She gets the training she needs but it’s brutal. Now it’s a race against the clock to find the artefacts that Beleth (Freddie Masterson) needs to wage his war. For Kali this is a very personal battle.
There’s also a lead in to the spinoff series about Riley the goat shifter with pink hair. It was actually an advert for that series that drew me in to read this series first. So Riley’s series is nearing the top of my TBR pile.
**BELOW…..Potential Spoilers aka some grumbles about plot holes**
There were a few ‘revelations’ throughout the book that were presumably intended to be surprises but were actually very obvious. Additionally there were plot holes that were missed, including one about DNA (common sense failure), another concerning who was the original Shadow that was had oversight on Kali when she first arrived in town. It was something she mused over throughout the book but wasn’t wrapped up in the loose ends bit of the story, even though all the details pointed to one person. Add on that nobody even the mentioned etymology her forename several parts just seemed rushed.
I didn’t get around to reviewing book 3 because I didn’t want to bring up spoilers but here I am at the end of the series. A bizarre supernatural law makes it illegal to summon a demon, it carries a death sentence but because of the creation of vampires it’s not illegal to be ( a host) controlled by a demon?? With the only safety measure that applies to everyone being if you go nutso then it’s either immediate death or supe prison.
My grumbling aside it’s decent urban fantasy with a slow burn romance. A nice bit of escapism.
Overall it is a great light read.
Kali James needs training, stat! She gets the training she needs but it’s brutal. Now it’s a race against the clock to find the artefacts that Beleth (Freddie Masterson) needs to wage his war. For Kali this is a very personal battle.
There’s also a lead in to the spinoff series about Riley the goat shifter with pink hair. It was actually an advert for that series that drew me in to read this series first. So Riley’s series is nearing the top of my TBR pile.
**BELOW…..Potential Spoilers aka some grumbles about plot holes**
There were a few ‘revelations’ throughout the book that were presumably intended to be surprises but were actually very obvious. Additionally there were plot holes that were missed, including one about DNA (common sense failure), another concerning who was the original Shadow that was had oversight on Kali when she first arrived in town. It was something she mused over throughout the book but wasn’t wrapped up in the loose ends bit of the story, even though all the details pointed to one person. Add on that nobody even the mentioned etymology her forename several parts just seemed rushed.
I didn’t get around to reviewing book 3 because I didn’t want to bring up spoilers but here I am at the end of the series. A bizarre supernatural law makes it illegal to summon a demon, it carries a death sentence but because of the creation of vampires it’s not illegal to be ( a host) controlled by a demon?? With the only safety measure that applies to everyone being if you go nutso then it’s either immediate death or supe prison.
My grumbling aside it’s decent urban fantasy with a slow burn romance. A nice bit of escapism.
March 27, 2023
This is the last book of the series and an awesome conclusion, tying it all up so nicely! I'm a little sad to not see much more of Kali, though maybe we'll see her in Riley's books, which would be fun. Kali has really come into her own through this series and I've really enjoyed seeing her gain in strength, confidence and power. She's a badass with class and that's so much fun because most urban fantasy chicks are much more rough around the edges (which I love, but Kali does her things so well). All the questions have been answered, some quite surprisingly, leaving me twisting and turning as we love to do. And that ending! Twas a nice, shiny bow, with sparkle! Great series definitely recommended!
March 29, 2023
Kali is being put through her paces, they feel she needs to train hard, and prove that she is the one in control. Kali is missing those she love though, and she misses the joy of making her costumes. Will she get her life back? Can she beat her enermy? I loved this fantastic conclusion to Kali's tale, the humour (like some of the things Raum says), the challenges/angst of Kali's journey and Kali's relationships with her friends and her boyfriend. I am so looking forward to her (goat shifter) friend Riley's adventures, bring it on.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received, and giving my thoughts and opinions on it.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received, and giving my thoughts and opinions on it.
August 24, 2023
This book drops you into a part where you don’t know what is going on, but you quickly catch up. It’s a pretty direct follow-up to the cliff-hanger-ish ending of the last book. Part of this book took place in another location without the usual supporting characters which made it feel odd, but it still made sense for the story. The characters are so fun and I was cackling out loud at some of the scenes with our favorite elderly quilting witches. I’m sad the series is over- I feel like with a bit of adjusting the series could have continued. I guess I wanted more romance, although the author doesn’t leave anything up in the air. I love Kali and Craig together.
July 14, 2023
This urban fantasy book is chock-full of surprises...even downright shocks. No spoilers, but I think I now have an internal form of whiplash, but what a fantastic way to develop it! Kali and the secondary characters (RILEY❤️) continue to grow and reveal their secrets throughout the book, the plot is solid and unpredictable, the humor marvelous, the sorrow real. Another book that beautifully satisfies its plot but offers enough promises for the next book to make me eager for it!! I listened to the audiobook and the narration is perfect!
July 27, 2023
This is the final book in the Kali James series. It starts off with Kali training at the compound and trying to control her demon. Once she is back home, she gets quite the shock with a betrayal! And it’s time for the final showdown with the demon she’s been hunting. She of course gets help from all her friends and of course the older witches do not disappoint in making me laugh in my car while listening. Thank goodness my kids weren’t in the car. (Seriously I could read another series about those ladies!) I loved all these books and highly recommend them!
April 2, 2023
The only reason I don't give this book a 5 star is because it felt unfinished. I really expected at least one more book to tie up the loose ends: Where's the Destroyer part? What about the shield? Maybe this will be answered in the spin-off series featuring Riley? I do plan to pick that up when it releases, but I am going to miss Kali as I really like her character. Overall, I highly recommend this series!
July 27, 2023
An exciting conclusion to Kali's story and I am so glad that this world will continue with Riley. Kali's powers never got over the top and she depended very heavily on her friends to defeat the bad guys, something which I love in urban fantasy, a good team effort. The world has stayed fresh and interesting and I was kept reading up late till I had finished. Really looking forward to more and definitely an author to watch.
January 4, 2026
3.5 star
As the final book in the series, Gathering the Dead is a satisfying conclusion to Kali's story and delivers pretty much what I expected. This is not a bad thing as I enjoyed the story and the characters and it was worth reading. My main issue I think is that I happened to read the first 3 books in the Riley Cruz spin-off first and I adore Riley & her story so much that I just wanted to finish Kali's so I could go back to reading about Riley.
As the final book in the series, Gathering the Dead is a satisfying conclusion to Kali's story and delivers pretty much what I expected. This is not a bad thing as I enjoyed the story and the characters and it was worth reading. My main issue I think is that I happened to read the first 3 books in the Riley Cruz spin-off first and I adore Riley & her story so much that I just wanted to finish Kali's so I could go back to reading about Riley.
March 26, 2023
This book concludes Kali's series and boy it does not disappoint! Action packed and full of suspense, this book is addictive!
I cannot wait for Riley's adventures collecting the rest of the demon relics!
I cannot wait for Riley's adventures collecting the rest of the demon relics!
March 28, 2023
Wow, what an amazing finish to Kali's series! I actually got lost in this non stop action story. It has a good conclusion, while setting us up for more of this world. Looking forward to what comes next! i Loved It!!! No Spoilers!
April 1, 2023
solid
This wraps up the demon plot reasonably well. It just didn’t have the key element for me, romance. The mate bond saves Kali but it didn’t feel like there was chemistry this book.
This wraps up the demon plot reasonably well. It just didn’t have the key element for me, romance. The mate bond saves Kali but it didn’t feel like there was chemistry this book.
April 2, 2023
All the world's a stage...
...And needs a costumer to keep it from falling apart. Apparently the same logic is applied to world ending demons too.
Starting with the enclave, kali receives training in order to kill Belath but can they teach her in time to save those she loves
...And needs a costumer to keep it from falling apart. Apparently the same logic is applied to world ending demons too.
Starting with the enclave, kali receives training in order to kill Belath but can they teach her in time to save those she loves
July 18, 2023
Excellent series
I thoroughly loved this 4 book series about Kali James, costume designer and reluctant necromancer in Kansas City. Great character development and exciting adventures kept me coming back for more. I’m looking forward to seeing more from this author!
I thoroughly loved this 4 book series about Kali James, costume designer and reluctant necromancer in Kansas City. Great character development and exciting adventures kept me coming back for more. I’m looking forward to seeing more from this author!
December 15, 2023
Cute dramatic and funny
Riley and Volkov are my current favorite side characters. I really enjoy this series with the relationships and friend ships that are forming. Demons, Wolves and more..
Riley and Volkov are my current favorite side characters. I really enjoy this series with the relationships and friend ships that are forming. Demons, Wolves and more..
March 22, 2023
What a great story, all of my favorite characters, fast-paced, action and laugh out loud scenes!
March 29, 2023
Fitting but a trope ending to the story of one of fantasy's most unique characters. All 4 volumes were an enjoyable read.
April 4, 2023
fast-moving and fun!
Big changes for Kali as she trains to save the world . . . and gets a chihuahua! Loved the twists and turns and crazy battle plans at the end.
Big changes for Kali as she trains to save the world . . . and gets a chihuahua! Loved the twists and turns and crazy battle plans at the end.
May 2, 2023
Nicely done
Well-written and great characters I really liked how this ended. Great fight a well-written. I look forward to the next book
Well-written and great characters I really liked how this ended. Great fight a well-written. I look forward to the next book
May 10, 2023
Big surprises
There were definitely some things in this book which were completely unexpected. I’m hoping there will be more books in this series. Fun read
There were definitely some things in this book which were completely unexpected. I’m hoping there will be more books in this series. Fun read
September 17, 2023
I loved this series! Why is it over?!
November 2, 2023
3.5 stars
February 13, 2024
A good series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews