What do you think?
Rate this book
Blackwing #1
To Kill a Necromancer
In a world of greed, gods, and monsters, paladins are chosen to do what no mortal human can. Granted divine attributes of their chosen deity, they protect the broken fragments of human civilization from any and all threats. Often from necromancers, those born with the ability to speak with and raise the dead. Such a power inevitably corrupts and turns each and every necromancer evil.
Right?
Jinua has just received her first assignment as paladin: to execute a necromancer terrorizing a small town with an undead army. But what should be a straight-forward mission turns complicated when another necromancer reveals himself as an ally, flying in the face of everything Jinua's ever heard about his kind. Can she trust him to help her on her quest, or is he an even greater threat?
Right?
Jinua has just received her first assignment as paladin: to execute a necromancer terrorizing a small town with an undead army. But what should be a straight-forward mission turns complicated when another necromancer reveals himself as an ally, flying in the face of everything Jinua's ever heard about his kind. Can she trust him to help her on her quest, or is he an even greater threat?
88 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 24, 2023
83 people are currently reading
647 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
January 30, 2023
I was given an ARC of this in return for an honest review.
This was a really nice surprise! Not in the „I expected this to be bad“ kind of way. I usually am not the biggest fan of novellas bc what I enjoy about fantasy is often the complex stories and extensive worldbuilding, for which novellas just don’t have the space, which is why a lot end up falling flat for me.
This one however not at all. I loved the characters and was surprised how even just within a hundred-ish pages we already got a really well set up main character with hints to the development she will go through in future installments.
I also really loved our main secondary character but tbh he also falls into a trope I really like (Altho I’m not sure what to call it bc really it’s an amalgamation of multiple)
The worldbuilding as well, while of course not as extensive as in a full-length novel gave me a really solid image of a world that I’d love to explore more.
Overall: I just really enjoyed this!!
This was a really nice surprise! Not in the „I expected this to be bad“ kind of way. I usually am not the biggest fan of novellas bc what I enjoy about fantasy is often the complex stories and extensive worldbuilding, for which novellas just don’t have the space, which is why a lot end up falling flat for me.
This one however not at all. I loved the characters and was surprised how even just within a hundred-ish pages we already got a really well set up main character with hints to the development she will go through in future installments.
I also really loved our main secondary character but tbh he also falls into a trope I really like (Altho I’m not sure what to call it bc really it’s an amalgamation of multiple)
The worldbuilding as well, while of course not as extensive as in a full-length novel gave me a really solid image of a world that I’d love to explore more.
Overall: I just really enjoyed this!!
February 26, 2023
This was an entertaining story that was perfectly plotted as a novella. The story is tight and everything moves along at a good pace, and I loved the worldbuilding and the characterization between the main character and the other important person she meets along her journey. The action dragged a pinch in the third act, but I’m definitely going to pick up the sequel!
May 19, 2025
It's a novel, so the story is not very elobarte. Nevertheless it was very good! I love a story with complex characters and the questioning of beliefs. I LOVED Ontiku as a character. He was intrresting, funny and complex. Very exited to see how Jinua's and Ontiku's alliance will develop.
February 22, 2023
To Kill a Necromancer is the first novella in a series of novellas set in an epic fantasy world loosely inspired by Ancient Greece and Rome. It follows Paladin Jinua on her first mission: 'To kill a Necromancer'. This story has really strong world-building and inspires a great sense of immersion from the get-go. The locations that the characters inhabit and visit all felt very fleshed out and authentic. Additionally, there was a great range of fantasy elements to get your teeth into with this story. From the Paladins, magic and Necromancy to undead warriors trying to devour people, there's something here for any fantasy lover.
My only small gripe with this story is the use of underlining. This may just be a thing in the ARC copy I received but underlining was used in the place of italics and far more frequently which could be distracting at times.
I'd highly recommend this if you're looking for a quick but well-populated fantasy story and a great new world to inhabit!
My only small gripe with this story is the use of underlining. This may just be a thing in the ARC copy I received but underlining was used in the place of italics and far more frequently which could be distracting at times.
I'd highly recommend this if you're looking for a quick but well-populated fantasy story and a great new world to inhabit!
not-finished
April 20, 2024DNF
Can't remember why I stopped reading this, so it was probably prose
Can't remember why I stopped reading this, so it was probably prose
January 10, 2026
Fantastic.
A great high fantasy romp, and an enjoyable read.
This is more a review for the whole Blackwing series so far (up to book 5 at this point, I think)
The progression is sensible and each novella builds on the last really well, giving enough story to be satisfying while retaining a separate book feel. The pacing is great, characters are fun and endearing, the plot is engaging, the world is sensible without glaring holes.
The level of concision is very good too, and honestly I think more authors should learn this skill, including in full-length novels. The descriptions give you everything you need for feel, plot, and imagery efficiently, and then gets on with the story. This is essential in a novella, but should be practiced in anything, in my opinion.
The feel is upbeat, which is a welcome break from the inundation of gratuitously depressing and grim fiction we see so much of now, as if writers have forgotten what depth actually is and have mistaken suffering for it. These novellas are not pointlessly grim. The hero is a hero, and is allowed to smile, and to show that life isn't all poop-cake and mud, as fantasy heroes should.
It's also queer-filled, which if you think it's a negative... Well you're wrong, and maybe you should read this to help you realize why and get better. But hate-cultists that don't want to fix it may as well not bother.
The only real negative is quite a lot of proof-reading errors. They didn't spoil it, but it feels less polished than it might have.
But that's forgivable for a new author jumping into Indy publishing, and certainly doesn't ruin the fun. But if it's a particular bugbear for you, just brace yourself and read it anyway!
Because if you don't read it, you're missing out on a very enjoyable experience.
8.5/10
A great high fantasy romp, and an enjoyable read.
This is more a review for the whole Blackwing series so far (up to book 5 at this point, I think)
The progression is sensible and each novella builds on the last really well, giving enough story to be satisfying while retaining a separate book feel. The pacing is great, characters are fun and endearing, the plot is engaging, the world is sensible without glaring holes.
The level of concision is very good too, and honestly I think more authors should learn this skill, including in full-length novels. The descriptions give you everything you need for feel, plot, and imagery efficiently, and then gets on with the story. This is essential in a novella, but should be practiced in anything, in my opinion.
The feel is upbeat, which is a welcome break from the inundation of gratuitously depressing and grim fiction we see so much of now, as if writers have forgotten what depth actually is and have mistaken suffering for it. These novellas are not pointlessly grim. The hero is a hero, and is allowed to smile, and to show that life isn't all poop-cake and mud, as fantasy heroes should.
It's also queer-filled, which if you think it's a negative... Well you're wrong, and maybe you should read this to help you realize why and get better. But hate-cultists that don't want to fix it may as well not bother.
The only real negative is quite a lot of proof-reading errors. They didn't spoil it, but it feels less polished than it might have.
But that's forgivable for a new author jumping into Indy publishing, and certainly doesn't ruin the fun. But if it's a particular bugbear for you, just brace yourself and read it anyway!
Because if you don't read it, you're missing out on a very enjoyable experience.
8.5/10
July 2, 2023
A good first publication for C.M. Alongi - I love the mix of paladin and necromancer working together and I think the combination will amuse many others of the D&D-FantasyRolePlaying community. Good pacing and lots of action, plus the short format, keep the book moving. An excellent story for fantasy readers who want a shorter story.
As an editor, I did notice several common first publication issues. These are just editing comments and may negatively impact other people's enjoyment so I am making them spoilers.
As an editor, I did notice several common first publication issues. These are just editing comments and may negatively impact other people's enjoyment so I am making them spoilers.
March 22, 2025
I listened to a couple of great writing craft videos from this author so naturally I wanted to see their craft directly. Unfortunately this book, while technically having everything a book needs to have, lacks pretty much all the things that create actual interest in reading it. The plot feels like a Diablo session where you're not playing, but where you're sure you saw that exact map before. The conflict can happen in any world, the creatures and gods feel just like humans in personality, attitudes, and actions, and generally there doesn't seem to be absolutely anything innovative or interesting happening. The opening has no hooks, presents a trite conflict, and the prose is clunky (the prose soon gets better and stays that way, but I don't understand why it was left to be so awkward on the very first pages, which are frequently used by readers to judge books). It was especially jarring after reading the blurb, which felt focused and interesting (not that perfect prose would've addressed the big issues). This novel feels like the first exercises of a immature author who hasn't yet got anything new to say in the genre. By contrast, great fantasy has every paragraph infused with otherworldliness in conflict, POV, and world.
August 9, 2023
"lu's eyes burned. 'I want that necrotic bitch dead,' she growled. 'Her and everyone who put on her red cloaks.'"
This novella is the first in Alongi's Blackwing series, and it solidly introduces the world of Necromancers and Paladins with excellent storytelling. It also proves that fantasy tales don't have to be 500 pages long to introduce and familiarize oneself with well-rounded characters, to establish the primary conflict with a skirmish, and to end with me immediately opening book 2.
Jinua is a newly-appointed paladin sent on her first solo mission to eliminate a necromancer using an undead army to terrify and terrorize a village. In the efforts to first nullify the army and then execute its self-named "Queen," Jinua finds a trustworthy partner of the most surprising ilk.
I'm pretty sure everything Alongi writes is magic itself, from her Cafae Latte skits on Tiktok to her recent full-length novel, CITADEL. She is quickly rising to the top of my "read everything they wrote with no questions asked" list, and I'm thrilled about it!
This novella is the first in Alongi's Blackwing series, and it solidly introduces the world of Necromancers and Paladins with excellent storytelling. It also proves that fantasy tales don't have to be 500 pages long to introduce and familiarize oneself with well-rounded characters, to establish the primary conflict with a skirmish, and to end with me immediately opening book 2.
Jinua is a newly-appointed paladin sent on her first solo mission to eliminate a necromancer using an undead army to terrify and terrorize a village. In the efforts to first nullify the army and then execute its self-named "Queen," Jinua finds a trustworthy partner of the most surprising ilk.
I'm pretty sure everything Alongi writes is magic itself, from her Cafae Latte skits on Tiktok to her recent full-length novel, CITADEL. She is quickly rising to the top of my "read everything they wrote with no questions asked" list, and I'm thrilled about it!
February 24, 2023
To Kill A Necromancer
Christina Alongi
Rating:☆☆☆☆
I really enjoyed this epic fantasy novella. The world building though not as extensive as a full length novel was still written well and didn't feel less thorough. I also enjoyed the the characters and how easily likeable they are. They make quite the a fascinating pair and I definitely hope to see more of their story as well as development in the future novellas.
I don't read as many novellas as I do novels but I really enjoyed the story C.M. Alongi told. I definitely think she is a talented writer. I can't wait to read the rest of this series. I definitely can appreciate that this author made the novella work even with it being shorter; it didn't take away from the story nor the characters. I definitely recommend this novella to all my fantasy lovers.
Christina Alongi
Rating:☆☆☆☆
I really enjoyed this epic fantasy novella. The world building though not as extensive as a full length novel was still written well and didn't feel less thorough. I also enjoyed the the characters and how easily likeable they are. They make quite the a fascinating pair and I definitely hope to see more of their story as well as development in the future novellas.
I don't read as many novellas as I do novels but I really enjoyed the story C.M. Alongi told. I definitely think she is a talented writer. I can't wait to read the rest of this series. I definitely can appreciate that this author made the novella work even with it being shorter; it didn't take away from the story nor the characters. I definitely recommend this novella to all my fantasy lovers.
September 3, 2023
I found the author on TikTok and very quickly fell in love with her CaFae Latte series (which is also being turned into a novel series), then found out about her written work. When this was on sale I snapped it up, and I'm so glad I did. This is GREAT! Jinua is such a good person, a great fighter, and is on her first assignment, but the world isn't black and white like the stories she's been told before, and maybe something big is brewing, so she'll need all her strength, potions, and allies she can make.
I can't want until I have enough funds to buy the rest of this series, because I know it's going to be fucking amazing, just like this one! And I can't want to add the physical bind-up edition to my shelves, which Alongi showed on her TikTok in the past few days!
I can't want until I have enough funds to buy the rest of this series, because I know it's going to be fucking amazing, just like this one! And I can't want to add the physical bind-up edition to my shelves, which Alongi showed on her TikTok in the past few days!
May 13, 2023
This was very action-forward, and fast-paced. The main character's initial hubris turned slight insecurity made sense for a first assignment, but was a bit confusing given that she had a lifetime of training from one of her mom's even before going to the training program. Also, how do these students not have practical training where they would have a safer environment but that did expose them to real battles? Regardless, I liked the introduction of the MMC. I will definitely read on in this series eventually, but since only the first book is on KU, it's unlikely to be soon unless there's a sale.
April 18, 2023
I want to state first off that I discovered this author due to booktok, and her CaFae Latte series.
This is an interesting take on an inclusive fantasy realm. Feels a bit Dungeons and Dragons in a good way. Plot line is clear and strong, characters are interesting and have full personality packed into this short novella. I like the main character's drive, and the peek we got into how her childhood must have been. I really like Ontiku, but that's all I am saying due to spoilers. It's a quick, great read, and I highly recommend it.
This is an interesting take on an inclusive fantasy realm. Feels a bit Dungeons and Dragons in a good way. Plot line is clear and strong, characters are interesting and have full personality packed into this short novella. I like the main character's drive, and the peek we got into how her childhood must have been. I really like Ontiku, but that's all I am saying due to spoilers. It's a quick, great read, and I highly recommend it.
February 25, 2023
Excellent writing & characters
Novellas are so too short! My cry when I am captivated by new characters and situations I want more of. I like the newly minted Paladin, leaving for her first mission as we meet her; I like the mysterious colleague she finds along the way, and the clean, direct plotline leaves us with curiosity as to what comes next. Happily, we are promised more, soon.
Novellas are so too short! My cry when I am captivated by new characters and situations I want more of. I like the newly minted Paladin, leaving for her first mission as we meet her; I like the mysterious colleague she finds along the way, and the clean, direct plotline leaves us with curiosity as to what comes next. Happily, we are promised more, soon.
March 23, 2023
I found out about this novella series because I follow the writer on TikTok. I decided to take a chance and was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this story. It is a lite fantasy adventure following a newly minted paladin, who was sent to kill a necromancer. At first I felt that the allusion to Harper Lee's classic novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" was an odd choice, but this story deals with themes of youth, innocence, naivete, and prejudice so I think, after having read the story, it works. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
Read
May 20, 2023Hooked me
The characters are fun. The world is well built. Queer representation (organically written not forced). I have been struggling with a reading block - everything seemed like it was just not as good as I wanted it to be. This broke it. It caught my attention and I was able to just enjoy it, instead of trying to figure out if it could be better or not. I am so looking forward to reading the next one.
The characters are fun. The world is well built. Queer representation (organically written not forced). I have been struggling with a reading block - everything seemed like it was just not as good as I wanted it to be. This broke it. It caught my attention and I was able to just enjoy it, instead of trying to figure out if it could be better or not. I am so looking forward to reading the next one.
June 11, 2023
Good
This was a good, fast paced novella that follows a paladin who is sent out to kill a necromancer claiming to be a queen. Our paladin receives help from an unlikely source that will set the ball rolling in many fronts.
I enjoyed the story, though I will admit some of the names and places went over my head. There are also a lot of religious parts in play that could get confusing but I do think the plot was good and engaging.
This was a good, fast paced novella that follows a paladin who is sent out to kill a necromancer claiming to be a queen. Our paladin receives help from an unlikely source that will set the ball rolling in many fronts.
I enjoyed the story, though I will admit some of the names and places went over my head. There are also a lot of religious parts in play that could get confusing but I do think the plot was good and engaging.
July 11, 2023
Unique take on a classic premise
Unfortunately, most of what we say may be spoilers. So, rather than focusing on the world building, characters, and plot, (excellently crafted, btw,) let me describe the author's voice. New information is almost always followed up by a description so the reader doesn't feel lost, (like Terry Prachett or Neil Gaiman's work.) The author is sincere and believes in her characters to weave the story.
Unfortunately, most of what we say may be spoilers. So, rather than focusing on the world building, characters, and plot, (excellently crafted, btw,) let me describe the author's voice. New information is almost always followed up by a description so the reader doesn't feel lost, (like Terry Prachett or Neil Gaiman's work.) The author is sincere and believes in her characters to weave the story.
September 23, 2023
This is a wonderful little prequel into what I hope continues to be a delightful world. I didn’t think such a developed world could be created in such a short book. It hints at a mythos that I’m excited to see developed further with a the subtle hints to the depths contained within the glimpses here. History is written by the winners and I’m intrigued to learn with Jinua what the truth behind her faith and training actually contains and see how she grows.
February 28, 2023
Easy, fast paced and still good
Of course I'm familiar with CM through their tiktoks. So of course I already had high hopes. Alongi did not let me down. For the size of the book the characters are fleshed out so well and hints to the future of Jinua and Ontiku make me so excited for what's to come!
I cannot wait for book 2!
Of course I'm familiar with CM through their tiktoks. So of course I already had high hopes. Alongi did not let me down. For the size of the book the characters are fleshed out so well and hints to the future of Jinua and Ontiku make me so excited for what's to come!
I cannot wait for book 2!
June 5, 2023
Wow! I wasn’t expecting that!
This story was quite entertaining, and kept my interest for the whole story. In fact, it made me want to read the next book. I need to know what’s going to happen. Will the Paladin and the necromancer ever come to trust each other? Or will one betray the other? Are necromancers as bad as the paladin thinks they are? I also enjoyed the writing of this novella. Miss Alongi was descriptive enough to paint me a picture of this world, and I want to see more.
This story was quite entertaining, and kept my interest for the whole story. In fact, it made me want to read the next book. I need to know what’s going to happen. Will the Paladin and the necromancer ever come to trust each other? Or will one betray the other? Are necromancers as bad as the paladin thinks they are? I also enjoyed the writing of this novella. Miss Alongi was descriptive enough to paint me a picture of this world, and I want to see more.
March 9, 2024
A New World to Explore
I you like D and D like worlds and have wanted to see the setting from a different view than normal. This book is for you.
This was a shirt novel. It is bundled in paperback with 2-3 other stories. In E-book form, a shorter read, but to me, a good stand alone. I highly recommend this Author.
I you like D and D like worlds and have wanted to see the setting from a different view than normal. This book is for you.
This was a shirt novel. It is bundled in paperback with 2-3 other stories. In E-book form, a shorter read, but to me, a good stand alone. I highly recommend this Author.
January 17, 2023
Quick, great story, action-packed, excellent worldbuilding, and a fantastic set-up for more adventures. Jihua and Ontiku make a very interesting pair and I can't wait to see more of them and how their partnership develops.
February 27, 2023
Amazing Novella
Holy cow this was good! I need the next one so I can know what sort of big plan is going on! I really like the characters and this is a great set up for some good character growth.
Holy cow this was good! I need the next one so I can know what sort of big plan is going on! I really like the characters and this is a great set up for some good character growth.
March 2, 2023
Compelling
Too short by half, but only because I can't wait to find out more about the characters and the world. If the next story is half as compelling C. M. Alongi will become one of my must-buy authors.
Too short by half, but only because I can't wait to find out more about the characters and the world. If the next story is half as compelling C. M. Alongi will become one of my must-buy authors.
March 11, 2023
A satisfying start to a high fantasy quest
Swords, miracles, and magic mix with the daily lives of common people who must witness a good person making tough decisions about the definition of evil.
Swords, miracles, and magic mix with the daily lives of common people who must witness a good person making tough decisions about the definition of evil.
March 18, 2023
A thrilling read
A story of a paladin going to kill a necromancer. Simple right? Not in the least. A story filled with delightful characters, exciting battles, and enemies to… well, they’re still enemies but at least they’re working together, right?
10/10 do recommend
A story of a paladin going to kill a necromancer. Simple right? Not in the least. A story filled with delightful characters, exciting battles, and enemies to… well, they’re still enemies but at least they’re working together, right?
10/10 do recommend
July 7, 2024
Love C.M. Alongi's works so far, really well written, inclusive and thought out.
I love the 2 main characters in this novella. Ontiku and Jinua are an unlikely pair in their world. Necromancer and Paladin. But they are both, genuinely good people and this seems to be what unites them.
I love the 2 main characters in this novella. Ontiku and Jinua are an unlikely pair in their world. Necromancer and Paladin. But they are both, genuinely good people and this seems to be what unites them.
May 9, 2025
Decent
It was an interesting story. The main character was a bit hard to like, a little too self righteous, but she's a paladin so it's to be expected.
Not the best writing I've ever read, also not the worst.
Over all, it was good. I'll probably check out book 2
It was an interesting story. The main character was a bit hard to like, a little too self righteous, but she's a paladin so it's to be expected.
Not the best writing I've ever read, also not the worst.
Over all, it was good. I'll probably check out book 2
July 25, 2025
Nice Cozy Fantasy
I enjoyed the plot, characters and world building. This series is a nice, cozy fantasy story. I am interested to learn more about the unique magic system as the story continues.
I enjoyed the plot, characters and world building. This series is a nice, cozy fantasy story. I am interested to learn more about the unique magic system as the story continues.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews