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Necromancer
Morgeth's iron grip on the land of Ilyria is beginning to reach beyond its borders; his necromancy is ripping apart the very fabric that binds Alatheia together and the only thing that stands the way of total domination is an ancient elven prophecy.
Inheriting his mother's sword, Eran must journey far beyond his idyllic farm life to find a ring that once belonged to his father and bring together the two heirlooms in order to destroy the evil that threatens to engulf Ilyria. He joins with others ordained by the prophecy; a legendary warrior, a shape-shifting mage, an elf haunted by his own past and two rather unlikely individuals. Together they face insurmountable obstacles and tragedy before coming face to face with evil itself. 'Necromancer' is the first in the series of books called "The Dark Rising".
From the author:
I will be the first to admit that 'Necromancer' is NOT the most original piece of epic fantasy literature ever written. I took a lot of inspiration from Tolkien's 'Lord of the Rings' and other great fantasy books (including those of Terry Brooks and Brent Weeks); I wanted to write a story that contained all the elements from my favorite books...one that I would like to read myself.
Necromancer was a side project; something I wrote just for fun without any intent to publish it (although it ended up published anyway). It was a lot of fun to write, and though some people may not like it because it is familiar, I enjoyed the time I spent doing it.
(edited by author)
Inheriting his mother's sword, Eran must journey far beyond his idyllic farm life to find a ring that once belonged to his father and bring together the two heirlooms in order to destroy the evil that threatens to engulf Ilyria. He joins with others ordained by the prophecy; a legendary warrior, a shape-shifting mage, an elf haunted by his own past and two rather unlikely individuals. Together they face insurmountable obstacles and tragedy before coming face to face with evil itself. 'Necromancer' is the first in the series of books called "The Dark Rising".
From the author:
I will be the first to admit that 'Necromancer' is NOT the most original piece of epic fantasy literature ever written. I took a lot of inspiration from Tolkien's 'Lord of the Rings' and other great fantasy books (including those of Terry Brooks and Brent Weeks); I wanted to write a story that contained all the elements from my favorite books...one that I would like to read myself.
Necromancer was a side project; something I wrote just for fun without any intent to publish it (although it ended up published anyway). It was a lot of fun to write, and though some people may not like it because it is familiar, I enjoyed the time I spent doing it.
(edited by author)
- GenresFantasy
498 pages, Paperback
First published February 4, 2010
4 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Dune Elliot
2 books19 followersBorn in England to a literary family, Dune's first experience with fantasy was with the elves and faeries at the bottom of the garden and a free imagination soon gave life to imaginary friends and other fantastical creatures. Dune's first experience with written fantasy was J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Hobbit', which still continues to inspire today.
Dune started writing fantasy as a teenager, gaining experience, and learning what worked and what didn't for a well written story that people actually want to read. Through some good stories, and some pretty bad ones, Dune became the author that writes novels like 'Necromancer'.
Dune currently lives with Cody, a border collie, and two horses in remote Wyoming where characters are given free rein to develop and grow and where adventures are naturally born.
Dune started writing fantasy as a teenager, gaining experience, and learning what worked and what didn't for a well written story that people actually want to read. Through some good stories, and some pretty bad ones, Dune became the author that writes novels like 'Necromancer'.
Dune currently lives with Cody, a border collie, and two horses in remote Wyoming where characters are given free rein to develop and grow and where adventures are naturally born.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 16, 2010
Just finished reading this novel by Elliot Dune, and I just have to tell you about it! Not quite on par with big names like Weiss,McCaffrey,Lackey and other of the bestselling authors of the genre, Elliot still shows a great deal of promise and talent.
This fantasy story is about a group of people; young,old, human and Other, destine to save their country and ultimately, the world from the clutches of an evil tyrant set on ruling everyone he can. After the first two members of the ensemble are introduced together, the rest of the cast shows up individually in their own vignettes. They are seamlessly merged into a group which takes on its own personality and dynamics as the inividuals get to know one another. Even the animals seem to become a part of this group.
The story opens dramatically with a fast paced chase scene. The wording is a bit stiff, but it still conveys a great sense of energy and urgency. Things slow down so as to give the reader time to meet the cast and then, once everyone is present and accounted for, the pace picks up again. It builds to the great climax with only a few brief scenes where things pull back for a breather before plunging ahead again. The ending is well worth the wait so don't skip ahea to read it first like some people I know who do.
I must admit at times the wording gets awkward and yes, there are some run-on sentences worthy of the infamous Faulkner. However, these don't detract from the flow of the story one bit. Neither do they, in my humble opinion, take away from the overall quality of the story. It's a diamond waiting to be discovered, and I invite everyone to dig in. Enjoy one of the best new releases in the fantasy genre I've managed to find so far.
This fantasy story is about a group of people; young,old, human and Other, destine to save their country and ultimately, the world from the clutches of an evil tyrant set on ruling everyone he can. After the first two members of the ensemble are introduced together, the rest of the cast shows up individually in their own vignettes. They are seamlessly merged into a group which takes on its own personality and dynamics as the inividuals get to know one another. Even the animals seem to become a part of this group.
The story opens dramatically with a fast paced chase scene. The wording is a bit stiff, but it still conveys a great sense of energy and urgency. Things slow down so as to give the reader time to meet the cast and then, once everyone is present and accounted for, the pace picks up again. It builds to the great climax with only a few brief scenes where things pull back for a breather before plunging ahead again. The ending is well worth the wait so don't skip ahea to read it first like some people I know who do.
I must admit at times the wording gets awkward and yes, there are some run-on sentences worthy of the infamous Faulkner. However, these don't detract from the flow of the story one bit. Neither do they, in my humble opinion, take away from the overall quality of the story. It's a diamond waiting to be discovered, and I invite everyone to dig in. Enjoy one of the best new releases in the fantasy genre I've managed to find so far.
July 23, 2010
From the beginning, Dune's magical writing style captured my imagination, allowing me not only to be part of the story, but interacting inside the story too. The writer's characters were fresh, each having a unique role in a believable world from the writer's descriptive way of storytelling.
I must confess, at first I had a totally different perception about the story before I turned to the first page, but after the first few words, I found myself engrossed. Necromancer is a novel you just can't stop reading. I enjoyed the novel and I am looking forward to Dune's next edition. Extremely well done. I personally recommend Necromancer as a must read.
I must confess, at first I had a totally different perception about the story before I turned to the first page, but after the first few words, I found myself engrossed. Necromancer is a novel you just can't stop reading. I enjoyed the novel and I am looking forward to Dune's next edition. Extremely well done. I personally recommend Necromancer as a must read.
June 16, 2010
Dune Elliot has that rare gift, opening the gate with his first novel as a master story teller. This man's work will be seen in Hollywood someday soon. My only regret was there are not several sequels.
Necromancer is a gripping page turner that's worth every penny.
Author Charles Fetters
Necromancer is a gripping page turner that's worth every penny.
Author Charles Fetters
April 13, 2011
Terrible, predictable, and it spent so much time discussing the main character bathing I thought it was a book about ancient baths.
September 17, 2019
My first remark is on the price : I bought the Ebook version for 1.76 € online. How much is in it for the author ?
I love phantasy (and horror, also SF) but at a certain moment I arrived at the end of my favourite author's books. Then Dune Elliot was very welcome.
A return, beyond and back to the worlds and times I loved so much. Reading this book was not only a coming home to the worlds and times I loved so much but also a switch to a complete other style of writing.
Not only about syntax or whatsoever, but when reading Tolkien I was floating in what happened and reading Elliot I identified myself somewehere in the storyline. This might be very personal, but every reader wants to be taken away, isn't it ?
I will not tell you the storyline, but you will get what you expect !
I love phantasy (and horror, also SF) but at a certain moment I arrived at the end of my favourite author's books. Then Dune Elliot was very welcome.
A return, beyond and back to the worlds and times I loved so much. Reading this book was not only a coming home to the worlds and times I loved so much but also a switch to a complete other style of writing.
Not only about syntax or whatsoever, but when reading Tolkien I was floating in what happened and reading Elliot I identified myself somewehere in the storyline. This might be very personal, but every reader wants to be taken away, isn't it ?
I will not tell you the storyline, but you will get what you expect !
August 12, 2010
Reviews and Comments for 'Necromancer' from Amazon.com
"There is no doubt that this quest written by Dune Elliot is a page turner. The conflict between good and evil is effectively dramatized with characters on the side of good who demonstrate to us how muddled and difficult good can be in the conflict with a single-minded force of evil. I am reminded of how certain 20th century authors, albeit from different fictional genres, develop characters who struggle with the concept of good. Here I am thinking of Murdoch, O'Brien, Oates, etc. Too, Dune Elliot brings an array of specific knowledge (horses, landscape) that enhances the difficult and dramatic journey of the 'hero' and his intriguing band of supporters."
- Book Critic, David Harvey on 'Necromancer'
"A beautiful, fast-paced, engaging piece."
- Author Clinton Foster
"Dune Elliot has that rare gift, opening the gate with his first novel as a master story teller. This man's work will be seen in Hollywood someday soon. My only regret was there are not several sequels.
Necromancer is a gripping page turner that's worth every penny."
- Author Charles Fetters
"A very well written book i enjoyed reading. This is an adventure fantasy, and according to the author there will be sequels to follow that I look forward to with great anticipation. I would enjoy seeing this book being picked up as a screen play. The author has a very vivid imagination which is displayed on every page of the book. This is a good read for anyone. I definitely give a two thumbs up!"
- Author Michael W Newman
"This was recommended to me and I am so very glad I took the time to read it! It was my very first entry into this genre and the author is an expert at making the world vivid and real to the readers. I loved the characters, but knew from the beginning that not all would survive the journey (what's a good story without a little pathos)--I never could have chosen who would not see us through to the very end. Very well done and I'll be certain to read the next one by this author! Can't wait to see where we are taken next and which characters go there with us."
- Author Linda Rae Blair
"Necromancer has a very familiar feel to it; a typical story of elves, goblins and adventure. However, Dune Elliot writes with amazing descriptive flair and has strong characters that bring a unique vibrancy to the story.
This is an epic fantasy that I got lost in and it certainly kept me wanting to turn the pages.
Not quite of the caliber of LotR (but what is these days?), Necromancer certainly holds its own with the likes of Terry Brooks and others like him. There are a few similarities to LotR (which is why I've only given four stars) but that certainly doesn't take away from it's own story. "
- Amazon Reader, Eowyn
"Every great fantasy novel must contain certain elements. It needs great warriors. It needs reluctant heroes, it needs evil so great that it threatens to destroy the fabric of the world it longs to control. It needs fantastic, majestic and disturbing creatures. It needs to bring the reader into its world. But first and foremost, is need to be a great story.His heroes are noble, of great character, and fearless (or at least they don't allow fear to dissuade them from continuing on in the face of sometimes what seems insurmountable). His villains are as evil as any ever written into a fantasy novel.
The only potential drawback: the book is longer than many of its genre. But given the numerous characters, the varied settings and the seemingly nonstop action, it has to be. Do not plan on "knocking this book out" in a day, or even a weekend. It cannot be read well quickly. Not because its a tough read; it begs to be savored slowly. I found myself re-reading portions because I found myself wanting to make sure I understood every detail of the worlds, action, and interactions between his characters.If you liked any of the "Rings" trilogy, you'll love this incredible fantasy ride!"
While his epic contains each of those elements, what sets Dune Elliot's Necromancer apart from its contemporaries is in the depth of both his worlds and his characters. His settings are described in such detail that I don't believe a Higher Being could envision creating them more majestically. His characters beg to be explored to exacting detail, and he provides it."
- Amazon Reader, Edward O'Dell
"Not my favorite genre, but well written, concise and entertaining. I saw no flat spots and the characters are well defined with an easy plot to follow."
- Independent author
"I always liked good fantasy; it felt to me almost like a movie script. I can say that because of my film background. I liked that, because it allowed me to create the world of the story as I wanted."
- Create Space author
"Extremely well written and the plot is engrossing; a good read altogether."
- Anonymous
"There is no doubt that this quest written by Dune Elliot is a page turner. The conflict between good and evil is effectively dramatized with characters on the side of good who demonstrate to us how muddled and difficult good can be in the conflict with a single-minded force of evil. I am reminded of how certain 20th century authors, albeit from different fictional genres, develop characters who struggle with the concept of good. Here I am thinking of Murdoch, O'Brien, Oates, etc. Too, Dune Elliot brings an array of specific knowledge (horses, landscape) that enhances the difficult and dramatic journey of the 'hero' and his intriguing band of supporters."
- Book Critic, David Harvey on 'Necromancer'
"A beautiful, fast-paced, engaging piece."
- Author Clinton Foster
"Dune Elliot has that rare gift, opening the gate with his first novel as a master story teller. This man's work will be seen in Hollywood someday soon. My only regret was there are not several sequels.
Necromancer is a gripping page turner that's worth every penny."
- Author Charles Fetters
"A very well written book i enjoyed reading. This is an adventure fantasy, and according to the author there will be sequels to follow that I look forward to with great anticipation. I would enjoy seeing this book being picked up as a screen play. The author has a very vivid imagination which is displayed on every page of the book. This is a good read for anyone. I definitely give a two thumbs up!"
- Author Michael W Newman
"This was recommended to me and I am so very glad I took the time to read it! It was my very first entry into this genre and the author is an expert at making the world vivid and real to the readers. I loved the characters, but knew from the beginning that not all would survive the journey (what's a good story without a little pathos)--I never could have chosen who would not see us through to the very end. Very well done and I'll be certain to read the next one by this author! Can't wait to see where we are taken next and which characters go there with us."
- Author Linda Rae Blair
"Necromancer has a very familiar feel to it; a typical story of elves, goblins and adventure. However, Dune Elliot writes with amazing descriptive flair and has strong characters that bring a unique vibrancy to the story.
This is an epic fantasy that I got lost in and it certainly kept me wanting to turn the pages.
Not quite of the caliber of LotR (but what is these days?), Necromancer certainly holds its own with the likes of Terry Brooks and others like him. There are a few similarities to LotR (which is why I've only given four stars) but that certainly doesn't take away from it's own story. "
- Amazon Reader, Eowyn
"Every great fantasy novel must contain certain elements. It needs great warriors. It needs reluctant heroes, it needs evil so great that it threatens to destroy the fabric of the world it longs to control. It needs fantastic, majestic and disturbing creatures. It needs to bring the reader into its world. But first and foremost, is need to be a great story.His heroes are noble, of great character, and fearless (or at least they don't allow fear to dissuade them from continuing on in the face of sometimes what seems insurmountable). His villains are as evil as any ever written into a fantasy novel.
The only potential drawback: the book is longer than many of its genre. But given the numerous characters, the varied settings and the seemingly nonstop action, it has to be. Do not plan on "knocking this book out" in a day, or even a weekend. It cannot be read well quickly. Not because its a tough read; it begs to be savored slowly. I found myself re-reading portions because I found myself wanting to make sure I understood every detail of the worlds, action, and interactions between his characters.If you liked any of the "Rings" trilogy, you'll love this incredible fantasy ride!"
While his epic contains each of those elements, what sets Dune Elliot's Necromancer apart from its contemporaries is in the depth of both his worlds and his characters. His settings are described in such detail that I don't believe a Higher Being could envision creating them more majestically. His characters beg to be explored to exacting detail, and he provides it."
- Amazon Reader, Edward O'Dell
"Not my favorite genre, but well written, concise and entertaining. I saw no flat spots and the characters are well defined with an easy plot to follow."
- Independent author
"I always liked good fantasy; it felt to me almost like a movie script. I can say that because of my film background. I liked that, because it allowed me to create the world of the story as I wanted."
- Create Space author
"Extremely well written and the plot is engrossing; a good read altogether."
- Anonymous
September 7, 2010
“Necromancer” is an expertly written epic fantasy with a compelling setting. The world in which the characters lived and the struggle they went through are so carefully and painstakingly crafted that as a reader, I was drawn into every scene. The author’s language is so beautiful that I sometimes found myself re-reading some parts to take in the story again.
The novel has a familiar theme, but it also has plenty of twists and turns to keep you turn the page. Each character has a story of his or her own that is also slowly revealed together with the main plot. Each of them went through his or her own trials. Often times, there was no telling if they would survive. And some did not. You will read about love, kinship, friendship and more while you follow the characters through their journey. You will also experience what they experienced: joy, sorrow, hope, fear, …
All in all, “Necromancer” is a very well written novel. It is a must read if you enjoy epic fantasies.
The novel has a familiar theme, but it also has plenty of twists and turns to keep you turn the page. Each character has a story of his or her own that is also slowly revealed together with the main plot. Each of them went through his or her own trials. Often times, there was no telling if they would survive. And some did not. You will read about love, kinship, friendship and more while you follow the characters through their journey. You will also experience what they experienced: joy, sorrow, hope, fear, …
All in all, “Necromancer” is a very well written novel. It is a must read if you enjoy epic fantasies.
November 18, 2010
This was a first reads give away from goodreads.com
I tried to get into this book but could not. I felt an obligation to get through it being that the author was so cool and even signed the copy I received....But, in the end, I could get my head into this story.
I found too many similarities to Lord of the Rings. I know, its hard not to pull from LOTR. But this was just too close, with none of the complexities or depth of character that LOTR offers. I knew what was coming and found direct parallels to Tolkien's story. When the character that was added to the "fellowship" when he was caught listening to the council of the one that knew, well, this was a bit too much. I could not go any further.
I'm not saying this is a terrible book. But more like LOTR lite. This may be for a younger audience or someone who doesn't want to invest the time it takes to get through the full LOTR story. But likes sword and sorcery books none the less.
I tried to get into this book but could not. I felt an obligation to get through it being that the author was so cool and even signed the copy I received....But, in the end, I could get my head into this story.
I found too many similarities to Lord of the Rings. I know, its hard not to pull from LOTR. But this was just too close, with none of the complexities or depth of character that LOTR offers. I knew what was coming and found direct parallels to Tolkien's story. When the character that was added to the "fellowship" when he was caught listening to the council of the one that knew, well, this was a bit too much. I could not go any further.
I'm not saying this is a terrible book. But more like LOTR lite. This may be for a younger audience or someone who doesn't want to invest the time it takes to get through the full LOTR story. But likes sword and sorcery books none the less.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews