Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
How to Claim an Undead Soul by Hailey Edwards Narrator: Rebecca Mitchell
Series: Beginner's Guide to Necromancy #2
Published by Tantor Audio on August 21, 2018
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Length: 10 hours, 24 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm
Life was simpler for Grier when she was flat broke and a social pariah. Now she's carrying the baggage that goes along with the title of Dame Woolworth, and shouldering that weight is giving her a serious crick in the neck. Her work as a Haint is the one thing that makes her feel normal, but even that's more paranormal than usual.
Spirits are vanishing from well-known hot spots on the ghost tour circuit, and vampires are turning up as shriveled husks. When Grier stumbles across the menace preying on Savannah's supernatural community, what she uncovers is bigger than a few flickering lampposts gone dark. It's a deadly threat unleashed by one of their own, and the cost of saving her city might be her life.
I enjoyed the start of the Beginner’s Guide to Necromancy series , and was happy to listen on with the series. Grier continues to learn and grow in How to Claim an Undead Soul. In the beginning, she is sort of hiding out after the tumult of the last adventure. She cocoons herself in her house. Finally, she picks herself up to begin her training with her cousin, Linus.
Grier is so alone. She has now lost her job although those friends are still around town. Linus is a question mark. She knows he is commanded by her aunt, basically a spy for her. Boaz and Amelie are off working. She really doesn’t have anyone she can truly trust. She works with Linus and is pleased to finally learn skills. Maud had acted like she was only good enough to be an assistant, so she has plenty of self doubt. Linus is actually a kind and helpful teacher. I wanted to like and trust him. Grier is more experienced at being betrayed, though.
I loved all the magic lessons, where Grier learns more about herself and magic. I also enjoyed the mystery and how she works on solving it. Somehow, I knew how that was going to end up. I did not really enjoy the quasi-romance and banter with Boaz. It’s okay for Grier to take her time in rebuilding her life and not get into a relationship right now. But I don’t really like not knowing Boaz’s point of view and thoughts.
I’m so excited to see what happens with Linus, Amelie, Woolly and Oscar in How to Break an Undead Heart in September. Maybe even, I want to know how things work out with Boaz. Grier has much to learn about her magic and the politics of the world. That’s more important to me than any romance. These three books are already available (and in Kindle Unlimited) but now the audiobooks are being produced. The fourth book will also be released in September. I have them on my review calendar and can’t wait.
Narration:
I’m totally comfortable with Rebecca Mitchell and listening at my usual 1.25x speed. I liked her voice for Grier, although I was surprised it had no southern lilt to the voices. Both the male voices and female voices were equally good. The performance helped me to enjoy the story.
Listen to a clip:
About Hailey Edwards
Hailey Edwards writes about questionable applications of otherwise perfectly good magic, the transformative power of love, the family you choose for yourself, and blowing stuff up. Not necessarily all at once. That could get messy. She lives in Alabama with her husband, their daughter, and a herd of dachshunds.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2018 Audiobook Challenge
- 2018 New Release Challenge
- COYER BSBB
I just read book 1 and loved it so I confess that now I really want to read this one as well. I’m curious to see what will happen
I like the series very much so far. I enjoy the magic and action and Grier learning about herself and her world more than any romance so far.
Yes I agree, I’m glad I discovered it too
Nice review, Anne! Grier sort of reminds me of Kate Daniels. Do you see any similarities?
Grier isn’t a killer. She is alone but never wanted to be. She grew up with her aunt who loved her after her mom died. She had her two best friends living next door. Grier and Kate do both have magic, special skills. They both have to learn about their magic and their history. And like any great UF heroine, they build an odd circle of friends / allies who become family.
Great review. I really like this series. The fourth book came out today. I bought it, but I also have the ARC and have started it. It’s so good! I’m glad you are enjoying the audio. I’ll have to try it one day. Grier and Wooly are great characters.
You are one of the people who I saw liking it, which encouraged me to request the audio for review when it was offered. I am enjoying it very much. I’m glad books 3 and 4 are available and available soon on audio.
I hope you continue to enjoy.
This sounds like a really good series. I’m going to have to give it a try some day. Great review.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
I ‘m really enjoying it. UF is my favorite jam. Grier is a really likeable character.
Yay. I am kind of sad I devoured these before the audios. I will be starting her Dog with A Bone book later this week.
I don’t anything about that book, so I will have to check it out, along with her other works. You were one of the people who made me aware of this series Kimberly – thank you!
You definitely have me wanting to read this series. I think that I saw the first book available at my library so I will probably try to grab a copy there. Glad you enjoyed this one!
I recommend it. Right now, the books are in Kindle Unlimited it you grabbed the 3 months for $.99 deal during July.