GtPGKogPYT4p61R1biicqBXsUzo" /> Google+ Second Opinion Book Review: Mark of the Necromancer (A Sabrina Grayson Novel) by Tamsin L. Silver | I Smell Sheep

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Second Opinion Book Review: Mark of the Necromancer (A Sabrina Grayson Novel) by Tamsin L. Silver

We had two reviewers read Mark of the Necromancer. This is Bianca Greenwood's review
Denise B's review is here

Mark of the Necromancer (A Sabrina Grayson Novel)
by Tamsin L. Silver
Pages: 391
Sabrina Grayson is dead and it's the best thing that has ever happened to her.

As a child, Sabrina saw ghosts, but with age and parental influence, she forgot all about them. That is, until fate stepped in to bring her back where she belonged: with the dead.

Now she's a Necromancer; the only one who can travel the Death Highway and walk the Earth. As a new member of the supernatural world, Sabrina discovers the truth about her past and must learn who she really is. To do this, she will have to team up with Detective Alex Price, the one man she can't stand. Only together can they figure out who murdered her and why they are killing her friends off one by one.

Determined to save them and the city she loves from the evil plot they uncover, Sabrina will put her soul on the line...even if it means going to Hell and fighting Lucifer himself.


When a contemplative stroll through Central Park turns shockingly violent, New York City socialite Sabrina “Bree” Grayson is abruptly plunged into the world of Manhattan supernatural. Vampire Alex Price turns Sabrina vampire to save her life and suddenly the seemingly shallow and entitled Bree must navigate a life with a new undead perspective. The acrimonious relationship between a vampire and her maker unfolds alongside a complex plot of action and intrigue. 

Quite simply, I adored this book. Sabrina is a formidable heroine with class and sass. She grows into her role as vampire and Manhattan Necromancer with strength, humour, and a bit of bumbling. This book has the tone and pacing of fan favourite series like Darynda Jones’ Charley Davidson and Shannon Mayer’s Rylee Adamson. The characters are fun, creative, and entertaining; the plot rich and riveting. I was glued to this premiere installment and invested in the action. I laughed several times; like disruptive laughter eliciting questioning glances from family members.

Alex is a fabulous male hero and romantic interest. He’s atypical, lacking those wooden alpha characteristics common in this genre. He’s dangerous, thoughtful, and intelligent with sex appeal to spare. He reminds me of Karina Halle’s (anti)hero Dex Foray from the Experiment in Terror series. He was a refreshing diversion for sure.

I am truly hesitant to write anything negative about this stellar book, but alas, I feel a need to justify a less-than-five sheep rating. I found the identity crisis of Sabrina/Bree, while justifiable, rather convoluted and overstated. The conclusion of the book was quite drawn and slightly more saccharine than I like, but that’s a personal preference. However, my biggest reservation with this book is the cover design. I find its amateur, derivative look to be off-putting. I know a lot of readers – right or wrong -- judge a book by its cover and I fear this book will be passed over for that reason. A simpler cover that leaves more to the reader’s imagination would be far more intriguing and appealing.

Overall, Mark of the Necromancer is a terrific ride and I anxiously await the next installment.

4 ½ sheep





Bianca Greenwood

About the Author:
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NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES
I am a Young Adult Urban Fantasy Author. The first four books of my "WINDFIRE" series are out and you can purchase an e-copy or a print version of them on Amazon and on Smashwords. I am the creator/writer/director for the online TV Show, "Skye Of The Damned," which you can see more on at: www.SkyeOfTheDamned.com Currently I live in NYC where I not only work just at my craft as an author but in the theatre/film world as well, where I write, direct and design. I hold a degree in Theatre/Secondary Education from Winthrop University and have had my writings performed on stage in NYC and now on web TV.

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