"Gaslamp Gothic is a masterclass in genre-blending; combining horror, mystery, crime, comedy, fantasy, history, and romance in a wonderfully addictive read." - Bianca Greenwood (I Smell Sheep Reviewer)
May 31st 2019
Acorn Publishing
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Retelling
Forgiveness is not Gabriel D’Ange’s strong suit.
A self-appointed soldier of God with a penchant for ruthlessly punishing his enemies, he vanished after Anne Lawrence stabbed him with his own dagger.
The smart thing would be to let him go.
Unfortunately, Anne’s life isn’t just lonely without Gabriel. It’s insufferably boring.
Determined to heal the rift between them, she goes in search of her tempestuous former lover, black parasol in hand and daeva magic crackling at her fingertips. But Gabriel has his own plans afoot and Anne finds herself drawn into one of his tangled webs, much against her better judgment.
Gabriel’s nemesis has reappeared in Brussels, a vile slaver who’s plundering the Congo Free State with the blessing of King Leopold. Gabriel might be willing to give Anne a second chance, but not until Jorin Bekker’s head is lying at his feet.
Back in London, the quasi-reformed necromancer Balthazar sets his sights on the same quarry. He holds a very personal grudge against Bekker — and killing him might be the only way to keep Gabriel D’Ange from Balthazar’s own throat.
When the hunters collide at a lavish gala thrown by the king, Anne learns just how far she’ll go to save the man she loves.
Note: The Necromancer’s Bride is the sequel to A Bad Breed, which should be read first.
Gaslamp Gothic is my newest series obsession. In preparation for this review I went back to the beginning and started with book one, The Daemonic. I was easily swept up in the Victorian-era tale of Harrison Fearing Pell an amateur detective and her colourful cast of supporters. ‘Harry’ is single-minded and recklessly brave in her search for the truth. She is a formidable character; a thoroughly modern rewrite of the repressed Victorian lady. As I dove into the series, I came to adore Kat Ross’ writing and her lovable characters.
The series weaves in and out of the lives of three principle characters; Harry, Lady Vivienne Cumberland, and Ann Lawrence. These women are all truth-seekers set on bravely unravelling the mysteries of the real and paranormal universe. They face terrifying foes of both the human and supernatural variety. While Ross’ male characters are magnetic and well-developed, they play a crucial supporting role to these clever, courageous women. The Necromancer’s Bride centres on Ann Lawrence and the enigmatic, fanatical necromancer Gabriel D’Ange. I’d be doing a disservice to readers and the series, if I revealed too much about this installment. While the first two books stand alone, The Necromancer’s Bride builds on A Bad Breed, book three. But please. I implore you. Start with book one. You won’t be sorry.
Gaslamp Gothic is a masterclass in genre-blending; combining horror, mystery, crime, comedy, fantasy, history, and romance in a wonderfully addictive read. I ran the gambit of emotion while reading this series and was wholly riveted the entire time. There is something within Gaslamp Gothic for every reader. This is fresh historical fiction with contemporary relevance.
The Daemonic (book one) is free for Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The Thirteenth Gate (book two) is free with author newsletter sign up. Book five, Dead Ringer, is set for release December 13 of this year. I can’t wait.
I give the entire series Five Sheep
Bianca Greenwood
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Kat Ross worked as a journalist at the United Nations for ten years before happily falling back into what she likes best: making stuff up. She’s the author of the Fourth Element and Fourth Talisman fantasy series, the Gaslamp Gothic paranormal mysteries, and the dystopian thriller Some Fine Day. She loves myths, monsters and doomsday scenarios. Check out Kat’s Pinterest page for the people, places and things that inspire her books.
