Hold Me Closer, Necromancer Review

Author: Lish Mcbride
Release Date: October 12, 2010
Pages: 342 (HC)

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co

Most Appropriate For Ages: 14+

Where I Got It: Bought

Sam leads a pretty normal life. He may not have the most exciting job in the world, but he’s doing all right—until a fast food prank brings him to the attention of Douglas, a creepy guy with an intense violent streak.

Turns out Douglas is a necromancer who raises the dead for cash and sees potential in Sam. Then Sam discovers he’s a necromancer too, but with strangely latent powers. And his worst nightmare wants to join forces . . . or else.

With only a week to figure things out, Sam needs all the help he can get. Luckily he lives in Seattle, which has nearly as many paranormal types as it does coffee places. But even with newfound friends, will Sam be able to save his skin?

I'm so sick of the paranormal genre. The characters are always flat and the plots are always the same. Luckily, this wasn't the case with Lish McBride's debut, Hold Me Closer, Necromancer. Quite the opposite, actually.

From page one I could tell that McBride's humor was right up my alley, and it really was. I loved that there was so much humor in this book, and I think it helped make sure that none of the characters took themselves too seriously. The book didn't take itself too seriously, which made it that much better.

The plot was the perfect blend of suspense, originality, and fun. The combination kept me turning pages late into the night, eager to find out what misadventures poor Samhein (usually called Sam).

Each of the characters are original and lovable. Sam was oddly adorable, Ramon (who's name I kept wanting to pronounce as "Ramone" as in, "Oh how I love The Ramones!") was a wonderfully loyal best friend, and Brid was such an awesome and strong chick. I absolutely loved all of them.

Read Hold Me Closer, Necromancer. Read it if you're sick of paranormal, read it if you're still into paranormal, just...read it.

Plot: Grabbing and wonderful.

Characters: Can't I just keep them? Or at least Sam?

Writing: Sam's voice comes across really naturally, which is impressive.

Ending: Good but I want the sequel nooow!

Kid Friendly? There's language, violence, and (not descriptive) sex.

Should I read it? Absolutely.

Overall: