Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Review: Hold Me Closer, Necromancer

Hold Me Closer, Necromancer
Lish McBride
2010; Henry Holt; ISBN 978-0-8050-9098-7 (hardcover)

Summary:  Sam seems like a normal guy: high school drop-out with a job in fast food, friends for life with Ramon and admirer of his coworker Brooke.  But then Sam discovers he's not so normal--he's a necromancer.  Capable of raising the dead, such power is dangerous, especially for a newbie like Sam.  There's already a necromancer in Seattle, and he's not happy about an unregistered necromancer on his turf.  Sam is in deep trouble, and he's only got a week to get out of it.  It'll be up to his new guide, a Harbinger named Ashley, and Brid, the hot half-werewolf, to give Sam that help.

Mix sarcastic humor with supernatural creatures and you get Hold Me Closer, Necromancer.  One of the 2011 Morris Award finalists, this novel cleverly creates an engaging hero in Sam, who faces an unusual hero's journey.  As Sam discovers his heritage, he slowly finds the path that works for him.  The leisurely pacing allows plenty of time not just for Sam but for characters like Douglas, the evil necromancer and Brid, heiress to her werewolf clan.  A great read for older teens, Hold Me Closer, Necromancer will appeal to fans of Neil Gaiman, Charles de Lint, and Holly Black.

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