Title: Hold Me Closer, Necromancer [indie bound] [amazon]
Author: Lish McBride [website] [twitter] [facebook]
Genre: Horror, Fantasy
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
Series: Necromancer
Format: Print
Source: library
Reviewer: Laura
Parental Advisory: violence, sex, death
Teachable Moments: Family Pride, self confidence

“No wonder I’d always felt lost. I actually was. The knowledge felt terrible, but in a strange way, it also felt good. Now I knew why I’d never connected to anything. Why I felt like I was outside the world around me, moving at a different speed from everyone else.”

Summary (from the publisher):
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?

Opinion:
Where is the number one spot to successfully stash a severed head? What makes pressed jeans SO creepy? And where can I get homemade waffles right now? These are just a few of the many fun questions that rolled around in my head and made me laugh while reading Lish McBride’s Hold Me Closer, Necromancer.

Ms. McBride’s tone and playful attitude throughout this tale hit the spot and really tickled my funny bone. The characters find themselves in some painfully awkward conversations and dangerous situations, but they always seem to come up with a smart-alecky, whip-smart comment or response. The story moved along and possessed a quick, sarcastic, fun, laid back feel and pace that made every page, adventure, interaction, and fall out of bed hilarious! The humor eases the reader into this world of darkness filled with werewolves, fairies, magic, and more. A world Sam has a connection with in his past and within himself.

Our hero, Samhain LaCroix, is struggling to find his place in this world. He has always felt a little incomplete or outside looking in, but a big missing piece of his life just fell into place when Douglas Montgomery comes walking through his door. Douglas is the most powerful necromancer (aka “ghostmaster” or “dead wrangler”) in town, who recognizes Sam’s power and potential as a fellow necromancer within seconds of meeting him. Can you imagine how frustrating and disconcerting that must have felt for Sam? Struggling his whole life to find a place or meaning and this guy just walks in, gives it a name, and pretty much challenges him for control of his powers. Let the showdown begin! Sam finds himself in a struggle filled with dark magic and new powers he will have to learn about and use in a hurry to defeat Douglas. Troubles even more terrifying than a life as a bitter fast food warrior fighting to survive the lunch rush with his soul intact! It’s a good thing Sam has his friends and family for support and to issue a good slap upside his head!

Even with all the sarcasm and smart-ass comments, the love and warmth all the characters feel for each other jumps off the page. I truly adored every character and how their love, fierce loyalty, and pride shined through in every situation. Sam, Ramon, Frank, Brooke, Brid (worst name ever), Haley, the Moms, and so many more were the backbone of this book for me. I just knew and felt they all had each other’s backs! A small to “could-develop-into-a-huge” crush has begun to burn for Sean! Hehe….He made me giggle and he wasn’t even in there all that much! Can’t wait for more scene stealing from that guy! :D

One of my favorite aspects of horror and fantasy is the “yes we have been right here in front of your face” angle. This tale does a beautiful job of creating a matter-of-fact vibe about the whole monster world with leaders, councils, bitter rivalries and even paperwork under the surface of everyday society. Sam is so “yeah-so-what” about the whole hanging out with werewolves, fairies, seers, and the undead. It makes me giggle. It notches up the pay attention to your surroundings to a whole new level. I so want to gossip about some of my favorite parts, but I feel like even explaining the setting will spoil some of the fun. Readers should just dive in and discover the giggles all on their own!

Raising and communicating with the dead is not all fun and games though. Several strong messages of loyalty, finding your way, and facing your past run deep through these pages. As we all know, history always has a way of catching up, repeating herself, or just plain beating the sense out of us eventually if it is not dealt with. Sam must find his past before he can fight for his future.

My only disappointment with the book was the big confrontation. I felt like it lacked bite! Come on! That’s all you got for me? The scene and Douglas himself felt a little reigned in at times, but that could just be my bloodlust calling out. Next time—I hope Ms. McBride knows her readers can take it. Bring it on! :D

Have fun with Necromancer and all the gang! I cannot wait for more!