In a world where magic is real and evil walks amongst humanity, a young sorcerer is beset upon by enemies, both old and new. Angelus Salvatore is the only necromancer in all of Boston, and his name is whispered warily by the undead and fellow sorcerers alike. He and his brother Isaac are the lone survivors of an attack by an army of the undead, in which Angel used a spell so powerful it forever … it forever marked his place in history. Now, years later, Angel struggles to balance his career as a teacher of the higher magical arts, his role as big brother, and a tenuous relationship with an Elder vampire from the local clan. When his brother’s boyfriend is used as a pawn in a mysterious plot to draw Angel out, Angel is once again drawn back into the old hostilities that fueled the Blood Wars and led to his family’s death.
Leaning on others for help is something Angel cannot do, and while he searches for clues into who may be targeting him and his brother, Angel finds his heart steadily growing occupied with Simeon, Elder and vampire. Dealing with death magic and vampires on a daily basis may leave Angel jaded when it comes to life and staying that way, but the more time he spends fending off the ancient vampire’s attention and affections, the more he realizes he wants to give in.
Can Angel find out who wants him dead, and keep his heart safe in the process? How can he fall for a vampire, when his whole family was torn apart by an army of the undead?
Death stalks the streets of Boston’s historic Beacon Hill….and there is no one more suited to battle against death than a necromancer.
MATURE CONTENT Contains graphic violence, a cranky necromancer, a sexy Irish vampire, and a pesky demon.
77,000 words
more
I don’t often read paranormal any more, but a Book club that I’m in chose The Necromancer’s Dance by SJ Himes as this month’s selection and I have to say if you like MM and paranormal this book is amazing!! It is HOT and humorous and lots of action (but not overwhelming) AND Romantic!!! The Heroes are GOOD men making a difference in their world!!
“You are a treasure, and you give me such a marvelous gift as the light. Will you be mine, mo ghra? No one else’s, only mine. Be mine, mine to treasure forever.”
I absolutely loved this story and I’m so glad to have been introduced to this author’s books! I can’t wait to read more!
-5 Stars!-
I’ve heard so very many favorable things about the Beacon Hill Sorcerer series over the recent years but I waited until a time I could fully savor it without the pressing opinions of others. I’m so very glad I did! As a lover of the paranormal, I was totally caught off guard by the kind and gentle touches that occur between the principal player built into this incredible work. Splendidly narrated by the very gifted Joel Leslie Froomkin, writer SJ Himes created a truly memorable series. I just didn’t expect aspects of the narrative to move me emotionally, especially given the main characters: a necromancer and a vampire.
Angelus “Angel” Salvatore is a brash but loveable guy with a truly unique gift, humbled by the deaths of his entire family of witches save the younger brother he saves. He confronts folks bent on discovering the secret to his mass destruction of the vampires sent to destroy them all. As this story unfolds, Angel has made himself an ally to the clan leader by being willing to rid young vampires of magic poisoning without realizing he has endeared himself to the clan leader’s elder and lieutenant Simeon who is known as The Celt. The two dance about each other until the targeting of Angel by an unknown foe forces Simeon near as Angel’s protector. It is at this time Angel learns of the link that the two share–one that makes him much stronger. When his old instructor is killed and his brother Isaac captured, Angel and Simeon, kick major butt bringing the culprit down.
The engine SJ Himes puts under the hood of this book is astounding! The writer builds in love and devotion between the two major characters that captures and melts the heart! The growth between the major characters extends beyond the aspects of two men becoming partners to that of two strong men discovering that their love makes them stronger from a supernatural perspective. I have NEVER encountered anything quite like this. It’s majestic! Truly! In addition to awesome characters and player development, the novel pleases readers with superlative world-building (we see a parallel present-day Boston) with pacing (the rate at which the writer introduces key elements in the story) and balance (the distribution of varying types of elements in the narrative) that keeps readers turning the page and anxious for all other books in the series BEFORE the first one is half-finished. This book rocked the heck out of my world! Dang!
I don’t know why I waited so long to read this book because it was awesome! I absolutely adored Angel and Simeon. Their relationship was all kinds of sweet and fluffy and cute against a background of vampires, dead bodies, and family issues. I listened to this on audio and it was fantastic! (I mean, I listened to an 8-hour audiobook in only 3 days, which is virtually unheard of for me since I have almost no time to listen to audio.) Very much looking forward to listening to the rest of the series! 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
The first time I tried to read this story, I lost patience with the pace and set it aside. I am really glad I picked up the audiobook when it was on sale. The impatience was more due to my mood than the book. This story is really fascinating. I liked the blend of mythological creatures, and I am always interested in a new author’s take on necromancy.
The characters are interesting, and I appreciate the way the author is developing their personalities. I didn’t even blink at the seemingly instant attraction between the main characters because there was a basis for their relationship.The plot was nicely constructed, and I see the foundation for an overreaching storyline.
The narrator Joel Leslie, does a good job of bringing the story to life and giving the characters distinct voices.
4.5
Historical fiction and murder mysteries made 2020 bearable to me; this year it’s urban fantasy that is literally saving me from thinking about these hellish times. I’m now officially obsessed with a brand-new series and I couldn’t be happier.
As soon as I read the first few pages of “The Necromancer’s Dance”, I knew I was hooked: I managed to devour it in less than a day and I’m still reeling from all the action, the fantastic world-building, the AMAZING characters and the romance.
I’ve got a soft spot for slightly broken, emotionally damaged, very powerful magic users with a snarky exterior and a very vulnerable side: it’s a character trope I’ll never tire of and Angel Salvatore doesn’t disappoint. He’s sarcastic with a flirty side, damaged and powerful and self-confident, and also completely aware of how terrifying he can be: I’ve never read a book with a necromancer as the MC and now I’ll desperately be looking for more of this genre. He actually reminded me a lot of Patrick Collins (from Hailey Turner’s beautiful “Soulbound” series), a character I love with my whole heart.
Angel and Simeon’s relationship was so soft and special: I loved how S.J. Himes managed to make give their love story a slow-burn vibe, since they’ve already acquainted with one another, and I loved how lovely and protective and respectful Simeon was. On the outside he’s a very powerful Elder vampire with terrifying strength and speed and charisma, but on the inside he’s actually the softest, most patient, so-desperately-in-love-with-the-other-MC-he’ll-wait-years-for-him, vampire that ever lived. I literally sighed every time he was on page. I wish we got his POV aswell, but I’m still very happy with this book.
The story was so compelling and interesting: I’m very very curious to see what else the author has in mind for us. Their writing style, too, was fantastic and the world-building? I was salivating at how well-made it was.
I think I’ll be jumping right into the next novel, hoping it won’t destroy my sanity too much *cackles*
Chocolate & Mint
Abso-freaking fantastic! I love the world-building, the characters, the wit, and of course the magic. Angel is a snarky powerhouse and Simeon is so romantic. He makes me blush and swoon. “…I lost my heart to you the moment you threatened my life.” The vibes Angel and Simeon emit gave me goosebumps and I love how fierce they both are. I can’t wait to dive into the next book to see what trouble they find.
Love this book ! It is not your average book helps you fly to great highs , and falls to great lows. Easy to get into this story ! The character are very human and really like easy love them ! What would you do to keep the ones you love safe? What would you do to keep your family safe ? The author has made a beautiful world were vampire and others live out in the open and just down the road from everyone ! Love the story I will read again !
I admit I had a false start on this book. The first thirty pages or so is a lot of world building, some of it a bit clunky, and I wasn’t sure how to wrap my head around all of it. I preserved because the main character, Angelus Salvatore, is a kick. I adore him and that sassy attitude of his.
That said, once you get past the initial world building, it all smooths out and you’re in for a great ride. I love this series so much that not only have I read it three times, I own the paperbacks! (That says something, okay, I don’t buy a lot of paperbacks anymore.)
If you like sassy twinks, urban fantasy, and a well written vampire? You’ve landed on the right series.
I loved the characters, totally believable in an incredible story.