Review - Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride

Hold Me Closer, Necromancer
by Lish McBride
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Copyright: 2010
Format: e-reader

I have my In-Laws to thank for this read; specifically my uber cool cousin-in-law Emily over at Gnocchi No Plan.  Over Christmas she suggested several books including this one.  I downloaded the book on my Nook back in January but just got around to reading it last week.  The sample you can get for the e-reader version is a good hook, but it does not do this story justice.  So skip the sample and go straight for the full monty.  You'll be glad you did.

I read this book in one sitting in less than 24 hours, turning virtual page after virtual page until 3AM.   It was exciting, fun and different while still feeling familiar.  The writing was good - a first person with some third person passages.  I found this a little distracting but only for the first few transitions.  It's a Young Adult (YA) read so keep in mind the intended audience is not an English professor.

The story wasn't new but the characters were engaging and the use of talking heads and skateboards cranked the entertainment value.  I also enjoyed the song references throughout the book; kuddos for the Sound of Music nod. ^_^

The story itself had a very Cassandra Clare feel - a mom trying to shield the main character from what he really was, only to have the issue forced by a third party; evil lairs under big houses; cages made to hold unique creatures. Yes, very familiar story lines.  But the original bits, the necromancers, the hybrid were-fey combos, gave the story it's own street cred.

If you enjoy YA Urban Fantasy, this is a definite TBR (To be read).  If you enjoy witty writing, it should also make your list.  It's a fun fast must read.