Entertaining

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Whether you classify The Necromancer's Dance as a paranormal romance or an urban fantasy, the fact remains it's an entertaining story. One might even say spell-binding?

But seriously though, the story, told in Angel's POV, was quite enjoyable with engaging characters, a riveting storyline, plenty of action, and some very nice chemistry between main characters Angel and Simeon.

Joel Leslie's narration was delightful, enchanting the listener with multiple character accents including a typical Boston and a lilting Irish brogue. There were a couple of minor sound issues, mainly the sound level dropping suddenly, but it corrects quickly and I don't feel like it detracted from the general overall listening satisfaction.

A pleasure in both story and audio performance, I'm looking forward to getting the next in the series (hopefully soon).

21 people found this helpful

Absolutely entrancing-Top Recommendation!

I think...no, I KNOW I've found my new favorite M/M paranormal series. The Necromancer's Dance is a thrilling read with solid, creative storytelling and it captivated me from the moment I opened it up. It has complex characters with lots of depth, and though the two main characters-Angel and Simeon-become romantically involved, the romance is not the sole focus of the story.

Speaking of the main characters, Angel is amazing. There is so much that has happened in his past, and he has become a very strong young man mentally, emotionally and magically. A lot of responsibility rests on his shoulders, and he handles everything professionally and with a level head-even when internally he's just as scared or unsure as everyone else. He keeps it together for his friends and family, and shows why he is revered for who and what he is. Then we have Simeon, who is fully devoted to Angel even if Angel hasn't quite gotten to that point yet. Simeon is a constant for Angel, with his love and support consistently shining through.

I love that in this story, supernaturals are not in hiding. It makes for some interesting character interactions with humans, and gives the story so much more to play with. I also really liked the supporting characters found throughout the story...Milly was a real spitfire, and she along with the rest of the supporting cast do a great job of filling things out.

I could not and did not want to put this book down, and the further in I got the more entrenched in the story I became. It's been a while since an M/M paranormal book has so fully absconded with my attention--and I'm not just talking about the steamy scenes between Angel and Simeon. The story is exciting and now has me totally on the hook for every book that will come after it.

The Necromancer's Dance gets 5 stars from me, and is also one of my top recommendations. M/M paranormal fans should definitely check this one out, and remember this is for those readers/listeners 18+ for adult language and M/M sexual content. The moment I finished this, I was immediately grabbing for The Necromancer's Dilemma, I can't wait to see where Angel and Simeon go from here!

The narration: Every time I listen to an audiobook narrated by Joel Leslie, I think he’s topped the last one I listened to. He’s done that yet again here with The Necromancer’s Dance with absolutely fantastic voices and accents, and a spot-on portrayal of emotions and suspense. He really made me feel like I was right in the middle of everything as I listened, and the pacing was perfect. I can guarantee that I’ll be listening to this one again and again in the future…5 stars for the narration!

18 people found this helpful

Urban Fantasy Hit

This is one of the best new urban fantasy series I've read in awhile. The books has everything you want in urban fantasy: intriguing world building with it's own unique history and flavor, likable characters, a nice balance between real world life and paranormal craziness, action, adventure, steamy sex and in a nice surprise, a very gay inclusive world.
Angel is a sorcerer who's busy teaching magic to his private students and taking care of his troubled and self destructive younger brother. He conducts his sex life with a hit and run attitude, not wanting emotional entanglements.
The relationship with Angel and his difficult brother Isaac, who he raised after they were orphaned, while only a subplot was my favorite part of the book. Angel is a tough guy who can take out a demon before lunch but he's helpless in the face of his brother's seeming eagerness to party himself into an early grave under the influence of his own equally self destructive boyfriend.
The book's pace was brisk and at times I wanted to get out and explore the intriguing world of magic and intrigue. The action was engrossing, the sex was steamy and Angel's sarcastic coping skills were funny.
The one thing I'd like to have seen explored better was Angel's love interest Simeon. He was hugely important yet I never felt like I connected with the character or understood him. His basic concept, a savage Viking under a thin veneer of cultured respectability was interesting, but he just never quite came alive for me the way I wanted him to, and that made the romance a little hard to understand if I didn't get who this guy was. Hopefully Simeon will get developed in further books as the second book is already out and hopefully coming soon to audio.
There's a really colorful supporting cast, from Angel's business partner who's equal parts fierce defender and exasperated mother figure to a family of anti-sorcerer cops with a grudge against Angel's family going back generations.
Joel Leslie's narration continues to be a fan favorite, giving each character their own voice. It's easy to forget you're not listening to a full cast performance. Angel's scrappy accent was endearing and brought Angel and his world to life beautifully.

5 people found this helpful

Wonderful

A fantastic paranormal romance with lots of action, excitement and steamy sex scenes. And as usual, Joel Leslie did a fantastic job on the narration.

4 people found this helpful

Wondeful!

I really enjoyed this book. I was unsure at frist, but I easily got into the story, the characters and the strange deep love from a vampire to the main character.

The vampires are still dangerous , don't let the romance full you. Though emotions run deep in a 400 yr old fang head captaived by the personalty of a powerful sorcerer and necromancer, whose past haunts him and makes him the man he is, I could agree with how strongly the red headed vampire wished angel to be his. I mean he is old and has all the time to wait! When you want something as a vampire. ..what is time?

Give this book a chance! <3 <3 <3

4 people found this helpful

Loved It!!!

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Was not real sure that I would when I began listening to it but S. J. Himes writing abilities drew me in and I was enraptured like a human being charmed by the Master. This was a unique story and I fell in love with Angel! His sarcasm and wit resonated with my own personality. The development of the characters and the story allowed the listener to develop a picture in one's mind and get lost in the adventure. Some of the super nads mentioned, I was unfamiliar with so I enjoyed learning about them. The action, adventure, mystery, and romance was spellbinding and I loved every minute of it. Angel and Simian all the way. The narration by Joel Leslie was exceptional and brought so much to the story and to my imagination. An excellent story and I cannot wait for the next installment. Love it!!!

4 people found this helpful

What a great story

Intriguing story with great narration. The characters were really well written, and the voices and accents gave so much to that story that I totally enjoyed Joel Leslie's portrayal of the characters. Well worth the read and a credit.

3 people found this helpful

Great audiobook!

I’ll start with the narration of Necromancer’s Dance. I’ve listened to many books that Joel Leslie has narrated and I am a fan. I recommend listening to this story because the different character voices that Joel creates add so much to the story. He provides unique voices for nearly every character and he emotes so well.

Now, my thoughts on the story. I finished this book in the wee hours of the morning, because I could not stop, not even to sleep. I had to finish the same night that I started listening.

The Necromancer’s Dance is so enjoyable because it doesn’t fall into just one genre or subgenre. It’s contemporary in the fact that it takes place in the present day, but it’s urban fantasy/paranormal because though it’s present day America, there is a subculture that exists of magic folk. Vampires, like Simeon, and sorcerers that hold many different specialties. Angelus, or Angel, is a sorcerer, whose specialty is necromancy. There is the romance between Angel and Simeon. There is also mystery in this story. Someone is out to destroy Angel and it really is a whodunnit.

Like Wendy, I really like the idea of witches or sorcerers in my books, because they are the most like us, and easiest to relate to. I love the idea of necromancy also. The power over death and the dead. I have read other books featuring characters that are necromancers and their abilities have worked in different ways. I like that there was a lot of ritual and spell working in this book. Angel’s responsibility to his friends and family and his family’s friends really says a lot about him, even though I don’t care for his brother’s attitude at all.

Simeon is a powerful vampire who serves at the side of the vampire master of Boston. His kind aren’t compatible with sorcerers in general, but when he met Angel, he found a way for them to work together, as well as a way to spend time in his presence. Simeon wants to stand by Angel’s side as a true partner to help him find out who is behind the recent attacks and help him when he needs it.

I liked the romance aspect of the story, but I was truly drawn in by the mystery and the paranormal world that exists alongside the world we know. Though I didn’t know who the culprit was, I did have some suspicions that the character was up to no good. The side characters were well written and the main characters were great. I definitely want to read the next book in the series, to see what comes of Angel’s relationships with Simeon, his brother, and his new apprentice. I would recommend this book for sure.

A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
4.5/5 stars

3 people found this helpful

Wonderful Paranormal Love Story!

I really loved this audiobook. The main character is the perfect snarky Bostonian who just happens to also be a necromancer. He seems fearless, but underneath he is a very caring individual, who carries the pain of losing his entire family except his younger brother in an old clan war. I enjoyed the relationship of grudging respect between Angel and the vampires. And who doesn't get their breath taken away by a sensuous 400 year old vampire (aka Simeon). I loved the romance, the adventure, the mystery, and the downright funny moments. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

Joel Leslie's delivery is exceptional. The pacing was perfect, and ooh those accents. I have listened to a lot of audiobooks and this is the most enjoyable narration I have heard so far. His deep gravelly inflection for Simeon's more arduous moments is absolutely fantastic! I was sorry when the book ended. I will certainly be listening to this one again.

If you enjoy M/M relationships, outspoken heroes, and paranormal characters, this audiobook is definitely for you.

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

3 people found this helpful

Fun Fantasy, Engaging Twists and Turns

What made this an engaging read is that I could not anticipate what would happen next. The depth of the story line and detail helped to keep listening.

2 people found this helpful