Bone-Chilling List of 33 Fantasy Books About Necromancers
If you’ve found yourself yearning for a literary adventure that chills the spine and rattles your spooky bone, you’ve stumbled upon the right incantation, sorry, incarnation.
Grab your spellbooks, dust off your wands, and prepare to enter a realm where skeletons have more than just a bone to pick.
Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner of the dark arts or just someone looking to add a touch of morbidity to your reading list, we’ve got the lowdown on the most spirited necromantic reads that’ll leave you dying for more. Prepare for a grave encounter with laughter, liches, and ludicrously lovable undead companions. It’s time to raise a glass – or perhaps a tombstone – to the authors who’ve mastered the art of necromancy.
Sabriel by Garth Nix
Step into the mystical realm of Sabriel, where death is not the final chapter but the beginning of a gripping adventure. In this enchanting tale, Sabriel wields more than a sword – she commands seven magical bells, each with a haunting purpose.
While navigating the haunting landscapes of the Old Kingdom, the line between life and death blurs, and Nix’s narrative dances like a ghostly waltz.
Sabriel is a symphony of the supernatural, a compact and captivating journey into a world where the afterlife is a destination worth exploring.
Join Sabriel in this necromantic odyssey that’s both bone-chilling and whimsically witty literary enchantment not easily laid to rest.
Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
Meet Gideon Nav, armed with a sharp tongue, a sharper sword, and a penchant for witty comebacks that could wake the dead – quite apt considering her life among undead skeletons and ancient nuns and priests in Ninth House.
Follow along as she’s reluctantly teamed up with her lifelong rival, Harrowhark Nonagesimus, a bone witch with an attitude.
Picture a snarky, reluctant hero navigating a galaxy of skeletons and secrets, all with a charm as edgy as her blade.
As the plot twists and turns, Gideon the Ninth is a literary séance that summons laughter and shivers in equal measure.
The Drowning City by Amanda Downum
Dive into the hauntingly atmospheric realm of The Drowning City, where mystery, magic, and mayhem converge in a city that holds secrets as deep as its canals.
In a world where the living and the dead coexist, Downum crafts a narrative as intricate as the city’s waterways.
Meet Isyllt Iskaldur, a necromancer with a flair for espionage whose mission to uncover the city’s mysteries leads her into a web of deceit and danger.
As the story navigates the waterlogged alleyways of Symir, Downum weaves a tale that’s equal parts gripping and mysterious.
The Necromancer by Kevin Dunn
The Necromancer is set against the backdrop of the Salem witch trials in 1692 Massachusetts, in a town gripped by paranoia and hysteria.
As the witch hunts intensify, a smallpox epidemic adds to the chaos, leading to a climate of fear and suspicion.
At the heart of it all is a powerful warlock known as The Necromancer, who is orchestrating the turmoil and has ensnared one of Salem’s purest women, Susanna Harrington, in a dark pact.
What follows is a journey that spans across Europe – from witches burned at the stake in Scotland to spiritual awakenings in the Roman Amphitheater and Witches’ Sabbats in the Harz Mountains of Germany.
Death’s Dancer by Jasmine Silvera
In an alternate present-day Prague, Isela Vogel wields a unique power – securing the favor of gods for a fee.
A tempting offer from formidable necromancer Azrael draws her into a web of enigmatic danger. As part of the Allegiance of Necromancers, she aids in tracking a killer. Amidst thrilling discoveries, the biggest challenge emerges – growing attraction.
In Death’s Dancer, the tale unfolds with trust, conspiracy, and love, defying mortal and supernatural boundaries.
The mystical streets set the stage for a captivating journey, where fates worse than death intertwine with dancers and necromancers in this supernatural thriller.
The Summoner by Gail Z. Martin
Martris Drayke’s world unravels when his half-brother seizes the throne, leaving Tris as the sole surviving royal.
Fleeing with allies, Tris guards a secret – he might be the rare Summoner, heir to his grandmother’s sorcery. Pursued by mercenaries, haunted by spirits, and with only dreams as his guide, Tris journeys to his uncle’s kingdom. As he grapples with newfound powers, questions of survival intensify.
With allies, secret identities, and the supernatural in tow, Tris strives to depose his traitorous brother.
In this high fantasy series opener, Martin blends political intrigue, magical legacy, and the struggle for justice, promising readers a thrilling journey into a world where danger and the supernatural intertwine.
Kiss Me Deadly by Jessie Thomas
Meet Seraphina Mason, Buffalo’s unparalleled necromancer, whose nights are dedicated to conjuring spirits, resurrecting the deceased, and occasionally evicting unruly poltergeists for those in need. However, in this eerie landscape, the ever-charming vampire Nathaniel Caligari makes an entrance, adding a touch of danger to the moonlit proceedings with his timeless good looks and brooding charisma.
As fate would have it, Nathaniel reluctantly seeks Seraphina’s assistance in locating his missing son, demonstrating that even bloodsuckers can have a soft spot.
In this collaboration fraught with peril, Seraphina and Nathaniel must dance between witty banter and uneasy cooperation, navigating a graveyard of mysteries with stakes – both literal and potentially wooden – higher than a mausoleum.
The Bone Orchard by Sara A. Mueller
Charm, the last of a lineage of conquered necromancers, tends to her peculiar garden – a yard of regrown bone trees at Orchard House. Each tree harbors the secrets of its marrow, and Charm, a prisoner, carefully cultivates her spectral offspring: Shame, Justice, Desire, Pride, and Pain.
Beyond her horticultural endeavors, Charm plays dual roles as a madam and a working woman in Borenguard, where the wealthy indulge in illusions. However, her routine takes an imperial twist when the Emperor summons her to his deathbed.
Charged with uncovering the regicide among his sons, Charm faces a dilemma: follow the late Emperor’s will for the sake of the empire or heed the whispers of her own vengeful ghosts.
The Necromancer Princess by Valery Keith
Book 1 of The Necromancer Princess series, this inaugural story follows Brianna, who finds herself exiled for the mere crime of being born a necromancer – a faux pas in the kingdom’s social handbook.
Evading a grim fate, King Belmontis opts for discretion, entrusting Brianna’s care to a confidant, feigning her death due to illness.
Fast forward twenty years, and Brianna’s chilling incognito in Mountainvale’s Warrens, blissfully ignorant of the familial drama unfolding after her father’s assassination by the overachieving cousin.
Little does she know, a foreign necromancer’s brewing an invasion, and guess who’s on their ominous radar?
The Necromancer’s Seduction by Mimi Sebastian
Retired necromancer Professor Ruby Montagne faces an unconventional fear – the pulsating power to reanimate the dead within her.
While peace-seeking in San Francisco, her tranquillity shatters upon discovering a slain witch.
Tasked with transforming the body into a revenant to unveil the killer, Ruby uncovers a conspiracy where revenants are more than mere puppets.
Teaming up with a witch, a zombie, and the enigmatic demon warrior Ewan March, she navigates chaos and growing attraction. However, Ruby realizes safety is a fleeting luxury in a world where the dead walk and demonic entities threaten both realms.
Affairs of the Dead by A.J. Locke
Meet Selene Vanream, a necromancer with a knack for bending the rules.
Tasked with helping ghosts move on, she finds herself in hot water and relegated to tracking down spirits, avoiding the afterlife.
Enter Ethan Lance, a ghost claiming his body was hijacked, setting off a chain of events that ties back to a series of chilling murders. With her life on the line, Selene must navigate a tricky partnership with Micah, her colleague, and confront the fallout of her rule-breaking ways.
In Affairs of the Dead, unraveling mysteries can be a deadly game, and Selene is about to learn that firsthand.
The Necromancer’s Dance by S.J. Himes
In this captivating tale, Angel Salvatore, a reluctant yet powerful necromancer, seeks a tranquil existence but is thrust into a compelling dance with the supernatural.
When a murder shakes his world, Angel becomes an unlikely investigator, unraveling a web of dark forces that force him to confront his own hidden truths.
S.J. Himes skillfully crafts a narrative that seamlessly blends fantasy, mystery, and a dash of romance.
As Angel waltzes through a realm where the boundaries between life and death blur, readers are spellbound by a story that holds peril and passion in every step.
The Kingdom of Shadow by Richard A. Knaak
In the timeless clash between the High Heavens and the Burning Hells, the fate of Creation unfolds in the mortal realm, sparing none – Man, Demon, or Angel.
Legends tell of Ureh, a city reborn every two thousand years when stars align and Mount Nymyr’s shadow unveils untold riches. Vizjerei sorcerer Quov Tsin, with a hired band, anticipates witnessing Ureh’s rebirth, yet the radiant dream twists into a macabre nightmare, drawing them into The Kingdom of Shadow.
This original narrative, stemming from Blizzard Entertainment’s M-rated computer game, delves into swords, sorcery, and timeless struggle. Intended for mature readers, it navigates a world where light and shadow entwine, ensnaring its characters in a tapestry of peril and supernatural horrors.
The Knight and the Necromancer Trilogy by A. H. Lee
In this classic fairytale with a twist, Prince Roland, seeking solace in a tavern, encounters the mysterious scholar Sairis.
Unexpected chemistry leads to a second date, providing a bright spot before facing the family’s sworn enemy – a necromancer, Sairis, invited to consult on the war.
With a price on his head, Sairis explores a world where desires come to life, surprised by Roland’s lack of intimidation.
Drawn to the knight’s humor and kindness, the trilogy unfolds across three books, promising a satisfying happily ever after amid steamy scenes, navigating a world of unexpected love, historical animosities, and magical complexities.
Johannes Cabal the Necromancer by Jonathan L. Howard
Meet Johannes Cabal, a brilliant but morally questionable necromancer determined to win back his own soul, which he impulsively sold to the Devil.
Striking a deal with Satan, Cabal is tasked with capturing one hundred souls within a year to reclaim his own.
Set against a backdrop of the macabre and the supernatural, the novel takes readers on a humorous and sometimes absurd journey as Cabal travels to a mysterious carnival, confronts demons, and employs inventive methods to fulfill his soul-collecting quota.
Howard skillfully weaves wit, sarcasm, and a touch of the macabre into a narrative that explores themes of morality and redemption.
Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton
Guilty Pleasures is the first book in the Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter series, introducing readers to the intriguing world of Anita Blake.
Set in a modern-day alternate reality where supernatural creatures coexist with humans, Anita Blake is a tough and sassy necromancer and vampire hunter.
Anita’s world becomes even more complicated when she is pulled into a series of murders in the vampire community. As she investigates, she navigates a complex web of vampire politics, supernatural conflicts, and her own evolving powers.
Laurell K. Hamilton’s novel is known for blending dark fantasy, mystery, and elements of horror, with Anita’s role as a necromancer providing a distinctive twist.
Necroscope by Brian Lumley
In the first book of a series merging horror, science fiction, and supernatural espionage, Necroscope introduces Harry Keogh, gifted with the unique ability of necromancy.
In a world where government entities exploit those with psychic talents, Harry becomes a pivotal figure.
The narrative weaves a complex tapestry involving otherworldly dimensions, political intrigue, and the looming threat of Wamphyri, vampiric beings with a dark agenda.
Delving into the consequences of paranormal abilities, Necroscope explores the fine line between the living and the dead, offering readers a chilling and captivating journey into the unknown.
Incursion by Mitchell Hogan
Step into a world haunted by the specter of a reawakening Necromancer Queen.
Seventeen years post-defeat by the Order of Eternal Vigilance, Anskar DeVantte, a devotee of the Order, faces initiation trials to become a knight-sorcerer. Yet, his ascent breeds inner conflict as troubling dreams and latent powers unsettle his faith.
Amidst rising tension within the Order and the lingering threat of the queen’s fanatical followers, Anskar delves into his past, confronting a crucial choice: remain loyal to the Order or yield to the dark powers within.
Hogan’s narrative promises a gripping journey, exploring the interplay of light and shadow in a destiny poised for war, with Anskar at its enigmatic epicenter.
The Necromancer by Michael Scott
In The Necromancer, the penultimate installment of the Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series, Sophie and Josh Newman’s world deepens in complexity.
Returning home, they grapple with the reality that their elemental magics are inadequate against the impending menace of Dark Elders.
Lost allies, the imminent release of Alcatraz’s monsters, and Dr. John Dee’s relentless pursuit compound their predicament. Doubts about trust, especially in Nicholas Flamel, intensify. The aged and weakened reunion of Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel adds urgency to their mission.
As alliances blur and betrayals loom, a climactic battle over Alcatraz’s monstrous army approaches, blurring the thin line between good and evil and propelling the series toward its thrilling conclusion.
A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians by H.G. Parry
Set in the late 18th century, A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians is a spellbinding historical fantasy that intertwines magic and politics into a rich narrative tapestry.
The story spans continents, introducing compelling characters such as William Pitt, a young lawyer and abolitionist; Fina Arvon, a passionate revolutionary in Haiti; and Mak Gengang, a magical slave.
As these characters navigate their challenges, they confront the societal implications of magic, slavery, and the fight for freedom.
H.G. Parry skillfully merges real historical events with fantastical elements, offering a thought-provoking exploration of power, oppression, and the relentless pursuit of equality.
The Death of the Necromancer by Martha Wells
Amid the gaslit streets and shadowy alleys of a fantastical city, this compelling novel follows the enigmatic and morally complex character Nicholas Valiarde.
Haunted by the execution of his foster father on false charges, Nicholas embarks on a quest for revenge against the corrupt and powerful Count Montesq.
His journey plunges him into a web of magic, political conspiracy, and undead secrets.
The Death of the Necromancer is a thrilling exploration of power, morality, and the consequences of delving into the forbidden arts of necromancy.
Flesh and Bone: Rise of the Necromancers by Jessy Marie Roberts
Next, we head to a world where magic and darkness intertwine in a collection of 21 bite-sized looks at necromancy in this short story anthology varying from the modern age to ancient times, incorporating fantasy elements beyond the realm of the undead.
Notable stories within the anthology include The Blade of Tears by Lydia Sharp and All the World a Grave by Michael McClung, both of which are praised for their impressive ideas and characters.
Despite a few deviations from the theme, the collection is recommended for those who appreciate the mysterious and macabre aspects of necromancy in their reading.
Death Whispers by Tamara Rose Blodgett
15-year-old Caleb Hart grapples with his newfound paranormal abilities as a Cadaver-Manipulator in 2025.
The government’s sanctioned drug unleashes latent powers in teenagers, rendering them more potent than adults.
Caleb, harboring the rare Affinity for the Dead, faces the constant threat of exploitation by a covert government agency. Determined to keep his ability hidden, Caleb turns to his girlfriend, Jade, only to discover she requires protection from her own family.
Struggling to conceal his powers, shield Jade, and evade government scrutiny, Caleb finds himself entangled in a web of challenges, from relentless bullies to the looming presence of a secretive agency.
Can he navigate this perilous terrain and safeguard his loved ones?
The Dark Lord’s Handbook by Paul Dale
Aspiring Dark Lord Morden is your atypical villain who, armed with a handy handbook, navigates the challenges of world domination. Filled with witty observations and comedic situations, Morden faces bureaucratic hurdles, deals with rebellious minions, and tries to outsmart heroes.
The book cleverly subverts fantasy tropes, providing readers with an entertaining and light-hearted exploration of the villain’s perspective.
Dale’s narrative combines fantasy elements with satirical humor, creating an engaging read for those who enjoy a comedic twist on traditional epic fantasy stories.
Get ready for a laughter-filled journey as Morden endeavors to establish his dark reign while contending with the unexpected pitfalls of evil overlordship.
The Shattered World by Michael Reaves
As a new cult seeks to resurrect the long-lost Necromancer, a thief named Beron becomes a pawn in a perilous game.
Caught and sentenced by Ardatha Demonhand, he’s coerced into stealing a talisman from Darkhaven’s master, Pandrogas.
Unbeknownst to Beron, this talisman holds the key to the Necromancer’s magic.
Reaves crafts a captivating story, inviting readers into a spellbinding adventure.
In The Shattered World, the characters’ journey intertwines with the fate of their realm, creating a plot-driven fantasy that keeps audiences engaged from start to finish.
Two Necromancers, a Bureaucrat, and an Elf by L.G. Estrella
In a world where magical mishaps and bureaucratic chaos reign, two necromancers, a bureaucrat and an elf, find themselves entangled in a comedic adventure.
The unlikely group, consisting of necromancers Morden and Rick, fastidious bureaucrat Kyle, and the elf Sylvain, navigates a world filled with absurdities.
As they stumble through misadventures, bureaucratic hurdles, and magical mayhem, readers are treated to a unique blend of wit and fantasy.
Amidst the chaos, the characters must contend with their own quirks and conflicting goals, adding layers of humor to the narrative.
Dead Beat by Jim Butcher
In this, the 7th book in the Dresden Files series, Chicago’s only professional wizard and private investigator, Harry Dresden, faces new challenges.
As winter approaches, Harry finds himself entangled in a deadly game involving necromancy. A group of dark wizards is attempting to harness forbidden magic, and Harry is on a race against time to stop them. The stakes are high as the necromancers aim to unleash an ancient and destructive power.
The narrative is enriched by Butcher’s signature blend of action, humor, and intricate world-building.
Readers are taken on a roller-coaster ride through a world where magic is real, creatures of legend walk the streets, and danger lurks at every turn.
The Enterprise of Death by Jesse Bullington
The Enterprise of Death is a historical fantasy novel that weaves together elements of dark magic, alchemy, and historical settings.
The story is set in the 16th century and follows the life of Awa, a young Ethiopian slave with a mysterious past and a connection to supernatural forces.
As Awa navigates the treacherous world of Renaissance Europe, she becomes entangled with a secret society of alchemists and necromancers. Her journey is marked by encounters with grotesque creatures, political intrigue, and a quest for immortality.
The novel stands out for its unique blend of historical fiction and fantasy, offering readers a gripping and immersive narrative that challenges conventions and expectations in the genre.
Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride
This darkly humorous urban fantasy novel follows the misadventures of Samhain Sam LaCroix, a college dropout working at a fast-food restaurant.
Sam’s life takes a drastic turn when he discovers he is a necromancer, capable of controlling and communicating with the dead.
The story unfolds as Sam is confronted by Douglas, a powerful and malevolent necromancer who sees Sam as a threat.
As Sam grapples with his newfound abilities, he becomes entangled in a supernatural underworld filled with werewolves, witches, and other magical beings. Alongside a quirky group of friends, including a reanimated head, Sam must navigate the dangers of the magical community and face Douglas in a final confrontation.
The Necromancer’s Daughter by D. Wallace Peach
Barus, a seasoned healer with a penchant for the dark arts of life and death, revives a stillborn child, Aster, in the chaos of the dying queen’s chamber. Raised as his daughter, Aster inherits her father’s ability to heal death.
However, when the widowed king seeks an heir, Aster becomes the target of the Vicar of the Red Order, who deems her resurrection abilities abominable.
As the king defies the warnings and summons Aster to save his own life, he falls victim to an assassin.
The Red Order, driven by righteousness and conviction, aims to cleanse the land of evil. D. Wallace Peach’s retelling of the legend of Kwan-yin, the Chinese Goddess of Mercy, weaves a captivating narrative.
The Devil’s Right Hand by Lilith Saintcrow
Meet Dante Valentine, a necromancer and bounty hunter living in a gritty, futuristic world.
Set in the year 2047, the story follows Dante as she is hired for a seemingly routine job, only to find herself entangled in a much larger and more dangerous conspiracy.
Dante is a tough, no-nonsense protagonist with a troubled past and a unique set of skills. As a necromancer, she can communicate with the dead, a talent that proves invaluable in her line of work.
However, when a devil comes to collect on a long-overdue debt, Dante is thrust into a world of supernatural threats and political intrigue.
How to Save an Undead Life by Hailey Edwards
Next, we meet Grier Woolworth, a former socialite turned ghost wrangler in a paranormal world.
The story is set in a New Orleans teeming with supernatural beings, and Grier finds herself entangled in a murder mystery that goes beyond the realm of the living.
Grier is not your typical protagonist. As a ghost handler, she is responsible for capturing and containing ghosts who refuse to move on. However, her life takes a drastic turn when she stumbles upon a murder victim who isn’t quite ready to embrace the afterlife.
The first book in the Beginner’s Guide to Necromancy series promises readers a captivating blend of the paranormal, mystery, and a touch of humor.
Three Parts Dead by Max Gladstone
Three Parts Dead is a fantasy novel set in a world where magic is a legal and economic force, gods exist, and the city of Alt Coulumb relies on its patron deity, Kos the Everburning, to power its infrastructure.
When Kos dies unexpectedly, the city is thrown into chaos.
The story follows Tara Abernathy, a skilled Craftswoman with a troubled past, who is hired by the international necromantic firm Kelethres, Albrecht, and Ao to resurrect Kos and investigate his death.
Tara partners with an intriguing chain-smoking priest, Abelard, and together, they uncover a complex web of political intrigue, corporate machinations, and divine mysteries.
