Book Review: How to Save an Undead Life (The Beginner's Guide to Necromancy #1)

 How to Save an Undead Life (The Beginner's Guide to Necromancy #1)

I was initially really enjoying How to Save an Undead Life and had it pegged for a solid 4-star rating. The world-building is fantastic, with just the right amount of backstory and mystery to keep me intrigued. The setting of Atramentous, where the protagonist was once locked up, is dark and complex. The mystery of why she ended up in a prison reminiscent of Alcatraz, and what crime she committed to be sent there without a trial, is absorbing. I was fully invested in uncovering these secrets, as the author skillfully builds tension around it.

The protagonist herself is relatable, and I liked the way the story explores her struggles with re-acclimating to normal life after her release. Her dynamic with Boaz is engaging, especially with the classic "will they or won’t they" tension. She’s clearly aware of her feelings for him but is also understandably afraid of getting hurt again. Boaz, the charming flirt, keeps readers guessing about his true intentions, and while there are moments that hint at more genuine feelings, I’m still cautious about fully trusting him. The love triangle with Volkov adds an interesting layer, but the bigger picture remains shrouded in mystery, keeping me curious about where it’s all headed.

The plot is slow-burning, which I appreciate, but the tension surrounding the wards being broken and the Undead visits feels like it’s building to something bigger. However, the climax didn’t quite hit the mark for me. After all the buildup, I was hoping for a more impactful conclusion, but it felt underwhelming.

I do think there’s a lot of potential here, and I’m still invested in the story. However, I feel like there’s a lot of character development left to explore, especially for the heroine, who clearly has a lot of trauma to work through. The pacing and plot progression leave me hopeful for the next book in the series, but for now, I’m dropping my rating to 3.5 stars. It’s still enjoyable, but I was hoping for a bit more from the climax.