The Death of the Necromancer

by Martha Wells

Book Overview

Master criminal Nicholas steals jewels from wealthy nobles to finance his quest for vengeance: the murder of evil Count Montesq, the man responsible for Nicholas' beloved godfather's death. But now... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0380973340
• ISBN13: 9780380973347
• Release Date: July 1998
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Length: 359 Pages
• Weight: 1.58 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.7" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

Among the Best Fantasies of the Decade

I've previously read three of Martha Wells' other novels and thoroughly enjoyed them all, but she really outdid herself in "The Death of the Necromancer". This is the one of the most fast-paced, unpredictable, and exciting books ever written in any genre. The hero Nicholas is a thief in the Victorian-era city of Vienne. He and his gang of associates are working on a complex plot to bring down Rive Montesq, the criminal overlord who killed Nicholas' foster father. However, in this story little ever goes as planned. For instance, during the very first chapter, our heroes attempt a carefully organized robbery of a noble house during a party, but things go awry because some other seemingly supernatural force want to carry out a robbery in the same house on the same night. Virtually every plot event in the book has a twist of that sort, thus keeping you truly on your toes for the length of the book.And how 'bout those characters, eh. Like George R. R. Martin, Wells has the ability to sketch unforgettable personalities in just a few strokes, rather than wasting long passages on character development. Her characters are suave, confident, and sexy, while at the same time being unquestionably real. For instance, leading lady Madeleine is a famous actress, and her experience in the theatre helps her work with disguises and assume different roles as she navigates the intrigues of Vienne. The relationship between Nicholas and Madeleine isn't a typical fantasy coupling where the characters swoon for each other and never experience any problems. It is, rather, and real relationship, complete with bickering and arguments, but there's real love there as well. Wells does a magnificient job with the minor characters as well. I particularly like how Reynard, who is gay, isn't treated as some sort of joke or curiosity, but rather as a three-dimensional human character.Let's all hail Wells for getting the details right. Descriptions are short and effect, infodumps are nowhere to be found. Martha Wells understands that the reader doesn't need lengthy lectures, and that supernatural elements are actually more creepily effective if they aren't fully explained. Dialogue is sharp, and lines that are supposed to be funny actually are funny. Fantasy, you see, need not be entirely ponderous multi-thousand page bricks of clichéd characters and trite sayings. It is, in fact, possible to have fun with imaginative novels. And though the number of authors with the courage to do so may be small, that can't stop us from enjoying books like "The Death of the Necromancer" when we find them.

Moriarty, The Shadow and Batman

Don't judge this book by its title or cover. I read one other review that was "disappointed" because there was no true horror in the book, as well there should not be because this is a hero, or perhaps anti-hero book. What can I say, it is one of my favorite books read this year, but I would not have picked it up if I hadn't just read the other Wells' books and been impressed with them too.Our main man came from the wrong side of the tracks years before and when his adopted father was killed, began using all of those old skills in an adopted identity to avenge the death (hello Bruce Wayne). Moving through society and having a loyal set of helpers who he has "saved" in various manners through the years (hello Lamont Cranston), he has a noble heart, but uses whatever methods work for him.In his role as the great dark figure of the underworld (Moriarty), there is only one inspector who has gained his respect over the years (hello Sherlock) and who he might be willing to grudgingly cooperate with.Now, someone is using devices very similar to those invented by his late adopted father, and he may have to choose between revenge for the past and justice in the present?Strong characterization and a gothic (Gotham?) setting, with some magic and mystery thrown in, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Goblins by Gaslight

In recent years a new style of fantasy has emerged - one that combines a somewhat more technologically advanced setting with the magic of high fantasy. Paul J. McAuley's Pasquale's Angel and J. Gregory Keyes' Newton's Cannon both spring to mind as contemporary examples of this fusion of technology and fantasy.Martha Wells has proven herself to be one of the queens of this genre by managing to subtly and ably combine the genres of the Victorian/Sherlockian mystery with that realm of fantasy, by combining steam and sorcery.Wells has managed to craft a delightful world that has a Victorian feel while retaining it's own flavour. The overall seeming of a fantastic version of turn-of-the-century Paris (Vienne, in this novel) is augmented by the sorcerous powers that the chosen few have access to.Her main character has a wonderfully Moriarty-esque flavour complete with a Sherlockian adversary), an essentially noble bearing, and a marvellous supporting cast to bring him through the worst of his adventures.Evil stalks the gaslit streets of Vienne in the kingdom of Ile-Rien, and it falls to her greatest criminal mastermind to expunge it - or die trying.I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

Really Enjoyable Fantasy

I didn't choose this book expressly. I was in a shop with a limited selection of English books and it looked like the best option I had. I didn't, frankly, know what to expect from it. It looked a bit like an Anne Perry novel + magic from the back cover. I hoped for reasonably entertaining at best.I ended up with a book that I couldn't put down. The characters were well-crafted, the world they moved in was richly detailed. The system of magic Wells created was so well worked-out that we didn't need everything explained-- the characters moved through the world in a natural way and everything became clear enough (while still leaving much room for information about this society in later novels.)Excellent example of the genre. Not great literature, but certainly high entertainment.

Mission Impossible in 19th century Europe

READ THIS BOOK! It is so fun! This book combines Mission Impossible, Sherlock Holmes & Dr. Watson, Scotland Yard, sorcery, magic -- absolute non-stop action and adventure from beginning to end. The dialogue was great -- wit and sarcasm abound. Characters were developed well -- I connected even with the minor characters. And I swear I could actually smell those sewer tunnels. The Prefecture/Magistrates courtyard riot and prison escape scenes were some of the best action I have read ever. Thank you Martha Wells for a great experience. This book would make a great movie.