Unfortunately my copy of this book expired before I was able to read it, so I'm unable to give feedback on it.

I love stories about necromancers, the magic is just so dark and interesting. I really enjoyed the previous volume, Songs of the Dead, and I think this volume did a great job continuing the series. The artwork is beautiful, and I loved learning more about the characters' backstories. The tension between Elissar and Bethany is understandable after the ending of the previous volume. I can't wait for another installment to this engrossing series.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. FIrst, the copy I received was a single issue, not a volume. So that was my major disappointment, especially after I started reading, because wow, I kinda love this idea and the beginnings thus far. The artwork was beautiful between the detailing and the coloring, I was drawn completely in. There are several stories building here, so I’m excited to see what they do with it, I guess I’ll have to find a way to subscribe so that I can see what’s next!!!! Pretty great start to the series though!

I enjoyed this graphic novel overall. The artwork was well-done, and I especially liked some of the more scenic panels. As for the plot, I found it to be intriguing but a bit confusing. To be fair, I didn't initially realize that this was the first installment in a spin-off series, and my confusion may be due in part to not having read the original series. However, I still think it's possible to read this without having read the original series, and I'm hoping that the aspects that confused me will become more clear in future volumes. I definitely would be interested in reading future volumes, as the first volume peaked my interest. I think the concept is unique - I've never read another graphic novel about necromancers. I also found it interesting that Elissar seemed to resent Bethany for bringing him back. I'm curious to see what will happen with their relationship in the future. I am also eager to know what follows the cliffhanger at the end of this volume. I think Volume 2 has the potential to be very exciting. 3.5 stars overall!

It is actually Issue #1 tan Vol. #1. I was disappointed when I saw the page count (a volume collects around six or more issues together in one book, hence my reaction.) I read the previous comic and had high expectations about this. Although the characters have some development, I wish the art was better. The story is a bit slow, but since it is just the first issue things can improve in the next ones. In the end, I liked it.

Full review in my blog (March 23): https://tintanocturna.blogspot.com/2020/03/comic-necromancers-map-1.html

I really liked this graphic novel. The artwork was fantastic and the storyline was interesting. I'm excited to read the next volume when it comes out because we were left on a cliffhanger. I will definitely check out more of Michael Christopher Heron and Andrea Fort's work as these two did an amazing job on this graphic novel.

5/5 stars

A decent fantasy series opener – this part one of four comes to me from a universe I've never even heard of, but I quite enjoyed it. You have one dead bloke taking umbrage at the fact some lass has brought him back to life, and while she thinks she's busy seeking translation of a coded treasure map (or something) she's really destined to be helping solve an ageless mystery concerning deadly diseases. A heck of a lot is not explained, so this is not an ideal jumping-on point whatsoever, whatever the publishers say, but it is still interesting. Three and a half stars, and that's just from the newbie's point of view.

This is a fabulous debut from authors Fort and Heron in introducing a new world of fantasy. I like the drawings, but felt as if it it could have had some digital enhancing. The style of this comic veers towards a more classic 90’s feel. I prefer some of the newer versions, but you know as they say, old is gold isn’t it?

This is my first introduction of The Songs of the Dead Universe. And I would be delighted in reading more! If I had to compare, I would compare this to the Dragon Prince. Jonas is under a sickness that threatens to consume him from the inside and finding a cure for it is seeming to be impossible. Bethany is hunting for a Covenant in which they may find answers to the questions they seek. It is hard enough to summarise the story in all detail, as it rather explains more succinctly in the comic by itself.

I did feel that we needed more of Elissar’s background and what made her become undead. I felt as if she was a fascinating character that needed more expansion. I also felt Bethany was sometimes a little too reactive, in that she consumed the information around her, but she did not act as she should have. Even though she may have a heart of gold, I felt as if she needed more cunning needed.

I say this is quite a good debut. I know the sequel will be awesome. I cannot wait to read more. Fantastic work.

This was a very unique story. I liked the art and the plot was very easy to follow. A great start to a new series.

This story is set in the world of Songs for the Dead (which I haven’t read). It was both titles that actually caught my attention as a fantasy fan who enjoys stories that blur the lines between the living and the dead. After reading this, I will look out for the next volume, and I’d like to read Songs for the Dead as well. Unfortunately this volume is really a short issue of 35 pages. The artwork is beautiful and engaging. The structuring of the panels to lay out the scenes and facilitate the flow of the story is creative and well done. Color is also used to indicate the presence of magic in a fun way that helps to set up the world the characters are in. Bethany’s internal dialogue at the very beginning is infused with humor which I loved and hope continues in the future.

I recommend this story for YA audiences who are interested in fantasy and magic. This makes a good “first” for those who are new to the genre. The story introduces readers to the outgoing and kind necromancer Bethany and her brooding mysterious companion, Elissar. The duo is on a journey to decipher a nonsensical map that will lead them to a magic sanctuary called the Covenant. This introduction focuses on a stop they make to ask for help from a temple of ancient mages. Bethany finds a friendly face among some who are not sympathetic to necromancy, and she sets out on making a plan to read the map. Further, the story begins to introduce Elissar’s past and hints at the broader role of mages in this society. There are also moments when Bethany is faced with questions surrounding the ethics of her power, which I think has great storytelling potential.

The story is described as a good launching off point for those who have not read Songs for the Dead, and it partially delivers on that. I did not feel too out of the loop or as though I was missing a lot of information. However, I do hope that future volumes provide more information about Bethany’s past and the source of her powers. Bethany and Elissar appear to be dynamic characters, but there is no background to set that up. I’m curious to see where the story goes!

The concept was interesting enough for me to want to read it however without the background/history of the characters, where the story starts is a bit confusing. I think overall, the story should have started earlier in their relationship.

I received an ARC of this from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I felt a bit underwhelmed when I read this for a number of reasons. The artwork was great but I was expecting colour and I think it would have made the finer details stand out. I also felt like I was missing part of the story because of where this picked up. This was also 35 pages long and I was expecting more. It was interesting for what it was and it has potential but it just wasn’t for me.

I absolutely loved the story and the beautiful artwork. I was hooked and can not wait for more to check out and read! I loved the characters and the story the necromancer can do.

I felt this book was kind of boring compared to others of the same type/genre. It’s a very slow build. This book is better suited for a prologue than a single volume as there isn’t much that actually takes place in it. I would be interested in reading the next volume to see if it gets better and this one is just more of a build for the future.

Unfortunately, I was unable to actually access the book. While the cover looks intriguing, I cannot vouch for the plot. I wish could have read this book to at least have given it a fighting chance, but without being able to properly access it, I will have to give this a lesser rating.

<i>arc provided by the publisher and netgalley in exchange for an honest review</i>

This was fine. I didn’t see that it was only one issue and I wish there was more to the story, more explanations and backstory but for the 35 pages it was, it was intriguing.

I might continue with the story if I can get my hands on the next issues!

2/5