I was really excited for this book because it sounded so interesting, but unfortunately it was a bit disappointing.

Besa Melponte is a fourteen year old black girl growing up in 19th century Newald. Her father is the only Necromancer in the city, but when he finally allows Besa to join him at a ceremony, everything goes wrong. The Bishop in attendance is badly injured when attempting to steal her father’s enchantment book and has the Necromancer arrested. Besa must now do what she can to follow in her father’s footsteps and protect herself and her friends from the Bishop’s attempts at both revenge and to successfully get the book for himself.

The story overall is pretty good, and the adventures as the club begin testing their powers are thrilling and suspenseful. But the writing just isn’t on par, and I’m not sure how much of that can be attributed to the fact that I wasn’t reading the final published edition. There were various grammatical errors, increasing in frequency (and ridiculousness) the further into the book I got. The book also opens after everything happens with her father and the way we go from one flashback into another without ever explicitly coming back out of either of them really confused me. I usually love a good flashback to the event that brought a character to the current moment, but this was just too extended - the girls from the first chapter don’t show up again until over halfway through the book.

I was never entirely sure of the setting. I only know it is Newald now because of the book’s description, but apparently that is in Wisconsin. I assumed the setting to be somewhere in Louisiana because of the use of the word Creole and that most people spoke French.

This book is told from numerous points of view, and while it gave good insight into the characters’ personalities and plans, not all of it seemed entirely necessary. I often felt it was jumping around too often to remain cohesive.

One of the main plot holes for me was the lack of information about her father, to the point where he is basically treated as dead already. All they seem to know is that he was stuck in jail and not allowed to see anyone, which isn’t unsurprising for a black man in this time period, and anything could’ve been done to him by now. But Besa meets several times with the Magist Council, most likely because they knew her father, and I feel they should be powerful enough to at least attempt to get information on his whereabouts and condition if not work towards his release.

For my final critique - the title. I think The Graveyard Club is great. They call themselves that and much of their time ends up spent in graveyards (obviously, she raises the dead). But The Death of Diamond Slim part is entirely unnecessary. Diamond Slim is quite possibly the least consequential spirit she raises throughout the entire book.

I liked the characters, magical elements, and overall premise for this book, but unfortunately it just needed a lot more editing before being released to the public.

I didn't like how much the world slave was used. It was used excessively and the n word. I also don't understand why she is 14, she could have been 17. also I didn't like the writing style.

**Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this eARC**

**MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS**

The Graveyard Club by Harrell offers an intriguing blend of historical fiction, dark fantasy, and coming-of-age adventure. Set against a gothic, atmospheric backdrop, the story follows Besa and her friends, Margaret and Dickey, who each possess unique magical abilities. Together, they form a group known as The Graveyard Club, navigating perilous situations and unraveling mysteries after Besa's father is accused of harming a bishop.

While the novel provides engaging friendship dynamics and portrays adolescence authentically, the narrative's pacing and structure might be challenging for some readers. At times, the story felt disjointed, with abrupt interruptions during conversations and shifts between past and present that were somewhat confusing. Additionally, the inclusion of frequent racial slurs, though historically contextual, might feel excessive or uncomfortable for some readers, especially given the book's YA target audience.

The necromancy elements and magical themes are intriguing, but occasionally overshadowed by a heavier emphasis on historical fiction aspects, which may not resonate with readers expecting more consistent supernatural elements. Besa’s internal journey to honor her father while finding her own identity provides emotional depth, even though the plot occasionally stalls with slower scenes like sleepovers or casual gatherings.

Despite these challenges, Harrell excels in worldbuilding, vividly painting the eerie city of Newald filled with ancient magic and dark secrets. The supporting characters are vibrant and memorable, making the stakes genuinely feel high when faced with threats like Bishop Delacroix and his sinister agents.

Overall, The Graveyard Club will particularly appeal to readers who appreciate historical fiction woven with dark fantasy, complex themes of legacy, and found-family dynamics. Harrell crafts a narrative with moments of suspense, warmth, and genuine camaraderie that leaves an impact beyond the final page.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love myself some weird scary middle grade books and have loved them always, so I thought The premise was really promising. It reminded me of some other books I have read over the years and decided to give it a try.

The pacing was kind of all over the place and I had a harder time than expected following the book. I would have enjoyed racial themes being more explored but I guess it will be tackled at its own time. That said, I really liked the friendships and how they portray each characters' personality in fun ways.

If I recommend It, however, it will be recommended with a heads up on the usage of slurs, since my students are not native English speakers and are not familiar with some of the cultural aspectos of the time this story is set in.

This book was not for me, which is surprising since the premise of it sounded right up my alley.

I DNF'ed this one at 20%, since there were a few aspects I couldn't get passed while reading. One of them being the characters and their unnecessary lines of diologue. In the middle of every conversation they had (in the first part of the book, mind you), something has to come in between. An interruption, which can feel very genuine and human when done once or twice, but when added to almost every conversation, it slows things down.

Second; the beginning. It was so confusion with all the jumps in time, but that is not my main issue. It's the lack of action and the excessive use of the N-word. Don't get me wrong; racism appears to be a huge theme within the book and, especially in that timeframe, was very much alive. It just didn't feel right to me since I didn't know the characters yet and it was all in your face.

The thing that really made me stop reading were the small, seperate chapters in which we follow one of the characters at a time to get to know their backstory. So many new characters were being introduced in a few pages; and there were things which I would assume to be interesting to the plot (like who's romantically into who) that could have been done in a different way.

I don't enjoy writing this type of reviews, but I value honesty above all when it comes to these things. I also give the book 3starts, bcs I didn't finish it, so I don't know what will happen next. I do wanna thank the publisher for a reviewcopy!

3/5⭐️ First of all, thank you to NetGalley and BookSirens for an arc of “The graveyard club”. I liked this book, but i would say I didn’t love it as much as I thought i would, considering how intrigued i was after reading the synopsis and seeing the cover. The “necromancy” aspects were very interesting, but the story didn’t gripped me as much as I wanted it to.

The synopsis of this story along with the cover really drew me into requesting this book although once I started reading it I realized that unfortunately it wasn't in my wheelhouse- whilst I did enjoy the horror and historical aspects to it I felt that the overall plot of the story was overshadowed by the aspect of the historical fiction element.
Secondly, the characters were well written and the settings were both eerie and varied although this wasn't enough to hold my attention whilst reading this book.
Thankyou to both Net Galley as well as Victory Editing Net Galley Co- Op for the early ARC of this book- in exchange for an honest review and all opinions expressed above are my own.

From the very first page. This book sweeps readers into a vividly imagined world where magic pulses beneath every shadow and destiny hangs in the balance. With a rich tapestry of lore and an unforgettable cast of characters, this fantasy tale offers everything fans of the genre crave: adventure, heart, and high stakes.

At the center of the story is a compelling hero grappling with inner demons and outer threats alike. Their journey from humble beginnings to a confrontation with fate is as thrilling as it is emotionally resonant. Along the way, a diverse ensemble of allies and enemies deepens the narrative, each one distinct and integral to the story’s unfolding.

K.M. Harrell’s The Graveyard Club is an enthralling adventure set against the eerie backdrop of 19th century Newald, where magic, danger, and deep bonds of friendship collide in a tale that is both thrilling and heartfelt.

At its core, the novel follows Besa Melponte, a fourteen-year-old girl grappling with grief, isolation, and an unexpected inheritance of power after her father—the city’s only necromancer—is imprisoned under tragic circumstances. Harrell skillfully brings Besa’s emotional turmoil to life, painting a poignant portrait of a girl forced to grow up too soon in a world that fears and misunderstands magic.

The true magic of The Graveyard Club, however, lies in its vibrant cast of supporting characters. Besa’s loyal friends form the titular club, and together they stumble, scheme, and battle their way through a series of increasingly dangerous encounters. Harrell captures the awkwardness, courage, and fierce loyalty of adolescence with striking authenticity, making the stakes feel all the more real when the Shadows, led by the menacing Bishop Delacroix, come for them.

Harrell’s worldbuilding is another standout. Newald is a city steeped in gothic atmosphere, and the dark rituals, ancient tomes, and lurking supernatural threats lend the story a rich, textured backdrop that is at once chilling and enchanting. The pacing is brisk, with enough twists and turns to keep readers hooked without ever feeling rushed.

Themes of legacy, responsibility, and the fight against corruption give the story deeper resonance. While the magic system is imaginative and occasionally mysterious, it’s the emotional heart of the story—Besa’s struggle to honor her father’s legacy while forging her own path—that makes this novel memorable.

The Graveyard Club is a perfect read for fans of dark fantasy, found family narratives, and coming-of-age adventures. Harrell deftly balances spooky thrills with moments of warmth and hope, delivering a story that lingers long after the final page.

A story of necromancy and magic, humour and friendships set in the 19th century. Perfect fantasy for teenagers and up. At 14 Besa Melponte wants to follow in her father’s footsteps, but he is reluctant to entertain this idea. When he is falsely imprisoned she takes up his mantle to develop and use her skills. She and her friends fight against the Bishop who caused her this grief. A Bishop that is losing himself to selfishly gain power. They find themselves in cases of skulduggery, finding the truth through the mouth’s of those that have suffered. Besa finds she is more than up to the challenge. She has doubts, but often surprises herself with what she can do. Lots of cake is also eaten. Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine freely given.

This story follows Besa Melponte, a 14-year-old necromancer, whose father has been wrongfully arrested for injuring a bishop during an enchantment ceremony. Besa – along with her friends – decides to continue her father’s work, and forms The Graveyard Club.

I was intrigued by the blurb of this book and I thought the story did have promise, particularly the strong themes of mystery and friendship, but ultimately I don’t think the writing style was for me this time.

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the ARC of this book.

4.5 I loved this story. The suspense from page one kept my adhd LOCKED IN BOYY. I felt I was on a side quest on a video game that you can’t get enough of. Loved all the characters. I want more books in this universe. I don’t know what is wrong me with me but any dark fantasy where we have a cool necromancer lmao I eat it up.

My Rating: 4*

For this book, I am 90% certain I am in some alternate version of New Orleans. Honestly, I feel the author could have situated it in the heart of The Big Easy and it would have still made perfect sense. This has the vibes of a magic school mixed with trying to fix a circumstance which took Besa’s father from her.

Besa and her friends, Dickey and Margaret, met each other at their school for magist. Margaret seems to be generally skilled in most things regarding the magist craft, while Dickey can grow to about 15 or 20 feet tall and Besa and her family are skilled in Necromancy. Once Besa’s father is blamed for maiming a bishop, Besa begins dabbling in her father’s work and soon forms The Graveyard club with her friends.

However, the bishop and his hired goons are after the kids and a book they have in their possession. Besa is also out for revenge and, if possible, the release of her father. I think my issue with this book is that it feels a bit disjointed and the story isn’t as smooth as I hoped. I feel like we do quite a bit of nothing at times such as having cake and sleepovers. However, it is a YA book and still has some great friendship moments and teamwork. There’s lots of mystery and adventure to be explored in these pages.

I would say for me this one was just average. I didn’t love it as much as I thought I would considering how keen I was from the synopsis and the gripping cover.

I think my issue is that the writing style was too “historical fiction” vibe for me, it’s not a style I particularly enjoy myself but I feel if you do love that style and are interested in books revolving around different types of magic in a fantasy setting with lots of twists and turns and action, you will enjoy this one.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book!

This was a roller-coaster of a ride!

The action and events start from almost the first page at a frantic pace and after that, it never lets up. This feels like multiple books in one, with the characters experiencing adventure after adventure and barely getting to breathe in-between. But they do have lots of cake. The characters by and large are entertaining and enjoyable, albeit not always consistent in their behaviours.

I loved the world but I was a little confused by the relationship between those who had magic and the church - the bishop and many non magic people treat them as heretics and yet in the same pages we find the magic school is run by a 'sister' and that one of the main characters, Margaret, a witch, has a deeply religious mother without any conflict between her family and her faith.

The magic that is sprinkled throughout this book is a true joy to read, the sheer range, the uses in which they are shown. Highly enjoyable.

My main compliant was the ending - in that there isn't really one? The story kind of stops part way without any real resolution or answers to the main story threads that had been laced throughout. I'm not sure if there is going to be a book two, but I really hope so, as there are so many questions left hanging and I am invested in these characters, I want to see what happens next.

Rating: ★★★★☆

The Graveyard Club by K.M. Harrell is a deliciously cute spooky, whimsical ride through a magic-soaked, gothic atmosphere. It’s the kind of book that wraps you in candlelight and shadow, full of wild necromancy, clever kids, ghostly danger, and a whole lot of heart.

There’s an old-soul charm here—rich prose, atmospheric detail, and a magical world that feels strange, untamed, and brimming with hidden rules. The friendships are the heartbeat of the story, grounding all the dark enchantments with warmth, humor, and loyalty.

Perfect for fans of Lockwood & Co. or anyone who craves found family, haunting mystery, and a dash of danger with their magic.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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