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.

#NetGalley #ARC #TheGraveyardClub #KMHarrell #SpookyReads #FoundFamily #DarkFantasy #GothicMagic #LockwoodAndCoVibes #WitchyReads #YAAdventure #NecromancerTales #BookReview