Contains necromancy, snarky birds, ill-advised enchantments, blood-soaked flirtation, and zero regard for decorum. Noble intentions not included.

I would recommend this novel if you are looking for a quick read with nothing to complicated. I do think that the world building and development could have been better and more detailed. But overall it was a quick and enjoyable read.

This was an interesting concept, one I quite enjoy. I would recommend this novel if you are looking for a quick read with nothing to complicated. I do think that the world building and development could have been better and more detailed. But overall it was a quick and enjoyable read.


Thank you NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the eARC.

VEXXED is a novella about main character Vexx – a trouble-shooting necromancer with a chaotic approach to both his personal and professional life – and I mostly loved it.

The writing style was a little bit jerky and staccato, but I liked the quirky characters, the low stakes mystery, and the comedically complicated attempts at romance which were hindered by undead talking raven Nevermore unhelpfully using his feathers to trigger Vexx’s gender-fluid shape-shifting at the most awkward moments!

I would have really liked to see more of the worldbuilding and characters than we were able to get in this short space, as it left the plot feeling a little lightly sketched and hurried.

Generally though, the quirky writing style and sense of humour really appealed to me, and I can rarely resist a snarky main-character-and-sidekick duo!

Reading Vexxed feels like sitting across from someone at a pub who’s had just enough ale to start telling you wild stories — and you can’t quite tell if they’re full of it or if this guy really did bargain with the undead and charm a vampire princess in the same week. Either way, you’re entertained.

This novella introduces us to Vexx, a necromancer with the emotional availability of a rusty dagger, and his raven sidekick Nevermore, who exists solely to roast him and serve as snarky narrator-on-the-shoulder. There’s a plot about a cursed town and an undead uprising, but the real energy comes from the vibe — sarcastic, gothic, slightly chaotic.

This was sadly not a book for me. The premise sucked me in but it was not what I expected. I found it hard to take in and follow.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC. All opinions are my own.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

So I wasn't sure what to make of this story when I opened it. At first I was confused about the length, but then just started reading and hoped to enjoy the ride. I was not expecting this to have comical moments and actually chuckled or smiled at some points. Vexx's sneezing transitions were unexpected, but added extra intrigue, and the Baron "flirting" with him while a woman was memorable. I did find the way the story was written confusing at times, the single sentences and little description was more like a script. A couple of times I had to go back and re read small parts to make sure I was understanding everything (mostly who was doing what as she/he/they was used when it could have been anyone speaking.) Was this well written? Not really. The premise and dialogue would work better as a Webtoon comic than story.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7646475936 Review was posted 6/11/25
I received this book via @Netgalley and @IlyaVoskresensky , the author in exchange for an honest review and opinion.

I finished this book within a few hours, as it is under 100 pages.

The concept of the story is that Vexx, a necromancer, is recruited to fix a ghoul problem in a graveyard.

I have to be compeltely honest and say I never usually give a book 2 star reviews. I know how much work goes into these books and how hard the author worked to present a finished piece of work. I have a feeling Voskresensky will improve with more writing experience, so I wanted to give some constructive criticism.

I definitely gave this book a chance. I loved the concept of an angsty crow and charming necromancer. I am all about the short chapters and dark humor aspect of this type of book.
However, it was hard to understand the concept of necromancy because VERY little is written for the background and world building of this book. The book mentions 'tethering' as a focal point for the plot without explaining whatever it really is. Nothing is elaborated on, even past work Vexx took on before the events in the book took place, which could have filled some gaps.

The characters were extreme levels of whatever personality trait they had. Baron was an out of practice curmudgeon, Ilvara was a temptress, Evelyn was innocence, Vexx was an asshole, and Nevermoor was the sarcastic relief. There was no character development whatsoever.

Everyone falls in love with one another instantly, like high schoolers- and they communicate as such.

Nothing is fleshed out to capture the essence of what the real problem is and how and why they need to solve it. For example, why are the ghouls there at the beginning in the graveyard, but then they don't really come back again-- if he sent them away, it wasn't clear that he had kept them away for good or not. Evelyn likes to ask nonsensical questions about why Vexx looks different and for him to not look so dead next time she sees him. Are they all already dead and this was a game to entertain them all? Did I miss that very clear explanation?

The descriptions of all the characters basically only describe them as dressed in shadow but you can tell they are extremely beautiful.

Vexx's hex is never really talked about except for in a single paragraph, then you are just supposed to know everytime his nose gets tickled, he is a woman with the same exact memories, etc. This seems like something there was an entire other book to explain the background of.

Why do the female characters keep popping up when he is trying to do his job? Are they distracting him? Every time I think I am about to get more insight to the story, in comes Ilvara or Evelyn, asking circuitous riddles or flirting embarassingly.

A ton of the expressions were so funny because they didn't really make sense. Some would have worked a lot better with some punctuation and grammar fixes. Here are just a few:
"... the kind of smile you wear while your soul climbs out the window," "the silver didn't rattle-- but it wanted to," "her napkin hit the table like punctuation," "Just be careful where you laugh. Some ruins bite back," "Vexx cut into the roast. It was judging him. Like a boar who'd died for better company. And now resented the guest list from beyond, "Vexx blinked, thoughts colliding like warhorses at a joust gone backward," "He cleared his throat with the force of a dying diplomat."

This part could contain spoilers****
[The ending was so confusing. I don't understand why it is implied that these people are closer than what transpired throughout the book, so it makes me think they were all just dead playing games with one another. I want to know how Ilvara tethered differently than Vexx could ever imagine and why it was so complicated. All of a sudden, she could just fix it? I know she did it because of her past love, Adrien, but even that is not elaborated on. (hide spoiler)]

All that being said, I really thought Nevermore was a great character you could get behind. He was snarky and definitely provided logical comedic relief. I did think some of the wording was entertaining, but a bit confusing. I am not sure I would recommend it except for someone wanting a good giggle and between some other literature. I mean no offense to the writer for my opinions, I just had a provoking experience reading it, and that can be good too.

I was excited at the idea of diving into this book- necromancy, supernatural investigations along with mystery and intrigue but unfortunately the story fell short for me- the plot was repetitive in parts with the main character of Vexx coming across as a man who grinned and laughed a lot and his familiar- a bird called Nevermore having a "I couldn't care less outlook on things in general throughout the story.
I really wanted to enjoy this book but it just dragged for me and left me unsatisfied.
Thank you to both Netgalley and the publisher for an early ARC of this book.

This book just wasn't for me at all!! It was such a short read but I struggled to get through it. My brain is still trying to figure out what is going on. This book had the potential to be good but it was lacking in every aspect

I was excited for a little necromancer novel, but I left this irritated despite how short it is. Nevermore felt like a fake idgaf-er. Vex was irritating. I lost count of how many times he smirked in 90 pages. The writing was choppy and rushed, and the “romance,” if you could even call it that, was one dimensional and boring. The two women were stereotypes and fought each other over Vex (who they both knew for all of 10 minutes). Overall, I would not recommend anyone to read this.

This was an interesting concept, but it a good way. This is a good read if you are looking for something quick, fast paced, paranormal, with a dash of romance. It's not enough were I would consider it as a romance book, but the banter is there. It was an enjoyable read for sure.

Thank you NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the eARC.

Unfortunately this did not hit for me. The characters were very flat, Nevermore seem like he was just trying to hard to seem bored. Vexx, just seeming to be smiling about anything seemed forced and the "romance" if you even want to call it that, was also VERY weird, very cringy very rushed. I honestly was very confused on anything and everything that was going on. This could be something better as a full novel and better character development.

This cover caught my attention. It sounded like a funny story. I liked the sarcastic raven, although at times I had to reread to make sure it was the raven speaking. Vex being able to transform with a sneeze was weird but hilarious. Other than that, this didn't have much to it. It didn't have a strong plot, a strong romance, or a strong mystery. It was just a story that I'll ultimately forget about. Unfortunately 2 stars.

A somewhat madcap novella, a la The Gunslinger (book) meets Clue (movie). Would make a good single-sitting read when you’re in the mood for something weird, on a dark autumn night with a big glass of red wine and low lighting. Come for the mysterious vibes, stay for the talking raven!

The premise was fun, though I do feel like the characters could have been fleshed out more. But sometimes it is nice to read something short.

Read if you like: Dark comedy, morally grey men, sentient animal sidekicks

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookbuzz for providing me with a copy of the book.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. This will be an honest review.

I did not like this book at all. First off it’s a novella being 93 pages long. The writing is very choppy. Also the story line didn’t make any sense. I only finished this because it was so short. I wouldn’t recommend this book.

🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇 5-Bat Review: VEXXED by Llya Voskrensensky

Not at all what I expected — and I loved it for that. VEXXED took every trope I thought I knew, flipped it inside out, sprinkled in some chaos, and cackled in my face. Nevermore? Chef’s kiss. I would absolutely sell my soul for a snarky little raven-demon companion like that — half menace, half emotional support gremlin. Vexx as a character? Epic. Hilarious. Unbothered. A hot mess with just enough bite.

The banter in this book? Next. Level. I was smirking and snorting my way through the pages like an unhinged gremlin. The twist caught me off guard in the best way, and the pacing made it a quick, fun, witchy delight.

The writing style is a bit different — nonlinear, sharp, playful — and might not be for everyone, but for me? It was a bold, brilliant move that made the story stand out from the crowd.

Absolutely devoured it. I need more.

#VEXXED #NetGalley #WitchyReads #DarkFantasy #NevermoreIsMyPatronus #ObsessedWithVexx

Hijinks, Poe references, and Ghouls — oh my!

This was a fun little novella that doesn't take itself too seriously. A quick read if you like stories with necromancy and banter with animal companions. The tone of the dialogue was very snarky and sometimes it hit and sometimes it didn't. There were a couple good one-liners that I chuckled over. While it did occasionally make it hard to determine who was saying what, it didn't hinder the story.

This would make a good comic. I think the humor and irreverence would translate well into that medium. Or even a couple animated shorts. It lends itself well to an episodic format.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for a copy of this arc in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Vexx is a necromancer. Together with his Raven companion Nevermore he arrives at a village to take up a graveyard job from the Baron.

I didn’t know what to expect from the novella and I honestly think that was the best way to enjoy it. On a recent short flight I read it entirely and had a good time.
It is an easy, fast and lighthearted read. Especially the banter between the raven and Vexx were delightful. The plot is straightforward and did not have too many surprises for me. It‘s a book you shouldn’t take too seriously and I enjoyed it for that time.
I can see that the humor might not be everyone’s cup of tea, it got a bit old after a while, which I personally didn‘t mind.

The writing is on the simpler side. Some words were overused in my opinion. Vexx smirks a lot and the raven is perching on nearly every other page. Given it is the authors first published book, there is some room to improve.
I personally wasn’t a big fan of how the two women interacted in this book and wished it would be a little more nuanced.

The whole time I felt like I was either part of a quest in a video game or part of a fun necromancer tv show. It might can work as a series and I would have liked to know more about Vexx backstory how did he become what he is and how did he meet Nevermore.

All in all a fun little read that definitely entertained me.