by Barb Hendee, J.C. Hendee
Series: Dead Seekers #1
Genres: Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
n the New York Times bestselling Noble Dead saga, Barb and J.C. Hendee created an engrossing mix of intrigue, epic fantasy, and horror. * Now, they present a bold new series set in the same world, where the destinies of two hunters shaped by the shadows of their pasts are about to collide...
In the dark reaches of the eastern continent, Tris Vishal travels from village to village, using his power to put unsettled spirits to rest. He works alone, having learned that letting people close only leads to more death. Still, he finds himself accepting the help of the Mondyalitko woman who saves his life a woman whose gifts are as much a burden as his own.
Mari Kaleja thirsted for vengeance since the night her family was taken from her. She has searched far and wide for the one she thinks responsible, known only as The Dead's Man. But before she can kill him, she has to be sure. Mari hopes traveling with Tris will confirm her suspicions. But as they embark on a hunt where the living are just as dangerous as the dead, she learns the risks of keeping your enemy close...
Because it's no longer clear who is predator and who is prey."
The Dead Seekers by Barb and J.C. Hendee is the first novel in their newest fantasy series. This was my first encounter with this author duo, but the premise intrigued me. For fans, this series takes place in the same world as their Noble Dead Saga. A light fantasy, with intriguing characters and dark, mysterious undertones I am eager to read more.
The Dead Seekers is told by our two main characters, Mari Kaleja and Tris Vishal. We also get a little perspective from Tris’s mentor, an alchemist which I found equally fascinating. Mari is a cat-shifter whose family was wiped out in the woods by a dark shadow in her youth. Since then she has sought revenge. Tris Vishal a noblemen by birth but lives atop an alchemist’s shop and travels from village to village using his powers to remove spirits from this world.
I quickly slipped into this world and story. I appreciated that we were given both perspectives. The world building isn’t overly complicated and allows you to enjoy the fast-paced tales. Tris was a bit of mystery with his rare talents and the darkness surrounding it. He is a bit of a loner and keeps people at arm’s length, so his interactions with Mari became interesting. Mari is a character seeking revenge and believes that Tris is the one she seeks. Despite her anger and thirst for revenge, she needs to be sure. Thus she follows him, and an incident soon has them traveling as companions. The more Mari learns, the more confused she becomes.
It appears as if each book will feature encounters with unsettled spirits. I loved the cases they encountered. We deal with one minor and one major case. Dead Seekers reminded me a bit of the Greywalker series by Kat Richarson. The Hendee’s managed to create suspense and a level of darkness with these spirits and Tris’s ability. I loved the added element of alchemy and enjoyed the character of Heil. He added some tension, snark, and banter to the mix.
The tension between Tris and Mari was fun, suspenseful and had me guessing. We aren’t sure if Tris is truly a hero. As I said, he is troubled, and his gift comes with equal parts darkness. Wrong or not I pictured Benedict Cumberbatch as Tris. I think these two work well together. Despite the questions, we see a certain level of trust and companionship build. Could there be a romance? It is hard to say at this point, although there is the potential for one as their friendship/partnership grows.
All in all Dead Seekers was a sound beginning to this series and has me curious about other works by this writing team.
The Dead Seekers by Barb and J.C. Hendee was a light fantasy that has me eager for more Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lorna
I’ve not seen or heard of these two series. I don’t think anyway. The premise sounds interesting. Is it way back in time, contemporary, or a completely new world? I will be interested to see what you think as you go forward.
kimbacaffeinate
The world has a historical feel…horses, hearths etc.
Tyler H. Jolley
What a great paranormal fantasy!
kimbacaffeinate
It was good and I am anxious for the next one 🙂
Stormi Johnson
So I recently just caught sight of this one and I am really curious. 🙂 So it seems like it must have been okay to read this one even if you haven’t read the other series?
kimbacaffeinate
This story takes place in the same world..but with different characters. So yes, totally new series
blodeuedd
I am curious
kimbacaffeinate
Neat. I wondered if you had tried any of their books.
Christy LoveOfBooks
It’s never wrong to picture Cumberbatch. 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Right. Happy New Year Christy!
Sophia Rose
A dark hero and a heroine who thinks he’s the bad guy, now that sounds good. I’ve not heard of their books, but this series draws my interest.
kimbacaffeinate
This was my first experience and it has left me curious to explore their other series.
The Bibliophile Babe
Oooh, you have me curious!
kimbacaffeinate
Happy to pique your curiosity.
Kristin
You sold me when you mentioned the Greywalker series but on first impressions, this book reminded me of a series we all read a couple of years back that, for the life of me, I cannot remember!!! It was trilogy authored by a couple, too. I’m just too lazy to go hunting for it. But I like the sound of this series both for the new-to-me authors and the ghost angle. Awesome review!!!
kimbacaffeinate
Well now you have me curious. LOL
Kristin
Clay & Susan Griffith – Crown and Key series… phew! Now that is cloooosuuure 😀
kimbacaffeinate
Gads I loved that series. That was heavier but yeah same good vibe
Mary Kirkland
Sounds like a good start to a series.
kimbacaffeinate
I am looking forward to the next already 🙂
Melissa
I still need to finish her The Mist-Torn Witches series!
kimbacaffeinate
I am curious about their other works now 🙂
Kim
Happy New Year, Kim! I’ve had my eye on the couple Barb and J.C. Hendee it seems forever and just have not had the chance to read one of their books. This sounds like something I could get into, especially with the mention of an alchemist. Thanks for the great review 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I am really glad I took a chance. This was the first I’d heard of them.
Bookworm Brandee
I’ve wanted to read this writing duo since I met them at RT13. Still haven’t. I’m glad you enjoyed this story. I like that they kept the cover similar to the first series…it makes it recognizable. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
So cool you met them Brandee. This was my first encounter with them.
kindlemom1
It’s always hard t resist a good ghost story, of any kind so I may have to check this series out.
kimbacaffeinate
My thoughts exactly Ali. Happy New Year my friend!
Nick
Happy New Year, Kim!
I like that this one has dual POV. And Benedict Cumberbatch? YUM!
kimbacaffeinate
Right. Made the reading even better 🙂
Lexxie
An alchemist? There really aren’t enough alchemists in literature these days, so even if the one here is a side character, I want to meet him! Great review, Kim!
Happy New Year!! {{{hugs}}}
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, it was interesting and there are gadgets Lexxie! *tackles you and hugs you back* Happy New Year
Silvia
Never read anything about this author duo, but putting this book under my radar was a wise move! 😉 Hope you’re enjoying the new year so far and having an amazing time with the lil ones 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Glad to add them to your radar. Happy New Year Silvia!
Ailyn Koay
Sounds interesting, I like the fact that it is a quick read, means I have hope reading it later.
kimbacaffeinate
It really was the type you quickly slipped into and consumed.
Melliane
It sounds like an interesting one. I didn’t ask for it but maybe I should have. I used to try some of her old other series but not sure I finished it… it’s been years.
kimbacaffeinate
This was my first experience with this writing duo.