The Accused Dead by Rhiannon Frater

June 13th, 2018 Kimberly Review 35 Comments

13th Jun
The Accused Dead by Rhiannon Frater
The Accused Dead
by Rhiannon Frater
Series: The Hidden Necromancer #2
Genres: Post-Apocalyptic
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star

According to the Lost Texts, the sins of the mother are laid on the shoulders of her female children
My mother was a necromancer and the shadow of her conviction and death blots out my hard work to be considered Pious Standing in the very religious settlement where I live.
Though I’ve been exonerated through the Necromancer Trial, there are those who are convinced that I am a heretic, a devil-woman, someone who should be exiled, or worse, killed. I have to escape and my only hope is for Quade to win my hand at the Bridal Auction.

magical SUSPENSE well written

The Accused Dead by Rhiannon Frater is the second in the addictive Hidden Necromancer series. Corruption, twists, judgment and more await you as we delve deeper into Ilyse’s world as she struggles to keep her necromancy a secret.

Can I say I missed Frater and the intense, developed addictive world she creates? The Accused Dead picks up right where book one left off. Ilyse is busy preparing on the morning of the Bridal Action. She is hoping everything she and  Quade planned will go off without a hitch. Even though she was exonerated (twice) through the Necromancer Trial, she fears people in the community want her dead particularly their powerful leader.

As I stated in my previous review, the settlement Ilyse lives in follows the Lost Text. It reminds me of a very strict Amish or Mennonite community. The world fell apart due to a zombie outbreak and gated communities sprouted up. As the world rebuilt they learned to live with the dead.  Some communities cut ties with the world. Their teaching showed that the Necromancers allowed the dead to rise and caused the fall of man. They do not permit modern advancements and medication and believe technology is a gateway to evil.

In The Accused Dead, Frater continues to flesh out the world we find ourselves in and exposes the cracks. I devoured this story in one sitting as I never got to a point where I felt I could set it down. The Bridal Auction had me gripping my Kindle. Sabotage, overheard conversations and fear of the secret necromancer exposing Ilyse hung in the air. I felt as if I were on display. What a horrible way to decide a young woman’s fate.

The story that unfolds pulled Ilyse in many directions. I honestly didn’t know what she would decide. Quade would like her to join a society that will teach her control.  Someone else wants her to escape and join the rebel necromancers. It was nerve wracking. Meanwhile her biggest concern was exposure or worse being stoned to death.

Toss in zombies, crazy zealots, and this oppressive town and you’ve got yourself an intense story. Like the first book it resolves the immediate situation but for every answer ten more sit in the wings. It left me eager for more. I hope we get another book this year. *hint-hint*

The Accused Dead by Rhiannon Frater was another page-turner in the Hidden Necromancer series. #mustread #zombies #dystopian Share on X

 

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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

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35 Responses to “The Accused Dead by Rhiannon Frater”

  2. Michelle Gilmore

    I need to get back into Frater’s books! I haven’t read one in a couple of years and I miss it too. I’ll have to check out book one.

    • Kimberly

      Yeah, I am sure I would have to be a rebel or outlaw in most dystopian worlds. The women are so oppressed.

  11. Lily B

    okay the world and the world building in this sound really good and creative o.o so do the characters. Sounds a bit dark

  17. Silvia

    So, what you’re basically saying is that I should go grab the first book, I see . . . You know I can’t stand zombies, but this necromancer series sounds quite good, and you definitely piqued my interest!

    Silvia recently posted: Waiting on Wednesday (#70)

    • Kimberly

      The world has been living with the undead for a while, so while we see a few attempt to break in, it is really about the necromancer. So yes, basically I am saying Silvia read these!