Book Review: The Dead Seekers by Barb & J.C. Hendee
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
The Dead Seekers by Barb Hendee & J.C. Hendee
Mogsy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Book 1 of Dead Seekers
Publisher: Ace Books (January 3, 2017)
Length: 336 pages
Author(s) Information: Website | Twitter
For so long I’ve been wanting to read something by Barb and J.C. Hendee, and with The Dead Seekers being the first of a new series, I figured there’s no better time and place to jump onboard! Better yet, later I was even more excited to learn that the book is set in the same world that was made well-known by the authors’ popular Noble Dead Saga.
Things kick off with a prologue which introduces readers to the story’s two protagonists. What should have been a happy time instead turned to sorrow as Tris, the baron’s only son and heir, was born without breath. But even when the baby was revived, the disturbing circumstances around his apparent miraculous recovery only causes more fear and unease. Thirteen years later in another time and another place, young Mari was in the woods with her family making camp after a long day of travel when they were suddenly ambushed by violent spirits. Being a shapeshifter, Mari was able to take her cat form and escape, but everyone else was killed. Ever since that day, she has been searching for the one she believes is responsible for her murdered family—the mysterious figure known as the Dead’s Man who is said to have the ability to command spirits.
When the main story starts in earnest, both Tris and Mari have grown to adulthood and are living very different lives, though without knowing it, the two are linked by their tragic pasts. Tris had experienced something very similar to what Mari saw in the woods all those years ago, and now he travels to wherever he is called, banishing spirits for a living. While a close encounter with a spirit would usually mean death to any normal person, Tris however possesses a remarkable power enabling him to touch ghosts and destroy them. It is this ability that initially makes Mari suspect that Tris may be the Dead’s Man she is looking for, though at their first meeting she has to admit he is nothing like she expected. Wanting to make sure she has found the right mark before killing him, Mari decides to stick around and observe Tris as he makes his way to his next assignment to banish a particularly troublesome spirit.
The Dead Seekers is perhaps best described as a mystery in three distinct parts. First Tris and Mari travel to a small village, where the ghost of a girl who died under peculiar circumstances has been coming back to haunt the people she knew. But this humble intro soon leads our protagonists to uncover an even bigger conspiracy in the middle section, requiring them to travel to a border garrison where they realize their spirit problem isn’t so simple anymore. The last third of the book is the resolution where everything ties together and ends in a satisfyingly explosive way. As plotlines go, it’s a pretty straightforward and “on-rails” experience even if the story is no less enjoyable because of it. However, this also meant the authors had to rely mainly on flashbacks and memory sequences to explain anything that took place in the past, and these weren’t always integrated very smoothly.
This also might not be a terribly deep or sophisticated fantasy novel, but it will hit the spot if you’re simply looking for a light and fun read. Most notably, I found the book weaker in the areas of world-building, though to be fair I am a newcomer to the Hendees’ work and the bulk of this novel’s audience will probably know the world already from the authors’ previous series. That said, I don’t want to make is sound like world-building aspects are completely lacking though, because I definitely saw enough to make me care and want to know more. I also loved the characters. Mari and Tris are fascinating and memorable, and so easy to root for. I’m really enjoying their dynamic so far (they are a good example of an amazing non-romantic male/female team-up!) and the story even leaves plenty of room for their alliance to grow.
The Dead Seekers is a great introduction to a new series that’s all about ghostbusting, fantasy-style. What the story lacks in impact, it makes up for with pure, fantastic fun. There’s an addictive quality to it that will make you want to pick up the next book and dive straight back into this world to spend time with Tris and Mari. Already I’m looking forward to see what our protagonists will be up to next.
Glad you enjoyed this. Hope it stays good…
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If it continues in this easy-to-read, fun and entertaining vein, it just might! 🙂
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I haven’t read anything by the authors which is surprising considering I first saw their books years ago-just never got round to trying any. Sadly none are cheap on Kindle so might have to wait a while! Good review, thanks!
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Yeah, I know the authors have been around for a while because I’ve been hearing of their names for years. Somehow I never got to pick up any of their books until now though, not even from library.
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I looked up the authors and I have never heard of anything they wrote. Strange blind spot; i usually at least recognize one title.
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I haven’t really paid attention to the titles, but I’ve definitely seen their books everywhere. Every time they have a new book out though, it seems it’s always a sequel. So this was an opportunity I jumped on.
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Barb and J.C. Hendee have been around forever but they have a huge backlist, so I wasn’t sure where to start. Ghost hunting stories are a lot of fun inn UF so I’m curious to see how it’d play out in a straight up fantasy. Looks like this is the place to start with them!
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I was the same way when I became curious about the Hendees – just no idea where to start, since they have a ton of books out. I’d say this is a great place to jump on board if you’re still considering!
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Sometimes I just need a fun read, but not sure since there’s a strong mystery element
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Oh yeah, I remember that’s not really your cup of tea 🙂
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Recently came across this one, but didn’t know if I wanted to give it a go yet. I may wait to see if my library gets it in.
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It’s a very simple, very fast and fun read. Hope you get a chance to try it 🙂
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A fun read is always a welcome find, and if along the way the reader finds herself addicted to the story and the characters… well, that’s a bonus, indeed 🙂
It will be more than worth a try, thanks for pointing this out!
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Definitely. It was nothing too complicated, nothing too deep. But the ease with which I got into it was a pleasant surprise!
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So glad this is on January’s “might” list.
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The “might” list is a good place for it! A perfect book to pick up if you have time for something quick and fun 🙂
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I have seen it around and yup I am curious. But, I will wait for book 2 to see, as always 😉
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Great idea! I hope book two will be similarly entertaining.
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I’ve been eyeballing this writing team it seems forever. I’m glad you jumped on and enjoyed this series opener overall, Mogsy!
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Same here! I’ve been curious about the Hendees’ work for a long time, and I was happy I finally got to read them.
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Ghostbusing, fun, fantasy. What’s not to love! This sounds like a good book to read in between a couple of chunkier affairs.
Lynn 😀
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Nailed it. That’s why I enjoyed this so much, it was a nice break from some of my heavier reads.
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I’ve been looking forward to this one. I’m actually not familiar with the authors, but it sounds like a fun read.
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This was my first experience with the authors too despite their names being on my radar for what feels like forever. It was a very fun read!
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You definitely make it sound like something I should give a try.
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Go for it! If you need to relax with something short, light and fun, this is pretty perfect.
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