The Best Books Featuring Necromancers
The realm of the paranormal and fantastical is filled with iconic figures—witches, vampires, werewolves, and more. Yet, among these, one archetype often lurks in the shadows, overlooked despite its immense potential for gripping storytelling: the necromancer. Masters of death, wielders of forbidden magic, and custodians of lost souls, necromancers bring a unique and often haunting depth to fantasy literature. Whether portrayed as reluctant heroes, morally gray antiheroes, or enigmatic scholars of the afterlife, they offer some of the most compelling narratives in speculative fiction.
In this article, we illuminate the eerie brilliance of books featuring necromancers—some well-known, others hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Popular Books with Necromancers
Before we unearth the lesser-known, let's first acknowledge the books that have successfully brought necromancers into the mainstream.
Sabriel by Garth Nix
Synopsis:
The first installment in The Old Kingdom series follows Sabriel, a young woman forced to take up the mantle of Abhorsen—a necromancer tasked not with raising the dead, but ensuring they stay dead. When her father disappears, she embarks on a perilous journey into the Old Kingdom, armed with bells that can command the spirits of the departed.
Why Read It?
Sabriel offers one of the most distinctive takes on necromancy, combining duty, destiny, and dark magic in an evocative world. With its innovative magic system, high stakes, and strong-willed protagonist, this novel is a must-read for lovers of dark fantasy.
The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco
Synopsis:
Tea never intended to become a necromancer—until she accidentally raises her brother from the dead. Marked by her unusual magic, she is taken under the wing of an elder bone witch, where she learns to wield her abilities in a world that both fears and needs her power.
Why Read It?
Chupeco's lush prose and atmospheric world-building immerse readers in a tale of power, exile, and fate. It's a slow-burn story with a deeply layered protagonist, offering a mesmerizing glimpse into the burdens of wielding magic tied to death.
Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
Synopsis:
This genre-defying novel follows Gideon Nav, a brash swordswoman who becomes entangled in a deadly competition alongside Harrowhark Nonagesimus, her necromancer nemesis. Tasked with unraveling ancient secrets inside a gothic space palace, the duo faces treachery, monstrous foes, and an intricate web of necromantic science.
Why Read It?
Dark humor, skeleton magic, cutthroat politics, and a brilliantly irreverent protagonist make this book a standout. If you like your necromancers sharp-tongued, morally complex, and wielding bone magic in a space-fantasy setting, Gideon the Ninth is a must-read.
Johannes Cabal the Necromancer by Jonathan L. Howard
Synopsis:
Johannes Cabal, a necromancer of sardonic wit, once sold his soul to Satan in pursuit of greater knowledge. Now, he wants it back—and to reclaim it, he must run a demonic carnival, tricking unsuspecting souls into damnation.
Why Read It?
Darkly humorous and refreshingly original, Howard's novel combines macabre comedy with an eccentric protagonist. If you enjoy clever antiheroes, supernatural bargains, and a touch of Faustian mischief, this one's for you.
Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Necromancer Books
While the previous titles enjoy a degree of recognition, the following books deserve a place in the spotlight for their unique and creative approaches to necromancy.
The Enterprise of Death by Jesse Bullington
Synopsis:
Set in Renaissance Europe, this dark historical fantasy follows Awa, a young African slave who is cursed and forced into necromantic servitude. As she escapes and searches for a way to free herself from the spell, she becomes entangled with mercenaries, alchemists, and occult secrets.
Why Read It?
Brutal yet poetic, The Enterprise of Death offers a gripping exploration of magic, survival, and destiny. Bullington seamlessly weaves history with the supernatural, making this a must-read for fans of grimdark fantasy.
The Necromancer's Dance by S.J. Himes
Synopsis:
Daniel Macavoy, a rare necromancer living in modern Boston, keeps his powers hidden—until his brother's murder forces him to team up with a powerful vampire to unravel a supernatural conspiracy.
Why Read It?
Urban fantasy meets necromancy in a story rich with mystery, romance, and magic. Fans of fast-paced, character-driven plots will find this book both compelling and refreshingly modern.
The Bone Maker by Sarah Beth Durst
Synopsis:
Kreya, once a hero, now lives in exile, using forbidden bone magic to resurrect her dead husband. But when a long-forgotten enemy resurfaces, she must reunite with old comrades and confront the past.
Why Read It?
Durst delivers a story that balances action, emotion, and ethical dilemmas surrounding necromancy. If you like your fantasy infused with second chances and an unconventional take on resurrection magic, this novel is worth your time.
Vigor Mortis by Natalie Maher
Synopsis:
Celia never wanted to be a necromancer, but when she discovers her latent abilities, she becomes entangled in a world where such magic is both feared and outlawed. Now hunted, she must master her powers while unraveling the dark truths behind her lineage.
Why Read It?
An underappreciated dark fantasy series, Vigor Mortis offers intricate magic, compelling characters, and political intrigue. If you love a heroine who must navigate both supernatural dangers and societal prejudice, this is a must-read.
The Necromancer's House by Christopher Buehlman
Synopsis:
Andrew Ranulf Blankenship, a former warlock, lives in seclusion, trying to keep his past buried. But when ancient Russian magic comes knocking at his door, he is forced back into a battle he thought he had left behind.
Why Read It?
Blending the mystical with the mundane, Buehlman's novel offers a richly atmospheric take on modern necromancy. Dark, elegant, and filled with tension, it's a thrilling read for those who like supernatural fiction with literary depth.
Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride
Synopsis:
Sam LaCroix was just a regular fast-food worker—until he discovered he was a necromancer and became the target of a powerful supernatural enforcer.
Why Read It?
This novel takes a fun, lighthearted approach to necromancy, blending humor with supernatural adventure. If you're looking for a fast-paced and entertaining read, this book is a perfect choice.
Which Book Should You Read First?
If you're unsure where to start, here are some quick recommendations based on what you're looking for:
📖 For a gothic, bone-magic-filled epic: Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
🖤 For a dark, historical necromancer story: The Enterprise of Death by Jesse Bullington
💀 For a humorous, fast-paced adventure: Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride
🔮 For a richly atmospheric, modern necromancer tale: The Necromancer's House by Christopher Buehlman
👻 For a classic, duty-bound necromancer story: Sabriel by Garth Nix
🦴 For a unique, slow-burn necromancer journey: The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco
FAQs – Necromancers in Fantasy Literature
What exactly is a necromancer?
A necromancer is a magic user who can communicate with, raise, or control the dead. Their powers often extend to summoning spirits, commanding skeletons, or manipulating life and death forces.
Are necromancers always evil?
No! While many stories depict necromancers as dark and sinister figures, others explore them as heroes, antiheroes, or morally complex characters. Many fantasy books challenge the notion that necromancy is inherently evil.
What are the common themes in necromancer books?
Necromancer stories often explore themes of mortality, power and its consequences, the afterlife, forbidden knowledge, and the balance between life and death.
Are necromancers only found in dark fantasy?
No, necromancers appear in a variety of subgenres, including urban fantasy, gothic horror, historical fantasy, and even comedic fantasy. Their portrayal depends on the tone and themes of the book.
Are there any necromancer books with romance?
Yes! The Necromancer's Dance by S.J. Himes blends necromancy with urban fantasy and romance, while The Bone Witch has slow-burn romantic elements.
What's a good book for someone new to necromancer stories?
Sabriel by Garth Nix is a fantastic entry point, as it introduces necromancy in a structured and accessible way. For something more humorous, Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride is a great choice.
Which book has the most unique take on necromancy?
Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir blends necromancy with sci-fi and dark humor, making it one of the most unconventional and engaging takes on the trope.
Necromancers as Paranormal Protagonists
Necromancers have long been cast as villains, monsters, or cautionary figures in fantasy literature. However, the books on this list challenge that perception, proving that necromancers can be heroes—whether brooding antiheroes, reluctant saviors, or wise mentors guiding lost souls. They wrestle with mortality, morality, and the burden of power, making them some of the most fascinating characters in speculative fiction.
Whether you're drawn to dark academia, historical fantasy, or urban magic, there's a necromancer story waiting to ensnare you in its spell. Which one will you pick up first?
