You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
emilyredwood 's review for:
The Reanimator's Soul
by Kara Jorgensen
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Re-read October 2024 (exactly one year to the day of my first go around!) in anticipation of book three - still as amazing as I remembered, but even better with the fresh context of the book one re-read beforehand. Love these characters so much and can't wait to have a new story in just a few days. Definitely recommend reading the first two somewhat closely, as there is some crossover and pieces tying the two together that enhance the reading experience, which I anticipate I'll also be glad I did when the next one drops. Hoping Kara decides to write 30 more books about these two because Oliver & Felipe are perfect. (I know that's not their plan, but a girl can dream!!!)
I'm not sure what happened between book one and two, but despite being somewhat lukewarm on the first, I absolutely LOVED this one. I think I'm going to have to go back and do a reassessment of book one because wow am I totally invested in these characters. I have to first praise the author for not falling into cliche/expected plot traps - there was a point at which I was convinced Oliver would be going undercover alone in this very corrupt medical facility, but thankfully that wasn't the case. All of the plotting was really smart and well-paced, and I was just so relieved to have something really different to dig into. As for what really worked for me overall with this entry, it's 100% Oliver and Felipe - they feel much more established here and are able to be comfortable in their relationship while also having insecurities and the opportunity for discovery and growth, both together and individually. This is a rare relationship where the tension isn't built around miscommunication or secrets, but is just incredibly tender and supportive. I wish everyone wrote consent like this also - each of them has certain particularities and traumas that affect their interactions with people, and I love that with each other there is constant communication and support. Because they're more established as a couple, we get to explore some insecurities as well as learn more about each of their pasts, which in Oliver's case in particular was very illuminating. Each of them had a central internal issue in this book, but rather than spend the entire time keeping it to themselves, they were able to bring it to the other and work through it together. The supportive vibes are simply immaculate. I just loved all of the relationship and character work here. On top of that, the mystery was interesting and went places I didn't expect, which is somewhat rare for someone who reads a lot and feels like plot beats become fairly predictable. Not so here, and I was really intrigued by the set up for what is still to come. I do wish I had re-read book one closer to when I read this because there were a few plot things I felt like I was missing, but I will definitely be doing a full reread of both before the next one comes out. Never thought I'd love a book about a necromancer so much but when Oliver said he'd rather go to a cemetary for a picnic than a park, I felt that. Felipe, protect him at all costs.
I'm not sure what happened between book one and two, but despite being somewhat lukewarm on the first, I absolutely LOVED this one. I think I'm going to have to go back and do a reassessment of book one because wow am I totally invested in these characters. I have to first praise the author for not falling into cliche/expected plot traps - there was a point at which I was convinced Oliver would be going undercover alone in this very corrupt medical facility, but thankfully that wasn't the case. All of the plotting was really smart and well-paced, and I was just so relieved to have something really different to dig into. As for what really worked for me overall with this entry, it's 100% Oliver and Felipe - they feel much more established here and are able to be comfortable in their relationship while also having insecurities and the opportunity for discovery and growth, both together and individually. This is a rare relationship where the tension isn't built around miscommunication or secrets, but is just incredibly tender and supportive. I wish everyone wrote consent like this also - each of them has certain particularities and traumas that affect their interactions with people, and I love that with each other there is constant communication and support. Because they're more established as a couple, we get to explore some insecurities as well as learn more about each of their pasts, which in Oliver's case in particular was very illuminating. Each of them had a central internal issue in this book, but rather than spend the entire time keeping it to themselves, they were able to bring it to the other and work through it together. The supportive vibes are simply immaculate. I just loved all of the relationship and character work here. On top of that, the mystery was interesting and went places I didn't expect, which is somewhat rare for someone who reads a lot and feels like plot beats become fairly predictable. Not so here, and I was really intrigued by the set up for what is still to come. I do wish I had re-read book one closer to when I read this because there were a few plot things I felt like I was missing, but I will definitely be doing a full reread of both before the next one comes out. Never thought I'd love a book about a necromancer so much but when Oliver said he'd rather go to a cemetary for a picnic than a park, I felt that. Felipe, protect him at all costs.