How to Raise Your Skeletons Novel Review

My Thoughts on How to Raise Your Skeletons

First Impressions

Okay, so I dove into "How to Raise Your Skeletons" with a fair bit of excitement. The premise alone – a necromancer actually focusing on, you know, necromancy – was a breath of fresh air. I've seen way too many stories where necromancers inexplicably become sword-wielding maniacs, completely missing the point of having an undead army at their disposal. The idea of a protagonist genuinely interested in strengthening his summons and exploring the mystical side of necromancy, specifically communicating with the dead, really piqued my interest.

What Works Well

The initial focus on the necromancer aspects is definitely a high point. The protagonist's dedication to his summons and the unique ability to communicate with ghosts offers a different take on the genre, which I appreciated. The story has a solid foundation, with the potential for interesting world-building and character development. The concept of using necromancy's origins for information gathering is genuinely clever and adds a layer of depth to the typical dungeon-crawling narrative. I found myself eager to see how the protagonist would utilize this power and how it would influence his journey.

Areas of Concern

While the initial premise is promising, there's a potential stumbling block in the execution. One aspect that gave me pause was the protagonist's decision-making in certain situations. Specifically, his tendency to hide his abilities, even when revealing them could significantly benefit him. It feels like a missed opportunity for character growth and relationship building. Establishing connections and leveraging his unique skills could create a more compelling and strategic narrative.

Final Verdict

"How to Raise Your Skeletons" has a lot of potential. The focus on necromancy as a core skill, rather than a mere background element, is refreshing. However, the protagonist's sometimes questionable decisions and unwillingness to leverage his abilities for strategic advantage hold the story back. It's a decent read, but it could be truly great with some refinement in character interactions and plot progression. I'd say it is a 3/5.