Dante “Danny” Valentine returns in the stunning sequel to WORKING FOR THE DEVIL!

Danny is still mourning the death of her lover, the demon Japhrimel Tierce.  She has buried her feelings in her relentless pursuit of bounties but her friend and former lover, Jace Monroe, remains at her side as her steady rock to lean upon.  Danny is unsure of what she has become as she is no longer human and is instead a half-demon Necromance. 

Meanwhile, psions are being savagely and brutally murdered.  Danny’s friend, Gabe Spocarelli, calls her into the case after the death of Necromance Christabel Moorcock.  Christabel’s ghost asks Danny to, “REMEMBER!” and sends Danny into her nightmare past as a child at Rigger Hall under the vile leadership of Headmaster Mirovitch.  Danny’s search for the killer will have her re-examining her past… but at what cost to her?

DEAD MAN RISING is quite simply a masterpiece!  Lilith Saintcrow’s development of Danny Valentine’s character is phenomenal as readers can feel her struggles, both with her current situation and with her past history.  DEAD MAN RISING examines Danny’s past far more in-depth than WORKING FOR THE DEVIL but Ms. Saintcrow skillfully ties both past and present together in a stunning work of art.

DEAD MAN RISING is a stand alone novel but this reviewer strongly recommends reading WORKING FOR THE DEVIL first to provide the necessary understanding of the gamut of emotions Danny experiences, particularly regarding Japhrimel.  Readers, keep your box of Kleenex handy!  DEAD MAN RISING is chock full of gut-wrenching moments, one of which left this reviewer desperately trying to hold back tears while at the local gym!

Lilith Saintcrow establishes herself as one of the top writers of urban fantasy with DEAD MAN RISING.  The highly complex society in which Danny resides is fully explained while readers are entertained with the fast paced action.  DEAD MAN RISING is easily one of the top books published this year in any genre and one that is guaranteed to please all fans of urban fantasy!

Reviewed by Debbie

Copyright © 2006 CK²S Kwips and Kritiques. All rights reserved.

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Posted September 2006