Review: Silence by Michelle Sagara, The Queen of the Dead series

Posted 24 May, 2012 by Danny in Blog, Danny, Danny's Book Review / 33 Comments

Silence

Book I in The Queen of the Dead  series
Genre: YA paranormal
Published May 1st 2012 by DAW
copy received from publisher
Get your own: amazon | B&N | IndieBound
Format: Hardcover, eBooks
Synopsis from goodreads
Rating:

It began in the graveyard. Ever since her boyfriend Nathan died in a tragic accident Emma had been coming to the graveyard at night. During the day she went through the motions at her prep school, in class, with her friends, but that’s all it was. But tonight was different. Tonight Emma and her dog were not alone in the cemetery. There were two others there—Eric, who had just started at her school, and an ancient woman who looked as though she were made of rags. And when they saw Emma there, the old woman reached out to her with a grip as chilling as death…

This premise is has something dark and alluring don’t you think? Necromancy, Cemetery, Ghosts! Sounds like a scary and great paranormal read, unlike the ones I read in the past!

Dark and Creepy – Silence has a gripping story line

The one I liked most about Silences was the story itself. Together with Emma, we are slowly introduced in the world of ghosts and necromancy and step by step we learn the rules and basics. It was a rather fascinating concept, which peaked towards the end, where more and more necromancer abilities are revealed. Details were sometimes beautifully described! The story starts out slow, but the more we get into the story the more fascinating the whole idea becomes, up until a point where the story truly sucked me in…

Colorful set of Characters

Emma was slightly tragic at the beginning, but having lost her boyfriend is something no teen can survive that easy. I felt for her, understood her pain and loss… But Emma is strong and slowly tries to get back her life, although it won’t even be the same… Eric was a very intriguing and mysterious character and I would have loved to see him more flashed out. I especially loved the mystery behind this boy. When we get to know him we have no idea if he’s friend or enemy and it’s fascinating to discover the truth!

Apert from these two who I would consider the main characters there are also Emma’s friends and Chase. Truly, Michelle Sagara flashed out even the secondary characters which is always a plus!

Lack of Romance *sad face*

My main complain is the lack of romance. Truthfully, with Emma having lost her boyfriend it seemed like too early – but I would have loved to see Emma fall in love again and realizing that falling in love after you lost someone is not wrong but totally right! I believe it would have helped her. Since, I am unfortunately speaking from experience I always hoped to see a little love story blooming. But, I am sure that the romance will be an issue in the next books, still the lack of love and butterfly kissing was something I deeply missed.

Bewitched Rating

Bottom Line

Silence by Michelle Sagara created a very unique paranormal tale with genuine characters and an amazing story line. The paranormal angle was dark creepy but utterly fascinating! The Queen of the Dead will be an amazing series I will be eager to follow during the next books. Unfortunately, the lack of love dulled a little my experience with the book.

  

Additional Notes

Although this author was new to me, Michelle Sarga has published tons of works under the name Michelle West. Mainly, adult paranormal and fantasy! If you are interested be sure to check her out!

Much Love!

 

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33 Responses to “Review: Silence by Michelle Sagara, The Queen of the Dead series”

  1. Funny, but the lack of romance actually made me like this book better, Danny! Lol. But to each their own, right? I just think I’ve gotten a little burned out on it.

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts! 🙂
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    Danny 5/24/2012

    I know!! I remember reading your review and I thought how funny you mentioned that you liked it more because of this 🙂 ))
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  2. This cover is stunning.

    Isn’t it interesting how our life experiences can shape our opinions on what is best for a person – fictional or real? I would think that it’s best not to fall in love right away, but I haven’t been in that situation so I wouldn’t really know.
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    Danny 5/24/2012

    Yes, one can’t help it, but our own experiences truly influence our judging.

    I think this is a very delicate issue. And I know not everyone agrees with me. I can just speak for myself and for others I have meet who were in the same situation. Falling for someone new, doesn’t mean you forget about the other ones. In fact, you will never forget – but having someone who holds you when you are crying and who gives you the strength you need? There is nothing that keeps you better upright. Of course, the new love needs to fully understand your pain, that is important..

    Just to add a little more of my private life. I still think my husband saved me back them when I was in a big black depression after my big love died in a car crash. Interesting enough, hubs was his best friend.. so he understood my pain and let me live it. But, he was there for me…

    Woot ok enough about me! I really and tuly believed Emma could have used a little love in her life at this point.. Just a little!
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  3. I love romance in my story too. I feel pretty upset if there isn’t any in the books I read. 🙁
    The concept of Silence seems interesting though and your review is truly wonderful. 🙂
    I might check it out someday, but definitely not now. 🙂
    Thanks for the awesome review, Danny <3

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    Danny 5/24/2012

    It is just such an important aspect for me in a story, something I don’t want to miss. This is btw a reason why I don’t like to read MG so much – those kids are too young to have love lool!
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  4. I agree with wanting more romance for her…but I didn’t get enough of a connection between her and Eric to want to see them together. Hmmm.. maybe Chase, lol. He was more fun. 😀

    The cliffhanger ending was awesome, but I have to admit I saw that coming a mile away!

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    Danny 5/24/2012

    Oh you are so right, there was not real spark between them, I didn’t feel it either. But… it was always waiting for something to happen, you know? Chase was so fun!!
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  5. Firstly, for your personal experience of loss: *hugs* And secondly, isn’t the cover for this one absolutely gorgeous?? It’s one of the main reasons I wanted to read this, especially since there hadn’t been an actual Goodreads summary for this book for the longest time! That’s why I’m so glad I read your review, Danny! The story sounds so chillingly cool — and sometimes the lack of romance is refreshing, but other times I’m too much of a romantic to thoroughly enjoy a book without it too LOL! x)

    Amazing honest review, Danny! <3 I'm excited to read this one!
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    Danny 5/24/2012

    Thanks Sweetie!

    The cover is suupper gorgeous! I love it so much, it’s perfection!!! And lool, I was always missing this synopsis and if I’m being honest, I wouldn’t have read it if it wouldn’t have shown up on my doorstep!

    I hope you love it!! The premise and the story is awesome!!!
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  6. I have this one coming up in the next week or so to read!

    I’m excited to read it..I actually think the lack of romance will sit with me better. At least in this point of my life.

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    Danny 5/24/2012

    Truly, read Natalie’s Review (The Mindful Musing) she actually loved it more because of this! So, I’m looking forward hearing how you liked it!
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  7. I feel like I’ll really miss the romance too! You know I like to swoon as much as you do, so if you’re feeling the absence of romance, I know I will as well! I know not every story NEEDS a romance, and sometimes I think certain stories would work better without it, but I always crave it nonetheless:)

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    Danny 5/24/2012

    Yes yes and yes… The romance doesn’t necessarily need to be a super prominent part of the story, but an addition and underlining event. I love to fall together with the protagonist and .. I just want the spark *pouts*
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    Danny 5/24/2012

    Oh and.. In little over a week it’s FINALLY MONDAY!!! Squeals!
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  8. aww..no romance..but hey at least that means no love triangle or insta-love..LOL Awesome review!
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    Danny 5/24/2012

    LOOL, nope no Trinagle nor a instant love, the contrary in fact!
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    Danny 5/24/2012

    OoO I just saw you reviewed Sweet Evil *runs to your blog now*
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  9. Awww, no romance?!
    Other than that, this book sounds awesome! It’s been sitting on my shelf for a while now, but I can’t wait to read it. Juts disappointed that there’s no romance. 🙁
    Great review! 🙂

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    Danny 5/24/2012

    It is a great read and I really like the paranormal twist on Necromancy – I think it’s a great idea and something not so often touched in YA literature!
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  10. I have been eyeing this book since I saw the cover. I have read some reviews and while this isn’t an off the charts must read book it sounds like a solid book. I am interested to check out the autistic character because that is a new one for me.,I am sorry you missed the romance, Danny but every once in awhile it is nice to not have it. I am sure it will devleop in the next books. On a side note I read your comment and your personal experience, very touching, thanks for sharing. Sounds like your husband is a tremdendous person.
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    Danny 5/24/2012

    The cover is über- gorgeous!! Yep, it’s a good but not a mind-blowing book! Still, I’m super happy I read it and didn’t pass on it!

    Thank you for your personal note. It’s hard, when you experienced something like this, not to take this into account while reading and rating a book. Yes, hubs was amazing and I would have been lost without him! *hugs*
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  11. Great review! Unfortunately I think the lack of romance might prevent me from reading it. I’m one of those people who likes to see a little romance in every book I read. Without it, I just feel like something is missing.
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    Danny 5/24/2012

    See, then you are like me! but, apart from this it is really a great read! I just missed the looooovvvee, the tiny butterflies and … just *sniffles* I missed it!!
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  12. Danny,
    On your personal loss, I’m so sorry you experienced that. But that your husband was his best friend, he lost someone too and maybe that helps him understand. I’m so glad you had each other. I’d hate for you to be sad. You just always are so full of excitement and life in your posts. One of these days we’ll meet and I’m sure you’ll be like that in person!

    On the book, that cover is so beautiful. But I’m with you, I would have wanted romance, even if it was just a glance here and there and the beginnings. I like romance. I think it makes life worth living! Sappy me.

    I think I’ll wait for book two and see how this one goes. But it sounds like a really promising start.

    Heather
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  13. This sounds totally written for me! I love necromancy and ghosts, I love dark vibes, a tragic but strong heroine, even the lack of romance I find refreshing. I’m definitely checking this one out!!

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  14. I’ve been seeing this book everywhere! 🙂 But this is the first review that I’ve read..and I have to say, as a romantic, a lack of romance might not suit me? But I’ve read books without romance in the past and I enjoyed them, too. Hmm..I’m really interested in this. When I started blogging, I only read paranormal books but right now, I read scifi/dystopian/postapocalyptic mostly. I need to think more about this – and I need to read more reviews of this to make up my mind! 🙂 Thank you for the great review! Oh and I just have to day it: I LOOOOOVE your rating system!! <3
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