There are books you read to learn something — about yourself, about humanity, about life in general. This is not one of those books.

This is one of those books you read because you cannot put the damn thing down once you start reading it and when you’re done you wish it had more pages. This is one of those books you read because it’s fun and it’s gross and because as much as you want things to work out for Eric Carter, you can’t wait to find out what happens when they inevitably don’t.

And then you want to punch Eric Carter in the face. Part of that may be due to his decisions. Part of it may just be that everyone else got to and you feel left out.

Eric Carter, in case you were wondering, is a necromancer, though he admits it’s not such a great job or title. It’s just what his talents allow. He sees dead things, hears dead things, talks to dead things. It’s no a job that leaves him particularly good at dealing with the living and indeed, after his parents’ death, he’s spent fifteen years only encountering the living as ubiquitous members of the service and hospitality industries. His sister’s death brings him back to L.A., looking for answers and maybe revenge.

Oh, sure, there’s questions of life and death, loyalty and family and community, what it means to belong, what it means to be trusted. What it means to “be there.”

But you’re not reading for all that. Not on the surface anyway. That’s the part that makes you care. But if anyone asks, you’re reading for the monsters and explosions. Which is perfectly fine.

Pros: Fast-paced, magic-filled thrill ride of a book.

Cons: Violence and language, if you’re turned off by that sort of thing. If not, this may go in the pro section for you.

Bottom Line: You should probably carve out enough time to get through it in one sitting. And if you take it to the beach, bring plenty of sunblock.