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This book has been discontinued. A new edition under the name Novice Necromancer is available here: HERE

342 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 20, 2020

About the author

Amy B. Nixon

8 books262 followers
Amy B. Nixon is a designer and columnist by day, a fiction author by night, and a 24/7 caffeine addict.

When she's not working or writing, Amy enjoys cooking, playing board games, taking roadtrips, shocking the people around her with dark humor, playing the piano and ruining group photos due to not being able to pose seriously for a proper picture.

The personal, no BS version...
My love affair with dark literature kicked off during my teens (thanks, Pet Sematary and Children Of Hurin).

You’ll see dark motifs in all of my works – from tortured psyches to sheer gore. Before you call the loony bin and ask them to pick me up, let me say I’m not planning murders in my free time, though I believe twisted psyches and gory obstacles provide an excellent playground for characters to grow and evolve as they face both internal and external struggles.

You might find triggers in my novels (violence, PTSD, descriptions of decapitated limbs or festering meat, loss of close relatives, and so forth). You’ll also stumble upon enchanting lands full of myths and legends. When romance is thrown into the mix, my heroes treat their women with monogamous love, sympathy and respect, regardless of their rough edges. And when there’s humor, most of it is bound to be sardonic.

Ready to succumb to the dark side? Join my newsletter on www.amybnixon.com

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5 stars
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13 (30%)
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4 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Katheyer.
1,557 reviews22 followers
October 5, 2020
“Nordstrom Necromancer” the first book in the eponymous series by Amy B. Nixon, is wonderful addiction to the NA Dark fantasy genre, that manages to blend effortlessly urban tropes and with Norse mythology into a very well-crafted tale, that captivates the reader with an thoroughly developed plot, extraordinary characters, a heavy dose of dark fantasy and a truly strong heroine that faces her new destiny face on.

Leah Dust has been living with her aunt and only relative since the death of her parents when she was twelve, barely twenty-one she has bright future as a software developer life is good…. Until her aunt falls into trance and decides to enlighten her… her real name is Learyn Dustrikke and she descends from Norwegian Necromancers…. After the initial thought about Aunty losing her marbles (the most logical reaction to such a revelation). Leah/Learyn finds herself Norway bound, and arrives in Nordstrøm Island in a very unorthodox manner.

Nordstrøm Island turns out to be a very real realm and not at all the pop-culture images that Leah tries to configure in her mind. Being a Necromancer is real, the creatures of Norse mythology a fact, and the island even more dangerous turns out more dangerous that the life she has left behind. To make things even more ‘interesting’ Leah must embrace being Learyn, learn her craft, control her magic, and join a world that she can’t possibly begin to understand, while fighting……
Oh, not I will not tell you, pick the book and find by yourself… you’re welcome 😊

Amy B. Nixon has an undeniable gift for storytelling, the plot flows nicely page after page, taking the reader along for the fantastic dark ride, side by side with Learyn as she explores her destiny. Learyn is the embodiment of ‘the chosen one’, a wonderful and fully relatable characters, her original reactions are spot on (“a line of what-now?”), her development through the story remains credible and her character endears her to the reader for the very first sentence to the very last chapter. The story is very well researched, and intertwines mythology, historical facts and pure fiction into a coherent plot, fast-paced, action-packed, and fully satisfying. Nixon descriptions come alive in every page and allow the reader to fully immerse himself in the Norwegian landscape with its fjords, its mountains, secret places and the fulgent northern lights, that are themselves a further main character in the story.
Profile Image for BooksCoffee.
1,050 reviews
October 12, 2020
Nixon debuts her new adult dark fantasy series with this enjoyable blend of intrigue, daring escapades, and exhilarating action.

Twenty-year-old Learyn Dustrikke is struggling with the usual worries of adulthood when she learns about her supernatural bloodline: she’s a descendent of long line of Scandinavian necromancers—sorcerers born with a rare type of magic that dilutes the borders of life and afterlife. With her life in danger, Learyn is forced to leave her home and city of San Francisco for the mysterious Nordstrøm Island in Norway. Packed with the powerful magic she’s unable to control, Learyn finds herself with more questions than answers as she begins her new life in the ominous island.

In this fantastically created urban fantasy universe, something delightfully improbable happens on almost every page as Learyn struggles to come to terms with her supernatural legacy. She remains among the most engaging protagonists in the story. Her kick-ass attitude and resilience combined with her wit give the book the bittersweet air of a traditional fairytale story. Dann is a thorough darling, and his underlying romantic chemistry with the lovely Learyn gives the story a sensual undercurrent. The antagonists, though stay in shadows are thoroughly ominous.

Nixon lifts the plot with twisty and not-so-obvious obstacles, including the Dustrikke’s ancient history and the legendry Freya’s four-hundred-year-old curse. The dialogue is both sharp and witty (“During lunchtime, I weighed my options – go see dead people in an evocation exercise, or go read about dead people in the library. My choice was a no-brainer.”).

Nixon sneaks in plenty of Norse mythology while never overdoing the comedy.

The lovers of urban fantasy won’t want to miss this one.
Profile Image for litandcoffee.
165 reviews6 followers
October 12, 2020
Set in a world where magic is real and evil lurks in shadows, this sweeping narrative follows the journey of twenty-year-old Learyn Dustrikke who is struggling to come to terms with her supernatural bloodline.

Learyn Dustrikke's life takes a turn for the worst when she learns that she’s a descendent of a powerful Scandinavian necromancers’ bloodline and a sorcerer capable of diluting the borders of life and afterlife with her magic. Uprooted from her home in San Francisco, Learyn arrives in Nordstrøm Island in Norway. As she struggles to perfect her magic, she stumbles upon a shocking secret that changes the meaning of everything knows.

Writing in crisp prose, Nixon infuses her deeply engrossing, fast-on-its-feet tale with intriguing premise, nearly nonstop action, and high-flying emotion. She excels at balancing detailed worldbuilding and page-turning plot, sprinkling in plenty of humor along the way. Her sharp, witty dialogue frequently enthralls, and her large cast of characters is both intriguing and entertaining.

With great subtlety, Nixon gradually elaborates a revealing backstory of the Dustrikke and the Nordstrøm’s ancient family history while unraveling an ancient curse that builds readers’ anticipation for the next installment.

This is a thrilling debut to the series, and urban fantasy fans will be eager to see what Nixon does next.
Profile Image for Blue Reviews .
197 reviews14 followers
October 18, 2020
Intermixed Dark Fantasy and North Mythology.
Amy Nixon merges dark fantasy with norse mythology to knit an entertaining, exploratory read. Nordstrom Necromancer is first installment in the dark fantasy series. Compelling plot with constant action, multilayered characters, and rich prose tangles the reader in beguiling, broad world. The author's vivid world-building and curiosity gap technique piques the reader's interest. Intricately layered characters including powerful sometimes vulnerable female protagonist takes us on a thrilling journey.
The burning end notes set the reader on fire for the sequel.
'You cannot dare to miss Nixon's breathtakingly diverse approach to fantasy.'
Highly recommended to readers of fantasy that takes you on a dark unimaginable road. Looking forward to next installments.
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
5,158 reviews104 followers
February 23, 2021
This is a magical, thrilling, romantic and twisty fantasy that once you pick up you will not be able to put this down. An addictive New Adult Dark Fantasy filled with Norse Mythology and is exciting and intriguing, has great world building and fantastic characters and I loved it!
Profile Image for Katheyer.
1,557 reviews22 followers
August 31, 2021
“Novice Necromancer” the first book in the “Northern Necromancer: The Island” series by Amy B. Nixon, is wonderful addiction to the NA Dark fantasy genre, that manages to blend effortlessly urban tropes and with Norse mythology into a very well-crafted tale, that captivates the reader with a thoroughly developed plot, extraordinary characters, a heavy dose of dark fantasy and a truly strong heroine that faces her new destiny face on.

Leah Dust has been living with her aunt and only relative since the death of her parents when she was twelve, barely twenty-one she has bright future as a software developer life is good…. Until her aunt falls into trance and decides to enlighten her… her real name is Learyn Dustrikke and she descends from Norwegian Necromancers…. After the initial thought about Aunty losing her marbles (the most logical reaction to such a revelation). Leah/Learyn finds herself Norway bound, and arrives in Nordstrøm Island in a very unorthodox manner.

Nordstrøm Island turns out to be a very real realm and not at all the pop-culture images that Leah tries to configure in her mind. Being a Necromancer is real, the creatures of Norse mythology a fact, and the island even more dangerous turns out more dangerous that the life she has left behind. To make things even more ‘interesting’ Leah must embrace being Learyn, learn her craft, control her magic, and join a world that she can’t possibly begin to understand, while fighting……
Oh, not I will not tell you, pick the book and find by yourself… you’re welcome 😊

Amy B. Nixon has an undeniable gift for storytelling, the plot flows nicely page after page, taking the reader along for the fantastic dark ride, side by side with Learyn as she explores her destiny. Learyn is the embodiment of ‘the chosen one’, a wonderful and fully relatable characters, her original reactions are spot on (“a line of what-now?”), her development through the story remains credible and her character endears her to the reader for the very first sentence to the very last chapter. The story is very well researched, and intertwines mythology, historical facts and pure fiction into a coherent plot, fast-paced, action-packed, and fully satisfying. Nixon descriptions come alive in every page and allow the reader to fully immerse himself in the Norwegian landscape with its fjords, its mountains, secret places and the fulgent northern lights, that are themselves a further main character in the story.

Profile Image for _sassy_39.
2,070 reviews108 followers
November 17, 2020
Nordstrom Necromancer written by the author Amy B Nixon is an adult dark fantasy that is inspired by Norse Mythology. Main character of the story is a twenty years old girl Learyn Dustrikke. Learyn's parents died in a plane crash when she was twelve years old. She was raised by her aunt Adaline Dust in San Francisco and soon she will be a software developer writing codes for the Silicon Valley.

One night, Learyn got to know from her aunt that she is a descendant from a line of Norwegian necromancers. Her aunt told her that her life is in danger and she has to leave the home tonight and go to Nordstrom island in Norway. Learyn didn't believe magic is true until she witnessed it by her own eyes.

When two magical men arrived in her living room and removed the spell that suppressed her magic, Learyn found that she could read and speak Norwegian. Within no time, Learyn was in Norway from California. Learyn has to figure out yet why her aunt has sent her to this Island? From whom she needs to be protected?

This is a great dark fantasy story. I really enjoyed it. Language of the book is lucid. Dann Nordstrom's character is pretty impressive and his chemistry with Learyn made story more interesting. Cover of the book couldn't have been better than this. Plot of the story is unique and interesting. I didn't feel bored anytime while reading it. Before reading this book, I wasn't aware about the Norse mythology. I am glad that I came across this book and it added something to my knowledge.

I am looking forward to read the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Alexa Whitewolf.
Author 35 books114 followers
October 17, 2020
holy fucking shit. yeah, live with my swearing, cause this book... this entire series!!! I will be hooked to the end of Midgard and back. Marvel, make way, cause this is Nordic mythology in all its raw, gory, EPIC fantastical fullness!!! Learyn is a tough chick, her and I could be besties. She takes no shit, but underneath that tough exterior is a vulnerable young woman. The duality makes your root and beg for her to rise above and keep winning battles against bitchy Aurora & co., not to mention every damn thing that goes wrong - and a lot DO.
There is a romance, yes, but it's not the main focus and honestly? It's so much better that way. the scenes between dann & learyn do give you all the feels (oh. my. god. the. feels.) but, what's even more amazing is the mix of mythology, the VIVID, epic descriptions, and the way the author pulls you into a world you'll just want to beg for more of. yep. get it now. GET IT!
3,777 reviews12 followers
October 24, 2020
I really liked this story. It was full of mystery and craziness as Learyn finds out that she comes from a family of necromancers and is whisked to Nordstrom Island for her safety. The story was interesting and just kept me reading to the end t see what craziness would happen next and what secrets would be revealed. I loved all the characters and messes Learyn finds herself in. They were epic and made me laugh with what trouble she could end up in without trying. The hints of what might be coming were good too. Just a great story that mixed Norse mythology into a story with a main character that was not the usual good normal 20 year old but instead a girl with normal issues. Kept me reading to the end and wanting more.
908 reviews18 followers
November 24, 2020
Honestly I was about to skip this book after reading the first few pages. The story starts of with the orphan girl who lives with her aunt and discovers that she is living a lie.

But I'm glad that I did not, I enjoyed the book not only because of how the plot unfolds but also because the writing is effective it holds on to your emotions and simply does not let go.

I've laughed & cried with Learyn, I've had dreams and seen them shattered with her, and most of all I've lived the roller coaster of emotions that she's going through.

This is the hallmark of one of the best books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Joy Whiteside.
4,528 reviews97 followers
October 20, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this book from the moment that I picked it up. It moves along at a really nice reading speed which was neither too fast nor too slow, has interesting characters that you want to know more about and want o see overcome whatever may get in their way and a story that keeps you interested from beginning to end. This is a must read and needs to be on your TBR list, no doubt about it.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
482 reviews4 followers
November 3, 2021
Not my usual type of story but it is a slow burn romance.... a really slow burn, but we're given background why it's going so slow... at least from Learyn's point of view anyway. Learyn is the main character; Dann is next... part time teacher, part council member, and part founding family member of the Nordstroms; next is Aurora Danns sister and she is not a very nice person but you learn a little more about her towards the end; next we have Monica, who is supposed to be Learyns body guard; then there is Maxsim, Monica's brother, who is also a bodyguard but he is on the detail watching over Dann.
Learyn is brought to the Nordstrom island to learn about life as a necromancer, which is in Norway. She is transported from San Francisco CA all the way to this island in Norway, which is hidden from the mortal realm! She has never heard of or believed in magic, nor did she know she belongs to a long line of strong necromancers and from one of the original lines no less, until the night they rip her away from her normal life and home. She is brought here because her life is in danger from something or someone, however no one ever tells her the truth, so she has no idea what is really going on. It is a very emotional story as we follow Learyn breaking through her self imposed prison.... I look forward to the next episode!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
9,911 reviews120 followers
October 22, 2020
This is the 1st book I've read written by Amy B. NIxon; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
224 reviews3 followers
October 20, 2020
This book was better than I thought it would be, dealing with Norse mythology. The characters were interesting and the plot and storyline had me reading the book through the end. Can’t wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ken Thompson.
557 reviews
November 9, 2021
This book has captured my attention in the most wonderful way. I love the way it weaves the characters into the story blending all the elements of mythology, romance, adventure. Can’t wait to see what comes next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kat M.
3,715 reviews19 followers
November 10, 2021
this was a wonderful mix of supernatural and the use of Norse mythology, the characters were great and I loved going through their world. It was fun to go through and I look forward to more in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
308 reviews3 followers
January 14, 2021
Why Did I Keep Reading?

I can’t believe I read this entire Kindle Unlimited book because absolutely nothing about this petulant, main character changes. If you can tolerate reading about a young woman who is in a perpetual state of defying authority, blames her horrifically bad attitude on a boyfriend who cheated on her (seriously? It wasn’t a harrowing assault or rape etc) uses the f word nearly every time she utters a sentence, sabotages the friendships she craves by never seeing anyone else’s POV, has a near death experience which scares her so badly she has constant nightmares then, a short time later, willingly repeats it (alone with the Aurora who tried to kill her by drowning her..does this even make any sense?). She is constantly rebellious with everyone, did I mention the irritatingly repeated f word? And if this is not bad enough, the character keeps summarizing as thoughts (ad nauseum) the same pathetic experiences she created wondering how she creates “all these messes”..ARGH..I got it the first time!

Swhy did I keep reading...I’m an eternal optimist? The sentences (minus the f word) are often well written and edited plus the story is based on Norse mythology which I haven’t read before, so that was enticing and promising but the mythology can get quite convoluted as the story goes on. There was some poetic, philosophical, and psychological dialogue via the character of Dann which was very good so I kept thinking there would be that delicious plot twist where the main character experiences a life changing event and learns something vital thus experiencing joyful changes, personal insights, an enlightening adventure, you know, anything. Nope, not much joy or plot twists at all, in fact, the two big adventures which involve Nok sea creatures are ambiguous.

This was not rewarding at all, definitely not reading book 2.
Profile Image for Shiny  Jain.
319 reviews30 followers
October 23, 2020
💌Nordstrom Necromancer: A New Adult Dark Fantasy Inspired By Norse Mythology is a magical, thrilling, romantic and twisty fantasy.

💌The author Amy B. Nixon in her debut series left me in a confusion and excitement with what happens next.

💌It’s one of its kind story where messing up with magic can lead one into trouble. Having potential powers is no joke.

💌Dustrikke find out that she not only has a scandavian blood but also possess unbelievable magical powers that raised the dead from the grave. I am myself always interested in knowing what happens to us after we die. This story brought excitement in my life.

💌Will she be able to make a best use of her powers or will she land up in deep trouble?

💌The plot of the story is very unique, there are moments when I got emotional and than at times I was thrilled. I like such kind of supernatural stories as they are different from the usual ones.

💌There is magic not only in the story but magic in her narration too. It’s a highly recommended supernatural fiction.
Profile Image for Summer.
127 reviews
March 3, 2021
Well Amy Nixon clearly knows her stuff, but it read like a diary

After waking up, I got ready for class, which isn’t a class because this isn’t a school even though there are a bunch of kids my age who are also in these not-classes. I sucked as usual, I’ve been here 4 whole days and should really know how to work something I never knew existed before I got here. After reading more books instead of receiving actual guidance, I went down to the dining hall for dinner. It was Meatloaf Monday, and I can’t stand meat in the shape of a loaf but I stayed in the hopes I’d see HIM (sigh) (swoon) I don’t know why he’d ever be interested in me, though. A, I’m not pretty (sad face), B, I was mean to him this one time and this other time and another time (you know, those pages you read previously), and C, I just suck so much at Necromancy FML Also, let me inner monologue again about things you’ve already read in case you opened this book and decided to start on chapter 12

The dialogue was unnatural and awkward, and I don’t know if it was the narration, but I didn’t feel much of anything for any of the characters
898 reviews5 followers
May 22, 2024
Well developed and composed story. Good world building. Interesting characters and relationships among them. A paranormal twist plus a mythology twist. All together an enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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