The Necromancer Commands Slaves, Not Undeads

Wry Vent says:

MC is a nameless orphan adopted to be an apprentice to a mysterious old mage. However, he just did chores but was never taught magic even until his master dies when he is 13, which is where the story begins. While arranging his master’s possessions after the funeral, he received some things left for him by his master, a book of necromancy, a 14 year old girl slave, and a smartphone. After getting the smartphone, he remembers memories from his past life in the modern world, and he has to go on a journey to find out what this all means.

I would categorize this story as a book for kids or early YA fantasy. The plot development is clear, but to me it all feels a bit too convenient, even bordering on the contrived. MC gets a bit too powerful too quickly to my liking and his slave is a sword genius. MC is a do gooder type, he is willing to risk his life and spend his own money to help random strangers, but his reason for this way of thought seems a bit murky. His necromancy powers are rather classical, which I like, but it feels a bit too easy for the MC. The worldview seems one where magic is rather rare so being able to use magic really means something. It’s not quite to my taste, many character actions/decisions feel slightly unrealistic to me. Like everything feels like a heroic coming of age story told by a bard if that makes sense.

I’m getting off at ch. 30. Despite that I still feel it is decent enough for me to be interested in leaving a review. Perhaps it is just my nostalgia for all the YA fantasy I used to read.

If you like this story, I recommend The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander.