Review: Ward Against Death

Title: Ward Against Death
Author: Melanie Card
Genre: YA Paranormal Fantasy


Twenty-year-old Ward de’Ath expected this to be a simple job—bring a nobleman’s daughter back from the dead for fifteen minutes, let her family say good-bye, and launch his fledgling career as a necromancer. Goddess knows he can’t be a surgeon—the Quayestri already branded him a criminal for trying—so bringing people back from the dead it is.

But when Ward wakes the beautiful Celia Carlyle, he gets more than he bargained for. Insistent that she’s been murdered, Celia begs Ward to keep her alive and help her find justice. By the time she drags him out her bedroom window and into the sewers, Ward can’t bring himself to break his damned physician’s Oath and desert her.

However, nothing is as it seems—including Celia. One second, she’s treating Ward like sewage, the next she’s kissing him. And for a nobleman’s daughter, she sure has a lot of enemies. If he could just convince his heart to give up on the infuriating beauty, he might get out of this alive… --Goodreads


Ward Against Death was fun and unique! Upon picking it up, I didn’t know what to expect really. But to my surprise, I enjoyed the ride! It’s an edge-of-your seat experience that fills you with mystery, fantasy, and intrigue.


It even starts off with a bang! No slow start like some reads do! It will grab you in immediately.


The characters were exciting, and world building was amazing. Edward and Celia are two characters that I will be sure to remember for quite some time. I loved the personalities that Ms. Card created for them and how well crafted everything was. I adored it all and so very well done. I certainly look forward to the next installment of this series.


This is labeled YA, but a cross-genre of sorts because it can live and breathe well in both YA and adult paranormal fantasy worlds.


A fantastic debut.


4 stars!