The conclusion to Emma and Nathan's love is a stark contrast to Reyna and Eric's love. This book took me five years to finally finish. When I read the first book, I was intrigued. I am a huge fan of Ms. Sagara. I like how her stories force me out of my comfort zone. Her stories are complex and not light reading. This trilogy didn't pull me in as much and I'm not quite sure why.

I have picked this book up many times in the last five years. My goal for 2021 is to complete all my outstanding books from book review sites. I am down to two and this is one of them. Over the last few months, I picked this book up where I left off, got confused, and started over again from the beginning. Finally, I spent a week reading a little bit of this every day to get through it. At times this story dragged. Other times, this story moved a bit quickly. What I realize is that this book is a highly visual book. The scenes are described and I need to picture everything in my head in order for me to understand what is going on. Especially the citadel which is described so well by Ms. Sagara.

I finally realized this story is about lost love and never getting over the grief. This book is not a happily ever after book. It's a book about life and death - specifically what happens when a powerful young girl loses the one thing in her life that makes everything bearable. Is it not said that the road to hell is paved with good intentions? Ms. Sagara created a trilogy on this concept. I'm impressed. I still ended up rating this a 3 star because it was so difficult for me to get through it. The concepts and the conflicts in this book are amazing. I also noticed that words matter. At least for Ms. Sagara. I wonder if she sees words and senses them with other senses than everyone else. I say this because one of the critical keys to this story and for Emma to win against the Queen of the Dead is by using words. This reminds me of her Chronicles of Elantra series. Words there also take physical shape and have a much deeper meaning.

Whilst both series say the words are written in a dead language or a complex old language, for some reason, every time I visualize the words coming to life, they are written in traditional Chinese characters in calligraphy form. It works for me. *Shrug* This sci-fi fantasy needs to be read in the order the books were written. This can not be read as a standalone. Recommended for readers who enjoy something different with a bittersweet ending filled with harsh life lessons.

The final book in The Queen of the Dead trilogy brings Emma and her friends to the queen's city in an attempt to free the enslaved spirits and put an end to the Queen of the Dead's reign. I found this book hard to get into - in the real world it's been 3 years since book 2 and 5 years since book 1 - so the plot isn't as fresh in my mind as it could be and there isn't really any recap in Grave. There are many different perspectives presented and not enough context to figure it out. If the reader was reading these successively, I don't think the disconnect would exist. I do remember really enjoying the first book (Silence) and would encourage readers to start there.

I just absolutely loved reading this trilogy! I've loved her Chronicles of Elantra series, and yeah, reading this YA series was just fantastic! I enjoyed it so, so much, and it just makes me want more of her books!

The covers were really fantastic! They're eerie, and they represent these books so well! Like, Petal on the first book, Nathan on the second, and Emma in the circle in the 3rd and final! They were really fitting for each book! Love them!

I loved how much depth there was in these books! Like, I thought that there was something strange what with Eric's bad driving. And there's the world building, of Necromancers and ghosts, and the lantern! And Emma's relationship with her friends and with Nathan and her dad! And the complicated past that led to this present! So fascinating and complex and amazing!

There was an over 3 year gap between Touch and Grave. Which is a statement of facts, not a condemnation. Between the acknowledgments and having been watching her website blog posts, I know that Grave was a beast! The wait that I didn't have to have is totally worth it!

I just loved reading these books! They were just stunning!

Michelle Sagara completes her Queen of the Dead YA trilogy with Grave. Emma has to defeat Reynah, the Queen of the Dead, and release the dead from her thrall, including Nathan her dead beloved. Emma has al the powers over the dead of a necromancer, but chooses to use her powers for good. Enthralling paranormal story set in Toronto. Michelle Sagara always delivers a quality tale with excellent rounded characters.

Grave is the third and final installment in author Michelle Sagara's The Queen of the Dead trilogy. 17-year old Emma Hall found out that she has a unique ability. She's a necromancer with the ability to see, guide, and when she touches them, other people are able to see the dead as well. She's also a conduit. Emma hasn't exactly had a smooth ride since her boyfriend Nathan was struck and killed. Being a necromancer has come with consequences. 

There have been hunters like Chase, and Eric who were supposed to kill her, but chose to protect her instead since she didn't go evil on them. Chase, most especially, has many reasons for hating Necromancers and wanting them dead. The Queen sent men to kidnap her, and in the process, put an innocent boys life in jeopardy. Emma will never be free to have a normal life as long as the Queen is alive & reigns over the dead, preventing them from moving on. 

This story takes Emma and her allies straight into the heart of the most dangerous woman in existence and a floating city in the sky that is only accessible via portals. What they find there will either save them all, or make them permanent residents of the city of the dead. Emma picks up even more interesting allies, not including Helmi, and her mother who gave Emma a powerful lantern instead of her own daughter. The search for answers to bring down the Queen, takes Emma face to face with the one person she loved the most while he was alive. 

Speaking of Nathan, Grave opens up with Nathan and Reyna, the Queen of the Dead, giving him something that gives him pause. Nathan finds himself on a Floating city made from the dead. What exactly does Reyna want from Nathan, and what does the Queen's sister Helmi really want? Nathan is a confused character. He remembers dying. He remembers Emma. He hasn't a clue why Reyna has chosen to give him such a precious gift. Plus, Reyna's sister Helmi seems to have hitched her saddle to Nathan for some yet unknown reason.

Thankfully for readers, and Emma's allies, she is still a rather amateurish necromancer with plenty of power to spare. But, the little knowledge she does have, will be tested to its limits over the course of this story. She's definitely not as obsessed with power as Reyna. She doesn't use cruelty as a weapon like Reyna. And, she doesn't leave her friends behind, even though she probably should have a long time ago. Emma has been surrounded by her best friend Allison, Emma's half deaf dog Petal, as well as Michael who I adore because he's really special, Amy, the Queen B of their High School, as well as the previously named Chase, and Eric who will never forget himself for falling in love with Reyna. 

Let's also not forget about Margaret who tried to teach Emma about her abilities, and bonded herself to Emma by choice, not by Emma's hand. I do have some general issues with not only this story, but with the series itself. Silence released in 2012, followed 2 years later by Touch. That is a rather long time between books. So many new series have come and gone, especially for those who read more than 100 books a years. It is always a good thing to remind readers of where things are and how the characters reached this point in the series.

Yes, I do know that Emma and friends went on the run after a devastating turn of events in Touch. Yes, there is the POV from Reyna which gives you an idea about how this powerfully trained woman turned to the dark side after things go horizontally on her. Yes, there is a flashback which shows what led Chase down his path. Readers really have to make a decision on whether you can or can't forgive Reyna for her actions, her obsession with Eric, and her desire to keep the dead from crossing over.

In the end, I'm kind of sad at the ending, and yes I did get a bit misty eyed. After what Emma has been put through, & the actions she took to keep everyone safe, she should have had a happy ending. Perhaps this is for the best. After all, Emma is still learning. She figuring out her powers, and perhaps one day in the future, she will have her own happy ending.

Grave was just Wow. This book was so good . In this book we see Emma and her friends take on the Queen. We get to see so many different perspectives in this book and I felt that it was so very necessary to do this because it always wonderful in to see where all the character are coming from and why they do what they do . Michelle Sagara world building was excellent . Between the magic, the danger , the drama , the love stories Michelle Sagara creates an excellent book and conclusion to the Queen of the Dead Trilogy .I felt ever character got an ending that was absolutely perfect for them and I cannot wait to see what Michelle Sagara writes next. If you look for a Unique Paranormal story you should definitely pick up a copy of Grave.

OH,WOW! This was the Second book in the series!
I didn't realize this until i started reading,, i quick;y stopped and read the first one, when i was done with that i read this, and i am pleased to say this was a great new to me series, and am happy to say i am excited to see where this author will take us.

The is the conclusion to Michelle Sagara Queen of the Dead trilogy and she has done an amazing job in creating characters that her readers will relate to, connect with, and continue to think about long after the story is done.