Reviews

Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson

samsbookcase's review against another edition

4.0

Finished on June 14th, 2023
I liked this book quite a bit. The worldbuilding isn't difficult to understand and it's incredibly interesting, mostly a concept that I haven't seen before. What I absolutely loved was the use of relics to contral and combat spirits. If a story has magic and spirits, you pulled me in.

It touches on traumatic events and how people deal with them. Learning how to start trusting other people again but mostly learning how to start trusting yourself again. Learning how to gain control over yourself and your surroundings, but also how to set boundaries and be able to adjust to them. The main character had so much room to grow in the book and you are really taken on that storyline with her and I think remembering and also discussing the trauma that Artemisia has gone through prior the start of this story, has made it so much better.

I like the banter between Artemisia, our main character, and the Revenant. I loved getting to know the story behind the Revenant and why he is the way that he is and watching the relationship between the two of them grow. I also liked that this book was more focused on a Found Family than a Romantic aspect. If a story has magic, spirits AND a Found Family trope that insists on helping each other no matter what, then you've got me.

drcaligari's review against another edition

ah medieval possessed nun-saint joan of arc and mass murderer ancient spirit venom we're really in it now...

sarahtownsend527's review against another edition

mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

dliubchenko's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

ivannna_u's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

car_theauthor's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

mirka_magratas's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious tense slow-paced

3.75

Rooted too much in the Catholic imaginery, even though it was fictional, not Catholic, cult in book. 

nwoolfe's review against another edition

dark

5.0

mysticalmachole's review against another edition

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

ravenslanding's review against another edition

5.0

Dark, compassionate, funny, great world building, very twisty story, good ending that leaves room for more but also wraps things up nicely.
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Also, for those interested, this story isn't a romance. But rather explores friendship, kindness, and unconditional love.
Makes it a bit of a warm hug in a dark world.
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