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pvillan's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
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
4.0
The second Verity Fassbinder in a series of three. Set in Brisbane Australia. She is a private investigator who walks the world's between Normal and Weyrd. I find her character flawed and compelling and the Weyrd element is creative and fantastical.
blodeuedd's review
3.0
I had forgotten she was preggo! Oh my poor brain, I mean they must have found out at the end. But yes she is pregnant and she does have a really dangerous job. Not all is well is Brisneyland.
Let us first start with the fact that it takes place in Brisbane, that does feel refreshing since I read so many US based UF books. And it does have this other feel to it too, I just can't put my finger on it.
This one has a few twists in it and the ending...well yes it is a sort of cliffhanger. All is well, for a while and then things will, oh you will see when you read it. It did make me want to read the next book to find out.
Verity might not show her kick-ass side all the time like other heroines, but that does not mean that she does not kick some ass. She is smart, resourceful and knows how to get the job down. She does her investigations even if it takes weeks. I like her. I like that she already has her man and that she is happy.
Her investigations in this one gives us kitsunes, mud and a few revelations that I did not see coming at all. I like the world created her and all the different beings she brings to life. But I must say that I had not heard of one at all, a Swedish creature. One would think I would know, but nope. So I learned something new about the dark hidden paranormal world.
A good series with lots to offer. I look forward to more,.
Let us first start with the fact that it takes place in Brisbane, that does feel refreshing since I read so many US based UF books. And it does have this other feel to it too, I just can't put my finger on it.
This one has a few twists in it and the ending...well yes it is a sort of cliffhanger. All is well, for a while and then things will, oh you will see when you read it. It did make me want to read the next book to find out.
Verity might not show her kick-ass side all the time like other heroines, but that does not mean that she does not kick some ass. She is smart, resourceful and knows how to get the job down. She does her investigations even if it takes weeks. I like her. I like that she already has her man and that she is happy.
Her investigations in this one gives us kitsunes, mud and a few revelations that I did not see coming at all. I like the world created her and all the different beings she brings to life. But I must say that I had not heard of one at all, a Swedish creature. One would think I would know, but nope. So I learned something new about the dark hidden paranormal world.
A good series with lots to offer. I look forward to more,.
tehani's review against another edition
5.0
Read in beta. Already great and will probably be even better in the final version!
lindca's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
The story reveals some major secrets that affect Verity and her loved ones, but I was frustrated by Verity’s perplexing and often self-destructive choices. Too many such WTF moments detracted a bit from my enjoyment of the book. Despite that, I definitely will look for the third and final book in the series.
The story reveals some major secrets that affect Verity and her loved ones, but I was frustrated by Verity’s perplexing and often self-destructive choices. Too many such WTF moments detracted a bit from my enjoyment of the book. Despite that, I definitely will look for the third and final book in the series.
sharon_geitz's review against another edition
4.0
Escapist, urban fantasy with a strong female lead, a great read.
jessiquie's review against another edition
5.0
Verity Fassbinder is back in Corpselight and ready to protect the ones she loves no matter the cost.
I came away from Vigil (book one in the Verity Fassbinder series) feeling content but a little bit disappointed that the book didn't punch me emotional as I expected it to. Well I can say full heartedly that not only did Angela Slatter comes back with a kick arse book to match her hard as nails heroine Verity Fassbinder, but she completely delivered on the emotional smack down and the fast paced action thriller style writing that we all know and love her for.
Corpselight is a fast paced, fantasy based, action adventure crime thriller that is sure to leave you on the edge of your seats. Once again it's mythology based, dark and twisted and features all our favourites from the the first book (Vigil) and some soon to be new favourites!
This is a book I could not put down. I started it one lazy Sunday morning and did not stop reading until I'd finished the book that night. It was that captivating and mesmerising that I couldn't help but throw myself into the world of Briseyland (Slatter's re-imagined Brisbane) and all the craziness that goes on there.
I'm not going to rehash the plot in this review, as I truly believe this a book that is best experienced. What I will say however was that this book.... it was everything. The characters felt like family and oh-so real that I simply wanted to cover them up in cotton wool and protect them from everything that went on. I was internally screaming at some of the decisions made and their emotional journeys moved me. I was literally on the edge of my seat reading hoping like hell they would get their happy-ever-after that they oh-so-deserved.
For those who had read my review of Vigil, you'd know that while I really enjoyed that book I felt like the characters were inaccessible on an emotional level. While I laughed at their larger-than-life attitudes and humour, I didn't connect with them the way I wished I had. Well, I can tell you, I 100 % connected with the characters in this book. Verity is still a hard task master who knows when and how to get a job done no matter the consequence and yet this time around she was also vulnerable and more human. She opened up to the reader and I defy anyone not to sympathise with her with the shit storm that is thrown her way time and time again in Corpselight.
Unlike Vigil, Corpselight centres around Verity and those near and dear to her. The crimes deeply impact her band of merry misfits and as such the book is so much more powerful and punchy because of the direct connection. There is no where for Verity to hide on the page, no armour for her show pony behind. The world she inhibits is laid bare before her and the consequences are astronomical. Because of all of this I felt Verity was much more clear as a character. She is more vulnerable and has so much more depth, which in turn makes her both more human and not, all at once. I loved it.
David plays a more pivotal role in this narrative as well. While I wasn't impressed with the one-dimensional love interest in book one, David truly redeems himself in book two. I'm no longer as suspicious of his motives, and I'm impressed with how David turned into a truly unexpected sidekick who constantly surprises. With Bella and Verity's past romantic history and all the illusions of what they meant to each other in Vigil, I was desperate for those two to end up together again. But after seeing what Slatter had in stall for David and Verity in Corpselight and the shit storm they had to survive, I'm equally happy with the current outcome and terrified for the third book in the series.
We get lot's more of Zvezdomir 'Bela' Tepes and Ziggi, as well as the Norn Sisters, all of who play a pivotal role in Verity's life and the narrative so far.
Once again Corpselight is very Aussie in tone and character. That's not to deter international readers, as the story is still very universal and easily accessible; but until I read this series I didn't quite realise how much I missed, and lacked for that matter, a sense of Australia in my fantasy. This series is truly one of a kind.
All in all I can not fault this book at all. For the entire 400 pages I was totally and utterly glued to the pages and mesmerised for the story. Slatter's writing is not only flawless, but it packed one hell of an emotional punch this time that I physically broke out in Goosebumps as I raced my way to the books conclusion. I can not wait to see what happens next in the third instalment of the Verity Fassbinder series.
This review was originally posted at The Never Ending Bookshelf on the 25th July 2017 and can be found here: http://wp.me/p3yY1u-1hF
I came away from Vigil (book one in the Verity Fassbinder series) feeling content but a little bit disappointed that the book didn't punch me emotional as I expected it to. Well I can say full heartedly that not only did Angela Slatter comes back with a kick arse book to match her hard as nails heroine Verity Fassbinder, but she completely delivered on the emotional smack down and the fast paced action thriller style writing that we all know and love her for.
Corpselight is a fast paced, fantasy based, action adventure crime thriller that is sure to leave you on the edge of your seats. Once again it's mythology based, dark and twisted and features all our favourites from the the first book (Vigil) and some soon to be new favourites!
This is a book I could not put down. I started it one lazy Sunday morning and did not stop reading until I'd finished the book that night. It was that captivating and mesmerising that I couldn't help but throw myself into the world of Briseyland (Slatter's re-imagined Brisbane) and all the craziness that goes on there.
I'm not going to rehash the plot in this review, as I truly believe this a book that is best experienced. What I will say however was that this book.... it was everything. The characters felt like family and oh-so real that I simply wanted to cover them up in cotton wool and protect them from everything that went on. I was internally screaming at some of the decisions made and their emotional journeys moved me. I was literally on the edge of my seat reading hoping like hell they would get their happy-ever-after that they oh-so-deserved.
For those who had read my review of Vigil, you'd know that while I really enjoyed that book I felt like the characters were inaccessible on an emotional level. While I laughed at their larger-than-life attitudes and humour, I didn't connect with them the way I wished I had. Well, I can tell you, I 100 % connected with the characters in this book. Verity is still a hard task master who knows when and how to get a job done no matter the consequence and yet this time around she was also vulnerable and more human. She opened up to the reader and I defy anyone not to sympathise with her with the shit storm that is thrown her way time and time again in Corpselight.
Unlike Vigil, Corpselight centres around Verity and those near and dear to her. The crimes deeply impact her band of merry misfits and as such the book is so much more powerful and punchy because of the direct connection. There is no where for Verity to hide on the page, no armour for her show pony behind. The world she inhibits is laid bare before her and the consequences are astronomical. Because of all of this I felt Verity was much more clear as a character. She is more vulnerable and has so much more depth, which in turn makes her both more human and not, all at once. I loved it.
David plays a more pivotal role in this narrative as well. While I wasn't impressed with the one-dimensional love interest in book one, David truly redeems himself in book two. I'm no longer as suspicious of his motives, and I'm impressed with how David turned into a truly unexpected sidekick who constantly surprises. With Bella and Verity's past romantic history and all the illusions of what they meant to each other in Vigil, I was desperate for those two to end up together again. But after seeing what Slatter had in stall for David and Verity in Corpselight and the shit storm they had to survive, I'm equally happy with the current outcome and terrified for the third book in the series.
We get lot's more of Zvezdomir 'Bela' Tepes and Ziggi, as well as the Norn Sisters, all of who play a pivotal role in Verity's life and the narrative so far.
Once again Corpselight is very Aussie in tone and character. That's not to deter international readers, as the story is still very universal and easily accessible; but until I read this series I didn't quite realise how much I missed, and lacked for that matter, a sense of Australia in my fantasy. This series is truly one of a kind.
All in all I can not fault this book at all. For the entire 400 pages I was totally and utterly glued to the pages and mesmerised for the story. Slatter's writing is not only flawless, but it packed one hell of an emotional punch this time that I physically broke out in Goosebumps as I raced my way to the books conclusion. I can not wait to see what happens next in the third instalment of the Verity Fassbinder series.
This review was originally posted at The Never Ending Bookshelf on the 25th July 2017 and can be found here: http://wp.me/p3yY1u-1hF
indigo_han's review against another edition
4.0
I dove into the reread ready for the third book to come out, and I still heart this book so much.
There is something so very strange about reading a book set in places that you actually visit 😲
And I LOVE it! The MC visits places that I’ve visited. She’s walking through the Jacaranda on Southbank mentioning the first restaurant that I took my mother too after a long hospitalisation, mentioning a cinema that I’ve been too, streets that I’ve walked down.
Part of me gets so super excited imagining the world or Weyrd just around the corner, part of me is weyrded (😂) out.
Still. Verity is such a fantastic MC. I love her so much. I love her snark, and her fashion sense, and her ability to be vulnerable and to be strong. I love that she makes hard decisions and questions them. She’s such a full, vital, layered character that I would really, really like to know.
I loved that there was a juxtaposition of V as a mother, and as a daughter. I loved the healthy lgbt relationships that are not even “picked out” in that way that some authors do. The “ooh, look, I totally have a token character”. I love the Norns. Seriously love them.
There are some things that are mentioned in this book that could come with trigger warnings, and Angela treats them with clear-eyed respect, and, so importantly, doesn’t let it become the only thing about a character. Or turn them into saintly victims.
And that ending? Oh, Holy Hannah! I am counting down the days until Restoration. DYING TO KNOW!
I mean, Angela is very happy to talk to fans in social media, and has offered me a blanket apology for any trauma suffered, but I am so excited that I can’t wait!!!
4.5 magical mystery women out of 5
There is something so very strange about reading a book set in places that you actually visit 😲
And I LOVE it! The MC visits places that I’ve visited. She’s walking through the Jacaranda on Southbank mentioning the first restaurant that I took my mother too after a long hospitalisation, mentioning a cinema that I’ve been too, streets that I’ve walked down.
Part of me gets so super excited imagining the world or Weyrd just around the corner, part of me is weyrded (😂) out.
Still. Verity is such a fantastic MC. I love her so much. I love her snark, and her fashion sense, and her ability to be vulnerable and to be strong. I love that she makes hard decisions and questions them. She’s such a full, vital, layered character that I would really, really like to know.
I loved that there was a juxtaposition of V as a mother, and as a daughter. I loved the healthy lgbt relationships that are not even “picked out” in that way that some authors do. The “ooh, look, I totally have a token character”. I love the Norns. Seriously love them.
There are some things that are mentioned in this book that could come with trigger warnings, and Angela treats them with clear-eyed respect, and, so importantly, doesn’t let it become the only thing about a character. Or turn them into saintly victims.
And that ending? Oh, Holy Hannah! I am counting down the days until Restoration. DYING TO KNOW!
I mean, Angela is very happy to talk to fans in social media, and has offered me a blanket apology for any trauma suffered, but I am so excited that I can’t wait!!!
4.5 magical mystery women out of 5
cathepsut's review against another edition
4.0
Jumped in straight after reading Vigil, the first book of the series. It‘s good, although I liked the first book better. It was fresher somehow, lighter, funnier. Livelier. This one here is more plotted, structured, but also a little less fun. I liked the plot, though.
Brisbane is not quite as center stage and we do not meet as many new Weyrd. I liked the addition of Olivia. Are the characterizations a little flat? I am not sure. The snark is good though and I laughed quite a bit.
The last chapter is a pretty elaborate set-up for the next (and final?) part of this series. I wasn‘t sure in the middle and latter part of this novel, if I would want to pick up the next installment. I am now, I want to know how Verity‘s story ends and if she will get a HEA.
Brisbane is not quite as center stage and we do not meet as many new Weyrd. I liked the addition of Olivia. Are the characterizations a little flat? I am not sure. The snark is good though and I laughed quite a bit.
The last chapter is a pretty elaborate set-up for the next (and final?) part of this series. I wasn‘t sure in the middle and latter part of this novel, if I would want to pick up the next installment. I am now, I want to know how Verity‘s story ends and if she will get a HEA.
mariahaskins's review against another edition
5.0
Verity Fassbinder's adventures in the Weyrd and human world of Brisbane continue in Corpselight, the follow-up to 'Vigil'. I loved the first book: the blend of murder mystery, dark urban fantasy, and a wild, Weyrd mix of mythological and fairytale creatures - all done with a sense of humour and superbly crafted prose. Corpselight is even better: Verity is pulled deep into a strange and dangerous mystery, and the connections to her own life and family (past and present) are tied into the plot as well.
It's a fast-paced and highly original tale, with a terrific cast of characters that range from angels, sirens, "kinderfressers", shape-shifters, and a whole lot more. The story had me hooked from the get-go and I read the final third of the book in a mad frenzy so I could find out how it would all play out in the end.
Verity Fassbinder is yet another wonderful Slatter-creation. Slatter is an excellent writer, and one of her many strengths is her knack for creating protagonists that are real and complex, flawed but relatable (even when they wield magical powers) - characters you miss once the story is over.
It's a fast-paced and highly original tale, with a terrific cast of characters that range from angels, sirens, "kinderfressers", shape-shifters, and a whole lot more. The story had me hooked from the get-go and I read the final third of the book in a mad frenzy so I could find out how it would all play out in the end.
Verity Fassbinder is yet another wonderful Slatter-creation. Slatter is an excellent writer, and one of her many strengths is her knack for creating protagonists that are real and complex, flawed but relatable (even when they wield magical powers) - characters you miss once the story is over.