Scan barcode
grace_b_3's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I don’t think this book was bad by any means, but I don’t think I would continue the series, hence the rating.
I liked the characters, but didn’t love any of them.
I thought the writing was solid, especially as a debut (I believe), but the world-building left a little something to be desired.
While the world was interesting,I wasn’t a fan of how different the various forms of geists were. Most of the geists are a sort of demon undead, the archgeists feel completely different. The Otherside could have used more explanation as well, especially as it is both the source of the geists and the Order’s power . I don’t really feel like I have a good handle on the magic system or the magical creatures.
What I liked the most about this is that dark vibe,with the demons, and secret plots and threats, etc . I’d recommend this if you like demon-fighting stories with a dash of cloak-and-dagger.
I liked the characters, but didn’t love any of them.
I thought the writing was solid, especially as a debut (I believe), but the world-building left a little something to be desired.
While the world was interesting,
What I liked the most about this is that dark vibe,
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Murder, and Torture
cthollows's review against another edition
5.0
Any book that has me forfeiting sleep so I can read is worthy of five stars. A very unique story, thoroughly enjoyed.
mellhay's review against another edition
5.0
Sorcha is a deacon, with the ability of an Active in the Order, who are to protect the people against attacks and riots of geists. Geists are a ghost type enemy from the Otherside which possess people to attack others. Vermillion is to be one of the safest cities against geists as it's surrounded by water and geists can't cross water. But geists still find a way here... Every Active is paired with a Sensitive to create a great working team with their own special powers to defeat the different geists. Sorcha is paired with Kolya, her husband. After a horrible attack on Kolya, Sorcha realizes she observed some new actions of the geist. The Arch Abbot calls on Sorcha after using the rune only to be used in extreme dire need, to talk with her. But Arch Abbot tells Sorcha she is going on an important mission in an area with escalated geist activity, with a new Sensitive - Deacon Merrich Chambers - who is fresh out of the academy. Sorcha is not thrilled about breaking in a fresh Sensitive on such a dangerous mission, but takes on the orders. What Sorcha doesn't realize is Merrick has his dark secrets too, both as a Sensitive and personal. But will they both be able to keep their secrets buried from each other through the bond they have as a team? Everything Sorcha believes just might get twisted and she might have to do what she doesn't want.
I truly enjoyed the journey through this haunting fantasy read. I am one to love world creativity and it's one of many amazingly strong characteristic here. Philippa does a wonderful job of creating a religious style order with the Deacons. Although they may not be of the 'religious' beliefs you may think. They are the ones who fight the geists to protect the world. I enjoyed watching as this world revealed itself through this book; the ruins for Actives then the Sensitives, the history of the world, and the geists. And still wonder on the mysteries of it all yet to come.
The characters are another wonderful strength here. The characters stick to their personalities, but grow in more ways than I had expected, to show other sides I wouldn't have thought to show, making them three dimensional to me. I enjoyed watching all the characters grow in wonderful leaps in this book. And the characters secrets start to unfold.
The story Philippa has to tell here is captivating. There are a few stories with in this book; learning of the characters, the history of the world, and the mystery of what is happening with the changes the geist are showing. Then the mystery of where the corruption is or coming from.
I would think many who loves Fantasy would enjoy this book along with Urban Fantasy lovers as well. This book touches on a few different genre, but has a depth to it to make you wonder where Philippa will go in the future and how deep does the venality go.
I truly enjoyed the journey through this haunting fantasy read. I am one to love world creativity and it's one of many amazingly strong characteristic here. Philippa does a wonderful job of creating a religious style order with the Deacons. Although they may not be of the 'religious' beliefs you may think. They are the ones who fight the geists to protect the world. I enjoyed watching as this world revealed itself through this book; the ruins for Actives then the Sensitives, the history of the world, and the geists. And still wonder on the mysteries of it all yet to come.
The characters are another wonderful strength here. The characters stick to their personalities, but grow in more ways than I had expected, to show other sides I wouldn't have thought to show, making them three dimensional to me. I enjoyed watching all the characters grow in wonderful leaps in this book. And the characters secrets start to unfold.
The story Philippa has to tell here is captivating. There are a few stories with in this book; learning of the characters, the history of the world, and the mystery of what is happening with the changes the geist are showing. Then the mystery of where the corruption is or coming from.
I would think many who loves Fantasy would enjoy this book along with Urban Fantasy lovers as well. This book touches on a few different genre, but has a depth to it to make you wonder where Philippa will go in the future and how deep does the venality go.
amym84's review against another edition
4.0
Many years ago the Empire had a breakout from the Otherside of geists. These Geists would take possession of people and cause chaos. The Order cleaned up the mess and now they are charged with keeping the supernatural at bay. Each Deacon team is made up of a Sensitive, a person who can sense / see geists, and an Active, a person who discharges the geists.
Sorcha Faris is a very powerful Active. After her current Sensitive partner is injured in a geist attack, she is paired with novice Sensitive Merrick Chambers and sent to help the small town of Ulrich with an influx of geist activity. Encountering trouble on the way, Sorcha and Merrik are rescued by rebel and Pretender to the Throne Raed Rossin. Raed is also on his way to Ulrich. It’s a small enough town that he and his crew should find no problems. However, Raed is living with a family curse where any contact with geists causes him to change into a deadly beast. Needless to say, Raed is now weary of his destination.
Sorcha and Merrick offer protection to Raed from the geists therefore keeping his other half calm, but upon landing at Ulrich the Deacons and Pretender discover nothing is as it seems, and no telling how far the corruption is within the Order itself.
This book is set up from the beginning with the reader knowing that these three character’s lives are going to intersect. Until that point comes, the book is a little slow going. After that point, the pace picks up and goes by quickly. Philippa Ballantine doesn’t fill the book overly much with long descriptions. She very right to the point about all the scenes, and it doesn’t take long for our characters, once arriving in Ulrich, to determine that something is terribly wrong.
Sorcha is a very strong female character. I like her for that. There is no question that she can take care of herself and others if the need arises. Where she lacks a little is that she is too overly-confident of herself and her powers, and doesn’t think a novice has enough experience to offer input. She’s older than Merrick by about ten years. She’s been an Active in the Order going on eighteen years so she’s seen her battles and she’s won a lot of fights. Plus, she is literally the strongest Active in the Order, no doubt about it. I guess that’s a pretty good explanation as to why she’s got that confidence. But this situation turns everything upside down as far as her beliefs go. She’s not used to conceding the fact that maybe she needs to play a secondary role for a while and listen to someone else’s plan.
On Merrick’s side of things, he knows Sorcha from an event in his past, but doesn’t know if she remembers. He’s intimidated by her because her reputation is well known. Automatically he seems to go on alert with her and tries to prove himself a little too much without considering her experience first. It’s not a stretch to say that he’s a compassionate character seeing as how he’s a Sensitive. He is also very strong in his power, and it’s great when these two finally realize their strength when they work as a team. It’s something I look forward to seeing grow and change with the rest of the books in the series.
Of course I can’t leave out Raed, who completes are little trio. He’s a man that has lived with his curse his entire life as it’s passed down to each heir. He’s waiting for his chance to take his rightful place at the throne. Until then, he lives on his boat and off the goodwill of those who support his claim. From first meeting, there’s definite chemistry between Sorcha and Raed. I really liked scenes with them together. However, I almost wish Philippa Ballantine had maybe made them dance around their attraction to one another a little bit longer. Both being strong-willed, it was funny to see them trying to get the upper hand with the other.
The book has a definite ending, but things with the Order are far from solved. Plenty of groundwork is laid to figure out what schemes are going on within the order. I can already tell this series is going to put our characters through a lot. Good thing, at four books, the series is complete. No waiting.
Sorcha Faris is a very powerful Active. After her current Sensitive partner is injured in a geist attack, she is paired with novice Sensitive Merrick Chambers and sent to help the small town of Ulrich with an influx of geist activity. Encountering trouble on the way, Sorcha and Merrik are rescued by rebel and Pretender to the Throne Raed Rossin. Raed is also on his way to Ulrich. It’s a small enough town that he and his crew should find no problems. However, Raed is living with a family curse where any contact with geists causes him to change into a deadly beast. Needless to say, Raed is now weary of his destination.
Sorcha and Merrick offer protection to Raed from the geists therefore keeping his other half calm, but upon landing at Ulrich the Deacons and Pretender discover nothing is as it seems, and no telling how far the corruption is within the Order itself.
This book is set up from the beginning with the reader knowing that these three character’s lives are going to intersect. Until that point comes, the book is a little slow going. After that point, the pace picks up and goes by quickly. Philippa Ballantine doesn’t fill the book overly much with long descriptions. She very right to the point about all the scenes, and it doesn’t take long for our characters, once arriving in Ulrich, to determine that something is terribly wrong.
Sorcha is a very strong female character. I like her for that. There is no question that she can take care of herself and others if the need arises. Where she lacks a little is that she is too overly-confident of herself and her powers, and doesn’t think a novice has enough experience to offer input. She’s older than Merrick by about ten years. She’s been an Active in the Order going on eighteen years so she’s seen her battles and she’s won a lot of fights. Plus, she is literally the strongest Active in the Order, no doubt about it. I guess that’s a pretty good explanation as to why she’s got that confidence. But this situation turns everything upside down as far as her beliefs go. She’s not used to conceding the fact that maybe she needs to play a secondary role for a while and listen to someone else’s plan.
On Merrick’s side of things, he knows Sorcha from an event in his past, but doesn’t know if she remembers. He’s intimidated by her because her reputation is well known. Automatically he seems to go on alert with her and tries to prove himself a little too much without considering her experience first. It’s not a stretch to say that he’s a compassionate character seeing as how he’s a Sensitive. He is also very strong in his power, and it’s great when these two finally realize their strength when they work as a team. It’s something I look forward to seeing grow and change with the rest of the books in the series.
Of course I can’t leave out Raed, who completes are little trio. He’s a man that has lived with his curse his entire life as it’s passed down to each heir. He’s waiting for his chance to take his rightful place at the throne. Until then, he lives on his boat and off the goodwill of those who support his claim. From first meeting, there’s definite chemistry between Sorcha and Raed. I really liked scenes with them together. However, I almost wish Philippa Ballantine had maybe made them dance around their attraction to one another a little bit longer. Both being strong-willed, it was funny to see them trying to get the upper hand with the other.
The book has a definite ending, but things with the Order are far from solved. Plenty of groundwork is laid to figure out what schemes are going on within the order. I can already tell this series is going to put our characters through a lot. Good thing, at four books, the series is complete. No waiting.
fuent020's review against another edition
4.0
Philippa Ballantine did a great job in constructing a new world. She trusts in the intelligence of her readers to follow along & doesn't spend 2/3 of the book explaining the rules of the world. The story itself was lively & held many elements I haven't found in other books.
jinny89's review against another edition
4.0
So, I bought this book on a whim, totally based off of the cover. It’s gorgeous! Okay, it wasn’t 100% off a whim. I did look up some reviews and they were generally pretty favorable towards it. But admittedly, I gravitated to this book mainly because of the cover … heh.
The story takes place in a world where geists frequently attack, popping over from a mysterious placed called the Otherside (which I imagined was a sort of hellish place of death and grimness). An organization called the Order trains and utilizes Deacons to banish geists and other shadowy monsters when they appear, in order to protect the populous. Our main character, Sorcha Faris, is one of the top Deacons, and is sent to a small village called Ulrich in order to investigate some strange geist activity. To her annoyance, she is paired with rookie Deacon Merrick Chambers (though they eventually develop a strong Bond).
At Ulrich, they encounter Raed Rossin, the Pretender to the Throne. At first they are not friendly with one another, but later find they need to cooperate in order to save Ulrich, and defeat a dark conspiracy, one that shakes the very foundation of the Order.
I usually find it a bit difficult to really get into a new fantasy world. I think it’s the genre as a whole — they usually throw around terminology and jargon without really explaining what it means, and the reader has to figure it out themselves. With that said, Geist is no different in that respect and I had a little trouble understanding the beginning of the story. It was supposed to be a very exciting beginning, I could tell, but I didn’t understand or know a lot of the magical spells and terms being used so the effect was a little lost on me.
However, the story shapes itself up to be quite interesting as it chugs along. It felt like a very solid fantasy novel, almost like a fantasy RPG video game (I love RPG video games) with “boss battles” and things like that (hehehe). There is also a well thought out magic system, so the magic in this world is quite structured. The story is obviously meant to be an adventure story, and I think Geist was successful in that regard. I certainly want to continue pursuing the series, and I already have book two on my shelf!
The characters were pretty good, but a bit hit or miss. I don’t think they’re particularly deep or anything, but I didn’t get the impression that this was a character-driven book anyway. Sorcha is definitely a very independent, almost arrogant, Deacon. She’s strong willed and doesn’t let anyone boss her around. At first I thought she was too cold and, well, bitchy, for my liking, but she grew on me a little and by the end of the novel, I was okay with her. Merrick’s personality never felt fully developed to me but in general he was likeable as well. Raed was often flirtatious and cocky, but at the same time, very troubled, which is kind of an odd combination of traits, and it struck me as kind of weird. Nynnia (er, I forgot her name, but if you read the book, you’d know who I mean) was really one dimensional and flat. Completely uninterested in her, even at the end of the story when you find out who she is, it’s like, “So what?”
Another thing that bothered me was Sorcha and Raed’s relationship. There is a romance component in this novel, and it was really typical and unsurprising. They start off not liking each other too much, then experience a life or death moment together, fall in love but experience moral conflicts since Sorcha is married and Raed is kind of royalty, even if not officially. Kind of a clunky romance, like it was moving from one stage to the next. It didn’t flow smoothly in my opinion, and like I said, predictable since it was obvious to me from the start that they’re meant to be the couple of the story. However, since the romance is not a huge part of the novel or anything, I was not too bothered.
To sum it all up, the story was really good with a strong magic system. The characters are a small drawback, but since it’s more of an action and plot orientated story, I could overlook it. If you’re looking for a short, solid fantasy book, give Geist a try.
(X-Posted at http://skyink.net).
The story takes place in a world where geists frequently attack, popping over from a mysterious placed called the Otherside (which I imagined was a sort of hellish place of death and grimness). An organization called the Order trains and utilizes Deacons to banish geists and other shadowy monsters when they appear, in order to protect the populous. Our main character, Sorcha Faris, is one of the top Deacons, and is sent to a small village called Ulrich in order to investigate some strange geist activity. To her annoyance, she is paired with rookie Deacon Merrick Chambers (though they eventually develop a strong Bond).
At Ulrich, they encounter Raed Rossin, the Pretender to the Throne. At first they are not friendly with one another, but later find they need to cooperate in order to save Ulrich, and defeat a dark conspiracy, one that shakes the very foundation of the Order.
I usually find it a bit difficult to really get into a new fantasy world. I think it’s the genre as a whole — they usually throw around terminology and jargon without really explaining what it means, and the reader has to figure it out themselves. With that said, Geist is no different in that respect and I had a little trouble understanding the beginning of the story. It was supposed to be a very exciting beginning, I could tell, but I didn’t understand or know a lot of the magical spells and terms being used so the effect was a little lost on me.
However, the story shapes itself up to be quite interesting as it chugs along. It felt like a very solid fantasy novel, almost like a fantasy RPG video game (I love RPG video games) with “boss battles” and things like that (hehehe). There is also a well thought out magic system, so the magic in this world is quite structured. The story is obviously meant to be an adventure story, and I think Geist was successful in that regard. I certainly want to continue pursuing the series, and I already have book two on my shelf!
The characters were pretty good, but a bit hit or miss. I don’t think they’re particularly deep or anything, but I didn’t get the impression that this was a character-driven book anyway. Sorcha is definitely a very independent, almost arrogant, Deacon. She’s strong willed and doesn’t let anyone boss her around. At first I thought she was too cold and, well, bitchy, for my liking, but she grew on me a little and by the end of the novel, I was okay with her. Merrick’s personality never felt fully developed to me but in general he was likeable as well. Raed was often flirtatious and cocky, but at the same time, very troubled, which is kind of an odd combination of traits, and it struck me as kind of weird. Nynnia (er, I forgot her name, but if you read the book, you’d know who I mean) was really one dimensional and flat. Completely uninterested in her, even at the end of the story when you find out who she is, it’s like, “So what?”
Another thing that bothered me was Sorcha and Raed’s relationship. There is a romance component in this novel, and it was really typical and unsurprising. They start off not liking each other too much, then experience a life or death moment together, fall in love but experience moral conflicts since Sorcha is married and Raed is kind of royalty, even if not officially. Kind of a clunky romance, like it was moving from one stage to the next. It didn’t flow smoothly in my opinion, and like I said, predictable since it was obvious to me from the start that they’re meant to be the couple of the story. However, since the romance is not a huge part of the novel or anything, I was not too bothered.
To sum it all up, the story was really good with a strong magic system. The characters are a small drawback, but since it’s more of an action and plot orientated story, I could overlook it. If you’re looking for a short, solid fantasy book, give Geist a try.
(X-Posted at http://skyink.net).
angels_gp17's review against another edition
3.0
Geist is book one in the Book of the Order by Philippa Ballantine.
This book is appealing and also a bit hard to understand and get into. The world is a cross of old world, steampunk, and fantasy. Not much steampunk, but their are mentions of airships that run on geist, spirits and ghosts magic and time clocks, but for the most part it's like mid-evil time period.
Ms. Ballantine jumps right in with introducing us to words we don't full understand, yet, and a historical type society structure. She has created an elaborate world, rich in details with its own unique mythology. Due to this, the book is not quick nor easy to read. I had trouble with the story and staying interested at the start, the "get to know you” phase, but eventually things pick up and we are pulled into a web of deceit and mortal danger.
Our three leads; Sorcha, Merrick, and Raed are all battling inner demons and personal issues. They all end up in an isolated village together where they find something more dangerous and powerful than expected. The trio each see things in their own unique way, which brings a full range of views to the situation's. The lies and manipulation force them to see that they have all been played and what happens in the end will have you feeling for them. Life is not easy and the choices we make are not always easy.
I'm not sure if I'll read on, but I am intrigued and curious about what might happen next. Even though they fight back the big bad, it’s clearly that it’s not over.
Rated: 3.5 Stars
This book is appealing and also a bit hard to understand and get into. The world is a cross of old world, steampunk, and fantasy. Not much steampunk, but their are mentions of airships that run on geist, spirits and ghosts magic and time clocks, but for the most part it's like mid-evil time period.
Ms. Ballantine jumps right in with introducing us to words we don't full understand, yet, and a historical type society structure. She has created an elaborate world, rich in details with its own unique mythology. Due to this, the book is not quick nor easy to read. I had trouble with the story and staying interested at the start, the "get to know you” phase, but eventually things pick up and we are pulled into a web of deceit and mortal danger.
Our three leads; Sorcha, Merrick, and Raed are all battling inner demons and personal issues. They all end up in an isolated village together where they find something more dangerous and powerful than expected. The trio each see things in their own unique way, which brings a full range of views to the situation's. The lies and manipulation force them to see that they have all been played and what happens in the end will have you feeling for them. Life is not easy and the choices we make are not always easy.
I'm not sure if I'll read on, but I am intrigued and curious about what might happen next. Even though they fight back the big bad, it’s clearly that it’s not over.
Rated: 3.5 Stars
blodeuedd's review against another edition
3.0
Sorcha battles geists and more and sends them packing. Which brings me to the world at once, I did not learn that much, so the world building lacked. And therefore I call it light fantasy, and for me light fantasy is well light, but also with a lacking world building. I would have liked more of a world, I confess to that.
Sorcha was 35-40, which I liked. She was rather serious, she had a meh marriage. And she is known for being tough.
Merrick is young and sort of just of out school. Her new partner. And well...did not learn much about him,
Raed, him I liked. I felt like I got a clearer picture of him. The young pretender to the throne. We all know what happen to those. He will not get that throne. He is also cursed, and it's a bad one.
And off on an adventure they go. There are geists, some romantic feelings going around, bad people plotting, and a bigger conspiracy to unravel.
It was not mindblowing or anything. But it was good, and I am curious what will happen in the next one. Light fantasy is fun to read sometimes.
Sorcha was 35-40, which I liked. She was rather serious, she had a meh marriage. And she is known for being tough.
Merrick is young and sort of just of out school. Her new partner. And well...did not learn much about him,
Raed, him I liked. I felt like I got a clearer picture of him. The young pretender to the throne. We all know what happen to those. He will not get that throne. He is also cursed, and it's a bad one.
And off on an adventure they go. There are geists, some romantic feelings going around, bad people plotting, and a bigger conspiracy to unravel.
It was not mindblowing or anything. But it was good, and I am curious what will happen in the next one. Light fantasy is fun to read sometimes.
bookslucyking's review against another edition
5.0
This was great. I loved every single page. Full of action, full of magic, creatures, geists. The story and the settings were really cool. I even enjoyed the love part of the story. Normally I don´t like romance books, but here it was really mature, real, strong, no sickly sweet YA romance.
I found myself getting totally lost in the book and forgetting about the time. That didn´t happen for a long time, I had a bad luck with starting new series, lately. This one finally worked and I loved it.
It felt like a combination of Anthony Ryan´s books and The Legend of Eli Monpress. It felt medieval but also kinda steampunk at some point. The characters were funny, ironic but also real, with problems, I cared about all of them.
Incredible read for me. I am happy I didn´t listen this time to the reviews here. Sometimes I really shoud belive you guys but sometimes like this one I should NOT! Or I will miss on great reads.
I found myself getting totally lost in the book and forgetting about the time. That didn´t happen for a long time, I had a bad luck with starting new series, lately. This one finally worked and I loved it.
It felt like a combination of Anthony Ryan´s books and The Legend of Eli Monpress. It felt medieval but also kinda steampunk at some point. The characters were funny, ironic but also real, with problems, I cared about all of them.
Incredible read for me. I am happy I didn´t listen this time to the reviews here. Sometimes I really shoud belive you guys but sometimes like this one I should NOT! Or I will miss on great reads.