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snowwhitehatesapples's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Review can also be found at Snow White Hates Apples.
It’s been a while since I’ve read a fantasy YA novel that doesn’t star some conventionally pretty main character who’s more morally white than grey, so, hello breath of fresh air that is Vespertine !
The story centres around Artemisia, a young woman with a troubled past who’s training to be a Gray Sister (a nun who cleanses the bodies of the dead so that their souls can pass on and not rise as spirits that hunger for the living). She’s socially awkward, very introverted and 100% not looking forward to a life other than the predictable one of a Gray Sister. Unfortunately for her, she’s our main character so the Lady has other plans in store. Artemisia’s convent gets attacked and she awakens the revenant bound to a high relic. Thus, beginning her journey where she and the revenant must work together to save the kingdom of Loraille—all while unravelling the mystery and truths between the saints, magic and the spirits.
We move from one event to another rather quickly as the action never stops in Vespertine and that makes the book un-put-down-able. To complement this, there is no romance and instead, we’re given this delightful focus on Artemisia’s growth. I wholeheartedly adore this focus as we get to witness her coming out of her shell and leaving her comfort zone, navigating people and relationships, realizing things and just…growing in general.
Other than that, I enjoyed the dynamics between Artemisia and the revenant. The way they conversed and worked with each other was at times, entertaining and at others, heart-wrenching as one of them is a recluse who didn’t know how to connect and communicate, and the other, a snarky tsundere. However, I must admit that I was initially thrown off by how the revenant speaks. For a pretty ancient being that’s been locked up for quite a while and hasn’t actually conversed with others, he talks rather ‘modern’ (in Artemisia’s time).
I also greatly enjoyed how there’s actual communication between the characters. It’s not just talking, but proper attempts to really understand the other, especially after misunderstandings happen. This particular aspect shines in Vespertine and I love it.
The worldbuilding for this book provides a nice foundation for us to understand the simple yet well-thought-out magic system. Of course, there’s room for improvement and expansion, but since this is only the first book of the series, I’m excited to see how the world and the magic system expand in the sequel. I’m also excited to see where the story goes and how the relationship between Leander and Artemisia further develops since we’ve got this oddly anticlimactic but hopeful ending that foreshadows their potential reunion.
All in all, Vespertine is the kind of YA novel that I’m always looking forward to reading. A BAMF heroine who isn’t immediately powerful in her own right but becomes a bigger BAMF as the story progresses, no romance, and the multilayered theme of humans VS monsters all in one book? 10/10 my heart is sold.
It’s been a while since I’ve read a fantasy YA novel that doesn’t star some conventionally pretty main character who’s more morally white than grey, so, hello breath of fresh air that is Vespertine !
The story centres around Artemisia, a young woman with a troubled past who’s training to be a Gray Sister (a nun who cleanses the bodies of the dead so that their souls can pass on and not rise as spirits that hunger for the living). She’s socially awkward, very introverted and 100% not looking forward to a life other than the predictable one of a Gray Sister. Unfortunately for her, she’s our main character so the Lady has other plans in store. Artemisia’s convent gets attacked and she awakens the revenant bound to a high relic. Thus, beginning her journey where she and the revenant must work together to save the kingdom of Loraille—all while unravelling the mystery and truths between the saints, magic and the spirits.
We move from one event to another rather quickly as the action never stops in Vespertine and that makes the book un-put-down-able. To complement this, there is no romance and instead, we’re given this delightful focus on Artemisia’s growth. I wholeheartedly adore this focus as we get to witness her coming out of her shell and leaving her comfort zone, navigating people and relationships, realizing things and just…growing in general.
Other than that, I enjoyed the dynamics between Artemisia and the revenant. The way they conversed and worked with each other was at times, entertaining and at others, heart-wrenching as one of them is a recluse who didn’t know how to connect and communicate, and the other, a snarky tsundere. However, I must admit that I was initially thrown off by how the revenant speaks. For a pretty ancient being that’s been locked up for quite a while and hasn’t actually conversed with others, he talks rather ‘modern’ (in Artemisia’s time).
I also greatly enjoyed how there’s actual communication between the characters. It’s not just talking, but proper attempts to really understand the other, especially after misunderstandings happen. This particular aspect shines in Vespertine and I love it.
The worldbuilding for this book provides a nice foundation for us to understand the simple yet well-thought-out magic system. Of course, there’s room for improvement and expansion, but since this is only the first book of the series, I’m excited to see how the world and the magic system expand in the sequel. I’m also excited to see where the story goes and how the relationship between Leander and Artemisia further develops since we’ve got this oddly anticlimactic but hopeful ending that foreshadows their potential reunion.
All in all, Vespertine is the kind of YA novel that I’m always looking forward to reading. A BAMF heroine who isn’t immediately powerful in her own right but becomes a bigger BAMF as the story progresses, no romance, and the multilayered theme of humans VS monsters all in one book? 10/10 my heart is sold.
Thank you so much Pansing for sending me a copy of this in exchange for an honest review! Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson is available at all good bookstores.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Blood, Abandonment, Gore, and Fire/Fire injury
ldermer's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Child abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, and Confinement
Moderate: Suicide
beautifulpaxielreads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Murder, Physical abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Medical trauma, Blood, Child abuse, Mental illness, Violence, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Medical content, Torture, Religious bigotry, and Animal cruelty
Moderate: War, Self harm, Ableism, and Vomit
Minor: Bullying and Suicide
aseel_reads's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
i really enjoyed the two main characters of this story (artemisa and the revenant) - their relationship was lovely and full of sarcasm. not sure if the artemisa is coded for autism or trauma behaviours, its a bit confusing. the world is really interesting (thank god for the page of the order of spirits) but the plot was a little slow in pacing and the plot twist was so obvious, even i picked it up and i wasn't trying at all.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Bullying, Confinement, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Blood, and Child abuse
plumpaperbacks's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
[Buddy read with Shar 🖤]
I was so excited to read this, and in the first half, I honestly thought it would end up a new favorite. The story had similar vibes to my favorite series—His Fair Assassin—and the protagonist had so much in common with Sybella—one of the HFA protagonists and my absolute favorite character. I loved Artemisia and her revenant, and I thought the world-building, specifically the orders of spirits and how they could be bound with relics, was fascinating and well-done. I also loved seeing Artemisia come out of her shell more in the second half of the book, and realize that she does, in fact, have friends.
So what went wrong?
The pacing was dreadfully slow; in the first half I didn’t mind so much, because I was getting to know the characters and the world. But when I passed the 50% mark, I became aware of just how little had happened, and as I kept reading, still, hardly anything happened. I thought the antagonist was poorly written and didn’t really have any motivation to do what they did, and when the final hand was dealt, the true antagonist revealed, even though I didn’t see it coming, I wasn’t impressed. The last quarter of the book felt very anticlimactic, despite the stakes being at their highest yet.
One thing in this book’s favor, though, is that Artemisia is asexual, something I haven’t seen in many fantasies. There was no romance, and instead, the focus was on platonic relationships and her own character growth. It was refreshing, and I liked it.
Overall, despite finding this somewhat disappointing, I would recommend it. Rogerson spun a good story, and I do plan to read more from her in the future.
Representation
I was so excited to read this, and in the first half, I honestly thought it would end up a new favorite. The story had similar vibes to my favorite series—His Fair Assassin—and the protagonist had so much in common with Sybella—one of the HFA protagonists and my absolute favorite character. I loved Artemisia and her revenant, and I thought the world-building, specifically the orders of spirits and how they could be bound with relics, was fascinating and well-done. I also loved seeing Artemisia come out of her shell more in the second half of the book, and realize that she does, in fact, have friends.
So what went wrong?
The pacing was dreadfully slow; in the first half I didn’t mind so much, because I was getting to know the characters and the world. But when I passed the 50% mark, I became aware of just how little had happened, and as I kept reading, still, hardly anything happened. I thought the antagonist was poorly written and didn’t really have any motivation to do what they did, and when the final hand was dealt, the true antagonist revealed, even though I didn’t see it coming, I wasn’t impressed. The last quarter of the book felt very anticlimactic, despite the stakes being at their highest yet.
One thing in this book’s favor, though, is that Artemisia is asexual, something I haven’t seen in many fantasies. There was no romance, and instead, the focus was on platonic relationships and her own character growth. It was refreshing, and I liked it.
Overall, despite finding this somewhat disappointing, I would recommend it. Rogerson spun a good story, and I do plan to read more from her in the future.
Representation
- aromantic asexual protagonist
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Child abuse and Confinement
Minor: Body horror
Main character was severely burned as a child (prior to story) and has scars on both hands. Things tagged moderate happened prior to story; main character was neglected and at one point locked in a shed for an extended period of time, as a child.thewildmageslibrary's review against another edition
dark
tense
5.0
Oh, this book was a delight. IDK if it was intentional, but you could read this as a commentary on the Catholic Church and doctrine. I grew up Catholic and it didn't bother me, but I've also learned a lot more about the Church and its history since then so...? Anyway, Artemisia is so freaking relatable! Love an aroace protagonist, and the banter with the revenant was the cherry on top. The side characters are also great!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Body horror, and Murder
Moderate: Self harm, Confinement, and Violence
Minor: Death of parent, Child abuse, and Suicide
abbyschalupa's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Blood, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Confinement, Self harm, and Suicidal thoughts
yvonne_cl's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Self harm, and Violence
Moderate: Forced institutionalization, Vomit, Abandonment, Ableism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Grief
foreverinastory's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Agh this was so fun! I'm really glad this is a series!
Rep: White aroace (author confirmed) female MC with scarred hands, anxiety and possibly neurodivergent, BIPOC male side character.
CWs: Abandonment, body horror (possession by spirits), past mentions of child abuse, confinement, death, fire and fire injury, injury/injury detail, mental illness (anxiety), murder, panic attacks, violence.
Rep: White aroace (author confirmed) female MC with scarred hands, anxiety and possibly neurodivergent, BIPOC male side character.
CWs: Abandonment, body horror (possession by spirits), past mentions of child abuse, confinement, death, fire and fire injury, injury/injury detail, mental illness (anxiety), murder, panic attacks, violence.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Body horror, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, and Violence
betweentheshelves's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an advanced copy of this to review! Margaret Rogerson writes some great fantasy, and I was excited to get to this one. I mean, just look at the cover! It definitely looks absolutely promising.
Unfortunately, I found the book overall difficult to get into. Even though Rogerson is a master at world building, there was something lacking in the character development. The relationship between the revenant and Artemisia was probably the most interesting thing about the book, but it wasn’t enough to fully connect me to the story. I just wanted more overall.
While I appreciate when fantasies don’t have romances, I think this one could have benefited from that. Fleshing out the characters would have helped to get me more engaged in the story. One of the things that I couldn’t necessarily figure out was Artemisia’s motivation for everything. Having that motivation would have helped in making the story more engaging.
Even though I couldn’t connect to the characters, I did appreciate all of the detail that Rogerson put into the world building. There were so many interesting little details that helped in creating this captivating world.
All in all, while this wasn’t quite the book I wanted, fans of Rogerson’s writing will still find something to like.
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I usually love Margaret Rogerson's books, there was just something about this one that didn't click with me. More to come in a review later this week!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Fire/Fire injury, and Self harm
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, and Suicide
Minor: Death of parent