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ria_mhrj's review against another edition
3.0
The world of The Order is incredibly rich and the author wasn't afraid of plunging her readers right into the thick of things - the first chapter is dense with action and mythology and it took me a while to settle into this book. But once I found my feet, Geist made for an enjoyable read.
My biggest criticisms of the book are to do with character growth and villain motivation. For the former, the book suffered from too many new people and new relationships - I would have been quite happy to read about Sorcha and Merrick alone, forging a partnership and ultimately a friendship. The Raed strand was interesting but not explored enough and Nynnia was just jarring.
The 'big bad' plot and reveal also bothered me - it hinged on a lot of 'we knew you'd behave this way so we can now do this' plot contrivances. Still, as an introduction, Geist caught my attention and I am curious to see what happens next.
My biggest criticisms of the book are to do with character growth and villain motivation. For the former, the book suffered from too many new people and new relationships - I would have been quite happy to read about Sorcha and Merrick alone, forging a partnership and ultimately a friendship. The Raed strand was interesting but not explored enough and Nynnia was just jarring.
The 'big bad' plot and reveal also bothered me - it hinged on a lot of 'we knew you'd behave this way so we can now do this' plot contrivances. Still, as an introduction, Geist caught my attention and I am curious to see what happens next.
bunnerz's review against another edition
DNF due to the incredibly complicated world and dry descriptions that didn't really engage my interest.
renpuspita's review against another edition
3.0
3 stars
I just see the date when I start reading Geish and finish it, and it took me more than 1 month! Yeah, actually I kinda had a dry spell in reading because I'm distracted with game that I played today. I neglect Geist for many days but there's something niggling in my min. Like an itch that need to be scratched. So, I decide to pick Geist and finally finish this one tonight.
The story start with a bang with our heroine, Deacon Sorcha Faris lose her husband and partner in a fight, and must bonded herself with Merrick Chamber. Deacon is like a peace protector, those who stand between the living and the dead, called geist. Deacon divided into 2 type, Active that is offense type like Sorcha. Their partner called Sensitive, who support Active to fight Geist by Sight, a ability to peer into the Otherside when Geist reside. The problem begin when Sorcha and Merrick that go to Ulrich to investigate strange incident meet Raed Rossin. Raed, called the Pretender, is the son of the last emperor of Arkaym that lose his throne to the current Emperor. Raed himself hold a curse,named the Rossin aka The Beast (that explain the lion on the cover). Things get complicated when Sorcha and Merrick face betrayal in Ulrich and face a sinister threat, and Sorcha get entangled by Raed, both mentally and physically.
Geist not bad, but like so many first book in a series, its have big weakness. Complicated world building. My biggest pet peeve in fantasy book is a map. A fantasy book without map will get me lose because I don't know where the story set, when its happen and how much time our MCs need to travel to city A to B. Also, Ballantine kinda jump to the water, write so little explanation that make me so confused when read Geist at first. I just realized that there was a prologue to Geist which explain the event before Geist start. Even the story start with a bang, the plot also slow. The pace begin to pick up in the middle part until the end.
The strength of Geist is the character. Sure Nalini Singh said that the world of the Geist is original, but I detect some old fantasy troupe, like sword and sorcery. Sorcha and Merrick role perfectly fit into this troupe. Its not that bad, quite opposite actually. It just I hope that Ballantine give some glossarium to explain about the term and event in this book. The other plus point is the characters. I like Sorcha. A.Lot. This is a heroine that so badass, without lose her feminine will, confident with her sexuality and her power. While her relationship with Merrick is still grow a little, hers with Raed is wow.
Mark my words, Geist is NOT A ROMANCE. Sorcha already married and even I said she lose her husband, said husband is still much alive. What happen between Raed and Sorcha might be categorized into infidelity. But who can blame Sorcha? Her marriage already crumbling, her husband is distant from her she barely remember how to feel a man's warmth. I like how Ballantine wrote about Sorcha and Raed. Who said that fantasy can't have sex on it? Yes for YA fantasy maybe, but adult fantasy is very very welcome to have sex scene. Beside Ballantine not write it graphically, even the infidelity part might trigger some readers that not like cheating. But like I state before, Geist is not romance, Sorcha's act with Raed have believable reason and I really love this pair. Their dynamic is kinda remind me of Kate Daniels and Curran Lenart, but while Kate-Curran is too slow like snail, Sorcha and Raed is already sizzle from the beginning. Is that bad? Nope, nope in my opinion ;).
While the weakness of Geist is the complicated world building, I still recommend this one to fantasy readers alike. The concept is good, the plot have a good dollop of mystery and suspense, the conspirary is intriguing, the characters are lovable. I will definitely read the next to know what's waiting for our deacon Sorcha, her partner Merrick and her fugitive lover, Raed.
I just see the date when I start reading Geish and finish it, and it took me more than 1 month! Yeah, actually I kinda had a dry spell in reading because I'm distracted with game that I played today. I neglect Geist for many days but there's something niggling in my min. Like an itch that need to be scratched. So, I decide to pick Geist and finally finish this one tonight.
The story start with a bang with our heroine, Deacon Sorcha Faris lose her husband and partner in a fight, and must bonded herself with Merrick Chamber. Deacon is like a peace protector, those who stand between the living and the dead, called geist. Deacon divided into 2 type, Active that is offense type like Sorcha. Their partner called Sensitive, who support Active to fight Geist by Sight, a ability to peer into the Otherside when Geist reside. The problem begin when Sorcha and Merrick that go to Ulrich to investigate strange incident meet Raed Rossin. Raed, called the Pretender, is the son of the last emperor of Arkaym that lose his throne to the current Emperor. Raed himself hold a curse,named the Rossin aka The Beast (that explain the lion on the cover). Things get complicated when Sorcha and Merrick face betrayal in Ulrich and face a sinister threat, and Sorcha get entangled by Raed, both mentally and physically.
Geist not bad, but like so many first book in a series, its have big weakness. Complicated world building. My biggest pet peeve in fantasy book is a map. A fantasy book without map will get me lose because I don't know where the story set, when its happen and how much time our MCs need to travel to city A to B. Also, Ballantine kinda jump to the water, write so little explanation that make me so confused when read Geist at first. I just realized that there was a prologue to Geist which explain the event before Geist start. Even the story start with a bang, the plot also slow. The pace begin to pick up in the middle part until the end.
The strength of Geist is the character. Sure Nalini Singh said that the world of the Geist is original, but I detect some old fantasy troupe, like sword and sorcery. Sorcha and Merrick role perfectly fit into this troupe. Its not that bad, quite opposite actually. It just I hope that Ballantine give some glossarium to explain about the term and event in this book. The other plus point is the characters. I like Sorcha. A.Lot. This is a heroine that so badass, without lose her feminine will, confident with her sexuality and her power. While her relationship with Merrick is still grow a little, hers with Raed is wow.
Mark my words, Geist is NOT A ROMANCE. Sorcha already married and even I said she lose her husband, said husband is still much alive. What happen between Raed and Sorcha might be categorized into infidelity. But who can blame Sorcha? Her marriage already crumbling, her husband is distant from her she barely remember how to feel a man's warmth. I like how Ballantine wrote about Sorcha and Raed. Who said that fantasy can't have sex on it? Yes for YA fantasy maybe, but adult fantasy is very very welcome to have sex scene. Beside Ballantine not write it graphically, even the infidelity part might trigger some readers that not like cheating. But like I state before, Geist is not romance, Sorcha's act with Raed have believable reason and I really love this pair. Their dynamic is kinda remind me of Kate Daniels and Curran Lenart, but while Kate-Curran is too slow like snail, Sorcha and Raed is already sizzle from the beginning. Is that bad? Nope, nope in my opinion ;).
While the weakness of Geist is the complicated world building, I still recommend this one to fantasy readers alike. The concept is good, the plot have a good dollop of mystery and suspense, the conspirary is intriguing, the characters are lovable. I will definitely read the next to know what's waiting for our deacon Sorcha, her partner Merrick and her fugitive lover, Raed.
amaustin's review against another edition
3.0
This book was really interesting. I like the main characters alot. They are all different and unique. Towards the end, the book lost some of its excitement for me. It got a bit too predictable. But overall, I really like the concept and hope Ballantine does more with this story. A pretty short read. I read a third in Barnes and Noble and finished the rest in a few hours.
wildflowerz76's review against another edition
2.0
This book took a while for me to get into. I wanted to like it, but mostly I was bored. I got interested in the middle, but then that interest dropped off again. I'm not sure exactly why, but I just didn't care for this book. :( That's a shame because it reminded me a little bit of Robin Hobb and I LOVE her.
Oh, and what was up with all the editing errors in this book? Seriously, it was bad. I found 3 in just the first 30 pages or so.
Oh, and what was up with all the editing errors in this book? Seriously, it was bad. I found 3 in just the first 30 pages or so.
matosapa's review against another edition
3.0
I _really_ wanted to like this series. The magic system is interesting and the main character was a strong female (still a rarity in this day and age) but unfortunately, she turned to goo and bodice-ripping when the dashing pirate captain appears on the scene. Although married, she immediately falls into bed with him and loses all semblance of strength and independence when he is around or in danger.
It was quite a shame as the series held such promise before bare chested pirates entered the story line.
Unfortunately, there are plenty of non-romantic fantasy to keep me occupied without having to plod through this rest of this torrid romance.
It was quite a shame as the series held such promise before bare chested pirates entered the story line.
Unfortunately, there are plenty of non-romantic fantasy to keep me occupied without having to plod through this rest of this torrid romance.
kgroberts13's review against another edition
3.0
3.5
Interesting mash-up of Steampunk, magical fantasy, and Georgian England manners and dress. Like the lead characters and the history surrounding the Order and their Deacons.
Interesting mash-up of Steampunk, magical fantasy, and Georgian England manners and dress. Like the lead characters and the history surrounding the Order and their Deacons.
see_sadie_read's review
4.0
I was pleasantly surprised by this one. The cover* left me a bit nervous that it would be more YA than I was looking for, but Sorcha is in her 30s (late 30s, I even think), as is Raed. They were believable, capable adults. I can't tell you how much I appreciate that.
The world is an interesting one. There's a mild romantic subplot (or two) and there's some witty humor. I was a little less enamored with the plot than I was with everything surrounding it, but still a solid, enjoyable read.
Lastly, I'm alway iffy about author-narrators. But, with the exception of some annoying swallowing sounds, Ballantine did an excellent job with the narration.
*If I'm discussing the cover, I don't know that a lion fits the description of the beast(as I understood it) and every time I look at it, I'm a bit thrown off.
The world is an interesting one. There's a mild romantic subplot (or two) and there's some witty humor. I was a little less enamored with the plot than I was with everything surrounding it, but still a solid, enjoyable read.
Lastly, I'm alway iffy about author-narrators. But, with the exception of some annoying swallowing sounds, Ballantine did an excellent job with the narration.
*If I'm discussing the cover, I don't know that a lion fits the description of the beast(as I understood it) and every time I look at it, I'm a bit thrown off.
pagalvin's review against another edition
3.0
Fine book, but relatively simple story. There are hints of depth to the characters, but in the end, this is really a plot based story with what is, to me, a new premise. Ultimately, it wasn't the most satisfying thing to me but the Paul of 10 years ago would have really enjoyed it. I generally recommend it if you're "in between" more challenging reads.
book_hoarding_dragon's review against another edition
2.0
I came across Geist when it first came out, but when I read the first few pages it wasn't captivating for me. But since then I keep getting recommended this book and I'm constantly running across it. I needed some books to read, so I decided to give it a go.
I found the story interesting and I liked that the mysteries of some of the characters slowly revealed themselves. Parts of the story were intriguing and I found to be original.
But I did have a few problems with this book.
Some previous reviewers have stated that this is a good book, once you get past the first three chapters. I wholeheartedly agree with this. Once I started reading it, at first it was enticing but then I just started dragging my heels with the book. The first chapter wouldn't have been so bad, in my opinion, if it wasn't for all the term dropping. For example Sorcha mentions The Center, Sensitive, Active, Geist, Strop, etc. Some of the terms you kind of have to understand just by reading the book, they are never explained, which made for some frustrating reading.
Sometimes, it felt like the author wasn't sure what she wanted the terms to mean either. For example "Geist" sometimes made me think it was a term for some otherworld entity, other times it was a general term for the "unliving". If the author wasn't going to explain the stuff in the book, I felt like she should have included a glossary at the very least.
Another thing that bothered me in the book was Sorcha's relationship. In the book, Sorcha is married to Kolya. However, she starts a relationship with Raed. Her reasoning for this is her marriage has been dead for years, but THAT makes it okay for her to cheat on her husband :eye rolls:. If her husband was lost at sea, I can understand it, if she separated from him I can understand it. But she made a promise/vow (possibly) to be Kolya's wife (the reason why this bothers me so: My mom taught me if you give your "word", you had better do it. Cause if you don't you'll lose that trust. My dad taught me that the only thing you truly own is your "word". So, don't use it frivolously and mean it). Plus, she doesn't seem to try to make any effort to restore her relationship in the past. Not to mention, how her character inexplicably changes in regard to Kolya. At the beginning, Sorcha uses a dangerous rune when she sees Kolay collapse while he was attacked by a geist; but less than halfway through the book she decides that their relationship is dead and jumps into a new one with Raed. It doesn't make much sense to me.
Sorcha is a strong character. That's it. I've read other series where there are strong female characters, but not here. Which has been done before, you can't spit in a UF genre and not his a book with a strong character who is female, and of course Sorcha is the most powerful Active (like that isn't another over done theme).
I found the story interesting and I liked that the mysteries of some of the characters slowly revealed themselves. Parts of the story were intriguing and I found to be original.
But I did have a few problems with this book.
Some previous reviewers have stated that this is a good book, once you get past the first three chapters. I wholeheartedly agree with this. Once I started reading it, at first it was enticing but then I just started dragging my heels with the book. The first chapter wouldn't have been so bad, in my opinion, if it wasn't for all the term dropping. For example Sorcha mentions The Center, Sensitive, Active, Geist, Strop, etc. Some of the terms you kind of have to understand just by reading the book, they are never explained, which made for some frustrating reading.
Sometimes, it felt like the author wasn't sure what she wanted the terms to mean either. For example "Geist" sometimes made me think it was a term for some otherworld entity, other times it was a general term for the "unliving". If the author wasn't going to explain the stuff in the book, I felt like she should have included a glossary at the very least.
Another thing that bothered me in the book was Sorcha's relationship. In the book, Sorcha is married to Kolya. However, she starts a relationship with Raed. Her reasoning for this is her marriage has been dead for years, but THAT makes it okay for her to cheat on her husband :eye rolls:. If her husband was lost at sea, I can understand it, if she separated from him I can understand it. But she made a promise/vow (possibly) to be Kolya's wife (the reason why this bothers me so: My mom taught me if you give your "word", you had better do it. Cause if you don't you'll lose that trust. My dad taught me that the only thing you truly own is your "word". So, don't use it frivolously and mean it). Plus, she doesn't seem to try to make any effort to restore her relationship in the past. Not to mention, how her character inexplicably changes in regard to Kolya. At the beginning, Sorcha uses a dangerous rune when she sees Kolay collapse while he was attacked by a geist; but less than halfway through the book she decides that their relationship is dead and jumps into a new one with Raed. It doesn't make much sense to me.
Sorcha is a strong character. That's it. I've read other series where there are strong female characters, but not here. Which has been done before, you can't spit in a UF genre and not his a book with a strong character who is female, and of course Sorcha is the most powerful Active (like that isn't another over done theme).