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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
reflective
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:
Complicated
4.5⭐️
Venom but make it a traumatised fantasy nun and a sarcastic eldritch-angel - yes please and thank you.
Would have given 5 stars but the ending felt a bit too unresolved for me. Surely setting up for a sequel though...
Venom but make it a traumatised fantasy nun and a sarcastic eldritch-angel - yes please and thank you.
Would have given 5 stars but the ending felt a bit too unresolved for me. Surely setting up for a sequel though...
You treat that beast better than you do yourself…
“He’s a good horse. He carried me all day. He doesn’t deserve to suffer because of the things I ask him to do.”
Have you ever considered that your body carries you?
“He’s a good horse. He carried me all day. He doesn’t deserve to suffer because of the things I ask him to do.”
Have you ever considered that your body carries you?
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
**Review posted months after reading, but from my book journal.
Artemisia was a super cool character, although I wish there was more of a character plot/curve. It seemed she didn't have much character development besides learning how to communicate more effectively and maybe open up a little more. That said, it was definitely one of the better newer fantasy books and I really enjoyed the plot.
I have not seen a plot like this really before (from what I have read) and honestly, I really hope to see a second book. I have the paperback version of this book, but I think I'm going to have to invest in a hardcover with how much I enjoyed this book.
Artemisia was a super cool character, although I wish there was more of a character plot/curve. It seemed she didn't have much character development besides learning how to communicate more effectively and maybe open up a little more. That said, it was definitely one of the better newer fantasy books and I really enjoyed the plot.
I have not seen a plot like this really before (from what I have read) and honestly, I really hope to see a second book. I have the paperback version of this book, but I think I'm going to have to invest in a hardcover with how much I enjoyed this book.
A few disconnected bits that I wanted to have wrapped up, but the relationship was a treat and the protagonist had zero love interest, which was a refreshing take.
I really enjoyed this book very much I am looking forward to where the story goes from here. I loved many of the characters but I especially loved Artemisia she was a breath of fresh air she is so different from many other YA female MCs she has a dry wit she doesn't really like people very much she actually seems to scare people without even trying she isn't perfect not everything will always go her way. She does change a little not very much but by the end she has people she cares about she has faced many fears and has came out all the better for it all. I also loved the Revenant that powerful spirit was interesting who at first seems to just hate humans but as more is revealed it really comes to care for Artemisia. The other characters that surround Artemisia are interesting the friend from the convent a soldier she meets and the character who is thought of as a antagonist for much of the story who changes a great deal by the end. I loved the plot it started off with Artemisia who is misunderstood and just wants to avoid people she is then found out to have greater power then the convent is under attack and she gains the Revenant who she grows to think of more than just a thing to use many things are found out she is hunted more things happen and finally we have a pretty good ending looking forward to where the story goes from here.
I loved Vespertine. Very few books had enraptured me the way this book had. It made me excited to turn the page and I missed that feeling. There are many things I loved about this book but what made me fall in love with it was the relationship between Artemisia and the Revenant as well as the overall aesthetic. It strongly reminded me of Diablo III, which was one of my favorite video games as a child, and to be able to delve into the dusty catacombs and haunting chapels was breathtaking for me. I can’t wait to see where the following book will take us. Personally, I hope to learn more about the Raven King and how the revenants were created. I’d also love a map; I’m a sucker for fantasy maps.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Like all of Margaret Rogerson's books, Vespertine is beautifully written with a well-crafted storyline that draws you in from the very first page. Rogerson's world-building shines as she introduces a captivating new world full of restless spirits and looming danger. The atmosphere is immersive and mysterious, which kept me on my toes throughout the novel. The central mystery—why the spirits have become violent and how they can be stopped—was intriguing, and it drove the suspense in the story. And then, the twist at the end? Chef's kiss. It was a satisfying, unexpected turn that added layers to the plot.
One of the aspects I loved most about Vespertine was Artemisia, the protagonist. She’s a recluse with social difficulties, making her a refreshing departure from many heroines who are naturally outgoing or confident. I wasn’t sure I would connect with her at first, but I was pleasantly surprised by her growth and complexity. Her reluctance to interact with others is a well-executed part of her character, and it adds depth to her journey.
While the dynamic between Artemisia and the revenant wasn’t quite the enemies-to-allies relationship I was hoping for, it was still well-done. The revenant's tough love approach, especially when bullying Artemisia into taking care of her body, made for some entertaining and emotional moments. Their reluctant partnership was engaging, and the way they adjusted to each other—especially considering Artemisia's traumatic past—was a poignant aspect of the story.
That said, Vespertine isn't perfect. Some parts could have been fleshed out more, and the pacing slowed down at times. Still, it's a solid and enjoyable read. It delivers on suspense, character growth, and a complex plot, and I look forward to seeing what Rogerson does next. If you're a fan of her previous works, Vespertine will likely be a hit for you.