A review by neonfrills
Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson

fast-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? It's complicated

4.0

 Summary: Joan of Arc meets Venom. High fantasy setting where a nun ends up taking on this powerful spirit called a Relevant to help her fight. Normally it would most likely end up possessing her, but she’s able to keep it at bay and a la Venom, it becomes this sassy demon in her head who she has to work with to beat back this undead horde that is sweeping the land.
Characters: I love Artemisia and the Revenant's relationship. I went in thinking this was going to be a romance (because when something gets sold as Venom inspired, you can’t convince me that Eddy and Venom aren’t in love), but instead we got an honestly really sweet friendship of “Girl and her weird, murderous Pet Monster”, which I also adore. I really loved all of the side-characters who end up making up Artemisia’s squad, and how over the course of the story, Artemisia learns to trust people and let them help her carry her burden instead of thinking she has to always be alone.
The only character I didn’t love for most of the book is Leander, mostly because I am begging Margaret Rogerson to not make him come back as the love interest in the next book. I have 3 people I’d much rather have her with (Marguerite, The Revenant and Jean), but also No Love Interest Supremacy. Artemisia doesn’t need a boyfriend to make her story worthwhile!! 
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