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A review by theawkwardbookw
Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson
3.0
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*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review*
3.5/5 Stars
Artemisia is training to be a Gray Sister, a nun who cleanses the bodies of the dead before sending the souls to the afterlife. If this does not occur, the souls can rise as spirits, who feast on the living. After being possessed as a young child, Artemisia prefers living her life quietly and by herself. One evening, her convent is attacked by possessed soldiers, Artemisia must make a deal with a revenant, an ancient spirit chained to a Saint's relic in order to save her people. The only way to purge this revenant is to seek help from a Vespertine, but all knowledge of these people was lost many years ago. Artemisia must turn to the revenant itself if she has an hope of protecting the only place she's felt at home.
I read Sorcery of Thornes, and really enjoyed that one, so I was pretty excited to pick up another of Margaret Rogerson's books. Although I didn't like it as much, I still think Vespertine is a solid read. This was definitely more of a slow-burn fantasy, but it was still a lot of fun to read. I really liked Artemisia as a main character, learning more about her difficult childhood and why she chooses to live in solidarity was interesting. The exploration of her trauma was really well done, and I think Rogerson did a wonderful job with her development as a character. I loved watching her grow into herself as the story progressed and having her realize that she is worthy of friendship and happiness. The banter between Artemisia and the revenant was my favourite part of this book, it was so funny and entertaining, which I didn't expect from a spirit centuries of years old. He was so snarky and sassy, everything I live for in a character. I love how much these two grow to care for one another as they share Artemisia's body. I also really liked how there was no romance in this! I think if there had been it would have taken away from the overall vibe of this book. My biggest complaint would have to be the magic system and all the layers. I became very confused, but that could also just be my little tiny brain not being able to keep everything in line.
Overall, a solid read, and I can't wait to pick up Margaret Rogerson's next book.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review*
3.5/5 Stars
Artemisia is training to be a Gray Sister, a nun who cleanses the bodies of the dead before sending the souls to the afterlife. If this does not occur, the souls can rise as spirits, who feast on the living. After being possessed as a young child, Artemisia prefers living her life quietly and by herself. One evening, her convent is attacked by possessed soldiers, Artemisia must make a deal with a revenant, an ancient spirit chained to a Saint's relic in order to save her people. The only way to purge this revenant is to seek help from a Vespertine, but all knowledge of these people was lost many years ago. Artemisia must turn to the revenant itself if she has an hope of protecting the only place she's felt at home.
I read Sorcery of Thornes, and really enjoyed that one, so I was pretty excited to pick up another of Margaret Rogerson's books. Although I didn't like it as much, I still think Vespertine is a solid read. This was definitely more of a slow-burn fantasy, but it was still a lot of fun to read. I really liked Artemisia as a main character, learning more about her difficult childhood and why she chooses to live in solidarity was interesting. The exploration of her trauma was really well done, and I think Rogerson did a wonderful job with her development as a character. I loved watching her grow into herself as the story progressed and having her realize that she is worthy of friendship and happiness. The banter between Artemisia and the revenant was my favourite part of this book, it was so funny and entertaining, which I didn't expect from a spirit centuries of years old. He was so snarky and sassy, everything I live for in a character. I love how much these two grow to care for one another as they share Artemisia's body. I also really liked how there was no romance in this! I think if there had been it would have taken away from the overall vibe of this book. My biggest complaint would have to be the magic system and all the layers. I became very confused, but that could also just be my little tiny brain not being able to keep everything in line.
Overall, a solid read, and I can't wait to pick up Margaret Rogerson's next book.