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A review by samturnspages
Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson
4.0
When I tell you I SQUEALED when I was approved for Vespertine. Thank you Simon and Schuster & NetGalley for this wonderful ARC. How do I express how brilliant this was?! I'm not even sure. This is my first Margaret Rogerson book and I'm so glad I requested it.
Artemisia is in training to become a Gray Sister; a nun who cleanses bodies of the deceased to ensure their souls pass on and their spirits do not linger to corrupt the living. Once possessed as a child, she's more at home with the dead than the living; the dead don't whisper about her behind her back.
Things I liked
-Evil-Spirit fighting NUNS?! Can I get an AMEN?!
-The Medieval France vibes are strong in this.
-The rich history of the world that feels effortlessly built around us. We've got history of saints, spirits, the cities and it all feels so natural. No info dumps - beautiful!
-The spirits and their categories/levels. Also, special shout out to the sassy Revenant who was my favourite character throughout..
-Morally grey main characters give me LIFE
-The pacing throughout was just so on point. I consumed this in 24 hours.
Things that could have been better:
-Side character development was a little lacking in parts.
-The ending left me wanting. It wasn't bad, but I didn't feel quite as satisfied as I thought I would. However, it's open ended enough for me to need more and I cannot wait for the 2nd instalment
Read if you like:
-Found family
-Spooky vibes - makes for a great October read in my opinion!
-Morally grey MC
- TV shows like Warrior Nun, Fate: Winx Saga, & Cursed.
-Magic/Sorcery
-LGBTQIA+ - Subtle ace representation; Rogerson has confirmed this is explored further in the sequel.
Would I reread? Yes! 4/5 for me; interested to see where this takes us in the 2nd instalment.
Artemisia is in training to become a Gray Sister; a nun who cleanses bodies of the deceased to ensure their souls pass on and their spirits do not linger to corrupt the living. Once possessed as a child, she's more at home with the dead than the living; the dead don't whisper about her behind her back.
Things I liked
-Evil-Spirit fighting NUNS?! Can I get an AMEN?!
-The Medieval France vibes are strong in this.
-The rich history of the world that feels effortlessly built around us. We've got history of saints, spirits, the cities and it all feels so natural. No info dumps - beautiful!
-The spirits and their categories/levels. Also, special shout out to the sassy Revenant who was my favourite character throughout..
-Morally grey main characters give me LIFE
-The pacing throughout was just so on point. I consumed this in 24 hours.
Things that could have been better:
-Side character development was a little lacking in parts.
-The ending left me wanting. It wasn't bad, but I didn't feel quite as satisfied as I thought I would. However, it's open ended enough for me to need more and I cannot wait for the 2nd instalment
Read if you like:
-Found family
-Spooky vibes - makes for a great October read in my opinion!
-Morally grey MC
- TV shows like Warrior Nun, Fate: Winx Saga, & Cursed.
-Magic/Sorcery
-LGBTQIA+ - Subtle ace representation; Rogerson has confirmed this is explored further in the sequel.
Would I reread? Yes! 4/5 for me; interested to see where this takes us in the 2nd instalment.