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readwithrhys 's review for:
Vespertine
by Margaret Rogerson
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review*
Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson follows Artemisia, who is training to become a Gray Sister, a nun who cleanses the bodies of the deceased so their souls can pass on. She would rather deal with the living than the dead. She was possessed as a child, and now bears scars to remember it by. She is happy to be alone in her mind until she is forced to use a powerful relic to save her convent. Using this relic, she now has a Fifth Order Revenant in her body. Now on the fun from the Leander who wants to catch her to exorcise her, she must fight possessed soldiers all while trying to figure out who is using Old Magic to control these spirits, and what their plan is.
The plot of this book may seem all over the place, but once you get into it, it’s one book you will not put down.
Rogerson is one of my favourite authors (specifically Sorcery of Throns), so going in I was expecting a little romance inside. There is no romance. However, the story itself really doesn’t open doors for a romance for Artemisia. And I like it that way. I feel like a romance would hinder the plot and make it weak.
Though, I have seen that other reviewers say there were some quotes taken out by the publisher that indicate Artemisia is aroace (aromantic asexual), and I HIGHLY suggest the publisher to put it back in. When have I ever seen an aroace MC? Oh wait, NEVER. I really hope that Rogerson will push to have Artemisia be aroace, because that’s how she feels in this story. I have never read a story with an aromantic character (I have read some with an asexual MC). I really hope that the finished copies confirm Artemisia is aroace, or at least explore the possibility of love. It would be lovely to see some aroace rep in a fantasy novel.
Characters: I absolutely LOVE Artemisia. She is the classic definition of a badass MC. She will fight for her life, and she’s not afraid to voice her thoughts when necessary. She is a reliable MC who speaks her thoughts. As for side characters, there aren’t too many, but each one is flushed out so you know about them. My personal favourite is the Revenant who is inside Artemisia. It brings sarcasm when needed in dire situations, it cares for Artemisia, and it’s just a great dynamic.
World: I felt like this world was pretty well explained. Rogerson did amazingly in her two previous novels (especially since they are standalones), and this one did not disappoint. I’m even more excited for this world because Vespertine is not a standalone. That’s right, it’s NOT a standalone!! I can’t wait to see what Rogerson has in mind. (Disclaimer: Artemisias story is round up in this book, so there is NO cliffhanger!)
Vespertine is easily one of my favourite reads of this year! It’s the perfect book for October (when this book comes out)! It’s got convents, magic, ghosts, Revenants, and a spooky atmosphere perfect for Halloween!
Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson follows Artemisia, who is training to become a Gray Sister, a nun who cleanses the bodies of the deceased so their souls can pass on. She would rather deal with the living than the dead. She was possessed as a child, and now bears scars to remember it by. She is happy to be alone in her mind until she is forced to use a powerful relic to save her convent. Using this relic, she now has a Fifth Order Revenant in her body. Now on the fun from the Leander who wants to catch her to exorcise her, she must fight possessed soldiers all while trying to figure out who is using Old Magic to control these spirits, and what their plan is.
The plot of this book may seem all over the place, but once you get into it, it’s one book you will not put down.
Rogerson is one of my favourite authors (specifically Sorcery of Throns), so going in I was expecting a little romance inside. There is no romance. However, the story itself really doesn’t open doors for a romance for Artemisia. And I like it that way. I feel like a romance would hinder the plot and make it weak.
Though, I have seen that other reviewers say there were some quotes taken out by the publisher that indicate Artemisia is aroace (aromantic asexual), and I HIGHLY suggest the publisher to put it back in. When have I ever seen an aroace MC? Oh wait, NEVER. I really hope that Rogerson will push to have Artemisia be aroace, because that’s how she feels in this story. I have never read a story with an aromantic character (I have read some with an asexual MC). I really hope that the finished copies confirm Artemisia is aroace, or at least explore the possibility of love. It would be lovely to see some aroace rep in a fantasy novel.
Characters: I absolutely LOVE Artemisia. She is the classic definition of a badass MC. She will fight for her life, and she’s not afraid to voice her thoughts when necessary. She is a reliable MC who speaks her thoughts. As for side characters, there aren’t too many, but each one is flushed out so you know about them. My personal favourite is the Revenant who is inside Artemisia. It brings sarcasm when needed in dire situations, it cares for Artemisia, and it’s just a great dynamic.
World: I felt like this world was pretty well explained. Rogerson did amazingly in her two previous novels (especially since they are standalones), and this one did not disappoint. I’m even more excited for this world because Vespertine is not a standalone. That’s right, it’s NOT a standalone!! I can’t wait to see what Rogerson has in mind. (Disclaimer: Artemisias story is round up in this book, so there is NO cliffhanger!)
Vespertine is easily one of my favourite reads of this year! It’s the perfect book for October (when this book comes out)! It’s got convents, magic, ghosts, Revenants, and a spooky atmosphere perfect for Halloween!