Book Review: Vespertine (Vespertine #1) by Margaret Rogerson

Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Audience: YA Fantasy
Length: 400 pages
Author: Margaret Rogerson
Publisher: McElderry Books
Release Date: October 5th, 2021
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

The dead of Loraille do not rest.

Artemisia is training to be a Gray Sister, a nun who cleanses the bodies of the deceased so that their souls can pass on; otherwise, they will rise as spirits with a ravenous hunger for the living. She would rather deal with the dead than the living, who trade whispers about her scarred hands and troubled past.

When her convent is attacked by possessed soldiers, Artemisia defends it by awakening an ancient spirit bound to a saint’s relic. It is a revenant, a malevolent being that threatens to possess her the moment she drops her guard. Wielding its extraordinary power almost consumes her—but death has come to Loraille, and only a vespertine, a priestess trained to wield a high relic, has any chance of stopping it. With all knowledge of vespertines lost to time, Artemisia turns to the last remaining expert for help: the revenant itself.

As she unravels a sinister mystery of saints, secrets, and dark magic, her bond with the revenant grows. And when a hidden evil begins to surface, she discovers that facing this enemy might require her to betray everything she has been taught to believe—if the revenant doesn’t betray her first.

HIGHLY ENJOYABLE.

If you have a chance to listen to this on audio, definitely recommend that route. I couldn’t stop laughing at the antics between Artemisia and the Revenant. The narrator did a fantastic job conveying the voices and story itself.

To also get something out of the way, this book does not have a romance! Please don’t go in thinking so. I knew that ahead of time and appreciated being aware. I wasn’t looking for missed connections, but enjoying Artemisia come into her own as she unraveled the world around her.

Lots of action and traveling. Everything felt necessary and moved the plot forward though. I was wrapped up in following along and this book is perfectly dark and whimsical in the same breath. The plot was interesting and moved well. I’m glad to know there’s a sequel because this story still has more to give. I love Rogerson’s books and can’t wait for the next one.

Overall audience notes: