I enjoyed this book very much. Not surprising, as Margaret Rogerson's books are some of my favorites.

This book is different than her others - more contained, more cerebral. Artemesia is a quiet character, who doesn't like people, doesn't like attention, and doesn't really like the hand she's been dealt. But she takes on the responsibility anyway. I really like her as a character, and I also really like her counterpart, the Revenant. They have a fantastic chemistry and relationship.

I have one major issue with this book, and it's that I still have absolutely no idea what Artemesia's goals were. Rather than being the impetus for anything, she's purely reactionary. She travels, but we're never really told why, she stays in the city, but we're never really told what she's trying to accomplish. I hope this problem is addressed in the next book.

I am a big self-proclaimed monster lover. I love anything paranormal or supernatural or with a hint of monster. Needless to say, this coming out so close to Venom 2 when I'm in peak monster season was so good for me.

This is my first Rogerson book and I am most definitely not disappointed. I loved it! I'm not one to usually like historical fantasy fiction like this, so anything that gets a four star or above from me in that region is usually a miracle worker.

I absolutely loved the relationship between the Revenant and Artemisia. Their growth as characters and as a relationship forms between them was so well fleshed out and great to see as the story went on. The twists and turns always had me hooked, and the inclusion of well thought-out side characters made me enjoy it even more. Margeurite ended up being one of my favorite characters in the whole book.

My only complaint about the plot was how slow it moved. I wished it had picked up the pace just a little bit, but I did like all the dialogue we got because of it.

I cannot really put my finger on why, but this just wasn't the book for me. I enjoyed the authors previous books but they were also lacking something for me. I really liked this main character and thought she was different than a lot of other characters I have read lately. Maybe what I was looking/hoping for will be expanded into book 2 but this one just fell short for me.

I am so mad at myself for not reading this earlier. It's a rollercoaster ride from beginning to end in a standalone volume that somehow still manages to give leading lady Artemisia a compelling character arc in a fully-developed world.
The story of a nun in a world where old magic went awry and loosed evil spirits into the world that were defeated by religious martyrs might not seem like it can be exciting, but Rogerson takes all the religious elements and turns them as much into elements of conflict as of comfort. It's in Artemisia questioning the truth behind the believes, the artifacts, and the way things are run that helps her realize the truth of the newest rising of the spirits and save the day.
It has action, fun moments, memorable characters, and a very satisfying ending that ties all the threads of the story while still keeping the possibility of more to come.

Happy thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, and Margaret K. McElderry Books for the great read!

Vespertine, author Margaret Rogerson's third novel, is once again a masterclass in highly original fantasy. YA readers will enjoy the unique premise, the under-represented heroine, and the highly amusing, yet dastardly personality that is the revenant.

The plot does not take long to kick into gear and if you are into relic-wielding nuns who are in possession of conquered demonic spirits trying to save their realm from the walking dead, then Vespertine is the book for you.

This book is unlike anything I have ever read, which is exactly how I felt after reading Sorcery of Thorns by Rogerson early in 2020;

Summary:
From the New York Times bestselling author of Sorcery of Thorns and An Enchantment of Ravens comes a thrilling new YA fantasy about a teen girl with mythic abilities who must defend her world against restless spirits of the dead.

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.

Thank you NetGalley, Margaret Rogerson, and Simon Schuster. I was so excited to get a sampler of this book as I’m super excited to dive into this new book from Margaret. It was definitely a lot darker and heavier subject matter than I was expecting. I am definitely interested in the paranormal aspect of this book but the subject of possession is a little touchy. I’m excited to get my final copy so that I can actually read the book in full and review it properly. But in terms of the sampler it is pretty good so far but just has a lot of heavy topics. But the story has a lot of promise and I’m very excited to dive into this book.

Margaret Rogerson is truly gifted in crafting standalone stories that pack a punch every time. Vespertine was truly magical in both plot and characters. Artemisia was such a damaged MC but she was both inspiring and vulnerable in a way you don't see that much in leads. Some of the writing was a tad repetitive, but i know that the ARC i was given was closer to the quarantine version than the final version but besties its totally fine and valid for having a rough quarantine

Artemesia is training to be a Grey Sister, one of the nuns who take care of the dead and allow them to pass onto a peaceful existence instead of arising. That is, until her convent is attacked, she becomes possessed by the most dangerous of spirits, and stumbles into a plot to doom what’s left of her country. Without allies or anyone she can trust, chased by both the enemy undead and the priesthood, Artemesia must turn to the one person she literally can’t get away from: the revenant inside her head. Because she has to save the world. And she needs its help.

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned about humans, it’s that your kind loves to gossip. Nuns are no exception, by the way. The ancient and terrible knowledge I harbor about Sister Prunelle’s buinons would make even you beg for mercy.”

This had everything I ever would want in a book, and yet the worldbuilding killed me.

I loved how intricate it was, how detailed and involved, but there was something incomplete I just can’t quite place (something something heavy influence of the past interfering with the present and haphazardly explained to really make that plot point hit home), and the vibes between Artemisia and a certain someone were just not working for me.

It felt like a mix between Sabriel, Crown Duel and Angel Mage, and had all of the faults of the latter with few of the joys of the former, although I loved that there was female friendship and a sincere apology from female enemies mixed in this one.

The revenant thoughtfully watched her go. “Well, it appears we have no choice. We’re going to have to torture the location of my reliquary out of her, then kill her.”


Regardless, the revenant was the best character in this book, with Artimisia herself coming a close third to Mother Dolours (the unsung hero of the book and who, alongside Capt E, really needed more page time instead of served-no-purpose-Charles).

Overall, kinda a mess, with worldbuilding headscratchers and plotholes abounding, which I suppose will be resolved in book 2 but won’t be sticking around to find out because slogging through 400 pages of the first book was more than enough. But hey, I got fun quips from the revenant, who was literally the only character with a personality in the entire book, so that’s something.

Being trapped inside your body isn’t the panoply of delights you might imagine. Oh, pardon me, you’re a nun. Silly of me to suggest that you’ve ever imagined a single delightful experience in the entire span of your dull, miserable, hateful nun existence.


TW: child abuse, child neglect, murder, death

Artemisia doesn’t like people much after her family kept her locked in a shed. She is rescued by the Grey Nuns who realize she is possessed by a demon and exorcise her. Although Artemisia would choose to spend her life with them, she bravely defends the convent against invaders by allowing an ancient spirit to possess her once again and make her into a powerful vespertine. With no training and fighting against a powerful priest, Artemisia must depend on the demon for advice… Great start to the series! I flew through it and am looking forward to the next book. The relationship between Artemisia and her spirit was such fun as he reluctantly tried to care for her. Her friendship with Marguerite was touching to watch blossom. Thanks for the ARC Netgalley!

Review will go live in Lair Of Books on 11/4/2021 @8AM EST
***4.5 STARS***

THE 411...
We follow Artemesia, a gray sister at a convent who prepares the bodies of the dead to enter the spirit world. She prefers to fly under the radar and have minimal contact with others since doing so often leads to anxiety. Artmesia is walking the path to one day becoming a nun when her convent comes under attack by possessed soldiers forever changing her life course. Within the convent there are Nuns who can wield relics which harness spirits, all know of one powerful Relic that is kept under guard. During the invasion, Artemesia discovers the spirit that is attached to this relic better known as a Revenant. The Revenant is a very powerful being who threatens to possess Artemesia the minute she awakens it. From the minute the Revenant makes it appearance we get the sense it truly hates all Nuns and then the sarcasm begins and it's made abundantly clear. The dialogue alone provided some of the best on page entertainment I've come across. The author best describes this book as a Medieval Venom starring a Nun and a ghost and I think that’s on point for accuracy👌🏽 being in Artemesia’s head & hearing the exchanges with the Revenant had me in fits laughing out loud. The Revenant doesn't let up on the fact that it LOATHES Nuns and makes sure Artemesia knows this while also threatening to take over (possess) if it pleases. Our main character is someone who struggles with mental health tied to a tragic event in her childhood. She doesn’t do well around people in general but gets used to interacting with the Revenant and knows she needs its help to get answers.

WRITING & FINAL THOUGHTS...
This may come across as an unpopular opinion but having read Sorcery of Thorns (my review) and now Vespertine, I'm of the mind that this book is the stronger of the two with regards to character development. That being said, the plot towards the end of this book threw me off a bit and that’s why I docked it. Not sure if it was a me thing but I felt I lost sight of it and had to backtrack.
Otherwise, it was so damn good! Funny, witty, epic battle scenes and tragic at times. The world building was also very intriguing with Rogerson breaking down how certain spirits are manifested. Whether it was a violent death on a battlefield or the death of a child, the way a person loses their life determines the spirit left behind. There are religious themes explored along with possession that may or may not be to your liking. Personally, I don't gravitate towards books with religious themes however the dialogue and witty banter between Artemisia and the Revenant all throughout had me giggling more times than I could count. I'm looking forward to the next book in this world seeing as the author introduces others spirits that are on the same level of power as the Revenant and would spell trouble if they were to gain their freedom. I'm curious to know whether the audiobook narrator nailed the performance of the Revenant and will most likely re-read in this format before the next book is released.

I knew even before I started reading this book that I would love it. Margaret is such an incredible writer, and she has a a gift for developing characters. This story is complex, and the characters are likeable. I feel like this a great Venom-esque story.

I picked this mainly because I had so much fun reading Rogerson’s other books. This one was not quite as fun, but I loved the relationship and trust building in this book and I will read another book in the series

This novel is one of the best I’ve had the pleasure of reading this year! This is an epic adventure filled with spirits, nuns, kings, and an amazing list of secondary characters! The book centers around a nun, Artemisia, and her quest to save the people she has served and worked to protect. I had no trouble imagining the scenery, the brilliant spirit world, and the awesome battle/action scenes. The world building is phenomenal, the details spring to life on the pages, and the environment opens wide and beckons you to step within the pages. I could not put this book down and I cannot recommend it enough. No need to hesitate when purchasing as you won’t regret owning this one!

I was granted an advanced copy of this amazing novel through the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Thank you!

This book was amazing and I was so excited to get an ARC. I flew through this book and could not put it down. I loved the premise and the plot. The characters were well crafted and the pacing was well done.

Perfect release for the Halloween season!

This was actually the first book by this author that I have read, and I devoured it! I was actually just about to start another book by Margaret Rogerson, Sorcery of Thorns, which has been on my TBR for far too long, right before I received the ARC for Vespertine. Well, I switched gears and decided to read Vespertine first, and it has made me even more excited to delve into more of Rogerson’s works.

I have actually been in quite a book slump for awhile now, but I couldn’t help but be drawn in by the characters, tone, and plot. I was immediately hooked. There were so many wonderful characters to love, and I especially loved the dynamic between the main character and the revenant. Artemisia is a very reluctant hero, socially awkward, and whether it was intentional on the author’s part or not, comes across as neurodivergent, which is always refreshing to see more representation, especially as a main character.

Rogerson set up an interesting world and magic system, and it will be interesting to see how she further develops those with the characters’ stories and overall plot.

Honestly, the only negative I have is just how much I hate that I will now have to wait for the next book, because i have zero patience when I like something, and would like to read it immediately please.

Unfortunately, "Vespertine" was not for me. There was nothing wrong with the book, it didn't think it was bad, we just didn't click. I liked "Sorcery of Thorns" by Margaret Rogerson, so I'm sad I didn't enjoy it more. But ultimately, this one didn't hook me as that one did.

I'm such a big fan of Margaret Rogerson's work and Vespertine was the absolute perfect fall read. The story follows Artemesia, a Grey Sister who finds herself posessed by a revenant. Rogerson described her main character as Joan of Arc meets Wednesday Addams and I couldn't agree more- Artemesia is a fierce phenomenal lead, reluctant saint, and socially awkward enough to make me instantly relate to her. I absolutley loved her banter with the revenant, and thought it was so cool the way Rogerson executed the concept of a secondary main character living in the main character's head. The setting oscilates between ancient crypts and collassal cathedrals- and I loved how the religious elements of this story invoked my Catholic childhood but felt wholly unique to the world of the story. All in all- this is the perfect fall/winter read for lovers of exorcism stories, former Catholics, and Medieval France enthusiasts. I can't wait for the next one!

Rogerson knows a thing or two about creating a world so vivid that you're transported to it from the very first page. I was immediately drawn into the dark and bleak Loraille, which is overrun by restless spirits of the dead. The spirits in this book are divided into 5 Orders based upon how they originally died and what kind of "power" that has bestowed upon them. Now, if I have one complaint for this book, it would be that you are sort of dropped into the middle of all of these classifications without any background knowledge. It took me quite a bit to understand the differences and recognize the many different names used. It did seem a bit info-dumpy in the beginning and I was left scrambling around for around 100 pages until I was able to catch up. With that being said, I was completely fascinated by this world and I loved the idea of a chancellery running the kingdom with warrior nuns and priests providing an army against the spirits, especially by using spirit-bound relics to grant them special powers. I have seen comparisons to Joan of Arc, and while I can see where someone might get that idea, it's even more intense than our poor martyr, Joan (she didn't have this kind of power!). 

Which brings us to our own little savior, Artemisia. She's the ultimate reluctant hero and awkward with a capital A! Growing up in a tiny village, she suffered from a very traumatizing childhood that was impacted by her ability to see spirits and thus causing her to be possessed at a young age. TRIGGER WARNING: The abuse she suffered from her family for this tragedy, ultimately does cause her to have PTSD as well as a physical disability of limited use of her fingers due to extreme burns. I loved how resilient Artemisia is. She only wanted to stay in the convent and prepare the dead for burial, but instead is thrust into the spotlight upon her bonding with the Revenant. And let me tell you, they are a character. Revenant is snarky, sullen, and very much an asshole. Their relationship with Artemisia is fascinating and I loved how you get to see it progress throughout the book. If you love sarcastic banter, you'll enjoy their interactions. My favorites were their snide comments about humans.. HILARIOUS. And there's our resident priest, Leander, who's an intensely menacing and mysterious presence chasing down Artemisia. He has plans of his own and you're never quite sure what his ultimate end-goal is. I was so intrigued following along with Artemisia as she tries to discover what he wants.

Like I mentioned earlier, I didn't too many issues with this book (as I had hoped!). I think the only criticism I really have is the overwhelming info-dump at the beginning, which I overcame the more I became accustomed to the world. However, this is the first book in a fantasy series and that is a common enough problem for the genre. I think another issue that some might have is that this book has ZERO romance in it. Which is another large difference between Vespertine and Rogerson's previous novels. Now, it didn't bother me too much because the other types of relationships were interesting enough but I do wonder if that will change any in the sequel. I was getting a teeny tiny hint of something towards the very end but that could also just be my wishful thinking. If you are one of those readers who prefers romance in their stories, just be aware that this one may not provide enough for you.

This story really did wow me. I loved going on this journey to sainthood with Artemisia and was constantly left on the edge of my seat. This was a very different type of story than I had first expected from Rogerson, but I loved having my expectations subverted like that. There is so much more to explore in this world and I'm really glad that there's going to be an opportunity to experience it. Please be aware that this a darker story and comes with a few different trigger warnings from the author - self-harm, anxiety, disordered eating (minor), child neglect/abuse (past), trauma/PTSD (traumatic experiences in past). I do feel that these were handled with care but YMMV.

I actually really enjoyed this book. It was fast, full of action, romance-less, with a brooding main character that doesn't see her own worth due to abuse and abandonment, and a very grey side character with snark.

Yes, at times it felt over religious, but I loved being in the plot, moving fast, trying to solve the mystery and at the same time learning to live with The Revenant.

I can't wait to see what challenges the pair faces in the future.

Margaret Rogerson does an incredible job building fantastic worlds with unique systems and magics and conflicts without her characters or worlds sounding or feeling the same. I was really impressed with this book and Artemesia's story. Book number two is coming in 2022, so get ready for more of Lady Vespertine.

This world is full of the dead. They haunt and possess and wreak havoc among the people of Loraille. She has spent her life living mostly alone and isolated even among the Gray sisters who care for the dead and fight spirits and shades. When shades attack the convent and she is given a powerful revenant spirit to wield, she learns there is more to life than what she has avoided for years.

Spirits have been bound to items for men and women with the sight to wield against exisitng shades, but Artemesia is not trained in this skill and thought she posses a strong will she is in the fight of her life.

The revenant is hard to control but once they reach a pact and realize they have a equal stake in the spirits of Loraille not overrunning the country they fight to try and stop someone from resurrecting Old Magic.

I genuninely love the characters in this book and the relationship between Artemesia and her revenant was especially interesting and the source of some of the best conflict and some of the funniest moments.