I loved the world building with the spirits of the dead and the characters were fantastic. There was great pacing and I really enjoyed the mysteries. Definitely a book to read in October.

I loved Sorcery of Thorns so my excitement for this off the charts. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint.

Margaret Rogerson’s writing style shines in this. It’s captivating, honest and so brilliant.

Anxiety, trauma and PTSD play a really important role in Artemisia’s story. Because of the way these hard topics were handled, the story really resonated with me. I could feel Artemisia’s pain in everything she did. More than that, despite not living through what she had, I completely understood it. Through all of her actions, the little things and the big decisions, to the things she said (or even didn’t say), it was really easy to understand her. And what made her the way she was.

Artemisia was such a complex character, with layers and layers. I wish this was a series so I could see more of her. The development arc we did get in this story was a delight. I loved reading about her growth and would’ve enjoyed it even more if I could stay with her in more books.

I was really happy with the pacing for this. It’s fast paced and full of action. We’re constantly on the move and constantly fighting to survive. It was simply exhilarating. So much was packed into this without it overwhelming.

One thing that catch me by surprise, was the absence of romance. I completely adored the romance sub plot in Sorcery of Thorns so I simply expected it in this. But it wasn’t, which is probably a good thing. There is so much to this story that I don’t think there was room for more.

I can see how everyone wouldn’t be able to appreciate this, but I highly recommend giving it a go. Especially if you’re looking for a fast paced fantasy that is unlike what you’ve read before.

3.5 out of 5 stars

I enjoy a lot of the worldbuilding and Rogerson's writing in general is very atmospheric, she truly does have a way of writing that really does bring you into the story. It was great learning about Artemisia and integrating into her way of life.

However, I find that that the story just didn't really grip me. There was nothing necessarily wrong with it, I just never really connected with Artemisia as a character, as I felt the writing was more focused on worldbuilding and description than allowing us to connect with the characters.

When I first dived into this book and found out from another review that it wouldn't have any romance in it, I expected not to enjoy it too much. However, I was proven completely wrong. Vespertine has a richly developed fantasy world regarding spirits of the dead, and its characters were all interesting. Despite Artemisia being an awkward character in the beginning, her back story explains why and I completely sympathised with her. It wasn't long before I became fully invested in the story! The pacing felt nice the entire way through and the plot always kept me guessing at what was truly going on behind the scenes.

And the revenant! The banter between it and Artemisia made me laugh so much on multiple occasions. I was also pleasantly surprised by some of the twists that happened. After reaching the end, I really wanted to read some more. It's always a bitter-sweet feeling when you loved reading a book but now have to wait a while for the next one to be announced!

Overall, I think you'll enjoy this book if you like a bit of spooky in your fantasy worlds, exceptional banter between characters, some good mysteries, and don't mind an absence of romance.

(I received an ARC from netgalley and this is my honest and voluntary review)

One of the strongest points in the marketing of "Vespertine" is its premise. Whilst not wholly unique in idea, it is undoubtedly fresh for young adult audiences. To draw on popular culture, it felt like a mix of Joan of Arc, with the novels drawing on medieval French aesthetic and almost randomly the pop comic and more recently film Venom. Although this sounds like a mishmash conglomerate of ideas, it definitely works. The push and pull between Artemisia and the Revenant is one of the most compelling components of the novel.

Another delightful element of the relationship between our protagonist and antagonist is the approach to religion. Artemisia's devout faith warring with the revenant's perspective provides a view for many within the young adult audience. It is clear Rogerson did not seek some theological didactic tale but arrived at a conclusion I believe to be valuable for this younger audience. In some circumstances, our protagonist is right, but in others, so is our antagonist. No one is wholly wrong or right. An ethos I consider valuable.
Being acquainted with Rogerson's other work, I believe this to follow her ability for skilful and original worldbuilding. It is appropriately but deliciously dark and morbid.

My most prominent point of critique is pace, especially regarding the movement of relationships between characters. Perhaps this is due to the brevity of her novels, but I have always felt that her works, and in particular "Vespertine", could benefit from another 100 or so pages. I do understand shorter and fast-paced stories are an appeal of the young adult genre. Still, due to the general theme and tone of the novel, I would expect a slightly older side of the demographic to want to engage with it and, therefore, would desire a tad more control of pace. Older young adults are more likely to find reward in a novel producing delayed gratification.

A particularly refreshing aspect was the lack of a central romance. As a reviewer, I am often asked for more recommendations with this lack of love and romance and was extremely excited to see this. This will definitely be a key feature of my upcoming video featuring "Vespertine."

I always appreciate steps towards inclusivity and diversity and would encourage Rogerson to progress with this in the future.

Overall, "Vespertine" was fast-paced, with a solid aesthetic ideal, characters overflowing with personality, and a considered central message. I would always like to applaud an author for keeping the book appropriate for its audience, and "Vespertine" does this masterfully even with the subject matter. I believe it was a lovely balance that will make for a great "spooky season" read.

Big thanks to Simon Schuster Australia for a copy of this book for early review.

I've loved Rogerson's writing style since I read sorcery of thorns and I was very excited to read her latest release.

This did not disappoint.

I loved the banter between Artemisia and the revenant. This reminded me quite a bit of the dynamic in Venom which I also loved. The revenant is not supposed to be a character you or the main character are supposed to trust and I think this relationship was done well.

I loved Artemisia as a character. Her desire to keep to herself is something I could most definitely relate to and her relationships with the other characters were very believable.

The plot did lag a little mid way through the book but overall this was a very enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to reading the sequel

This. Was. Amazing!!! I was happy with how the book ended, it felt complete, however I wanted more. This is why I am sooooo happy that this will be a series. Cannot wait for the next book to come out.

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Australia for this advanced copy of Vespertine in exchange for an honest review.

I was so excited to receive a copy of this book and it did not disappoint. I enjoyed An Enchantment of Ravens, really liked Sorcery of Thorns and LOVED Vespertine.

This story is full of magic, action and suspense. The pacing is fantastic and the length was just perfect. It sucked me in right from the start and was a real page turner.

I really loved Artemisia as the main character. I found her relatable and unique and enjoyed her occasional snarky interactions with the Revenant. I enjoyed her character development from being socially-awkward and reclusive to building unexpected friendships and enjoying the company of others. I also really liked that there was no romance in this book - sometimes I crave just fantasy and this ticked that box!

The world building was really cool and was something you just kind of learned along the way - which is just my style. I hate when the first 3 chapters of a book are just a dumping of information, I much rather Rogerson’s style of pacing the world-building alongside the plot.

I can honestly say that Vespertine is unlike anything I personally have ever read and is up there as one of my favourites for the year. Just what I needed to keep me going in these lockdowns. Bring on number 2!

really, idk how to write this review. vespertine is a book that i've only heard amazing things about, and i was let down by my overall reading experience.

vespertine is a well written book, with an engaging plot and loveable characters. my only issue is that i spent most of the book confused. i felt like there wasn't enough descriptions. it took me a long time to even realise what "vespertine" even was. i think this book would have benefitted from being expanded (either into a much larger book, or into two), in order to properly explain each event.

aside from that, i really loved the characters. i found the revenant really enjoyable. it was different, and fun. it's not often that we get to read a book where there's something else inhabiting the protagonist's body.

the worldbuilding was great, although a little more history would've been amazing.

there was so many dark vibes from this book, which i loved!!

so aside from my confusion (which could be me, as i did wizz through this book way too fast), i found vespertine to be an entertaining read, and i look forward to reading more by this author.

I would like to thank Simon & Schuster Australia and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson so I was super excited to receive an ARC of this book and I have to say that my rating is between 3.5-4 starts. The world building of Loraille was stunning and the writing, lush and vivid. This book was unique and captivating with the various levels of order and elements of dark magic that bring unexpected twists and turns. I adored Artemisia as she goes from an awkward outcast to a confident and bright girl who I have to say, had some hilarious and organic moments throughout the story. The heart of the story is Artemisia and her relationship with The Revenant, as they reluctantly team up against evil forces to save their world. The one pitfall in this book was the anticlimactic ending! I felt that I was completely drawn into the story and rooting for the right people and then suddenly we're at the epilogue and it feels close to nothing major happening. Having said this, I do look forward to the sequel and it doesn't draw away from the incredible talent Rogerson has for storytelling and the treasure of a read this book can be!

Everyone I know has been so excited for this one, and you wont be disappointed. The world is complex but very well created and the characters are .well formed.. My only criticism is the ending lacked the power i was after, I am hoping that this will be rectified in book two and also that we may find the hint of a romance.

Out of all Margaret Rogerson's books this would be my least favourite, however it is still a good read.

It has an interesting concept that mixes religion and necromancy, although sometimes confusing as a magic system. I mean you have to give an applause to the author for her outstanding imagination. The world-building is solid and once again we are graced with another stunning cover!

For me there wasn't a strong connection to the MC but it does have the potential to develop into something better. The story just wasn't as engaging and it took a while for the story to build and start.

I would still encourage people to give this a go as I'm sure it will capture most readers, just not for me. Thankyou to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for this eARC in exchange for an honest review

I’m going to be completely honest: I did not enjoy Vespertine.
I nearly DNF’d it more than once, but seeing as I had received it as an ARC, I didn’t want to waste the opportunity that I had been given. In this review, I will not be discussing Rogerson’s writing style, as she has already made a statement regarding it, and that there will be changes between now and the final publication copy. The only comment that I will make regarding the writing itself is how I believe it was a poor decision to have the perspective be in first person.
That being said, I was extremely disappointed in Vespertine.
I stumbled across An Enchantment of Ravens when I was looking for something to fulfil the hole left by Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses, and I instantly fell in love. After that, I read and loved A Sorcery of Thorns. Both these books were so amazing that after I had devoured the eBooks, I went and bought hardcopies for my bookshelf.
When I heard about Vespertine, I was beyond excited. Demon possession? Love it. Mysteries and secrets? Yes please.
But these felt nearly non-existent.
Artemesia was a boring, lifeless main character that I did not care for, what was supposed to be moments of tension felt like watching grass grow, and at half-way through, I still feel like nothing had happened.
Even when the plot did finally pick up, I was still bored. It was as though we were given glimpses of potential, but I was left with a sense of being unfulfilled.
I unfortunately simply expected more.
I will be re-reading and revisiting my review when the finalised copy of Vespertine is released, however as it stands, I am left with nothing more than a sense of disappointment.

In this world, boys and girls are tested for the Sight, the ability to see Spirits. Boys with the Sight go on to become soldiers or monks, and the girls become nuns or priestesses in their religious order. Artemisia is a training to be a Gray Sister, a nun who cleanses the souls of the recently deceased so they can pass on. If this ritual is not performed, souls can wander, often with detrimental results.

Artemisia is socially awkward and bears physical burn scars, which were self-inflicted to rid herself of a malevolent spirit during her childhood. Everyone whispers about her previous "possession", pushing her away and into her head even further, though she doesn't seem to mind. The one thing that does keep in constant contact with her? The revenent, a high order Spirit, who does inhabit her body after Artemisia's convent is attacked by possessed soldiers.

With few relationships, she doesn't know who she can trust (including herself), but she must find out who is behind the attack.

I really enjoyed this book. It was part coming-of-age and part road-trip-buddy-comedy, but with evil spirits who possess humans and have the ability to destroy the world. Looking forward to future installments in this series.

I received an arc of this book via Net-galley (thank you).

I am a huge fan of Margaret Rogerson’s writing. I absolutely adored, Sorcery of Thorns, so it was no surprise that I would love it. The world-building was whimsical and was able to transport me to the interesting realm of Loraille. I don’t want to reveal too much about the plot to avoid spoilers, but I will say that it is nothing like anything I have read before. I loved how fast-paced the novel was in comparison to other books in their genre. The overall, plot line was fascinating, and the magic system created by Rogerson was incredibly intricate. Also, the cover is just beautiful; I love Charlie Bowater’s art so much.

I will make one critique that I felt like I didn’t connect to the characters as much I would have liked to. Despite this, it is still an excellent and fun read; I will be definitely picking up the second book.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Australia for providing me with an EARC of this book.

I absolutely loved this book, a very easy 5 stars for me.

I felt engaged from start to finish, I grew such an attachment to the main character due to her vulnerability & courage, also her backstory is spread throughout the book not and not just information dumped in one go.

The banter in this book is top notch.

I personally didn’t feel confused at any point & the world was explained quiet well.

Overall, I really enjoyed my time reading this book & had a very hard time putting it down.

I had no idea what to expect going into Vespertine, but once again, Margaret Rogerson did not disappoint!
The story is written from Artemisia's point of view, and after an attack on her convent by possessed soldiers, takes us from her safe home with the nuns on an adventure, sharing her body with a supposedly evil revenant. He is the snarkiest spirit you have ever encountered and had me laughing out loud several times throughout the book!
“Whoever it is, they smell like incense, porridge, soul-numbing misery…Ah, yes. A nun.”

Artemisia and the revenant work together reluctantly, neither quite trusting the other, to try to figure out why so many people are becoming possessed by spirits of the dead, while being hunted and chased by the Confessor, Leander, who is trying to destroy the revenant. Along the way, both girl and spirit are tested, having to figure out who to trust and how they can save the innocents of the city from becoming thralls, while dealing with her newfound notoriety and band of followers who believe Artemisia to be a Vespertine.

This book was wonderful and I truly loved the characters and their development. I enjoyed that Artemisia seemed averse to human interaction, unsure of the correct reactions to her encounters, but she was comfortable bantering with the revenant. She was an endearing heroine to read, and I thoroughly look forward to continuing the story in the sequel!

Lovers of Rogerson's other books will love this, as well as those who enjoyed books like Bone Crier's Moon, and Serpent and Dove.

Vespertine follows main character Artemisia, who is training to be a Gray Sister. Gray Sisters are responsible for cleansing the bodies of the deceased, in order to prevent their souls from becoming spirits. Artemisia is more than happy to follow this path, as she has a preference for the dead over the living.

When Artemisia's convent is attacked by possessed soldiers, she is tasked with retrieving a saint's relic, within which an ancient spirit is bound. Upon releasing the ancient spirit, Artemisia is surprised when the spirit inhabits her body, threatening to possess her.

I enjoyed Vespertine, the storyline was captivating and the writing flowed perfectly. Artemisia was a great main character, she made me laugh multiple times. Her wit was perfect, and her conversations with the revenant were very entertaining.

Artemisia's personal development throughout the book was great to read, going from awkward to strong and confident. There was no romance in this book, which did surprise me a little, however I have since read that Artemisia may be aroace, but this wasn't particularly clear.

The cover is absolutely stunning, and matches the story perfectly. It is also worth noting that unlike Rogerson's other books, this is not a standalone. It could be read as one, because the story is wrapped up and could be left where it is, however a second book has been announced.

I would recommend this book to lovers of fantasy, as well as fans of Margaret Rogerson's other incredible books. I am looking forward to reading the second book.

★★★★★ 4.5 stars for the book
★★★★★ 5 stars for the dark vibes & Artemisia/the Revenant

I absolutely LOVED Vespertine ! I was completely captivated from the opening scene and if I could've cancelled all my plans to finish it in one sitting, I would've.

I fell in love with Sorcery of Thorns when I first read it and I'm thrilled to say that Vespertine has that same dark and adventurous vibe. The characters and the world building are well executed for a first book in a series and after being completely charmed by both Artemisia and the Revenant, I'm excited to see what the sequel has in store for these two misfits. If you like an intricate magical system, fierce female characters, witty banter and heroic antics, Vespertine is the deliciously dark fantasy you need on your TBR.

Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster AU for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

In this intriguing world built by Margaret Roberson, the dead must be put to rest by the Gray sisters of Loraille, or risk roaming the earth as mindless spirits. Such spirits, or ‘thralls’, are categorised into different orders to help identify their threat level. They can be controlled by being trapped in relics (items of significance) that allow the wearer to harness their power. Our MC, Artemisia, gets pulled into wearing such a relic, despite being untrained and unwilling, and has to harness the power of the revenant (a dangerous entity of the fifth order) to defeat the plot that threatens her world.

This book is generally not what I gravitate toward due to its paranormal genre, but it does also lean into the traditional magic side of YA.

It’s a hard feat for me to enjoy a book that has no romantic sub-plot, but this story definitely has you gripped with its unique world. Artemisia is able to hold her own and adapt to the new circumstances that she’s faced with.

The banter between Artemisia and the revenant provide a much needed comedic relief. The revenant definitely holds its own as being their own person, despite being trapped in the body of a teenage girl.

It was difficult for me to be completely engrossed with the story, mostly because it felt as if Artemisia’s motives were lacking. There just weren’t high enough stakes to make me fully care for the outcome and her personality was lacking that special something. She wasn’t a bad protagonist, but it was hard to care for the story when the main characters personality is not as deep as it could be. Her childhood trauma gives range for a lot of depth that just wasn’t explored.

Overall, I would say it’s an enjoyable read with great world-building, but there was so much more the explore with the characters.