Margaret Rogerson

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 first in a duology.

Vespertine

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.

(Fairyloot Edition)

Caroline Clutterbuck Kapulkin

For the past three hundred years, the Gray Sisters had carried out the sacred duty of tending to the dead. Souls that failed to receive the necessary rites would eventually corrupt and rise as spirits instead of naturally passing on to the afterlife as they had done before the Sorrow. When the corpse-wagons arrived, the most decayed bodies were rushed to the chapel's ritual chambers, where they vanished beyond a consecrated door curling with smoke. Less urgent cases went to the fumatorium to be washed and wait their turn.

The fumatorium was named for its perpetual fog of incense, which slowed the process of corruption. The lower level, where the bodies were stored, was built underground like a cellar, dry and cool and dark. On the aboveground level, large clerestory windows filled a bright whitewashed hall with strcaming shafts of light. We attended weekly lessons here, in a long room filled with tables that bore a strong resemblance to the refectory where we ate our meals. I kept that comparison to myself, however, because the tables were laid with corpses.

Gosh!!! I found this scene so romantic and emotional. This is what I wanted from the whole of the book.

His eyes narrowed, struggling to bring me into focus. "No," he decided. "The real Artemisia wouldn't be here."

At that, an emotion close to anger prickled hot across my skin. My chest ached. It wasn't fair of him to make me feel sorry for him. He didn't deserve my pity. "Stop dying," I told him.

A faint smile touched his lips. "Is that all?" he asked softly.

This is such a soft, romantic passage. It took me aback when I first read it, because this interaction is such a natural conclusion after the events of the novel and their antagonistic relationship. Rogerson really excels at writing chemistry between characters, so it's almost a shame that we don't see this softness (this hint of a romance?) until the end.

The sun slid across the floorboards and onto the wall before his eyes opened. Unsurprised by my presence, he gazed up at me with the calm fatalism of the dying. I had started to get used to his appearance by then, but it came as a new shock to see his white eyelashes against the vivid green of his eyes. They looked like they were coated in snow.

"This dream again," he murmured breathlessly. "My favorite."

"What dream is that?" My voice sounded hoarse.

"The one in which Saint Artemisia stands over me in judgment."

"Even in my dreams," he said softly, "you never cease arguing with me." He said this in distant wonderment, as though it were a quality he admired.

Such lovely scenery depictions, even in the epilogue as things wind down.

The monastery was a place of winding stone paths and windswept battlements. The wind smelled of mountain air, woodsmoke, and pine resin. When it blew from the direction of the sacred groves, I could sometimes hear the tapping of hammers as brothers drove pegs into tress. Afterward, they returned with pails of sap to render into incense.

Suddenly, the festival's bright colors seemed garish. The good cheer felt artificial, as though everyone had to keep celebrating, or else the horrors of the countryside would darken their doors. Sister Lacinde had once claimed that nothing bad ever happened on a high holy day. Soon I would find out whether she'd been telling the truth.

Emerson Clute

No, and I don't see why it matters. Humans are so tedious. Ob, you have dangly bits. Congratulations, you're going to put on armor and swing a sword about. Oh, you've ended up with the other kind, Too bad-time to either have babies or become a nun. " 

MARGARET ROGERSON'S HUMOUR ABOVE ALL ELSE

“You had better not push it, nun. I can possess you whenever I want. I could do far worse than make you murder someone. I could make you try on hats.”

“Crying doesn’t make you weak, you know. It’s just a reaction your body has, and there isn’t anything you can do about it.” 

Sometimes, if you want to save other people, you need to remember to save yourself first.

You’re too weak. You need to rest first. No, listen to me. You’ve barely eaten since you became my vessel. You’ve barely slept—don’t argue!

” it hissed, when I opened my mouth to object. “

Passing out from exhaustion doesn’t count. You need to recover your strength before you tax yourself again.

 Its voice sounded muted. Suppressing itself, I guessed. 

“You already feel like you’re going to vomit.”

“It’s the people,” I muttered under my breath.

“So you don’t know whether you were a man or a woman in life.”

“No, and I don’t see why it matters. Humans are so tedious. Oh, you have dangly bits. Congratulations, you’re going to put on armor and swing a sword about. Oh, you’ve ended up with the other kind. Too bad—time to either have babies or become a nun.”

“Stupid? If there’s one thing I can always rely upon, it’s the reassuring dependability of human idiocy. Give your kind a century or so, and they’ll happily repeat the exact same mistakes that nearly wiped them all out a few generations before."

Akansha

Liz Griffin

Tatiana 

Mel 

I picked this up at the perfect time and it hit the spot. I loved the characterisation of Artemisia and found it to be very refreshing. I actually felt seen (😂)
I loved the dynamic between the Revenant and Vespertine. I liked that the focus of this book was Artemisia coming out of her shell and questioning the way of things. 
I had a really good time with this but Margaret Rogerson is always a hit with me. Her writing is just up my alley with a quintessential classic feel. 
The best way to describe Vespertine is a medieval Venom with an introverted mc

Holly

In Margaret Rogerson we trust

this is a Revenant stan account now

i’m always a big fan of books when the protagonist can talk to someone no one else can see it’s interesting to see how authors can build that relationship and i really enjoyed it in this one :) 

Rissa

Margaret Rogerson has to be one of my favorite authors. Vespertine did not disappoint and I really hope Artemesia's story continues further because her and the Revenant were an absolute delight. The way Rogerson was able to write PTSD in both characters was incredible and how they helped each other survive through it all. Even Marguerite turned into a delight of a character with an incredibly huge heart and hidden skills. I also loved that romance was only hinted at and wasn't used as a plot point. This was a book about magic, and saints, and ghosts. I loved it. 

Cassidy Webb

i finished this book at 3am and I’m still just thinking about it— 

Mazzy

Ashley Wendt

I loved the first part of this book, but it got to a point a little over halfway that it became hard to slug through. It became hard to care about the characters and the plot.

Elisa Bieg

Not going to lie, I am a little bit frustrated with this book. The world is so interesting and so is the storyline — it has HUGE potential. It honestly could have been epic. 

Unfortunately it suffered from a serious lack of depth 😕

The world is never properly explained nor explored in full, and the characters just sort of move in it without… I don’t know, the drive you expect them to have? They go through some really trying times and some of them have very intense personal challenges, and yet I never quite FELT any of it. It all felt very removed. 

I quickly switched to audio and the narrator was pretty good so I though that would help. But the story still felt distant, and though interesting, it never completely drew me in. I kept reading, and listening, waiting for it to happen — especially once I felt like I could understand the world better, surely I’d soon start feeling invested in the events and the MCs choices and struggles? 

Alas, that never really happened. 
The closer it came to it was when we were witnessing moments in the changing relationship between Artemisia and the revenant (the latter being the best character in the book!) but other than that, it all left me a little indifferent. I HATE THAT. 

I’m so sad, this had the right ingredients to be absolutely incredible!

Jessica L. Peryman

Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Margaret Rogerson for providing me with an e-ARC of Vespertine via Netgalley. 

I have been needing to read a few of Margaret Rogerson's books for a while now, and what a way to be introduced into her writing style. I didn't know I needed this book. 

I loved how the story began, we did just jump right in, didn't we 🤣 I loved Artemesia and the Revenant's character, the banter between the two gave me Venom vibes. I love the banter that can make me laugh sometimes. 

The story itself was action-packed and the moments between it were filled with amazing world-building, character development, and a great place for the story in my opinion. 

I would have liked some romance sprinkled in, maybe that's something for the future books, if there was something hinted, I completely missed it 🤣 I do understand why there is none in the book because of Artemesia's character inner turmoil, but if something is to come in that department, I would have liked a bit more of a hint. 

Overall I'm super excited to see where the story goes for any future books.

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. Perfect for fans of Cassandra Clare, Leigh Bardugo and Holly Black. 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. She'd rather deal with the dead than the living, who point and whisper about the odd girl who was once possessed by a violent spirit. When her convent is attacked by possessed soldiers, Artemisia fights back by awakening an ancient spirit bound to a high saint's relic. It is a revenant, a malevolent being now whispering in her head. Wielding its extraordinary power almost consumes her in body and soul. But death has come to Loraille, and only a vespertine, a priestess trained to wield a high relic, has a chance of stopping it. As Artemisia investigates a mystery of saints, secrets and dark magic, an ancient evil is stirring. Can an untrained girl, tormented by the burden of containing the revenant's devouring power, have any hope of defeating it?

Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Margaret Rogerson for providing me with an e-ARC of Vespertine via Netgalley. 

I have been needing to read a few of Margaret Rogerson's books for a while now, and what a way to be introduced into her writing style. I didn't know I needed this book. 

I loved how the story began, we did just jump right in, didn't we 🤣 I loved Artemesia and the Revenant's character, the banter between the two gave me Venom vibes. I love the banter that can make me laugh sometimes. 

The story itself was action-packed and the moments between it were filled with amazing world-building, character development and a great place for the story in my opinion. 

I would have liked some romance sprinkled in, maybe that's something for the future books, if there was something hinted, I completely missed it 🤣 I do understand why there is none in the book because of Artemesia's character inner turmoil, but if something is to come in that department, I would have liked a bit more of a hint. 

Overall I'm super excited to see where the story goes for any future books.

Savannah Winchell

Underdeveloped ending but ultimately satisfying (especially knowing there will be more)

Livia

Honest to God the next book can be just about Artemisia, the Revenant, Leander, alongside Marguarite as Artemisia's companion and I'd be so so happy. This book is slightly darker, with a main character that is quieter and anti-social because of her traumatic past. The bond between the Revenant and Artemisia is honestly the best part of this book

Rae LeGrand

2.5. Just not for me! I kept skimming I’m so sorry MR …

I surprisenly enjoyed this book. As someone who rarely reads anything with out any romance in it I read this book with surprising enthusiasm. It caught hold of me and didn't let go until I was turning the last page. 

Lucille

margaret rogerson, you are my forever girl!!

this was absolutely fantastic. to be honest, the synopsis did not necessarily interest me but once i started the book i found my self quickly drawn in. rogerson's prose flaws easily and is plenty engaging and i found myself really enjoying myself; there were many moments where i audibly gasped or leapt to the edge of my proverbial seat.

in addition, caitlin davies delivers an incredible narration with impeccable comedic timing.

this aside, one thing i would like to address is the romance discussion which i have seen across several reviews. firstly, there is no real romance plotline as such. i have seen people mention the "enemies to lovers" dynamic and it is somewhat there but rather as enemies to allies. i appreciate that rogerson's previous work was romance-focused. however, i would argue that 'vespertine' actually proves that she has a real talent for writing interesting and engaging dynamics between her characters.

while there is some chemistry between artemisia and leander, it is undeniable that the focus of the story is the relationship between artemisia and the revenant. it is a symbiotic relationship (yes, the 'venom' comparison is very apt) and they have to learn to live with each other and even like each other. i always enjoy where such a dynamic is explored and, as i said above, i think it is here where rogerson's talent truly shines.

i also note that some people have pegged artemisia as aroace but i think it would be dishonest to sell this to people as a point. the fact is that there simply is no romantic plotline within the book; i think there is just this expectation towards ya literature to always include romance that an author making the choice to focus elsewhere makes it almost a statement on its own. i do not believe rogerson has considered this aspect beyond wanting to expand her writing and choosing what suits the story (though if thinking about this way makes you happy, go ahead, you are not harming anyone). 

all in all, a great experience. i liked that the story could be read a standalone too, though i am very much looking forward to new material from margaret rogerson.

p.s. real connoisseurs know that they would peg this NOT for 'venom' meets 'serpent & dove' but 'venom' meets the 'his fair assassin' series. have some respect for your elders.

elif sinem

closer to a 4.5

if it were for technicalities like pace and prose alone, rogerson would already stand on the top of the ya authors. there is no "obligatory exciting reveal at the 30%/60% mark" with her; the story really breathes on its own, each plot point building onto the next. the prose here often feels like anime in text form, and the way the text glides over the screen, she makes all of it look absolutely effortless. a lot of girls need to study her ways. 

but then there's also her immense character work. since her debut it's been studious; this is somebody who has very much studied and analysed what she liked about the books she enjoyed reading. it shows at every turn, be it with the way trauma and flashbacks appear in IV drips before the whole truth is revealed, the way quieter moments are used for dynamics and characters, these quieter moments sandwiched between the action moments that propel the character to be more open and in charge of their fates. out of the three protagonists, artemisia feels the most realized. the choice not to include romantic interests has done wonders to this character work: leander, by virtue of not being artemisia's love interest, is allowed to be a "pathetic meow meow" on his own terms, rather than this being framed as immediately romantic or worthy of attraction (especially given the later events). the revenant makes for a very charming venom/tyler durden/what have you alter ego/second being; the banter and growth between artemisia and the revenant ("it's my monster" / "that's my human") were some of the most poignant parts of the novel. charles was pretty charming; the friendship between margeruite and artemisia was just perfect, so was the relationship artemisia enjoyed with the other mothers/priests.

the world feels very original and well thought out (yes, some of it was just "church but yassified", which eventually led to "catholicism but yassified" near the end); the ghost categories was especially inspired and the introduction part was especially fun with its numerous infodumps. not as fun was the part where the reader is suddenly introduced to a white vicar in the midst of an action scene, as it felt very anime infodump-y in execution. the clerisy and history of old magic however was consistently well paced and led to the most satisfying moment near the end. 

onto the politics... a first for MR... an interesting conclusion she arrives to here with artemisia as she combines her faith to the Lady ("the lord", get it, lol) with the usage of old magic, which is considered heretic. it's not so much as a total 180 as it's an ever so slight swerve that nevertheless had my eyebrow raised a little. then there's the matter of the revenant that she works with and befriends, rather than being possessed by, also a heretic action. the epilogue felt very... tolerant in that manner. there's conversations and details and edges to be had here, which MR hopefully seizes for the sequel.

regardless this is an entertaining, excellent read.

Elaine

This was addicting and I couldn't stop reading. However I felt a bit cheated at the ending as it felt too convenient. But I really enjoyed the characters and the story was fascinating. 

Sophie 

Yep! Loved this book so good. The fight scenes I had chills over my whole body. I love how Margaret Rogerson can write such wonderful stories and loveable characters!
Artemisia a queen in her own right, badass female character love to see it! Loved the story had me screaming at all costs!

Rachel Kelt

Going into this book I had low expectations, but it exceeded them all. Margaret Rogerson’s 
other books didn’t really stand out to me, so I was reluctant to pick up her newest book, Vespertine, but the prose was interesting and I really wanted to try it. Vespertine is a mix of Venom and Joan of Ark. Think of Venom but in medieval times, and with spirits instead of aliens. The main character, Artemisia, is training to be a nun who cleanses the bodies of the dead. She is a dynamic character with a difficult past. She also has trouble making friends since she always scares people away. When trying to save her convent, she is possessed by a class five spirit (very powerful) and is sent to be exorcized. On the way, she is attacked again and realizes that attacks are part of a bigger scheme. The class five spirit, the Revenant, offers their help. Together they fight the spirits and grow a bond, each helping the other through their trauma and fears. Artemisia and the Revenant’s relationship is far from perfect but it is now one of my favourite friendships. The banter. Them taking care of each other the whole time. They slowly resolve their differences and work together. Artemisia slowly comes out of her shell with the revenant’s help and makes some of the first friends she’s every had. The story has no romance, but this is one of the few stories I’ve read that doesn’t need it to progress the plot. A lot of YA relies heavily on the romance to keep it interesting but Vespertine does better without it. It’s a thrilling story with a thrilling world that is as much about defeating spirits as it is about learning to live with your trauma and becoming more than your experiences. 4.5/5 stars.

Sophia Geron

Artemisia is a Gray Sister, or a nun who is in training to take care of the dead in order to peacefully pass their spirts on. When someone is dies, if their soul and body is not properly cared for they become vicious spirits who attack other humans and possess them. Artemisia is a loner and after a tumultuous childhood, finds refuge in taking care of the dead and being a nun. 

The convent is attacked by possessed soldiers and Artemisia awakes a really powerful spirit who helps her protect her home. This spirit is a Revenant who hold massive power and would wreck havoc upon the human world. After the attack, Artemisia is drained and now held prisoner for using the Revenant. As she tries to sort through what is happening, the Revenant helps her escape and together they promise to get to the bottom of who caused the attack on her convent. 

This world is so interesting and the relationships are built in ways which you typically do not see in a fantasy novel. There is not your normal romance, but relationships of friendships as Artemisia works with the Revenant, other soldiers, and another nun in training, Marguerite. There is a lot of refreshing commentary on taking care of yourself and how important relationships with others are. The ending is left in a way that is open for more additions to the story of Artemisia and the Revenant, but the ending is also satisfying. 

While I enjoyed this book and the prose, I found myself reading it slowly. I think it is a great addition to young adult books, but in some ways I wanted more. Maybe its the lack of romance or how Artemisia is very cold, (which were also great things!), but I look forward to more growth in future additions.

“The revenant had devoured the populations of entire cities; it was also the entity who ordered me to eat my pottage.”


The starting felt a little forced and the plot started without any preamble or world building which almost made me drop this book. But it slowly started being interesting and I thoroughly enjoyed it. 

Spirits and relics and old magic and a girl in the midst of it all. The characters were really lovable. I loved LOVED the dynamic between Artemisia and the revenant. Also the revenant was definitely one of my favorite characters. Artemisia also had a gradual character development. The storyline was very interesting and at times full of suspense. However I think this book could’ve been better with a little more details in the writing.

Laura 

3,5 ⭐️.

I can’t wait to keep on reading Artemisia’s and the revenant bantering. I LOVE THEM! 😫💕

Katerina 

** spoiler alert **
           I absolutely loved this book! The Revenant is my favorite, amd his chemistry with Artisema(sp?) is amazing. Such an interesting way to do the "im not like other girls" trope. I meant to be reading this with a book club, but sat down and accidentally finished it all.

Aundreya Rich

"Me, the goat, the revenant, we weren't very different from each other in the end. Perhaps deep down inside everyone was just a scared animal afraid of getting hurt, and that explained every confusing and mean and terrible thing we did." 

Maragaret.... I did NOT see this book coming.

Let me start this by saying that I received this ARC and was so excited to read MR's next fantasy with a side of dashing romance.... but at bout 45% I gave up and the romance hope and shifted my mental state. That is the advice I give you right now.  THIS IS NOT A ROMANCE 

This is a story of a broken and battered young woman who finds friendship in a place least expected, with a ghost.

Vespertine is dark and full of meaning as you navigated a nun and revenant's journey to save themselves and the living from the dead and the unrest.

What I loved:
-the renaissance setting 
-the pacing was beautiful and consistent throughout the entire book
-I learned ALOT... almost to the point I thought "should this be YA?"
-I loved the REVANENT. they were snarky, sarcastic and by far the best of this story-
-the artfulness and creativity of MR writing two main characters as one and making it flow and seamless is incredible!
-the friendships
-battle... war....FOR FREEEEDOM
-ghosties and ghouls, perfect for all the fall feels
-it was a bit creepy with the church and exorcism setting, however it was not unsettling or satanic and would easily recommend to all.

TRIGGER WARNINGS- depression, possession, eating disorder, trauma and ptsd

Rating:
story-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
characters⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
romance- I will repeat... this story is about a NUN....

Song-True Colors by Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick

Mariah N

I loved this book! My 1st 5 star of 2022 and can not wait for the next book! Im in awe of the writing and truly was immersing. I felt so many emotions and have an attachment to the characters! I read and listened to the audiobook  and loved every moment of it!

Vespertine

Reviews

Highlights