Scan barcode
writings_of_a_reader's review
2.0
This had a lot of potential but just didn't live up to it. More romance and growth for the characters would have helped.
narteest's review
3.0
When I think of YA, it's become a norm that I expect some sort of romance entwined. I mean the premise on the back cover is almost potentially misleading. Then again it wasn't as though it was romance directed. SO at first, when it was clear there wasn't going to be any romance or even love, I was a little disappointed. BUT, it wasn't a disappointment that lasted long. In fact, once I got over it and remembered that not everything needs romance or love to be interesting, I started to get into the story.
Nightspell. Where to start? I'll say I didn't love this book. I was so confused at the beginning, I wasn't used to this particular style of third person. The lines were blurred between the "he(s)" and "she(s)" when the perspective switched character. I remember in the first chapter, I was reading from Darri's perspective, then all of a sudden I was looking at Darri from not Darri's perspective, but Callie's as well, and I was like Whoa! Hold on a minute!
I had to reread the passage again to clarify this sudden switching of perspective.
BUT.
Then I read on. And I got used to this confusion. I began to get sucked into this dark ghostly world. Set in the fictional land of Ghostland where ghosts existed side by side with living humans. These ghosts are not like your usual spirits. Rather, they look and can do many of the same things as the living can do. So when Darri finds out her fiance to be is a ghost, she's more than a little horrified.
And that's when the plot starts building.
Cypess certainly knows how to throw her readers a bone, take it back and hide it so that the readers are constantly guessing. I didn't see the plot twist relating to Callie until it happened that's for sure. And then after that, I kept wondering, how long until Varis (Darri and Callie's brother) finds out?
I always like a good plot. So I definitely enjoyed this one. But I also like interesting characters. The characters are interesting, but half the time I couldn't help think I want to know just a little bit moreabout each other characters. I couldn't help but wonder, What's the deal between Darri, Callie and Varis, and what was the deal between Kestin and Clarisse? I just wanted to know more about these relationships. And yet, even though it was briefly discussed, I just didn't feel like it hit the high mark, only just making the okay mark. But it's not like there's no development. There is some, but generally, it was about court intrigue and the usual court mysteries.
Though. I have to say, this isn't exactly my favourite court mystery/intrigue book. While I liked it, I didn't love it. While I didn't hate it, I feel it could have been so much better.
I'll say, I really loved Mistwood, so when I heard there was a companion novel, I was totally excited for it! But. WELL, I still love Mistwood way more than this one.
Nightspell. Where to start? I'll say I didn't love this book. I was so confused at the beginning, I wasn't used to this particular style of third person. The lines were blurred between the "he(s)" and "she(s)" when the perspective switched character. I remember in the first chapter, I was reading from Darri's perspective, then all of a sudden I was looking at Darri from not Darri's perspective, but Callie's as well, and I was like Whoa! Hold on a minute!
I had to reread the passage again to clarify this sudden switching of perspective.
BUT.
Then I read on. And I got used to this confusion. I began to get sucked into this dark ghostly world. Set in the fictional land of Ghostland where ghosts existed side by side with living humans. These ghosts are not like your usual spirits. Rather, they look and can do many of the same things as the living can do. So when Darri finds out her fiance to be is a ghost, she's more than a little horrified.
And that's when the plot starts building.
Cypess certainly knows how to throw her readers a bone, take it back and hide it so that the readers are constantly guessing. I didn't see the plot twist relating to Callie until it happened that's for sure. And then after that, I kept wondering, how long until Varis (Darri and Callie's brother) finds out?
I always like a good plot. So I definitely enjoyed this one. But I also like interesting characters. The characters are interesting, but half the time I couldn't help think I want to know just a little bit moreabout each other characters. I couldn't help but wonder, What's the deal between Darri, Callie and Varis, and what was the deal between Kestin and Clarisse? I just wanted to know more about these relationships. And yet, even though it was briefly discussed, I just didn't feel like it hit the high mark, only just making the okay mark. But it's not like there's no development. There is some, but generally, it was about court intrigue and the usual court mysteries.
Though. I have to say, this isn't exactly my favourite court mystery/intrigue book. While I liked it, I didn't love it. While I didn't hate it, I feel it could have been so much better.
I'll say, I really loved Mistwood, so when I heard there was a companion novel, I was totally excited for it! But. WELL, I still love Mistwood way more than this one.
hdbblog's review
4.0
What do I say about Nightspell? First of all, reading this further affirms that Leah Cypess reigns among the masters of fantasy world-building. When I first read Mistwood I was enthralled by the dark beauty that was the Ghostland. The thin line that separated the living from the dead was fascinating. So when I dove into Nightspell I was excited, as I should have been. Cypess takes the reader back to her fantastic world, but this time there are new characters to meet and fall in love with. For those you who have read the first story, you'll find that there are some characters present who you will recognize. However if you haven't had a chance to dive into the Mistwood, you don't need to be worried. Nightspell is a very solid stand alone novel.
I was really impressed by Darri, the main character, and how much I really fell in love with her. I'm always smitten when I meet a strong, fiery and independent character, and Darri fits the bill perfectly. Her willingness to break rules, her fierce love for her siblings, it all adds up into a character that I can really get behind. I'll admit that I was a little disappointed that I didn't get to know Callie better as well. She kind of hid out in the spotlight of Darri. In fact a lot of the characters were slightly shadowed by her. It wasn't enough to take me away from my love of this book, but I'm hoping perhaps we'll see more of them so I can get to know their personalities as well!
I loved the action sequences in this book. It is fast paced enough to be completely engrossing, without loosing you along the way. The undertones of romance are enough to sate the needs of the reader, without overtaking the entire story, which I also really appreciated. On top of all of this, there is a beautiful web of deceit woven throughout the story. I was never quite sure who was on what side, or who would jump teams next. The thin line I mentioned between the living and the dead pops in Nightspell, as Cypess shows us why these two factions are so tense.
Overall, I think was a fantastic story! The twists and turns, the characters, the beautiful world building, all of it created a gorgeous book that I devoured in one sitting. Lovers of fantasy will find a lot to love here, and if you're diving into this realm for the first time hold on tight! You're in for a ride, Leah Cypess style.
I was really impressed by Darri, the main character, and how much I really fell in love with her. I'm always smitten when I meet a strong, fiery and independent character, and Darri fits the bill perfectly. Her willingness to break rules, her fierce love for her siblings, it all adds up into a character that I can really get behind. I'll admit that I was a little disappointed that I didn't get to know Callie better as well. She kind of hid out in the spotlight of Darri. In fact a lot of the characters were slightly shadowed by her. It wasn't enough to take me away from my love of this book, but I'm hoping perhaps we'll see more of them so I can get to know their personalities as well!
I loved the action sequences in this book. It is fast paced enough to be completely engrossing, without loosing you along the way. The undertones of romance are enough to sate the needs of the reader, without overtaking the entire story, which I also really appreciated. On top of all of this, there is a beautiful web of deceit woven throughout the story. I was never quite sure who was on what side, or who would jump teams next. The thin line I mentioned between the living and the dead pops in Nightspell, as Cypess shows us why these two factions are so tense.
Overall, I think was a fantastic story! The twists and turns, the characters, the beautiful world building, all of it created a gorgeous book that I devoured in one sitting. Lovers of fantasy will find a lot to love here, and if you're diving into this realm for the first time hold on tight! You're in for a ride, Leah Cypess style.
etinney's review
1.0
I got about 75 pages in.
I have to reread Insurgent. I don't have time to deal with flat characters and messy plot.
So apparently this is a companion novel, which really doesn't make sense. Clarisse is carelessly thrown in there and I don't care enough to see why.
I have to reread Insurgent. I don't have time to deal with flat characters and messy plot.
So apparently this is a companion novel, which really doesn't make sense. Clarisse is carelessly thrown in there and I don't care enough to see why.
breezy610's review against another edition
3.0
it was different. I like Mistwood a lot better than this one. The only connection between the two was Clarrise from the first novel.
ptothelo's review against another edition
2.0
The sibling relationships were strong. I was curious about what was going to happen but I never really cared about them
reddyrat's review against another edition
5.0
The young adult genre is full of fast, easy reads. And that is fine with me. I like being entertained without having to think too much. Sometimes though, having to do a little work to read a book is worthwhile. Leah Cypess' novels are not easy. You aren't flipping through the pages in great suspense; instead, you carefully read each page, because the little things are important. You don't spend half the novel sighing over the handsome hero; instead you savor complex, not always likable characters. Add to that a completely foreign world, where the only features familiar to us are political intrigue and human frailties and you have a lot to learn in one novel.
Leah Cypess is one of the new great high fantasy authors. She writes novels geared to teens, but mature enough to be enjoyed by adults. While high fantasy is still a relatively new genre for me, she is one of the best I've read at world-building. Nightspell is set in Ghostland, a kingdom where ghosts and the living reside together. Most of the novel takes place in a single castle and its surrounding grounds. With a limited setting, the reader becomes intimately familiar with the castle rather than be confused by an entire town's worth of houses, shops, etc. The castle feels medieval - I picture richly colored clothing and tapestries but a pervasive sense of darkness. It keeps the characters - and the reader - constantly on guard.
The idea of the ghosts is also fully explored. We learn what the ghosts are, how they came to be, and the difficulties of living/dead interactions. The ghosts are delightfully spine-chilling. At various times in the book, I hated, feared, cared for, and pitied the ghostly characters.
Ultimately, Nightspell is a character driven novel. It's slow and meandering. The plot flows smoothly, but takes its time to make sure the reader understands the good and bad of all the main characters. In addition to focusing on the individuals, Nightspell is a tale of family - of the bonds between siblings and how they can be broken and strengthened. The story alternates between the points of view of three siblings: Darri, Callie, and Varis. It takes a few chapters to get used to the switch, but I soon recognized each character's inner voice as soon as the viewpoint changed.
Darri is a fierce, hardened fighter. She is determined to save her little sister from a life in Ghostland, even if it means sacrificing Darri's future. Varis is the oldest brother, groomed to rule their land. He knows the ins and outs of the local politics of his kingdom and appears to place that ahead of his sisters. Callie is no longer the scared little girl who came to Ghostland four years before. She appears as refined and haughty as the Ghostland natives. To Darri's surprise, she doesn't welcome her siblings with open arms and isn't looking to go home. Callie was my favorite character. I loved understanding the mixture of anger, love, and resentment she had for her siblings. I enjoyed seeing how she adapted to Ghostland life, knowing the intricacies of the culture but always being an outsider. Overall, I loved how the relationship between the siblings broke down and healed over the course of the book.
While the characters are the most interesting part of Nightspell, there is a plot. Or more appropriately, plots, for there are multiple. Darri is trying to rescue Callie. Prince Kestin of Ghostland is trying to secure his place in the kingdom, which is not the sure thing it once was. The ghosts and the living are grasping over power. The stories are mysterious. It's not particularly suspenseful, but is consistently interesting. There was one specific point about halfway through where I gasped at the end of a chapter when the story took a turn that I never expected.
My only disappointment with Nightspell was Clarisse. I loved her enigmatic personality in Mistwood, her intelligence, her mixed motives. I was thrilled to see her in Nightspell, but I didn't think she lived up to Mistwood. She isn't a one-dimensional character, but she doesn't have the depth that she did in Mistwood. Perhaps it's because she's not as central a character.
Nightspell is a wonderfully intelligent story. It's not the easiest book, but if you put a little into it, it will give ten times back. If you like character-driven novels, family relationships, fabulous world-building, and nearly romance-less book, you'll love Nightspell.
Rating: 4 / 5
Leah Cypess is one of the new great high fantasy authors. She writes novels geared to teens, but mature enough to be enjoyed by adults. While high fantasy is still a relatively new genre for me, she is one of the best I've read at world-building. Nightspell is set in Ghostland, a kingdom where ghosts and the living reside together. Most of the novel takes place in a single castle and its surrounding grounds. With a limited setting, the reader becomes intimately familiar with the castle rather than be confused by an entire town's worth of houses, shops, etc. The castle feels medieval - I picture richly colored clothing and tapestries but a pervasive sense of darkness. It keeps the characters - and the reader - constantly on guard.
The idea of the ghosts is also fully explored. We learn what the ghosts are, how they came to be, and the difficulties of living/dead interactions. The ghosts are delightfully spine-chilling. At various times in the book, I hated, feared, cared for, and pitied the ghostly characters.
Ultimately, Nightspell is a character driven novel. It's slow and meandering. The plot flows smoothly, but takes its time to make sure the reader understands the good and bad of all the main characters. In addition to focusing on the individuals, Nightspell is a tale of family - of the bonds between siblings and how they can be broken and strengthened. The story alternates between the points of view of three siblings: Darri, Callie, and Varis. It takes a few chapters to get used to the switch, but I soon recognized each character's inner voice as soon as the viewpoint changed.
Darri is a fierce, hardened fighter. She is determined to save her little sister from a life in Ghostland, even if it means sacrificing Darri's future. Varis is the oldest brother, groomed to rule their land. He knows the ins and outs of the local politics of his kingdom and appears to place that ahead of his sisters. Callie is no longer the scared little girl who came to Ghostland four years before. She appears as refined and haughty as the Ghostland natives. To Darri's surprise, she doesn't welcome her siblings with open arms and isn't looking to go home. Callie was my favorite character. I loved understanding the mixture of anger, love, and resentment she had for her siblings. I enjoyed seeing how she adapted to Ghostland life, knowing the intricacies of the culture but always being an outsider. Overall, I loved how the relationship between the siblings broke down and healed over the course of the book.
While the characters are the most interesting part of Nightspell, there is a plot. Or more appropriately, plots, for there are multiple. Darri is trying to rescue Callie. Prince Kestin of Ghostland is trying to secure his place in the kingdom, which is not the sure thing it once was. The ghosts and the living are grasping over power. The stories are mysterious. It's not particularly suspenseful, but is consistently interesting. There was one specific point about halfway through where I gasped at the end of a chapter when the story took a turn that I never expected.
My only disappointment with Nightspell was Clarisse. I loved her enigmatic personality in Mistwood, her intelligence, her mixed motives. I was thrilled to see her in Nightspell, but I didn't think she lived up to Mistwood. She isn't a one-dimensional character, but she doesn't have the depth that she did in Mistwood. Perhaps it's because she's not as central a character.
Nightspell is a wonderfully intelligent story. It's not the easiest book, but if you put a little into it, it will give ten times back. If you like character-driven novels, family relationships, fabulous world-building, and nearly romance-less book, you'll love Nightspell.
Rating: 4 / 5
brandypainter's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars I did like it better than [b:Mistwood|6768411|Mistwood (Mistwood, #1)|Leah Cypess|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1257817794s/6768411.jpg|6967609]
Originally posted here.
Nightspell by Leah Cypess is a companion novel to her debut, Mistwood. It can be read as a stand alone novel, the two only share one character and you don't need to know her story from the first novel to enjoy or understand this one.
Despite what the synopsis may lead you to believe, Darri is really not the main character. Or at least not all by herself. She shares that position with both her siblings, Callie and Varis, and also with Clarisse. Of the lot of them Darri was actually the one I found the least interesting. She is one of those hard headed stubborn types who has firm opinions, but doesn't seemed to have done much analyzing to arrive at those opinions. Varis and Clarisse were by far my favorite characters. They were certainly not always likable, not even a little bit, but man oh man are they are interesting. They too have firm ideas about what needs to be done, but at least there is evidence that they think things through carefully, and even when you think the choices they make are reprehensible you can see why they are making them. The interactions between the two of them were my favorite parts of the book.
Cypess has a real talent for drawing a reader into a story. There is plenty of intrigue, mystery, and complicated maneuvering going on amongst the members of the court to keep a reader engrossed until the end. However, once I reached the end I was so frustrated. (This happened when I read Mistwood too.) The troubling thing about it is I can't explain why I'm frustrated because that would involve giving away spoilers. I'll just say that I felt there were several holes left in the plot at that the end.
I do like the way the ghosts were portrayed as clinging to an artificiality and that they were not enjoying eternal life, but rather eternal death. I also enjoyed that this was a sibling story as much as it was a ghost or fantasy intrigue story. The relationship between Varis, Darri, and Callie is portrayed very realistically and I loved that element.
This is a good book to recommend to anyone who enjoys slightly creepy stories and complex relationships.
Originally posted here.
Nightspell by Leah Cypess is a companion novel to her debut, Mistwood. It can be read as a stand alone novel, the two only share one character and you don't need to know her story from the first novel to enjoy or understand this one.
Despite what the synopsis may lead you to believe, Darri is really not the main character. Or at least not all by herself. She shares that position with both her siblings, Callie and Varis, and also with Clarisse. Of the lot of them Darri was actually the one I found the least interesting. She is one of those hard headed stubborn types who has firm opinions, but doesn't seemed to have done much analyzing to arrive at those opinions. Varis and Clarisse were by far my favorite characters. They were certainly not always likable, not even a little bit, but man oh man are they are interesting. They too have firm ideas about what needs to be done, but at least there is evidence that they think things through carefully, and even when you think the choices they make are reprehensible you can see why they are making them. The interactions between the two of them were my favorite parts of the book.
Cypess has a real talent for drawing a reader into a story. There is plenty of intrigue, mystery, and complicated maneuvering going on amongst the members of the court to keep a reader engrossed until the end. However, once I reached the end I was so frustrated. (This happened when I read Mistwood too.) The troubling thing about it is I can't explain why I'm frustrated because that would involve giving away spoilers. I'll just say that I felt there were several holes left in the plot at that the end.
I do like the way the ghosts were portrayed as clinging to an artificiality and that they were not enjoying eternal life, but rather eternal death. I also enjoyed that this was a sibling story as much as it was a ghost or fantasy intrigue story. The relationship between Varis, Darri, and Callie is portrayed very realistically and I loved that element.
This is a good book to recommend to anyone who enjoys slightly creepy stories and complex relationships.
michellesantiago's review against another edition
3.0
I picked up Nightspell because Leah Cypess was on my list of authors-to-read, I love fantasy books and I enjoy stories with siblings. In the end, I am glad I read Nightspell--the writing was fantastic and the plot intricate--but it is not a re-read type of book for me.
Callie, a very young Raellian princess, was sent to Ghostland to eventually marry Prince Kestin. Four years later, her older siblings Darri and Varis arrive at Ghostland. Darri will marry Kestin instead as they cannot afford to wait for Callie to come of age and form a crucial alliance. Darri, who had lived with the guilt of not stopping her father from sending Callie away, sees this as an opportunity to rescue Callie from the land where ghosts (abominations in the eyes of Raellians) roam freely. However, Callie might not want to be rescued and Varis may have a different agenda himself.
Nightspell is told through three (3rd person) point-of-views (Darri, Callie and Varis) so the narration switches off a lot. I did not really mind it for the most part because then I got the whole picture. However, I did not feel for or connect with any of them (or any of the secondary characters). There was nothing wrong with Darri, Callie and Varis but nothing really stood out either. I didn't truly empathize or care enough to root for their success.
Like I mentioned, the plot was complex. It's one of those where you have to read until the end to get the whole picture or to understand what is really going on. Sort of like Melina Marchetta's Jellicoe Road but set in a unique, fascinating fantasy world. I thought the author did a wonderful job with the world building. But the itself plot was slow-moving; it takes a while for something to happen to push the plot along. It was slow reading for me because of this.
And some of you all know how much I like a good romance in my reads. It doesn't have to be the main focus of the story but I like having even a hint of one somewhere. There is none in Nightspell and I can't help being a little disappointed about that.
Nightspell was interesting enough that I finished it but it wasn't one I was especially eager to pick up again after I put it down due to it's slow-moving plot, the fact that I didn't really care for the characters and lack of romance. Fantasy readers who do not mind that it lacks a romantic element may enjoy it as it has great world building, a plot unique and the overall the writing was lovely.
Reviewed by Michelle for Michelle & Leslie's Book Picks.
Callie, a very young Raellian princess, was sent to Ghostland to eventually marry Prince Kestin. Four years later, her older siblings Darri and Varis arrive at Ghostland. Darri will marry Kestin instead as they cannot afford to wait for Callie to come of age and form a crucial alliance. Darri, who had lived with the guilt of not stopping her father from sending Callie away, sees this as an opportunity to rescue Callie from the land where ghosts (abominations in the eyes of Raellians) roam freely. However, Callie might not want to be rescued and Varis may have a different agenda himself.
Nightspell is told through three (3rd person) point-of-views (Darri, Callie and Varis) so the narration switches off a lot. I did not really mind it for the most part because then I got the whole picture. However, I did not feel for or connect with any of them (or any of the secondary characters). There was nothing wrong with Darri, Callie and Varis but nothing really stood out either. I didn't truly empathize or care enough to root for their success.
Like I mentioned, the plot was complex. It's one of those where you have to read until the end to get the whole picture or to understand what is really going on. Sort of like Melina Marchetta's Jellicoe Road but set in a unique, fascinating fantasy world. I thought the author did a wonderful job with the world building. But the itself plot was slow-moving; it takes a while for something to happen to push the plot along. It was slow reading for me because of this.
And some of you all know how much I like a good romance in my reads. It doesn't have to be the main focus of the story but I like having even a hint of one somewhere. There is none in Nightspell and I can't help being a little disappointed about that.
Nightspell was interesting enough that I finished it but it wasn't one I was especially eager to pick up again after I put it down due to it's slow-moving plot, the fact that I didn't really care for the characters and lack of romance. Fantasy readers who do not mind that it lacks a romantic element may enjoy it as it has great world building, a plot unique and the overall the writing was lovely.
Reviewed by Michelle for Michelle & Leslie's Book Picks.