A review by hellobookbird
Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson

4.0

 

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

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 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. Wielding its extraordinary power almost consumes her—but with all knowledge of vespertines (priestesses trained to wield high relics) 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.

"I fear that an age of saints and miracles isn’t something to celebrate, Sister Marie. The Lady sends us such gifts only in times of darkness."

I wasn't sure if I'd end up liking this before I picked it up...but I was pleasantly surprised! There was enough mystery surrounding why the spirits were suddenly restless and attacking everyone that it kept you on your toes throughout the whole novel...and the twist at the end!!

While the revenant's and Artemisia's relationship wasn't quite as much enemies-to-allies that I wanted, it was still very well portrayed. I think my favorite parts were when they were reluctant allies and the revenant was bullying Artemisia into taking care of her body. Learning about her traumatic past and how that effects her approach to life and how the revenant just automatically adjusted was *chef kiss.* Imagining Artemisia blazing with her revenants power at The Battle is something I'd absolutely love to see on film.

The only thing keeping this from five stars is the lack of origin of the Revenants, and the whole Raven King story. Both needed to be expanded. However, given the almost openness of the ending that hints there could be more the author may decide to explore this more in future.

Recommended for warrior nun fans.