*This title will be released on October 26, 2010*
Title: Geist
Author: Philipa Ballantine
Series: Book of the Order #1
Cover Art: Jason Chan
Genre: Paranormal Fantasy
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Ace
Date Published: October 26, 2010
ISBN-10: 0441019617
ISBN-13: 978-0441019618
Review Copy Source: Penguin
Reviewed by: Abigail
Book Description
Between the living and the dead is the Order of the Deacons, protectors of the Empire, guardians against possession, sentinels enlisted to ward off the malevolent haunting of the geists...
Among the most powerful of the Order is Sorcha, now thrust into partnership with the novice Deacon, Merrick Chambers. They have been dispatched to the isolated village of Ulrich to aide the Priory with a surge of violent geist activity. With them is Raed Rossin, Pretender to the throne that Sorcha is sworn to protect, and bearer of a terrible curse.
But what greets them in the strange settlement is something far more predatory and more horrifying than any mere haunting. And as she uncovers a tradition of twisted rituals passed down through the dark reaches of history, Sorcha will be forced to reconsider everything she thinks she knows.
And if she makes it out of Ulrich alive, what in Hell is she returning to?
Review
GEIST is one of those books that straddles the line between a number of different genres. It reads like a mix between Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series and Illona Andrews Kate Daniels series (and not just because of the werelion). A number of paranormal creatures thrown into a high fantasy setting and time period with a splash a steampunk. Let’s call it paranormal fantasy.
GEIST is set in a lush high fantasy world were a dedicated Order of essentially mages protect humanity from demons (aka geists) who attempt to possess and destroy the world. The Order is made up of two complimentary types of mages: Actives (who wield magic) and Sensitives (who can ‘see’ the Otherside) who enter into a psychic Bond together.
This type of magic system and the religious/political order who train and dogmatize the deacons from childhood is very reminiscent of Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series. Unfortunately, at just over 300 pages, I felt like GEIST barely scratched the surface of this necessarily complex society. I’m sure there will be more about The Order in future books, but as it was in the first book, we got the abridged version which remained too shallow for me to really connect with.
The characters were an entirely different matter, specifically Raed Rossin, Pretender to the throne. He is a wonderfully tormented man who brandishes his bitterness and pride like the weapons they are. Sorcha, meanwhile, is a walking legend as the most powerful Active The Order has. She is revered and feared by those around her, save for her indifferent husband and Sensitive partner, Kolya. After an injury, the young and idealistic Merrick is assigned to Sorcha in his stead.
I did like GEIST, but it had the potential to make me love it, and that miss has me disappointed. The world building was fascinating but underutilized, the surprise romance was a nice addition, and the three main characters made for an interesting if dysfunctional group. I’m on the fence about whether or not I’ll be picking up SPECTYR when it’s published in Summer 2011.
Sexual Content: One semi graphic sex scene
My Rating:
3/5
Good - A fun read with minor flaws. Maybe read an excerpt before buying.
Click HERE to read an excerpt from GEIST
Previous books in the series:
- N/A
Also reviewed by:
ah.... but the cover is beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteI do agree the cover is beautiful! I'm going to see if I can get this one through my library system.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the cover. It's what made me stop by to read the review. Oh well, everything we read can't be a 5 unfortunately!
ReplyDeleteWow, that is an awesome cover. That alone makes me want the book.
ReplyDeleteAnd from the review it looks like one that is right up my alley.
Valerie
in Germany
ps: ok, not computer savvy here, but it looks like its showing my daughters google account...hehe
Cherry - it looks even better in person. You can check out the artist's website via the link above too.
ReplyDeleteJamie - That sounds like a great idea, especially if you are a fantasy genre fan.
Carmel - a perfect rating is rare for a reason. This is a good book though, one I can definitely recommend. Hope you enjoy it.
Valerie - I'm sure your daughter won't mind :) I'm still crushing on this cover, and if the review has you intrigued, you'll probably love GEIST!
Hmm, I like the sound of this book so I'll still try to check it out. Sometimes I struggle throughout the first book in a series but then the other installments can be amazing. Thanks for the honest review!
ReplyDeleteThis cover totally caught my eye - love it! Thanks for the reivew - I'm adding this to my list.
ReplyDeleteEdna - Good point. It can be challenging to fully establish a new world in one book. Maybe the sequel will be stronger.
ReplyDeleteCheekyGirl - You bet. I hope you like the inside as much as the outside :)
This one has caught my eye as it seemed to be a cross between the genres I love, Fantasy and UF. Thanks for the great review. I think I might have to have this book some time here. :)
ReplyDeleteMelissa - I think fantasy fans will especially gravitate towards this one. Hope you enjoy it!
ReplyDelete