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Geist by Philippa Ballantine Series: Book of the Order #1
Published by Ace on September 29, 2010
Genres: High Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Steampunk, Urban Fantasy
Pages: 306
Format: eBook
Source: Bought
Purchase Links: Amazon, Kobo
Goodreads
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?
Geist is book one in the Book of the Order by Philippa Ballantine.
This book is appealing and also a bit hard to understand and get into. The world is a cross of old world, steampunk, and fantasy. Not much steampunk, but their are mentions of airships that run on geist, spirits and ghosts magic and time clocks, but for the most part it’s like mid-evil time period.
Ms. Ballantine jumps right in with introducing us to words we don’t full understand, yet, and a historical type society structure. She has created an elaborate world, rich in details with its own unique mythology. Due to this, the book is not quick nor easy to read. I had trouble with the story and staying interested at the start, the “get to know you” phase, but eventually things pick up and we are pulled into a web of deceit and mortal danger.
Our three leads; Sorcha, Merrick, and Raed are all battling inner demons and personal issues. They all end up in an isolated village together where they find something more dangerous and powerful than expected. The trio each see things in their own unique way, which brings a full range of views to the situation’s. The lies and manipulation force them to see that they have all been played and what happens in the end will have you feeling for them. Life is not easy and the choices we make are not always easy.
I’m not sure if I’ll read on, but I am intrigued and curious about what might happen next. Even though they fight back the big bad, it’s clear that it’s not over.
Rated: 3.5 Stars
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Challenge(s):
I read this series back when it came out and I HIGHLY encourage you to continue. The first book is hard to follow, but it gets better now that you know the world a bit. It’s “hard core fantasy” so if that’s not your thing, it will remain such. But overall, I really enjoyed the series.
I’m not sure yet how big a fan I am on “high” or “hard core fantasy”. I haven’t deiced yet if I’ll read on. I might check out my library and see if they have the books. Thank’s for sharing your thoughts.
I have such a hard time with high fantasy because the world building is so intense and I get hung up on words I don’t understand. I think that is why I stick more to urban fantasy. I struggle sometimes with the Dragon Kin series too, but luckily I’ve got past most of it. I’ll be interested to see if you continue.
I don’t read much High Fantasy. It’s been years, but the cover and blurb plus having the book go on sale had me picking it up. We will see if I’ll read on. Right now I’m into a Sci-Fi Romance kick and UF. Thank’s for visiting!
The farther I got along the more the world worked and appealed. It was different. I’m still not sure if I’m going to read on thou the covers and blurbs make the other books sound appealing. We will see. Thank’s for visiting!
I love the description of the world and setting and that they all have stuff to face down.
The blurb and cover pulled me in. It is interesting. A bit confusing, but interesting.
Thank for visiting!
This sounds interesting but I love that cover.
Thank you!
Fabulous review Angela!!???
i love/hate the get to know the characters and world phase of a novel. that can make it a slow start, but when it’s a series that can be expected. i see that you are still curious, so i am too…on whether or not you continue the series
sherry @ fundinmental
When we start we jump in and it’s a bit frustrating; because we don’t understand the world or words or what’s going on. As the story progresses we start to learn, but it was a ruff start. I am curious, but still on the fence of weather I’ll read on. Thank’s for visiting.
The first book in a series like this is often a bit confusing because some things are just getting set up. It sounds like it might be a good series once it gets going. Great review!
I agree with you. Thank’s for visiting!