Book Review: Nightspell

In a land where assassinations were commonplace, and rival political factions fought for power, came a simple, magical solution: Ghosts, bent on vengeance for the ones who murdered them. But what if those ghosts would rather live an eternal half-life?

In Ghostland, there are almost as many dead as living, and out of respect for the dead, who cannot walk in the sunlight, days and nights are reversed. Warriors from the plains would love to conquer this land, but they fear facing an army of ghosts.

Four years ago, the leader of the plains warriors sent his youngest daughter, Callie, to marry the Ghostland prince. Now, her brother, Varis, and sister, Darri, arrive with a change of plans. Darri wants to take Callie home. Varis still wants a marriage alliance, but thinks it will need to be between Darri and the prince, instead of Callie.

Except, the prince is already dead.

What follows is a story full of political intrigue, temporary alliances, backstabbing, and murder. Darri and Varis soon realize their lives are in danger, but they can’t leave until they uncover the truth.

All the while, the book challenges the reader to reexamine the nature of death and existence.

I enjoyed the theme of this book very much, although there may have been some personal bias, because I saw some parallells with the theme of my upcoming novel — The Immortality Virus. Especially: Who has the right to make weighty decisions over the nature of life and death?

I did find this book to be a little slow in parts, particularly as the foundation formed, but the conclusion was dramatic and exciting — something you don’t want to miss! I recommend to lovers of political intrigue and fantasy. Don’t let the YA label scare you — the ages of the characters may officially place this in the “young adult” category, but I found it to be pretty adult.

Rating: 4.5/5

Title: Nightspell
Author: Leah Cypess
Genre: Fantasy
Publication Date: May 31, 2011
ISBN: 0061957038