Nightspell (Mistwood, #2)

May 27, 2011 Rebekah rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This book took me eight days to finish. Which for someone who reads most books in 1-3 days, says a few things:
1) It wasn't a book that enthralled me, one that I couldn't put down. I didn't have to know what was going to happen next.
2) It was interesting enough to finish. If I'm bored with a book, I don't finish it.

I enjoyed Cyress' first book, Mistwood, more than Nightspell. She is an amazing world builder, as apparent in both books. I also find her very original. There are a lot of ghost books...more This book took me eight days to finish. Which for someone who reads most books in 1-3 days, says a few things:
1) It wasn't a book that enthralled me, one that I couldn't put down. I didn't have to know what was going to happen next.
2) It was interesting enough to finish. If I'm bored with a book, I don't finish it.

I enjoyed Cyress' first book, Mistwood, more than Nightspell. She is an amazing world builder, as apparent in both books. I also find her very original. There are a lot of ghost books out right now where the main character falls in love with a ghost. I don't think I'm giving anything away when I say, that isn't this book. Cypress creates original worlds and characters and problems. I like that.

However, I thought the plot was a little slow. That it took along time for things to happen. A lot of that has to do with the lack of romance in this novel. I like romance in my books. It doesn't have to be a large part of the plot or even have to do with the main character. But in most cases, it has to be somewhere. It was nowhere in Ghostland. I missed it. Lovelessness made it not so enjoyable for me.

The ending was very exciting. I was wanting to know what was going to happen. Then...the last ten pages. ARG! I was disappointed. I wanted it to end differently.

Here's the spoiler:
At the end of the book Darri has a decision to make. Break the spell that keeps the dead living, or don't. She's about to break it, then doesn't because of her sister Callie's insistence that it would be murder. The dead wouldn't get to choose it, Callie says, and Darri didn't have the right to make that decision for them. So Darri doesnt' do it. Which bothered me. Since when do people get to choose when to die? Why should the dead get to choose? They'd had two lives lived, that was plenty. Time to let them go. Especially the ones who were just shadow because they'd been around for so long. So I was disappointed in Darri. Not only that, but the Guardian had said he didn't know what would happen to the dead when the spell was broken. And now we don't either. I would've liked to find.
End of spoiler

Anyway, solid world building and interesting characters. Great for fantasy lovers who don't care if there are actual lovers in the novel. (less)

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Dec 06, 2011 Liza Wiemer added it · review of another edition

NIGHTSPELL is terrific. Leah Cypess created a fascinating & surprising world - Ghostland - where the dead walk around like the living, so much so that it's hard to tell who is alive and who is dead. That is until Leah does an amazing job of describing these ghosts - their smells, their decaying bodies, their special abilities like shifting their shapes into something grotesque. In Ghostland the dead and the living move around side by side, but it isn't all good. The dead want respect, power,...more

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Mar 03, 2013 Khanh rated it 2 of 5 stars

It's terribly confusing that this is supposedly book #2 in the Mistwood series, because I came in with the expectation that I would recognize some characters or at least some elements of the fictional world on which it was based. It would be less misleading if it were labeled a standalone. As it was, I had to force myself to go back and read the excruciatingly bad book #1, and thus now have relegated myself to finish two thoroughly terrible books that are completely unrelated. And now I'm extra...more It's terribly confusing that this is supposedly book #2 in the Mistwood series, because I came in with the expectation that I would recognize some characters or at least some elements of the fictional world on which it was based. It would be less misleading if it were labeled a standalone. As it was, I had to force myself to go back and read the excruciatingly bad book #1, and thus now have relegated myself to finish two thoroughly terrible books that are completely unrelated. And now I'm extra grouchy because I've had to read the former book twice for nothing. Oh wait, I knew a name was familiar, Clarisse is the link between the books. The only link.

I don't think I'm particularly stupid, but I had trouble keeping track of the confusing and not terribly original plot. The characters were a bright point, at least two of them were; I found the relationship between the sisters complex and their dynamic interesting, the rest of the characters were as faded as the ghosts that populated this mythical world.

The premise is promising enough. Darri and Callie are princesses of a plains people; to avoid war, Callie (younger sister) is sent off to be a bride in Ghostland. Ghostland is a kingdom where the dead and the living exist side by side. The dead who do not die in peace, or have some unresolved mission in their life remain as ghosts; they are able to become corporeal and are able to occasionally eat or drink. It is now five years later, Callie has grown more familiar with her new world, and harbors a deep resentment of her older sister, Darri, for allowing her to be bartered off to a strange land. Darri is sent there with their brother, to become a bride herself, this time to the prince of the land. There's just one problem, the prince is now a ghost, having been murdered a few weeks before. As foreigners to this strange land, Danni and her brothers are incredibly wary and find the idea of living with ghosts distasteful. Darri has to try to solve the murder of the prince before attempting to escape Ghostland with her siblings.

I didn't like the switching POVs between the characters, it would have worked if it had been just Callie and Darri, but adding in their brother was too much. I didn't feel like he contributed anything to the plot. The ending, like in the previous book, had me scratching my head. What was the point?(less)

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Oct 17, 2012 Alicia C. rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book is truly unique! The details the author shows in her writing basically paints the scene of the novel in your head. My favorite part would have to be near the ending when the unexpected twist occurs and you are left so shocked you could hardly even turn the page. I agree with what the author about the message she sends about family. I would have to say that I was surprised about the way Varis had reacted when he found that his sister was actually dead, it was completely different from h...more

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Feb 08, 2012 Heidi (yabibliophile) added it

Leah Cypess creates such interesting worlds! I loved the idea of a country where ghosts stay around after death bordering one where there are no ghosts. It really had me thinking about how different they would be and how awkward it could make international relations! The fact that the ghost have the ability to be solid adds to the intrigue. You could be talking to a ghost and never know it! What a chilling thought!

This story is full of all kids of exciting things aside from the ghosts... plot tw...more

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Oct 15, 2011 Micheeline18 laura rated it 4 of 5 stars

Nightspell, Leah Cypess
(Companion Novel de Mistwood)
Pub: Jun, 2011

Cuando Darri entra Ghostland, un pueblo donde los vivos caminan con los muertos, tiene una única meta: rescatar a su hermana menor Callie, quién fue enviada a Ghostland como rehén hace cuatro años. Pero Callie ha cambiado en este tiempo, y ahora tiene sus propios secretos. En su aventura por salvar a su hermana de sí misma, Darri será forzada a tratar con un guapo príncipe fantasma, un antiguo hechicero y un manipulador guerrero d...more Nightspell, Leah Cypess
(Companion Novel de Mistwood)
Pub: Jun, 2011

Cuando Darri entra Ghostland, un pueblo donde los vivos caminan con los muertos, tiene una única meta: rescatar a su hermana menor Callie, quién fue enviada a Ghostland como rehén hace cuatro años. Pero Callie ha cambiado en este tiempo, y ahora tiene sus propios secretos. En su aventura por salvar a su hermana de sí misma, Darri será forzada a tratar con un guapo príncipe fantasma, un antiguo hechicero y un manipulador guerrero de tribu (quién por casualidad es su hermano). Cuando Darri descubre la fuente del hechizo que mantiene a los muertos en Ghostland atados a la tierra, se enfrenta con una decisión que la obligará a re-examinar sus creencias, las que nunca había cuestionado- y la llevará al corazón de una conspiración que pone en peligro el balance de poder entre los vivos y muertos (Trad por Mariana.

Al principio me costo un poco entender la trama jejeje por que resulta que yo lo habia considerado como la secuencia de Mistwood (lo que es no leer criticamente donde decia que NO es la secuencia). Pero una vez que lo vi como una historia a parte del mismo genero pero historia nueva completamen.. logro cautivarme, logre perderme en las paginas del libro y de este mundo donde los vivos y los muertos caminan juntos y todos tienes sus secretos.

Darri es un personaje interesante, se siente culpa de que su hermana este en Ghostland y siente la necesidad de salvarla hizo una promesa pero no habia sido capaz de cumplirla y eso la va atormentado, en el momento en que Darri llega al catillo cambian cosas, no era lo que esperaba, esta intrigada, y nota algo diferente en su hermana no sabe lo que es pero tiene la necesidad de descubirlo.. me encanto poder acompañarla en esta aventura.

El libro es muy interesante.. la forma en que esta escrito me traslada hasta ese lugar magico jejeje me hace sentir parte de la historia y disfrutarlo, y pese a mi error jejeje logre poder enteder la historia, tiene una buena dosis de aventura, tiene secretos, tiene decisiones que tomar muy imporantes. tiene una variedad de personajes con los cuales en algun punto o en muchos jeje puedes identificarte.

Es un buen libro que se puede disfrutar en todo momento, lo recomiendo muchisimo y espero que todos lo disfruten como yo lo hice!!!..

y no comentan el mismo error jejeje NO ES LA SECUELA!!!

(less)

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Aug 24, 2011 Chachic rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Chachic by: Celina

Originally posted here.

So I'm usually not a fan of ghost stories but I made an exception with Nightspell because of its intriguing premise. Besides, even if the Ghostland setting is a bit creepy, it wasn't really scary. I'm a big scaredy cat when it comes to ghosts, I don't even watch horror films. I didn't have to worry about that in this book. Darri travels to Ghostland, a country where every murdered person comes back as a ghost to avenge his or her death, only then could they move on. Unfort...more Originally posted here.

So I'm usually not a fan of ghost stories but I made an exception with Nightspell because of its intriguing premise. Besides, even if the Ghostland setting is a bit creepy, it wasn't really scary. I'm a big scaredy cat when it comes to ghosts, I don't even watch horror films. I didn't have to worry about that in this book. Darri travels to Ghostland, a country where every murdered person comes back as a ghost to avenge his or her death, only then could they move on. Unfortunately, it hasn't worked out that way in the past hundreds of years. Most ghosts are content to just pretend to be alive instead of focusing on vengeance. They distract themselves with various amusements and the intricacies of court life. The dead would rather exist as ghosts than fade away into the unknown. Also, the ghosts in Nightspell only become insubstantial when they want to. Foreigners are never even sure whether a Ghostlander is alive or dead until they get confirmation. Darri, with her brother Varis, land right smack in the middle of the political conflict between the living and the dead in Ghostland. Add to that her shaky relationship with her both siblings, Callie and Varis, and Darri is one unhappy Ghostland visitor.

I've heard others say that they liked Nightspell more than Mistwood but I like both about the same. Both books are set in the same world but in different places and they share only one common character. Just like Mistwood, there's also a lot of court intrigue in Nightspell and you never know when a character is telling the truth or keeping secrets. I did figure out one plot twist but I was kept guessing for the rest of the book and I enjoy that kind of suspense. I wanted to keep on reading until I discovered how everything fell into place. One minor quibble about the book, I didn't feel like there was enough romance in it but maybe that's just me. I'm kind of used to having a swoon-worthy male lead in my YA fantasy reads. Darri reminded me a bit of Harry from Robin McKinley's The Blue Sword because their names rhyme. Just kidding! It's because Darri is strong-willed, loves to ride horses and is more comfortable in the company of the warriors in her tribe than with the courtiers of Ghostland. Recommended for readers who like their YA epic fantasy with a dash of political intrigue. I'm curious where Leah Cypess will go with her next novel.(less)

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Jul 05, 2011 Angela rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: zombies, mystery, female-pov, amazing-antagonist, amazing-cover, bittersweet-ending, confusing, fantasy, original-concepts, slow, kickbutt-heroines

Unlike its predecessor, Nightspell is NOT a romantic novel. It's a mysterious, suspense and dark novel with bits of romance and sweet moments. I admit, I expected it to be as happy as Mistwood was, but it was not to be. No matter how dark this novel was, Leah Cypress once again impressed me with her beautiful writing.

In this novel, Darri and her obnoxious brother, Varis, have to go to Ghostland in order for Darri to marry the Prince of Ghostland, Kestin. Darri's motive for the marriage is to fre...more Unlike its predecessor, Nightspell is NOT a romantic novel. It's a mysterious, suspense and dark novel with bits of romance and sweet moments. I admit, I expected it to be as happy as Mistwood was, but it was not to be. No matter how dark this novel was, Leah Cypress once again impressed me with her beautiful writing.

In this novel, Darri and her obnoxious brother, Varis, have to go to Ghostland in order for Darri to marry the Prince of Ghostland, Kestin. Darri's motive for the marriage is to free her sister, Callie, who has been a hostage at Ghostland for four years. Varis wants to form an alliance with Ghostland, rather than start a war of conquest against the powerful kingdom. But Callie has changed during the four years. She does not want to leave Ghostland, the land where the dead and the living are stuck with each other.

The dead are pretty much zombies. They live like they did in their past lives in order to hide the fact that they are dead. But they cannot hide rotting flesh nor the burning desire for revenge, their reason of existence.

During Darri's stay at Ghostland, Darri learns more of the mysterious and creepy land her sister has lived at. She learns why her sister has changed and her secrets buried deep in her heart. Darri learns what real pain, betrayal and love are truly about.

This book was truly about bonds. The bond between Darri and Callie. The bond between Kestin, the Prince of Ghostland, and Clarisse, a character from Mistwood. Bonds are broken, bonds are forged and bonds are mended. I have never seen a supernatural/paranormal novel that focuses more on relationships than Nightspell.

The darkness in this book is mysterious, yet slightly foreign. Sure, there have been novels about zombies. They wonder who has created Frankenstein and other novels like such. But in this story, the zombie prince wants to die. He wants to disappear. From what I know, most zombies want to stay alive the way they are.

I loved this novel. I would recommend this novel to everyone. But the only complaint I had was the end. It was abrupt and did not tell you exactly what happened to everyone. There was not much sense in the end compared to Mistwood. I hope a sequel will be released.(less)

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Jun 23, 2011 Elizabeth rated it 3 of 5 stars

Eh. I enjoyed reading this book - it was certainly good entertainment - but I'm not sure if I would recommend it. It's a little slow, and I only stuck it out because the premise - that of a land where murder victims always come back as ghosts and live among the living - was so enthralling. The characters (with one exception) were run-of-the-mill epic fantasy stock, and the plot wasn't particularly complex, but the idea that the living and the dead lived together with hardly any real distinction...more

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Jun 15, 2011 Cristy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ghosts, magic, paranormal-supernatural, series

NIGHTSPELL (Mistwood #2) is everything that MISTWOOD was not. And being that NIGHTSPELL is a companion book and not a sequel to MISTWOOD, I’d recommend skipping MISTWOOD all together. The only connection the two books really had was a common character and even that was only by barely.

NIGHTSPELL is a ghost story rich with betrayal, royalty, murder, magic, politics and nonstop suspense. Definitely a page turner that is hard to put down. Leah Cypress vividly introduces the reader to Ghostland, whi...more

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May 31, 2011 Whatchyareading added it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, katie, series, young-adult

When I reviewed Mistwood by Leah Cypess last year, I talked about was how refreshing it was to read a young adult book that wasn’t focused solely on a romantic plot. This was also one of my favorite things about Mistwood’s companion novel, Nightspell, which I was lucky enough to get my hands on last week (it comes out tomorrow!). I should really stop saying lucky, since I almost always find books in the bookstore before their release, so I am probably not special. Alas.

I love the plots in the Mi...more When I reviewed Mistwood by Leah Cypess last year, I talked about was how refreshing it was to read a young adult book that wasn’t focused solely on a romantic plot. This was also one of my favorite things about Mistwood’s companion novel, Nightspell, which I was lucky enough to get my hands on last week (it comes out tomorrow!). I should really stop saying lucky, since I almost always find books in the bookstore before their release, so I am probably not special. Alas.

I love the plots in the Mistwood novels. There’s enough mystery to keep me interested without it being overly convoluted with red herrings. And her plots move for me. The ghosts made for interesting twists and turns (and an interesting moral question at the end). I will admit that the plot of Nightspell is less fast-paced than that of Mistwood, but this was also a very different book. The mystery drove Mistwood. The characters drive Nightspell.

A book with three different points of view is something I might not normally enjoy as multiple points of view tend to give too much away. Nightspell completely avoided that, and I thought hearing from the three siblings helped keep the plot moving. It was also interesting to see how three people with similar backgrounds and upbringings could be so incredibly different.

Really, that’s what Nightspell is about: Darri and her siblings. The plot in this novel is secondary to the family. That was the plot that drew me in the most. Darri and Callie desperate for the other’s love and approval. Varis, war weary and battle hardened and not at all sure how to be a brother anymore. Darri most of all broke my heart, because she was the one who showed the most willingness to change and the most willingness to help. I loved how she was completely tough as nails when she had to be, but she still had a heart. Not that she was perfect. She wasn’t. The prejudice that she fought to overcome was a great plotline, even better when balanced with her ability to stay true to the life she wants.

Though the world building is great in Nightspell, I almost wish there was a little bit more background given. The plot moves so well that the action really starts at day one with hints about Ghostland dropped throughout. But I wanted to know more. I knew the siblings so well, but I’d have liked to know some of the ghosts better as well. Prince Kestin was a good exception, and I felt we saw a lot of who he was through what we were shown, rather than what we were told.

If I was going to complain about one thing, it would be Clarisse. I loved Clarisse in Mistwood. In fact, when I wrote my review, I said a companion novel would be fine and dandy with me if it was about Clarisse. Her story in this book was so interesting, but I never got enough of it to be satisfied. She felt more like familiar a name than the character I loved and wanted to know more about. That made it hard for me to see this as a “companion” novel. Really, I don’t think it needed to be though. This book stood strong on its own.

Nightspell is a good read, and it’s good fantasy (even if I have to admit to liking Mistwood more). The world-building has a solid foundation which makes the plot so much more readable, and I really liked Darri and her supporting cast, especially Callie and Prince Kestin. And I really, really liked the ending. Really.

Review posted at WhatchYAreading on May 30, 2011.(less)

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May 27, 2011 Jenn rated it 4 of 5 stars

It took me over ten tries to get this right: NIGHTSPELL is indescribable. It’s indescribably amazing. It’s indescribably fantastical. In a word, it’s brilliant. (And, yes, paradoxical.) Leah Cypess is quickly becoming one of my favorite YA fantasy writers, and in NIGHTSPELL, it’s clearly evident why.

My top reason to love: Leah Cypess is a master at world-building and plot-weaving. NIGHTSPELL doesn’t just throw out some Ghostland facts and leave you attempting to connect-the-dots. Rather, it grad...more It took me over ten tries to get this right: NIGHTSPELL is indescribable. It’s indescribably amazing. It’s indescribably fantastical. In a word, it’s brilliant. (And, yes, paradoxical.) Leah Cypess is quickly becoming one of my favorite YA fantasy writers, and in NIGHTSPELL, it’s clearly evident why.

My top reason to love: Leah Cypess is a master at world-building and plot-weaving. NIGHTSPELL doesn’t just throw out some Ghostland facts and leave you attempting to connect-the-dots. Rather, it gradually and seamlessly laces them together to form a rich history and haunting setting. Nothing in NIGHTSPELL is simply “a crack,” it’s “a hairline crack [that] spread along the length of a black-speckled gray coil” (315, ARC).

Likewise, the plot is fully fleshed out and filled with just as many twists-and-turns as its companion novel, MISTWOOD. For those that have read MISTWOOD, Rokan’s sister Clarisse steals the spotlight in NIGHTSPELL. She’s the same Oscars-worthy actress and cunning enigma that I knew and loved (though her previous history isn’t vital to the plot). She’s so incredibly self-serving, but man, do I like it that way. Clarisse is the one who makes so much of the plot unpredictable and exciting, and when everything does finally click together, it’s definitely a historical “WOW” moment.

However, what failed to impress me were the characters: solid, but not great. NIGHTSPELL switches between Darri, Varis, and Callie’s point of views, which was... fine. I didn’t really gain any spectacular insight about Varis or Callie, whose perspectives really just worked to further the plot. They lacked that extra ounce of unique personality, which, actually, could be said of all the characters, from primary to secondary ones. They each seemed driven by one self-defining purpose, and past that, it was a fuzzy fog. I had some quick glimpses and possible ideas, but never felt like I saw the raw essence of personality. That being said, the characters all had genuine struggles and authentic voices, and it was enjoyable learning more about them.

In the end, does it matter that I wouldn't cry buckets if a character died? Not at all. NIGHTSPELL is a book that revolves around its stunning, mystical world and constant intrigue, and after adding some more action, what could be a better recipe for a fantasy-lover? :)

Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Reposted from: http://booksatmidnight.blogspot.com/2...(less)

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May 25, 2011 Michelle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, fantasy, ya

Four years ago, Callie was forced to leave her home and family as part of an arranged marriage to the prince of Ghostland, despite being too young to marry at the time. Still she remained in Ghostland - essentially as a hostage to ensure a tenuous peace between their two countries.

From the day Callie was sent away, Darri vowed to rescue her beloved younger sister. Finally Darri gets her chance when she and her subtly cunning brother Varis travel to Ghostland to deal with the dangerous inhabitant...more Four years ago, Callie was forced to leave her home and family as part of an arranged marriage to the prince of Ghostland, despite being too young to marry at the time. Still she remained in Ghostland - essentially as a hostage to ensure a tenuous peace between their two countries.

From the day Callie was sent away, Darri vowed to rescue her beloved younger sister. Finally Darri gets her chance when she and her subtly cunning brother Varis travel to Ghostland to deal with the dangerous inhabitants there. More than a simple rescue mission awaits Darri in Ghostland however. Her sister is much changed, the politics of Ghostland are seemingly endless, and the people of Ghostland themselves prove extremely ruthless. That and the fact that it is almost impossible to tell who is still among the living and who is actually a ghost.

Once again, Leah Cypess has caught me with her unique writing, her unforgettable characters and her fantastic pacing in Nightspell. Even after experiencing the fantastic world building of her debut Mistwood, I was enthralled by the complex territory of Ghostland and its inhabitants. Leah Cypess doesn't write easy characters by any means. With the point of view switching from Darri to Callie to Varis and even various Ghostland inhabitants, you are given time to occasionally mistrust or love every single character. Literally everyone had some secret or other up their sleeve and the added tension of complicated court politics ensured that someone was always up to No Good. And that includes the enigmatic and devious Clarisse whom you may remember from Mistwood, who true to form, manages to stir up trouble whatever land she happens to reside in.

As one of those authors who respects her readers enough to not have to spell out every single detail within her stories, Leah Cypess leaves much of the puzzle of Nighspell to her audience to discover. It's a quality I highly appreciate actually. It's also a quality that had me continually flipping back pages trying to work out details and the significance of certain passages. It's work, but a type of work that I enjoy as a reader and something that makes the reading process that much more enjoyable in my book. In other words, Nightspell was one heck of an enjoyable book.(less)

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Oct 11, 2011 ephrielle rated it 2 of 5 stars

This was more of a two and a half stars read.

The ending was such a disappointing waste of time. I feel as if the whole book was rather a waste. Why bother going through all of that anyway? They didn't accomplish anything. Replacing one evil with another and leaving things in such a tangled way is just sad. I guess I really just don't buy the whole argument that they exist and aren't really dead. That existence shouldn't just be taken from them. Yeah, dead is dead. And sorry but the author took s...more

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Jun 01, 2011 Christine rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, ya

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.

F...more

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Feb 14, 2013 Jo rated it 5 of 5 stars

Let me just say right up front that I will read anything that Leah Cypess writes. She could make the contents of Cheerios interesting. This book clinched her spot in my top ten authors so I hope that she will write quickly and produce more, more and more!

The characters in this book were varied and had a depth that was carried throughout the novel. Darri was well drawn and a heroine who will do anything to get her sister back. Her fierceness was evident in every breath. The places that Cypess ta...more

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Jun 12, 2011 Hirondelle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

Two royal siblings from a Mongol (Hun?) like culture, each sibling with their own agenda, visit the ghostfilled kingdom to which their youngest sister was sent as a treaty bride. It is a different concept, not cookie-cutter fantasy (or is it supposed to be YA?) at all. It is concept, creepy but in a good way. I really liked this.

It is a sequel of sorts to Mistwood, but different in tone. Mistwood was a sort of a fantasy mystery, where plot turned on psychological twists. Nightspell is as well a...more Two royal siblings from a Mongol (Hun?) like culture, each sibling with their own agenda, visit the ghostfilled kingdom to which their youngest sister was sent as a treaty bride. It is a different concept, not cookie-cutter fantasy (or is it supposed to be YA?) at all. It is concept, creepy but in a good way. I really liked this.

It is a sequel of sorts to Mistwood, but different in tone. Mistwood was a sort of a fantasy mystery, where plot turned on psychological twists. Nightspell is as well a fantasy mystery, perhaps more politically oriented, but where plot depends a little less on psychological twists. Creepier as well.

It can be read on its own, I think. Maybe it works better on its own. I liked it better, thought it was better written than Mistwood (Browsing other GR reviews, I might be alone in thinking that). Also as a sequel it slightly tarnishes the hope for a Happily Ever After for Mistwood, there are things implied here that feel a bit like a dark shadow looming over parts of the ending of Mistwood. Because of you know (view spoiler). And then there is that the author really did *this* to (view spoiler). The author and character managed to convince that it might not be so tragic after all, but still, oh girl, I was hoping for flowers and puppies for you.

Like in Mistwood, there is potential for a compelling romance (view spoiler) which feels wasted. There is tension, there is history, there is no resolution, no on-screen coming to terms. I am not even requiring a HEA for those two. Just that we see where their relationship stands by the end of the book, but again, it will happen off screen. I feel slightly cheated about it, specially since I thought this romance much more interesting, in a twisted way, than the one in Mistwood.

Ps - despite it being totally original, Darri and Callie did both, at turns, sometimes remind me a bit of Daenerys Targaryen in AGOT. (less)

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May 29, 2011 Rebecca rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Several years ago, Darri's younger sister, Callie, was sent to Ghostland to be the future wife of Prince Kestin, the heir to the throne. Darri was horrified that her little sister would be sacrificed to make an alliance, forced to live out her life in a dreary country where the ghosts of the dead linger. Darri tried but was unable to persuade her father to change his plans. Now, several years later, she has finally convinced him to allow her to rescue Callie, if Darri herself takes Callie's plac...more

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Jan 28, 2012 Liz rated it 3 of 5 stars

Maybe more like three and a quarter stars. Better than her first book in this series/universe. Not by a whole lot, but more than enough to be an interesting read. I don't know whether the author found an editor or got a different one, but the writing improved to the point that it seems to be one or the other. Far more showing instead of telling, the mystery was more engaging and puzzling (still easy to figure out, but it still unfolded far better than the last one), the characters were much more...more

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Dec 08, 2012 Rachel rated it 4 of 5 stars

Darri feels extreme guilt for not saving her little sister from her betrothal to the ghost kingdom’s Prince Kestin. In Kestin’s kingdom, anyone who is murdered returns as a ghost—vengeance is the only way to free the soul. Unfortunately, many ghosts have become so comfortable with their life after death existence that they have created an imbalance between the living and the dead in this kingdom. Court intrigues and murder lead to a very unsafe living/death environment, and Callie is no longer s...more

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Jun 14, 2011 Mara rated it 4 of 5 stars

4 stars exactly.

This is a book about court intrigue, so it has the reader trying to tie the knots; though the characters do that as well. Taking this into account, I found the book entertaining.

I find the way Cypess handled the ghost was quite original; this was actually the reason why I bought the book in the first place. The characters all have a defining personality, at least in my opinion, which made me like the book even more. All except Darri, and I will explain why, shortly. It also has...more 4 stars exactly.

This is a book about court intrigue, so it has the reader trying to tie the knots; though the characters do that as well. Taking this into account, I found the book entertaining.

I find the way Cypess handled the ghost was quite original; this was actually the reason why I bought the book in the first place. The characters all have a defining personality, at least in my opinion, which made me like the book even more. All except Darri, and I will explain why, shortly. It also has action and fighting sequences, as the siblings come from a tribe of horseriders and warriors. Since I like action as well, this suited me just fine.

Cypess has beautiful and flowing writing; it's simple and to the point. That being said, this is a bonus, especially during the fighting sequences. They're not very hard to follow. The book also addresses a very interesting question nearing the end, which I won't spoil. The answer was interesting to see.

I very much enjoyed the workings of the relationships between the characters, especially among the siblings. It was entertaining and interesting, and it amounted to a major part of the book. Really, this book is more centered on family than in anything else (although that could be debated, lol). This was an element I greatly liked. I also liked the plot overall, all the pieces of the puzzle, the Guardian, and so on.

I didn't like Darri very much; I felt she was lacking a bit of personality. But maybe that's just me being picky. I also didn't like Clarisse; honestly, I felt she was unecessary, or rather, not a very good villain. For me, she failed in that department; I didn't find her to be a solid or even convincing villain. The pacing of the book was a tiny bit (just a wee bit) off for me; once I found myself wondering when we were going to move to something else. Apart from that one instance, the pacing of this book was good; every time the book shifted to another character, pieces of the puzzle were provided for the reader to start building the grand picture even before the characters could. This was a good technique from the author; nicely done.

Overall, it's a good read. I recommend reading it.(less)

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Apr 29, 2012 Courtney rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: teen, ghosts

Interesting premise about two neighboring kingdoms that misunderstand one another, one kingdom composed of the living and the other composed of the dead. This had remarkable potential for an off-beat love story, or for discourse on family relationships, or even the challenges of making sense of our differences. It would also have been interesting to further explore what death means. In the end, I wasn't particularly impressed with the plot or the characters. It always seemed like something lovel...more

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Oct 22, 2011 Tara rated it 3 of 5 stars

I started this book thinking it'd be a sequel to Mistwood (since it says Mistwood #2), but I didn't even realize it was the same world. So I'm still hoping for a sequel that picks up where Mistwood left off, and now I'm also hoping for a sequel that picks up where this one leaves off. Both have a satisfactory enough ending on their own, but they leave suggestions of more to come. Anyway, on with the review of this book. I did enjoy it - Cypress introduced another creative plot with a land where...more

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May 30, 2011 Mundie Moms & Mundie Kids rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011-release, books-i-own, mundie-moms-reviews, 2011-100-book-challenge

Nightspell is an alluring spellbinding fantasy with a fantastic twist. The story's strong characters, and unique world, Ghostland, make Nightspell the perfect companion novel to Leah Cypess's debut novel, Mistwood.

The story centers on Darri who's traveling with her brother, Prince Varis, to rescue their youngest sister Callie. Callie was taken a few years ago and brought to the dreaded Ghostland. In this land where the living and the dead live side by side, nothing is what it seems, even for Ca...more

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Jan 14, 2012 Andi rated it 1 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I feel terrible that I had to give this book one star, but that's really all that it deserves. I don't know if I missed something while I was reading it, but I am completely confused about what happened in the book. I don't understand why Darri didn't break the spell. If she was so hellbent on doing it ten seconds ago, why did she not do it? Who the hell is Clarisse and what is her problem? Why did this spell come into being anyway? Who were the Defender and the Guardian? There are so many unans...more

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Jun 24, 2011 Jessica rated it 4 of 5 stars

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 th...more 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.
(less)

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Apr 22, 2013 Ruth rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

This is probably the first ghost-story novel I've read, and if I'd realised it was a ghost story, I probably wouldn't have bought it.

But I'm glad I did.

An original story with good characters and a storyline that kept me guessing.

I'm surprised the book has a relatively low scoring, but I imagine this is because romance isn't a key theme, there are no love triangles, and the author didn't force a happily-ever-after onto her characters against all reason. Plus, y'know, there are no vampires (or do...more

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Jul 10, 2012 Hannah rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was an interesting book. The story was strange! It was a little too ghost story for my reading tastes, but I liked it well enough. I think my biggest disappointment in it however is that it wasn't much of a companion to Cypress's first book, Mistwood. I've come to understand that most companion books have an altogether different story, but usually share a common character, or give a back story of sorts to the first book. This book had none of that. In other reviews, I've read it shares a co...more

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Jun 02, 2011 Stephanie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya-fantasy

Dark, gorgeous, creepy and utterly compelling. I loved Leah Cypess's first book, MISTWOOD, but NIGHTSPELL is even better, by several orders of magnitude, which is saying a LOT.

As someone who eats up both court intrigue and family novels like chocolate, this was pretty much my perfect book - nonstop (and VERY tense) escalating layers of intrigue, grounded by very real and heartbreaking emotional stakes, and peppered with great action scenes. I also absolutely loved the sibling dynamics in this b...more

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Dec 08, 2011 Tara rated it 4 of 5 stars

I loved Nightspell by Leah Cypess. I enjoyed Mistwood, but I admit to being rather confused by it – definitely drops you right into the story.

But I loved the story and the setting and everything about Nightspell. There’s mystery and murder and ghosts and knives and even though I never knew who the hell to trust, I sure had a lot of fun trying to figure it out with Darri, the protagonist.

There was a lot of point of view changing, which bothered me at first, but I enjoyed it more once I got used t...more

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Nightspell (Mistwood #2)

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