Living with Ghosts by Kari Sperring

It took me a long time to get through Living with Ghosts by Kari Sperring. As a fantasy novel, it meets all the requirements in terms of the setting, the use of magic and the plot. I think that it took so long because I had a hard time getting into any of the characters, and for me that is essential to my enjoyment of a book.

Gracielis is a gigolo. He is well-mannered, good-looking and seemingly omnisexual in his willingness and ability to become attractive to anyone. Gracielis’ history is actually quite interesting. He is a failed novice of a group of assassin-sorcerer-priests who spend years training to become the ultimate blend of lover and killer. The process is only loosely depicted, but it’s something to ponder, and it’s interesting to imagine what could be created out of a blend of complete conviction, extreme skill and magic.

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Living with Ghosts by Kari Sperring

When you’ve shared a review site with someone for a long time, you start to get a feel for how your tastes are similar — and how they’re different. Being aware of these differences means that sometimes a negative review from one of your co-reviewers can make you want to read the book! For example, I know that if Kat finds a heroine too snarky, I’ll probably love her. Similarly, John and I often disagree on the “relationship stuff” in books. Recently he read Kari Sperring’s Living with Ghosts and had trouble with it, but from his review I could tell it was probably something I’d like. I was right, and Living with Ghosts was a terrific read for me.

It starts when a nobleman, Thiercelin, seek... Read More