A girl who can speak to gods must save her people without destroying herself.
A prince in danger must decide who to trust.
A boy with a monstrous secret waits in the wings.
Together, they must assassinate the king and stop the war.
In a centuries-long war where beauty and brutality meet, their three paths entwine in a shadowy world of spilled blood and mysterious saints, where a forbidden romance threatens to tip the scales between dark and light. Wicked Saints is the thrilling start to Emily A. Duncan’s devastatingly Gothic Something Dark and Holy trilogy.
I’d seen rave reviews for this book throughout the blogosphere, and that, along with a gorgeous cover and riveting description, had me requesting this book from NetGalley.
Did this book live up to the hype? Well…mostly. This is a captivating dark fantasy that weaves the elements of religion, magic, and politics into a thought-provoking storyline. Many reviews stated the beginning is a slower pace – something I agree with – but the brisk pace and shocking reveals at the end make up for it. Yes, the pace takes off – but I’d guessed the shocking reveals early in the book, so maybe it’s my fault I was a tad underwhelmed.
The three primary characters exist in the fluctuating areas of gray between good and bad – and that’s my favorite type of character. Each are wonderfully flawed, possess traits to love and hate, and are ruthless, driven, and distrustful at certain points. They all believe they’re doing the right thing. Supporting characters are loyal, well-developed, and occasionally humorous. Stellar characterization.
Wicked Saints is a brutal, bloody, dark fantasy set in a world rich in history and lore. It’s very well-written, and if you’re not into YA, give this book a try, because it’s easily a crossover.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Books and Such 
Sometimes a slow burn before the raging inferno is a nice way to ease into it. It’s a shame you guessed the surprises so soon, though.
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It was a nice way to introduce the world, because it’s a complicated one. I did guess the twist, but it wasn’t any less heartbreaking, Staci. At least I had time to prepare myself!
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I love that you always find the positive.
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Being underwhelmed is no fun, but this does sound worth the read. Great review, Teri. I do have this one added. 😉
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It’s absolutely worth it, Jenn – one of the best fantasies I’ve read. It certainly doesn’t underestimate the intelligence of its readers.
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You guessing the surprises is not a surprise. Takes a crafty author to fake you out. Good review.
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Thanks, John! You should know, as you’re one of those crafty authors, lol.
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😁
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I’m good with slow burn stories and okay with an underwhelming beginning as long as I’m not short on time. Overall, it sounds like a pretty good book. Thanks for reviewing this one!
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I’ve seen this one around – rave reviews as well as negative ones. those who enjoyed it couldn’t recommend it more, those who didn’t, well, they say it’s too gory. I don’t mind gory, dark fantasy and all that, but put in politics and religion and i’ll think twice.
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I’m not one to read much in those areas either, Jina, but it was handled really well within the world – not preachy at all. And you’re right about the reviews – not many people in the middle, more of a love or hate.
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I’ve seen this one everywhere! Thanks for the thoughtful review, Teri. I don’t do gore very well, I’d have nightmares for a week, lol
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Oooh – it was really good, Jacquie, but there are some gory parts. Maybe not to the extent of Game of Thrones, but blood is definitely in the mix.
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It sounds like a good one, Teri. I’ve seen this book about the blogsphere as well. It appears to be getting a lot of buzz.
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It sure has, and it’s worth it, Mae. A little slow in the beginning, but it helped establish the world-building.
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It sure has, and it’s worth it, Mae. A little slow in the beginning, but it helped establish the world-building.
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How so you guessed it???? LOL I didn’t or rather not all. But I loved it and want to read the sequel!
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I did, Sophie, so that lessened the impact for me at the end, but I’m definitely in for the sequel.
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Sometimes hype can make you love a book less.. I’m still really excited for this one though!
(www.evelynreads.com)
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You should be, Evelyn – it’s a dark, complex, intriguing fantasy. Hope you enjoy it!
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An interesting review, Teri. I don’t really like slow starts.
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It was a slow start, but it paid off by the end. I’ll be anxiously waiting for book 2!
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