Reviews with content warning for Classism - Seven Faceless Saints

The prose of this story was magnificent. It felt simultaneously beautiful and fierce, which I appreciated. The way the religion was described by people who believed in it, contrasted with how the anger Roz felt towards it, was jarring in the best way.

Lobb wrote an engaging murder mystery, and I felt like the clues were enough that I understood the fact it was a clue, but I didn’t quite know what to do with it. And that to me was excellent because the build up to the ending and the reveal was that much better because of it. I did not see the ending coming.

I rated this a 4/5 stars because the beginning of the story was a bit slower paced for my liking, and because I felt frustrated with Roz. I understand she’s meant to be an unlikeable character, at times I felt frustrated by how easily she would throw herself into an unsafe situation for the sake of revenge. But I also understand that that’s who she is- she’s angry and seeking justice. So the character being written that way makes sense.

I will be excited to read the sequel, Disciples of Chaos. Looking forward to more by this author!

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mjscooke's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I received an advanced digital reading copy of this novel from Titan Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Roz and Damien are on opposite sides of a budding rebellion and in different social tiers of a city that favours disciples blessed with abilities from their saints. They have been avoiding each other, and their mutual past, but when they find themselves with the common goal of solving a string of murders in their city, they find themselves in close proximity forced to face their past and present. A dark and intriguing mix of fantasy & murder mystery with a sprinkling of past love turned enemies to lovers romance, this novel had me completely gripped. I loved the undertones exploring both privilege and the role of religion in society, as well as the setting and world building. I stayed up late to finish the book, unwilling to put it down, then awoke wishing there was already more story to ready. I can't wait for the next book.

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catsandbookstacks's review

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3.5

YA murder mystery fantasy set in an Italian inspired world controlled by guilds. The people are separated into two groups: disciples, those that have been favoured by the saints and have powers, and the unfavoured. Major themes include politics, classism, poverty, rebellion.

Damian is the standout character for me. He is living with PTSD, guilt and grief but is working towards being a better person, even with the hand he was dealt. Roz is very singular focused and filled with rage. I found her to be hard to read sometimes and somewhat flat. MCs are late teens and also quite horny so likely more of an upper YA read. One fade to black scene, but brief descriptions prior to the fade.

The first half read slow for me, I believe due to the more passive narrative voice. It did pick up 50% in and I overall enjoyed it enough to want to read book two. This one wraps up most major plots but leaves some questions open for the sequel.

Thank you Netgalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

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