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dinipandareads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I received this book as part of the blog tour hosted by TBR & Beyond Tours. Special thanks to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for providing a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a good YA/NA fantasy thriller debut that I really enjoyed! Unfortunately, I read this during a tumultuous time in my life so it took me an uncharacteristically long time to read it; however, I'm 100% certain that if I had read this at any other time, I would've flown through it one sitting because it had that unputdownable quality that made me want to keep reading to learn the truth! Though not all the twists were entirely surprising, they did keep me on my toes and eager to see if my theories proved correct. That said, while this story balances being plot and character driven very well, it was the characters who, IMO, made this great! I already can't wait for the next book because I need to know what happens next—dark things are definitely coming their way and I can't wait to see just what it turns out to be.
This was a fast-paced murder mystery and I really enjoyed Lobb's writing. It was descriptive enough to get a good sense of the story's atmosphere and the author did a great job of ramping up the tension as more truths are revealed the further we progress. It's set in the city of Ombrazia and there's a bleakness to it that sets quite an eerie and sombre mood that fits with the oppressiveness of this society where the saints blessed are rewarded and the unfavoured are expendable. I liked the glimpses that we get into the history of Ombrazia, the lore of the seven saints, and the blessings they bestow, but I wanted more. I wouldn't say it was 'info dumping' at the start but the world-building wasn't consistent and it was very surface-level when we could've got more detail about the way the world works (rather than, let's say, the more romantic aspects)! I also wasn't entirely sure if this had a more historical or modern setting as it wasn't very clear.
Even though I would've liked to know more about the world, it didn't present too much of a problem for me because where the author really excelled was in the characters and their relationships with themselves, each other, and society. Told in alternative perspectives, I love how we really get to understand both Roz and Damian throughout the story, and there is something about the way they're written that made them feel so real and their connection so personal. While they might not always be entirely likeable, I think they're both very easy to empathise with and root for. Roz, the more morally grey of the two, presents a much tougher murderous exterior because she wears her anger and grief like a shield around her. She's not just thirsty for revenge but to dismantle the oppressive system that keeps the unfavoured down. I think her character was pretty straightforward in her motives but I thought Lobb did a fantastic job portraying her journey with grief and coming to terms with the anger and love that she warrs with internally. As much as I liked Roz, it was Damian who I thought was the more nuanced and interesting character with his crisis of faith, his daddy issues, and his PTSD from the war. He's always been the good devout son who does everything by the book, even when it ends up hurting others. He was admittedly a bit of a drone in the first few chapters but that changes the minute Roz re-enters his frame and he starts to question his faith, all while he struggles with his actions in the war. He had such a soft and kind (albeit misguided) heart in this bear of a package and I'm a sucker for those kinds of characters!
I absolutely LOVED the yin-yang of Roz and Damian's chemistry. I was constantly wondering if they were gonna kill each other or maybe hug it out. And that's not to say that their physical chemistry wasn't there because they had it in spades! They were so well-balanced as she would make him question his unquestioning subservience and he would soften her sharp edges. I really loved these two together and there were moments when my heart was in my throat with worry, and honestly, did the ending of this book really change that? READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT! 😂 But seriously, they also had so much romantic chemistry! This is peak friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-frenemy lovers and if you love a simp, then you'll definitely love Damian. His simphood energy was off the charts cos he worshipped at the altar of Roz and some of the things he said really had me melting. 🥹 Safe to say, the author has me *invested* in these two!
Other than these two and their very alive chemistry, there was quite a big cast of side characters from both sides. Sadly, both groups of secondary characters were one-dimensional and interchangeable as nothing about them stood out, especially with Damian's fellow guards at the palazzo. I think if these characters were a little bit more developed it would help to increase the tension and stakes of the story as there would be more people to care about. As it is now, I don't particularly care if anything were to happen to them. Overall though, I thought that this was a great debut and I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens next.
This was a good YA/NA fantasy thriller debut that I really enjoyed! Unfortunately, I read this during a tumultuous time in my life so it took me an uncharacteristically long time to read it; however, I'm 100% certain that if I had read this at any other time, I would've flown through it one sitting because it had that unputdownable quality that made me want to keep reading to learn the truth! Though not all the twists were entirely surprising, they did keep me on my toes and eager to see if my theories proved correct. That said, while this story balances being plot and character driven very well, it was the characters who, IMO, made this great! I already can't wait for the next book because I need to know what happens next—dark things are definitely coming their way and I can't wait to see just what it turns out to be.
This was a fast-paced murder mystery and I really enjoyed Lobb's writing. It was descriptive enough to get a good sense of the story's atmosphere and the author did a great job of ramping up the tension as more truths are revealed the further we progress. It's set in the city of Ombrazia and there's a bleakness to it that sets quite an eerie and sombre mood that fits with the oppressiveness of this society where the saints blessed are rewarded and the unfavoured are expendable. I liked the glimpses that we get into the history of Ombrazia, the lore of the seven saints, and the blessings they bestow, but I wanted more. I wouldn't say it was 'info dumping' at the start but the world-building wasn't consistent and it was very surface-level when we could've got more detail about the way the world works (rather than, let's say, the more romantic aspects)! I also wasn't entirely sure if this had a more historical or modern setting as it wasn't very clear.
Even though I would've liked to know more about the world, it didn't present too much of a problem for me because where the author really excelled was in the characters and their relationships with themselves, each other, and society. Told in alternative perspectives, I love how we really get to understand both Roz and Damian throughout the story, and there is something about the way they're written that made them feel so real and their connection so personal. While they might not always be entirely likeable, I think they're both very easy to empathise with and root for. Roz, the more morally grey of the two, presents a much tougher murderous exterior because she wears her anger and grief like a shield around her. She's not just thirsty for revenge but to dismantle the oppressive system that keeps the unfavoured down. I think her character was pretty straightforward in her motives but I thought Lobb did a fantastic job portraying her journey with grief and coming to terms with the anger and love that she warrs with internally. As much as I liked Roz, it was Damian who I thought was the more nuanced and interesting character with his crisis of faith, his daddy issues, and his PTSD from the war. He's always been the good devout son who does everything by the book, even when it ends up hurting others. He was admittedly a bit of a drone in the first few chapters but that changes the minute Roz re-enters his frame and he starts to question his faith, all while he struggles with his actions in the war. He had such a soft and kind (albeit misguided) heart in this bear of a package and I'm a sucker for those kinds of characters!
I absolutely LOVED the yin-yang of Roz and Damian's chemistry. I was constantly wondering if they were gonna kill each other or maybe hug it out. And that's not to say that their physical chemistry wasn't there because they had it in spades! They were so well-balanced as she would make him question his unquestioning subservience and he would soften her sharp edges. I really loved these two together and there were moments when my heart was in my throat with worry, and honestly, did the ending of this book really change that? READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT! 😂 But seriously, they also had so much romantic chemistry! This is peak friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-frenemy lovers and if you love a simp, then you'll definitely love Damian. His simphood energy was off the charts cos he worshipped at the altar of Roz and some of the things he said really had me melting. 🥹 Safe to say, the author has me *invested* in these two!
Other than these two and their very alive chemistry, there was quite a big cast of side characters from both sides. Sadly, both groups of secondary characters were one-dimensional and interchangeable as nothing about them stood out, especially with Damian's fellow guards at the palazzo. I think if these characters were a little bit more developed it would help to increase the tension and stakes of the story as there would be more people to care about. As it is now, I don't particularly care if anything were to happen to them. Overall though, I thought that this was a great debut and I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, Blood, and Death of parent
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, War, and Violence
Minor: Sexual content
marleywrites's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
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!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Religious bigotry, Classism, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Violence, War, Cursing, Gun violence, Death of parent, and Sexual content
Minor: Alcohol, Child death, and Suicidal thoughts
metaphorsandmisc's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Death of parent, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Panic attacks/disorders, and Gun violence
mjscooke's review against another edition
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent and Grief
Minor: Classism, Fire/Fire injury, Physical abuse, Violence, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, and War
bellebookcorner's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
“Once you have known true grief, you don’t get better. - You find a way to rebuild yourself, even with crucial pieces missing.”
Fantasy, murder mystery, rebellion and lovers-to-enemies-lovers are great elements to make a fantastic story!
The plot is interesting, it has a strong opening with the murder mystery case being introduced up front.
After that, the world building is introduced with the seven Saints being the foundation of the hierarchy of the society, how some people are gifted and some don't resulting in an unfair system which leads to a rebellion.
The story was told in multiple POV but mostly from the main characters, Damian and Roz.
The characters are flawed and very complex. Both main characters have very different personalities, one is full of rage and passionate while the other is full of remorse.
I really like the romantic relationship development of the main characters, the shift happens slowly as Damian and Roz try to open up to each other while solving the mystery.
The pacing in the middle was a bit slow but it did pick up and the unexpected twists in the last few chapters are very surprising.
The epilogue is the 'cherry on top', the cliff-hanger makes me wish I had the second book ready.
Overall, for a debut novel, this is really great and very enjoyable. It’s pretty well written with unique world building.
If you're looking for a murder mystery with fantasy elements then you should pick this one up!
Thank you to TBR and Beyond Tour, Netgalley, author and publisher for giving me an e-ARC of the book and for having me on this book tour. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Mental illness, Blood, and Violence
Moderate: Sexual content, War, and Alcoholism
Minor: Child death and Self harm
thenovelmaura's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Thank you so much to the NOVL for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! This is a tough review to write, because there are elements of this book that I really enjoyed and ones that just didn't work for me. On the positive side of things, the mystery plotline and the gothic/horror elements were intriguing and kept me turning pages. The pacing was good, and while I did guess the murderer before the grand reveal, I still enjoyed how all of the clues started stacking up throughout the story. I also appreciated the LGBTQIA+ rep from the main characters; Roz is bisexual and Damian is demiromantic (and this doesn't even include some of the minor characters).
On a more negative note, I wish the magic system had been explored more, especially since it was the foundation of their economy and the root of their societal rebellion. A key message of the book is that religious beliefs and faith are bad, which I'm not against, per se, but I don't think this discussion was done very well or with any finesse (cue Roz bludgeoning Damian over the head with a club that says "your faith is a lie" on it).
My main issue was that Roz and Damian's interactions contained so much angst that it detracted from everything else. There was a ton of yearning that alternated with "she hates me/I hate him so I shouldn't be thinking this" and almost every chapter ended with a bit of flowery prose about the love or the hate. I think some readers will love this, especially those who are drawn to the childhood sweethearts trope, but it was just too much for me and I wasn't fully convinced by their insistence that this was some grand romance. This debut has a lot of potential and some really good qualities; overall it wasn't the best fit for me!
On a more negative note, I wish the magic system had been explored more, especially since it was the foundation of their economy and the root of their societal rebellion. A key message of the book is that religious beliefs and faith are bad, which I'm not against, per se, but I don't think this discussion was done very well or with any finesse (cue Roz bludgeoning Damian over the head with a club that says "your faith is a lie" on it).
My main issue was that Roz and Damian's interactions contained so much angst that it detracted from everything else. There was a ton of yearning that alternated with "she hates me/I hate him so I shouldn't be thinking this" and almost every chapter ended with a bit of flowery prose about the love or the hate. I think some readers will love this, especially those who are drawn to the childhood sweethearts trope, but it was just too much for me and I wasn't fully convinced by their insistence that this was some grand romance. This debut has a lot of potential and some really good qualities; overall it wasn't the best fit for me!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Violence, and Death
Moderate: War, Alcoholism, and Sexual content
Minor: Self harm
PTSD, see author website for full list of content warnings
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