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3.43 AVERAGE
3.43 AVERAGE
Had to do a reread before diving into Ruthless Gods. I love this book even more the second time. So much angst. I forgot how much I love these characters. Especially that sad, anxious monster boy Malachiasz. Also I feel like things at the end made more sense to me this time around.
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This book. The darkness spoke to me on deep level. I do love me some blood magic. Everything about this book just fit my dark, gothic tastes so perfectly. I savored this book slowly because I just didn't want it to end. The only problem that I had with this book was the pacing at the end. I had to reread some parts because I was a little confused. Other than that, I really loved the writing. I really can't wait to see how this series progresses.
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This book. The darkness spoke to me on deep level. I do love me some blood magic. Everything about this book just fit my dark, gothic tastes so perfectly. I savored this book slowly because I just didn't want it to end. The only problem that I had with this book was the pacing at the end. I had to reread some parts because I was a little confused. Other than that, I really loved the writing. I really can't wait to see how this series progresses.
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Second Read:
I listened to the audiobook because I missed these characters and story and thought it would be great to ingest it in a new format. My revelation from this second reading, I’M STILL IN LOVE WITH MALACHIASZ! Damn his brooding ass. I need moreeeee.
WOW! What a read. Wicked Saints is dark, mesmerizing, and everything I was hoping for.
Nadya is a Cleric, one who communes with the divine, she is the last hope for her people, the Kalyazin. They have been at war for over a century against Tranavia. Serefin is prince of Tranavia, he is also a powerful blood mage who has been at the front of the war for years. When Nadya’s home is attacked, she is forced to flee with the prince on her heels. Enter Malachiasz, a defected Tranavian who is a complete mystery. Nadya forms an unlikely alliance as they’re both on the run.
Overall the tone is atmospheric, gruesome, and dark. The descriptive writing style really contributes to the tone. helping with the amazing worldbuilding. There are some serious subjects addressed in this book such as religion, faith, free and will. All of which are subjective and really adds to the whole morally grey issue of the characters. Speaking of which, they are so multifaceted. Just when I thought I had them all figured out, a new dimension was added. It wasn't a fast read, but I also could not put it down.
There are so many twists and turn and for the first time in a long time, I didn’t predict the outcome! I was blown away and can’t wait to read book 2.
I listened to the audiobook because I missed these characters and story and thought it would be great to ingest it in a new format. My revelation from this second reading, I’M STILL IN LOVE WITH MALACHIASZ! Damn his brooding ass. I need moreeeee.
WOW! What a read. Wicked Saints is dark, mesmerizing, and everything I was hoping for.
Nadya is a Cleric, one who communes with the divine, she is the last hope for her people, the Kalyazin. They have been at war for over a century against Tranavia. Serefin is prince of Tranavia, he is also a powerful blood mage who has been at the front of the war for years. When Nadya’s home is attacked, she is forced to flee with the prince on her heels. Enter Malachiasz, a defected Tranavian who is a complete mystery. Nadya forms an unlikely alliance as they’re both on the run.
Overall the tone is atmospheric, gruesome, and dark. The descriptive writing style really contributes to the tone. helping with the amazing worldbuilding. There are some serious subjects addressed in this book such as religion, faith, free and will. All of which are subjective and really adds to the whole morally grey issue of the characters. Speaking of which, they are so multifaceted. Just when I thought I had them all figured out, a new dimension was added. It wasn't a fast read, but I also could not put it down.
There are so many twists and turn and for the first time in a long time, I didn’t predict the outcome! I was blown away and can’t wait to read book 2.
I enjoyed the Slavic inspiration and the general idea behind the story. Not the biggest fan of the magic systems, and I felt like the pacing was a bit rushed. Not sure if I will continue with the series. I read most of the book, but listened to the audio for the last 60 pages or so - narrators were fairly good, and it was nice to hear the names pronounced. The male narrator made the Tranavian characters sound like Dracula, though.
Was soooo boring up until the last bit and the last bit didn’t make it worth it. The only reason I finished is I wanted to start the year strong and avoid DNFs.
So I changed my rating when the author's abhorrent behavior and beliefs came to my knowledge, but I never changed the review to reflect my acknowledgment of this behavior and making it absolutely clear, fuck this author and honestly fuck this book. The hidden review was my thoughts at the time and do not reflect my thoughts now.
Spoiler
So I'm highly conflicted on this one. On one hand, I love the slavic folklore and atmosphere and culture that was woven into the story. It warms my heart and makes me connected to a culture I'm trying to learn more about. I also really enjoyed the plot once we got into it. However, the characters feel cold and a million miles away and also the glaring problem of I don't know what exactly happened at the end of this book. I appreciate the villain romance and committing to making the character one I love to hate or hate to love. But the difference between this character and my love of the Darkling is that it was clear what the Darkling wanted and why he wanted it. There was a path where Alina could have chosen to be bad. But with this character, the reader is left confused as to what the hell is going on as well as the rest of the characters INCLUDING THE VILLIAN.Spoiler
DNF @ 15%
Great covers but I wasn’t immediately engaged with the story.
Great covers but I wasn’t immediately engaged with the story.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I loved the story that she told. I’m looking forward to the next book. I can’t wait to see what happens with all of them