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A review by bestbedhead
Ruthless Gods by Emily A. Duncan
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
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
4.25
The Something Dark and Holy series is the first YA series in awhile that has truly excited me. The story is dark, brutal, and unyielding and I am utterly fascinated. There's so much to unpack within this world and I think if you enjoyed the first book you'll be on pins and needles reading the second one. The magic of this world is complex and strange and blends together divinity, blood, and eldritch horror. What's not to love? I appreciated the grey morality of the characters that persisted from the first book into this one. The ideas of love, betrayal, and divine purpose become warped and complicated and you get the real sense that none of them know what is right or wrong anymore. Each character is set upon their own path and all of them seemingly lead to destruction.
There's a lot I have enjoyed reading these first two books and I'm looking forward to the conclusion. I particularly love the ideas of religious fanaticism that have been woven into the story as I don't see much of that in YA fiction. The only thing I wish the books had were a glossary of terms included. I do at times find myself a little confused at the pronunciation of names and the definitions of some of the foreign words.
There's a lot I have enjoyed reading these first two books and I'm looking forward to the conclusion. I particularly love the ideas of religious fanaticism that have been woven into the story as I don't see much of that in YA fiction. The only thing I wish the books had were a glossary of terms included. I do at times find myself a little confused at the pronunciation of names and the definitions of some of the foreign words.