I received Wicked Saints as an advanced review copy thanks to NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I finished this book earlier tonight and I’m still not sure how I feel about it.
I had trouble in the beginning of the story with the world building and the two alternating perspectives. Because the two characters came from different places, they had significantly different views on the world and the politics within. So, going back and forth between the two while trying to learn about the world and which countries thought what and which terms meant what was a little confusing for me. But that wasn’t long lasting. I got the hang of the world and found myself completely immersed in the story. The other thing I want to mention with learning the world was the character names. I don’t think I could save a single one of them if my life depended on it. So I gave them all nicknames in my head, but until I did that some parts were tough.
The book starts out action packed and leaves you wanting more, but also immediately caring about the safety of the main characters. I loved this set up for the story. Things calm down for a bit as we learn about the world we’re in and how things work. This is where we really start to get to know the characters.
I immediately like Serefin even though I think we weren’t supposed to. I liked his complete distain for the things he’s ‘supposed’ to be doing.
Then there’s Nadya who does what she’s supposed to almost all the time. She was interesting. And I’m still not sure if I completely liked her. She took risks even when she knew they were risks and somehow was still surprised when it all backfired in her face. I thought her powers were incredibly interesting. I would have enjoyed seeing them used with the gods a bit more though. I’m interested to see where her story is going to go with the way this book ended.
Finally, Malachiacz. I wanted to like him. I really did. But I preferred Seferin the whole time. There was something about Malachiacz that I didn’t like and didn’t want Nadya to involve herself in.
Overall, the world and the magic systems in it were complex and interesting. I’d love to learn even more about them in the next book. I’m also hoping we get to travel a bit more and see some of Nadya’s home country. The characters were interesting and entertaining. There was some diversity which is always appreciated. I totally loved all the supporting characters. Wicked Saints was action packed and full of fun. Though the ending had me a bit confused and definitely wanting more. I’m not sure how I’m going to wait so long to see where this story goes next.

Actual rating: 3.5 stars

I wanted to love this one so bad. It sounded right up my alley. I can't pinpoint why exactly I didn't super love it, but I didn't. That being said, I didn't hate it either. I actually quite enjoyed it, it just didn't completely live up to my expectations.

The beginning started off wonderfully. We jump right into the action and the world building isn't hard to follow at all. Unfortunately, after about the first 15%, it slowed down a lot. I thought about DNFing it several times until the 50% mark. Though picked back up again after that and I enjoyed the last half of the book.

I loved that Nadya can talk to the gods. I found this super interesting. I also think it's really cool that each god grants her magical powers. She is fighting for her country, Kalyazin, and her gods. I am very curious to know if we will learn anymore about the woman who abandoned her at the monastery.

I also really liked Serefin. Serefin is the Tranavian prince who has been at the front of the war since he came of age at 16. I don't think anyone under the age of 25 should be as tired and damaged as he is, but I get why he is. He wants what's best for his country, even if that means getting his people to do awful things. Speaking of his people, I absolutely adored Ostyia and hope we get to learn more about her in the next book. I also really liked Kacper. I almost thought there was going to be something romantic between Serefin and Kacper because of how touchy feely they are, but I guess not? Maybe in one of the next books.

Malachiasz. He is a Tranavian that Nadya ends up working with. I really can't say much about him because of spoilers, but I will say that he is an incredibly intriguing character.

Parijahan and Rashid are Akolan (a country torn between Kalyazin and Tranavia.) They are traveling with Malachiasz when Nadya meets them all. I loved them both a lot and want to know more about them, especially Rashid. We learn a little about why Parijahan is on her way to Tranavia, but we don't really know why Rashid followed her.

Anna is a woman from the monastery who escapes with Nadya, but is only in the book for about half of it. She was a bit of a dull character with not very much personality, but I have a feeling she will be in the next book.

I both loved and hated the ending of the book. I did have a lot of questions and some confusion in the end, but I'm confident they'll be answered by the end of the trilogy. I can't wait to see what happens next though!

Overall it was not a bad book at all. I enjoyed most of the characters. The plot was slightly lacking, but I feel like it was overall a strong debut.

This is not the type of book I would typically teach for... at all. I was sucked in by the title and the cover and went in completely blind. The beginning felt a little tedious and slow for me as foundation was being built for this world of magic and lies. Once it got rolling, however, I really got into it. I feel like I can’t say much without giving away anything, but I am definitely looking forward to the next in this series!

This book. Oh my goodness, THIS BOOK. It’s been one of my most anticipated reads for 2019, and when I was invited to the blog tour I about lost it. I am so thankful I was given an opportunity to be on the tour, because this book was such a joy to read and will be going down as one of my favorite reads of all time!

The characters immediately pulled me in. I’ll admit it’s usually a bit difficult for me to get into stories with multiple points-of-views, but I had no such problem with Wicked Saints! I was sucked in by Nadya and Serefin’s voices. They were both delightful to read from, and their stories had me flipping the pages (well, scrolling through my Kindle) until my eyes could stay open no longer! I am absolutely obsessed with the whole cast of characters. Each of them felt real, and I was desperate to know more about each of them. I was not disappointed!

Ostyia, Kacper, Parijahan, Rashid, and Malachiasz will always have a special place in my heart. The interactions between both sides, Nadya with Parijahan, Rashid, and Malachiasz and Serefin with Ostyia and Kacper, was excellent to read. This cast was unforgettable. And this wasn’t even the full cast. There were other equally as wonderful characters, too!

I am absolutely obsessed with the setting and the monsters. This book completely immersed me in the narration. I felt like I was there. While I was reading, the rest of the world disappeared. The monsters were excellent, too. The Vultures were so interesting to read about. During their first appearance I was both amazed and terrified of them!

The constant struggle between what is good, what we’re told is good, and what could be good, was awesome. I especially loved seeing the dynamic between Nadya and Malachiasz. She’s been devoted to the gods her and entire life, and she views Malachiasz as a blood mage heretic. Unravelling the different nuances between the way they practice magic was fantastic as well as how they could maybe work together. The moral ambiguity was delightful and so much fun to read.

I could probably ramble on and on about how much I absolutely adored this book. It had everything I look for in my favorite books: enemies, moral ambiguity, a hint of blood (okay, more than a hint), and so much more. Did I mention yet there’s blood and chin grabbing? No? Well, yeah, there is, and you need to read this immediately.

I’m serious. Please read it. I need to cry to someone about how much I loved this!

Also, another side note, this book is a totally awesome aesthetic. That cover? Wow, I’m obsessed (if you couldn’t tell yet).

So, it took me a few chapters to really get into this. But once I did, I was very intrigued by this world, and their use of magic, and their gods. This story was so complex and there was so much to follow and learn about as I read. It took me a little longer to read because of that, but then a fantasy story like this always does as you get the world-building going. Of course we know that Nadya is our good side, the one we are rooting for, but it is also easy to wonder if her fighting for her gods is something that maybe she does need to take a step back from. Her travels and tenuous truce with Malachiasz to work together towards their supposedly common goal were full of so many twists, and especially once they reached the capital city in Grazyk, it almost gave me whiplash, like watching a tennis match, wondering who was really the bad guy. Who could Nadya really trust, who was really on her side, were the feelings she was developing for an assumed enemy ones that could be trusted, or was she being tricked?

The monsters that we were worried about at the beginning became allies. And those that Nadya thinks are allies may be the true monsters, more than she even realizes until it is too late. But I could see a bit of redemption or want of redemption even in our monster at the end, and I look forward to another book for this story, to see just what is real and what is not. That's a warning for you, that while this isn't a cliffhanger really, it doesn't end in a way that things are all wrapped up. We must have more. Hopefully when the next one comes out, I'll be lucky enough to get a copy to read and have plenty of time to read it.

This is an amazing dark and rich fantasy story about two worlds that can not survive the battle they are fighting. The heart of this story is all about magic and which country is correct in their use of it and those that want to control everything. On one side of the battle we have blood mages who use blood and spell books to work their magic. On the other we have a cleric who has been blessed to speak with the Gods and control magic by that blessing. This is a dark fantasy in that it a bloody war and not always sure who can be trusted. It moves along at fantastic clip told from different view points as we travel the path the war takes. I am eager to see how the story plays out and how the battle of magic is finished..

”We’re all monsters, Nadya,” Malachiasz said, his voice gaining a few tangled chords of chaos. “Some of us just hide it better than others.”

I absolutely loved this book!! Loved! Nadya and Serefin’s stories were addicting and enthralling. I couldn’t stop reading. I finished this book in one day in only a matter of hours. I couldn’t get enough and I’m actually happy that it was a cliff. That means I get to read more about them!

Nadya is not just a normal girl. She’s divine. Touched by the gods and goddesses themselves with a power like no other. She has so much pressure and a lot of weight on her human shoulders. She’s meant to save the world and she handles it exactly how I would think anyone would. Not with grace. Not without doubt. She’s flawed and it makes it so much easier to love her.

I have to admit I hated Serefin for a good portion of the book but he grew on me. I figured he would. I started loving him and hating someone else. I won’t say who as to not spoil this book. But love and betrayal is a constant in this book. You can’t have one without the other.

Wicked Saints is wickedly fun, dark and suspenseful. It’s full of hope, love and betrayal. Loyalty and trust. I can’t wait for book 2. These characters are going to stick with me for some time.

A solid, golden 4.5 star rating. :)

You will rarely ever hear this from me, but I was blown away by this book.
This book has a enchantingly lovely writing style, fantastic worldbuilding, and multilayered characters.

Three people (a prince, a girl blessed by the gods, and a mysterious boy) must work together in order to achieve their common goal to kill the king. It seems plain at first, but the author drives the plot with a relentless series of events that keep tensions high all throughout (with a few near plot twists! The plot twists were somewhat predictable, but that didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book). The book kept me hooked, and I was up pretty late just to finish it.

I really liked the depth of Malachiasz and Nadya's character. Malachiasz was always an interesting character, because I could never really quite judge his character. What were his motives? What was his plan? I just couldn't tell, and that was the fascinating part. Nadya, too, was such an awesome female protagonist to read about. She was strong, cared for her country's people, and brave, but she had flaws. She made mistakes that she regretted, and sometimes she was selfish. I really enjoyed that. However, everyone else fell rather flat for me. I think I was supposed to sympathize and care for Serafin, who is another POV character, but unfortunately, I could not.

Really I only grew attached to Malachiasz and Nadya and also Kostya. But I'm really tough to please when it comes to characters, so that I don't really mind.

I'm a little confused on what happened to Kostya. I don't want to spoil too far, but to say in simple terms, the author seemed to set up something with Kostya. I thought there was potential for an interesting reveal in the plot with Kostya, and at first, the author went along with it. But all of a sudden, Kostya was abandoned and disappeared from the plot?? It was very weird.

I also disliked how self-harm and anxiety was briefly mentioned, but not properly addressed. I feel too much like the author just put it in simply to have it there.

I really did love the world building, though. Props to the author! She is really talented, and I'll be awaiting the sequel with bated breath.

Wicked Saints is a dark and twisty tale of a girl who can speak to the Saints, a girl thrust into the middle of a war. Its a tale of a horrible king and a devious prince. There are some murderous moments which reminded me of Nevernight and some forbidden love that was reminiscent of the Grishaverse...all of these things have been said multiple times before me, which is why I snagged it the first chance I could get. I wasn’t 100% sold on the story, as it does seem to resemble similar books. However, I really did like the writing style and characters in this story.

I really wanted to like this book, but I had such a hard time getting into it, and I ended up skipping around a bit at times. Some parts felt like there was too much going on, and other times, not enough. I was expecting more world building and character development than I found. I know this is the first book in a trilogy, but I don't know that I'll be picking up the remaining books in the series.

This book is 100% absolutely AMAZING. I saw the buzz around this book and knew I had to give it a go. It did not disappoint.

The Quick Cut: Three people's lives and goals end up entangled with one another's as they try to kill the king.

A Real Review:

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Magic is something often found in literature, but what about when it's interlaced with religion? This gothic tale attempts to differentiate itself from the ever widening pack of fantasy novels by tackling the religion topic subtly in the first book in the Something Dark and Holy Trilogy.

Tranavia is a world that is doing its best to eliminate the god-based magic of the Kalyazin. It is a place that does not believe in the gods that the Kalyazin do and obtain their magic through blood based rituals. The Kalyazin, as the opposing force, believe in the gods and depend on them for their magic - and must ensure they do what is required to continue to keep their magic coming.

Except one of the Kalyazin named Nadya does more than just get power from the gods - she communicates with them. She's on the run from forces who attacked her monastery when she runs into a blood mage named Malachiasz He is trying to overthrow the current Travanian reign. The third and final major character is Serefin - the prince of Travania and a blood mage.

This is such a dark, brooding tale that I can see being popular with many readers. For me, however, it didn't and a lot of that came down to confusion on my part. While Nadya talks to multiple gods, it can be hard to keep track of who is what and the blood magic isn't explained as well as I'd like. It would have been perfect if a glossary was provided - there's so much going on! I got lost in the details and ended up losing track of the plot and with a major headache.

On the upside, the dual narrators of Nadya and Serefin really pay off. Beyond getting the perspective from each side (and each magic type), it also gives you insight into two characters who are on different levels of good vs evil.

An intensely packed plot, this book may not be for everyone (but it will be very enjoyable to those who can keep up).

My rating: 3 out of 5

First off, if you are at all triggered by blood, gore, or self-harm, please stay 5000 miles away from this book.

There was a heavy focus on magic and religion and the theological debates that accompany them. In fact, I often found myself switching sides on who was right, who was wrong, and who Nadya should trust (and if she should trust herself). The magic system was unlike anything I’ve read before, and same for the world. Though inspired by Russia, it totally stands on its own.

What I loved most was the ‘anything can happen’ fast-paced plot that had me turning pages like nobody’s business. From the first chapter, I was totally swept away and there was no turning back. And trust me when I say the world is dark dark dark (probably the darkest I’ve read), which after following Emily on twitter, I think she’d take that as a compliment.

Overall, it was an enjoyable book but not the best I have read this year.

“Are we so different, Nadya?” He lifted his hand, fingers tipped with long claws, and pressed his thumb against her lips. “We both long for freedom. For power. For a choice. We both want to see our kingdoms survive.”

The ending of this story left me so excited for more. The ending is a maybe a weird place to start a review, but it really was was so great that I just want to talk about it - and all the other things I enjoyed. Anytime I can get a heavy political fantasy and a cool magic system based on gods and gods-blessed powers, I’m pretty much guaranteed to check the story out. And I have to say Wicked Saints combines all these and more to have a fast-paced, character driven story that never sacrifices plot.

I really loved the worldbuilding done in the story. The duelling magic systems of Kalyazin and Tranavia was really interesting and I loved seeing how the different cultures utilized magic different - and the complex ties to religion and belief! And the Vultures were mildly terrifying and a power unlike anything else in the world. They kept the story creepy and an extra line of tension running though all the court drama. I thought all of the central characters were unique and well-realized, creating a full world with differing views and motives. I thought Nadya was great from the first page, but I really great to like Serafin and I’m very excited to see where his story goes. I kinda have the opposite opinion on Malachiasz, who I liked to start with, and cared about less as the story went on. I was also desperately craving a map for the story, and I can’t wait to see if there will be one (if assuming yes) in the finished copies.

The Wicked Saints was an action-packed political fantasy with heavy influences from Eastern European countries. The unforgiving atmosphere and the alluring writing are a match made for each other.

This is officially my new favorite book of 2019! Wicked Saints has solid world-building, several strong and well-built main and secondary characters, and not just one but two compelling magic systems! It is so unfortunate that my work schedule has been so busy lately, because I hated that it took me so long to read this. Honestly, I never wanted to put this book down. Something is always happening and even though I was guessing that in the end so-and-so would betray so-and-so, I never saw such-and-such coming! Overall, I will not stop recommending this book to my friends and followers. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to read this in advance!!

DNF, about 12% in. There was just tooo much going on in the first few chapters, and I feel like characters kept getting introduced before I even cared about the other ones. What I read of the magic system seems interesting but also not at the same time: you just pray to the gods for magic and it just happens? I don’t know. Just not for me.

I was not sure if I was going to like this one or not, but, I DID. I made the mistake of looking at other reviews before diving in, so I wasn't sure how it would go. I do think, having read it, that either you'll be on board with this book and be all the way in, or you will not be interested at all. If you connect to the three main characters and buy-in to their dark and twisty drama with each other, then it's going to be a fun, fast read. If the book misses the mark with you and you don't quite connect, it's going to feel like a derivative "dark fantasy YA" book and it's going to disappoint. Librarians: definitely put it in on your shelves, because I think it will be liked by new readers to the genre, but it definitely might be a bit too dark for other readers. A solid addition to the upper YA market currently trending.

My Review: This one started off way strong. I did feel like the powers in this one were a little convenient but once you really got going it worked out for this world. I loved the aspect of the magic in this title. So many people try to make different names for powers or use the same thing over and over and it really makes the story irritating. In this one though the author made it clear that we have this special gods blessed power that Nadya has and then blood magic. I like that although it was somewhat complicated it was also very simple.

The story itself did have a few issues. I thought that some parts were slower than they needed to be. This is one of those titles that really is a set up for the series as a whole. So if you have that in mind going in then you most likely will have a better time with it. as you would be prepared for it. Even with the slower than I liked parts this book was still very good.

I loved the setting and the use of Russian, Slavic, and Polish cultures (I looked this up as I was not sure). I think the author did a wonderful job with all of it. You could tell that this was a debut which is fine. I am excited to see how the author grows into the next title.

For Nadya herself I really enjoyed how she grew over the title. I hope that she continues to grow throughout the series and I did like that her transformation in this one was not quick. It had a great pace on her changing and I can not wait to see where she goes from here.

I really think those who loved The Black Witch might enjoy this one. As it deals with a very devout girl who learns a new way of thinking. It has magic etc. I know that I enjoyed it.

Wicked Saints is something dark and holy, indeed. A blood soaked gothic high fantasy that pulls inspiration from Russia & Poland and features gods, monster boys, and blood mages. I'm taking liberties and hailing Emily as queen of writing dark and sexy morally grey characters.

At its core, Wicked Saints is about the war between blood mages and divinity and how far people will go to protect what they believe. Nadya is a religious cleric from Kalyazin (Russian-inspired country). She is the last of her kind and can speak directly to the gods who share their abilities with her. Malachiasz.is a heretic, a blood mage, who is from the country Tranavia (Polish-inspired country) - the country Kalyazin has been bitterly and violently warring with for close to a hundred years. Serefin is a blood mage prince of one of the most powerful realms in this world, but the king is trying to ensure that no one can contest his power, while also wanting to use his son as a martial pawn. He also has a visual impairment and is unable to see out of one of his eyes. The writing is lyrical and atmospheric. The magic system is unique and there is a lot of dark politics.

Wicked Saints is being compared to the Grishaverse series by Leigh Bardugo and that is fair, but in my opinion I think it is in a league of it's own due to a sharp uniqueness as the plot progressed. It's darker and becomes quite violent so that may not be for everyone. If you love these elements in fantasy then I think you'll love this book! This is what my heart has always wanted to read. I love to read books in the "grey area", where things are morally ambiguous. Emily didn't tell us right from wrong... she allowed us to sift through and be challenged to draw our own conclusions about the characters. It had me questioning my own belief and value system by the end.

** There is a general warning for self-harm as there are many blood mage characters and well that comes with their magic use.

I was given a copy of The Wicked Saints to read and provide an honest review in return via Netgalley eBooks.

This story encompassed both dark and light aspects of magic within an old-world were magic comes from the divine or comes from the blood in your veins. A war in which a young cleric named Nadya who can converse with the gods and wield their magic and Serefin, the high prince who is also a blood mage who uses blood with pages from spell books to wield his magic.

The story and characters are all fresh concepts and well-written. I read this book in a little over a week. Devouring chapters before bed.

The story can be dark yet keeps the graphic imagery appropriate for the YA age category.

This is definitely going to be one of my top ten books of 2019!