Enjoyed this just as much as the first one. I cannot wait to see what happens next. The writing and development are exactly what you would expect from Duncan.

"Ruthless Gods" by Emily A. Duncan is a captivating novel that effortlessly blends fantasy and intrigue. Duncan's rich storytelling and complex characters drew me into a world of dark magic and political machinations. The sequel continues the journey in a way that kept me hooked, eager to uncover the fates of the characters I had grown attached to. I thoroughly enjoyed the depth of the narrative and the unpredictable twists. Without a doubt, I would eagerly pick up more works by Emily A. Duncan, as "Ruthless Gods" left me craving more of her imaginative storytelling.

I loved the first book and the second did not disappoint. Very dark romance and I could not get enough. I love the world building and the authors take on relationships between the Devine and the mundane.

Emily A. Duncan has done it again with "Ruthless Gods," the electrifying sequel to Wicked Saints, and it's nothing short of a five-star spectacle! This book takes everything that made its predecessor great and cranks it up to an entirely new level, leaving readers on the edge of their seats and hungry for more.

The characters in Ruthless Gods are the beating heart of this dark fantasy epic. Nadya, Serefin, and Malachiasz continue to evolve in ways that are both unexpected and deeply satisfying. Their internal struggles and the external forces that shape them add layers of complexity, making them some of the most compelling characters in the genre. The dynamics between them, fraught with tension and camaraderie, propel the story forward with an intensity that is hard to put into words.

The plot is a masterclass in pacing and tension. Duncan weaves a web of intrigue and danger, keeping readers guessing with every twist and turn. The stakes are higher, the dangers more imminent, and the revelations more mind-bending. The Gothic, icy world Duncan paints is hauntingly beautiful, with shadows that whisper secrets and a sense of unease that permeates every page.

The world-building in Ruthless Gods is nothing short of spectacular. Duncan immerses readers in a dark and atmospheric landscape where gods and monsters vie for power. The intricacies of the magic system and the lore surrounding the gods add depth to the narrative, creating a world that feels both ancient and alive with malevolent energy.

What sets Ruthless Gods apart from its predecessor is the unrelenting tension and the exploration of darker, more nuanced themes. The voices that haunt Serefin, Nadya's wavering faith, and Malachiasz's internal struggles add layers of psychological depth that elevate this story to new heights.

As for minor flaws, there were instances where the pacing felt slightly uneven, and some readers might find the narrative complexity a bit challenging to navigate. However, these are minor quibbles in the grand tapestry of the novel's brilliance.

I can't help but express my excitement for the third and final installment in the Something Dark and Holy trilogy. The shocking ending of Ruthless Gods left me breathless, craving more, and eagerly anticipating the conclusion to this mesmerizing series.

In conclusion, Ruthless Gods is a triumph in young adult epic fantasy, seamlessly blending elements of romance, adventure, and gothic atmosphere. Emily A. Duncan has crafted a sequel that not only lives up to the hype but surpasses it, leaving readers clamoring for more. If you haven't dived into the Something Dark and Holy trilogy yet, do yourself a favor and immerse yourself in this thrilling and darkly enchanting world. You won't be disappointed!

A stunning sequel to Wicked Saints. A gothic horror-fantasy about a girl, a prince and a monster; their intertwined fates, and the fallen gods who want a say in the world.

Ruthless Gods is a dark sequel to Wicked Saints, containing the story of gods, magic, and political intrigue. The book dives deeper into the intricate worldbuilding and character dynamics that were established in Wicked Saints. The exploration of power, sacrifice, and the blurred lines between good and evil adds depth that keeps you turning the page.

The twists and turns in this book left me reeling! Ugh I cannot articulate how much this book has affected me! I loved the characters and how dark it gets!

As I already enjoyed the first installment of this series, it was only natural that this also grabbed my attention upon the first page.
While I expected a few more turns and twists, it was still a great read and I would say it's for everyone who enjoyed Shadow and Bone/Six of Crows and loves folklore.

I couldn't finish this book. the story gave me such a bad reading slump when i was attempting to finish this. i have not recommended this to any peers because of that.

Considering the author’s previous online behaviour I don’t feel comfortable reviewing this book. The rating is simply because it’s required by Netgalley and has nothing to do with the book itself.

I will not be giving feedback on this book as I couldn’t really get into it but I think others may enjoy it.

Even darker and bloodier than the first and I couldn’t get enough. The characters, the setting, all of it was brilliant!

I could not get into this story. I truly tried I even audibled the audiobook when it came out hoping that would help me. I had to DNF I felt like I kept getting lost and zoning out

I have tried over and over to finished reading this book but it is just boring. Absolutely boring and in some places it feels a bit nonsensical. I give up. I can’t enjoy it.

Ruthless Gods was a good continuation of the series but unfortunately, due to the controversy with the author, I will not be continuing on with the final book in the trilogy.

I loved this book. I chose to read the series during spooky season beacause I knew that there would be so much atmosphere that I would not be able to help but look over my shoulder and question the shadows lurking in my rooms corners.

The writer creates such a unique world that it wouldn"t matter how warm and cozy your room was, you are transported into the dark forests, you can close your eyes and see all of the gore. There is no escaping it, And that is what makes it perfect for Halloween.

I do think if gore is not for you then you wont like the book, if horror is not for you, once again move along. IF you are looking for a light and fluffy read, put this book DOWN.

But for everyone else, you have found an excellent series to dive into.

I really wanted to like this book but I guess it just wasnt for me. Will try again in the future to see if I can get into it.

Wow was this book a whirlwind.
Getting to learn more about Nadya, Serefin, and Malachiasz made me fall in love with each of them more and more. Without giving anything away, these three get taken on a journey together, but also separate, to figure out what these voices are that they’ve been hearing. The growing romance between Nadya and Malachiasz made my heart swoon and continually root for them to get a happily ever after. Serefin and his eyes……not saying anymore than that. I can’t wait to get into the third and final book and see how our three friends fates turn out.

Wish netgalley had the option of deleting books after being approved. I’d learned of the author’s twitter issues after being approved. Will not read this or any books by Emily Duncan.

I have elected not to read and review this book due to time constraints. Thank you for the opportunity.