Some people said it was slow, and some people said it was quick, and I’m sorry to say that I agree with them both. So, before jumping into this I heard mixed reviews about the beginning. “Running to save herself for some greater purpose was a bitter survival when it meant losing everything and everyone with each step she took.” There is so much history included in this book and I absolutely adored it. Duncan did her homework because the world is so tangible and just amazing. Kalyazin and Tranavia are basically fantasy medieval Russia and Poland, and while that influence is clear, they both are extremely well developed and manage to feel completely separate from their real-life counterparts. Speaking of her world– oh my god this setting. She balances the darkness, bloodiness, and the grim reality of her world, with the occasional bit of humor and fun quips. Her style and voice is similar to Leigh Bardugo but has a unique aspect that makes it clearly hers.

Her writing style is vivid, atmospheric, and beautiful.

Duncan’s debut novel, but you cannot tell. Meanwhile, Serefin has been on the war front for years, but when his father tells him to return home, paranoia takes root, and he begins to wonder if the palace is more dangerous than battle. She believes she can turn the tides of the war and save her people, and in order to do so, she joins forces with three strangers, one of which a powerful blood mage, Malachiasz, to kill the King of Tranavia and end the war for good. She is the last known cleric, and when she prays, the gods answer and grant her magic. Wicked Saints is told in two, third person point of views, following Nadya, a cleric, and Serefin, a powerful blood mage and High Prince of Tranavia. Tranavia has been in a violent holy war with Nadya’s country, Kalyazin, and they’re winning. Content Warning: Violence, Death, Assault, Abuse, Torture, Self Harm, Blood & Gore, Alcoholism, War Themes, Murder // “You have plunged yourself into the dark where the monsters dwell, now you must fight them off before you’re consumed.” Wicked Saints is dark, gritty, sometimes horrific, and thoroughly compelling. Review in a Nutshell: This book is my new obsession.

Wicked saints book 2