I have SO much to say about this story. To start off, I REALLY enjoyed the first book in the series, Wicked Saints! The story held my attention the ENTIRE time. It took a few chapters for the pace to realign with my expectations, but I still loved every moment I read the book. The character development was there in the prose. The imagery came off very vivid in my mind. Also, the cover is amazing. I can't wait for the next book!!!!!

Ruthless Gods takes everything that was glorious about Wicked Saints, amps it up to 11 and goes running. Unlike the first book where there was this slow build to what was going on, it takes about 20% to build up and then everything starts to slide inexorably sideways.

Emily Duncan made each character more vivid and understandable without sacrificing any of the weird, dark, craziness that made me love the first book.

All three of these disaster kids are getting deeper into it with each page, choice and breath they take and I am **here for it**. Nadya and her search for the truth about magic and her powers, and what the gods really are. Serefin who is falling into deeper and deeper trouble as he's touched by gods who never wanted him. Malachiasz who is as hot mess as it gets and becomes more of a cosmic horror with each word. They're all delightful and disturbing in equal measure and it's fantastic.

Ruthless Gods took about 20% to really set up what was going on, but after we get to that point it starts to run and never stops. There is so much in this book I would love to delve deeper into, and honestly, I have no clue how I'm supposed to wait for next year for book 3 because RG has done a NUMBER on me in the best of ways.

It's a romance which is dark and twisty with a silhouette at the edges. It's cosmic horror with a monster boy and a blood mage and a girl who is god touched but doesn't know why. There is intrigue, there is death, and there is kissing on an altar of bones. I'm not sure it can get much better than that.

It isn't just about Nadya and Malachiasz either. I mean yes, light+dark and monster and cleric are all there in there bantering glory. But that isn't all of it. We also get Ostyia flirting with a hilarious new character, and Serefin realizing that Kacper has been in love with him all along. There are new intrigues, clues about the past, and just so much to love.

Essentially what I'm saying is that if you loved Wicked Saints, strap in because it's only gotten bigger, better and weirder. 10/10, 5/5, I'll be reading this again...and again...and again.

this book reminds me of Leigh Bardugo's style of writing. Definitely better than the first one. This book was so cruel and dark and simply wonderful.

Review to post soon at https://www.burtonbookreview.com/2020/02/wicked-saints-and-ruthless-gods-by.html




Wicked Saints published April 2019





Ruthless Gods published April 2020





Something Dark and Holy series, books 1 & 2 by Emily Duncan.





Thank you to St. Martin's Press for providing the eGalley to review Ruthless Gods, the sequel to Wicked Saints.




I had read Wicked Saints by Emily Duncan last November as this short summary was quite intriguing:

A girl who can speak to gods must save her people without destroying herself.

A prince in danger must decide who to trust.

A boy with a monstrous secret waits in the wings.

Together, they must assassinate the king and stop the war.

In a centuries-long war where beauty and brutality meet, their three paths entwine in a shadowy world of spilled blood and mysterious saints, where a forbidden romance threatens to tip the scales between dark and light. Wicked Saints is the thrilling start to Emily A. Duncan’s devastatingly Gothic Something Dark and Holy trilogy..


The story is about magical gods, stranger customs to evoke magical powers through blood and one girl's journey of gruesome survival as she struggles to understand who or what she is while trying to save her country. Definitely a fantasy with a bit of incredulity involved but a great premise. While the action in the story was drawn out it was the characters that kept me reading as they were the most intriguing element of Wicked Saints as the shifting plot line bounced out of grasp as to who we were rooting for.



"Ruthless Gods opens the door to a world of fallen gods and eldritch horrors... Gruesome, grotesque, and so, so glorious." - Erin A. Craig, New York Times bestselling author of House of Salt and Sorrows.

Nadya doesn’t trust her magic anymore. Serefin is fighting off a voice in his head that doesn’t belong to him. Malachiasz is at war with who--and what--he’s become.


As their group is continually torn apart, the girl, the prince, and the monster find their fates irrevocably intertwined. Their paths are being orchestrated by someone…or something.


The voices that Serefin hears in the darkness, the ones that Nadya believes are her gods, the ones that Malachiasz is desperate to meet—those voices want a stake in the world, and they refuse to stay quiet any longer.

In her dramatic follow-up to Wicked Saints, the first book in her Something Dark and Holy trilogy, Emily A. Duncan paints a Gothic, icy world where shadows whisper, and no one is who they seem, with a shocking ending that will leave you breathless.





Book two of Something Dark and Holy is Ruthless Gods and yet I am not quite seeing where the Ruthless Gods were in the whole story as yet again that was out of grasp as well. Serefin and Malachiasz are proven to be more connected than we first imagine which made for a neat twist but the whole Serefin is gay thing was out of place in the story which seems to be a thing thrown in to newer YA reads just to pander to the audience and I think it is offensive at times to those who identify as such in the first place but that's another topic for another day. Speaking of offensive the author also warns her readers of several trigger warnings such as self-harm and "body horror/eye horror".



The main heroine in the series is Nadya and she is supposed to be super magical and 'holy' but apparently she needs to have special beads and has to talk to gods to by special so this time she fell flat for me as the gods were not listening since Malachiasz is still alive. It was 432 pages of this journey where they characters are at separate stages of their journeys and at 21% I wrote "So they're on this forgettable journey to get Zaneta from the Salt Mines (not that I know what that means) & "Something is stirring. Something is hungry." & if Something Doesn't Happen Soon I AM SLITTING MY WRISTS"

There was a lot of foreshadowing and build up to action again as the author really likes to develop the characters thoroughly. I am writing this review a few weeks after I actually finished it and yet it feels like it has been much longer than that. The saving grace for this story are those characters and yet I still don't feel like these characters' goals were explained properly; the narrative was a lot of musing. Not that I could do better, I do think there was so much potential .. but I kinda think this series would have been better off whittled down from a trilogy down to a good chunky book if some of the repetitiveness was edited out.



I am undecided as to whether or not I would like to read book three, it would depend on the description and the length of it. If the description doesn't tell me exactly what the actual goal is, then I don't want to embark on their journey of weird magic for no particular reason/just to see people interact with each other.



But yet-- if the story would really let something develop and focus on Nadya and Malachiasz saving the world without all the other hangers on, you might rope me into it if St. Martin's Press/Wednesday Books is willing to take another chance with me. They certainly do not need to attempt it as these books have quite a following already on Goodreads and I am one of the few that did not give this one five stars.



.

Rating: 3/5

Thanks NetGalley for the digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

Well, I think it's time to admit this book series is just not for me ):

I had read the first book, and even thought I didn't think it was great, I thought it showed a lot of potential, so I decided to continue with the series in the hope I would enjoy it more, but unfortunately it didn't happen.

I cannot exactly pinpoint what makes me not enjoy it as much as I should, since the writing is good, the worldbuilding is well done and there are some very original concepts - at least in the fantasy genre.

Maybe the biggest problems are the characters, since I feel no connection with them. I try to root for them, but it just doesn't work and the romance... It should be SO good, since it has all the Darklina vibes, but since book 1, it felt very flat to me and I was hoping with more development, things would change in book 2, but I felt the same.

I still recommend it though, if you like dark and twisted fantasy book, it might work for you :)

And the amazing trio is back! After Malachaisz messed everything up the Tranavia is in turnmoil. Serefin is barely hanging on to his thronw that is trying to be ripped away from him and Nadya hasn't heard from the Gods since the king was killed. When Nadya and Serefin leave the capital to find Malachiasz all three start heading to a final destination each of them thinking their using the others to get what they want. An exciting and adventurous continuation!

Ruthless Gods by Emily A. Duncan is the second installment in the Something Dark and Holy series. You absolutely must read book one, Wicked Saints, before diving into the sequel. These are not standalone stories. You have been forewarned, this is a planned series. Therefore, the books end on cliffhangers. I have no issues with them, but I know they are touchy subjects. These are NOT standalone stories, so you have to read the series.

With that being said, wow! What an incredible, fast-paced ride. This book was so emotional for me, and it got DARK. The writing is fantastic, the descriptions are crazy gory at times, but the world-building is stellar. I had such high hopes for this book, and the author did not disappoint.

There are SO MANY themes in these books, from love to betrayal to revenge. This book was absolutely emotional torture, and I imagine the author was writing with manic laughter through most of this book. The first installment, Wicked Saints, was so well done and absolutely torment (but in a good way), and I am still stunned by the sequel, which was so much worse but so much better at the same time. (Those who have read the books and enjoyed them will definitely understand.) I absolutely recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a good story.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest, unbiased opinion.

3.5 stars

Wow. This book was a Godsdamned JOURNEY. The ending. Oh my gods THAT ENDING. There were times when I wasn’t sure we’d make it there, time would drag and then it would speed up and go by in a blink. If Malachiasz is chaos then this book is like living in his mind. It is chaotic and pointed at the same time. Those points are sharp though and they will exact their pound of flesh. I feel like I could read this book thousands of times and still not fully grasp everything, which can be maddening at times, but is weirdly quite fitting for this story.

This was probably even more dark and gritty and twisty than I expected. I honestly have no clue how all of this will end but I’m dying to see what happens next! I definitely need to follow this one up with something light and fluffy. Give me comfort because I’m shook.

In this sequel to Wicked Saints the cleric, Black Vulture and the King are tangled in a web of their own creation as the battle over each others beliefs and use of magic. However, something new has entered the fight, something older, darker and much scarier! Can they save themselves, their countries and the beliefs they cling to in the face of all this? Told in beautiful and dark language the bonds between these young people are clear and the book reminds us not to fall so far into our own beliefs that we can't see, appreciate or understand what others believe. This series is completely unique in its content and several of my students read and loved Wicked Saints and anxiously await the sequel.

Unfortunately, this was not the book for me. I tried very hard to read it, but I had to DNF it.

I don't feel like I can accurately review this book as I did not finish it. So I kept this as neutral as I could. And rated it 3 stars.

Thank you for allowing me the chance to read it.

This was every bit as deliciously dark and full of blood, guts, gore, and death as the first book and while I did love every single page of it and all it's dark magic madness, this second book somehow felt different from the first.

Yes, it is different, of course it is. Things have changed. Everyone is more desperate, things are getting real up in here and yet, at times the writing felt disjointed. It took me a few paragraphs sometimes to figure out what had just happened, where we were in the story and what had changed. Was it because this was an ARC? possibly. Either way it sort of through me at times and took me a moment to settle back into the story. But, once again Duncan takes us on a wild ride filled with danger, mystery and so much darkness. One filled with murder and revenge and madness, so much madness.

Really a wonderfully told story that only promises to get better with the next book, disjointed starts and stops and all.

*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

This is a pretty good series. I enjoyed the writing style, characters, and Fantasy elements. Full review to come soon.

"Ruthless Gods" leads us on an epic battle with the gods both old and new. Nadya can't trust her magic, Serafin is wrestling with the voice in his head, and Malachiasz is still wrestling between good and evil. The three go on a gruesome journey to return balance to the world. Pain is inflicted, lives are lost, relationships are discovered. I enjoyed the book because of the world Duncan creates (similar to Lani Taylor) with the setting, religion, characters, and story-line. The story was engaging and raw. What I did not care for was Nadya's constant return to Malachiasz even after he repeatedly lied and betrayed her. It was almost an abusive relationship. To her credit, she did grow stronger in the decisions she made. In "Wicked Saints," she seemed to be a passive participant and decision making seemed either done for her or accidental. In the second book, she was more of a force to be reckoned with. I am eager to read the third book in the series to see where the gods attempt to take us.

This book devastated me. It was so intense and deep. Now that Malachiasz has done the unthinkable everything begins to unwind. Nadya must deal with what his betrayal means for her and Serefin must deal with the monster in his head. Here we find answers to many of the questions that have been asked but we also find more questions. So much happens in this book and the ending left me gasping for air. The gods really are ruthless and some have been playing a longer game than the others knew or anticipated. Things that should have been left slumbering are beginning to awaken and the world will never be the same when this is over, if it survives at all.
I’m honestly so invested in this series now. I NEED to know what happens from here. The fates of our three are more intertwined than before and betrayal after betrayal leaves them all heartbroken, untrusting, and bitter. Here is a world on the brink of disaster and I’m not sure our band will be able to stop it. I wait with great anticipation for the next instalment. This series is brilliant.

Ummm, yes! Everything I wanted in the sequel and more!! I truly love this story and the characters. It’s dark and fun and reminiscent of many of my favorite YA series.

Wow, I really love Emily Duncan’s writing!

So, Wicked Saints was a surprise hit for me last year, and I was so excited to get an e-ARC of the sequel! One pattern that’s starting to emerge is that these books tend to leave me with a massive book hangover once they’re done.

It’s hard to know how much to say for a sequel because I wouldn’t want to spoil either book, but I will say that I think I liked this one even more than the first. I love the development of the magic system—which is easily one of my favorite things about the books—and it was so nice to spend more time with these characters. I’ll definitely be picking up a finished copy to match my Wicked Saints hardback, and I can’t wait for the third book! Safe to say that the cover will be STUNNING like the first two.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I didn't like this book as much as the first one. There was a bit too much of a certain ship (that I'm not a fan of). I wish there was more of the side characters, and a bit less of the main three. They're so interesting but we only really get glimpses of them. And, you know, middle book syndrome. But I love the back and forth on divinity. And this book did set up a lot for the third book. Which I will have to wait super long for now.

You know the thing I hate about getting ARCS? Knowing that I have to wait even longer for the next book in the series. Especially because I loved every single moment of this book.

Ruthless Gods did something strange to me. Usually when I love a book, I tend to devour it in a day or two. Not this one. I made sure to make this last. It took me almost a week to read this simply because I didn’t want it to end. The story picks up a couple months after Wicked Saints ends and every moment of it felt like I couldn’t breathe. There were dead gods, betrayal,a monster romance. It’s absolutely everything that I love.

Going into this book, I didn’t know what to expect. I was heartbroken over how Wicked Saints ended, and I was glad to be able to get my hands on this book. Duncan managed to break my heart all over again. I don’t even think I can properly review this without giving anything away. I just want to scream about this book and how amazing it was and that everyone should read this series.

Emily A. Duncan does it again! The journey that started with Wicked Saints continues in this tour-de-force of a sequel. Ruthless Gods was everything I wanted it to be and more. It kept me at the edge of my seat and made me want to throw my phone at times while I went along for the ride with these dynamic characters. A must have if Wicked Saints was one of your major reads of the 2019.

HOLY COW EMILY DUNCAN WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME?!?!

This sequel was everything I did not even know I wanted and needed. I have high expectations for this book after reading WIcked Saints. Duncan did not let me down. She surpassed everything I even thought possible.

Ruthless Gods gave me exactly what I was craving and then piled on a whole heap more of great things. Plot twist after plot twist was handed to me on a silver platter. The characters developed and changed in remarkable ways. Break out your black eyeliner and rejoice to the ruthless gods and vultures because I am broken in every way possible.

The levels of betrayal are indescribable. If you crave a dark story with layers of greatness then this is the book you NEED to read this year. There are simply no words to explain how much I enjoyed this book.

I highly recommend this sequel and I will be eagerly waiting for the next book to come out. The only issue I have is that now I have to wait even longer to find out what happens next.

THANK YOU EMILY A. DUNCAN for giving us this masterpiece.

-Stone