Wow! I normally don't say this with second books, but it was so much better than the first. If you were one of those people who were disappointed by Wicked Saints and thought it was just "meh", then I encourage you to give Ruthless Gods a try.

Wicked Saints fell flat for me because I went into it thinking it was going to be something new and different, but it turned out being similar to things I read before and fell right into certain tropes I thought it would avoid. For example, I figured something would happen between Nadya and Malachiasz, I just didn't expect it to be so insta-love. I know a lot of people liked Serefin's chapters, but I thought they were boring. Overall, I figured if I came across Ruthless Gods in the future I might read it, but now I am anxiously waiting for the third and final book.

Ruthless Gods is so much better than Wicked Saints. I loved Serefin's chapters and didn't want to skip over them like the last book. There is plenty of action going on that keeps the characters busy, and we dive deeper into the 'Gods' storyline. I love books where the characters are questioning if their Gods are really Gods at all. I'm also really happy that Malachiasz wasn't absent for most of the book like I thought he was going to be. Another thing the author did that I liked was to scatter in a couple chapters from different characters. I love having a different character's POV from time to time.

There were plenty of things I didn't like about the book, but the fast paced plot kept me interested enough to mostly overlook them. For example, sometimes I felt like I skipped a chapter because the characters would just know something or say something and I would think "Were we supposed to know this already?" Some things are still unclear to me. Another is Nadya and Malachiasz's relationship. How many times is she going to keep forgiving him? She also spends most of her chapters thinking about how she shouldn't trust him, he's obviously lying, but his feelings must be real so she'll kiss him anyways. It got old after a while. There were some other things here and there, but as long as you're more focused on finding out what happens next it shouldn't be a problem. With that said, if you loved Wicked Saints you need to read Ruthless Gods. If you didn't love it, you need to read it anyways.

** Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
Please don’t read this review if you haven’t picked up book one, aka Wicked Saints. **

I really hoped to see some improvement in the name and confusion department, but I guess that was only a problem to me. Again, I found myself somewhat confused on the main topics, I’m not even sure I totally understand what’s up with Nadya’s magic, and what really happened that night on book 1 when Malachiasz stabbed us all in the back.

Why did I keep on reading? The plot is interesting, and now that I think about it, maybe we are meant to be confused, because we can’t know who is the bad guy, they all take turns in doing some terrible things. They are trying to do what is best for their people, and that comes first, always.

My favorite was Serefin, he is scared, confused, but funny and keeps going no matter what. He has a demon-god slowly taking possession of his body. I mean, cut the guy some slack!

Nadya is her usual questioning self. Where is my magic coming from? What are the gods? What am I? same questions from book 1, and really not many answers.

Malachiasz is a monster, literally. But he still shows glimpses of that quirky boy we all loved, and then resented. Not sure what his end game was during Ruthless Gods.

Overall, it was fun but extremely long, and unnecessarily so, like I said we didn’t get much answers. Nothing much changed.

5 stars!

Many thanks to NetGalley and
St. Martin's Press for the e-arc!

What can I say? I loved this story, a lot more than the first. This one pulls you deeper into the drama, chaos and you seriously dont know who to trust but you love them all and are attached to so many of the characters. A part of me is still like wtf is going on and wtf is happening bc so much really does happen on this story - along with heartbreak. I couldn't out this book down, I love that this book goes more in depth with the characters and world and magic and I hope to understand the gods more in the next book. If you like queer representation, enemies to lovers and a bunch of liars that you cant help but love and magic, lots of magic then you will love this story.

This is your final chance to avoid spoilers! Turn away or face the consequences! (I am going to try to limit spoilers for Ruthless Gods itself. However, you may want to proceed with caution if you don’t want to know anything about it. If that’s the case, just know it is even better than Wicked Saints and you should definitely read it.)

I really enjoyed Wicked Saints and it left me desperate for more of the world. I wanted to peel back the layers and find out more about the mythology that Emily hints at in her debut novel, and I especially wanted to see more of the gods’ darker sides and the Black Vulture’s power. Ruthless Gods delivers all that and more. You are not prepared. I had the opportunity to meet Emily at Cleveland’s CleReads Book Festival this summer and she told me that book two was basically “the last hundred pages of Wicked Saints, expanded,” and yet I was not prepared for her to deliver that promise.

Pacing
Ruthless Gods moves quickly. There was not a single scene that dragged on. I was slightly surprised considering how long the book is. I expected the Black Vulture to be an elusive presence throughout the first half of the book, but he actually shows up pretty early. In an effort to avoid spoilers, I won’t tell you how his reunions with the other characters go, but know that you will feel all the feels one feels towards awkward, manipulative Malachiasz. Things get rolling pretty quickly thanks to this frustrating-yet-lovable character.

Setting
As in Wicked Saints, there’s a lot of walking in Ruthless Gods. However, this is not just a repeat of what we read in the first book. I have to give Emily props for that accomplishment. Rather than heading into gods-forsaken Tranavia, our characters head deeper into Kalyazin, and it is in these lands that we finally, finally get to see the mythology hinted at in the first book. There’s monsters and gods and fallen gods, creepy temples and sacred spaces. With two characters who can now commune with the “divine” (or not-so-divine) you can bet there’s some pretty interesting divine intervention that occurs.

Characters
Even though we met Nadya, Serefin, and Malachiasz in Wicked Saints we get to see different sides to these characters in Ruthless Gods (especially because Malachiasz spends a lot of time – I won’t tell you how much – as the Black Vulture). I think what makes these characters interesting this time around is that they all wrestle with their identity. Nadya can’t understand who she is without her gods. Serefin, the heretical blood mage, is tied to the divine. And Malachiasz can’t even remember who he is most of the time. In addition to their struggle with identity, all three also have to struggle with what sacrifices they’re willing to make for what they believe in.

In addition to the three core characters, we also get to meet a handful of new and returning characters. The best thing about the supporting cast is that they aren’t just background props. These supporting characters actually support our main characters and aid in moving the plot forward. Of course there’s Ostyia and Kacper, without whom Serefin would probably be a drunk, useless lump. Parj and Rashid also make a comeback – and they are definitely more involved than in Wicked Saints, especially Parj. We’re reintroduced to someone from Nadya’s past (no spoilers!) who makes Nadya both question herself and more sure of herself. Pelageya makes a return, which was one of my favorite parts about the book. (Pelageya is one of my favorite characters and I really want to see more of her!) And that’s just the characters we’ve already met!

And, of course, we cannot forget our cast of gods and fallen gods….

So I read the first novel pretty quickly and had a total love/hate relationship with it, but the moment I saw this one floating around on NetGalley I HAD to read it, and I was fortunate enough to get approved for it too. I had less of a hate relationship and more of a love one with this sequel, even though this one took me a little while longer to read. I think it was because this go around dealt with the divine so much more, but it also hurt a whole lot more. There was so much more at stake, and the characters were all coming into themselves and being damaged to such a worse extent. I'm almost sad that I read this so early, because now I have to wait for eighty-four years to get my hand on a hopefully to-come third novel. This sequel definitely pushed the bar after the first novel, and it will absolutely have you on the edge of your seat for these dumb, lovable characters.

Let's keep this short and sweet, alright?

Emily tried, I guess. It was more thrilling and action-packed than WS, AND a whole lot better. But still, I cared for nearly nothing. I am biased since I cared for no one but Serefin and his crew in WS and this book. Nadya and Malachiasz are still annoying, underdeveloped rats arguing over if they should mate or hiss. Not to mention that the author continues to be rude towards negative (and even positive) reviewers and openly belittle fans whose interpretations of her characters are of their own opinion. But, whatever I guess! Maybe reviewers won't be a problem to her if she just keeps unfollowing them despite their support.

There is nothing horror about this. I see the cosmic and body horror part and... that's it. Also, I totally called it, THE OVERUSE OF "CHAOS" AND "MADNESS" IS AGGRAVATING. Like I said, only cosmic, no horror. Hopefully, YA authors get their sh*t together because by god am I done with all of this.

If you thought the first book was intense and shocking, hold your hats, because this book blows the the first book out of the water. I don't know how the author managed to cram so much into this book, but I nearly got whiplash from the barrage of shocking bits I didn't expect. Felt near pummeled with twists, but in a good way. Already absolutely pumped for another book, because there's NO WAY there won't be. Seriously, if you like the first book, you'll LOVE this one. SO SO GOOD.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2970038100

This book was provided to me for an honest review. I loved Wicked Saints and had high expectations for Ruthless Gods. The author did not disappoint. I feel like I have gotten to know these characters, so their trials and tribulations hurt my heart in the best way possible. How can I possibly wait for the next book?!

Disclaimer: Thank you to Wednesday Books, Net Galley, and Emily A. Duncan for this free copy of Ruthless Gods to review. This in no way shapes my opinion, all thoughts expressed are my own.

I really loved Wicked Saints... until the last 1/4 of the book. The last part of the book totally confused me, I had SO many questions. The fact that I knew that this was going to be a sequel made me feel much more at ease about having issues with not understanding. I am pleasantly surprised with Ruthless Gods!

This book has more death (some horrific scenes), more information about the gods... and still some confusion. But I think that it's okay now. I think that it's part of the world. Everyone is confused, so for us to be questioning along with the characters kind of feels normal to me. Though I did get my questions answered from the first book, this one leaves me raw with emotion. I was SO happy to get more points of view. It gives me more clarification on who the characters are and actually makes me want to go back and reread the first book all over again. I think the world building was better than the first and her writing style has vastly improved.

I don't want to say too much, as I don't want to be spoilery, but this book is a bit gruesome. She mentioned herself in her own goodreads review that there's some eye stuff.. and... yep, there's eye stuff. So if you truly want to dive into something deliciously dark, and truly wicked - read this book!

I loved this book! I adored Wicked Saints when I read it earlier this year, and was super excited when I got approved for an ARC of Netgalley! I dove into the book and devoured it! The ARC still felt a little under-edited in places, but hopefully that will be tidied up before it releases. I loved seeing the gang back together. Also, there were multiple make-out scenes in temples when characters shouldn't be making out and it was great.

What a huge disappointment. I was impressed with the first book in this series, as I felt it surmounted the somewhat cliched structure and had interestingly ambiguous characters. This follow-up is, quite frankly, a mess. Huge plot points don't make any sense at all, the characters seem to be stumbling around blindly, moved only by their angst and suffering. And, where my review of the last one remarked that although bloody, the gore was never gratuitous, this time I would say the opposite. I don't think I will bother with the next one.

Emily Duncan continues to deliver. This pikes up after the chaotic events with all the characters now having to find a new path.

I don't want to review the plot, I think plenty of other reviewers will do that so these are my impressions of the overall book:

First off, I was unaware this was book two so when I received this story I decided to read book one. That story blew me away so I immediately read this one and boy, did the author blow me away again!

I don't know which book I liked best, but this book is darn near perfection. The story line, the characters, the plot, the descriptions, the atmosphere… all perfect!

There is never a dull moment in this book. No time to stop, relax and take a breath. Even in the slower moments, the author creates a tension or atmosphere that leads the reader to the next action. As a reader, my next heart beat seemed times to the words on the page. I could not get enough!!

The characters are unique, deep and well detailed. I've never read a book with such interesting and different people. They are all complex, both good and bad, strong and weak; all so realistic.

I will be wanting a book three. I have found a new favorite author. I received an ARC via NetGallery and I am leaving an honest.

#NetGallery #RuthlessGods #StMartinsPress #EmilyADuncan #EpicReads #PerfectReads

Ruthless Gods goes from goth fantasy to full-on eldritch horror and I am LOVING IT. Duncan's "disaster children" are being pulled by forces beyond their control, player in a game they never quite comprehended. Desperate to hear the voices of the gods again, Nadya undertakes a journey to a sacred site, but she'll need the help of the Black Vulture, once a boy named Malachiasz, to get there. Meanwhile, the voices in Serefin's head (and eye) are less than welcome and his kingdom and his sanity are on the line. Duncan masterfully pushes her characters together for taut, tender moments, and in the next beat rips them apart to suffer the consequences. This book is full scale warfare both emotionally and physically and will have readers by the neck until the last heart-stopping chapter.

4,5 stars!!!!

I just can't with this series anymore, what do you want miss Duncan? Do you want me to claw my own heart out?

Well, this book did it to me, it was so emerging and gripping. Nadya has my heart I love her so much I just want her to find peace and be happy (tear my heart out why don't you) and the boy/monster I just can't with all the angst, it's too good. This book is such a great followup to wicked saints it picks off right after the events of the last book. And I swear I thought we were going to have a Hades and Persephone type moment in the book and that would have made my life complete, just saying.

The lies and unreliable narrators really keep you on your toes, and can I just say what the hell is up with these scary-ass gods? Not to mention how the ending will have you curled up in ball crying your eyes out, yeah... life is good.

I really regret reading this book in advance because now I have to wait until forever to read the conclusion... My bad.

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and publisher, my opinions are my own.

Thank you so much NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I just finished Ruthless Gods and I have mixed feelings. It was definitely a different speed than the first book, and there were at on of moments that I really loved, but also I felt mildly confused throughout. I struggled picking a rating for this one, and settled on a three, because I really felt the middle of this book was a lower rating than the beginning and end. I enjoyed how things started out following the end of Wicked Saints, but I think I became disinterested during the traveling center portion as they make their way to the forest. Post forest? Excellent content. Interesting cliff hanger - I almost wanted more of a cliff hanger!

Emily Duncan is an amazingly artistic writer who has a knack for visually horrific scenes. I just don't know if this particular writing style is my preferred type to read. Just my own, honest opinion about the series. I like it, but I feel as though I don't love it for this reason.

*Spoilers-ish*

I'm going to digest, then reread both books, but quick comment on our leading lady and gents-

Nadya - she frustrated me quite a bit, more so in this book than the last, but again, post forest I started to like her more. There were moments in RG where Nadya had some great moments, but I felt that most of them were due to Mal and Serefin.

Mal - more more more more more I want more of his chaos. Something about his relationship with Nadya I loved (especially as they neared their doom). I can't wait to see the fan art that comes out of this. I will need it all.

Serefin - I actually enjoyed his character the most in RG. I found him genuine, true to his nature, consistent and the most interesting of the bunch. I cannot wait to see how his character is going to manage what Nadya has left for him back home. I also need more of his relationship.

Woah woah woah... that was so unfair, I want some
more please *Oliver Twist Voice*!!!

Nadya and Malachiasz will be the literal end of me. How am I supposed to go on? What with _ not knowing about _ being possessed and _ and the betrayal and the tension!!!!!! Help!!!

Anyway. Read this book. So good!!!

I was not the biggest fan of the first installment of this series but I decided to give her another shot and now I think I am done.

I loved this way better than the first book for sure. The characters all have grown is an amazing way. Loved this book.

I was so excited to get my hands on this sequel to Wicked Saints! I don't think that I've ever read anything so fast in my life! I gobbled up this phenomenal read so quickly I can't wait to see what's next! This is a great teen series and would make a great TV series or movie series. I absolutely recommend this series to everyone!
Thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.