I forgot to leave a review for this, but I really enjoyed it! It's been out for ages, so I won't say much more than I need to for my star rating. <3

I loved the premise of this and thought the writing was really lush, but the more I tried to read it the more it felt hard to retain and keep focused. This is definitely a case of my own brain not working with the writing, as much as I was interested, much to my regret. May give this another shot in the future.

Firstly, thank you to Netgalley, C.S.E. Cooney and Rebellion, Solaris for the opportunity to read this ARC in return for an honest review. The following is entirely my own views.

Having had this on my TBR for ages I thought it was about time I had a read of this. I'll confess I picked this based on the front cover. BUT overall, I enjoyed it. It took me until about a third of the book to get invested in the story and the characters. But once we had the addition of Mak and Datu and after the Blackbird Bride the story completely took off. We got to watch Lanie develop friendships and saw her character and confidence build throughout the remainder of the story.

My favourite parts were definitely the Lover's Complaint and Havoc and co. - this was when we could really see Lanie coming alive. The parts with Conan Lir were mixed. Initially enjoyable and towards the end, just a little confusing and I am almost hoping a second book comes out to explain his reasons and also for Lanie to finish the business she promised to Haakan.

I wanted more chapters like we were introduced to with Lanie, Datu and the puppy. It would have been great to see Lanie's use of the gods towards the end - both with the Blackbird Bride and also Mak at the end. The final chapters were still good, they showed how far Lanie had come, how confident and how unlike Grandpa Rad she was. They just seemed a little rushed - a little lacking in detail compared to earlier chapters. It lacked power and emphasis to me.

However, as I say, I did actually enjoy this. I am sitting somewhere around a 3-3.5 stars and will look for a second part if it does ever come out. To tie off some of the loose ends and unanswered questions.

A complex plot, compelling characters, word playing quirky names and superb world building. What’s not to love.

Do you love a darkly humorous and brilliantly queer fantasy novel that will make you fall in love with the characters and their world? Then you need to read Saint Death's Daughter by C. S. E Cooney! This book is a fun and flirty read that follows Lanie, a young necromancer who has a special bond with the goddess of death, but also a severe allergy to violence and bloodshed. She has to deal with her family's legacy of royal assassins, her sister's madness, her grandfather's ghost, and her own destiny as she navigates a complex and dangerous political landscape. Along the way, she finds friendship, romance, and adventure in the most unexpected places.

Saint Death's Daughter is a fast-paced and engaging read that will keep you hooked from the first page to the last. The characters are well-developed and realistic, with flaws and strengths that make them relatable and likable. The chemistry between Lanie and her love interests is adorable and sizzling, and the romance is diverse and inclusive. The plot is full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat. The writing style is smooth and easy to follow, with vivid descriptions and witty dialogue. C. S. E Cooney is a talented author who knows how to write a captivating story that will leave you breathless. She won the 2023 World Fantasy Award for this novel, and it's easy to see why. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a blackly funny and gloriously queer fantasy with love, beauty, and necromancy.

#SaintsDeathsDaughter #NetGalley

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for giving me a free eARC of this book to read in exchange for my review!

This was really good and exactly what I expected going into it. However, o just could not get into it. There’s no particular reason I just found it very meh overall

Unfortunately the story didn't grab my attention and felt like it was dragging~ but thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read this novel.

Whimsically dark fantasy and is possibly the most original and enchanting book.

Lanie Stones, the youngest daughter of Liriat’s Royal Assassin and Chief Executioner has never led a normal life. Born with a gift for necromancy and allergic to violence, she was raised in isolation at the family’s crumbling mansion by her friend and revenant Goody Graves.

But when her parents are murdered, it falls to Lanie and her murderess sister Nita to settle the family’s debts or loose their ancestral home—and Goody with it. Appeals to Liriat’s ruler are ignored …until she too, is murdered throwing the entire nation into doubt.

The world-building was absolutely amazing and so very detailed. The history and Lore incorporated was also really enjoyable—if rather dark—honestly,

The long cast of supporting characters that seemingly gravitates around Lanie is also really entertaining and thanks to the first person perspective we get a lot of details into them all. My favorites were Goody Graves and Canon Lir. There is some Addams family vibes from this story which I think makes it more enjoyable.

I really enjoyed this overall, it was a little slow to start but definitely a fully detailed fantasy, that I would fully recommend to others.

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for giving me access to the advanced copy of this book to read.

It took my awhile to get into the story, but once I did I was able to immerse myself really well. The world building gave a great full circle experience. The characters had their flaws, but I appreciated their stories.

I've always loved books featuring death magic, and this one was no exception. I adored the rich, descriptive prose of this story, the distinctively whimsical writing style, the injection of dark humour running through the narrative, and most of all the family relationships explored in this story - both found and blood.

This is book one of the series and that’s a strong start. This book surprised in a great way. I didn’t know what i was getting myself into when I requested it. And I’m so pleased. Excellent world building and character development. I’m looking forward to the other books in the series.

This is an intriguing world with a unique storyline around a familly of assassins. It has a good world and character building altogether, the magical system of this world is fascinating, and leave us asking for more, specially about the existing deities. Perfect for Halloween.

Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for providing an arc.

I loved the first third of this book, then really lost steam. The magic and worldbuilding were great, and the narration was so much fun to read. That said, it was all vibes, no stakes, and I never felt compelled to keep reading. Will be good for a certain kind of audience, but I could have used more focus earlier in the book. That said, I will read what Coney writes next.

Found the narrative dense and just really couldn’t read further than 10%.

I so wished I would have loved this book but unfortunately I just couldn’t keep reading . I’m sure some would love this one but I can’t recommend it.

Whimsical, dark, and verdant with language that seduces the reader, this novel is so intensely pleasurable that the sensation is close to pain. Come fall in love with a tender hearted Necromancer and a world where the 12 gods are as real as the air you breathe. Just don’t plan to get anything else done while you’re reading it…

Excellent story! Loved the writing style as well! Would love a sequel!!! Definitely will read if it becomes available

A little unclear for me, I loved the idea the story telling was great in the beginning and from then on I had hoped for more structure. I would still recommend to read it however due to the lack of balance in the end it was not for me.