oh she was weird. and the girls that get it, get it. but the girls that do not get it…oh dear. this was one of the most unique books i’ve ever read, but from the writing style to the captivating story i absolutely need more of it. starling has a way of thinking (and writing) that feels unlike i’ve read before and i need to read everything she’s written immediately. preferably sooner!

My thanks to NetGalley and the author for an ARC of this book!

The Starving Saints is a masterful blend of three kinds of horror, all serving the exploration of relationships.

Let’s start with what I liked:

First, the protagonists grant us psychological horror. They each lose touch with or hold onto reality in unique ways, all while coping with a decaying setting and antagonists that they struggle to understand and outsmart. Each of the three POV characters has destructive tendencies which bring both vulnerability and twisted intimacy to others. I’m happy to say that the author explores these tendencies down to their marrow.

The antagonists mix cosmic and folk horror: they are utterly alien, despite their rootedness in the natural world and the familiar forms they choose. Although the antagonists aren’t incomprehensible enough to strictly fit cosmic horror, they filled the protagonists with a sense of absurd powerlessness common to the genre. They also felt reminiscent of fae, as old creatures with disturbing folk tale logic. This unique horror combination was as mesmerizing as it was terrifying, especially given how the antagonists establish relationships of ownership and territory.

Ultimately, the horror—while masterful in its own right—is a vehicle to talk about relationships. The Starving Saints shows us harmful relationships to the self and to others, as well as the struggle to negotiate alternatives. Loyalty, love, hatred, and possessiveness are all explored in an abstract but nuanced way.

Having gone over this story’s strengths, I’m ready to list some criticisms:

My main gripe is how quickly the protagonists began to love and trust each other. Emphasizing the madness and desperation that drove this trust, or at least adding more positive exchanges between these characters, would probably justify their ultimately favorable bonds and sometimes selfless decisions. Also, the (mild) kink aspect of one particular relationship felt interesting, but could’ve used more and subtler exploration.

And the folk tale logic of the book, while typically quite strong, is sometimes stretched thin. The characters found unexpectedly easy ways out of a few deadly situations. Other events caused by this (again, typically strong) folk tale logic weren’t well-telegraphed. Sometimes, very consequential changes were only explained by following blocks of text—usually the POV characters’ thoughts.

Now, the verdict:

In all, The Starving Saints is an innovative piece of horror with compelling characters and a nuanced exploration of the ties that bind.

The Starving Saints was so weird and gory and incredible. I would not say this book is for the faint of heart, as it is graphically and disturbingly well written. Unfortunately by the time you get to the particularly gruesome bits, you are too engrossed in the story and the characters to stop reading. I thought I knew where this story was going and then about a third of the way through it took a complete turn and we were hurtling into darkness. This book showcases the desperation of humanity, but also the strength, through characters whose morals you are constantly questioning even as you support them. I loved them so much and all three of the main characters were so compelling that I never even cared whose chapter I was reading. If you are able to stomach it, this was a great read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book!

I think I enjoyed this book? This was so different from what I typically read I didn't really have any expectations when I picked it up.

In my opinion, this book would be best enjoyed with little context of what it is about. It did take a while for me to really getting my footing with the characters, what exactly was going on, and overall plot of the book, but I believe that was partially what the author intended (again, not trying to give anything away!) To create this feeling of unease, confusion, and horror as the plot begins to unfold.

For me this would be a solid 3 star. I think parts of it really did go over my head and I did have a hard time following some of the scenes and had to re-read a few times before I could semi understand what was happening. I also am not sure this would be a book I widely recommended, but think if it found it's way into the hands of the niche audience, they would devour it.

All in all, if you like horror, strong female characters, cult-ish behavior, pick this up once it releases in May!

The premise of this story really made me want to love it however, it just missed the mark for me. I found myself at time confused by what I was reading and having to go back and reread to understand or gain context. I also felt the story dragged on and at times if felt nothing happening.

I would describe the characters as morally gray as none are perfect and they make bad decisions. So if you are looking for a Sapphic medieval story that makes you question what the heck is going on (fever dream) then this story is right up your ally. But for me overall, it was an okay time.

Part medieval horror, part dark fantasy. The story revolves around three women connected from past events and their fight for survival behind the walls of Aymar. Phoysyne, the mad woman, Treila once of high nobility, and Voyne a warrior all see their lives drastically change as food runs out and the arrival of three mysterious Saints and The Constant Lady. The Saints bring gifts but they come at great costs for all. The story was unique and pacing followed the impending doom of hunger with a few gruesome, explosive scenes. All the characters were interesting and the three main women had connections and back stories made of magic, hate, revenge, and love. Readers of Between Two Fires will enjoy this one. Book will be available in the US, May 20 2025.

🌟 Book Review: The Starving Saints by Caitlin Starling 🌟

Caitlin Starling’s writing is so vividly descriptive that the story plays like a movie in my mind. The eerie details—like people gnawing on body parts—left me feeling deliciously unsettled (yes, in a good way!). The spooky atmosphere kept me hooked from start to finish.

It’s an easy read that never once bored me, and I loved every chilling moment. If you’re a fan of unsettling, spooky tales, I highly recommend The Starving Saints! 🖤📚

#TheStarvingSaints #CaitlinStarling #BookReview #SpookyReads #HorrorBooks



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3.5
hmm not sure about my rating but i think i liked it?
sapphic lady knights!! a throuple!! cannibalistic saints!! it was a good time

This book was soooo dark and twisted!! I loved the intersection of magical nuns, evil saints, and a castle at siege. The book is charged with desperation through a constant worry for the famine taking place and a desire for someone to save everyone. The three characters we follow all have their own outlook on the desperate situation, ranging from seeking revenge to saving the whole castle. I was genuinely shocked by how eerie the book was at points. The introduction and presence of the saints was a chilling addition to the plot that had me HOOKED! I do think the romantic aspect of this book fell flat. There wasn’t enough connection or intrigue for me to find some of the romantic interests believable. Still was a very fun read, and I would recommend to people who like a fantasy and horror crossover.

This is an incredible book. It has everything I’ve ever wanted in a book and I obsessed with it!! Medieval nuns, magic and miracles. A must read.

An atmospheric and desperate medieval fantasy that explores what survival means from three equally compelling main characters.

I was nauseated with some of the descriptions but was too intrigued to stop.

A medieval castle has been under siege for six months and they are estimated to run out of food within two weeks. An excommunicated nun, who previously performed a miracle, is forced to perform another: conjure up food from nothing. A devout lady knight is tasked with minding this heretic madwoman, while a former noble turned servant seeks revenge against her.

THE PERFECT HALLOWEEN BOOK.

I just wished I read this earlier in the year, preferably with my halloween candy stash

I was instantly intrigued by the concept of this book, and I did end up enjoying it overall. The Starving Saints was a very eerie and atmospheric read with may unexpected and unsettling moments that had my jaw on the floor. I also enjoyed the medieval setting. Each point of view felt unique and balanced, and I was able to feel the suffering and deprivement of the characters as much as is possible through story. Phosyne, Voyne, and Trelia were such interesting protagonists, each of them flawed and troubled because of their circumstances.

There were certain aspects that I wish were delved into more. I enjoyed following the three main characters as the story unfolded, and there were times where they would vaguely think about their pasts. I would have appreciated learning more about the histories of these characters in order to better understand their motivations as the story is happening. The relationships between the characters also felt underdeveloped, and there weren't many moments where I felt they were truly getting to understand one another. Additionally, even though what is going on inside the castle is more important, I would have liked to know more about the conflict between Aymar Castle and Etrebia. I also think the religion could have been more detailed seeing as the saints are important to the story. Lastly, I felt that the plot was at a standstill around the middle of the book where not much progress was happening.

Overall, this book felt very unique, and I would recommend it to those wanting a dark and sinister story.

This novel felt like a fever dream from beginning to end. I wasn’t always sure what was happening, but the characters were an anchor for me throughout the text.

Describing this book as a fever dream of a medieval horror story is very accurate. There was a pretty big plot hole near the end but otherwise this book sucked me in and held me riveted. There was gore and violence and desperation and sacrifice, and there were scenes that were so very primal held parallel with the beauty and order of the royal court.
This story follows three women trapped in a castle, first by an opposing army, and then by some horrific saints. The characters are all interesting, all have different motivations, and are all flawed. I loved the flow of their relationship as they all learned to wade through their feelings and doubts and trust and mistrust of themselves and one another.
While the writing style is unique and enjoyable, it is written in 3rd person, which made for some confusing moments that pulled away from the story where I was trying to keep track of whose pov we were in and what they do/don't know.
Overall it was a wonderful read!

Caitlin Starling’s The Starving Saints is a chilling, hypnotic dive into madness, faith, and power. Set in a besieged medieval castle on the brink of starvation, the story follows three women—Ser Voyne, a hardened war hero; Phosyne, a frantic sorceress; and Treila, a serving girl with a vendetta—whose lives become entangled as mysterious, godlike visitors arrive, offering salvation in exchange for worship.

At first, the castle’s miraculous recovery seems like a blessing. Food reappears, the sick are healed, and life seems to improve. But as lavish feasts with sinister origins take hold and hedonism consumes the castle, the line between salvation and damnation blurs. Voyne swears loyalty to the enigmatic Constant Lady, Phosyne searches for the truth behind the visitors, and Treila is torn between revenge and survival.

As alliances shift and secrets surface, the three women must navigate a crumbling reality, where trust is scarce, and the cost of resistance is steep. Starling masterfully weaves horror with intricate character dynamics, creating a story both grotesque and mesmerizing.

The Starving Saints is a dark, unforgettable tale of transformation and survival, perfect for readers who crave something haunting, strange, and entirely gripping.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for an advanced copy of The Starving Saints for a fairf and honest review!

Rating: 4.75 stars
Pub Date: May 20 2025

“‘She said a faithless tongue was worth more as food than to eat food.’”

Having read The Death of Jane Lawrence, I was ready for Starling’s twisting, vivid language layered with uncomfortable dread and horror– and BOY, was I not prepared well enough.

The Starving Saints is a masterpiece of silent terror, raw desperation, and tooth and nail survival only for those hopes to quickly be swallowed up–literally.

Something Sterling does so well in her writing is how startling and casual the violence is. Many times I found myself gasping and pausing to reread what had been so nonchalantly placed before me. Like lifting the cloche to discover stomach-curdling gore only for the waiter to say, “Ah, my bad,” and deliver me my soup but now I really don’t want to know what’s in that soup.

Each protagonist had such distinct voices, and usually I’m not a fan of books that shift perspectives eavery chapter. But this was done perfectly. While Starling’s writing is confusing and hazy and hard to get a grasp on, her characterization, settings, and tension are wonderfully executed.

The only complaint I have is that at times it was a bit confusing to figure out key plot points. Like, yes, I don’t want the monsters over-explained and ruined for me, but some of their actions were confusing and I had to reread sections to understand the lore of the world.

Overall, I loved this book! I’ve never read any other medieval horror, and The Starving Saints has set the bar incredibly high for me.

If Gideon the Ninth and Tender is the Flesh had a baby, it would this book! This was a fever dream rollercoaster in the best way possible! It was so atmospheric and gripping and I couldn’t get enough! I didn’t know I needed a fantasy horror genre, but I need more now! 10 out of 10!

hoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooly shit dog what a book to read as my second book of 2025. homoerotic relationships full of violence and yearning; cannibalism; "hey did anyone else notice the divine seems awfully fucked up?"; what if The Terror was more of a fever dream and was about women during a siege.

We follow a madwoman and heretic, a knight impossibly tangled in the leash of duty and loyalty, and a young woman with a bloody past and indomitable will to survive. There is a lot said about each of them, each character is fully constructed, clearly motivated, but Starling is an author who trusts the reader. So much is also left just unsaid, just out of sight, not in a frustrating way but in the way that you would say something to a loved one with a significant look and they'd understand exactly what you mean. The knight is never called a dog or a hound directly...Starling doesn't need to do that. The metaphors are enough.

Starling trusts readers to a degree that I found thrilling, though to talk about it in detail is a spoiler. Never once are the not-saints named as fae or fairy, even though that is clearly either what they are or a strong influence on the type of creature they are. It's not necessary. All the pieces are on the table for the reader to understand what's happening, and the characters are too busy living the story to stop and name anything, they've got to stay alive, after all. It's a marvelous bit of complete trust in both her ability as an author and readers' ability to comprehend what she's doing and I wish more authors would be so brave! Nothing at all is lost, in fact much is gained.

Having read this and The Death of Jane Lawrence by Starling as well, I can really see her craft improving (Jane Lawrence is a good book, this imo is a great book) and I'm excited to continue reading her books!