If you like weird horror, you've got to read The Starving Saints. This trippy, psychedelic horror takes place in a besieged castle as the occupants starve to death. The arrival of some mysterious but powerful strangers kicks of a baccanal of hedonistic ecstasy that reminded me of a Hieronymus Bosch painting.

The 3 leading women were all fascinating, unique characters with strong voices and motivations that both pulled them together and pitted them against each other. I loved the tension in the story as well as the explorations of hunger, desire, control, and oaths. Thank you to Harper Voyager and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

"The Starving Saints" has a little bit for everyone: homoerotic drama, blasphemous undertones, strange otherworldly entities, bees, enthralling main characters...and cannibalism. A fair amount of cannibalism. This reminds me, in a way, of "Between Two Fires" by Christopher Buehlman. The setting and tone of a medieval period is stellar, especially with how Starling incorporates magical realism, and the atmosphere of the novel is incredible. Her narration style fits the narrative well, too. It's messy and can be somewhat meandering, at points, but her attention to detail helps weave a beautiful narrative.

There are some absolutely revolting descriptions (and I mean this affectionately) of flesh and meat, and that may not be to everyone's taste. The violence and gore are not gratuitous as it adds to the narrative and the horror of it all. Starling's attention to the minor characters, giving their individual spots to shine, also made the world more lived in and plausible. The Saints are their own beautiful, awful centerpiece in the narrative, not just an obstacle for the sake of it, but with their own wants and desires. You're never quite sure where the story is going next, kept in the dark with Phosyne, Ser Voyne, and Treila. Their desperation and determination to survive is so heart wrenching, and being a bystander in this as the reader can be downright painful at points. I definitely look forward to purchasing a copy of this once it's released, because I can see myself returning to rereading it again and again.

CW: Starvation, Cannibalism, Bees, Gore, Mind Control/Hypnosis, Body Horror, Cosmic Horror, Claustrophobia

Starling’s novel is not for the faint of heart, but it’s a rich, bloody treasure. Set in a castle under siege, the novel has three primary characters, each intriguing in that craveably-kind-of-twisted way. Ser Voyne is a hero eager to tackle any problem, but held back by her king and her doubts. Phosyne is a heretic miracle worker, dirty and obsessed but perhaps the only chance of surviving. Treila is a seamstress turned rat catcher with a past that leaves her hungry for revenge and willing to do anything to live. The ways these women interact with their environment, the remaining people in the castle, with each other and with themselves drive the narrative and made me unable to put it down.

Equally fascinating are the richly described iconography and rituals around the religion of the place. While clearly Catholic-inspired, the nuns are more aligned with science and bee keeping, and their Saints are likewise. The Constant Lady appears along with other Saints, straight from the icons and as if in answer to their prayers – but in reality, the stuff of nightmares.

As much as I liked this book, I think some readers may struggle with the pacing. The tension doesn’t keep rising and rising until it explodes; smaller events lead to relieving pressure in some areas while complicating and swelling new tensions in others. For that reason, some may find the pace slower or more repetitive than they might like.

Personally, I thought the pacing added to the horror. We get to learn more about Ser Voyne, Phosyne, and Treila, their facets and their flaws, and how they adjust to their evolving situation. For example, starvation and desperate cannibalism are known horrors from previous sieges—horrible but known. The feasts and cannibalism that comes alongside the Constant Lady and the other Saints is a different, new horror. It is the time spent on both that makes them truly horrifying.

Thank you for allowing me to read this early!
I’m new to medieval horror, but I did enjoy this read some. While I did find the middle of the book to drag, it was still affective. It was eerie, sad, mysterious— all the things I usually adore in my horror novels. I can appreciate the time and effort put into writing this, and I do wish Starling all the success upon publishing.

Was looking forward to this one and happy to report it didn’t disappoint! If you love dark and mysterious horror that are a slow burn with nuns you’ll love this.

I enjoyed this-- midevial-madness-lesbian-religious-horror... but more in theory than execution. The pacing was my main issue-- it was very slow to start and end. I understand it takes a moment to build the world, and am impressed by the shifting POVs. Overall, it just missed the mark for keeping me consistently engaged.

I was bored at 30% and considering dnf'ing. The characters went back and forth, over and over again, getting things done at a glacial pace. The "bacchanalian madness" was a few scenes here and there with very graphic descriptions of cannibalism. The characters had no depth. Nothing about the world was properly explained. And then everything works out in the end.

The Starving Saints
Caitlin Starling

4.25 / 5

Cannibalism, cults, and mind control. Oh my!

Sapphic, medieval horror.
This tale is told in a very stylistically intriguing way.
Blending elements of dark fantasy and humor among the depravity and debauchery .

I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I don't think it'll be for everyone, but it was certainly for me.

4.25 / 5

I would like to start off this review by thanking Avon and Harper Voyager and the author, Caitlin Starling, for allowing me to read this book, The Starving Saints, via #netgalley. All opinions following are my own.

The story centers around Phosyne, a woman who sought refuge in a strange and crumbling castle. When it is apparent that water and food are in scarcity, and she is found to practice the occult, she is kicked out of the convent she is in. However. She is tasked to use her powers to make clean water. When, even to her own surprise, she is found to be successful, she is imprisomed until she can also find a way to produce food. While she is trying, she finds herself caught in a web of occult rituals, ancient power, and the ever-present presence of the saints that the people worship. When the saints come in the flesh to save the people, their true motives become unclear, and their influence dangerous.

Alongside Phosyne are two other main characters: Ser Voyne, a knight who swore loyalty to their king and is tasked with watching over Phosyne but whose actual intentions are often ambiguous, and Treila, a companion whose loyalty is tested in ways that challenge their bonds. As Phosyne navigates her growing understanding of the castle and the saints, she must also reckon with her evolving relationships with Ser Voyne and Treila, both of whom have their own dark secrets and desires that may either help or hinder her survival. The ultimate questions become: who can be trusted, and where should power lie, and at what cost?

To be honest, I struggled with this book. I found it grotesque at some points and honestly just too dark for me. However, I must concede that parts were very interesting, and the book definitely caused me to think and reflect. Ultimately, I gave the book ⭐️⭐️⭐️. For readers who enjoy Gothic horror, I would suggest this book--even it wasn't my personal taste. Be sure to look for this one in May 2025!

##brenbreathesbooks #BrenReviewsBooks #3starreads ##netgalleyreviewer #thestarvingsaints #caitlinstarling #avonandharpervoyager
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Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Voyager, and Caitlin Starling for the opportunity to review an arc of The Starving Saints.

This premise of this is right up my alley - sapphic medieval horror, cannibal “saints” within a cult-like religion, and pure chaos. The set up for this story is phenomenal. The eerie feeling that something isn’t right when the “saints” arrive to absolve the kingdom of their starvation is so tangible and truly scary. The religion is also really well developed and interesting in itself. All in all, I was so excited for this book and it captured me within the first few chapters.

As the story progressed, the pacing threw me off a bit. It would be really slow, not a lot happening, then something unhinged and graphic would suck me back in. I think ultimately, I just wanted more from the story. More chaos, more gore, more everything. It felt like the characters spent more time reflecting than actually being IN the action itself. In the end, the story sadly fell a bit flat for me.

If you’re into weird girl literary horror, this might be a good one for you! I’m not sure if I would necessarily recommend it for seasoned horror readers, but it would be a great intro to horror for those wanting to try the genre.

if you have to ask me about this book is unhinged because the characters are cannibal? well, yes! but did i also have a good time while reading this? also yes!

the beginning got me struggling at the start because we get to know the characters at the first 3 chapters. but when i reach the 40% mark, things got exciting to continue.

her writing is so beautiful and deep that sometimes i have to read it again. i also love the dark setting for this; i imagined it as nosferatu vibes, minus the vampires.

Unfortunately, I DNF’d at 20%. I was doing fine until I got to a very vivid description of a character venturing deep into an underground tunnel in a way that can only be described as spelunking. I absolutely hate anything having to do with caves and being underground and with the way that specific part was written… (it was perhaps written a bit too well) I had to skip about half of that section. I also got the impression the character would have to do that again later on in the book… and I am just not strong enough to make that journey with her a second time.

But if you enjoy books with sapphics, religious themes, cannibalism, medieval castles under siege, and what happens when humans are pushed to the absolute brink and descend into debauchery I think you’d enjoy this! I wasn’t loving it so far since it felt a little slow to start and I don’t think it’s for me, but it might be for you!

Debauchery. Bacchanalian. GAYS. All words that describe The Starving Saints, and all words that had me hooked from the moment I was introduced to Phosyne (and Ser Voyne).

This was a gruesome, stinky, and depraved gothic horror full of faerie-like saints. A twisted fever dream you can never fully grasp and could not predict. I really enjoyed this and the descriptive writing.

The sapphites have truly won the lady knight lottery in 2025. As you might expect, everyone was horny for our knight Voyne; as you might not expect, I was not. Everyone’s minds were lost and the lack of hygiene just made me think, if I were in the situation, even the idea of fucking someone would give me a yeast infection.

This title was honestly right up my alley, I love queer historical fantasy and horror and this was right in the sweet spot of my personal tastes.

The characters are so clear in their individual desires and convictions in a way that made them feel very real. I didn't think any of the characters were particularly likeable, but I think that's why I liked them. They all had such distinct personalities and perspectives and each chapter was incredibly engaging, no matter which point of view it was from. Though, I must say, I am very biased towards madwomen, so Phosyne was a clear favorite for me, from beginning to end.

I also enjoyed most of the relationship dynamics between the women, though I will admit that some aspects of certain dynamics kind of pissed me off. I won't say more about that because I don't want to spoil anything, but I'm pretty sure I will be an outlier in my feelings on this, and I will be interested to see where other people land on it. I am open to having my mind changed about it, and perhaps upon a reread I will change my opinion, but that remains to be seen.

What I really loved though, was how much each of the main characters changed and grew (for better AND for worse) throughout the story. I support women's wrongs, and, believe me, these three women committed many wrongs, against themselves, each other, and their community as a whole. The growth they all went through individually and as a group was so satisfying, even when they -sometimes knowingly, sometimes not- made some truly terrible decisions. The consequences of their decisions and actions felt justified and the stakes were clear and urgent in a way that drove the plot very organically. Nothing felt forced or contrived to me.

Likewise, the horror felt justified and not gratuitous or simply to shock the reader; the world the author put her characters in necessitated the atrocities and it was... well, usually I would describe it as delicious, but in this situation, I think I will refrain from doing so. Suffice to say, I loved the horror aspect immensely.

I would also like to highlight the way religion was used in this story. The wielding of religion and specifically religious imagery and iconography as a weapon against faithful and almost hopelessly desperate believers was very very interesting to me. I always like when a story constructs its own religion to pick apart and utilize as a tool. I also enjoyed that whether the characters in this story were followers of the religion or not, the stakes were the same for all of them: eat or be eaten.

I won't say too much more, as I would hate to spoil anything for perspective readers. What I will say is this: this story was a delight to read! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am very much looking forward to its release so that I can get my hands on a physical copy of it. This book is not a great fit for the readers in my library's community (it's a rather conservative area), but, rest assured, I will be recommending it to many people outside of my library position. I can't wait to reread it myself.

Oh! I almost forgot! I am IN LOVE with this cover! It was what initially drew me to the book and it represents the story so well!

Thank you to Harper Collins and netgalley for the arc!

I love the idea of this book. The horror combined with medieval times aspect is so interesting and unique. I like the premise and the fact that there aren't a million characters with strange names to remember.

Unfortunately, I didn't connect with this one. I didn't quite always understand what I was reading. I think the "medieval speak" wasn't vibing with me and that is my fault. It felt like a fever dream almost? 

I'm just getting into fantasy or trying to.

Trigger warnings: Mutilation, cannibalism and gore. But the gore is not overdone at all.

Three woman from different backgrounds trapped in a castle under siege and starving to death with the rest. Phosyne- an ex nun who no faith. Ser Voyne- dedicated knight. Treila- a young servant. All seemingly, gradually and subtle declining into a state of madness. Each woman has a dark past and all three characters are written very well. I was fascinated and invested in each ones story line and point of view. Then the Saints show up. The Saints, what can I say about them without giving too much away. Not much. But they are not as they seem.

The story line it’s self is intriguing and unique. It’s dark, macabre and utterly captivating. Theres killer bees and cannibals everywhere! You really do not know who your eating. Who could not be fascinated! And do not get me started about that cover! Amazing. In some places the story line does get shaky and I was questioning characters choices and actions but it all comes together for the most part in the end.

I dove into The Starving Saints by Caitlin Starling with high expectations, drawn by its blend of sapphic medieval horror and body horror. The premise was captivating: Aymar Castle under siege, where desperation leads to cannibalism and divine figures offer miraculous feasts, turning the castle into a hedonistic cult. The setup was intense, reminiscent of being trapped and desperate for sustenance.

The three main characters—Ser Voyne, Phosyne, and Treila—initially hooked me with their complex dynamics. However, the plot became convoluted, and the body horror, while intriguing, didn’t quite deliver the visceral punch I was hoping for. The atmosphere was immersive, with a creepy, oppressive castle setting and compelling character interactions. Despite some frustrations, I appreciate Starling’s skill in crafting tension and atmosphere, even if the plot and horror elements didn’t fully resonate with me.

Aymar castle has been under siege for the last six months. Help should have been on its way by now, instead the inhabitants within the castle’s walls are suffering the consequences of siege, i.e., starvation and plague. The castle only has fifteen days’ worth of food left to spread between roughly 900 people. The people need a miracle, they need salvation, but are they willing to pay the price?
The horror genre is always best when it is unpredictable. This one is worth the read.

#ThxNetGalley #CaitlinStarling #TheStarvingSaints

- A crazed mad-scientist nun who purified the water
"She has sacrificed her body on the alter of knowledge"

- The loyal knight who only knows servitude
"Even gentleness is pain for you"

- The lost child, made feral by those who swore to protect her
"...it is eat or be eaten. But I promise I'll make it good"

A castle is besieged, the inhabitants are on the brink of starvation when suddenly... their Sainted Lady arrives with empty palms and promises a feast. What follows in the sweltering summer is raving bacchanal and the castle is lost to madness and sweet honey. But where is the food coming from?

This book has absolutely cemented Caitlin Starling as my favorite horror author. From her visceral word play, to the sense of space and timing it's all incredible. Once I was able to muck through the middle ages names and language and get past how many times hands were put in hair, I was off and running. It's absolutely great. Starling has a signature that I'm obsessed with. It's wlw all the way down with minimal men.

"Service is never easy, not when done right"


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

(since this is from an ARC, all my quotes are from the uncorrected proof. Once the book comes out, I will make sure they are all correct!)