Arc received through NetGalley.

Unfortunately there are many things I didn't like about this book. The way it was structured really confused me at times. But my main issue was that there wasn't really an overall story to follow, especially in the non-fiction parts. It covered half of a topic, went of in way to many other directions only to half-heartingly return before drifting of again

I find saints utterly fascinating; their extraordinary lives, profound beliefs, and unwavering loyalty to their faith during times of persecution and death draw me in like a moth to a flame.

The author, a meticulous historian, delves deeply into her extensive research to vividly bring to life both the legendary tales of famous saints and the lesser-known figures whose stories deserve attention.

In her chapters, she thoughtfully prefaces each narrative by acknowledging that many of the legends remain just that—legendary—with little historical evidence to substantiate certain claims. This results in a richly complex and thorough examination of the Christian faith and the biographies of the saints. I found the experience to be enlightening and utterly enthralling!

Her narrative revolves around the profound social, religious, and political influence that these saints and their cults exerted over the people, as well as the religious and civic authorities during the times in which these movements arose.

It’s truly captivating to explore how the saints and their devoted followers wielded power and sway within the religious and political communities of the era, sometimes even fostering anti-Semitic sentiments in the process.

Surprisingly, the book is more research-driven than I initially anticipated. I had imagined the author would recount well-known anecdotes from the lives of the saints and explore how these narratives shaped the social and political customs of their day. Instead, she delves deeply into the origins of some legends and examines the far-reaching historical, social, and political impacts they had on the world at that time.

While I was hoping for a more straightforward retelling of the saints and their rich backgrounds, the breadth of research is undeniably impressive and multifaceted. However, I found that the sociological and political focus was a bit more intricate than I had expected.

Yet, I wholeheartedly agree that one of the reasons these saints and their captivating legends have endured through the centuries is the inspiration they provide—offering faith, hope, and a profound sense of empowerment. They serve as poignant reminders that each of us holds the potential to strive for greater heights in our own lives.

We may never reach the saintly heights that these figures are said to have attained, but their stories and legends encourage us to pursue better versions of ourselves.

An encyclopedia-like book about medieval saints from around Ireland and England, along with paper cutout illustrations for each saint.

It’s organized by feast month for each saint, with a short story/myth starting that saint and a bit of history surrounding it. The information seems well-researched and academic, with lots of resources for further reading at the end, though I did find it more dense than I was expecting. The illustrations were cool but also were a bit more simple than I had hoped.

Overall, a very informative read with a mix of myth and history that also looks at the saint from a modern lens. If you like mythology and don’t mind reading an encyclopedia, you may enjoy this.

Thanks to Netgalley and Andrew McNeel Publishing for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of Saints.

I find saints fascinating; their lives, their beliefs and stalwart loyalty to their faith during a time of death and persecution

The author and historian digs deep into her research to bring to live the legends of famous saints and not so famous ones.

She prefaces the chapters by stating most of the legends are legends and there are no historical facts to back up certain legends.

Her book revolves around the social, religious, and political power these saints cults had on the people and religious and political governments at the time the cults sprang up.

It's fascinating to learn the power and influence the saints and their followers had on the religious and political community at the time, even fomenting anti-semitism.

The was more research driven than I thought it would be.

I imagined the author would recount a famous story from the saint's life and discuss how it influenced the social and political customs of the day. But she delves deeply as to how some of the legends originated and the historical, social and political impact it had on the world at that time.

I was hoping for a more straightforward retelling of the saints and their backgrounds.

The research is excellent and well rounded but this was too sociological and political for me.

I do agree that one of the reasons saints and their legends have endured after so many centuries is because they inspire faith, hope, and empowerment and a reminder that we are all capable to do and be better.

We may never be as saintly as the saints were purported to be, but their stories and legends remind us that we can strive to do and be better.

a very complex and through account of the Christian faith and saints biographies. As a Christian myself, I found this to be very informative and enthralling! so good.