Review: Wicked Saints (Something Dark and Holy #1) by Emily A. Duncan

Title: Wicked Saints

Series: Something Dark and Holy #1
Author: Emily A. Duncan
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Published: April 2, 2019
Pages: 385
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy
Source: Audiobook, Ebook

A girl who can speak to gods must save her people without destroying herself.

A prince in danger must decide who to trust.

A boy with a monstrous secret waits in the wings.

Together, they must assassinate the king and stop the war.

In a centuries-long war where beauty and brutality meet, their three paths entwine in a shadowy world of spilled blood and mysterious saints, where a forbidden romance threatens to tip the scales between dark and light. Wicked Saints is the thrilling start to Emily A. Duncan’s devastatingly Gothic Something Dark and Holy trilogy.. 

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MY REVIEW

This book is sort of difficult for me to review because I am having a hard time forming the right words. First of all, this is a book that I have greatly been looking forward to reading. The entire premise is one that spoke to me early on. 

One of the absolute best things about this book was the fantastic world-building. This book boasts distinct kingdoms and locations, interesting and intriguing magic systems, and beautifully constructed religion and politics. I loved the naming conventions that the author used for the people and places in the story. I admit that when I first started the book all of the world-building was a bit overwhelming but I eased into it eventually. 

I really enjoyed the characters. I think that I connected with Nadya the most but all of the characters were easy to identify with for the most part. There were some characters that were a bit more mysterious than others. I felt that the character development was well crafted. 

I have some conflicted feelings about the romance in the book. On one hand, I really liked it. On the other hand, it left much to be desired. I don't even know how that is possible, but it is what it is. I think that perhaps I was expecting more from it? Maybe? I really shipped the main couple together but the romance honestly felt a little too forced at times and a tad unbelievable at times. I think that it could have been more organic. 

The plot of the story was definitely compelling. From the moment I started the book I couldn't put it down and I ended up reading it in one sitting. I was so into the story. I was pleasantly shocked by many things in the story. I didn't guess some of the major plot twists so the story felt fresh. 

The only thing that I don't like is that I still had so many unanswered questions after finishing the book. I mean, I know this is a trilogy so there will be more to come, but generally, there were things that happened in the book that I am still scratching my head over. Even with the first book in a series, there should feel like there is some resolution even though you know that there is more to come. I just didn't feel that resolution with this book and it kind of feels like an itch that I can't scratch. 

Overall, this is an exciting, dark story that I enjoyed so much! I will be anxiously awaiting the second book in this series and I hope that all the unanswered questions that I have don't drive me mad until then. 

THIS BOOK CONTRIBUTED TO THESE 2020 READING CHALLENGES

- Beat the Backlist Challenge
- Audiobook Challenge

Check out my 2020 Challenge Page to see my progress!

This was a book that was full of hype. While it didn't surpass my expectations, I also wasn't disappointed. What was the last hyped book that you read and did it meet your expectations?