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Blood and Rubies #1
The Dead Saint
The Saint will rise.
Sorcha, a priestess raised in the confines of the Golden Citadel and sheltered from the world, knows nothing beyond her small sphere. Chosen to be the vessel for the Saint, a living extension of a god now more legend than reality, she has had every desire fulfilled. No one, not even Sorcha, truly believes she will be called on to perform the ancient magic necessary to resurrect the dead god.
But war is raging on the continent and a terrible horde is marching thousands of miles toward the citadel. As kingdoms fall and cities burn, a rumor spreads—the Empire is searching for the Saint.
Blood will flow.
Adrian, known and feared as the Wolf, has won one brutal victory after another for the Empire of the Snake. Reviled as a monster and leader of the Empire's elite killing force, he has been tasked with finding the woman capable of resurrecting a myth.
He doesn't believe the legends about the Saint or in the woman's ability to usher in a new era. But there is no room for failure and time is running out as a mysterious illness strikes the court and threatens the life of the Empress he's sworn to protect.
Resurrection is coming.
Only Sorcha can bring together the scattered relics and perform the magic necessary to resurrect the Saint. But her value to the Empire vanishes the moment the Saint is reborn.
Adrian will make every sacrifice to ensure the stability of the Empire and the continued existence of those in power. Even if that means the death of the woman who has opened his eyes to the world beyond constant war.
Together they will face danger and have their loyalties tested. Choices must be made—is Sorcha the woman the temple raised her to be? Is Adrian the heartless killer the empire created?
Only the Saint can decide.
The Dead Saint ends on a cliffhanger which will be resolved in book two, The Living Saint. A full list of trigger warnings can be found on my site.
Sorcha, a priestess raised in the confines of the Golden Citadel and sheltered from the world, knows nothing beyond her small sphere. Chosen to be the vessel for the Saint, a living extension of a god now more legend than reality, she has had every desire fulfilled. No one, not even Sorcha, truly believes she will be called on to perform the ancient magic necessary to resurrect the dead god.
But war is raging on the continent and a terrible horde is marching thousands of miles toward the citadel. As kingdoms fall and cities burn, a rumor spreads—the Empire is searching for the Saint.
Blood will flow.
Adrian, known and feared as the Wolf, has won one brutal victory after another for the Empire of the Snake. Reviled as a monster and leader of the Empire's elite killing force, he has been tasked with finding the woman capable of resurrecting a myth.
He doesn't believe the legends about the Saint or in the woman's ability to usher in a new era. But there is no room for failure and time is running out as a mysterious illness strikes the court and threatens the life of the Empress he's sworn to protect.
Resurrection is coming.
Only Sorcha can bring together the scattered relics and perform the magic necessary to resurrect the Saint. But her value to the Empire vanishes the moment the Saint is reborn.
Adrian will make every sacrifice to ensure the stability of the Empire and the continued existence of those in power. Even if that means the death of the woman who has opened his eyes to the world beyond constant war.
Together they will face danger and have their loyalties tested. Choices must be made—is Sorcha the woman the temple raised her to be? Is Adrian the heartless killer the empire created?
Only the Saint can decide.
The Dead Saint ends on a cliffhanger which will be resolved in book two, The Living Saint. A full list of trigger warnings can be found on my site.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2024
67 people are currently reading
815 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Trattner
14 books194 followersKathryn Trattner is an award-winning author who has loved fairy tales, folk stories, and mythology all her life. Her hands-down favorites have always been East of the Sun, West of the Moon and the myth of Persephone and Hades. When not writing or reading, she's traveling as much as possible and taking thousands of photos that probably won't get edited later. She lives in Oklahoma with her wonderful husband, two very busy children, one of the friendliest dogs ever, and three cats who think they’re in charge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
May 22, 2024
“There is no shame in loving a monster,” the voice said. “We all love monsters.”
I'm not crying....your crying.😭😭
Sorcha, the vessel, has only one reason to exist: The Saint. Her body is the map to find him, and her blood is the key to resurrecting him. Adrian, The Wolf, serves the Prince. His duty is to lead her to collect The Saints pieces and deliver her to her destiny. If only things were so simple.
This story is beautifully written. The world building is phenomenal. The spice is spicy. It is literally perfection 👌. It is a bit dark, but I personally enjoyed that.
Kathryn, this story has left me shaking. My emotions are all over the place. I have a love/hate relationship with that ending, though. Even now, days later, I feel wounded. You really ripped my heart out with this one.
This book exceeded all my expectations, and I just know book 2 will be equally phenomenal. Now excuse me while I go pout since book 2 isn't ready yet.
I'm not crying....your crying.😭😭
Sorcha, the vessel, has only one reason to exist: The Saint. Her body is the map to find him, and her blood is the key to resurrecting him. Adrian, The Wolf, serves the Prince. His duty is to lead her to collect The Saints pieces and deliver her to her destiny. If only things were so simple.
This story is beautifully written. The world building is phenomenal. The spice is spicy. It is literally perfection 👌. It is a bit dark, but I personally enjoyed that.
Kathryn, this story has left me shaking. My emotions are all over the place. I have a love/hate relationship with that ending, though. Even now, days later, I feel wounded. You really ripped my heart out with this one.
This book exceeded all my expectations, and I just know book 2 will be equally phenomenal. Now excuse me while I go pout since book 2 isn't ready yet.
May 16, 2024
Reading this book is an epic experience that hooks you from start to finish.
Sorcha was raised to be a sacrifice to bring back the Saint, a God of Death. She's kidnapped by the Wolf and forced to go on a dangerous relic hunting mission, all for a ruthless enemy Prince.
The Wolf, a notorious soldier has only known loyalty and death, but when he's tasked to find and guard Sorcha until the task is complete his feelings change as he becomes enchanted by her.
Their journey is intense, passionate, adventurous and tragic.
This does end on a tragic cliffhanger, and I'd recommend reading the prequel novella Sacrament and Smoke first for character background.
Looking forward to book 2 - The Living Saint.
🖤"Is this what you want, Sorcha? A monster in your bed?"
🖤"Because you are the vessel and I am the wolf"
Sorcha was raised to be a sacrifice to bring back the Saint, a God of Death. She's kidnapped by the Wolf and forced to go on a dangerous relic hunting mission, all for a ruthless enemy Prince.
The Wolf, a notorious soldier has only known loyalty and death, but when he's tasked to find and guard Sorcha until the task is complete his feelings change as he becomes enchanted by her.
Their journey is intense, passionate, adventurous and tragic.
This does end on a tragic cliffhanger, and I'd recommend reading the prequel novella Sacrament and Smoke first for character background.
Looking forward to book 2 - The Living Saint.
🖤"Is this what you want, Sorcha? A monster in your bed?"
🖤"Because you are the vessel and I am the wolf"
May 12, 2024
*I received this book as a free eBook ARC from BookSirens for an honest review. Thank you for approving my request. *
I want to start this review by using very smart words : Omg. This book was amazing.
In the book we follow *mainly* the story of Sorcha who is a priestess and follower of the Saint. The Saint is a religious cult (not my words, this is how the other characters described this religion) who's mantra is DEATH IS NOT THE END. They worship this god (Saint) who walked amongst them eons ago and *supposedly* had the power to brought the dead back to the living. After Sorcha loses everything, she has to join The Wolf and has no choice but to unite with him, the prince Eine and Wolf's crew to find the Saint's bones to bring him back to the living.
This story is compelling from beginning to end. Everything was on the point.
I tend to dislike books who has more descriptions than dialogues but in this masterpiece ? It did not bother me at all. It surprised me quite a lot.
It has multiple POV's and it is the only confusing thing for me. When you get to know the characters, you don't know right away how they think and how they view the situation/ the worlds,... I would've really liked if the character's POV was announced prior the us reading the chapter or the part of the chapter and so on.
The two main characters (The wolf and Sorcha) were amazing. Their wits, their comebacks, their thoughts, their morals, the tension,... It was perfect. And their dynamics added a star to this review tbh.
The book made me laugh, cry (mainly towards it's end), angry and outraged. I feel for Sorcha, I do and i completely understood every decisions that she took - same for the wolf - i was on board with every single decisions made by her.
I do think it is important to read the prequel, i didn't and i think that they were some decisions/ character that i would've understood better if i had.
I can not wait for book 2 ! The end is beautifully sad and you just want more from it. I wasn't ready for the book to be over.
I want to start this review by using very smart words : Omg. This book was amazing.
In the book we follow *mainly* the story of Sorcha who is a priestess and follower of the Saint. The Saint is a religious cult (not my words, this is how the other characters described this religion) who's mantra is DEATH IS NOT THE END. They worship this god (Saint) who walked amongst them eons ago and *supposedly* had the power to brought the dead back to the living. After Sorcha loses everything, she has to join The Wolf and has no choice but to unite with him, the prince Eine and Wolf's crew to find the Saint's bones to bring him back to the living.
This story is compelling from beginning to end. Everything was on the point.
I tend to dislike books who has more descriptions than dialogues but in this masterpiece ? It did not bother me at all. It surprised me quite a lot.
It has multiple POV's and it is the only confusing thing for me. When you get to know the characters, you don't know right away how they think and how they view the situation/ the worlds,... I would've really liked if the character's POV was announced prior the us reading the chapter or the part of the chapter and so on.
The two main characters (The wolf and Sorcha) were amazing. Their wits, their comebacks, their thoughts, their morals, the tension,... It was perfect. And their dynamics added a star to this review tbh.
The book made me laugh, cry (mainly towards it's end), angry and outraged. I feel for Sorcha, I do and i completely understood every decisions that she took - same for the wolf - i was on board with every single decisions made by her.
I do think it is important to read the prequel, i didn't and i think that they were some decisions/ character that i would've understood better if i had.
I can not wait for book 2 ! The end is beautifully sad and you just want more from it. I wasn't ready for the book to be over.
June 19, 2024
This is the first book in this series, and I had to read it since it really sounded good from the preview.
This is a really great story about how when you fall in love and no matter how much you love the person that once someone else starts interfering nothing will ever be the same as it once was.
Great details for the characters and the scenes that happen in this series, it really makes you feel like you're right there with the characters and you experience everything just like they do.
Great understanding of how the world is, and how people really are and can become.
Absolutely loved this book. I couldn't stop reading until I finished it. I ended up with about 5 hours of sleep from the weekend just to give you a chance to understand where I'm coming from 😆 🤣. I am very excited to hear about the next one and I'm just waiting for the release so I can get myself back into the story with the characters.
I know that you will absolutely enjoy this series and I'm just hoping that you can get more sleep than I did.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a really great story about how when you fall in love and no matter how much you love the person that once someone else starts interfering nothing will ever be the same as it once was.
Great details for the characters and the scenes that happen in this series, it really makes you feel like you're right there with the characters and you experience everything just like they do.
Great understanding of how the world is, and how people really are and can become.
Absolutely loved this book. I couldn't stop reading until I finished it. I ended up with about 5 hours of sleep from the weekend just to give you a chance to understand where I'm coming from 😆 🤣. I am very excited to hear about the next one and I'm just waiting for the release so I can get myself back into the story with the characters.
I know that you will absolutely enjoy this series and I'm just hoping that you can get more sleep than I did.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 3, 2024
The novel centers around Sorcha who must use old magic to restore a dead god. Adrian is charged with the murder of the women capable of the saint's resurrection. This dark fantasy keeps you reading from start to finish because of a gripping narrative with fantasy, history and deception.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 20, 2024
You can find this review of The Dead Saint on my blog, Heart's Content!
When I saw the blurb for The Dead Saint, I expected it to be a typical fantasy with an anti-hero, a feisty heroine and a typical storyline that I’d likely seen before and loved and would most probably love again.
But. BUT. Oh. My. God. But The Dead Saint is truly like no other book I’ve ever read before. Possibly like no other book you’d read after this. I will say, that there’s been a general fantasy story template that’s been flying around that once in awhile some stories break. But as a reader we’ve come to generally expect and love these templates. *shrug* It’s a well-known formula that for the most part works (with some modifications) and it will, of course, with time lose its steam. The reason I mention this is because The Dead Saint follows none of these templates, creating a groove of its own in the world and in your brain.
TDS hits the floor running in the most brutal and heartbreaking way. The world-building in this book is consistent and extends ’til the very last page; and the world that Trattner has created is so very different from anything I’d ever read before. I will admit that understanding the world of TDS is a slow process that builds with each page, but the foundation it builds is strong and stays that way ‘til the end. It also helps that a lot of the stuff that happens the FMC and MMC are also learning with us.
The writing in TDS is seven hundred and fifty percent the strongest, most powerful aspect of the book. In a book that’s so different, so new in what it brings to the reader, it would have been so easy for the reader’s mind to wander. But Trattner’s strength, I believe, lies in the way she’s able to wrap her fingers around the mind of the reader and drag us right down the deep end with her. The book played out in my head like a movie; like the sound I heard in my head of the fire crackling when there’s a bonfire, or the lash of the winds on a particularly bad weather day or just all the emotions that spill from the pages into our hearts. The lyrical and poignant notes of the writing is one of the biggest reason that this review is now a favourite quotes review. You can see Trattner knows her craft and she wields that ability with extreme finesse.
The plot of TDS is really clear from page one. However, with every chapter that unravels, you see more and more. The author has incorporated many aspects into this book that are entangled with the plot. The deeply emotional aspects, the physically gruelling aspects, the mentally strenuous elements and all this braided neatly into the fabric of the larger plot.
I’ve said this about five billion times and of course, I’m going to say it again: dual person POVs have never been my favourite. Even if I’ve read many many books with it being done well, I’m still big on single person POVs. That being said TDS follows dual person POV that shifts between the FMC Sorcha and the MMC Adrian. There are some moments where it gets a little confusing because the chapters don’t have titles indicating whose perspective we’re diving into. However, there was a definite distinction in their personalities and thus their perspectives that offered a lot of aid in differentiating whose mind we were in as we start the chapter.
The characters in this book are the other pillar that hold the strong structure of this book up. Delving into the minds of the main characters and seeing their completely different worlds and back-stories added so much to the experience of the book and ensured that we saw the two different situations that define the characters’ reactions and choices. So, two times the heartbreak and pain. Yay.
The book was a sucker-punch to every one of my senses. Four stars! Check trigger warnings as always! TDS is on such a wonderful deal right now on Amazon (India), so definitely check it out right now if you’re interested.
When I saw the blurb for The Dead Saint, I expected it to be a typical fantasy with an anti-hero, a feisty heroine and a typical storyline that I’d likely seen before and loved and would most probably love again.
But. BUT. Oh. My. God. But The Dead Saint is truly like no other book I’ve ever read before. Possibly like no other book you’d read after this. I will say, that there’s been a general fantasy story template that’s been flying around that once in awhile some stories break. But as a reader we’ve come to generally expect and love these templates. *shrug* It’s a well-known formula that for the most part works (with some modifications) and it will, of course, with time lose its steam. The reason I mention this is because The Dead Saint follows none of these templates, creating a groove of its own in the world and in your brain.
TDS hits the floor running in the most brutal and heartbreaking way. The world-building in this book is consistent and extends ’til the very last page; and the world that Trattner has created is so very different from anything I’d ever read before. I will admit that understanding the world of TDS is a slow process that builds with each page, but the foundation it builds is strong and stays that way ‘til the end. It also helps that a lot of the stuff that happens the FMC and MMC are also learning with us.
The writing in TDS is seven hundred and fifty percent the strongest, most powerful aspect of the book. In a book that’s so different, so new in what it brings to the reader, it would have been so easy for the reader’s mind to wander. But Trattner’s strength, I believe, lies in the way she’s able to wrap her fingers around the mind of the reader and drag us right down the deep end with her. The book played out in my head like a movie; like the sound I heard in my head of the fire crackling when there’s a bonfire, or the lash of the winds on a particularly bad weather day or just all the emotions that spill from the pages into our hearts. The lyrical and poignant notes of the writing is one of the biggest reason that this review is now a favourite quotes review. You can see Trattner knows her craft and she wields that ability with extreme finesse.
The plot of TDS is really clear from page one. However, with every chapter that unravels, you see more and more. The author has incorporated many aspects into this book that are entangled with the plot. The deeply emotional aspects, the physically gruelling aspects, the mentally strenuous elements and all this braided neatly into the fabric of the larger plot.
I’ve said this about five billion times and of course, I’m going to say it again: dual person POVs have never been my favourite. Even if I’ve read many many books with it being done well, I’m still big on single person POVs. That being said TDS follows dual person POV that shifts between the FMC Sorcha and the MMC Adrian. There are some moments where it gets a little confusing because the chapters don’t have titles indicating whose perspective we’re diving into. However, there was a definite distinction in their personalities and thus their perspectives that offered a lot of aid in differentiating whose mind we were in as we start the chapter.
The characters in this book are the other pillar that hold the strong structure of this book up. Delving into the minds of the main characters and seeing their completely different worlds and back-stories added so much to the experience of the book and ensured that we saw the two different situations that define the characters’ reactions and choices. So, two times the heartbreak and pain. Yay.
The book was a sucker-punch to every one of my senses. Four stars! Check trigger warnings as always! TDS is on such a wonderful deal right now on Amazon (India), so definitely check it out right now if you’re interested.
June 30, 2024
Things that make you say “hmmm”: Death/blood cult dark romantasy. Spooky and consuming story from the first chapter. Ready for the next book! Highest recommendation from Kate
August 9, 2024
THOUGHTS:
5
Beautifully written. I loved the slow burn. Could have used more world-building.
5
Beautifully written. I loved the slow burn. Could have used more world-building.
May 27, 2024
This book has such an interesting premise, but I unfortunately found the characters a bit lacking. I wanted more from them!! My biggest issue was there was very little dialogue between Sorcha and Adrian, so I just didn’t buy in to their love story.
I loved Sorcha’s journey to get the relics especially when she went to the underwater city!
However I was also wanting more from her in terms of her faith and how she was exploring her doubts.
The next one does sound very good though! Adrian has more of a purpose and we love a “trapped” heroine in need of rescue.
I loved Sorcha’s journey to get the relics especially when she went to the underwater city!
However I was also wanting more from her in terms of her faith and how she was exploring her doubts.
The next one does sound very good though! Adrian has more of a purpose and we love a “trapped” heroine in need of rescue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2024
Passionate. Fierce. Enemies to lovers.
I loved this book. The dedication says: "for everyone who wants to kiss the villain" and I'm so glad someone would dedicate a book to me. I'd always strive for the villain who's so brave and fierce and dedicated… The monster who has the heart of the Disney's Beast. Thank you.
Jokes apart… You will find yourself lost in a world with cruel yet fascinating deities and anthropophagos saints. Prepare yourself to engage in a fatal quest, at the end of the road you will meet your destiny, in life and love both.
The atmospheres were dark, grim and fairytale all together. I was so lucky to have reviewed the novella 'Sacrament and blood' and I suggest all the readers to read it too so you'll have more informations about all the Saint's story and a lineguide for some of the characters and the cult itself.
I falled in love with the monster, the emperor's second-hand, the boy forced long time ago to become a killer, the destroyer of cities, the Wolf whose name is whispered in fear and desperation throughout all the empire. I struggled to contain myself in the scenes where he's present, I was yearning for more and more from him, to know him deeper and to possess his background. It was all written so good. You will find a well-written female protagonist, Sorcha was so strong and so human all the same. I can't stand myself waiting for the 'Living Saint' to be releasead and I hope I'll have the chance to arc's that too!
"Death is not the end".
The priest and priestess around Sorcha believe in this, knives and vials in their hand to put an end to their life because they know it is a matter of time, they will return engulfed in the Saint's light which will regenerate them, resurrect them and all who believes in him. They have faith in Sorcha to fulfill her role as the vessel, as the chosen who will find the relics and resurrect him.
But even if she was raised to believe in the scriptures and in the second life the Saint will granted to they all, Sorcha is afraid, she doesn't know how she will do what she's demanded to accomplish. The only thing she can think off is escaping the Golden Citadel, her home, now burning and filled with her dead ones, Ines and Rohan and all her temple's family. But at the gates her fate was waiting for her and there's no escape to it. The Wolf waits for her, his order to recollect her and bring her to Prince's Eine. She's the key to the Saint and Eine believes the Saint will save his dying mother, the empress.
Sorcha, afraid and with no choice left, is obliged to go searching the relics, following the map carved into her body, alongside with the Wolf. He has destroyed her city, put an end to her quiet life in the temple, killed the inhabitants of the Golden Citadel. He's a monster, a killer… And then, why she's fascinated by his dark eyes and his broad shoulders? Why his eyes seem to soften along the way when he would prepare for her a cloak and clovers to protect herself from the cold? Why he swears to protect her from everything in the middle of their journey, even frim his own men? Was it beucase his emperor's orders? Or is because his heart is trapped like her in this race when they're alone and apart? The Wolf can't find answers, Sorcha can't ask. But time, wounds, fears and tears later will prove them the truth, meanwhile Sorcha will doubt more and more about her role as the vessel and the new world the Saint will rise from the ruins of this unfaithful and corrupted one.
Chosen as the vessel of a God and yet not believing in him. Around her and behind her people choosed to die but she choosed to live. They died believing she will bring the Saint to life, whom will take them back from the death: she doesn't know if believe it anymore. She will betray all her past life and her people? Sorcha and Adrian, faithless. will find the way to believe again in something, after all: their love? Hold your breath and hold on.
Deep and conflicting feelings, pride and love, doubt and bluntness, wolf and vessel, villain and victim… You will love this story for sure and you will fall in love with this pair!
I recieved an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved this book. The dedication says: "for everyone who wants to kiss the villain" and I'm so glad someone would dedicate a book to me. I'd always strive for the villain who's so brave and fierce and dedicated… The monster who has the heart of the Disney's Beast. Thank you.
Jokes apart… You will find yourself lost in a world with cruel yet fascinating deities and anthropophagos saints. Prepare yourself to engage in a fatal quest, at the end of the road you will meet your destiny, in life and love both.
The atmospheres were dark, grim and fairytale all together. I was so lucky to have reviewed the novella 'Sacrament and blood' and I suggest all the readers to read it too so you'll have more informations about all the Saint's story and a lineguide for some of the characters and the cult itself.
I falled in love with the monster, the emperor's second-hand, the boy forced long time ago to become a killer, the destroyer of cities, the Wolf whose name is whispered in fear and desperation throughout all the empire. I struggled to contain myself in the scenes where he's present, I was yearning for more and more from him, to know him deeper and to possess his background. It was all written so good. You will find a well-written female protagonist, Sorcha was so strong and so human all the same. I can't stand myself waiting for the 'Living Saint' to be releasead and I hope I'll have the chance to arc's that too!
"Death is not the end".
The priest and priestess around Sorcha believe in this, knives and vials in their hand to put an end to their life because they know it is a matter of time, they will return engulfed in the Saint's light which will regenerate them, resurrect them and all who believes in him. They have faith in Sorcha to fulfill her role as the vessel, as the chosen who will find the relics and resurrect him.
But even if she was raised to believe in the scriptures and in the second life the Saint will granted to they all, Sorcha is afraid, she doesn't know how she will do what she's demanded to accomplish. The only thing she can think off is escaping the Golden Citadel, her home, now burning and filled with her dead ones, Ines and Rohan and all her temple's family. But at the gates her fate was waiting for her and there's no escape to it. The Wolf waits for her, his order to recollect her and bring her to Prince's Eine. She's the key to the Saint and Eine believes the Saint will save his dying mother, the empress.
Sorcha, afraid and with no choice left, is obliged to go searching the relics, following the map carved into her body, alongside with the Wolf. He has destroyed her city, put an end to her quiet life in the temple, killed the inhabitants of the Golden Citadel. He's a monster, a killer… And then, why she's fascinated by his dark eyes and his broad shoulders? Why his eyes seem to soften along the way when he would prepare for her a cloak and clovers to protect herself from the cold? Why he swears to protect her from everything in the middle of their journey, even frim his own men? Was it beucase his emperor's orders? Or is because his heart is trapped like her in this race when they're alone and apart? The Wolf can't find answers, Sorcha can't ask. But time, wounds, fears and tears later will prove them the truth, meanwhile Sorcha will doubt more and more about her role as the vessel and the new world the Saint will rise from the ruins of this unfaithful and corrupted one.
Chosen as the vessel of a God and yet not believing in him. Around her and behind her people choosed to die but she choosed to live. They died believing she will bring the Saint to life, whom will take them back from the death: she doesn't know if believe it anymore. She will betray all her past life and her people? Sorcha and Adrian, faithless. will find the way to believe again in something, after all: their love? Hold your breath and hold on.
Deep and conflicting feelings, pride and love, doubt and bluntness, wolf and vessel, villain and victim… You will love this story for sure and you will fall in love with this pair!
I recieved an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 30, 2024
I won’t explain the plot in this review, the book summary does that already. I can only give you some thoughts I had while reading this book.
First, our main character Sorcha. You are the vessel of a death god. Ok, sure. I’ll suspend my disbelief. You were chosen by this death cult at birth and raised in the temple as one of the higher-ranking members. You have lived in the temple of a death cult your entire life. And you have never seen death until the temple members kill themselves instead of surrendering. When someone says “death cult,” I think of one of two options. The first option is like the cult of Bhaal in Baldur’s Gate 3 where they go around the city and slaughter innocent people. The second option is more like they offer euthanasia options to sick and old people who want a peaceful death, like the faceless men in Game of Thrones. Either way, I expect a death cult to have at least some death involved. Clearly, I’m in the wrong here.
So at the start of the book, you have see your temple members commit suicide in order to not surrender to the invading army. Ok, I mean I wouldn’t do that but I’m not a member of a semi-death cult. But they leave their god’s vessel alone in the world and facing a massive army? It is mentioned later that she is not the first vessel and she won’t be the last vessel, so why keep her alive? Wouldn’t the safest option be her committing suicide and being sent straight to their death god? Why risk one of your most precious assets being at the mercy of a horde?
And the meeting between Sorcha and our male lead, Adrian. She has just been captured by the army and is meeting the commander of this army that sacked her temple. And what does she do? She constantly talks about how beautiful he is. And when we switch to his POV, he talks about how beautiful she is and needs to throw in a line about how small and delicate she is and how she weighs almost nothing. :/
But enough about the start of the book. Maybe the first few chapters start off weak. So I kept reading.
I genuinely can say this book needs a better editor than whoever worked on this book. I caught several spelling errors, grammatical errors, and some commonsense errors. For example, we get introduced to a minor character 3 TIMES in a single chapter. One more thing, the reunion of Adrian (male lead) and his ex-best friend took place OFF PAGE. I cannot emphasize enough how this decision is incredibly stupid. It is a significant scene for Adrian’s character arc and is info dumped after the event happened.
The dialog in this book was stale and unbelievable. Sorcha and Adrian are bickering at each other for most of the book. Sorcha is whiney and stupid. She almost gets herself killed by running away from Adrian and away from safety because…. I really don’t know. And then Adrian saves her, and she is nagging him. She calls him a monster for killing people. Sorcha, the vessel of a death god who lived in a death cult her entire life, is calling Adrian a monster for doing his job and killing people. Let me just emphasize this: a vessel for a death god is horrified at Adrian for killing people.
For the worldbuilding, here are vampires and werewolves and shifters and magic. And there are at least 2 gods that we know of. None of this information really matters because these things are brought up once and never explained. Sorcha has no magic. Adrian has no magic. None of the main or minor characters have magic or have anything special about them except Sorcha has magic tattoos that disappear. That’s it. But the plot is a magical quest of getting pieces of the death god’s body in order to resurrect him. The plot, weak as it is, is put on a back burner while we focus on the romance between Sorcha and Adrian.
In the end, I am giving this book one star. I am judging this book by itself, not as part of a series because I shouldn’t have to read any prequel in order to get bare bones information about the world or the death cult or magic or really anything.
I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
First, our main character Sorcha. You are the vessel of a death god. Ok, sure. I’ll suspend my disbelief. You were chosen by this death cult at birth and raised in the temple as one of the higher-ranking members. You have lived in the temple of a death cult your entire life. And you have never seen death until the temple members kill themselves instead of surrendering. When someone says “death cult,” I think of one of two options. The first option is like the cult of Bhaal in Baldur’s Gate 3 where they go around the city and slaughter innocent people. The second option is more like they offer euthanasia options to sick and old people who want a peaceful death, like the faceless men in Game of Thrones. Either way, I expect a death cult to have at least some death involved. Clearly, I’m in the wrong here.
So at the start of the book, you have see your temple members commit suicide in order to not surrender to the invading army. Ok, I mean I wouldn’t do that but I’m not a member of a semi-death cult. But they leave their god’s vessel alone in the world and facing a massive army? It is mentioned later that she is not the first vessel and she won’t be the last vessel, so why keep her alive? Wouldn’t the safest option be her committing suicide and being sent straight to their death god? Why risk one of your most precious assets being at the mercy of a horde?
And the meeting between Sorcha and our male lead, Adrian. She has just been captured by the army and is meeting the commander of this army that sacked her temple. And what does she do? She constantly talks about how beautiful he is. And when we switch to his POV, he talks about how beautiful she is and needs to throw in a line about how small and delicate she is and how she weighs almost nothing. :/
But enough about the start of the book. Maybe the first few chapters start off weak. So I kept reading.
I genuinely can say this book needs a better editor than whoever worked on this book. I caught several spelling errors, grammatical errors, and some commonsense errors. For example, we get introduced to a minor character 3 TIMES in a single chapter. One more thing, the reunion of Adrian (male lead) and his ex-best friend took place OFF PAGE. I cannot emphasize enough how this decision is incredibly stupid. It is a significant scene for Adrian’s character arc and is info dumped after the event happened.
The dialog in this book was stale and unbelievable. Sorcha and Adrian are bickering at each other for most of the book. Sorcha is whiney and stupid. She almost gets herself killed by running away from Adrian and away from safety because…. I really don’t know. And then Adrian saves her, and she is nagging him. She calls him a monster for killing people. Sorcha, the vessel of a death god who lived in a death cult her entire life, is calling Adrian a monster for doing his job and killing people. Let me just emphasize this: a vessel for a death god is horrified at Adrian for killing people.
For the worldbuilding, here are vampires and werewolves and shifters and magic. And there are at least 2 gods that we know of. None of this information really matters because these things are brought up once and never explained. Sorcha has no magic. Adrian has no magic. None of the main or minor characters have magic or have anything special about them except Sorcha has magic tattoos that disappear. That’s it. But the plot is a magical quest of getting pieces of the death god’s body in order to resurrect him. The plot, weak as it is, is put on a back burner while we focus on the romance between Sorcha and Adrian.
In the end, I am giving this book one star. I am judging this book by itself, not as part of a series because I shouldn’t have to read any prequel in order to get bare bones information about the world or the death cult or magic or really anything.
I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up to 5. This book was incredible, once I got into it I couldn't put it down! The characters were wonderfully complex and conflicted, the plot was exciting and unique, the romantic tension was palpable, and the writing was beautiful. The only issue I had was that it needs another editing pass - there's quite a noticeable number of typos, extra words, missing words, etc. There are also a few places with redundancies in the writing - whether it's the same word repeated several times in a row (seemingly not intentionally) or the same sentence/idea repeated too many times.
Worldbuilding - This is a VERY dark world, and it only gets darker by the end of the book. All of the characters are at least morally grey, mostly pretty dark grey. There are no good ways out of any situation for the main characters. The monsters and history and cult are all very unique and I was on the edge of my seat reading about all of it. The only tiny detail that didn't make sense to me was why the power-hungry prince is so desperate to have his mother alive. But perhaps that is explained later on in the series.
Characters - I absolutely love that the evil love interest is ACTUALLY a monster. So often in romantasy you get a supposedly dark, evil villain love interest who is just genuinely nice and good all the time and just thinks he should be evil. Not here - he IS a monster and he continues to do monstrous things, he's just different with the FMC. And she is super conflicted by that in all the right ways. The FMC also has her own inner turmoil to deal with, and it very clearly drives her actions and decisions. Despite the plot being forced on both characters, their internal conflicts really do drive a lot of the action happening within the larger plot. Their romance is fraught and impossible and tragic and oh so beautiful. I could feel the tension and the pain and it broke my heart even as I drank it up. The prince was evil in logical ways, though clearly going a bit mad, for good reasons. We don't yet quite know what the Saint's deal is, but I'm sure we'll find out in the next book. Kahina Kira was the only one who didn't yet make sense to me, but we didn't see her much here so I assume we'll learn more about her in later books. My only issue with her was that she was supposed to be a mother-figure to Sorcha, and yet we didn't get to see that at all so all we see is this crazy woman. Maybe a flashback of her being actually motherly would have helped us feel Sorcha's confusion about Kira's actions a bit more.
Plot - Super intriguing right from the blurb. Death cults, political intrigue, and a resurrected god? Yes please! The book definitely delivers on all its promises. Learning about the Saint's history as we go through the story is perfectly well paced. The gathering of the relics each contained such new and unique challenges and mysteries that it never got old or stale. Reveals of information about the characters and the development of the romance was also perfectly paced.
Writing - Very beautiful descriptions, wonderful style that added to the tension and mystery of the world and plot. Character voices were clear, dialogue was always purposeful and strong, and descriptions of places never felt overly weighty. It was easy to imagine the world and the actions in my head. The only issue was with editing (significant number of types, extra words, missing words, mismatching tenses, etc.) and a few redundancies of words/phrases, particularly in the introspection parts.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Worldbuilding - This is a VERY dark world, and it only gets darker by the end of the book. All of the characters are at least morally grey, mostly pretty dark grey. There are no good ways out of any situation for the main characters. The monsters and history and cult are all very unique and I was on the edge of my seat reading about all of it. The only tiny detail that didn't make sense to me was why the power-hungry prince is so desperate to have his mother alive. But perhaps that is explained later on in the series.
Characters - I absolutely love that the evil love interest is ACTUALLY a monster. So often in romantasy you get a supposedly dark, evil villain love interest who is just genuinely nice and good all the time and just thinks he should be evil. Not here - he IS a monster and he continues to do monstrous things, he's just different with the FMC. And she is super conflicted by that in all the right ways. The FMC also has her own inner turmoil to deal with, and it very clearly drives her actions and decisions. Despite the plot being forced on both characters, their internal conflicts really do drive a lot of the action happening within the larger plot. Their romance is fraught and impossible and tragic and oh so beautiful. I could feel the tension and the pain and it broke my heart even as I drank it up. The prince was evil in logical ways, though clearly going a bit mad, for good reasons. We don't yet quite know what the Saint's deal is, but I'm sure we'll find out in the next book. Kahina Kira was the only one who didn't yet make sense to me, but we didn't see her much here so I assume we'll learn more about her in later books. My only issue with her was that she was supposed to be a mother-figure to Sorcha, and yet we didn't get to see that at all so all we see is this crazy woman. Maybe a flashback of her being actually motherly would have helped us feel Sorcha's confusion about Kira's actions a bit more.
Plot - Super intriguing right from the blurb. Death cults, political intrigue, and a resurrected god? Yes please! The book definitely delivers on all its promises. Learning about the Saint's history as we go through the story is perfectly well paced. The gathering of the relics each contained such new and unique challenges and mysteries that it never got old or stale. Reveals of information about the characters and the development of the romance was also perfectly paced.
Writing - Very beautiful descriptions, wonderful style that added to the tension and mystery of the world and plot. Character voices were clear, dialogue was always purposeful and strong, and descriptions of places never felt overly weighty. It was easy to imagine the world and the actions in my head. The only issue was with editing (significant number of types, extra words, missing words, mismatching tenses, etc.) and a few redundancies of words/phrases, particularly in the introspection parts.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 10, 2024
What a book! What an experience! I am still collecting pieces of my broken heart from the floor, but it was so worth it. The Dead Saint, Book 1 in Kathryn Trattner's 'Blood and Rubies' series, is worth it; it's worth the angst, the pain, the heartache, and the fleeting moments of happiness and love. This is the first book in the series, and it sets the stage for a thrilling and emotionally charged journey that will leave you wanting more.
The Dead Saint is a true dark fantasy; if you enjoy the genre, you will love this book. I couldn't leave it; I had to go, knowing it would be dark, heavy, and deep because the story was utter perfection. I found myself crying on the bus, reading the final pages, and wanting nothing more than to continue the story of Sorcha and Adrian, or should I say, the Vessel and the Wolf. This book has left an indelible mark on me, and I'm sure it will do the same for you.
The book starts with a bang; we see a city burning, trampled by the Horde, an army of the Empire striving to conquer them all. The Golden Citadel, a once majestic and vibrant city, now lies in ruins, its streets filled with the echoes of despair. It has Sorcha, a Vessel for the Saint, a slain God of the Crimson cult. Sorcha's whole existence is tied to the Saint and the possibility of his resurrection. Still, even with her destiny already decided, we follow Sorcha on the road to resurrection, starting to question some of those preinstalled truths. Are they all true after all?
And at the front of the Horde stands the Wolf, the feared and brutal general loyal to the Prince, doing his bidding. Yet, as the story progresses, we learn more about the Wolf and Adrian behind the monster's mask.
"There is no shame in loving a monster," the voice said. "We all love monsters."
Adrian is not your typical hero. He's a morally grey character, a man with a past that haunts him. As we delve into his and Sorcha's history, we begin to see that not all monsters are born, some are made. It's a fascinating exploration of the human psyche, a reminder that we all have the capacity for good and evil. And it takes someone truly special, like Sorcha, to see beyond the monster and into the man.
"He could be the villain in everyone else's eyes but not hers."
The relationship between Sorcha and Adrian, initially a captor and a captive, is a complex and evolving one. It's a relationship that seems impossible to begin with, but as the story progresses, we see how it evolves, how the walls on both of them keep crumbling down, how they both fight it until they can fight it no more... It was special and beautiful in its own dark way. My heart was made and unmade so many times during The Dead Saint, but Sorcha and Adrian deserve all the love.
"She wanted everything he could give her – pain as well as pleasure, heartache, and bottomless black joy."
And I truly feel this is what we as readers get from Dead Saint—bottomless black joy, pain, heartache, and beautifully crafted emotions. The book delves into themes of love, sacrifice, redemption, and the blurred lines between good and evil, offering a rich and thought-provoking reading experience.
If I could try to sum it up, The Dead Saint will gift you
- dark fantasy romance,
- slow burn,
- touch her and perish,
- antiheroes,
- chosen one,
- epic adventure quest,
- monsters,
- truly morally grey MMC,
- forbidden love,
and so so so much more!
The Dead Saint is a true dark fantasy; if you enjoy the genre, you will love this book. I couldn't leave it; I had to go, knowing it would be dark, heavy, and deep because the story was utter perfection. I found myself crying on the bus, reading the final pages, and wanting nothing more than to continue the story of Sorcha and Adrian, or should I say, the Vessel and the Wolf. This book has left an indelible mark on me, and I'm sure it will do the same for you.
The book starts with a bang; we see a city burning, trampled by the Horde, an army of the Empire striving to conquer them all. The Golden Citadel, a once majestic and vibrant city, now lies in ruins, its streets filled with the echoes of despair. It has Sorcha, a Vessel for the Saint, a slain God of the Crimson cult. Sorcha's whole existence is tied to the Saint and the possibility of his resurrection. Still, even with her destiny already decided, we follow Sorcha on the road to resurrection, starting to question some of those preinstalled truths. Are they all true after all?
And at the front of the Horde stands the Wolf, the feared and brutal general loyal to the Prince, doing his bidding. Yet, as the story progresses, we learn more about the Wolf and Adrian behind the monster's mask.
"There is no shame in loving a monster," the voice said. "We all love monsters."
Adrian is not your typical hero. He's a morally grey character, a man with a past that haunts him. As we delve into his and Sorcha's history, we begin to see that not all monsters are born, some are made. It's a fascinating exploration of the human psyche, a reminder that we all have the capacity for good and evil. And it takes someone truly special, like Sorcha, to see beyond the monster and into the man.
"He could be the villain in everyone else's eyes but not hers."
The relationship between Sorcha and Adrian, initially a captor and a captive, is a complex and evolving one. It's a relationship that seems impossible to begin with, but as the story progresses, we see how it evolves, how the walls on both of them keep crumbling down, how they both fight it until they can fight it no more... It was special and beautiful in its own dark way. My heart was made and unmade so many times during The Dead Saint, but Sorcha and Adrian deserve all the love.
"She wanted everything he could give her – pain as well as pleasure, heartache, and bottomless black joy."
And I truly feel this is what we as readers get from Dead Saint—bottomless black joy, pain, heartache, and beautifully crafted emotions. The book delves into themes of love, sacrifice, redemption, and the blurred lines between good and evil, offering a rich and thought-provoking reading experience.
If I could try to sum it up, The Dead Saint will gift you
- dark fantasy romance,
- slow burn,
- touch her and perish,
- antiheroes,
- chosen one,
- epic adventure quest,
- monsters,
- truly morally grey MMC,
- forbidden love,
and so so so much more!
June 15, 2024
Taking place hundreds of years after the events of the prequel novella, The Dead Saint tells the story of an oracle whose sole purpose in life is to be the vessel that resurrects the legendary saint. Sorcha is not the first vessel, and she doesn't believe she will be the last. Each generation, someone is taken from their family and raised within the walls of the Golden Citadel to be trained on what their future holds should they be called to perform the resurrection. So much time has passed since the saint walked the Earth, he's become more of an ancient myth to many. There are those, however, who still believe.
The ruler of the Empire of the Snake is one of those believers. He has no choice if he wants to save his dying mother. Only the saint has the ability to either prevent her death or resurrect her from it. Everyone in the path between the prince and the vessel will be eliminated. She is the only one that can gather the scattered pieces of the dead saint and perform the magic that will bring him back, and the prince will see it done.
Adrian is the deadliest soldier in the prince's arsenal. He kills without remorse, and it is he that is sent to find Sorcha and force her to fulfill her destiny. At his hand, or by his command, everyone and everything she has ever known is massacred and burned to the ground around her. She was born to bring back a god, and she'll now have to do it whether she likes it or not.
As with the prequel, Sacrament and Smoke, I was left wanting more but for different reasons. Whereas the first book was limited by the constraints of being a short story, this one felt more like it was due to a lack of focus on the possibilities. There was such promise in this premise. With an entire skeleton scattered in places that could be treacherous to pass through, we could have explored such wonderful atmospheric depths. Instead, I was left feeling as though the main story was actually just a background to the "romance" evolving between Sorcha and Adrian.
The problem with this being a romance, though, is the unbelievability of the relationship. A girl watches her neighbors and loved ones be brutally murdered. Some of them almost ritualistically took their own lives rather than be killed, and the first thing that passes between her and the man responsible for all of that death is some undeniable draw? They spend days and weeks together afterward, with barely a word exchanged between them, and yet the reader is supposed to buy into a romance developing? There was more depth to the interactions between Sorcha and the keeper of the underwater city that held one of the saint's skeletal pieces.
I could have been okay with the romance had there been more dialogue, real and meaningful dialogue, between the two main characters. A lapse of time from the death of Sorcha's entire village and the first spark between the couple would have been extremely helpful also. Moreover, there needed to be a better balance between the relationship and the actual story that was taking place. I needed more development to the world, the magic, and the gathering of the saint's remains. There was greatness waiting in the wings, but it was suppressed by a "romance" that happened too quickly to be acceptable.
I received a copy of this book and have chosen to give this objective review.
The ruler of the Empire of the Snake is one of those believers. He has no choice if he wants to save his dying mother. Only the saint has the ability to either prevent her death or resurrect her from it. Everyone in the path between the prince and the vessel will be eliminated. She is the only one that can gather the scattered pieces of the dead saint and perform the magic that will bring him back, and the prince will see it done.
Adrian is the deadliest soldier in the prince's arsenal. He kills without remorse, and it is he that is sent to find Sorcha and force her to fulfill her destiny. At his hand, or by his command, everyone and everything she has ever known is massacred and burned to the ground around her. She was born to bring back a god, and she'll now have to do it whether she likes it or not.
As with the prequel, Sacrament and Smoke, I was left wanting more but for different reasons. Whereas the first book was limited by the constraints of being a short story, this one felt more like it was due to a lack of focus on the possibilities. There was such promise in this premise. With an entire skeleton scattered in places that could be treacherous to pass through, we could have explored such wonderful atmospheric depths. Instead, I was left feeling as though the main story was actually just a background to the "romance" evolving between Sorcha and Adrian.
The problem with this being a romance, though, is the unbelievability of the relationship. A girl watches her neighbors and loved ones be brutally murdered. Some of them almost ritualistically took their own lives rather than be killed, and the first thing that passes between her and the man responsible for all of that death is some undeniable draw? They spend days and weeks together afterward, with barely a word exchanged between them, and yet the reader is supposed to buy into a romance developing? There was more depth to the interactions between Sorcha and the keeper of the underwater city that held one of the saint's skeletal pieces.
I could have been okay with the romance had there been more dialogue, real and meaningful dialogue, between the two main characters. A lapse of time from the death of Sorcha's entire village and the first spark between the couple would have been extremely helpful also. Moreover, there needed to be a better balance between the relationship and the actual story that was taking place. I needed more development to the world, the magic, and the gathering of the saint's remains. There was greatness waiting in the wings, but it was suppressed by a "romance" that happened too quickly to be acceptable.
I received a copy of this book and have chosen to give this objective review.
June 2, 2024
This book has it all, I swear. Our enemy, The Wolf, seems like the *worst* kind of monster at first, at least, compared to the priests and priestesses of Sorcha's religion. He kills, he maims, he murders, he conquers, all to be the monster the prince wants him to be. Sorcha sees him as villainous, yet handsome, from the very start. The problem? He very very quickly becomes tender toward her, and his men notice it as soon as it happens.
This puts our captive, Sorcha, in even more danger. After all, she's seen as a witch, a temptress, a heretic, and is in a blood cult! The Wolf's men don't want to stand for it, because their bloodthirsty leader has never shown tenderness, has never hesitated to kill, and has never protected someone above them.
Sorcha is constantly reminding herself that The Wolf is the bad guy. That he's a monster. But more and more she realizes that he's a monster due to his situation, just as she is just a vessel from her own.
They find unspoken camaraderie in being who people expect them to be, and, in turn, quietly fall in love with one another.
"Because I can't go on without you."
Their unspoken dreams of being with each other are perilous and most unlikely, so speaking them is useless. But, as readers, we know that the more words that are spoken, the more spice we get.
"There is no shame in loving a monster," the voice said. "We all love monsters."
And boy oh boy do we get some hot and heated physical encounters. They go along with soft and sensual, caring and tender encounters, as well. It's a great balance between hot and heavy v. tender and loving.
"he wanted her to scream his name and swear no one else would ever touch her like this again."
"He would have given her everything. Anything she asked. Burn the world. Kill the prince. Race across the continent until they reached the ocean and then keep going."
Although our MMC, Sorcha's perceived enemy, is, by all accounts, not a great guy, it's obvious that the story has much much much *worse* guys. The antagonists are different men, with different motives and personalities. Their differences make for a nice duo of evil who despise both Sorcha and Adrian. The dangers in this world are heavy, unpredictable, and volatile.
"He wanted everything she was, all she would be, in his bed and inside his soul."
I would say this is an epic fantasy, with multiple storyline facets, potential for huge character development (more than was already displayed in this book!), and it is a definite page-turner. The slow-burn is top-notch, the spice may need a glass of milk to go with it, the action is never lacking, and the characters each have more depth to them than meets the eye.
"I loved you in the ruins of a city. I loved you beneath a burning sky filled with stars. I love you now when the world is ending."
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This puts our captive, Sorcha, in even more danger. After all, she's seen as a witch, a temptress, a heretic, and is in a blood cult! The Wolf's men don't want to stand for it, because their bloodthirsty leader has never shown tenderness, has never hesitated to kill, and has never protected someone above them.
Sorcha is constantly reminding herself that The Wolf is the bad guy. That he's a monster. But more and more she realizes that he's a monster due to his situation, just as she is just a vessel from her own.
They find unspoken camaraderie in being who people expect them to be, and, in turn, quietly fall in love with one another.
"Because I can't go on without you."
Their unspoken dreams of being with each other are perilous and most unlikely, so speaking them is useless. But, as readers, we know that the more words that are spoken, the more spice we get.
"There is no shame in loving a monster," the voice said. "We all love monsters."
And boy oh boy do we get some hot and heated physical encounters. They go along with soft and sensual, caring and tender encounters, as well. It's a great balance between hot and heavy v. tender and loving.
"he wanted her to scream his name and swear no one else would ever touch her like this again."
"He would have given her everything. Anything she asked. Burn the world. Kill the prince. Race across the continent until they reached the ocean and then keep going."
Although our MMC, Sorcha's perceived enemy, is, by all accounts, not a great guy, it's obvious that the story has much much much *worse* guys. The antagonists are different men, with different motives and personalities. Their differences make for a nice duo of evil who despise both Sorcha and Adrian. The dangers in this world are heavy, unpredictable, and volatile.
"He wanted everything she was, all she would be, in his bed and inside his soul."
I would say this is an epic fantasy, with multiple storyline facets, potential for huge character development (more than was already displayed in this book!), and it is a definite page-turner. The slow-burn is top-notch, the spice may need a glass of milk to go with it, the action is never lacking, and the characters each have more depth to them than meets the eye.
"I loved you in the ruins of a city. I loved you beneath a burning sky filled with stars. I love you now when the world is ending."
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 18, 2024
Impeccable world building. The writing was compelling and kept my attention, Sorcha and Wolf were well developed characters; even though they still hid several secrets, their journey and relationship was fulfilling. The side characters lacked a bit of depth, though I'm not sure if this was intentional, since Sorcha especially was focused on finding the relics, and not looking to get close to her captors. She wanted to escape the Black Tomeis, not get to know them.
Sorcha, the one chosen to be the vessel of the Saint - the one who could bring him back to life - has her world turned upside down. Life at the temple was everything, but as the city is under siege, the priests and priestesses around her take their own lives, confident that when Sorcha brings back the Saint, they will be brought back as well.
The Saint, who was once immortal, and ruled over everything. He brought peace, then later brought destruction. Now, his bones have been scattered, hidden away as relics, waiting for the time when they'll be brought together, and the Saint himself will be brought back, to live once more as a god.
The prince of the White Snake empire doesn't care for much. He does care that his mother is dying, and believes that only the Saint can save her. He puts his best man, Wolf, leader of the Black Tomeis, to the task of finding Sorcha. Once found, using the map inked on her body, they are sent to find the relics.
As they travel, Sorcha and Wolf can't deny their attraction. Even if she hates the monster he's become, she can't help but be drawn to him, to seek him for comfort on their travels. Finding the relics is more dangerous than Sorcha had expected - each one is hidden away, guarded by monsters and beasts out of legend. Not all of them want the Saint to return, and even as the chosen Vessel, Sorcha isn't always safe. As she finds more relics, she begins to doubt everything she's believed - will the Saint really bring back all those who've been lost? Who could ever hope to command him? Or will he be set on destruction? Sorcha knows what it will cost though, and continues on, knowing she will be the one to pay.
I really do love Kathryn Trattner's writing, but this story might have been a little one the dark side for me. If it hadn't been for her earlier book, The Glass Palace, I probably wouldn't have picked this one up. However, now that I did, I need to know what happens next, and I love that she has so many novellas in the world as well, so we can learn even more about the past, and characters who got only a quick mention.
I received an ARC through BookSirens for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
Sorcha, the one chosen to be the vessel of the Saint - the one who could bring him back to life - has her world turned upside down. Life at the temple was everything, but as the city is under siege, the priests and priestesses around her take their own lives, confident that when Sorcha brings back the Saint, they will be brought back as well.
The Saint, who was once immortal, and ruled over everything. He brought peace, then later brought destruction. Now, his bones have been scattered, hidden away as relics, waiting for the time when they'll be brought together, and the Saint himself will be brought back, to live once more as a god.
The prince of the White Snake empire doesn't care for much. He does care that his mother is dying, and believes that only the Saint can save her. He puts his best man, Wolf, leader of the Black Tomeis, to the task of finding Sorcha. Once found, using the map inked on her body, they are sent to find the relics.
As they travel, Sorcha and Wolf can't deny their attraction. Even if she hates the monster he's become, she can't help but be drawn to him, to seek him for comfort on their travels. Finding the relics is more dangerous than Sorcha had expected - each one is hidden away, guarded by monsters and beasts out of legend. Not all of them want the Saint to return, and even as the chosen Vessel, Sorcha isn't always safe. As she finds more relics, she begins to doubt everything she's believed - will the Saint really bring back all those who've been lost? Who could ever hope to command him? Or will he be set on destruction? Sorcha knows what it will cost though, and continues on, knowing she will be the one to pay.
I really do love Kathryn Trattner's writing, but this story might have been a little one the dark side for me. If it hadn't been for her earlier book, The Glass Palace, I probably wouldn't have picked this one up. However, now that I did, I need to know what happens next, and I love that she has so many novellas in the world as well, so we can learn even more about the past, and characters who got only a quick mention.
I received an ARC through BookSirens for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
June 24, 2024
In "The Dead Saint," Kathryn Trattner introduces readers to a richly woven tapestry of intrigue, magic, and conflicted loyalties in a world on the brink of chaos. Set against the backdrop of war and prophecy, this novel immerses readers in a tale where destinies collide and secrets unravel with every turn of the page.
Kathryn Trattner delivers a captivating narrative that seamlessly blends elements of fantasy, political intrigue, and personal discovery in "The Dead Saint." From the outset, Sorcha's journey from sheltered priestess to pivotal figure in a world-shaking prophecy is compellingly portrayed. Her internal struggle with destiny, coupled with external threats that challenge her beliefs and loyalties, forms the heart of the novel's emotional depth.
Adrian, characterized by his complex persona as a formidable warrior and reluctant seeker of the Saint, adds layers of intrigue to the story. His interactions with Sorcha are fraught with tension and chemistry, highlighting their evolving relationship amidst the backdrop of impending war and political machinations.
Trattner excels in world-building, painting a vivid picture of a realm beset by conflict and magic. The Golden Citadel and the Empire of the White Snake are rendered with intricate detail, immersing readers in a world where ancient prophecies and modern ambitions collide. The narrative's pacing is brisk yet nuanced, keeping readers engaged with a balance of action-packed sequences and introspective moments that delve into characters' motivations.
"The Dead Saint" is the first installment in the Blood and Rubies series, promising a saga that delves deeper into themes of power, identity, and the consequences of wielding ancient magic. With its cliffhanger ending paving the way for the sequel, "The Living Saint," readers are left eagerly anticipating the continuation of Sorcha and Adrian's saga.
Overall, this being the first book of this author's to have read and bought "The Dead Saint" by Kathryn Trattner is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy and intricate world-building. With its gripping storyline, well-drawn characters, and a world teetering on the brink of upheaval, this novel sets the stage for an enthralling series that promises to captivate readers until the very last page. Prepare to embark on a journey where fate, magic, and the pursuit of truth converge in ways that defy expectations and ignite the imagination.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kathryn Trattner delivers a captivating narrative that seamlessly blends elements of fantasy, political intrigue, and personal discovery in "The Dead Saint." From the outset, Sorcha's journey from sheltered priestess to pivotal figure in a world-shaking prophecy is compellingly portrayed. Her internal struggle with destiny, coupled with external threats that challenge her beliefs and loyalties, forms the heart of the novel's emotional depth.
Adrian, characterized by his complex persona as a formidable warrior and reluctant seeker of the Saint, adds layers of intrigue to the story. His interactions with Sorcha are fraught with tension and chemistry, highlighting their evolving relationship amidst the backdrop of impending war and political machinations.
Trattner excels in world-building, painting a vivid picture of a realm beset by conflict and magic. The Golden Citadel and the Empire of the White Snake are rendered with intricate detail, immersing readers in a world where ancient prophecies and modern ambitions collide. The narrative's pacing is brisk yet nuanced, keeping readers engaged with a balance of action-packed sequences and introspective moments that delve into characters' motivations.
"The Dead Saint" is the first installment in the Blood and Rubies series, promising a saga that delves deeper into themes of power, identity, and the consequences of wielding ancient magic. With its cliffhanger ending paving the way for the sequel, "The Living Saint," readers are left eagerly anticipating the continuation of Sorcha and Adrian's saga.
Overall, this being the first book of this author's to have read and bought "The Dead Saint" by Kathryn Trattner is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy and intricate world-building. With its gripping storyline, well-drawn characters, and a world teetering on the brink of upheaval, this novel sets the stage for an enthralling series that promises to captivate readers until the very last page. Prepare to embark on a journey where fate, magic, and the pursuit of truth converge in ways that defy expectations and ignite the imagination.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 9, 2024
What an epic story!
If you’ve read Sacrament and Smoke this takes place years later after the saint had been transformed and his body broken up and hidden all over. A young girl named Sorcha has been raised up in the temple being told she will be the vessel to resurrect the dead saint but another empire attacks and destroys the city her temple resides in. Her friends kill themselves making Sorcha promise them to resurrect the saint and in so doing bring them back as well. Her
mentor has disappeared which played a very prominent role in that previous book by the way. Sorcha is captured, the only one left alive in the city by order of the prince who ordered the city destroyed. She is hated by all those who destroyed her city but finds she must retrieve the relics to revive the saint for the prince for his own purposes.
In her search for the parts of the saint she finds an attraction with the leader of the army who destroyed her temple and city and is the only one who is keeping the others from killing her. Try as they might the attraction grows and until it can’t be denied any longer. As the book rushes towards its conclusion, Sorcha’s mentor makes an appearance and Sorcha asks Adrian to do probably the hardest thing he has ever done before for her - for them both! In the end the cliffhanger is leaving me on pins and needles until book two comes out to find out what comes next!
This is really a epic romantic fantasy that will capture your imagination! It involves sword fighting and magic, and characters who have been brought up to believe in certain ways but as time and circumstances change find they question what they were taught and told. In the end for Sorcha, she followed through with what her mission was but there was a surprise awaiting for her she she won’t find out until the next book!
Kathryn weaves a compelling book that draws readers into her story and leaves them spellbound as the tale unfolds around them. It’s a magical journey to be transported to a place and feel like you’re experiencing what Sorcha and Adrian feel every step along the way!
I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend this book to all adult readers who enjoy a good fantasy story with adult themes dealing with sex and suicide. The action/ adventure throughout the book
will certainly hold your interest as they search for the relics to try and recombine them back to make the dead saint whole once again!
If you’ve read Sacrament and Smoke this takes place years later after the saint had been transformed and his body broken up and hidden all over. A young girl named Sorcha has been raised up in the temple being told she will be the vessel to resurrect the dead saint but another empire attacks and destroys the city her temple resides in. Her friends kill themselves making Sorcha promise them to resurrect the saint and in so doing bring them back as well. Her
mentor has disappeared which played a very prominent role in that previous book by the way. Sorcha is captured, the only one left alive in the city by order of the prince who ordered the city destroyed. She is hated by all those who destroyed her city but finds she must retrieve the relics to revive the saint for the prince for his own purposes.
In her search for the parts of the saint she finds an attraction with the leader of the army who destroyed her temple and city and is the only one who is keeping the others from killing her. Try as they might the attraction grows and until it can’t be denied any longer. As the book rushes towards its conclusion, Sorcha’s mentor makes an appearance and Sorcha asks Adrian to do probably the hardest thing he has ever done before for her - for them both! In the end the cliffhanger is leaving me on pins and needles until book two comes out to find out what comes next!
This is really a epic romantic fantasy that will capture your imagination! It involves sword fighting and magic, and characters who have been brought up to believe in certain ways but as time and circumstances change find they question what they were taught and told. In the end for Sorcha, she followed through with what her mission was but there was a surprise awaiting for her she she won’t find out until the next book!
Kathryn weaves a compelling book that draws readers into her story and leaves them spellbound as the tale unfolds around them. It’s a magical journey to be transported to a place and feel like you’re experiencing what Sorcha and Adrian feel every step along the way!
I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend this book to all adult readers who enjoy a good fantasy story with adult themes dealing with sex and suicide. The action/ adventure throughout the book
will certainly hold your interest as they search for the relics to try and recombine them back to make the dead saint whole once again!
May 20, 2024
One word....
Ugh!!!
I am so angry with Kathryn Trattner for leaving this book on such an intense cliff hanger.... Like fine, just take me with you over the edge... This story is so good though. While the spice isn't top notch or blood boiling hot, it still gets the job done.
Sorcha is a priestess that was raised in the Golden Citadel with the knowledge that she was born to fulfill a prophecy. She's considered a vessel for The Saint that she's supposed to resurrect, but she doubts that she will ever have to. Then everyone that she's ever known or loved is killed by a hoard of men that are searching for her to bring the Saint back for the Empire.
Adrian, or the Wolf is a soldier that does everything for the Empire without question, or he always has... When he meets Sorcha after taking her for the Empire, he starts to see the world in a different light. He can see more than him just living to serve the Empire, even if he believes that her cause, and why she's so important is a myth, he still realizes that there is more between them.
I loved reading this story. It starts right away with action, and even though Sorcha and Adrian start off in an enemies to lovers trope, it's such a seamless connection they have when they finally taken a step into more sensually unknown territory. The fantasy elements in the story were good and believable. I was hoping to see more power from Sorcha, but then reminded myself that she isn't the Saint herself, just the vessel.
Overall, I this was really, and well worth the read. I can't wait for the second one.
Ugh!!!
I am so angry with Kathryn Trattner for leaving this book on such an intense cliff hanger.... Like fine, just take me with you over the edge... This story is so good though. While the spice isn't top notch or blood boiling hot, it still gets the job done.
Sorcha is a priestess that was raised in the Golden Citadel with the knowledge that she was born to fulfill a prophecy. She's considered a vessel for The Saint that she's supposed to resurrect, but she doubts that she will ever have to. Then everyone that she's ever known or loved is killed by a hoard of men that are searching for her to bring the Saint back for the Empire.
Adrian, or the Wolf is a soldier that does everything for the Empire without question, or he always has... When he meets Sorcha after taking her for the Empire, he starts to see the world in a different light. He can see more than him just living to serve the Empire, even if he believes that her cause, and why she's so important is a myth, he still realizes that there is more between them.
I loved reading this story. It starts right away with action, and even though Sorcha and Adrian start off in an enemies to lovers trope, it's such a seamless connection they have when they finally taken a step into more sensually unknown territory. The fantasy elements in the story were good and believable. I was hoping to see more power from Sorcha, but then reminded myself that she isn't the Saint herself, just the vessel.
Overall, I this was really, and well worth the read. I can't wait for the second one.
June 5, 2024
This has such an interesting concept, I don’t think I’ve seen this before. The plot is heavily centered around religion, worshipping the dead god, whose bones are sacred relics, scattered across the world that, if brought together, can bring him back. His believers trust that he can resurrect the dead, but will he?
I loved Sorcha, the fmc, for not blindly believing everything she was thought about The Saint as she was discovering that there’s more to his story while looking for the relics. That the temple she was raised in and the people there failed to mention the more gruesome parts. That when the doubts crept in she didn’t dismiss them. I wished she was a bit less compliant at some points.
Adrian was the perfect morally gray mmc, I don’t think I have anything more to say. I hoped he would choose differently at the end or fought more in that tower. Hard to believe he couldn’t fight their way out of that tower and just accepted what Sorcha wanted him to do.
It is beautifully written but the spice bothered me a little, not that it was there, it was good and hot, but this parts didn’t fit with the writing style of the rest of the book.
I am very curious what happens next. It ended with a perfect cliffhanger moment and the blurb for the next book makes me stressed for that first few pages 😅
I loved Sorcha, the fmc, for not blindly believing everything she was thought about The Saint as she was discovering that there’s more to his story while looking for the relics. That the temple she was raised in and the people there failed to mention the more gruesome parts. That when the doubts crept in she didn’t dismiss them. I wished she was a bit less compliant at some points.
Adrian was the perfect morally gray mmc, I don’t think I have anything more to say. I hoped he would choose differently at the end or fought more in that tower. Hard to believe he couldn’t fight their way out of that tower and just accepted what Sorcha wanted him to do.
It is beautifully written but the spice bothered me a little, not that it was there, it was good and hot, but this parts didn’t fit with the writing style of the rest of the book.
I am very curious what happens next. It ended with a perfect cliffhanger moment and the blurb for the next book makes me stressed for that first few pages 😅
June 5, 2024
I started this book last night and read until I dropped my iPad on my face. I woke up thinking about the story and where it was headed. The adventure was seat of your pants what's going to happen next, and Kathryn did a really great job putting her characters through hell. Though the trigger warnings are plentiful the scenes are not gratuitous in nature. They do not play out in the story as a focus or shock factor, and I love the respect she gives the situations.
I do not come across many books these days written with an omnipresent voice and I liked it very much. I liked the mixture of thoughts and feelings from the characters without waiting for their chapter to come along in their point of view. Sometimes it can be difficult to follow but not in this case. Kathryn did a really great job allowing the reader to follow easily and still be fully immersed in the story and it added a richness to the characters.
I really appreciated the maturity of the characters even as Sorcha had been raised being shielded from the ways of the world and the horrors outside of the gates, I liked how she was not some whimpering idiot. Though softer, she was smart and brave without being unrealistically so. She was afraid and still kept moving without having to be saved at every turn for being "unaware of the dangers..." This is a good read and I am eager to find out what happens next.
I do not come across many books these days written with an omnipresent voice and I liked it very much. I liked the mixture of thoughts and feelings from the characters without waiting for their chapter to come along in their point of view. Sometimes it can be difficult to follow but not in this case. Kathryn did a really great job allowing the reader to follow easily and still be fully immersed in the story and it added a richness to the characters.
I really appreciated the maturity of the characters even as Sorcha had been raised being shielded from the ways of the world and the horrors outside of the gates, I liked how she was not some whimpering idiot. Though softer, she was smart and brave without being unrealistically so. She was afraid and still kept moving without having to be saved at every turn for being "unaware of the dangers..." This is a good read and I am eager to find out what happens next.
May 10, 2024
Sorcha is the vessel for the Saint, a long dead god. He can be resurrected by gathering his relics and performing a ritual. However, before any of that can happen, a prince set on world domination attacks Sorcha's city, kills everyone, and takes Sorcha captive. Now she is on a quest to gather the relics so the prince can save his dying mother, but Sorcha has doubts. She is not the perfect believer, so will the quest to revive the Saint even work?
This one is dark. You have a prince that indiscriminately kills people, even when they do what he asks. The romance is also a bit dark too, but the dual POV is helpful so you can see how and when Sorcha and Adrian's opinions of each other change. Definitely an enemies to lovers storyline, and Adrian is very morally gray. However, when compared to others in the story, he actually looks tame. He's an antihero that you want to cheer on. Sorcha figures a few things out as she goes and shares those thoughts with the reader, so the ending is not a surprise, but we are left on a cliffhanger, waiting to see how this is all going to work out. The writing was excellent, and I was definitely sucked into the story and became invested. Therefore, this is a 5 star read for me!
This one is dark. You have a prince that indiscriminately kills people, even when they do what he asks. The romance is also a bit dark too, but the dual POV is helpful so you can see how and when Sorcha and Adrian's opinions of each other change. Definitely an enemies to lovers storyline, and Adrian is very morally gray. However, when compared to others in the story, he actually looks tame. He's an antihero that you want to cheer on. Sorcha figures a few things out as she goes and shares those thoughts with the reader, so the ending is not a surprise, but we are left on a cliffhanger, waiting to see how this is all going to work out. The writing was excellent, and I was definitely sucked into the story and became invested. Therefore, this is a 5 star read for me!
May 13, 2024
The Dead Saint is book 1 in the Blood and Rubies Series. Taking place many years after Sacrament and Smoke, we follow the journey of Sorcha being raised in the temple and being chosen at birth as the vessel to resurrect the dead saint. Living a peaceful life, the need to resurrect the Saint has never been needed, but when Sorcha loses everything and Golden Citadel is left in ruins after an attack, She finds herself captive. Ordered by the prince, Sorcha must begin the quest with The Wolf, loyal to his prince feared by the people, to find all the relics to resurrect the Saint.
Though through this dangerous journey, things aren’t what they seem, truths are discovered and Sorcha and Adrian continuously struggle with their feelings and attractions.
From the first page you could tell that this book is about to take you on an adventure.
Kathryn has created a story that captures your imagination, it’s interesting and filled with magic, danger, mythical creatures and emotions. The story/plot and characters were really well written.
I really enjoyed this read though I do recommend reading Sacrament and Smoke first just to get a bit of an understanding of the Saint and we are left on a cliffhanger but that just makes it more exciting for The Living Saint
Though through this dangerous journey, things aren’t what they seem, truths are discovered and Sorcha and Adrian continuously struggle with their feelings and attractions.
From the first page you could tell that this book is about to take you on an adventure.
Kathryn has created a story that captures your imagination, it’s interesting and filled with magic, danger, mythical creatures and emotions. The story/plot and characters were really well written.
I really enjoyed this read though I do recommend reading Sacrament and Smoke first just to get a bit of an understanding of the Saint and we are left on a cliffhanger but that just makes it more exciting for The Living Saint
June 15, 2024
I’m always a bit hit-or-miss with Ms. Trattner’s books but this one is definitely a hit!
Sorcha was taken as a babe in to the inner most circles of the Golden Citadel. Told ‘she’ was the ordained vessel for their Golden Saint. Her body tattoo’d with a map of the locations of each of the Saints relics. A living map. Pampered and doted on by the priests of the order. And then her life came crashing, literally down around her. Her city besieged, sacked and burned. Her order dead by their own hands. Knowing only that SHE was their last hope for a life eternal by locating the relics whose positions are mapped out on her very skin and resurrecting her god, The Golden Saint.
But there are obstacles in her path. Adrian, the warlord responsible for the sack of the Golden Citadel and thousands of other cities all done at the behest of his Prince Eine, Master of the White Serpent Empire.
These three must come to terms with themselves, their individual desires and prophesied destinies to resurrect the Golden Saint. For Good or Ill.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sorcha was taken as a babe in to the inner most circles of the Golden Citadel. Told ‘she’ was the ordained vessel for their Golden Saint. Her body tattoo’d with a map of the locations of each of the Saints relics. A living map. Pampered and doted on by the priests of the order. And then her life came crashing, literally down around her. Her city besieged, sacked and burned. Her order dead by their own hands. Knowing only that SHE was their last hope for a life eternal by locating the relics whose positions are mapped out on her very skin and resurrecting her god, The Golden Saint.
But there are obstacles in her path. Adrian, the warlord responsible for the sack of the Golden Citadel and thousands of other cities all done at the behest of his Prince Eine, Master of the White Serpent Empire.
These three must come to terms with themselves, their individual desires and prophesied destinies to resurrect the Golden Saint. For Good or Ill.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 22, 2024
I loved this book. Trattner did a fantastic job with world building. The descriptions of characters and places did not feel overly done nor leave me wanting more. From the first page, I wanted to read more.
Sorcha is spoiled by those who raised her. Held in a way that left her reality pretty sheltered. She wanted for nothing and was suddenly thrown into the war that plagued the continent when Adrian, The Empire of the Snake's killing machine known as The Wolf, burns her city down and captures her for the Empire.
Sorcha, to most is nothing more than the Vessel and is expected to do what she was raised to do, bring the Saint back. My favorite thing about Sorcha is that even once she figures out where her future is headed, there isn't any major pity party on her end. No woe is me where she breaks down and becomes a lackluster character that limits the book.
Great book. I look forward to reading more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sorcha is spoiled by those who raised her. Held in a way that left her reality pretty sheltered. She wanted for nothing and was suddenly thrown into the war that plagued the continent when Adrian, The Empire of the Snake's killing machine known as The Wolf, burns her city down and captures her for the Empire.
Sorcha, to most is nothing more than the Vessel and is expected to do what she was raised to do, bring the Saint back. My favorite thing about Sorcha is that even once she figures out where her future is headed, there isn't any major pity party on her end. No woe is me where she breaks down and becomes a lackluster character that limits the book.
Great book. I look forward to reading more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 14, 2025
This book has me a little conflicted. I will say first and foremost, I loved the authors world building for this whole world. It was amazing and made the story enjoyable.
With that said, I have some issues in regard to the characters and the plot. The biggest issue I had was this book was pitched as an enemies to lovers. Sorcha and Adrian had an almost instant love connection within the first 20 pages of this book. The only way they were enemies is that Adrian took Sorcha’s city and captured her. Theres no hate or grudges held. Adrian literally admits about 80% through the book that he fell for Sorcha when he took her city.
When it came to finding the relics there was like no action when they came up against the guardians. It really annoyed me when Sorcha was facing down the vampire skeletons and before any action happened it switched to Adrian’s pov.
I am also pretty sure there were a few tomes when the pov between Sorcha and Adrian switched mid paragraph, which was very confusing.
With that said, I have some issues in regard to the characters and the plot. The biggest issue I had was this book was pitched as an enemies to lovers. Sorcha and Adrian had an almost instant love connection within the first 20 pages of this book. The only way they were enemies is that Adrian took Sorcha’s city and captured her. Theres no hate or grudges held. Adrian literally admits about 80% through the book that he fell for Sorcha when he took her city.
When it came to finding the relics there was like no action when they came up against the guardians. It really annoyed me when Sorcha was facing down the vampire skeletons and before any action happened it switched to Adrian’s pov.
I am also pretty sure there were a few tomes when the pov between Sorcha and Adrian switched mid paragraph, which was very confusing.
February 19, 2025
I enjoyed the second half a lot more than the first. I just couldn't get my head around someone instantly falling for/being mysteriously attracted to a man that had literally just massacred her whole city in cold blood. All her friends and family are dead. The blood isn't even dry yet, and she's thinking about how handsome this guy is. I was waiting for there to be a reason...like a magical bond or some such, but there wasn't anything.
So I decided in my head that the beginning of the story was just wrong...surely she knew him for a lot longer before she started to see his human side and feel that attraction. That's more believable , right? After I'd mentally rewritten the beginning, I quite enjoyed the rest of it.
I would have liked more action at some of the places they visited. A bit more interaction with some of the monsters. It all felt a bit rushed.
But the writing is nice and it's easy to read.
So I decided in my head that the beginning of the story was just wrong...surely she knew him for a lot longer before she started to see his human side and feel that attraction. That's more believable , right? After I'd mentally rewritten the beginning, I quite enjoyed the rest of it.
I would have liked more action at some of the places they visited. A bit more interaction with some of the monsters. It all felt a bit rushed.
But the writing is nice and it's easy to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2024
Sorcha turned to Adrian, her shoulders set. "I go forward no matter what comes next. Are you?" Adrian shook his head, one hand casually laid on the hilt of his sword, the other still covering the spot her hand had rested. "I'm not afraid to follow you." - Kathryn Trattner, "The Dead Saint: Blood and Rubies"
I enjoyed this adventure/love story. Captor and Prisoner, each honor bound to their roles in life, their destiny/title. But what happens when they want something more? Can you change the path that you are on even though you know it isn't a path that you truly want? Or do you stay the path because that is what you are meant to do.
- Enemies to lovers
- Slow burn
- Morally grey characters
- Forced to follow the path
- Enticing world
- Good Character development... but slower
I enjoyed this adventure/love story. Captor and Prisoner, each honor bound to their roles in life, their destiny/title. But what happens when they want something more? Can you change the path that you are on even though you know it isn't a path that you truly want? Or do you stay the path because that is what you are meant to do.
- Enemies to lovers
- Slow burn
- Morally grey characters
- Forced to follow the path
- Enticing world
- Good Character development... but slower
May 20, 2024
Epic fantasy tale!
🔸️The story has everything what a fantasy story should have:
▪️rich, detailed world building
▪️myths, prophecies, gods, vast lore
▪️various magical creatures
▪️twisted political / power intrigue
▪️adventure, challenges, tests
▪️action, violence, gore
▪️heavy angst
▪️well developed MCs and interesting side characters
🔸️The MCs are pawns in bigger game. They are products of empire politics and are trapped in rulers game.
They have captor - captive dynamic.
Their romance is difficult, thorned, heart breaking and completely addictive. 🖤🖤🖤
🔸️ The writing style is superb! 🔥🔥🔥
I have devoured each paragraph and couldn't put the book away.
A thrilling, 5 stars, perfect reading. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
🔸️The story has everything what a fantasy story should have:
▪️rich, detailed world building
▪️myths, prophecies, gods, vast lore
▪️various magical creatures
▪️twisted political / power intrigue
▪️adventure, challenges, tests
▪️action, violence, gore
▪️heavy angst
▪️well developed MCs and interesting side characters
🔸️The MCs are pawns in bigger game. They are products of empire politics and are trapped in rulers game.
They have captor - captive dynamic.
Their romance is difficult, thorned, heart breaking and completely addictive. 🖤🖤🖤
🔸️ The writing style is superb! 🔥🔥🔥
I have devoured each paragraph and couldn't put the book away.
A thrilling, 5 stars, perfect reading. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 21, 2024
This dark fantasy has a little bit of everything. A vessel, long dead Gods, a quest, world domination, morally gray prince who unalives people at will and a slow burn enemy to lovers' romance.
Sorcha (FMC) is the vessel of Saint, a long dead god, and is on a quest. Her quest? To find all of Saint’s relics so he can be resurrected. While doing so, Adrian (MMC) attacks, killing everyone and takes Sorcha hostage.
This plot will grab you from the first page. This author’s writing style is very detailed and will take you on a journey you will not forget. Her characters are interesting, and you are interested in their story.
This is darker than other books I have read by this author, and I loved it. There are horror elements and some gore mixed into the romance of Sorcha and Adrian.
Sorcha (FMC) is the vessel of Saint, a long dead god, and is on a quest. Her quest? To find all of Saint’s relics so he can be resurrected. While doing so, Adrian (MMC) attacks, killing everyone and takes Sorcha hostage.
This plot will grab you from the first page. This author’s writing style is very detailed and will take you on a journey you will not forget. Her characters are interesting, and you are interested in their story.
This is darker than other books I have read by this author, and I loved it. There are horror elements and some gore mixed into the romance of Sorcha and Adrian.
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