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Never Be a Saint: A Mythos Novel
1767, the colonies stand at a tipping point with England but only a seer or the Moirai know how those cards may fall. And they keep to their own affairs. Joanna Blackburn knows this all too well even as she tries to keep her only surviving child safe from the coming storm. The heart goes its own way though, with an encounter with an English messenger to the settlement. Malachi’s path no longer lies with New Lyonesse and its residents but James Gray, for better or worse – and she knows how fickle the sisters can be.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 15, 2024
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6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 19, 2023
When you read enough books by an author, you experience their highs and lows, but more interestingly, their evolution. Runte’s evolution is (so far) no better exemplified than it is in this book.
For as much of an urban fantasy as the book is, it's also a piece of historical fiction, and the author’s most literary book yet. I’m hesitant to call it his crowning achievement, if only because he has so many more books to come.
Predominantly set throughout the last third of the eighteenth century, the book is set against the USA’s past, dabbing in Greek mythology, fantasy and visions of the future. It manages to be both a sprawling epic and an intimate story about its characters. It feels entirely distinct from the other Mythos stories, and yet, it blends seamlessly with those other books.
The book is a sizeable book that reads faster than its page count suggests. It’s written in a three act structure, with each act being named after one of the Greek Fates. With various gaps in time missing from these stories, they need to work to ensure the plot works without the reader missing any important pieces of pieces. Doing this in a way that feels natural is a sizeable challenge, yet the author makes the approach seem easy. The plot flows well, and despite the passage of time, it feels entirely natural.
The novel features a large cast of characters. Each one is clearly defined and a delight to follow. Regardless of whether a character is human or not, they all feel like people, for better and worse. Given the setting, the book dabbles in attitudes of the day, and through this, the author includes LGBTQI+ characters and themes, including a trans character.
A large part of these characters’ success rests in their dialogue. It rings entirely true, with each character sounding realistic and distinct, including various regional and class-based dialects. The book is set centuries ago, yet the dialogue sounds fresh without selling out its setting. Conversations throughout Never Be a Saint act as an extension of the prose. The writing is clear and concise, ensuring readers can easily follow along with it. It evokes the world, and serves to insert the reader into the book’s reality, location and period.
The United States during the late eighteenth century is a wonderful setting and was host to a number of world changing events. The author uses this backdrop expertly, dropping in real world events with the book’s fantasy. I’m a fan of bonus material in books, so discovering the historical information in Never Be a Saint’s backmatter was a delight. History fans will enjoy it, and those unfamiliar with US history from the period will learn something new.
Never Be a Saint stands perfectly alone. While it features characters from other stories, these serve as a bonus for readers already familiar with the world, and they are integrated seamlessly for those who aren’t. If you’re new to the series, the book tells you all you’ll need to know.
Simply, this book is a wonderful achievement. Every aspect, whether it’s the setting, the mythological elements, the characters, the dialogue or prose, is keenly developed. In short, it is a wonderful read for all fantasy fans.
My full review will be available on my website from 27 December 2023. To read it, and a host of other reviews, click here.
For as much of an urban fantasy as the book is, it's also a piece of historical fiction, and the author’s most literary book yet. I’m hesitant to call it his crowning achievement, if only because he has so many more books to come.
Predominantly set throughout the last third of the eighteenth century, the book is set against the USA’s past, dabbing in Greek mythology, fantasy and visions of the future. It manages to be both a sprawling epic and an intimate story about its characters. It feels entirely distinct from the other Mythos stories, and yet, it blends seamlessly with those other books.
The book is a sizeable book that reads faster than its page count suggests. It’s written in a three act structure, with each act being named after one of the Greek Fates. With various gaps in time missing from these stories, they need to work to ensure the plot works without the reader missing any important pieces of pieces. Doing this in a way that feels natural is a sizeable challenge, yet the author makes the approach seem easy. The plot flows well, and despite the passage of time, it feels entirely natural.
The novel features a large cast of characters. Each one is clearly defined and a delight to follow. Regardless of whether a character is human or not, they all feel like people, for better and worse. Given the setting, the book dabbles in attitudes of the day, and through this, the author includes LGBTQI+ characters and themes, including a trans character.
A large part of these characters’ success rests in their dialogue. It rings entirely true, with each character sounding realistic and distinct, including various regional and class-based dialects. The book is set centuries ago, yet the dialogue sounds fresh without selling out its setting. Conversations throughout Never Be a Saint act as an extension of the prose. The writing is clear and concise, ensuring readers can easily follow along with it. It evokes the world, and serves to insert the reader into the book’s reality, location and period.
The United States during the late eighteenth century is a wonderful setting and was host to a number of world changing events. The author uses this backdrop expertly, dropping in real world events with the book’s fantasy. I’m a fan of bonus material in books, so discovering the historical information in Never Be a Saint’s backmatter was a delight. History fans will enjoy it, and those unfamiliar with US history from the period will learn something new.
Never Be a Saint stands perfectly alone. While it features characters from other stories, these serve as a bonus for readers already familiar with the world, and they are integrated seamlessly for those who aren’t. If you’re new to the series, the book tells you all you’ll need to know.
Simply, this book is a wonderful achievement. Every aspect, whether it’s the setting, the mythological elements, the characters, the dialogue or prose, is keenly developed. In short, it is a wonderful read for all fantasy fans.
My full review will be available on my website from 27 December 2023. To read it, and a host of other reviews, click here.
January 15, 2024
Absolutely gorgeous story. Mark Jonathan Runte continues to grow as a storyteller, weaving intricate worlds, connected throughout centuries. If you read enough of his works, you start to see repeat characters and see the overlap of interconnected mythos.
He excels in world building, creating vast wonders encased in our mundane existence. It's urban fantasy at its finest. Mysterious, barely concealed monsters that seem like they just might be possible. That make you wonder if the history books left some things out.
I always appreciate the diversity and real issues in Runte's books. He is an openly LGBTQIA writer and frequently tackles LGBTQIA issues within his writing. This being a historical fiction piece, that was an especially tough time and he handled it with the grace he always does. Because of the time period, some language may be a little confusing or disturbing.
This is a great read if you enjoy historical fiction, especially revolutionary war/early American fiction. Also, if you're a fan of mythology retellings and urban fantasy this is a great read, and any of Runte's books are worth checking out!
For a more extensive review, check my website amorinacarlton.com from publishing date on Jan. 15, 2024.
He excels in world building, creating vast wonders encased in our mundane existence. It's urban fantasy at its finest. Mysterious, barely concealed monsters that seem like they just might be possible. That make you wonder if the history books left some things out.
I always appreciate the diversity and real issues in Runte's books. He is an openly LGBTQIA writer and frequently tackles LGBTQIA issues within his writing. This being a historical fiction piece, that was an especially tough time and he handled it with the grace he always does. Because of the time period, some language may be a little confusing or disturbing.
This is a great read if you enjoy historical fiction, especially revolutionary war/early American fiction. Also, if you're a fan of mythology retellings and urban fantasy this is a great read, and any of Runte's books are worth checking out!
For a more extensive review, check my website amorinacarlton.com from publishing date on Jan. 15, 2024.
February 17, 2024
As a reader of Runte’s MYTHOS set, I must be completely honest when I say NEVER BE A SAINT is his finest work yet. The storyline and weaving of history is so beautifully written and the characters are ones you can’t help but fall in love with and become heavily invested in.
Like many of Runte’s works, this story tackles a lot of the harder issues in history—as well as those still prevalent in modern day. This, ultimately, is why I think his work is so strong and compelling. Even though we are seeing characters of the past through a modern lens, we connect and relate to them. Some things, sadly, even history cannot change. I think for me, that was one of the key factors that made this story so engaging.
Overall, I would rate this book 4.5 / 5, but rounding it up to 5 here. If you’re a lover of myths, urban fantasy, and historical fiction, do yourself a favor and check this one out. And pick up the other titles in Runte’s MYTHOS set. You won’t be disappointed!
Like many of Runte’s works, this story tackles a lot of the harder issues in history—as well as those still prevalent in modern day. This, ultimately, is why I think his work is so strong and compelling. Even though we are seeing characters of the past through a modern lens, we connect and relate to them. Some things, sadly, even history cannot change. I think for me, that was one of the key factors that made this story so engaging.
Overall, I would rate this book 4.5 / 5, but rounding it up to 5 here. If you’re a lover of myths, urban fantasy, and historical fiction, do yourself a favor and check this one out. And pick up the other titles in Runte’s MYTHOS set. You won’t be disappointed!
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May 20, 2025Multi-Realm Chaos
It could be a simple story of boy-meets-boy. Malachi is an Indian scout who finds James Gray, a Captain in the King’s Army, lost and horseless in the woods of colonial South Carolina. It could be that simple, but for some external factors.
The American colonies are getting restless and violence is stirring. War is definitely coming.
James has appearances to keep up for the sake of his position and for the honor of his family.
There are “others” on this wild new continent, Kelpies, witches, wolfmen, and immortals, who play by rules of their own making.
Malachi is a little older than James, by a century or so.
Death is not necessarily the end.
This is a complex story of love, war, time, and loyalty and of the different beings trying to survive the chaos of men.
It could be a simple story of boy-meets-boy. Malachi is an Indian scout who finds James Gray, a Captain in the King’s Army, lost and horseless in the woods of colonial South Carolina. It could be that simple, but for some external factors.
The American colonies are getting restless and violence is stirring. War is definitely coming.
James has appearances to keep up for the sake of his position and for the honor of his family.
There are “others” on this wild new continent, Kelpies, witches, wolfmen, and immortals, who play by rules of their own making.
Malachi is a little older than James, by a century or so.
Death is not necessarily the end.
This is a complex story of love, war, time, and loyalty and of the different beings trying to survive the chaos of men.
April 9, 2024
This novel has it all. Rich history, elements of folklore, some truly fantastical inventions and beautiful storytelling. But my favourite thing is the diverse, complex cast of characters and their dynamics. They go on an intertwined journey across centuries, growing, suffering, loving... You truly experience a life with this cast. And throughout it all, the author carefully weaves all his historical and folkloric references - from various different cultures - so delicately that an alien wouldn't be able to tell fact from fantastical fiction.
There's so much in this tale to blow your mind.
There's so much in this tale to blow your mind.
September 23, 2024
A sweet American history tale entwining myth
I really enjoyed this and quite frankly it only got better.
Romantic undertones but also detailed interwoven mythology that while familiar was fabulous to explore.
I'd highly recommend even if you're not an American history person as actually I think there was so much more to focus on than the setting. The love story was sweet with the undercurrent of danger.
I really enjoyed this and quite frankly it only got better.
Romantic undertones but also detailed interwoven mythology that while familiar was fabulous to explore.
I'd highly recommend even if you're not an American history person as actually I think there was so much more to focus on than the setting. The love story was sweet with the undercurrent of danger.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews