Les Sept Saints sans visage - Tome 02 Les Disciples de Chaos

Seven Faceless Saints #2

by M.K. Lobb, Laurent Philibert-Caillat (translator)

Ce qui se cache au nord changera leurs destins... et celui d'Ombrazia.
Après la libération des rebelles, Rossana et Damian pensent enfin avoir attiré l'attention des disciples sur l'injustice régnant à Ombrazia. Alors qu'ils s'apprêtent à défendre la cause des défavorisés, malgré la volonté des dirigeants à maintenir le statu quo, les rebelles sont arrêtés et envoyés dans le nord pour combattre l'armée de Brechaat.

Déterminés à sauver leurs amis, Roz et Damian n'ont d'autre choix que de se rendre en territoire ennemi. Mais le périple s'annonce dangereux. La rumeur prétend que Brechaat grouille de puissants disciples de Chaos, et Damian lui-même semble être sous l'emprise d'une force néfaste.

Pourront-ils sauver les défavorisés et mettre un terme à la guerre entre Ombrazia et Brechaat, sans se perdre eux-mêmes en chemin ?

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Audiobook, Fiction, Mystery, Young Adult Fantasy

397 pages, Paperback

First published February 20, 2024

About the author

M. K. Lobb is a fantasy writer with a love of all things dark— be it literature, humour, or general aesthetic. She grew up in small-town Canada and now lives by the lake with her partner and their cats. When not reading or writing, she can be found at the gym or contemplating the harsh realities of existence.

Her debut novel, SEVEN FACELESS SAINTS, releases Feb 7, 2023 from Little, Brown. The sequel, DISCIPLES OF CHAOS, is to follow in 2024.

Reviews

[M.K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Giving myself 5 stars for effort because writing this book was like pulling teeth and then using them to stab myself in the eyes. Bone apple teeth

[ShannonXO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, yes, yes, and yes! I'm obsessed with how this duology ended! It is both romantic and heart-breaking and full of so many new twists and turns and reveals that kept me absolutely riveted. Also, I don't know what it is, but there is something about Lobb's writing style that just scratches a very specific itch in my brain.

Anyway, all that to say, if you liked *Seven Faceless Saints* then you will LOVE its conclusion.

Thank you to MK Lobb for letting me read early!

[Muffinsandbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,75⭐️
Comme dans le premier tome, j'ai beaucoup aimé l'ambiance et l'univers qui est super intéressant et original. L'intrigue est aussi addictive, mais j'ai trouvé que c'était peut-être un peu trop lent parfois ? On dilue vachement l'intrigue principale avec des blablas à certains moments et ça m'a un peu freinée. La fin est aussi beaucoup trop rapide et brutale à mes yeux ? je sais pas comment l'expliquer, mais le revirement de Roz, j'étais en mode "... ok." Dans l'ensemble toutefois, c'est une très bonne duologie de fantasy YA, avec tout ce que j'aime : des personnages forts, une romance au top, des histoires de saints, des enjeux politiques et des secrets révélés... des livres à découvrir !

[Alina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to give 3 stars BUT THE END…despite there are still some holes…IS SMTH! I WAS ALMOST HAVE A TEAR! And I rlly like the idea of the end that sometimes u just have to do what u must
so I’ve ended with 4 strong stars and thinking about some points too🤭

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book, but, sadly, the 2nd book was very trope-y with the whole good character spirals down into the abyss of becoming a bad person and the ending was the whole 'love can conquer anything' trope even thought I wasn't really convinced that they loved each other. It felt forced.

[Meli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spannender Abschluss der Dilogie
Enthält Spoiler zum Vorgänger!

Die Geschichte setzt genau dort ein, wo der erste Band endete. Chaos und seine Jünger schienen vorerst zurückgeschlagen und Damian, Roz und die Rebellen hoffen auf ein neues System, in dem die von den Göttern Unerwählten nicht mehr so unterdrückt und benachteiligt werden. Ihren Träumen wird aber ein jähes Ende gesetzt, stattdessen werden sie von neuen Mächten ins Visier genommen.

Ich konnte mich an viele Details nicht mehr erinnern, aber ich habe schnell wieder in die Geschichte gefunden. Die meisten relevanten Informationen werden auch geliefert, sodass man der Handlung gut folgen kann. Außerdem hat man einen etwas anderen Schauplatz, einige neue Charaktere und damit auch neue Herausforderungen und Gefahren.

Roz ist nicht gerade glücklich über die unerwarteten Wendungen, sie ist wütend, aber auch beunruhigt, weil sie sieht, wie Damian sich langsam verändert. Das Wesen ihres eigentlich sanften Geliebten wird immer dunkler, sodass es noch ihre Wut und Wildheit übertrifft. In diesem Duo ist sonst Roz diejenige, die impulsiv handelt, während Damian die Stimme der Vernunft ist, doch nun sind ihre Rollen umgekehrt und diese Konstellation ist auch wieder spannend.

Ich fand es auch schön, mehr über den Krieg an der Grenze zu erfahren und auch die andere Seite dieses Konflikts zu erleben. Außerdem taucht man auch tiefer in die Kultur und Religion ein, die sich um die Götter dreht.

Der zweite Band hat mir genauso gut gefallen wie das erste Buch der Reihe und ich finde es schade, dass es schon wieder vorbei ist. Die Protagonisten, ihre Charakterentwicklung und ihr spannendes Abenteuer fand ich gelungen bis zum Ende.

[Anaum Ali · Rating 2 out of 5]

FINALLY.
FINALLY IM DONE.
IM FREE.
*collapses in sobs of happiness*
next time i dont feel like reading a book, im just gonna quit instead of forcing myself to read it. I am never putting myself through that again. 😭

[akacya ❦ · Rating 5 out of 5]

2024 reads: 40/250

2024 tbr: 23/120

i received an advanced review copy from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review. this did not affect my rating.

in this sequel to seven faceless saints, roz and damian face their destiny as the world around them collapses. damian is losing himself to chaos, making it harder to keep everyone else safe. roz, despite her accomplishments, can’t feel satisfied yet, as the war with brechaat rages on.

this book had the perfect amount of drama and action. i absolutely loved getting patience and chaos’s backstory and how this tied to roz and damian’s story. this was heartbreaking in the best way. i absolutely loved taking this journey with damian and roz, and while i’m sad to say goodbye, i cannot wait for whatever m.k. lobb writes next.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been super sick and not keeping up with reading or Goodreads... I guess I'm just gonna guestimate when I finished reading this cause Audible's a bitch. Just keep your secrets!

This duology is so underrated. I hope more people discover it. And it would be great if Fairyloot or whoever does a special edition of the second book, cause COME ON. Now I don't have a matched set!

The first book seemed to tie up some loose ends, but in the second book, everything quickly unravels. There were so many exciting scenes: a prison break; visiting a super spooky underground library that is so vast and its collection is so engrossing that people will just lay in the floor and die because they can't stop reading; sneaking into enemy territory; sleeping in a cheap motel and sneaking into each other's bedrooms to sexually frustrate one another (lol); and unleashing the powers of the gods!

I love the sci-fi/fantasy mix of having magic-powered firearms in this duology. I don't see enough of that. I love that the heroine is a kinda butch bisexual and kind of a bitch and you can't tell her nothin. I love that the hero is so into her, she's absolutely the only thing in the world he cares about.

Some of the events are just destined to occur, so you know what's coming. But some things were shocking. I might have cried. I was sick so I don't remember if I did for real, or if I fought it off to protect my sinuses. But probably I did.

Anyway, I loved this so much. I'm just going to buy whatever this author writes. She knows her stuff. If you want a unique fantasy with politics, religion, rebellion, and romance, here ya go. And it's queer, too. A+

[Silverlining2k6 · Rating 1 out of 5]

I remember liking the first book, but this one wasn't it.
I think my main problem was that readers were supposed to just take Roz's word for everything. She'd pull theories out of her ass and we were supposed to believe in her great wisdom, with no supporting evidence.
Damien's not himself. He MUST be changed back!! Why? Because you say so? He doesn't want to change back. Why should your opinion matter more than his?
History must repeat itself. Chaos must be stopped now! Why? Because he filled the city with harmless black smoke? Because you found one dead body with no indication of how the person died or by whose hand? Because that's just the way it's always been?

Why should I trust Roz's instincts more than what I'm seeing with my own eyes?

The current regime was absolutely awful, but she felt justified in taking out the only person capable of defeating them, because that's just the way it is? She felt justified by stripping him of his powers at the exact moment that would cause the biggest body count to his disciples? Because he was dangerous? Or because she wanted her old boyfriend back?

She doesn't even feel guilty as she sees all the disciple's bodies. Damien's casualties are bad bad bad, but her own casualties are acceptable because that's just how it has to be? Roz knows best.

Maybe things turned out okay in the end, but she didn't have that knowledge when she took it upon herself to choose for Damien.. Glad this was a duology, because I don't think I could stomach another book with this woman.

[Shannon Miz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid sequel here! We pick up where we left off, with a lot of fighting and messy political turmoil. And some magic, which let's be real, is the last thing politicians need. (I will say, one of my favorite parts of this book was the political and war commentary, which felt incredibly relevant in today's global climate.) I enjoyed the characters, though perhaps a bit less than the first book- Damian has undergone some unfortunate changes, and while it makes perfect narrative sense, it made me sad for his character, and for Roz having to watch it happen.

I loved that the world-building was taken to the next level in this installment, and a lot of my questions from the first book were answered. As always, I loved the ensemble cast that accompanied our main characters, and there was certainly a ton of action and adventure to keep the reader on their toes. The ending was both satisfying and narratively appropriate, and I can't really ask for much else!

Bottom Line: Satisfying duology is satisfying.

You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

a sequel to SFS?? we should all be afraid but turned on

[Linn · Rating 5 out of 5]

!!!!!!!!!! you guys are NOT ready for this book !!!!!!!!!!

Also as a side note, Damian Venturi can get it every day of the week 🤭

[Ally · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up, got an arc through Edelweiss

This one didn’t grab me as much as the first, I felt the plot of book one was a bit more purposeful overall and that this one was just kinda ambling from one plot point to the next instead of having an overall cohesion. That being said, I think this was a fitting conclusion. It managed to surprise me; I saw the first “plot twist” coming a mile away and then got smacked upside the head by the second one which I very much had not, and I liked that! I thought the mythology overall was interesting and the last 15% or so of this one really sucked me in. It was still good, I enjoyed it well enough and was the ending the series deserved, the author is undeniably creative and I’ll be interested to see what else they come up with in the future, I just felt I enjoyed the first a bit more.

[dragonsreaders]

dnf à 33%

je suis super déçue de ce second tome. dès les premières pages l'auteur nous emmène dans une direction qui ne me plait pas du tout...
sans compter l'absence totale de relations entre les personnages, le manque d'actions intéressantes, et le manque de réflexion des personnages.....
je m'ennuie. c'est ennuyant. et les fausses intrigues sur certains personnages alors qu'on a compris depuis la fin du tome 1...
non c'est trop dommage, le premier tome était bien merde

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the first book in this series. It had everything I like and want in a book and it most of all had an amazing hero. I fell a little bit in love with Damian in the first book and after the finale, which was epic, I was really curious what was waiting for us in this second book. So, when I saw this book on Netgalley I didn't hesitate and requested a copy. I'm incredibly thankful that Titan Books decided to accept my request.

I have to admit that I needed a lot more time to get into this sequel than I had hoped. The first half of the book wasn't really my thing. I understand that important things were happening and I also really enjoyed exploring the world and learning a little more about the Saints, the mythology, the world this story takes place in and we also got the chance to get to know some side characters a little better. But, it wasn't gripping me as much as the first book had.

And then the second half of the book came. I reached that point where I almost couldn't stop reading. I was really curious what was gonna happen next and there were a few reveals I saw coming but worked out even better than I had thought they would. And the closer we got to the finale, the more I had to force myself to not start reading faster and faster. Because this author once more delivered a heartbreaking, action-packed and wonderful finale.

Due to the plot, which I don't wanna give away here in case you're not seeing all the plot-twists coming and don't wanna be spoiled, this book didn't really cater to my Damian loving heart. I guess that's also partly why it took me so long to really get into this book. However, I absolutely love Roz's character growth in this book. She's learning so much, growing so much and eventually does what needs to be done even though it does cost her a lot.

It's a pity this is only a duology. I totally would have loved another book in this series!

[PB · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read my review of SEVEN FACELESS SAINTS (#1) here!

I really enjoyed reading Seven Faceless Saints last year and so I was looking forward to this sequel and actually cared about what will happen to Roz and Damian and their friends after book 1. I enjoyed the bit of murder mystery in Seven Faceless Saints which was sadly missing from Disciples of Chaos and although the stakes are a bit higher, I thought the plot was slower and the buildup was longer than the climax which isn't until the last couple of chapters. Admittedly, I'm also sad to have figured out the "big twist" earlier on and would have loved to see a longer execution of the action sequences.
Overall, though, I still enjoyed M.K. Lobb's writing and am excited for her next novel, To Steal From Thieves.

If you enjoyed Seven Faceless Saints, this is a solid conclusion for the duology.
Also, if you're a fan of Shadow and Bone, I highly recommend you check this series out, I think you'll enjoy the world!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced reading copy!

Amazon Associates links:
Buy yourself a copy of Seven Faceless Saints (#1)
Buy yourself a copy of Disciples of Chaos (#2)

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

SLIGHT SPOILERS NEAR THE END

For the longest time I had the same issues (if you want to call it that) as with book one: Well written, good characters, solid plot and yet something was missing. And I couldn’t really pinpoint what it was, but nonetheless the book did a thing in the second half. Especially the last 20%.
Did I cry ? Maybe. Was I prepared for it? Absolutely not.

I feel like what made this book slightly better was for one, I read it shortly after finishing Seven Faceless Saints, and then two, the change of scenery as we were exploring the North and Brechaat as well as the introduction of new characters, which added a lot to the dynamic of the group and the story.

Roz and Damian’s thoughts and dialogues did end up often revolving around the same topic, which was understandable, but also…


SPOILERS
I feel like there was a missed opportunity to include one or two interlude-esque chapters from Chaos’ pov before, during or after Damian’s transition. I think that would have added something more dangerous (?)/mysterious(?)/tangible(?) to that transition.
SPOILERS


One might argue the ending was questionable, and I would agree to a certain extent, but my heart is pretty happy the way it is.
A great sequel and ending to this duology.

I’m also intrigued to read more from the author.

Kinda mad that *a certain book box* didn’t do a fancy edition of this book to match their Seven Faceless Saints one…but well.

Thank you Titan for providing this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[slm.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

L’intrigue est indéniablement la partie que j’ai le plus aimée dans cette duologie : l’univers, mêlé aux enquêtes, forme une immense toile sur laquelle reposent rebondissements, action, suspense, romance et retournements de situation. On essaye de résoudre un meurtre, puis deux, puis trois, on tente d'en chercher l'auteur, mais existe-t-il vraiment, ou du moins, est-il celui à qui pense-t-on ? Le lecteur est noyé dans un tourbillon de non-dits, de flou d'informations, l'intrigue est juste dingue, en partie grâce a cet aspect thriller que j'ai adoré.

Le rythme effréné du tome 1 fait que le lecteur ne s'ennuie jamais, a contrario du tome 2 ou elle met beaucoup plus de temps à se mettre en place. L'autrice nous délivre des aspects du worldbulding, de la politique et du système des "Saints" tout au long de l'histoire, et ne nous le jette pas dans les 100 premières pages. C'est très fluide à lire, aussi très simple, parfaite pour une première fantasy.

J’ai énormément aimé le rapport que notre protagoniste, Roz, entretient avec la violence : elle est légitime et soutenable, mais la question reste de savoir si elle est utilisée à bon ou à mauvais escient. Son esprit de rage, de vengeance et de rébellion résonne fort en moi. C’est un personnage plein de défauts, et c’est justement ce qui la rend si attachante. Par contre dans le tome 2, j'ai trouvé son personnage un peu plus las, et très égoïste (as she should en vrai).

Quant à Damian, c’est un homme sensible, et c’est parfait, car on en manque terriblement, surtout en fantasy. Il n’aime pas tuer ni faire du mal, et pourtant son travail, son statut, la société et, tout simplement, son père le poussent à être la version la plus horrible de lui-même. Il est très doux et pourtant si puissant : sa complexité fait toute sa force. Sa renaissance, sa sorte de résurrection dans le tome 2 c'était juste dingue, j'ai adoré.

Roz & Damian sont terriblement tiraillés entre leur devoir et leurs sentiments, et c’est très douloureux à lire. Ils se sont connus dès l’enfance, puis se sont détestés à cause d’une société qui les pousse à fuir constamment la guerre et à se haïr mutuellement.

Bref, j'ai adoré le tome 1, et un peu moins le tome 2. Ce qui est sur, c'est que c'est une duologie qui mérite bien plus de visibilité

[jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so perfect. I cried, I laughed, I felt so many emotions when reading this book I almost exploded. The world building with just two books was perfection. Every moment was exhilarating but perfectly placed.

The romance broke my heart and put it back together so many times that I lost count. I'm going to miss these characters and this world I became so immersed in. Even though this book has elements we've seen in previous series it's fresh in an unexplainable way. The writing is beautiful (i was legit highlighting every line in kindle) and experienced despite this being the sequel to a debut. Roz and Damian have my heart, like no joke I would die for them. Finishing this book was so bittersweet because of that and I wish I had millions of these books to just lose myself in.

M.K. Lobb you have just created an utterly devoted reader to your books.

[Alissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been struggling to know what to say about this instalment to the duology. I think it was a satisfying conclusion and well executed but I dont really have anything to say about it. It didnt quite capture my attention as much as the first. I will say my one criticism for the first was that characters seemed to change their minds too quickly but that was not an issue in this one, which was good to see. I’m surprised more people aren’t reading and talking about this. Its a good duology with a complex and interesting world and im keen to read more from this author. Her next book looks very fun 😅

[Dee Hancocks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disciples of Chaos has plenty of action, twists and drama. We pick up right where book one ended and then go on an epic adventure. This includes a deadly library and a ship during a storm - both scenes were my fave parts of the book. It was hard to put this book down due to the fast pace and wanting to know what happened next. The backgrounds of the Saints Chaos and Patience was gut-wrenching to read. I would say this book was more politics heavy and war focused, it missed the mystery element that worked so well in the first book. Saying that this was a satisfying ending but also bittersweet. Thank you to NetGalley and Titan Books for an E-ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.

[mars · Rating 5 out of 5]

“i would do anything for you,” he murmured. “if you demanded it, i would wrench the saints from heavens one by one.”

"roz." his voice was soft. lightly amused. "i've loved you since the first day you showed up at my house, strode inside without being invited, and told me we were going to be friends. i've loved you even when i shouldn't. i've loved you to my own detriment, and still the idea of trying to love anyone else is frankly horrifying. i'm not going to pretend it won't hurt, knowing you don't remember things the same way I do, but being without you would hurt far more."

books do it better.

[Aly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining sequel, with adventure, new friends, and some Chaos. I liked getting to know more about the gods and saints, as well as getting a bit more romance. I thought this wrapped up very nicely, but it would be fun to read another book set in this world with new lead characters.

[Ângela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm much more of a fan of book 1 but it was a fine conclusion to the duology, the ending was kinda of a stretch to be honest and I wish we had spent a bit more time explaining the worldbuilding instead of repeating the same information time and time again

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an ending 😭😭😭

[Alaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, this was such a good sequel, and I have zero regrets about devouring it. My love for Damian and Rossana will continue to grow forever and ever.

[Kuroneko · Rating 4 out of 5]

★3,50

[pinky]

more damianroz hello HELLO HELLOOOOOOOO

[Navienne · Rating 1 out of 5]

My dear fellow readers of fantasy, this book (or even the whole series, rather) is merely a waste of time.

There are better books out there, trust me.