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Malady: Saints
Not yet published
Expected 20 Nov 26A blurb? You want me to write a blurb? Fine. F@#$ it.
Oh? I'm being censored too? Great.
Let me look at the "author approved notes."
It's a superhero book where the superhero is, well, me. And, folks, I'm anything but a hero. I don't answer to anyone.
I don't follow the Rules. The Guardians detest me. The world thinks I'm a madwoman.
Oh, and I hate Zeta Russo--and all the other CEOs, multimillionaires, and corrupt politicians.
They call me Malady, but this city was already diseased when I got here.
I'm just its cure.
Oh? I'm being censored too? Great.
Let me look at the "author approved notes."
It's a superhero book where the superhero is, well, me. And, folks, I'm anything but a hero. I don't answer to anyone.
I don't follow the Rules. The Guardians detest me. The world thinks I'm a madwoman.
Oh, and I hate Zeta Russo--and all the other CEOs, multimillionaires, and corrupt politicians.
They call me Malady, but this city was already diseased when I got here.
I'm just its cure.
- GenresLesbian
450 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 20, 2026
About the author
Mourning Star
6 books48 followersMourning Star (they/them) is an adult lesbian sci-fi and fantasy author known for Necromantic and Remnants.
Outside of writing, they are a healthcare worker living in the United States with their wife and daughter.
Outside of writing, they are a healthcare worker living in the United States with their wife and daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
MALADY is a very fun, dark, and twisted read with vigilante justice that just feels so right. The two MCs go from one-sided enemies to completely in love at first sight but it somehow works. There’s yearning and hurt/comfort that transforms the initial attraction quickly into love.
I enjoyed the humor and 4th wall breaking quite a lot (very Deadpool-esque which is super fun because that’s my favorite anti-hero).
There’s very little spice in this one and it’s not very freaky/kinky -which, coming from the author of The Cat, felt like it should be- but it’s decently written. Overall, would recommend this book (and I’m saying that of my own free will).
I enjoyed the humor and 4th wall breaking quite a lot (very Deadpool-esque which is super fun because that’s my favorite anti-hero).
There’s very little spice in this one and it’s not very freaky/kinky -which, coming from the author of The Cat, felt like it should be- but it’s decently written. Overall, would recommend this book (and I’m saying that of my own free will).
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October 18, 2026I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Both of this authors, other books have landed in my top five best books I’ve read this year and this one is no different. It’s a definite must read.
Both of this authors, other books have landed in my top five best books I’ve read this year and this one is no different. It’s a definite must read.
September 24, 2026
I was absolutely delighted to receive an ARC of this book. I’ve loved everything Mourning Star has written, and so naturally, I’m obsessed with this book too!
I was immediately obsessed with Malady’s murderous moral code, and her characterisation. Every single person she killed deserved it. If the jury knew what I know, they’d never convict her. Her whole character ARC was her having the most justifiable psychotic break ever, and I just wanted to wrap her in blankets and keep her safe.
I was also entirely obsessed with Zeta and her conscience. Someone needs to tell her that she’s not responsible for the crimes of her coworkers, but also that she might want to consider better background checks.
Annie and Zeta are absolutely perfect together. I loved the progression of their relationship. They were so CUTE together. I love them both.
Did this book have me screaming, crying and throwing up? Yes. Was it worth it? Absolutely yes. I might just have to reread it over and over again until the next book comes out.
If you want a superhero book where the main character is more of a villain, (even though she’s 100% the hero to me) you NEED to read Malady. It’s brilliant.
I was immediately obsessed with Malady’s murderous moral code, and her characterisation. Every single person she killed deserved it. If the jury knew what I know, they’d never convict her. Her whole character ARC was her having the most justifiable psychotic break ever, and I just wanted to wrap her in blankets and keep her safe.
I was also entirely obsessed with Zeta and her conscience. Someone needs to tell her that she’s not responsible for the crimes of her coworkers, but also that she might want to consider better background checks.
Annie and Zeta are absolutely perfect together. I loved the progression of their relationship. They were so CUTE together. I love them both.
Did this book have me screaming, crying and throwing up? Yes. Was it worth it? Absolutely yes. I might just have to reread it over and over again until the next book comes out.
If you want a superhero book where the main character is more of a villain, (even though she’s 100% the hero to me) you NEED to read Malady. It’s brilliant.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Mourningstarauthor has done it again 😮💨
This book touches on so many different topics that some people may find harder to read about, but the spice, the banter, the CHARACTERS 👏🏻
I screamed, I cried, I laughed, I almost threw my kindle across the room, but if you don’t mind those things then I’d definitely be giving this a go 😉
I’m a sucker for a well written enemies to lovers, and this is one of the best I’ve ever read!
Zeta? Hot 🥵
Annie? Hot 🥵
FUCK THE SYSTEM ✌🏻
This book touches on so many different topics that some people may find harder to read about, but the spice, the banter, the CHARACTERS 👏🏻
I screamed, I cried, I laughed, I almost threw my kindle across the room, but if you don’t mind those things then I’d definitely be giving this a go 😉
I’m a sucker for a well written enemies to lovers, and this is one of the best I’ve ever read!
Zeta? Hot 🥵
Annie? Hot 🥵
FUCK THE SYSTEM ✌🏻
Review of advance copy received from Author
Buckle up and be prepared! This is satire at its most extreme. It’s a masterpiece.
Malady is Fierce and bad*ss and full of rage… but only for revenge.
(Can we call it that?)
For taking down the evil that has haunted her for her whole existence!
Should we blame her? I think not. I put myself in her shoes, plenty. She was doing the right thing, right?
The problem is, Malady is the only person who thinks what she’s doing is the right thing.
But there’s more to it…
There’s more to her…
Zeta Russo knows all about that.
This isn’t your average love story.
There’s blood and gore.
There’s heartbreak and hatred.
Secrets and plot twist that’ll have you
questioning your sanity
And love, of course there’s love… right?
And there’s yearning. So much yearning. So intense it made my breath hitch, had
me reaching for her touch and left me with
an insatiable craving for the connection,
the desire, to feel anything at all.
“It’s not a happy story. It doesn’t have a HEA.”
Or does it?
Malady is Fierce and bad*ss and full of rage… but only for revenge.
(Can we call it that?)
For taking down the evil that has haunted her for her whole existence!
Should we blame her? I think not. I put myself in her shoes, plenty. She was doing the right thing, right?
The problem is, Malady is the only person who thinks what she’s doing is the right thing.
But there’s more to it…
There’s more to her…
Zeta Russo knows all about that.
This isn’t your average love story.
There’s blood and gore.
There’s heartbreak and hatred.
Secrets and plot twist that’ll have you
questioning your sanity
And love, of course there’s love… right?
And there’s yearning. So much yearning. So intense it made my breath hitch, had
me reaching for her touch and left me with
an insatiable craving for the connection,
the desire, to feel anything at all.
“It’s not a happy story. It doesn’t have a HEA.”
Or does it?
Review of advance copy received from Author
OOFT. The feels. Yup thats what I have to say to start with. Mourning Star wrote a novel that had me feeling so many conflicting things, often at once.
When I heard lesbians, superheros/villains, villain arcs and revenge, and comedy - I knew it was going to be everything I always knew I needed. And boy, oh boy - I was not disappointed (and neither will yall).
The banter, yearning, and comedic, amazing QUIPS are carried through the entire novel and absolutely phenomenal. So is gore and murder. And rage. And sickly sweetness.
The characters are multi-faceted and at times I loved and hated them, but ultimately it makes you as the reader adore them all the more.
Legitimately, a wonderful novel of hatred to love, villain era, rage against the system, and more.
When I heard lesbians, superheros/villains, villain arcs and revenge, and comedy - I knew it was going to be everything I always knew I needed. And boy, oh boy - I was not disappointed (and neither will yall).
The banter, yearning, and comedic, amazing QUIPS are carried through the entire novel and absolutely phenomenal. So is gore and murder. And rage. And sickly sweetness.
The characters are multi-faceted and at times I loved and hated them, but ultimately it makes you as the reader adore them all the more.
Legitimately, a wonderful novel of hatred to love, villain era, rage against the system, and more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! I loved this book so much. It is brutal, beautiful, vulnerable, hot and also completely heartbreaking. There is humour, gore, secrets, corruption, trauma, spice and so much yearning. I absolutely love Annie and I can so intensely feel the trauma she has been through. The Trans and AuDHD representation is amazing. And I just loved the relationship between Zeta and Annie.
The way the book is written with 1st person POV/4th wall breaking for Annie’s part made me feel very connected to her.
And the ending………..!!!!
So, this book will absolutely destroy you in best of ways and it is so incredibly worth it.
I absolutely can not wait for book two.
The way the book is written with 1st person POV/4th wall breaking for Annie’s part made me feel very connected to her.
And the ending………..!!!!
So, this book will absolutely destroy you in best of ways and it is so incredibly worth it.
I absolutely can not wait for book two.
October 2, 2026
I was given this book complimentary from Book Sirens in e-book form in return for my honest review. Everything stated in this review is of my own opinion and I was not compensated monetarily for providing this review.
Another book from Mourning Star, an author I look forward to reviewing and once again this book does not disappoint. As the book opens we are introduced to Malady, not a superhero or a supervillain but one of those who live somewhere between the two - a vigilante. Malady strikes a chord in us for all our liberal ideals and talk of due process when we read what these people did to women an children and how the law has failed them, we understand, we don't agree but we understand. As the narrative progresses the waters become muddy - the "good guys" are maybe not so good, the powers that be seem to be looking the other way when the rapists and child molesters are useful to them, we learn the ultimate law, "thou shalt not kill.....a super". The guardians, th elite of the US superheroes maybe have a rotten core. Intertwined with all this is an awesome sapphic romance between the guardians CEO and our vigilante. If all this was not enough - than it starts to get complicated. I will say no more - read the damn book
Of you are easily triggered maybe Mourning Star is not the author for you but if you like an author who doesn't turn away when the nastiness, both physical and emotional, is happening, who makes you look at yourself and realize that perhaps you are not as pure as you thought then buy a few Mourning Star books.
I would like to add, I am a real person, an American who has not lived in the US for many years. I do not know and am not related to any of the authors I review and have not earned a single cent from any of my reviews. I keep doing it as I am introduced to authors like Mourning Star and others who are the future of literature. If my reviews persuade a few people to buy and read these books or libraries to stock them that is payment enough.
Five stars, like all my fellow reviewers. Buy and read this book - you will not be disappointed. Me, I am looking forward to #2
Another book from Mourning Star, an author I look forward to reviewing and once again this book does not disappoint. As the book opens we are introduced to Malady, not a superhero or a supervillain but one of those who live somewhere between the two - a vigilante. Malady strikes a chord in us for all our liberal ideals and talk of due process when we read what these people did to women an children and how the law has failed them, we understand, we don't agree but we understand. As the narrative progresses the waters become muddy - the "good guys" are maybe not so good, the powers that be seem to be looking the other way when the rapists and child molesters are useful to them, we learn the ultimate law, "thou shalt not kill.....a super". The guardians, th elite of the US superheroes maybe have a rotten core. Intertwined with all this is an awesome sapphic romance between the guardians CEO and our vigilante. If all this was not enough - than it starts to get complicated. I will say no more - read the damn book
Of you are easily triggered maybe Mourning Star is not the author for you but if you like an author who doesn't turn away when the nastiness, both physical and emotional, is happening, who makes you look at yourself and realize that perhaps you are not as pure as you thought then buy a few Mourning Star books.
I would like to add, I am a real person, an American who has not lived in the US for many years. I do not know and am not related to any of the authors I review and have not earned a single cent from any of my reviews. I keep doing it as I am introduced to authors like Mourning Star and others who are the future of literature. If my reviews persuade a few people to buy and read these books or libraries to stock them that is payment enough.
Five stars, like all my fellow reviewers. Buy and read this book - you will not be disappointed. Me, I am looking forward to #2
Review of advance copy received from Author
And they say *I* didn't kiss the brick.
I finished this yesterday and need a moment to process because I have thoughts. This was really a one-of-a-kind read and I mean that in the best possible way. I'm usually not a fan of fourth-wall-breaking but this book pulls it off in a way that's not only hilarious but also just makes sense. I’m living for Malady’s sarcastic commentary throughout the book and I don’t think I’ve ever highlighted so much.
First of all, I believe Malady was 100% justified in her crimes. Is she an unhinged serial killer? Yes. Does she go on various murder sprees throughout the book? Yes. Is she the villain? Possibly, but in her defense, she's just a cinnamon roll who needed a hug.
The audhd and trans rep in this book is beautiful, I'm audhd myself and could relate to many of the things Malady struggled with. I think what I loved most about this book is how balanced Annie’s and Zeta’s relationship felt (even though it wasn’t). They both struggle with regulation and being overwhelmed, they both take control at times and they both regulate eachother. They are both pathetically obsessed with each other and honestly I don’t blame either of them.
The brick around 75% was devastating and I was genuinely pissed at Zeta for what she did and for not putting two and two together earlier, even though I could also sympathize with her. The ending was just perfect. Unhinged, but in a poetically beautiful way. There are some truly despicable side characters who 100% deserved what was coming to them. I was rooting for Malady through every killing spree and I loved watching her descent further into villainy, but also, I cannot wait for her to get the happy ending and the love she deserves. Need book 2 ASAP.
Some of my highlighted quotes (can’t list them all here because there are too many honestly):
- “Okay, I might be a little bit homicidal from time to time—I think it gives me spunk.”
- “Dude got angrier about a few dead bodies than he’s ever gotten about this country lacking free healthcare.”
- “Denial is a river in Egypt. You all saw this coming, so shut the fuck up.”
- “Damn, are those butterflies? Shit, I’m so fucked.”
- “Did you get to choose how perfect your boobs are? Because Jesus, woman, I’m going to bury my face between them.”
- “I don’t think. Thinking is for women who aren’t about to get fucked senseless by the bronzen goddess in front of them.”
- “I don’t know what happened to you, Annie, but I want to find out. One day. But I can tell you don’t think you deserve it. And whoever did that to you deserves to rot in hell. They don’t get to take the rest of your life from you.”
- “Forgive the melodrama, but I’m gonna bring this city to its fucking knees.”
- “Rooting out the cult isn’t altruism. It isn’t for ‘the greater good’. It’s because I want to see it all burn. I want to kill them all.”
- “Black and white makes life simple. Shades of grey is how you get your heart ripped out by a woman who didn’t really care about you.”
I finished this yesterday and need a moment to process because I have thoughts. This was really a one-of-a-kind read and I mean that in the best possible way. I'm usually not a fan of fourth-wall-breaking but this book pulls it off in a way that's not only hilarious but also just makes sense. I’m living for Malady’s sarcastic commentary throughout the book and I don’t think I’ve ever highlighted so much.
First of all, I believe Malady was 100% justified in her crimes. Is she an unhinged serial killer? Yes. Does she go on various murder sprees throughout the book? Yes. Is she the villain? Possibly, but in her defense, she's just a cinnamon roll who needed a hug.
The audhd and trans rep in this book is beautiful, I'm audhd myself and could relate to many of the things Malady struggled with. I think what I loved most about this book is how balanced Annie’s and Zeta’s relationship felt (even though it wasn’t). They both struggle with regulation and being overwhelmed, they both take control at times and they both regulate eachother. They are both pathetically obsessed with each other and honestly I don’t blame either of them.
The brick around 75% was devastating and I was genuinely pissed at Zeta for what she did and for not putting two and two together earlier, even though I could also sympathize with her. The ending was just perfect. Unhinged, but in a poetically beautiful way. There are some truly despicable side characters who 100% deserved what was coming to them. I was rooting for Malady through every killing spree and I loved watching her descent further into villainy, but also, I cannot wait for her to get the happy ending and the love she deserves. Need book 2 ASAP.
Some of my highlighted quotes (can’t list them all here because there are too many honestly):
- “Okay, I might be a little bit homicidal from time to time—I think it gives me spunk.”
- “Dude got angrier about a few dead bodies than he’s ever gotten about this country lacking free healthcare.”
- “Denial is a river in Egypt. You all saw this coming, so shut the fuck up.”
- “Damn, are those butterflies? Shit, I’m so fucked.”
- “Did you get to choose how perfect your boobs are? Because Jesus, woman, I’m going to bury my face between them.”
- “I don’t think. Thinking is for women who aren’t about to get fucked senseless by the bronzen goddess in front of them.”
- “I don’t know what happened to you, Annie, but I want to find out. One day. But I can tell you don’t think you deserve it. And whoever did that to you deserves to rot in hell. They don’t get to take the rest of your life from you.”
- “Forgive the melodrama, but I’m gonna bring this city to its fucking knees.”
- “Rooting out the cult isn’t altruism. It isn’t for ‘the greater good’. It’s because I want to see it all burn. I want to kill them all.”
- “Black and white makes life simple. Shades of grey is how you get your heart ripped out by a woman who didn’t really care about you.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
Firstly, FUCK YOU ALEX!
Secondly, God i love this book!
Malady is a maniac but in the best possible way, sure she kills a few people (or like a shit tonne) but also all of them were completely deserving. Her humour and internal dialogue throughout were incredibly entertaining and I quite literally was laughing out loud. Also yes, her humour is very dark. I found her whole character and story captivating. She has an entirely fucked up and murderous moral code, and yet she’s someone you just want to see taken care of. I adored Zeta, she truly represents one of those people who hold the weight of the world and other peoples decisions on her shoulders. Her obsession with malady and Annie was both denigrating and intensely special. The yearning between these two was, GOD, intense in the best ways. They are so perfect for each-other, and they very much so show you why as their relationship progresses. However as you’d expect, nothing is ever smooth for either of these two. God do they make you hurt along the way.
I quite literally fell in love with the story and these characters. I very much so feel murderous in my own way towards mourning star, who i would love to stab right now (respectfully) for devastating me and making me cry, and then ENDING THE BOOK THE WAY THEY DID. I need more, please and thank you.
Memorable quote: Love means trust. The mutual kind. The kind I can’t give Zeta because the truth would end in death. But as soft, fluttering lips trace a pattern up y neck, I have to wonder if death might be okay.
Secondly, God i love this book!
Malady is a maniac but in the best possible way, sure she kills a few people (or like a shit tonne) but also all of them were completely deserving. Her humour and internal dialogue throughout were incredibly entertaining and I quite literally was laughing out loud. Also yes, her humour is very dark. I found her whole character and story captivating. She has an entirely fucked up and murderous moral code, and yet she’s someone you just want to see taken care of. I adored Zeta, she truly represents one of those people who hold the weight of the world and other peoples decisions on her shoulders. Her obsession with malady and Annie was both denigrating and intensely special. The yearning between these two was, GOD, intense in the best ways. They are so perfect for each-other, and they very much so show you why as their relationship progresses. However as you’d expect, nothing is ever smooth for either of these two. God do they make you hurt along the way.
I quite literally fell in love with the story and these characters. I very much so feel murderous in my own way towards mourning star, who i would love to stab right now (respectfully) for devastating me and making me cry, and then ENDING THE BOOK THE WAY THEY DID. I need more, please and thank you.
Memorable quote: Love means trust. The mutual kind. The kind I can’t give Zeta because the truth would end in death. But as soft, fluttering lips trace a pattern up y neck, I have to wonder if death might be okay.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Firstly I LOVE the way Malady is written. My first book by Mourning Star and it will certainly not be my last. The mixture of writing styles including fourth wall breaking is 10/10. Leaving you feeling as though you are inside Annie’s head (crazy.)
Malady is a book FULL of entertainment, surprises, plot twists, love, humour and death (a lot of death) but it’s justified death, right? Annie is the epitome of a ‘hero’ problem is the others think she’s a maniac.. and maybe she is and I LOVE it.
Our FMCs Annie and Zeta- WOW it’s a complicated relationship with intense lesbian yearning. A connection between them that is beautiful but filled with secrets your heart will ache as you ride the emotions with them. The spicy scenes between them are perfection.
It was truly a 5 star read, if you don’t read it you are missing out on a ‘WHAT THE F*CK’ kind of plot twisting ‘love story’.
I am so ready for Malady 2!!!
Malady is a book FULL of entertainment, surprises, plot twists, love, humour and death (a lot of death) but it’s justified death, right? Annie is the epitome of a ‘hero’ problem is the others think she’s a maniac.. and maybe she is and I LOVE it.
Our FMCs Annie and Zeta- WOW it’s a complicated relationship with intense lesbian yearning. A connection between them that is beautiful but filled with secrets your heart will ache as you ride the emotions with them. The spicy scenes between them are perfection.
It was truly a 5 star read, if you don’t read it you are missing out on a ‘WHAT THE F*CK’ kind of plot twisting ‘love story’.
I am so ready for Malady 2!!!
Review of advance copy
This is a freakishly gory piece of literary excellence! I loved every chapter. The rage, the loss, the hate, the love… it felt like emotional whiplash. Annie is so complicated and misunderstood and I instantly fell for her. Is she a little f**ked up? Yes. But I applaud her mission. She is written in such a unique way… like being privy to her innermost thoughts and that was one of my favorite things about this book. I loved the premise and the storyline… honestly I could not put the book down until I read to the end, and what the hell??? A cliffhanger!!! But I will gladly wait for the second book cuz a little yearning never hurt no one. The trans rep was done so well… with sensitivity but also not so delicately that we forget the challenges our trans friends face. I gotta say though, my heart broke for Annie and Zeta. This book has everything - feminine rage, revenge, and an insane storyline that will keep you reading way past bedtime.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Malady by Mourningstar was a very different experience for me! I usually don't read out of my comfort zone but I am glad I did! And I will keep doing so. This book had literally everything you could want. Heros, villains, Pain, Comfort, Romance, Anger, Spice, Representation, Action and more. We all went through all the motions.
I should probably put a Blurb here but i have heard some people don't like them, it makes their tummy hurt 🫢
So... superheros? Villains? 💀? Revenge? Trans Representation??
Lesbians? Secrets? Spice? Heartache? Bloody ending?
It's so well written but I didn't expect any less. You feel like you're right there with everyone, the world building is incredible.
The Monologuing is one of my favourite bits. It cracked me up a few times. 4th wall breaks are just the best and I enjoyed feeling like the FMC was talking to me as she is HOT. And perfect. If you say otherwise then please zip it. Both FMCs are absolutely perfect.
The audhd representation in this book was perfectly done. I love a book where you feel seen and understood, even if it hurts.
I should probably put a Blurb here but i have heard some people don't like them, it makes their tummy hurt 🫢
So... superheros? Villains? 💀? Revenge? Trans Representation??
Lesbians? Secrets? Spice? Heartache? Bloody ending?
It's so well written but I didn't expect any less. You feel like you're right there with everyone, the world building is incredible.
The Monologuing is one of my favourite bits. It cracked me up a few times. 4th wall breaks are just the best and I enjoyed feeling like the FMC was talking to me as she is HOT. And perfect. If you say otherwise then please zip it. Both FMCs are absolutely perfect.
The audhd representation in this book was perfectly done. I love a book where you feel seen and understood, even if it hurts.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I got to read this as an ARC and this is my honest review. When I first saw the page count of this book I figured it would take me a week to get through. Try two days. I loved this so much, one of Annie's secrets in particular that I don't want to spoil because the reveal is so emotional. To be completely honest, this book needed another editing pass that in the beginning I thought would influence my rating, but the story itself was so compelling I stopped caring. Please don't let a few typos here and there keep you from reading this book. The author's voice is so unique and it made for such an enjoyable read. I laughed, I cried, I wanted to give Annie the biggest hug. It ends on a bit of a cliff hanger and I need book 2 NOW. This was definitely one of my top five reads of the year and you can bet I'll be getting a physical copy for my shelves.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I honestly wasn’t sure if this was gonna be my thing after seeing a lot of advertisement for it over the last couple of weeks, but having loved other Mourning Star books I decided to give it a whirl. I don’t know why I doubted myself because I LOVED IT. Ugh the way the story is written is so fun, I love Malady’s character. So well planned out, couldn’t put it down!
(My only negative was there are quite a few typos, mostly extra or missing words in sentences which does frustrate me a little. I’d happily proof read any future work, you know, not for my own gain or anything…)
Lastly, bravo. Truly you have a fantastic imagination and I can’t wait for more!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
(My only negative was there are quite a few typos, mostly extra or missing words in sentences which does frustrate me a little. I’d happily proof read any future work, you know, not for my own gain or anything…)
Lastly, bravo. Truly you have a fantastic imagination and I can’t wait for more!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Review of advance copy received from Author
Omg that ending was vile Mourning Star, how dare you!
Loved everything about this story. The violence, the love story, the super powers, the change of POV between different perspecrives from 1st to 3rd. It all makes it so unreliable narrator while also being very Deadpool with the 4th wall breaks.
It's hilarious, gory and emotionally devastating! I'm waiting for the second installment with bated breath!
The character is basically a walking cheat code in this world but always seems so vulnerable which i think is super hard to do with an overpowered character.
Thanks to Mourning Star for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review. I will however be buying both books!
Loved everything about this story. The violence, the love story, the super powers, the change of POV between different perspecrives from 1st to 3rd. It all makes it so unreliable narrator while also being very Deadpool with the 4th wall breaks.
It's hilarious, gory and emotionally devastating! I'm waiting for the second installment with bated breath!
The character is basically a walking cheat code in this world but always seems so vulnerable which i think is super hard to do with an overpowered character.
Thanks to Mourning Star for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review. I will however be buying both books!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A beautiful take on just how dystopian superheroes could be, and the slow descent into “villany” is just the icing on the cake.
Note: I got this book for free as an ARC reader!
Note: I got this book for free as an ARC reader!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
All I have to say is that I should have read the trigger warnings… 5/5
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’ve read this book twice now. I intend to read it a third when I get my physical copy.
Because it’s just that good. Seriously. I don’t generally reread things, but I honestly felt like I had to in this case, and I still constantly feel the urge to pick it up again (even though I have so many other ARCs to read) just to enjoy Annie’s experience again.
Watching a woman who has been so beaten that she can only think of herself as a weapon is a beautiful experience. Devolving into madness because she’s not supposed to feel things, doubly so.
Other than that, my original review stands, and is posted below:
Once again, I am forced to consider if I should be worried by how much I relate to a character.
Unhinged vigilante to the public, Malady is actually totally sane, witty, and incredibly intelligent. All of her victims have something in common and I can't disagree with her choices, tbh. If that makes me a bad person, so be it. It helps that she's really hot. And really relatable.
I went through a very wide range of emotions in this one, folks. Confusion, pride, anger, hatred, joy, fear—truly an emotional wringer. This woman is going to be stuck in my head until the day I die, and actually, I think I'm okay with that.
I don't even know how to put the rest of my feelings into words, so have some quotes that made me feel things or whatever:
"You know my lesbianism doesn't revolve around how successful it is, right?"
"You want me to monologue? Now?"
"Call it irony that the deranged sociopath is a hopeless romantic."
"I think I might need something other than coffee and Adderall."
"I don't want to hurt you. I wouldn't be able to live with myself."
"I want the toast."
Because it’s just that good. Seriously. I don’t generally reread things, but I honestly felt like I had to in this case, and I still constantly feel the urge to pick it up again (even though I have so many other ARCs to read) just to enjoy Annie’s experience again.
Watching a woman who has been so beaten that she can only think of herself as a weapon is a beautiful experience. Devolving into madness because she’s not supposed to feel things, doubly so.
Other than that, my original review stands, and is posted below:
Once again, I am forced to consider if I should be worried by how much I relate to a character.
Unhinged vigilante to the public, Malady is actually totally sane, witty, and incredibly intelligent. All of her victims have something in common and I can't disagree with her choices, tbh. If that makes me a bad person, so be it. It helps that she's really hot. And really relatable.
I went through a very wide range of emotions in this one, folks. Confusion, pride, anger, hatred, joy, fear—truly an emotional wringer. This woman is going to be stuck in my head until the day I die, and actually, I think I'm okay with that.
I don't even know how to put the rest of my feelings into words, so have some quotes that made me feel things or whatever:
"You know my lesbianism doesn't revolve around how successful it is, right?"
"You want me to monologue? Now?"
"Call it irony that the deranged sociopath is a hopeless romantic."
"I think I might need something other than coffee and Adderall."
"I don't want to hurt you. I wouldn't be able to live with myself."
"I want the toast."
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
5/5
Saphly, I feel truly blessed to be one of the first to experience what Malady has to offer. To say I devoured this book feels like an understatement. I am categorically a Sloth of a reader and yet I blitzed through this as I simply could not put it down.
This is a dual POV. Our titular lady, Malady, is viewed from first-person, whereas our key 'witness', Zeta, is curiously seen from the third-person.
With only a cursory glance at the blurb, I jumped into this mostly blind. I didn't know it was a tale of superheroes. I certainly wasn't aware it was Deadpool and The Boys had a queer baby (though it was definitely giving the vibe) until nearly halfway through. I also felt like there was a side of Worm in there but can't be sure.
I do want to take a moment to highlight the trans rep in this as I feel it's really important and awesome to see it here. As it is one of the tags that I initially ignored, I don't feel it 'spoilery' to bring it up. I'm not trans myself, so I can't wholly relate to everything, but I really enjoyed it's depiction in this and would love to hear how future readers from the community feel it was handled.
Ok. Buckle up, kids, 'cause Lady Christmas is coming to town and this trolley ain't got brakes.
All Hail Lady Jesus
Mourning Star's Malady: Saints is violently unhinged, unabashedly sexy, and most importantly, insufferably vulnerable.
There's a common character trope of one being 'too angry to die'. If Malady doesn't fit the bill, then I don't know who does. She is Big mad. At everyone. The superheroes. The supervillians. The pedophiles. The big corpos. The liars… Malady, in not so many words, all but declares War on the World. But there's only so much damage a lonesome vigilante can get up to… right? After reading, I'm not so sure anymore. Perhaps one woman can, in fact, change the world. One splattered meat sack at a time.
Classic.
But there's more to Malady than the dangerous, steely eyed, brain splattering, maniacally cackling serial killer. To Zeta Russo, CEO of the largest company of corporate superheroes, she's just her Annie. Her Annie is sweet, caring, loving, and though damaged and full of secrets, honest to a fault. If only she would ask the right questions.
I cannot recommend Malady: Saints enough for any enjoyer of doomed-from-the-start romance and scifi nonsense and gutting moments that leave you pouting "My babies :(". I'm overjoyed to know that a sequel is already in the works because the cliffhanger was brutal and I am absolutely salivating for resolution.
Saphly, I feel truly blessed to be one of the first to experience what Malady has to offer. To say I devoured this book feels like an understatement. I am categorically a Sloth of a reader and yet I blitzed through this as I simply could not put it down.
This is a dual POV. Our titular lady, Malady, is viewed from first-person, whereas our key 'witness', Zeta, is curiously seen from the third-person.
With only a cursory glance at the blurb, I jumped into this mostly blind. I didn't know it was a tale of superheroes. I certainly wasn't aware it was Deadpool and The Boys had a queer baby (though it was definitely giving the vibe) until nearly halfway through. I also felt like there was a side of Worm in there but can't be sure.
I do want to take a moment to highlight the trans rep in this as I feel it's really important and awesome to see it here. As it is one of the tags that I initially ignored, I don't feel it 'spoilery' to bring it up. I'm not trans myself, so I can't wholly relate to everything, but I really enjoyed it's depiction in this and would love to hear how future readers from the community feel it was handled.
Ok. Buckle up, kids, 'cause Lady Christmas is coming to town and this trolley ain't got brakes.
All Hail Lady Jesus
Mourning Star's Malady: Saints is violently unhinged, unabashedly sexy, and most importantly, insufferably vulnerable.
There's a common character trope of one being 'too angry to die'. If Malady doesn't fit the bill, then I don't know who does. She is Big mad. At everyone. The superheroes. The supervillians. The pedophiles. The big corpos. The liars… Malady, in not so many words, all but declares War on the World. But there's only so much damage a lonesome vigilante can get up to… right? After reading, I'm not so sure anymore. Perhaps one woman can, in fact, change the world. One splattered meat sack at a time.
Classic.
But there's more to Malady than the dangerous, steely eyed, brain splattering, maniacally cackling serial killer. To Zeta Russo, CEO of the largest company of corporate superheroes, she's just her Annie. Her Annie is sweet, caring, loving, and though damaged and full of secrets, honest to a fault. If only she would ask the right questions.
I cannot recommend Malady: Saints enough for any enjoyer of doomed-from-the-start romance and scifi nonsense and gutting moments that leave you pouting "My babies :(". I'm overjoyed to know that a sequel is already in the works because the cliffhanger was brutal and I am absolutely salivating for resolution.
Read
October 28, 2026Such a delight to be picked as an advanced reader for this book.
Malady was such a compelling and fun (sometimes stressful) read! While described as morally grey. . . Annie was one of the most interesting and complex villains and I can't imagine anyone not rooting for her. The angst and character arc was skillful and intriguing. I also LOVE a good grumpy / sunshine, and while that isn't the perfect trope (more scorned, oppressed avenger / naive compliance). Put this on your calendar or preorder now . . . the only disappointment is we have to wait until the next book is out.
Malady was such a compelling and fun (sometimes stressful) read! While described as morally grey. . . Annie was one of the most interesting and complex villains and I can't imagine anyone not rooting for her. The angst and character arc was skillful and intriguing. I also LOVE a good grumpy / sunshine, and while that isn't the perfect trope (more scorned, oppressed avenger / naive compliance). Put this on your calendar or preorder now . . . the only disappointment is we have to wait until the next book is out.
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