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Lucky Devil

The Lost

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The cybernetic revolution was inevitable. Nothing else changed.

For St. Augustina, a cyber-spy for hire, life has been a series of endless nights in the heart of the Data Bowl, the cybernetic city of corporate markets and submarkets. She wasn’t expecting a typical job from the mysterious Orange Lady to be any different.

She was wrong.

From fighting Neo-ninjas to singing in a lounge act, the job turns out to be anything but typical. But as she comes closer and closer to her goals, the attacks grow more personal…and deadly. Caught in a web of betrayals both new and old, St Augustina fights to untangle the facts and discover who’s after her.

Will she lose her life or gain her freedom?

186 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 6, 2020

2 people are currently reading
33 people want to read

About the author

Megan Mackie

40 books96 followers
Megan Mackie is a writer, actor, and playwright. She started her writing career as an indie author and had such smashing success in her first year with her inaugural book The Finder of the Lucky Devil. She has become a personality at many cons, recognizable by her iconic leather hat and engaging smile.

She is also a contributing writer in the role-playing game Legendlore and Legendlore: Legacies by Onyx Path Publishing and Sirens: Battle of the Bards through Apotheosis Studios. Outside of writing, she likes to play games: board games, RPGs, and video games. She has a regular Pathfinder group who is working their way through Rapanthuk. She lives in Chicago with her husband and children, dog, three cats, and her mother in the apartment upstairs.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for C.T. Phipps.
Author 93 books670 followers
May 15, 2019
I absolutely love the Finder of the Lucky Devil series that is by Megan Mackie. Growing up, I was a huge fan of Shadowrun and cyberpunk-fantasy is something that is niche within a niche. So, I love it whenever there is a series that manages to combine the two tastes that taste great together. Pretty much, as far as I know, this and Technomancer by M.K. Gibspn are the only two series that I know to do this.

The premise of the universe is that it is the future and technology is in ascendance as well as megacorporations. The governments of the world have fallen, if they ever existed at all, and everyone has to pay protection money to the megacorps in order to get by. The megacorporations enforce this with the help of a quasi-religious order of cybernetically enhanced soldiers called
"Saints." Oh and magic is real.

A warning to fans of the first two books, which I absolutely recommend everyone pick up, this is actually more like book 1.5 while Death and the Crone is book 2.5. Really, I'd argue this should be Book 0# in the series since it seems to predate it. These are side stories to the main narrative and don't deal with the heroine Rune but a new character named St. Augustina.

Augustina is a African American woman who works as an agent of the megacorporations as well as whatever client can afford her. She's suspicious of being betrayed, having been burned once before, and also a calculating cynic. Despite this, she's maintained more of her humanity than most Saints and can still be moved by things like human trafficking.

Saint Code: Lost has Augustina hired by the Orange Lady (names are not shared with wetwork) and the main series' Saint Benedict. They're to go after a set of corporate secrets that it would be suicidal to try for (but the pay is worth it). In this story, we find out about Augustina's troubled history as well as insights into how the Saints are produced. I enjoyed it a great deal and arguably think its better than The Finder of the Lucky Devil (and I loved that book).

If you enjoy cyberpunk, urban fantasy, or good character pieces then this is a great book to read. I also think that it is a great starting point for the series and could easily be read as a standalone.

9/10
Profile Image for Angela.
8,536 reviews122 followers
June 6, 2020
5 Stars

Saint Code: The Lost is the first book in the Saint Code series and the fourth book in The Lucky Devil Series by Megan Mackie. I absolutely adore this brilliant series! I developed my addiction to Megan Mackie’s stories back in the first book in The Lucky Devil series and have been eagerly anticipating each new release. I am kicking myself that this book slipped under my radar, and it has taken me so long to notice and read it.
This story doesn’t continue the thread that began in ‘Finder of the Lucky Devil’, but seems to predate it. Instead we follow St. Augustina the cyber-spy as she (along with St. Benedict) takes on a new job after being hired by the very mysterious Orange Lady for what seems to be a routine, if not dangerous, case. But Augustina quickly discovers that this is anything but typical. Things get complicated, and deadly. There seems to be a target on her back- so who is out to get her? Get set for an exciting adventure to find out all the riveting details.
The storyline is spellbinding and full of all the intricate details and incredible world building I have come to expect from Ms. Mackie. This is a fantastic urban fantasy with cyberpunk/neon-dystopia and paranormal elements. We are cast into a world where magic and technology combine with fascinating results. The story is full of action, adventure, suspense, some mystery, drama, tension, intrigue, danger, secrets, emotion, and so much more.
Ms. Mackie has delivered a rich, vibrant and vividly detailed story set in a cleverly constructed and interesting world. Her world building on a masterful level. The characters are truly brilliant- so well-crafted and wonderfully developed. I loved that we get a different perspective into this fascinating ‘world’. Giving us a lot of backstory and also a better understanding of how the Saints are ‘made’.
Can not wait for more!
Brilliant!!!

Thank you, Megan Mackie!
Profile Image for Sara Oxton.
3,800 reviews18 followers
June 12, 2019
Saint Code Lost by Megan Mackie a four-star read that will find you. This is number four in the Lucky Devil series but could be read a stand-alone, but I have read and love the series. This is fast paced and everything that happens will keep you on your toes as its off the wall but so much fun. St Augustina is a powerful character and one that will compel you to read the story, its not just action that moves the story along but the drama will keep you reading.
Profile Image for Kathy *** Wandering Worlds.
30 reviews14 followers
January 28, 2020
Review originally posted on Wondering Worlds.

I want to start off by saying I really, REALLY wanted to LOVE this book. Blade Runner is one of my favorite movies of all time and I listen to Synth music on a regular basis so when I saw the cover and read the blurb for this book, it was kismet. I also want to say before starting- that this is the first book I have read from this author, and upon reading this book and doing some research about her- I will go out and read more from her in the future.

Review:
I thought the first 2/3 of this book was almost perfect. The action scenes were wonderful, fast-paced, and exciting. The descriptions were well crafted and the dialogue was compelling. The writing flowed well and the world was easy to get lost into.

What I liked:
I really enjoyed St. Augustina's character. She was interesting and strong - with a no BS attitude that I absolutely adored and had a mysterious past I was interested in finding out more about.

I liked the introduction of the side characters; the Orange Lady, St. Benedict, and St. Rachel. They were all compelling and mysterious...and clearly part of St. Augustina's past we were trying to unravel. The interactions between them and the MC were all interesting and entertaining.

I loved the setting. It felt like an amazing futuristic neon city with some really innovative technological advancements. I liked all the "jack-in" scenes - and I really loved the cybernetic augmentations and how they were utilized in the story.


What I didn't like:


Am I still interested in the start of the series? Yes. The great writing and interesting characters make me want to read more from Mackie. Did it hurt my view on this book? Yes. I went into this thinking it was a stand-alone or the start of a new series. I felt like there was an inside joke I wasn't privy to or like I joined a conversation without hearing the beginning.

Book Information:
The Lost by Megan Mackie [eSpec Books, 2020]

Expected publication: January 31, 2020

Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy

To learn more about the Author, visit Megan Mackie's website here.

I received the ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Arwen Lynch.
Author 5 books60 followers
June 10, 2024
Title says it all. Mackie takes you on a total mind-fOck. It took me a bit to realize what was happening. There is a spoiler in the VERY LAST sentence of this review! I will space down before.

You mean two Saints, Augustine and Benedict, at first. Then a few other characters are mentioned.

The initial confusion did not deter me. I wanted to know what happened next. The interaction between the first two Saints is very important! Pay attention.

Book 2 is also out and I recommend it also. :D




Spoiler!
Spoiler!
Spoiler!

The trick is to realize that this is a Groundhog's Day effect.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Naomi Valkyrie.
Author 19 books154 followers
May 26, 2020
The Lost is the first book in the Saint Code series. Even though this is listed as the first book in a series, I highly recommend reading The Finder of the Lucky Devil (Lucky Devil series) before you read this book. You will have a better grasp of certain events mentioned in The Lost if you read that book first.

I loved this book! The world building is superb and I love the unique characters. The Lost is a twisty adventure that keeps you guessing. I’d love to say more about specific details, but I don’t want to spoil the intrigue.

A definite must read!!!! Seriously, read it!!!
Profile Image for Anantha Rusum.
300 reviews8 followers
June 11, 2020
When I picked this book, I thought this was the first in the series. I did not know that it is actually the fourth in the Lucky Devil series. So, the foundations are all laid prior, characters are well established and the plot jumps into action right from the first page. That being said, even with the lack of proper background, I found myself drawn to this book. There were some jargons which I did not understand, but the book is fully action packed and is filled with twists and turns, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Saint Augustina is a cyber-spy who is hired to do the dangerous tasks. She is approached by a person who calls herself Orange Lady to accomplish three tasks for huge ransom of money. She pairs up with another saint, a Saint Benedict whom she does not trust. But she does not have a choice, and has to work with him. Together they set forth for the missions. As the case unfolds, they find out that this case is not the same as the others. Someone is behind to get Saint Augustina and what started with a neo-Ninja fight and other fancy attacks in the beginning, starts getting more dangerous and personal as the case progresses.
I really enjoyed reading this book. As I had mentioned earlier, I did not read its prequels and so I am not aware of the evolution behind the characters. This the first time I have heard of certain genres like neon-dystopia and cyberpunk. I found it very interesting, all the elements were mysterious and very engaging! I hope to read all the books of this series.
1 review
June 25, 2020
Read this on a flight and really enjoyed it.
508 reviews7 followers
June 11, 2020
The Lost is a vibrant cyberpunk novel by Megan Mackie. It is the first book in the Saint Code series and follows Saint Augustina as she reluctantly a mysterious and undoubtably dangerous job in partnership with Saint Benedict, with whom she has a complicated history.
It’s an exciting, immersive story. The world is well constructed and I quickly became invested in Saint Augustina as a character. It is good to see a women of colour as the protagonist, and she is a resourceful and complicated character. It is fascinating learning about her backstory, and rooting for her as she tries to find a better life for herself.
I particularly enjoy how Mackie blurs the lines between technology and magic. I found this very engaging, and it increased the sense of mystery surrounding the job the two Saints had set out to complete.
For me, this is a five star book. It’s original and exciting, with a good balance of action and character-driven scenes. I would recommend it to sci-fi fans wanting to escape into a dark, exciting world.
Profile Image for Carrie.
710 reviews14 followers
June 11, 2020
4 stars!

This book is a fun read. Out of my normal genre, but I enjoyed the cyber world of it all and was pleasantly sucked right into the story. The main character, Augustina, or Saint Augustina as she is known as, is a very strong, brave and independent cyber spy. She is cyber enhanced, but through it all, still remains more human than “saint”. Throughout the book we get to see a glimpse of her past which sheds some light on the person she is today. I really liked watching her being paired up with Saint Benedict, even though she is always wary of him, the two seem to be more friends than enemies. The characters are all very well written, the story is perfect, and the trouble the pair have to go through is intense and fun to watch. You can definitely read this book as a stand alone but, from personal experience, I would highly recommend reading from book 1, I didn’t, but I sure am going back to read the others after reading this gem of a book.
1,931 reviews24 followers
June 9, 2020
Saint Code: The Lost (Saint Code Book 1) by Megan Mackie. I have loved Megan Mackie's books and this one was no different. I loved it! Its the story of St. Augustina, a cyber spy for hire whose life has been spent endlessly in the Data Bowl a cybernetic city of corporate markets & sub-markets. She knew she wasn't going to get a normal job from the Orange Lady but this was crazy! Augustina is a African American woman who works as an agent of the mega corporations as well as whatever client can afford her. She is afraid of getting betrayed because she has been before. Augustina has tried to hold on to as much of her humanity as she can so she is still moved by things. As Augustina moves closer to the goal there is more and more danger including possibly death. She is caught in a web of betrayal both new and old fighting to untangle the facts and discover who's after her! Will she find out in time? Read The Lost to find out!
Profile Image for Kerry  carr.
1,952 reviews25 followers
June 11, 2020
This is a real action packed adventure set in a world called the Data Bowl which sounds like a futuristic world where people are anything but human.

St Augustina is a cyber-spy. After being turned into a cyborg for the Decons to use as a cyber assassin she is now on the run trying to find a way to freedom.

As a freelance spy now she is approached by someone known only as the Orange Lady. The task she wants completing is straight forward and the price is is offering for completion is more than St Augustina could have hoped for.

However things aren't what they seem and with each task she has to do the risk to her life increases until she is left asking herself what is happening and who wants her dead?

It is a fast paced story that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Profile Image for Krystal Gregory.
253 reviews4 followers
June 11, 2020
The Lost (Saint Code) by Megan Mackie
4 out of 5 stars
I love the name St. Augustina. How freaking cool is that. The Lost is the first book in the Saint Code and St Augustina is one amazing character. She is a super cyber-spy. She is in the thick of the cybernetic revolution. Along with her friend St Benedict, she is in the fight of her life. Thrown in some neo-ninjas, betrayals from friends both new and old and you have a story that will keep you sucked in until the very end.
Mackie is an amazing author who never ceases to amaze me. Her style of writing is both effortless and detailed. She can pack an entire action scene within a few pages and you do not feel overwhelmed. This book is for the lover of all genres. Highly recommended for all.
214 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2020
Saint Code: The Lost is the first book in the Saint Code series and the fourth book in The Lucky Devil Series by Megan Mackie. I absolutely adore this series! I became addicted to Megan Mackie’s stories back in the first book in The Lucky Devil series and have been eagerly anticipating each new release. This story doesn’t continue the thread that began in ‘Finder of the Lucky Devil’, but seems to predate it. Instead we follow St. Augustina the cyber-spy as she (along with St. Benedict) takes on a new job after being hired by the very mysterious Orange Lady for what seems to be a routine, if not dangerous, case. Read this book to find out what happens!
Profile Image for Katie Kearney .
1,121 reviews6 followers
June 9, 2020
The Lost (Saint Code Book 1) by Megan Mackie. This author definitely knows how to keep readers coming back for more. Once again I found myself completely hooked on another fantastic read. The characters are complex and relatable, each one brings something unique to the storyline and draws you further into their story world. While on the shorter side it still packs a punch and the shortness doesn’t hinder the storyline in any way. I couldn’t put it down and found myself awake way late in the night because I made the mistake of starting it later. It’s a well written and nicely developed story that’s got a nice easy pace to follow with awesome characters. Four big stars and highly recommended.
254 reviews4 followers
June 11, 2020

***3 stars***
The Lost (Saint Code Book 1) by Megan Mackie

The Lost follows St. Augustina in this unique, futuristic, sci-fi story. I liked how this story dove into her past as well as how saints came about. This story was very descriptive and full of fast-paced action. St. Augustina is my favorite saint in Megan Mackie’s books with her attitude and her past. The author did I nice job of describing a world that I could literally picture in vivid color. If you like unique fantasy sci-fi stories, especially those with strong female characters, then this is worth picking up.
Profile Image for Kerry Chalmers.
64 reviews
June 12, 2020
Saint Code. Lost. by Megan Mackie. Book 4 in the Lucky Devil series but definitely one that can be read as a stand alone. This is a Cyberpunk fantasy story, it seems very futuristic. We follow St Augustine she is a cyber enhanced spy with a vey human soul who is put on a mission to retrieve St Benedict a man she hates. I really connected with Augustine and enjoyed getting to know her story. I really enjoyed reading this book, it was full of twists and turns which I loved. Brilliant read.
Profile Image for Mirela.
582 reviews17 followers
June 13, 2020
Saint Code: The Lost (Saint Code Book 1) by Megan Mackie was the urban fantasy dystopia book that I needed to get my hands on! I loved the world and the back story. Saint Augustina was a bold and intense character! I loved her ability to mold into whatever she needed to be to get the job done. I enjoyed the world building and the pacing was wonderful. I could not put this book down!
Profile Image for Cindy Rushin.
173 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2020
This was a good book. Megan Mackie has created a vibrant universe and I found myself drawn into it and the story. This novel centers on the journey of Saint Augustina as she searches for the truth about her world and herself. There are many twists, turns and surprises along the way. Saint Augustina learns the truth about herself and the ending is fantastic. Megan Mackie is an author to watch, she is good and I look forward to seeing more from her.
Profile Image for Finn Cunningham.
469 reviews9 followers
June 11, 2020
I absolutely adored this book! This put me very much out of my element, since I don´t usually read this genre. I was absorbed in the characters and the world around them that i finished it in one day! I was so very intrigued by this book, and just could not put this book down! I definitely recommend this book, and i look forward to reading more of this series!
Profile Image for Jonell.
214 reviews1 follower
June 2, 2020
I have to tell you Megan Mackie has become one of my favorite authors. Saint Code: The Lost (Saint Code Book 1) was a fantastic story. Characters that we were introduced to in Finder of the Lucky Devil make an appearance in this excellent story. With the back story. And with subtle mystery that builds anticipation for more. At first it took me a minute or two to figure out what was going on with St. Augustina, but when I did the rest of the book was a page turner for me. The characters in this story are over the top with personality, and the backdrop, the world the story takes place in is wonderfully bizarre. A lot of books I just read and pass along but Megan Mackie’s books are keepers for me.
Profile Image for Ember Daley.
271 reviews3 followers
June 6, 2020
This was a quick read. Something different than genres I’d normally choose, but I liked it. I was a little lost since I haven’t read the books before this one. I enjoyed the change of pace and will more than likely look into other books by this author.
Profile Image for N.
147 reviews38 followers
June 2, 2020
I really enjoyed this cyber fantasy. It's about a cyberspy called St. Augustine, who works as an agent for megacorporations, but also for hire for clients like the Orange Lady. But this job is a trap, and it gets personal. I loved figuring out St. Augustine's backstory and the development of the character. Although the setting itself was a bit confusing in the beginning, there were so many details that really helped me imagine it better. I really enjoyed the overall plot, the side characters, and the fast pace. I'd recommend reading this series in order.
Profile Image for Madilynn Dale.
Author 25 books344 followers
June 4, 2020
Saint Code: The Lost (Saint Code Book 1) by Megan Mackie

5-Stars

Saint Code: The Lost (Saint Code Book 1) by Megan Mackie was an exciting and fun read. I loved this book and I could not put it down. St. Augustina had a lot going on in this book and I loved learning more about her character. She really caught my eye in The Finder Of The Lucky Devil and I am excited there was more! This book was easy to get lost in and it carried me away. I highly recommend it!
Profile Image for Lucy Berson.
779 reviews6 followers
June 4, 2020
Saint Code: Lost: Book Four of the Lucky Devil Series by Megan Mackie. This might be the fourth book in the Lucky Devil Series but is can be read alone and you would be able to follow the events. This is an urban fantasy book that was fast paced and kept you completely wanting more. While this genre is out of my “norm” I truly enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Mimi.
164 reviews
June 5, 2020
Saint Code: The Lost by Megan Mackie is a great fantasy story. St. Augustina is a cyber-spy for hire. When she takes a new job for the Orange Lady, she expects it to be typical. She soon finds out how wrong she is. Can she survive the web of lies and betrayals for her freedom?
Profile Image for Piper.
1,774 reviews22 followers
June 5, 2020
St. Augustina Has to do some bidding for St. Bendict. This is a quick paced short novel if cyber punk fantasy. This book has many futruisc vibes. St. Augstina is a very strong and complex character. This book had many unexpected twisted and turns. I would recommend reading the others in the series before this one to graps this world compelty.
Profile Image for Liz.
1,327 reviews19 followers
June 15, 2019
I don’t think I truly knew what I was getting myself into when I first started the Saint Code series from Megan Mackie, but I truly and loving it four books later. I would HIGHLY recommend that you read all of this series in order. With that said, this is supposed to be able to be read as a standalone. However, with this series I personally think it would be highly difficult to fully grasp everything that is going on without the full build of each book. The world that is created is magical and fun but complicated. Granted, this is just my opinion, however, and one from someone who normally finds books in this genera complicated and confusing. I promise that though Mackie's Saint Code is one of those, it is worth it.

You won’t find any spoilers in this review, but I will tell you that I adored St. Augustine. She is one kickbutt female character and I truly enjoyed reading all about her. The adventure and detail to the story is vivid as ever and one that you will find yourself lost in until you realize you have finished the book in a quick fell swoop. I know I had only intended to read a bit at first with this book but found myself reading well past my bedtime to see how things worked out. I can’t wait to see what will come next from Ms. Mackie!
Profile Image for Laura Furuta.
2,047 reviews28 followers
June 12, 2019
Saint Code: Lost: Book Four of the Lucky Devil Series
By: Megan Mackie
5 out of 5 stars

The story Saint Code: Lost: Book Four of the Lucky Devil Series by Megan Mackie is an amazing fantasy book. It is a story that pulled me in and didn’t let me go until I had finished the last page. I love how the author is so detailed in her writing. I felt like I was right there with the characters. I enjoyed reading about the character of St. Augustina. She is strong, independent, and intelligent. She has taken a job that keeps her on her toes and she finds the attacks that happen get more personal and deadly. Is someone out to get her? Will she survive? Read this book to find out. The story has action, danger, and mystery. The story had me turning pages wondering what was going to happen next. The storyline is intriguing and will hook you in right from the start. There are additional characters that are introduced and some are familiar as they have been brought forward from the other books in the series. The book takes you on a wild ride that doesn’t stop until the very end. I would highly recommend reading both this book and the series.
Profile Image for Heather.
1,654 reviews3 followers
June 21, 2019
Saint Code: Lost: Book Four of the Lucky Devil Series by Megan Mackie is a dark fantasy read that will take you to the edge of what you imagine is real and then tip you over to further expand your imagination. St. Augustina is the main character of this story, but just like several of the other stories in this series, there are overlapping characters - this particular one focus on the Saints. This story also takes on a slightly different dynamic than the others, but yet, still holds some of the Lucky Devil "feel" that the author has creatively grounded into the foundation of these stories. St. Augustina is a complicated, but unique individual and reading along on this story into the cyber world was entertaining. Megan Mackie is truly a inspiring author in the way she weaves her story lines in and out of what is expected and setting the bar for something challenging and special.
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