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Saintsville
Watch out, saints. The sinners have come home. Eve and Maggie Abbott are desperate. Out of money, and options, they are forced to move into one very old house. It happens to have belonged to their dead grandmother, but the rent is cheap, and the location is killer. That last sentence is a joke, unless you’re into a “middle of nowhere” vibe—and cows. Welcome to Saintsville, population…too small to matter. Poor girls. Their parents died four years prior, and Eve has been raising Maggie ever since. trying to raise her, but failing miserably. Attempting to adjust to their new surroundings, life becomes a boring routine of work and school, until one fateful day. A moving truck, preceded by a sleek black hot rod, pulls up to the abandoned shack across the field. Out pour five brothers. Attractive, tall, tattooed, and lethal. But why are all their tattoos the same? What are the new neighbors hiding? And why does Eve have a funny feeling that it has something to do with her? Lock your doors. Close your blinds. The clock is ticking. And the Abbotts? They’re almost out of time.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 7, 2020
15 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 29, 2020
She has never been more confused in her life, and a lot of very confusing events have led up to this. Her emotions are a pinball machine. Angry, frustrated, afraid, heartbroken, hopeful, and overall, overwhelmed. Not that she particularly like their new home, but at least it was a home. She would happily go back to the way things were less than forty-eight hours prior. Before all her preconceived notions of their family were totally, and utterly, destroyed.
As a debut (for fiction, at least) novel, this is a pretty solid start to what is definitely a promising series. It's not without it's stumbles, but it's a familiar shell wrapped around an original idea, and the two work with each other very nicely.
The titular Saintsville is the town to which Eve and Maggie are heading following the slow breakdown of their lives post-orphaning. In the four years since they lost their parents, they've slowly lost everything else, and now it's off to live in a new town in their grandmothers (semi-abandoned) house. It doesn't take long for that plan to fall apart, however, and that's when the real story kicks in.
It's a relatively familiar structure - kid/kids discover secret dimension to the world that's hidden from most people, and there's usually a threat to fight. But the mechanics of it all are something I haven't seen before, and I liked; there's much more legitimate reasons for cool tattoos, for example. And I'm always a sucker for a secret safe base, which is another thing this book does well, because there's two!
I mentioned stumbles though, and while they're not enough to stop me following this series, they definitely bear mentioning. This book is pretty much novella length, and feels it at some points, because there's definite rushing going on. There's some training that's essentially montaged down to a couple of pages, which is fine, but the town that gave the book it's name is out of the picture very quickly too. The writing, too, is fine but mostly just servicable - it didn't surprise me that this was the author's first novel. There's definite promise there, especially with dialogue that's much more natural than a lot of books at similar levels, and things like too-short sentences and simple language are things that tend to be sorted out when an author gains confidence. And that cliffhanger ending - boo! Never ever will I not complain about cliffhangers. They're not necessary!
Definitely a series I'll be up for reading again - it was a lot of fun. Lots of promising directions it could go in, and a quick and entertaining read on it's own.
As a debut (for fiction, at least) novel, this is a pretty solid start to what is definitely a promising series. It's not without it's stumbles, but it's a familiar shell wrapped around an original idea, and the two work with each other very nicely.
The titular Saintsville is the town to which Eve and Maggie are heading following the slow breakdown of their lives post-orphaning. In the four years since they lost their parents, they've slowly lost everything else, and now it's off to live in a new town in their grandmothers (semi-abandoned) house. It doesn't take long for that plan to fall apart, however, and that's when the real story kicks in.
It's a relatively familiar structure - kid/kids discover secret dimension to the world that's hidden from most people, and there's usually a threat to fight. But the mechanics of it all are something I haven't seen before, and I liked; there's much more legitimate reasons for cool tattoos, for example. And I'm always a sucker for a secret safe base, which is another thing this book does well, because there's two!
I mentioned stumbles though, and while they're not enough to stop me following this series, they definitely bear mentioning. This book is pretty much novella length, and feels it at some points, because there's definite rushing going on. There's some training that's essentially montaged down to a couple of pages, which is fine, but the town that gave the book it's name is out of the picture very quickly too. The writing, too, is fine but mostly just servicable - it didn't surprise me that this was the author's first novel. There's definite promise there, especially with dialogue that's much more natural than a lot of books at similar levels, and things like too-short sentences and simple language are things that tend to be sorted out when an author gains confidence. And that cliffhanger ending - boo! Never ever will I not complain about cliffhangers. They're not necessary!
Definitely a series I'll be up for reading again - it was a lot of fun. Lots of promising directions it could go in, and a quick and entertaining read on it's own.
September 5, 2020
Paper book review.
A really valiant effort at a YA sci-fi. I like the character dynamics and the originality of the antagonists. Definitely not a vampire book! I like the layering, the different locations, and the angst. Well done for a short book.
Things I was not so fond of, the characters are a bit underdeveloped, or maybe the story was just not long enough for me to feel their natural progression from loving to hateful and back again. Also, the writing style is unpracticed, in my opinion. You read a lot and you get a sense of how a good story flows naturally. This one is about 60% there. There are disjointed sentences of varying lengths, some cliche phrases and dialogue, and characters that just aren't consistent. One minute they're sad or upset, the next, they're loud and defensive. It was a bit hard to follow. Toward the beginning, trying to get into the story, the sentence structure was bugging me. Soooo many sentences started with a phrase, then the main direction of the sentence. I don't normally notice something like that, but it was happening all the time! That and the editing team missed a few glaring spelling mistakes, and at one point a sentence was tabbed down in the middle, like trying to start a new paragraph in the middle of a sentence. Weird!
One other tiny thing I noticed is how the name of the book is a bit odd. Saintsville is the town where they all meet, but shortly after the two families collide, they leave Saintsville and never return. The bulk of the story takes place somewhere else, and we never go back. Seems an odd choice for a title when it really wasn't that super important of a place. Maybe it will come back in later books?
I like how the ending sets up a continuation of the story, which I will still read. This was not a bad book! As I said, just feels unpracticed as a writing style, but that always improves over time, right? Would recommend!
A really valiant effort at a YA sci-fi. I like the character dynamics and the originality of the antagonists. Definitely not a vampire book! I like the layering, the different locations, and the angst. Well done for a short book.
Things I was not so fond of, the characters are a bit underdeveloped, or maybe the story was just not long enough for me to feel their natural progression from loving to hateful and back again. Also, the writing style is unpracticed, in my opinion. You read a lot and you get a sense of how a good story flows naturally. This one is about 60% there. There are disjointed sentences of varying lengths, some cliche phrases and dialogue, and characters that just aren't consistent. One minute they're sad or upset, the next, they're loud and defensive. It was a bit hard to follow. Toward the beginning, trying to get into the story, the sentence structure was bugging me. Soooo many sentences started with a phrase, then the main direction of the sentence. I don't normally notice something like that, but it was happening all the time! That and the editing team missed a few glaring spelling mistakes, and at one point a sentence was tabbed down in the middle, like trying to start a new paragraph in the middle of a sentence. Weird!
One other tiny thing I noticed is how the name of the book is a bit odd. Saintsville is the town where they all meet, but shortly after the two families collide, they leave Saintsville and never return. The bulk of the story takes place somewhere else, and we never go back. Seems an odd choice for a title when it really wasn't that super important of a place. Maybe it will come back in later books?
I like how the ending sets up a continuation of the story, which I will still read. This was not a bad book! As I said, just feels unpracticed as a writing style, but that always improves over time, right? Would recommend!
April 5, 2022
Wish i'd known this was a part of a new series before i'd started ☹️ now i'm utterly unprepared for this cliffhangar hhh
(well i'm assuming it's a part of a series, because the book suddenly concluded when things were starting to get interesting. If not, that's a horrible ending- 😑)
All in all a pretty exciting young adult sci-fi. Characters felt a little under-developed, and the romance was honestly unnecessary in my opinion.. but i'm still curious to see where things will go from here.
The title feels unrelated to the book as a whole though 🤔 Would have made more sense if it was titled 'Evergreen' or something along those lines (especially since most of the book takes place there rather than the 2/3 chapters in Saintsville)
Rating: 2.5/5
(well i'm assuming it's a part of a series, because the book suddenly concluded when things were starting to get interesting. If not, that's a horrible ending- 😑)
All in all a pretty exciting young adult sci-fi. Characters felt a little under-developed, and the romance was honestly unnecessary in my opinion.. but i'm still curious to see where things will go from here.
The title feels unrelated to the book as a whole though 🤔 Would have made more sense if it was titled 'Evergreen' or something along those lines (especially since most of the book takes place there rather than the 2/3 chapters in Saintsville)
Rating: 2.5/5
March 12, 2021
2.75
I can’t tell if I liked this or not. I mean sure there were parts of it I liked, but also parts that I really did not. I’m hoping this is a series because that ending was killer. Even if it is a series, I still feel like this book went by too fast. As in the story was too rushed. The romance, the training, and the overall pacing was all too rushed. I really liked the storyline but I just wish this was longer and took more time to explain things.
I can’t tell if I liked this or not. I mean sure there were parts of it I liked, but also parts that I really did not. I’m hoping this is a series because that ending was killer. Even if it is a series, I still feel like this book went by too fast. As in the story was too rushed. The romance, the training, and the overall pacing was all too rushed. I really liked the storyline but I just wish this was longer and took more time to explain things.
August 22, 2022
I’m so sad to be giving this one 1 star. For one, the story sounded really fun and second, I read her first book (A Sucky Love Story) and really enjoyed it. But… this one honestly read like a bad fanfiction. The story moved way too fast, I didn’t have any interest at all in any of the characters or their relationships and the main character seemed like a Mary Sue. I don’t think I’ll be continuing with this series.
There was also a throw away line about one of the characters (Maggie) possibly being bisexual/pansexual which just seemed forced. At that point, don’t even include that; it just seems like you’re reaching for diversity points.
There was also a throw away line about one of the characters (Maggie) possibly being bisexual/pansexual which just seemed forced. At that point, don’t even include that; it just seems like you’re reaching for diversity points.
December 21, 2022
Listened to the audiobook free, via Audible.
The Details:
Narrated by Sophie Amos
Unabridged
This was a bit of a grating one. It was one of those "let's just try" moments and though it kept my attention here and there whilst I was doing bits around the home, when I was just solely listening to it, I was in and out of concentration and didn't really care.
Part of this was that I think my time for YA paranormal romances has sailed. I struggled to get past the cringey tone of the scenes and characters involved. The other part was the voice for Maggie was incredibly irritating, and being one of the main characters, you get a lot of dialogue with her in, so it was a lot to push through.
I think this could be a fun series if you enjoy YA paranormal romances that definitely doesn't deviate much from the classic tropes if the genre. I most likely won't be carrying on with them, however.
Pick it up, give it a go & enjoy! >(^_^)<
Gén
The Details:
Narrated by Sophie Amos
Unabridged
This was a bit of a grating one. It was one of those "let's just try" moments and though it kept my attention here and there whilst I was doing bits around the home, when I was just solely listening to it, I was in and out of concentration and didn't really care.
Part of this was that I think my time for YA paranormal romances has sailed. I struggled to get past the cringey tone of the scenes and characters involved. The other part was the voice for Maggie was incredibly irritating, and being one of the main characters, you get a lot of dialogue with her in, so it was a lot to push through.
I think this could be a fun series if you enjoy YA paranormal romances that definitely doesn't deviate much from the classic tropes if the genre. I most likely won't be carrying on with them, however.
Pick it up, give it a go & enjoy! >(^_^)<
Gén
April 29, 2022
DNFed about 60% through
I wanted to love this book but everything about it was so weak? There were so many times where it just felt like Brittani was using the thesaurus feature on Microsoft word to avoid repeating the same words and it made everything feel so unnatural. I feel so bad!
The story was not great, the characters were not good, everything about it was just not for me
I wanted to love this book but everything about it was so weak? There were so many times where it just felt like Brittani was using the thesaurus feature on Microsoft word to avoid repeating the same words and it made everything feel so unnatural. I feel so bad!
The story was not great, the characters were not good, everything about it was just not for me
July 10, 2020
I didn't know what to expect when I finally started reading this book but oh my god I was blown away. Nothing against vampires or werewolves, but I absolutely LOVE IT when authors go out of their ways to make some different and unique.
July 12, 2020
Kept you on the edge of your seat with a twist that hasn’t been done before! I can’t say enough positive notes about this novel. I can’t wait for the next book to come out. The characters are awesome, Maggie and Eve are funny sisters together. I’m already Team Luca and Team West. I finished this book in a day because I couldn’t put it down! Nonstop action throughout that made the pages fly-by. Definitely read this book!
September 29, 2020
I wanted to love this book. As a long time supporter of Brittani Louise Taylor I believe that she has a beautifully creative mind; however this book stumbled for me...AND I WANTED SO MUCH FOR IT TO SOAR.
Part of my issue was the writing style, I would lose track of what was going on (there were a lot of 'she said, she did, she' sentences). Saintsville also felt choppy, almost as if it were a script that was translated to paper; the audience lost description. We jump from scene to scene and in some cases what I wanted more of was brushed over. We ran a SPRINT to each plot point, which was frustrating to me as a reader.
The sister dynamic felt rushed and in some cases non-existent. There is a lot of talk of Eve having no money and how the sister's struggled in Washington, but in spite of this Maggie is stuck up, pretentious, and uncaring! Then we get character whiplash as they both do a 180 without much buildup. I want grueling character development, not a brush over of months.
The brothers don't seem to like each other at all either, but if there was a reason for family drama I wish that had been played out on the book stage instead of just 'a *shrug*maybe'. We also don't establish ages for the boys, which is mildly important only because many of them are looking at 16 year old Maggie with heart eyes.
This book needed more meat, maybe some different seasoning, and more time in the oven; I think this was pulled out a little too early and we've still got crunch instead of soft and tender.
With all of that being said, this was not the worst starter novel that I've read (I have read some stinkers). I would encourage the author to maybe find a solid writing group or a beta.
When the next Saintsville novel comes out, I will still pick it up because I would like to see the author develop more (and find out what happens).
Part of my issue was the writing style, I would lose track of what was going on (there were a lot of 'she said, she did, she' sentences). Saintsville also felt choppy, almost as if it were a script that was translated to paper; the audience lost description. We jump from scene to scene and in some cases what I wanted more of was brushed over. We ran a SPRINT to each plot point, which was frustrating to me as a reader.
The sister dynamic felt rushed and in some cases non-existent. There is a lot of talk of Eve having no money and how the sister's struggled in Washington, but in spite of this Maggie is stuck up, pretentious, and uncaring! Then we get character whiplash as they both do a 180 without much buildup. I want grueling character development, not a brush over of months.
The brothers don't seem to like each other at all either, but if there was a reason for family drama I wish that had been played out on the book stage instead of just 'a *shrug*maybe'. We also don't establish ages for the boys, which is mildly important only because many of them are looking at 16 year old Maggie with heart eyes.
This book needed more meat, maybe some different seasoning, and more time in the oven; I think this was pulled out a little too early and we've still got crunch instead of soft and tender.
With all of that being said, this was not the worst starter novel that I've read (I have read some stinkers). I would encourage the author to maybe find a solid writing group or a beta.
When the next Saintsville novel comes out, I will still pick it up because I would like to see the author develop more (and find out what happens).
December 21, 2022
See this review and more on Books and Ladders!
Content Warning: violence, possession, human experiments, thunder and lightning mentions, drugging
There was a story here, the book just didn't tell it. What probably should have been at minimum a duology, Saintsville started off strong but just let me down along the way. A lot of information dumping, no real plot that couldn't be summed up in a paragraph (and it typically was!), and the alternating POVs that added nothing to the story itself since both sisters were basically the same.
I thought from the synopsis that this would be werewolves, but it wasn't. The book moved way too fast from introducing the characters and the setting of Saintsville to just ... not being there anymore. The romance, the training, the EVERYTHING was so rushed that I didn't have time to process anything before we moved onto something new.
None of the characters had any depth to them and each of the boys could have been carbon copies for all I know because they had such dumb "personality traits" to distinguish them.
Do not recommend at all.
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Content Warning: violence, possession, human experiments, thunder and lightning mentions, drugging
There was a story here, the book just didn't tell it. What probably should have been at minimum a duology, Saintsville started off strong but just let me down along the way. A lot of information dumping, no real plot that couldn't be summed up in a paragraph (and it typically was!), and the alternating POVs that added nothing to the story itself since both sisters were basically the same.
I thought from the synopsis that this would be werewolves, but it wasn't. The book moved way too fast from introducing the characters and the setting of Saintsville to just ... not being there anymore. The romance, the training, the EVERYTHING was so rushed that I didn't have time to process anything before we moved onto something new.
None of the characters had any depth to them and each of the boys could have been carbon copies for all I know because they had such dumb "personality traits" to distinguish them.
Do not recommend at all.
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August 21, 2025
I wanted to love this so bad! I loved her memoir and she seems so bubbly and nice. But...I wish I could have been an editor on this.
Title is bizarre since they leave town around the half way point and don't come back. Evergreen would have been better, or something else.
Love story was rushed so I didn't care about it at all. A lot of the side characters were rushed too. The whole thing, in fact, feels rushed. Which is weird after the cliffhanger ending!
Turns into a sci-fi unexpectedly. The book blurb could have conveyed the genre. To me, it screams paranormal romance.
BUT I do hope the author continues to write and improves her craft, if writing is something that makes her happy!
Title is bizarre since they leave town around the half way point and don't come back. Evergreen would have been better, or something else.
Love story was rushed so I didn't care about it at all. A lot of the side characters were rushed too. The whole thing, in fact, feels rushed. Which is weird after the cliffhanger ending!
Turns into a sci-fi unexpectedly. The book blurb could have conveyed the genre. To me, it screams paranormal romance.
BUT I do hope the author continues to write and improves her craft, if writing is something that makes her happy!
January 13, 2023
This book had so much going for it. I was excited by the idea of this book and the whole struggles of the sisters liking one or more of the brothers. My real problem? THE ENDING!
****** SPOILERS******
That was the laziest ending I have ever seen. I don't know if this is supposed to be part of a series, but if that is it, no. As a fellow writer, I cannot help but be livid with the absolute laziness of this ending. Everything at the end of this book felt rushed. I am unsure if the author was being rushed or what, but damn. Such a disappointment.
****** SPOILERS******
That was the laziest ending I have ever seen. I don't know if this is supposed to be part of a series, but if that is it, no. As a fellow writer, I cannot help but be livid with the absolute laziness of this ending. Everything at the end of this book felt rushed. I am unsure if the author was being rushed or what, but damn. Such a disappointment.
November 10, 2023
I wanna start positive, because as time goes on it will become less positive.
The beginning had me hooked. I felt compassion for our characters, and I thought them and their story could be interesting.
Boy was I wrong.
The book is called saintsville, but there characters are there for barely 50 pages. As well, there were just too many overused tropes. All the characters fell flat. Some, like Tate, you forgot existed because they were only mentioned.
This book could’ve been really good, I liked the characters, I liked the plot, but it absolutely bombed.
The beginning had me hooked. I felt compassion for our characters, and I thought them and their story could be interesting.
Boy was I wrong.
The book is called saintsville, but there characters are there for barely 50 pages. As well, there were just too many overused tropes. All the characters fell flat. Some, like Tate, you forgot existed because they were only mentioned.
This book could’ve been really good, I liked the characters, I liked the plot, but it absolutely bombed.
April 15, 2024
I went into this somewhat blindly but am overall pleased! I didn’t read any reviews or see any reactions so I was super pleasantly surprised it was sci-fi! I see it’s been a number of years since its release but I really hope the series will be finished! I’d love to know what happens with Eve as she continues to learn about her abilities and what mess her parents have gotten her into. I really want to see the relationship with her and Luca flourish and maybe the demise of Evergreen. I really hope she writes the rest of the series!
July 23, 2024
3.5 stars. First of all I thought this book was purely a thriller/mystery but it fell more into sci-fi I’d say, which didn’t bother me at all. The story starts at a good pace but I feel it gets a little rushed towards the end. I also loved the characters, but I wish I could’ve gotten to know some of the side characters a little better. The writing was just a bit bland and even had some typos.
The overall plot had so much potential, I just think it could’ve have been presented better as two separate books with more details/descriptions.
The overall plot had so much potential, I just think it could’ve have been presented better as two separate books with more details/descriptions.
May 8, 2025
The constant "maturing" of the SIXTEEN year old deuteragonist teenager by OLDER MATURE MEN WHO ARE CLEARLY ADULTS is a huge ick.
I like the story and the sixteen year old is paired with someone near her age range but the teenager is still accepting and welcoming of the older men's attention on her. Given the characters personality, I can see why but it is still uncomfortable to read. Especially when the men also don't show shame in leering at a teenager. AND THESE MEN ARE SUPPOSED TO BE GOOD GUYS IN THIS BOOK.
Ew.
I like the story and the sixteen year old is paired with someone near her age range but the teenager is still accepting and welcoming of the older men's attention on her. Given the characters personality, I can see why but it is still uncomfortable to read. Especially when the men also don't show shame in leering at a teenager. AND THESE MEN ARE SUPPOSED TO BE GOOD GUYS IN THIS BOOK.
Ew.
September 6, 2020
If I’m being totally honest, I originally bought this book just to support Brittani Louise Taylor’s. However, I’m so glad I got it! It’s a very well written book! Two sisters, Eve and Maggie, lose their parents and have to move in order to survive. They then meet a group of brothers who will change their lives forever. The mix of romance, female strength, battle, and love is just amazing! The only book I could really compare it to is Divergent. If you liked Divergent, you’ll love this!
July 12, 2020
I love this book so much!! I was hooked from the beginning with the story and the characters! The book takes an exciting turn I wasn't expecting and continues to be unpredictable! Brittani brought the characters and story to life through her beautiful writing! I look forward to reading it again and for the next book!
August 31, 2021
A relatively mediocre book that did nothing much in the way of creating meaningful relationships and somehow made even the cooler parts of this book a bit stupid.
I saw no point to any of the romantic aspects in this book and it added nothing to the characters or story. If it wasn't so short on audible, I wouldn't have got to the end.
I saw no point to any of the romantic aspects in this book and it added nothing to the characters or story. If it wasn't so short on audible, I wouldn't have got to the end.
July 21, 2020
BRILLIANT READ
This book is so good, from the very start its interesting and gripping. The plot development is just so well done. I really hope there is a follow up book. Totally obsessed!!!
This book is so good, from the very start its interesting and gripping. The plot development is just so well done. I really hope there is a follow up book. Totally obsessed!!!
March 31, 2022
I went into this book completely blind. I didnt read the summary or anything about what the book is about. I just saw is got a 4.7 out 5 rating and selected it. I'm pleasantly suprised. I got into the book and the story. it does read young adult. but i still really liked it and really enjoyed this book. pleasantly suprised for sure. hopefully there's a book 2.
April 3, 2021
3.5/5
Pretty enjoyable but very rushed. Will continue with the series
Pretty enjoyable but very rushed. Will continue with the series
February 10, 2022
It's good... but name makes no sense. Also, it's kind of... unsatisfying and annoying. And very rushed, but not bad.
I'm confused. Need second part
I'm confused. Need second part
July 10, 2022
Decent listen. Glad it’s for free on audible. Narrator was decent enough
June 10, 2023
I enjoyed it, it was a fun read!
November 15, 2023
Honestly pretty fun, but it just needed to be a little longer so everything wasn’t SO rushed
December 1, 2023
I LOVE this book so much & really hope she writes more!
I’ve been a BLT fan for Years, but this was next level amazing ♥️
I’ve been a BLT fan for Years, but this was next level amazing ♥️
February 29, 2024
Not my genre. And it just didn't hold my attention. I tried to like this book because the cover reminds me of my bestfriend's papercuts she makes around halloween. Oh well.
February 2, 2025
was a bit rushed it seems like and it ends where seems like there could be a second book but there is no second book but I did enjoy what I read
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