And with a fully realized ensemble cast, we develop ties to characters on each side of the conflict, increasing the stakes as the plot develops. While Nadya and Serefin see each other as enemies, the reader gets to see each character for who they really are, which adds a ton of depth. The chapters move quickly, driving the plot forward as our characters are pushed together. This is the kind of book that really nails the dual-perspective. However, Nadya soon realizes just how difficult her mission will be when she finds the Gods have turned their backs on her, refusing to supply their spells and power to Nadya for protection. As Serefin heads back to the capital city of Grazyk, so too do Nadya and her new group of friends, who decide to sneak into the country and topple the Tranavian government with Nadya’s powers. Serefin is called off his pursuit of Nadya by the King, who needs Serefin back at the palace for a traditional ceremony aimed to select an appropriate consort for the High Prince. When the prince finds her deep in the mountains, she makes a harrowing escape that leads her to two Akolan sibling warriors and a dangerous blood mage, a group who also appears to be on the run. The book begins with Nadya waiting out the war in hiding. Nadya’s ability to speak with the Gods affords her a host of magical capabilities that the Kalyazin believe will ultimately save their country. Wicked Saints switches perspectives between Nadya, a Kalyazin cleric with a direct line of communication to her Gods, and Serefin, High Prince of Tranavia and front-line general leading the army in an assault against Kalyazin. Now having finished the book, I can say it was just the right amount of dark and thrilling, with non-stop action and a world unlike any other I’ve read about. I actually really like the alternate cover - it just has such a Gothic vibe that I was afraid the book might be a little too dark for me, especially as a summer read. Looking back, I might’ve been a little put off by the alternate cover design where the white and teal is replaced with black and red. This one was an Owl Crate book that had been sitting on my shelf for awhile.

Wicked saints goodreads