““I’m not a monster,” she whispered. “I’m just… complicated.””
— Nadya's internal struggle with her powers and identity.
Archivist's Choice
Wicked Saints
Emily A. Duncan (2019)
Genre
Fantasy / Young Adult / Romance
Reading Time
770 min
Key Themes
See below
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In a snow-covered land of old gods and hidden dangers, a cleric, a prince, and a boy with dark magic must unite to kill a king, navigate alliances, and confront a forbidden romance that blurs the lines between salvation and damnation.
Synopsis
Nadezhda Lapteva, a cleric from the secluded nation of Kalyazin, speaks with gods and uses their power. Her homeland faces collapse from a long war with Tranavia, a country that uses blood magic. After a devastating attack, Nadya flees. She meets Malachiasz, a powerful Tranavian boy, who offers an impossible alliance: join him and his friends to assassinate the Tranavian king and end the war. Nadya reluctantly agrees, making a dangerous pact with the people her religion condemns. As they travel to the Tranavian capital, Nadya is drawn to Malachiasz, despite his unsettling powers and dark secrets. She learns he is a vultr, a being connected to the God of Whispers, and sees how manipulative he is. Nadya must confront her feelings for Malachiasz, her betrayal of faith, and the consequences of their plan. This leads to a sacrifice that changes her destiny and leaves the fate of both nations uncertain.
Reading time
770 min
Difficulty
Medium
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Dark, Atmospheric, Mysterious, Romantic, Gothic
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy dark, gothic fantasy with morally gray characters, forbidden romance, and a unique magic system involving gods and blood.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer lighthearted fantasy, clear-cut heroes and villains, or explicit, non-ambiguous romance.
Plot Summary
The Sanctuary of the Saints
Nadya Lapteva, a seventeen-year-old cleric, lives in the secluded monastery of the Sanctuary of the Saints in Kalyazin, a nation devoted to old gods. She is a 'sainted' person, able to speak directly with gods and channel their power. One day, an army from Tranavia, a neighboring country that worships blood magic and a single god, brutally attacks the monastery. Nadya's mentor, Father Alexei, dies, and she must flee with a sacred dagger. She needs to warn the Grand Inquisitor in the capital city of her nation's approaching doom and the loss of their main defense.
A Dangerous Alliance
While on the run, Nadya is cornered by Tranavian blood mages: Malachiasz, a mysterious and powerful mage; his cousin, Ostyia, a skilled fighter; and Parijahan, a quiet but deadly mage. Instead of capturing or killing her, Malachiasz offers Nadya a surprising proposal: an alliance. He reveals he is the estranged son of the Tranavian king and wants to overthrow his tyrannical father, King Serefin. He believes Nadya's god-given powers are key to their plan, as her abilities could counter the king's strong blood magic. Nadya, desperate and with no other choices, reluctantly agrees to join them, despite her deep hatred for Tranavians.
Journey to the Capital
The group begins a dangerous journey to Krasnograd, the Tranavian capital. Nadya struggles with her conscience, torn between her loyalty to her gods and the need to work with her enemies. Malachiasz's charm and secretive nature both interest and unsettle her. Along the way, they face dangers from both Tranavian loyalists and Kalyazi forces, which makes them rely on each other. Nadya learns more about blood magic and Tranavia's complex politics, realizing the war is not as simple as she once thought. Tension builds between Nadya and Malachiasz, fueled by their opposing beliefs and a growing, forbidden attraction.
The Blackwoods and the Bone Witch
To gather information and resources for their assassination plot, Malachiasz leads the group to the Blackwoods, an old, dark forest said to be home to powerful, reclusive mages. They seek a 'bone witch,' who practices a forbidden and strong form of blood magic. The encounter with the bone witch is unsettling, as she demands a price for her knowledge. Nadya sees the darker side of blood magic, further challenging her ideas. The bone witch gives cryptic prophecies and important information about King Serefin's defenses and weaknesses, suggesting the king has a powerful artifact or secret that makes him almost unbeatable.
Growing Bonds and Lingering Doubts
As they continue their journey, Nadya feels more drawn to Malachiasz, despite her religious vows and the centuries of animosity between their nations. Their talks show unexpected depth to his character, and he acts surprisingly protective of her. However, Nadya constantly fights her own biases and the whispers of her gods, who warn her against Malachiasz's 'darkness' and magic. She questions his true motives, especially after seeing his immense, almost monstrous, power in moments of extreme stress. The conflict between her faith and her growing affections becomes a main source of trouble.
Infiltrating Krasnograd
The group successfully enters Krasnograd, a city full of Tranavian mages and loyalists. Their plan involves navigating the political landscape and avoiding the king's spies. Malachiasz uses his knowledge of the city's hidden passages and his family's connections to move them through the capital. Nadya is overwhelmed by the city's size and the constant presence of blood magic. She must rely on her companions more than ever, suppressing her fear and disgust to maintain their cover. The tension increases as they get closer to the royal palace, the center of King Serefin's power.
The Royal Ball and the Assassination Attempt
Malachiasz arranges for the group to attend a royal ball, a chance to get close to King Serefin. Nadya, disguised, feels out of place among the Tranavian elite. During the ball, they try to assassinate the king, but the plan fails. King Serefin is more powerful and clever than expected, showing a strong defense or an unknown ability. The attempt fails, forcing the group to flee, barely escaping capture. The failure leaves them demoralized and aware of the king's true power and the challenges they face.
Malachiasz's Secret
After the failed assassination, Nadya confronts Malachiasz about his increasingly erratic behavior and immense power. In a shocking revelation, Malachiasz confesses his deepest secret: he is not just a blood mage but a vishap, a monstrous, ancient being of immense power, bound by blood and magic. His true form is a terrifying, scaled creature. This revelation shatters Nadya's view of him and makes her question everything she thought she knew about him and the nature of good and evil. The gods within her recoil in horror, increasing her inner turmoil.
The God of Whispers
Malachiasz reveals that his vishap nature connects to a dark, ancient god known as the God of Whispers, a being older than the Kalyazi gods that grants him immense, but corrupting, power. He explains that King Serefin also connects to this entity, or a similar one, which is the source of his invulnerability. Nadya realizes the war is not just between nations but between different forms of divine power, some good and some terrifyingly old and destructive. This new understanding complicates her mission and her loyalties, as she struggles with the implications for her own gods.
A Desperate Plan
With the truth known, Nadya and Malachiasz, along with Ostyia and Parijahan, create a new, desperate plan. They realize that to defeat King Serefin, they must cut his connection to the dark power that sustains him. This involves a dangerous ritual that will require Nadya to channel a lot of divine power, potentially risking her life and sanity. Malachiasz, despite his monstrous nature, genuinely wants to protect Nadya, which deepens their complex and forbidden bond. The stakes are higher than ever, as the fate of both nations rests on them.
The Climax and Confrontation
Nadya and Malachiasz confront King Serefin in a final, brutal showdown. The battle is a devastating display of both divine power and blood magic. Nadya channels the full force of her gods, her body trembling, while Malachiasz uses his vishap abilities. King Serefin, fueled by his own dark connections, fights with terrifying intensity. The palace becomes a battlefield, with huge magical energies clashing. Many die, and Nadya is pushed to her limits, questioning if she can truly defeat such an ancient evil without becoming dark herself.
Betrayal and Sacrifice
During the battle, a shocking betrayal occurs, showing that not all alliances are as they seem. This betrayal further endangers Nadya and Malachiasz, pushing them to their breaking point. To defeat King Serefin and cut his connection to the dark power, a great sacrifice is needed. Nadya, using her unique connection to the gods, performs a ritual that takes a piece of her soul and ties her fate to Malachiasz's. The cost is immense, but it allows them to defeat the king, though with severe consequences and a lingering sense of loss and uncertainty.
The Aftermath and New Beginnings
King Serefin is defeated, but the victory is mixed. The war between Kalyazin and Tranavia is far from over, and the political situation is now more unstable than ever. Nadya, changed by her experiences and her connection to Malachiasz, must deal with her new reality. Her relationship with her gods is strained, and she carries the burden of her actions. Malachiasz is also changed, his monstrous nature now more mixed with humanity. The ending leaves many questions unanswered, hinting at a darker, more complex future for both Nadya and Tranavia, and the threat of the ancient powers they have awakened.
Principal Figures
Nadya Lapteva
The Protagonist
Nadya transforms from a sheltered, devout cleric into a hardened, morally conflicted leader who questions her faith and embraces a forbidden love, ultimately becoming a bridge between two warring worlds.
Malachiasz
The Antagonist/Love Interest
Malachiasz evolves from a seemingly cold, manipulative prince to a more vulnerable character who grapples with his monstrous nature and his growing affection for Nadya, finding a flicker of humanity within his darkness.
Ostyia
The Supporting
Ostyia's initial hostility towards Nadya softens into a grudging respect and eventual friendship, highlighting the breaking down of national prejudices.
Parijahan
The Supporting
Parijahan remains largely consistent, serving as a steadfast, protective figure whose loyalty is unwavering.
King Serefin
The Antagonist
King Serefin serves as the primary antagonist, whose reign and power are challenged and ultimately broken, though his influence casts a long shadow.
The Gods of Kalyazin
The Supporting/Mentioned
The gods' influence on Nadya is challenged and strained as she defies their warnings, leading to a complex evolution of her faith.
The God of Whispers
The Mentioned/Antagonistic force
The God of Whispers serves as the overarching, dark influence, its power and nature revealed as the true antagonist behind the war.
Father Alexei
The Supporting/Mentioned
Father Alexei's death serves as a catalyst for Nadya's journey, his memory guiding her initial adherence to her faith.
Themes & Insights
Faith vs. Doubt
Nadya's faith in her gods is constantly challenged throughout the story. From the brutal attack on her monastery to her forced alliance with blood mages, she questions her deities' goodness and effectiveness. Her growing feelings for Malachiasz, who practices 'dark' magic, go against her religious vows and the gods' warnings. This forces her to balance her spiritual beliefs with her personal desires and the harsh realities of war. This theme is central to her character's journey, as she deals with the moral grey areas her faith usually forbids, especially when she learns of the God of Whispers, a powerful deity that challenges her understanding of divine order.
“My gods had abandoned me, or perhaps they had never been there at all. Only the darkness remained.”
The Nature of Good and Evil
The novel blurs the lines between good and evil, challenging the simple views held by both Kalyazin and Tranavia. Kalyazin sees Tranavian blood magic as evil and monstrous, while Tranavia sees Kalyazi faith as weak and superstitious. Nadya, initially firm in her beliefs, discovers that her 'enemies' are complex people with their own reasons and loyalties. Malachiasz, despite his monstrous nature and dark magic, shows compassion and a desire for peace, making Nadya question if evil is innate or a choice, and if 'good' can exist within 'darkness.' The revelation of the vishap and the God of Whispers further complicates this, showing ancient powers that go beyond simple morality.
“Monsters were not born. They were made. And sometimes, they were made by the very people who claimed to be saving the world.”
Forbidden Love and Sacrifice
The developing romance between Nadya and Malachiasz is deeply forbidden. It represents a dangerous link between two warring cultures and opposing magic systems. Their love is a direct betrayal of Nadya's religious vows and her loyalty to her people, putting both of them at great risk. Their relationship has tension, distrust, and a powerful, undeniable attraction. This theme explores the sacrifices people make for love, even when it means defying deep beliefs, facing societal disapproval, and risking their souls. Their bond ultimately requires great personal sacrifices, tying their destinies together in a way that suggests both salvation and damnation.
“He was a monster, and I was a saint, and we were both damned.”
War and Its Dehumanizing Effects
The novel shows the devastating impact of a centuries-long war. Both sides are stuck in their hatred and propaganda, which leads to a cycle of violence and prejudice. Nadya sees firsthand the brutality from both Kalyazi and Tranavian forces, realizing that the conflict has stripped many of their humanity. The war forces characters to make impossible choices, sacrificing their morals and innocence for survival or perceived victory. It highlights how long conflicts can distort views of the 'other,' reducing complex individuals to mere enemies and creating a climate of fear and distrust.
“War made monsters of us all, no matter which side we fought for.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Sacred Dagger
A relic imbued with divine power, a symbol of Nadya's faith and mission.
The sacred dagger is a physical manifestation of Kalyazi divine power, carried by Nadya from her destroyed monastery. It is a symbol of her faith, her lost home, and her mission to warn her people. Initially, it represents the pure, untainted power of her gods, contrasting sharply with the blood magic she encounters. As the story progresses, the dagger's significance evolves. It serves as a tangible link to her past and a source of strength, but also highlights her struggle as she's forced to work with those who would desecrate such a relic. Its presence constantly reminds her of her origins and her duty.
The Whispers of the Gods
Nadya's internal connection to her deities, providing guidance and judgment.
Nadya's ability to hear the 'whispers' of her gods serves as a crucial plot device, providing exposition, moral guidance, and internal conflict. The gods' voices are a constant presence, warning her against Malachiasz and the dangers of blood magic, reinforcing her Kalyazi beliefs. This device allows the narrative to explore Nadya's internal struggle between duty and desire. As she grows and questions her faith, the whispers become more strained or judgmental, reflecting her evolving moral compass and the growing distance between her actions and traditional piety. They also serve as a narrative tool to foreshadow danger or reveal hidden truths.
Malachiasz's Vishap Nature
The hidden, monstrous identity of Malachiasz, driving his power and internal conflict.
Malachiasz's true identity as a vishap (a monstrous, ancient being) is a central plot device, serving as a major twist and a source of his immense power. This secret explains his unique abilities, his connection to the God of Whispers, and his capacity for both great darkness and unexpected protectiveness. The revelation of his nature shatters Nadya's perception of him and the world, forcing her to confront her prejudices about monsters and humanity. It raises the stakes of their alliance and their romance, highlighting the inherent danger and the blurred lines of good and evil, while also providing a unique threat and a powerful ally.
Blood Magic
The forbidden, powerful magic system of Tranavia, contrasting with Kalyazi divine power.
Blood magic is the primary magical system practiced in Tranavia, drawing power from life force and often associated with dark rituals and sacrifices. It functions as a direct foil to Nadya's divine magic, representing the 'dark' side of the conflict. This plot device illustrates the inherent differences and animosity between the two nations' ideologies. It allows for intense magical battles and showcases the brutal capabilities of Tranavian mages. As Nadya learns more about it, she realizes its complexities and the sacrifices it demands, challenging her initial black-and-white understanding of its inherent evil and revealing its ancient, powerful origins.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
““There is no light without shadow, and no good without evil. They are two sides of the same coin.””
— Exploring the complex morality of the world and its characters.
““Sometimes, the only way to save someone is to become the very thing they fear.””
— Serefin's pragmatic and often ruthless approach to his goals.
““Gods are not always kind. Sometimes, they are simply powerful.””
— A reflection on the nature of divinity and its impact on mortals.
““Hope is a dangerous thing. It can make you do foolish things.””
— Malachias's cynical view of hope in a war-torn world.
““Love is a weapon, and it can wound as deeply as any blade.””
— The painful and destructive aspects of romantic relationships.
““The line between faith and fanaticism is a thin one, easily crossed.””
— Discussing the extreme devotion of some religious followers.
““To be human is to be flawed. To be divine is to be terrifying.””
— Comparing mortal imperfections with the overwhelming power of the gods.
““Secrets are like poison. They fester and rot until they consume you.””
— The consequences of keeping hidden truths.
““The world doesn’t care about your intentions. It only cares about your actions.””
— A harsh reminder of the impact of one's deeds.
““Sometimes, the greatest strength is knowing when to surrender.””
— A moment of vulnerability and strategic retreat.
““Power isn’t about what you can take, it’s about what you can protect.””
— A different perspective on the true nature of power.
““Every choice has a cost. The trick is to make sure the price is worth paying.””
— Reflecting on the difficult decisions characters face.
““Monsters are made, not born. And sometimes, we are the ones who make them.””
— A commentary on how circumstances and others' actions can create villains.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
The central conflict revolves around the centuries-long war between Kalyazin, a country blessed by gods, and the atheistic, blood-magic practicing Tranavian empire. Nadya Lapteva, a cleric who can speak to gods, is forced to flee Kalyazin after its fall and join forces with a group of Tranavian exiles, including Prince Serefin and Malachiasz, to assassinate King Vladimir and end the war.
About the author
Biography coming soon.
