If your holiday gift recipient needs a little soft-hearted necromancy, look no further than Outland game designer C. S. E. Cooney's World Fantasy Award winning novel Saint Death's Daughter. Lanie Stones is a necromancer with a literal allergy violence, who must survive the turmoil of a nation after the ruler is murdered. The sequel, Saint Death's Herald, is due out in April, so giving this one over the winter holiday is a great way to get your friend hooked in time for the next book to arrive!

This book was fun but often got stuck in the world building. It reminds me of the sweeping world and humor of the discworld series by Terry prachett but lacked the ability to not info dump on the reader. This book had a lot of potential, and I look forward to seeing what is in the future for this author.

I think when I requested this, I saw the word "royal" and ran with it but from the bat I could tell it was the sort of fantasy I just don't click with and I ended up DNF'ing - I do think a big part of this was that I chose to listen to the audiobook and I really didn't like the narrator but truthfully I think that just helped me decide to dnf sooner than if I'd read on my kindle.

The is a charming, very character driven story that follows the MC as she deals with her magic, family, love and along the way threats of her country being invaded but that last one is easy to forget since the book meanders on its way. I saw one review note there was about 200 pages of plot in 500 pages of book which is a little harsh but not too far off. I gave it 3.5 stars but rounded up since I want to read the next one. (That is my typical way to measure for rounding; do I care enough to keep reading). The reason I care to keep reading is the characters and their relationships. I like the various non-romantic relationship though the one romantic one will be interesting to see where it goes because it is one of the more confusing points. I would recommend this if you like character driven book but not recommend this if you are more plot focused or will have issues with the world-building. The magic and political system has some real issues is you start thinking about it too much. I am excited for the next one that seems to be more of a road trip story and it will be interesting to see the further world.

The world-building was absolutely incredible and so vividly detailed; exploring different religions, cultures, languages and even magic systems that I found myself totally immersed.

Amazing! Loved the plot, loved the characters, loved the magic system, loved the whole thing!
IT ripped out my heart and sowed it back together several times.

I forgot to leave a review for this, but I really enjoyed it! It's been out for ages, so I won't say much more than I need to for my star rating. <3

I loved the premise of this and thought the writing was really lush, but the more I tried to read it the more it felt hard to retain and keep focused. This is definitely a case of my own brain not working with the writing, as much as I was interested, much to my regret. May give this another shot in the future.

Firstly, thank you to Netgalley, C.S.E. Cooney and Rebellion, Solaris for the opportunity to read this ARC in return for an honest review. The following is entirely my own views.

Having had this on my TBR for ages I thought it was about time I had a read of this. I'll confess I picked this based on the front cover. BUT overall, I enjoyed it. It took me until about a third of the book to get invested in the story and the characters. But once we had the addition of Mak and Datu and after the Blackbird Bride the story completely took off. We got to watch Lanie develop friendships and saw her character and confidence build throughout the remainder of the story.

My favourite parts were definitely the Lover's Complaint and Havoc and co. - this was when we could really see Lanie coming alive. The parts with Conan Lir were mixed. Initially enjoyable and towards the end, just a little confusing and I am almost hoping a second book comes out to explain his reasons and also for Lanie to finish the business she promised to Haakan.

I wanted more chapters like we were introduced to with Lanie, Datu and the puppy. It would have been great to see Lanie's use of the gods towards the end - both with the Blackbird Bride and also Mak at the end. The final chapters were still good, they showed how far Lanie had come, how confident and how unlike Grandpa Rad she was. They just seemed a little rushed - a little lacking in detail compared to earlier chapters. It lacked power and emphasis to me.

However, as I say, I did actually enjoy this. I am sitting somewhere around a 3-3.5 stars and will look for a second part if it does ever come out. To tie off some of the loose ends and unanswered questions.

A complex plot, compelling characters, word playing quirky names and superb world building. What’s not to love.

Do you love a darkly humorous and brilliantly queer fantasy novel that will make you fall in love with the characters and their world? Then you need to read Saint Death's Daughter by C. S. E Cooney! This book is a fun and flirty read that follows Lanie, a young necromancer who has a special bond with the goddess of death, but also a severe allergy to violence and bloodshed. She has to deal with her family's legacy of royal assassins, her sister's madness, her grandfather's ghost, and her own destiny as she navigates a complex and dangerous political landscape. Along the way, she finds friendship, romance, and adventure in the most unexpected places.

Saint Death's Daughter is a fast-paced and engaging read that will keep you hooked from the first page to the last. The characters are well-developed and realistic, with flaws and strengths that make them relatable and likable. The chemistry between Lanie and her love interests is adorable and sizzling, and the romance is diverse and inclusive. The plot is full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat. The writing style is smooth and easy to follow, with vivid descriptions and witty dialogue. C. S. E Cooney is a talented author who knows how to write a captivating story that will leave you breathless. She won the 2023 World Fantasy Award for this novel, and it's easy to see why. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a blackly funny and gloriously queer fantasy with love, beauty, and necromancy.

#SaintsDeathsDaughter #NetGalley

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for giving me a free eARC of this book to read in exchange for my review!

This was really good and exactly what I expected going into it. However, o just could not get into it. There’s no particular reason I just found it very meh overall

Unfortunately the story didn't grab my attention and felt like it was dragging~ but thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read this novel.

Whimsically dark fantasy and is possibly the most original and enchanting book.

Lanie Stones, the youngest daughter of Liriat’s Royal Assassin and Chief Executioner has never led a normal life. Born with a gift for necromancy and allergic to violence, she was raised in isolation at the family’s crumbling mansion by her friend and revenant Goody Graves.

But when her parents are murdered, it falls to Lanie and her murderess sister Nita to settle the family’s debts or loose their ancestral home—and Goody with it. Appeals to Liriat’s ruler are ignored …until she too, is murdered throwing the entire nation into doubt.

The world-building was absolutely amazing and so very detailed. The history and Lore incorporated was also really enjoyable—if rather dark—honestly,

The long cast of supporting characters that seemingly gravitates around Lanie is also really entertaining and thanks to the first person perspective we get a lot of details into them all. My favorites were Goody Graves and Canon Lir. There is some Addams family vibes from this story which I think makes it more enjoyable.

I really enjoyed this overall, it was a little slow to start but definitely a fully detailed fantasy, that I would fully recommend to others.

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

It took my awhile to get into the story, but once I did I was able to immerse myself really well. The world building gave a great full circle experience. The characters had their flaws, but I appreciated their stories.

I've always loved books featuring death magic, and this one was no exception. I adored the rich, descriptive prose of this story, the distinctively whimsical writing style, the injection of dark humour running through the narrative, and most of all the family relationships explored in this story - both found and blood.

This is book one of the series and that’s a strong start. This book surprised in a great way. I didn’t know what i was getting myself into when I requested it. And I’m so pleased. Excellent world building and character development. I’m looking forward to the other books in the series.

I loved the first third of this book, then really lost steam. The magic and worldbuilding were great, and the narration was so much fun to read. That said, it was all vibes, no stakes, and I never felt compelled to keep reading. Will be good for a certain kind of audience, but I could have used more focus earlier in the book. That said, I will read what Coney writes next.