Wicked Saints

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Wicked Saints

by Emily A. Duncan

Wicked Saints drops you into a brutal, holy war, where a young cleric named Serefin, who can commune with her gods, finds herself on the run with a mysterious, forbidden sorcerer, Nadezhda. Their desperate, uneasy alliance, formed to either prevent or win the war, spirals into a journey fraught with ancient magic, dangerous secrets, and the unsettling truth of their opposing faiths. The reading experience here is drenched in a gothic, almost suffocating atmosphere; it’s dark, intense, and wonderfully tense. You’ll feel the weight of moral ambiguity pressing on every decision, and the magic system is as visceral as it is dangerous. This is a book for those who love their fantasy with a heavy dose of shadows, complex political intrigue, and a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers dynamic that challenges every boundary.

10 Books similar to 'Wicked Saints'

If the intense, morally complex world of Wicked Saints resonated with you, you're likely looking for more stories that don't shy away from the shadows. Our selections lean into that same dark, atmospheric magic, often featuring intricate systems that demand a price. We’ve prioritized books with compelling political intrigue and protagonists navigating difficult, morally ambiguous choices, much like Serefin and Nadezhda. And for those who appreciated the charged enemies-to-lovers dynamic, you’ll find plenty of that same captivating tension in these recommendations.

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Serpent & Dove
Serpent & Dove

by Shelby Mahurin

Fans of 'Wicked Saints' will be immediately drawn to the forbidden romance between a witch and a witch hunter, mirroring the intense religious conflict and 'enemies to lovers' dynamic. The dark magic, political intrigue, and high stakes will resonate strongly.

Gideon the Ninth
Gideon the Ninth

by Tamsyn Muir

With its unique blend of necromancy, space opera, and gothic horror, this book offers a similarly dark and complex world with intense character dynamics. Readers will appreciate the morally grey protagonists, intricate magic system, and undercurrent of political maneuvering.

A Deadly Education
A Deadly Education

by Naomi Novik

This book features a dark magic school where survival is paramount and the protagonist is a morally grey outcast with immense, dangerous power. The intense atmosphere, unique magic system, and focus on character growth amidst dire circumstances will appeal to 'Wicked Saints' readers.

Shadow and Bone
Shadow and Bone

by Leigh Bardugo

Set in a Russian-inspired world with a chosen one protagonist wielding forbidden dark magic, this series offers a rich tapestry of political intrigue, war, and a compelling 'enemies to lovers' dynamic. The atmospheric setting and powerful magic system are direct parallels.

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The Poppy War
The Poppy War

by R.F. Kuang

For those who appreciated the darker, grittier aspects and moral complexities of 'Wicked Saints', this grimdark fantasy delivers. It explores the devastating impact of war, the corrupting nature of power, and the difficult choices made by a protagonist with immense magical ability.

An Ember in the Ashes
An Ember in the Ashes

by Sabaa Tahir

This series features a brutal empire, a brewing rebellion, and a forbidden romance set against a backdrop of high stakes and political maneuvering. The strong female leads, intense action, and themes of survival and sacrifice will resonate with fans.

The Cruel Prince
The Cruel Prince

by Holly Black

Dive into a treacherous fae court brimming with political intrigue, power struggles, and a captivating 'enemies to lovers' romance. The dark atmosphere, morally grey characters, and a strong female lead navigating a dangerous world are perfect for 'Wicked Saints' readers.

Mistborn: The Final Empire
Mistborn: The Final Empire

by Brandon Sanderson

This epic fantasy features a unique and intricate magic system, a desperate rebellion against an immortal tyrant, and deep political intrigue. Fans will enjoy the complex world-building, strategic plotting, and the journey of a strong female lead discovering her destiny.

The Bear and the Nightingale
The Bear and the Nightingale

by Katherine Arden

For those who loved the atmospheric, folklore-rich elements and the conflict between old gods and new religion in 'Wicked Saints', this book offers a captivating journey. It's a beautifully written tale steeped in Russian mythology, featuring a strong female lead and subtle magic.

Divine Rivals
Divine Rivals

by Rebecca Ross

Set during a war between gods, this book combines a magical world with a compelling 'enemies to lovers' romance and significant stakes. The atmospheric writing, emotional depth, and unique magic system involving divine powers will resonate with fans of Emily A. Duncan's style.