Saint's blood

 Series: Greatcoats #3 

Author: Sebastien de Castell

Original publication date: April 7, 2016

Book description:

How do you kill a Saint?

Falcio, Kest, and Brasti are about to find out, because someone has figured out a way to do it and they've started with a friend.

The Dukes were already looking for ways out of their agreement to put Aline on the throne, but with the Saints turning up dead, rumours are spreading that the Gods themselves oppose her ascension. Now churches are looking to protect themselves by bringing back the military orders of religious soldiers, assassins, and (especially) Inquisitors - a move that could turn the country into a theocracy. The only way Falcio can put a stop to it is by finding the murderer. He has only one clue: a terrifying iron mask which makes the Saints vulnerable by driving them mad. But even if he can find the killer, he'll still have to face him in battle.

And that may be a duel that no swordsman, no matter how skilled, can hope to win.

Thoughts:

First off, I went into this book very hesitant. I follow a few people who have a read-along of the series but the main people I watch had very mixed (negative) feelings about this book. 

I was surprised. This is very similar and not to the first two books. So the very bases of this story:

-Falcio, Brasti and Kest find new friends. They get to know or reunite a few more Greatcoats. 

-Valiana takes the power and struggles of political maneuvering.  

-Falcio has more issues with Ethalia and personal struggles with his own guilt and insecurities.

-There is a new big bad guy. Hiding in the shadows playing his moves and the Greatcoats are lost and barely keeping up with the hits. 

-The people of the kingdom betrays or turn their back on them even if they are trying to save them.

-The task seems impossible. They have to defeat the power that is killing Saints, fight against people who no longer seem to be normal humans. 

-The magic system is as weird as always. We do not get explanations on how it all works but they have to make plans on how to defeat an enemy they barely know anything about.

I especially like the character development. We see Falcio with his own demons, he is still pretty much a bit mad. He continues to talk to the dead far too often. We see Valiana's and Aline's growth, both are maturing and becoming good rulers. I just love the characters and that makes the story all more interesting. The plot does not change much. They seem to be destined to fail and they make bad choices and get new friends or allies. 

I start to like Duky Jilliard a bit more. He does not change but when you get to know him a bit better and see he actually fights for what he cares for. Well, I started to care about hi as well. 

My favorite parts: the writing style I continue to find it funny how they keep making sayings for their Saints and gods. Those are very imaginative. The characters, the revelations about their pasts, and the relationship and camaraderie among the group. 

The downsides:

The plot itself moves very little. We are exactly on the same spot as before. The king's heir is still not on the throne and the people are not accepting her as such. 

Everything is very convenient, a lot of plot points seem to be there right in the nick of time. You know the end since the start of the book, but the fun part is how they get there. The nonexistent magic rules, I mean, Falcio and his people know nothing about the abilities of the Saints, the Gods, the wizards or whatever else there is in the world, and even when they have to face it time and time again no one takes the time to investigate it more. I think it is a very bad idea, come on people be more prepared for the enemy!

It was a good installment for the story. I am looking forward to the series finale. This is it, for now, see you guys until next time.

Stay safe!