Hey there, book lovers! Ever thought about what it would be like to live different lives, each with its own twist? Alix E. Harrow's "The Six Deaths of the Saint" dives right into this cool idea. This book is getting a lot of attention, and it's not just because of its catchy title!
Imagine a story where each death isn't the end but a chance to start fresh. Harrow tells a tale that's both exciting and makes you think deeply. It's the kind of book that makes you question not just life and death, but the choices we make in between. Plus, with Harrow's amazing storytelling, you'll be flipping through the pages to see what happens next.
If you're looking for a book that mixes mystery with deep thoughts on life, this is the one. The story had strong character development which was great, the plot keeps you guessing, and the writing is clear and engaging. It's one of those books you just can't put down, and once you're done, you'll want to talk about it with everyone you know.
So, why not grab a copy of "The Six Deaths of the Saint" and see what all the buzz is about? Find your favorite reading spot, maybe with a cozy blanket and a cup of coffee, and get ready for a journey that will leave you thinking long after you've finished the last page.
Let’s dive into why this book is a must-read!
For information on how I rate the content in books click here.
Title | |
My rating | 5/5 stars |
Author | Alix E. Harrow |
Publisher | Amazon Original Stories |
Series | Into Shadow |
Other Books in the Series | The Garden, Persephone, What the Dead Know, Undercover, The Candles Are Burning, Out of the Mirror, Darkness |
Genre | Fantasy, Short Stories, Anthology |
Violence | Intense (child death, war, blood depiction, gore, suicide, grief, murder) |
Romance | 1 |
Drug/Alcohol use | None |
Spiritual Content | explores the Saint’s unwavering devotion to a demanding, harsh god, focusing on sacrifice, suffering, and the burden of loyalty. |
Language | Mild |
Tropes |
|
Themes |
|
Awards and Recognition |
|
Types of Readers |
|
What is The Six Deaths of the Saint About?
In The Six Deaths of the Saint, a warrior known as the Saint serves a powerful god who demands total loyalty and endless sacrifice. Given the ability to return to life after each mission, the Saint faces countless challenges, each harder than the last. Driven by love and a sense of duty, the Saint struggles with the high cost of their devotion. This dark fantasy story explores themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and the price of serving a higher power.
My Spoiler-free review
Reading this short story without knowing much about it was so exciting! Even though it’s short, it left a big impact—more than some longer books I’ve read. The writing is beautiful, full of vivid details, and it really made me feel a lot of emotions. I’ve realized how much I enjoy stories with descriptive, thoughtful writing like this.
At first, the changes in tense were a little confusing, but after a few pages, they started to make sense and added something unique to the story. This was my first time reading anything by this author, and I can’t wait to read more!
My only wish is that this story was longer. It’s so good that I wanted to stay in the world and get to know the characters even more. Still, it’s amazing how much the author did in such a short amount of space.
If you like emotional and well-written stories that stick with you, this is a great one to pick up.
My Overall Thoughts
This short story was an unexpected journey that left me thinking long after I finished it. It’s the kind of tale that grabs your attention quietly but stays with you in powerful ways. Let me share what stood out to me and what could have been better.
What I Liked:
Going into this story without any background was a great choice. It made the experience so much more exciting. The book is about a girl who wants to feel loved. She’s trying to find something real in her life. The story shows how tough love can be, especially when you don’t know what it is at first. It also explores what someone might do for love and the desire to leave a mark on the world while trying to fit in.
At first, the changes in tense were a bit confusing, but as I kept reading, they started to make sense. It felt like the author was reflecting the main character's broken sense of time or memory. This choice added depth and made the story stand out.
The writing is truly beautiful. Harrow uses words to create vivid images, making you feel like you’re right there with the Saint on her journey. The part where the Saint faces her past lives is really powerful, showing her growth and the story’s themes of sacrifice and redemption. The character development of the FMC was fantastic.
The line, “I wonder what the songs will say about the Devil now that she is covered in the blood of her own God,” is a perfect example of the strong imagery throughout the book. This was my first time reading Harrow, and I’m excited to read more because her stories are so emotionally engaging.
This was my first time reading something by this bestselling author, and I’m so impressed. They managed to create such a powerful and emotional story in so few pages, and now I can’t wait to read more of her work.
What I Disliked:
While I loved the story, I found myself wishing it was longer (full-length novel). The world and characters were so interesting that I wanted more time to explore them. I wished there was more about the Saint's guide and mentor, who seemed fascinating but didn’t get much attention. The big ending felt a little rushed, and I wanted more buildup and resolution. Even though it was short, it’s amazing how much Harrow fit into the story.
While the changes in tense eventually clicked for me, the first few pages were a bit disorienting. Though this ultimately added a unique flavor to the story, it might be off-putting to some readers initially.
Would I recommend it as a Christian?
Yes, I would recommend this book, but mainly for those who are more mature in their faith and can discern what aligns with God and what does not. Whether or not to read the book depends on how comfortable you are with exploring spiritual themes in a fantasy setting that includes intense violence. It's important to think about your own beliefs and how they might interact with the story. That is why I included content warnings so that you are informed before reading.
"The Six Deaths of the Saint" dives deep into themes like love, sacrifice, and redemption, which are important in Christianity. The story shows how these values can look in different situations. The main character's journey to find meaning and a place where she belongs can connect with anyone thinking about their own faith and purpose.
It makes readers reflect on their identity and what matters most to them. For Christians who are strong in their faith, the book offers a chance to think about complex ideas and see how they fit with their beliefs. It can help deepen understanding and spark meaningful conversations.
On the flip side, the book has fantasy elements that might not sit well with everyone. It includes magical places and characters that might not match everyone's comfort level with fiction and faith. There are also strong images, like the Saint's encounters with mystical figures, that might need careful thought. Some readers might find these parts unsettling or not in line with their understanding of Christian teachings. The story's spiritual themes can be seen in different ways, and some might find it hard to fit certain aspects with their faith.
Detailed Summary
In a barn, there's a sick servant girl who gets food from a stable boy. She's stuck there because the lord and lady said so. One day, a saint of war visits her and says she's needed for the kingdom. She goes outside to meet the prince, but the lady calls her a devil and says she's not the right girl. The prince doesn't care and takes her away on his horse. The stable boy runs after them and becomes her helper.
The girl trains for seven years to become a great warrior. On the battlefield, she almost dies, but the saint of war shows up just in time to tell her how to survive and win. She follows the advice, wins the battle, and brings the enemy's head to the prince. Her helper spends the day cleaning her armor.
By the time she's twenty, the saint of war has visited her seven times, each time giving her secrets to win battles. Together, they defeat the prince's enemies. But one day, she gets hurt in battle and has to recover. Her helper is upset with the prince for putting her in danger, but she still believes the prince loves her.
The prince's kingdom grows because of her victories, and he becomes king. She's celebrated as a hero, but her dreams are filled with the violence of her battles. She's confused about what's real and what's a dream. She's sent to attack the Gray City, and even though her helper warns her, she goes anyway. She hesitates in battle and almost dies, feeling a strange relief.
She wakes up in a courtyard with a fountain. The king and a priest tell her to look into the fountain, where she sees herself as a young girl. The fountain shows the past and future. She realizes she's the girl, the devil, and the saint of war all in one. She tells her younger self how to win battles, including the Gray City.
With the saint of war, she repeats her journey, becoming a warrior and winning battles. Her helper still resents the king, but she remains loyal. This time, she conquers the Gray City and is sent to the Kentish Isles, making the king an emperor. On her next mission, her helper warns her she can't win, but she goes anyway. She's struck by an arrow and returns to the fountain to start over.
In each new life, she gets closer to her goal but is always stopped. The emperor and priest wonder if she's still useful, but the priest insists she keeps fighting for the emperor's godhood.
The saint of war, now angry, sends her out again. She wins battles and grows closer to her helper, falling in love with him. She dreams of killing the emperor and realizes she's more than just a weapon. She shares her love with her helper.
Before her next mission, her helper tells her to run away, but she goes and kills Kemet's queen, only to be poisoned. At the fountain, the god threatens her helper to make her look into it. In the fountain, she leads herself through battles, and her helper sacrifices himself. She kills everyone around her, including the god, and holds her helper's body.
She sees the priest is still alive and learns he used the fountain to gain power. He threatens her, saying her history will end if he dies, but she kills him, knowing her helper will always remember her.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, "The Six Deaths of the Saint" is a gripping story about love, sacrifice, and finding yourself. It tells the tale of a girl who becomes a legendary warrior but struggles with what her battles really mean for her life.
Alix Harrow weaves a story that makes you think about your own choices and what you believe in. While the fantasy parts and deep themes might not be everyone's cup of tea, folks who love a story that makes you think and feel will really enjoy it. It's all about the power of love and staying true to yourself, even when things get tough.
Happy Reading!