Carrion Saints is a sapphic fantasy romance by Hiyodori, exploring the unlikely relationship between Crow, an immortal saint, and Magnolia, a magically powerful, decapitated villain. Bound together by circumstance, Crow, tasked with containing Magnolia, finds her unwavering patience tested by the villain's sadistic charm. Their journey across a post-apocalyptic landscape forms the backdrop for a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers story. This standalone novel blends high fantasy with a dark, humorous tone, as the immortal pair navigate their complex feelings amidst a world slowly fading into oblivion. Expect a captivating blend of action, romance, and unexpected coziness in this unique tale of good versus evil, where even saints can fall for monsters.
Review Carrion Saints
Carrion Saints: A Sapphic Fantasy Romance, by Hiyodori, is a truly captivating read, and a delightfully unexpected one at that! While I went in expecting another intense enemies-to-lovers story from this author (and I wasn't disappointed!), Carrion Saints offers a different flavor than previous works. Forget a whirlwind romance; this is a slow burn, a meandering journey across a dying world that mirrors the slow, deliberate development of the central relationship between Crow, the immortal saint, and Magnolia, the chatty, disembodied head who’s the "worst monster of all."
The premise itself is wonderfully bizarre – a winged saint and a villainous head embarking on a road trip across a post-apocalyptic landscape. It sounds absurd, and it is, in the best way possible. The humor is dry, witty, and often emerges from the stark contrast between the characters’ personalities and their situation. Crow, with her stoic patience and dedication to humanity, is a perfect foil to Magnolia's irreverent, sardonic commentary and frankly, terrifying power. Their interactions are the heart of the book, filled with simmering tension, grudging respect, and a slow, almost reluctant dawning of affection.
Hiyodori's writing style is distinctive, creating a world that's both strange and vividly realized. The descriptions are rich and evocative, painting a picture of a world slowly fading, yet still possessing a haunting beauty. The pacing, however, is deliberate. This isn't a book for those seeking constant action. Instead, it's a character-driven narrative that focuses on the evolution of Crow and Magnolia's relationship. It's a book that rewards patience, offering moments of quiet reflection and unexpected intimacy amidst the larger-than-life setting. This slow burn allows for a deeper exploration of their individual histories and the complexities of their feelings, making their eventual connection all the more powerful.
Fans of Hiyodori’s previous works, particularly the Clem and Wist series, will find familiar themes and echoes of those beloved characters within Carrion Saints. Magnolia, in particular, channels the hilarious irreverence of Clem, adding a layer of comfortable familiarity alongside the fresh dynamic between these two immortal protagonists. The connection to the previous series adds depth, though the book functions perfectly well as a standalone. For those unfamiliar with Hiyodori's writing, Carrion Saints is an excellent entry point into their unique brand of fantasy romance. It's a testament to their ability to create compelling characters and worlds, even within unconventional and often darkly humorous scenarios.
Ultimately, Carrion Saints is a story about finding connection in the face of despair, about the unexpected ways love can bloom even in the most unlikely of circumstances. It's a book that lingers in the mind long after you've finished reading it, leaving you to contemplate the nature of immortality, the meaning of love, and the surprising coziness that can be found even in the darkest of journeys. I highly recommend it, especially if you enjoy a story that balances humor, heart, and a healthy dose of existential dread.
Information
- Dimensions: 6 x 1.47 x 9 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 587
- Publication date: 2025
Book table of contents
- PART ONE
- THE WoMAN IN THE HILLS
- CHAPTER 2
- CHAPTER 3
- CHAPTER 5
- CHAPTER 6
- CHAPTER 8
- CHAPTER 9
- PART Two
- THE TowN WITHOUT NAME
- CHAPTER IO
- CHAPTER II
- CHAPTER I2
- CHAPTER I3
- CHAPTER I4
Preview Book
