R&R Book Tours: The Faithful Dark (The Brilliant Souls Duology, Book 1)

This book was provided to me by R&R Book Tours and author Cate Baumer in exchange for an honest review on my stop of The Faithful Dark book tour. This in no way impacts the rating of the book. All of my reviews contain my honest opinions.

Title: The Faithful Dark	Author: Cate Baumer
Series: The Brilliant Souls Duology	Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Publisher: Independently Published	Page Count: 392

Content Warnings:

• Graphic: blood, gore, violence

• Moderate: 

• Minor: animal death

In a holy city where sins and blessings can be revealed through consecrated touch, Csilla - born without a soul - is worthless to the Church that raised her. But when a series of murders corrodes the magic that keeps the city safe, the Church elders see a use for her flaw: she can assassinate their prime suspect, a heretic with divine heritage, without the stain of sin. The heretic, however, makes a counter-offer: clear his name and catch the real killer, without becoming a target herself, and he'll use his power to get her a soul. When their investigation catches the attention of Ilan, a ruthless Church Inquisitor demoted for his failure to solve the case, he reluctantly offers his help in order to earn back his position. He’ll bring in the murderer— or failing that, Csilla and the heretic. But as the death toll rises and their hunt pits them against the Faith, Csilla will find that salvation comes at the cost of everything she believes in.

★★★★★ — obsessed 🌡️ — tepid

Cate Baumer's novel, The Faithful Dark, is a mesmerizing piece of literature that captivates its readers from the very first page. The prose is written in an exquisite manner, with each sentence meticulously crafted to create a dark and gritty atmosphere that breathes life into the narrative, effectively pulling readers into the story and keeping them engrossed till the very end.

The author introduces us to a remarkable protagonist named Csilla, a character that readers will find themselves drawn to due to her demure and selfless nature. As the story unfolds, it becomes increasingly fascinating to witness her journey as she finds herself in unfamiliar territories where she encounters genuine love and attention, experiences that are foreign to her.

Another character that plays a significant role in the narrative is Mihaly. His character is incredibly dynamic and complex, making it challenging to define him, which in turn adds layers of intrigue to the story. His actions and decisions leave readers constantly guessing, making him an essential part of the story's overall suspense and intrigue.

Ilan is yet another character whose motivations remain a mystery throughout the story, adding another layer of suspense and keeping the readers on their toes.

For those who have enjoyed Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson and The Foxglove King by Hannah F. Whitten, The Faithful Dark comes as a highly recommended read. The book's hauntingly beautiful narrative and well-crafted characters make it a must-read for fans of these authors and any reader who appreciates a beautifully written, gripping tale.