michaellouisdixon's review against another edition
5.0
Once again Lucas Mangum delivers a powerful story with visceral empathy. His prose get under your skin, worm their way down your nerve endings, and set their hooks into your core.
rachel_jozie's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
*I’m not going to give you the ‘what this book is about’ blurb – you can read that elsewhere.
1. As someone who grew up in a very Catholic family (I’ve since come to my senses) this book hit hard. Especially when you’re constantly faced with the performative and hypocritical actions of many people who are indoctrinated into organized religion. I read this as part of a buddy read, and a few us did struggle with the religion aspect of this book, but simultaneously found it healing to walk through our trauma in such a beautiful way, along with others who understand.
2. I absolutely flew through this one, it’s short, but for how quickly I read it, at the end I was left not quite sure how I felt about it. This has nothing to do with how well written it was – Lucas is a master and this book was written in a very interesting and unique way – alternating between present day and bible quotes. The more I reflect on this the more I think I was simply rooting for things to go differently for Courtney.
3. Sex, specifically a female using sex to her ‘advantage’ (read it, and you’ll see why that word is in quotes) is a theme throughout and I have to say I’m impressed how well written and powerful it was coming from a male author. I’ve found, many times, that a storyline written by a male author depicting a female enjoying sex or finding her power through sex comes with a nice side of judgement or consequence, but that wasn’t the case here.
4. This plot isn’t terribly outlandish and I think that’s what makes it horror. It’s not scary, per se, it’s more horrifying in the fact that each thing that happens to the MC, Courtney, is something that can happen…does happen. Although there is this weird little bit of doubt that runs throughout the story that has you questioning if this is all actually happening the way it’s being presented, and that doubt grows as the book goes on, almost like a descent into madness, and then the last sentence puts a nice little stamp on that letter and sends it. Makes you re-think everything you thought you knew. If you’re a person that automatically reads the last sentence/paragraph first, I’m not here to judge you, but on this one I’d maybe wait for the surprise. If not, that’s your call!
1. As someone who grew up in a very Catholic family (I’ve since come to my senses) this book hit hard. Especially when you’re constantly faced with the performative and hypocritical actions of many people who are indoctrinated into organized religion. I read this as part of a buddy read, and a few us did struggle with the religion aspect of this book, but simultaneously found it healing to walk through our trauma in such a beautiful way, along with others who understand.
2. I absolutely flew through this one, it’s short, but for how quickly I read it, at the end I was left not quite sure how I felt about it. This has nothing to do with how well written it was – Lucas is a master and this book was written in a very interesting and unique way – alternating between present day and bible quotes. The more I reflect on this the more I think I was simply rooting for things to go differently for Courtney.
3. Sex, specifically a female using sex to her ‘advantage’ (read it, and you’ll see why that word is in quotes) is a theme throughout and I have to say I’m impressed how well written and powerful it was coming from a male author. I’ve found, many times, that a storyline written by a male author depicting a female enjoying sex or finding her power through sex comes with a nice side of judgement or consequence, but that wasn’t the case here.
4. This plot isn’t terribly outlandish and I think that’s what makes it horror. It’s not scary, per se, it’s more horrifying in the fact that each thing that happens to the MC, Courtney, is something that can happen…does happen. Although there is this weird little bit of doubt that runs throughout the story that has you questioning if this is all actually happening the way it’s being presented, and that doubt grows as the book goes on, almost like a descent into madness, and then the last sentence puts a nice little stamp on that letter and sends it. Makes you re-think everything you thought you knew. If you’re a person that automatically reads the last sentence/paragraph first, I’m not here to judge you, but on this one I’d maybe wait for the surprise. If not, that’s your call!
lloydhanneman's review against another edition
3.0
After seeing this book mentioned a few times on Twitter I decided to check it out.
I definitely enjoyed this book. The premise is dark and Mangum’s writing is great. He’s able to describe Courtney’s inner demons in a way that felt very, very real.
My problem with the book is a few decisions that didn’t make sense for Courtney, the main character, to make, based on how she’s portrayed (this is subjective I’m sure). I was also confused at times with how “serious” to take the book. It’s a very dark and sensitive subject matter, so I took it seriously to start, but toward the end it’s so crazy and over-the-top that it became hard to take serious (specifically a scene with Jesus and Satan toward the end). I just didn’t know how to feel.
I definitely enjoyed this book. The premise is dark and Mangum’s writing is great. He’s able to describe Courtney’s inner demons in a way that felt very, very real.
My problem with the book is a few decisions that didn’t make sense for Courtney, the main character, to make, based on how she’s portrayed (this is subjective I’m sure). I was also confused at times with how “serious” to take the book. It’s a very dark and sensitive subject matter, so I took it seriously to start, but toward the end it’s so crazy and over-the-top that it became hard to take serious (specifically a scene with Jesus and Satan toward the end). I just didn’t know how to feel.
rock_n_reads's review against another edition
5.0
Are you a horror junkie like me? Do you like books that make your jaw drop and give you a book hangover? If so, you might want to add this one to your list. When it comes to obtaining a true adrenaline fix, good horror does it for me. Well-written horror fiction is what gets me jazzed. Whether I’m scared, or just left stunned and speechless, it’s a serious rush. These type of reads make me want to get to work promoting horror and singing the author’s praises, and SAINT SADIST was that type of book for me.
If you read the synopsis, you’ll know that this story contains some heavy stuff. Right from the first page, I could sense it was going to be a difficult read at times. It was, but I simply could not pull myself away from this one. I was immediately drawn into the story, and propelled along by both the short chapters and the style of the prose. The author has a great ability to tackle some heartbreaking topics while injecting the story with stunning language and hints of hope for the characters’ redemption.
I really enjoyed the insight given into the main character’s mental state. The look into her thoughts and motivation behind her actions made the reading experience more immersive for me. I especially enjoyed the descriptions of her ambivalence about where she belonged, and the visions that she experiences throughout her journey. These scenes were visceral and they intensify as the story progresses. I’ve always been fascinated by cults, so I enjoyed that aspect of this tale, as well as the exploration of other themes, including religion and the effects of abuse. I’m also a fan of well-done figurative language, and this book contains some gorgeous and emotionally effective phrases that I found myself reading more than once.
I feel like giving any more detail would spoil the story, so I’ll end by saying this: I totally understand why this book was nominated for a Splatterpunk award. It pushes the envelope and takes the reader to uncomfortable places, while providing an exploration of some touchy subjects. This read truly packs a punch. Mangum’s writing explores some of the worst horrors of humanity with a touch of grace, and I’m excited to experience more of his work.
If you read the synopsis, you’ll know that this story contains some heavy stuff. Right from the first page, I could sense it was going to be a difficult read at times. It was, but I simply could not pull myself away from this one. I was immediately drawn into the story, and propelled along by both the short chapters and the style of the prose. The author has a great ability to tackle some heartbreaking topics while injecting the story with stunning language and hints of hope for the characters’ redemption.
I really enjoyed the insight given into the main character’s mental state. The look into her thoughts and motivation behind her actions made the reading experience more immersive for me. I especially enjoyed the descriptions of her ambivalence about where she belonged, and the visions that she experiences throughout her journey. These scenes were visceral and they intensify as the story progresses. I’ve always been fascinated by cults, so I enjoyed that aspect of this tale, as well as the exploration of other themes, including religion and the effects of abuse. I’m also a fan of well-done figurative language, and this book contains some gorgeous and emotionally effective phrases that I found myself reading more than once.
I feel like giving any more detail would spoil the story, so I’ll end by saying this: I totally understand why this book was nominated for a Splatterpunk award. It pushes the envelope and takes the reader to uncomfortable places, while providing an exploration of some touchy subjects. This read truly packs a punch. Mangum’s writing explores some of the worst horrors of humanity with a touch of grace, and I’m excited to experience more of his work.
adunnells's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
unsarahble's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Incest, Murder, Rape, Mental illness, Child abuse, Torture, Sexual content, Injury/Injury detail, Gore, Excrement, Domestic abuse, Pregnancy, Medical trauma, Death, Cursing, Blood, Adult/minor relationship, Gun violence, Sexual violence, Violence, Suicide, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Physical abuse, Pedophilia, and Body horror
Minor: Abortion
kaiju_poet's review against another edition
5.0
Let me be frank, when I first started Saint Sadist, I got through the first three pages, and then I put it down and walked away. It was painful, I knew what was coming and it still hit like a truck. It wasn't until I heard that Mangum had been nominated for an award for the book, that I swallowed my own PTSD to dive back in.
I skipped those first three pages, and dove back in.
This book mixes a lyrical poetic style with prose in a way that almost mimics a holy text. Holy imagery and blasphemous phrases mix in a way that is entirely enthralling to me as a poet. There's occult and metaphysical imagery and moments tied in with actions and a reality that is entirely base.
In short, this is a masterwork of writing.
I skipped those first three pages, and dove back in.
This book mixes a lyrical poetic style with prose in a way that almost mimics a holy text. Holy imagery and blasphemous phrases mix in a way that is entirely enthralling to me as a poet. There's occult and metaphysical imagery and moments tied in with actions and a reality that is entirely base.
In short, this is a masterwork of writing.
bookcadaver's review against another edition
3.0
I really wanted to love this, especially with such a beautiful book cover, but I’m really sad to say it didn’t hit those marks for me.
I really tried to roll with the imagery/symbolism and not think logically while reading, but entirely, I wasn’t entirely digging it. The dialogue felt stilted & the sex scenes were quite cringey, which I was struggling to get past as it kept pulling me out of the scene. I think the start of the book was really captivating but began to slowly roll down the hill until I wasn’t really caring what happened to the MC.
Overall, I’m curious about Mangum’s other works, but I didn’t enjoy Saint Sadist as much as I had hoped.
INSTA | TWITTER
I really tried to roll with the imagery/symbolism and not think logically while reading, but entirely, I wasn’t entirely digging it. The dialogue felt stilted & the sex scenes were quite cringey, which I was struggling to get past as it kept pulling me out of the scene. I think the start of the book was really captivating but began to slowly roll down the hill until I wasn’t really caring what happened to the MC.
Overall, I’m curious about Mangum’s other works, but I didn’t enjoy Saint Sadist as much as I had hoped.
INSTA | TWITTER
avalonenigma's review
3.0
I requested a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This is my second book from Lucas Mangum, and my first from the narrator Melody Muzljakovich and though I believe both did a great job in their collaboration of Saint Sadist I didn't really like the result.
The story revolves around a young girl escaping an abusive relationship with her father who finds herself embroiled in a doomsday cult. As she becomes more entrenched in the bizarre goings on the world around her seems to twist into new shapes as the powerful personalities around her take hold.
She is not, however, a passive victim but rather an active participant who uses what life has taught her to manipulate those around her as much as they do her; eventually findind herself far more important in the group than she could have possibly guessed.
Lucas Mangum is a good writer and auguably Saint Sadist is a far better piece of prose than my previous experience of his work (Gods of the Dark Web), but I enjoyed his previous work far more.
There is a point in Saint Sadist when I became jaded with its perversity, bored even with the parade of sexual activity that seemed to inhabit a great deal of its world. For me these moments became just "dead air" that advanced the story very little and failed to disturb or interest me but rather just make me want to skip forward until something more interesting happened.
A lot of a prospective listeners enjoyment will depend on thier attitudes towards sex in entertainment and, I think its safe to say, its just one of those activities I'd want to see less of rather than more of in the art I read.
To no small degree it is necessary in Saint Sadist, in fact it would be hard not to include a great deal of sexual activity in such a story as this is the lead characters main connection to the world around her, both in apositive and negative sense, but I suppose I fall in the camp that believes sometimes "less is more".
If you've read this far in my review I hope you have decided on whether Saint Sadist is one for you. Lucas Mangum is a good writer and you'd do yourself a service for taking ateps into his world, and Melody Muzljakovich does both herself and the character proud in her rendition of the story, the fact that I didn't take to this particular story should not sway you too much. Just be warned, and prepare yourself.
This is my second book from Lucas Mangum, and my first from the narrator Melody Muzljakovich and though I believe both did a great job in their collaboration of Saint Sadist I didn't really like the result.
The story revolves around a young girl escaping an abusive relationship with her father who finds herself embroiled in a doomsday cult. As she becomes more entrenched in the bizarre goings on the world around her seems to twist into new shapes as the powerful personalities around her take hold.
She is not, however, a passive victim but rather an active participant who uses what life has taught her to manipulate those around her as much as they do her; eventually findind herself far more important in the group than she could have possibly guessed.
Lucas Mangum is a good writer and auguably Saint Sadist is a far better piece of prose than my previous experience of his work (Gods of the Dark Web), but I enjoyed his previous work far more.
There is a point in Saint Sadist when I became jaded with its perversity, bored even with the parade of sexual activity that seemed to inhabit a great deal of its world. For me these moments became just "dead air" that advanced the story very little and failed to disturb or interest me but rather just make me want to skip forward until something more interesting happened.
A lot of a prospective listeners enjoyment will depend on thier attitudes towards sex in entertainment and, I think its safe to say, its just one of those activities I'd want to see less of rather than more of in the art I read.
To no small degree it is necessary in Saint Sadist, in fact it would be hard not to include a great deal of sexual activity in such a story as this is the lead characters main connection to the world around her, both in apositive and negative sense, but I suppose I fall in the camp that believes sometimes "less is more".
If you've read this far in my review I hope you have decided on whether Saint Sadist is one for you. Lucas Mangum is a good writer and you'd do yourself a service for taking ateps into his world, and Melody Muzljakovich does both herself and the character proud in her rendition of the story, the fact that I didn't take to this particular story should not sway you too much. Just be warned, and prepare yourself.
tracyreads's review
2.0
Review is up on Sci Fi and Scary:
“This is a brand-new beginning for me, full of infinite possibilities, which includes the notion that there is nothing infinite, only moments dotted throughout the yawning void.”
The brutal premise of this story intrigued me. Topics such as rape and child abuse toe a line with me, and until just a bit over midway into the story, I was still on board. Mangum uses good focus at times; the quote above is evidence of some of my favorite writing in the story. His main character is crafted well through the first half and I appreciated the diversity of relationships that came a bit later.
Perhaps because I grew to know the main character so well, decisions she made in the latter half of the book seemed completely unrealistic to me. As a reader, I also needed more time in each of the main locations, particularly the cult referenced in the synopsis. I enjoy doomsday cult stories, but for me, I need more depth and some of that focus I mentioned earlier. It would make the storyline more engrossing and believable.
Add to that some relationships that were a bit flat, and some of the most poignant, disturbing scenes fell flat because I was uninvested. I wanted more transitions or lead-ins to some of the more intangible scenes. I'm fine with extreme horror, but I need more of a path to it. The last section had at least one continuity error and it rushed to the end when I wanted it to slow down.
Finally, this is just a reminder that this was my experience as a reader and perhaps this will work for others. Personally, I will certainly check out more from this author in hopes that I can connect with a different piece of his writing.
TW: rape, child abuse
“This is a brand-new beginning for me, full of infinite possibilities, which includes the notion that there is nothing infinite, only moments dotted throughout the yawning void.”
The brutal premise of this story intrigued me. Topics such as rape and child abuse toe a line with me, and until just a bit over midway into the story, I was still on board. Mangum uses good focus at times; the quote above is evidence of some of my favorite writing in the story. His main character is crafted well through the first half and I appreciated the diversity of relationships that came a bit later.
Perhaps because I grew to know the main character so well, decisions she made in the latter half of the book seemed completely unrealistic to me. As a reader, I also needed more time in each of the main locations, particularly the cult referenced in the synopsis. I enjoy doomsday cult stories, but for me, I need more depth and some of that focus I mentioned earlier. It would make the storyline more engrossing and believable.
Add to that some relationships that were a bit flat, and some of the most poignant, disturbing scenes fell flat because I was uninvested. I wanted more transitions or lead-ins to some of the more intangible scenes. I'm fine with extreme horror, but I need more of a path to it. The last section had at least one continuity error and it rushed to the end when I wanted it to slow down.
Finally, this is just a reminder that this was my experience as a reader and perhaps this will work for others. Personally, I will certainly check out more from this author in hopes that I can connect with a different piece of his writing.
TW: rape, child abuse
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