Seven Faceless Saints

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M.K. Lobb: When I plot a new book, I always start off by developing my world. As you note, in this case, the city of Ombrazia was inspired by the seven major guilds of Florence, Italy. Historical fun fact: there was a time during which Florence’s economy was more or less run by these guilds. They had their own city watchmen, and the people who weren’t part of a guild lived rather poor lives in comparison. Eventually, this led to unrest and rebellions. I thought this was a really interesting way to set up a city, mainly because of all the potential division and hierarchies I could see arising from it. Of course, Florence was also very heavily religious during this time, which got me thinking about how a strict system of belief might interact with a system like this. I decided to link them directly through my creation of the seven saints, which lent to that vaguely creepy religious aesthetic I’m so fond of. A Little Mermaid retelling with teeth, Christo weaves a tale of two characters who team up while actively working against one another. Lira, a siren cursed to be a human, can only return to the sea if she delivers Prince Elian’s heart to her mother. He wouldn’t be the first prince she’s killed, after all. Unfortunately for her, Prince Elian is a renowned siren hunter.

Excitement ensues as Karina and Malik plot each other’s downfall, having no idea their own lives are at risk. This leaves the reader wondering how on earth a resolution will come about—especially given Karina and Malik’s growing connection. A thin serving boy about Damian’s age appeared in the door- way, clad in the slate-gray uniform of Palazzo staff. He’d been standing outside the room when Damian arrived, and clearly hadn’t moved. His grimace was animated as he took in the sight of Leonzio’s sheet-covered body. “Signore?”

M.K. Lobb: Roz and Damian are both very much a part of me, and I resonate with both of them in different ways. Roz is angry at the world. She’s very focused on justice, and simply can’t abide [by] what she perceives as arbitrary rules informed by a system of belief that can’t be proven. It’s the same rage I felt as a teen, and it really touches every part of your life. Damian, on the other hand, is struggling with what he’s supposed to believe. He’s beginning to question what he’s been taught, but looking too closely will cause his entire worldview to crumble, and that’s so hard to reconcile. At the same time, he’s filled with an all-consuming sadness he doesn’t quite know how to bear. I know that kind of inner turmoil – I’ve felt it. That said, writing Roz was definitely more of a cathartic experience for me. She has so much of the rage I felt as a teen, and the rage that sits inside me still. She also possesses a lot of qualities I think people are predisposed to dislike in female characters, whether they realize it or not, and yet she’s unapologetic about it. I found that really fun to write. Overall, what was the hardest challenge you had to overcome while writing this book? Were there any significant scenes, ideas or subtle moments you deliberately excluded while drafting? I had it in my head that I wanted to write a murder mystery, but I didn’t immediately know what that would look like. What I did know was that I wanted a darkly lush world, an enemies-to-lovers romance, a belief system I could work to unravel, and characters I could pour my whole self into. I always say that Roz is my rage, and Damian my regret—-that could not be more true, and writing them was almost cathartic for me. Lobb: Honestly, I read more YA than adult SFF, so I think I just naturally gravitated toward that age group! I’d say my writing “voice” lies somewhere between YA and adult, and in this case leaning towards the former made sense—-especially because Roz and Damian were very much older teens in my head.

Paste: What made you want to write Seven Faceless Saints as a YA story versus an adult fantasy? There are some really dark themes here so I feel like it could have gone either way. Paste: I love the intricate nature of the world-building in this book — from the setup of Ombrazia itself to the history of the saints and the magic of their various disciples—-how much time did you spend plotting all this out? (And how much of it did you have to leave on the cutting room floor?) So it would appear. I’m sorry to have called upon you so early, but I require your expertise. I need to know what type of poison killed him.” As a disciple of Cunning, Giada knew poisons better than anyone. She should be able to sense the chemicals in Leonzio’s veins—a partial autopsy with no incisions required.Anyone looking for a sizzling slow burn should know that romance is never the focus of the main plot, though there is plenty of romantic tension rippling below the surface. Fans of the dystopian genre will welcome this breath of fresh air, as will those looking for a new high fantasy to add to their TBR. I always enjoy learning authors’ stories of how their books go from abstract ideas to tangible products to becoming legacies. Tell us about the process you underwent from writing to publishing SFS. What is one lesson you learned from your debut experience you will carry with you throughout your life? A copy of this book was provided by the publisher – Little, Brown Books for Young Readers – for review. Lobb: I think Roz’s main issue is that she was already on the path to radicalization, and being forced to join what’s essentially the ruling class made everything so much worse. She’s seen how people without magic are treated, because she was one of them for most of her life. She knows what happened to her father, and how those like him are seen as disposable.

Damian was grateful not to have to look at the dead man any longer, but his relief faded at Forte’s next words. Paste: I know you probably love both your broken children equally, but whose POV did you enjoy writing more Roz or Damian? James Davis Nicoll on Five SF Visions of Society Free From Rules, Regulations, or Effective Government 3 hours ago It’s too convenient,” Forte growled. “Targeting Death’s representative so that no one is around to read the body?” We got the chance to chat with the author herself about the world of Ombrazia, Damian and Roz’s tempestuous relationship, and what we can expect from the sequel.So it would seem.” An edge slipped into Damian’s voice. Enzo hadn’t yet spent any time up north, and had likely never seen a dead man. At his age, it was strange he hadn’t been drafted yet, but it was only a matter of time. Everyone able-bodied and unfavored found themselves there eventually. That said, I think the message at the heart of the story is one of forging your own path. Of questioning the things you’ve been taught or told to believe, even when it’s difficult. Roz can fight against an unjust system even when it directly benefits her. Damian can change his mind about his convictions when things no longer feel right. A suicide?” Forte echoed the suggestion derisively, hands roving the dead man’s clothes and bedsheets for whatever they could tell him. Disciples of Grace had a connection to such things: It was what made them expert weavers, able to manipulate fabrics into anything from trousers to tapestries without touching a needle and thread. “How convenient that would be for you, Signor Venturi.” Dark YA fantasy Seven Faceless Saints is set in a richly detailed magical world with a complex political hierarchy. The city of Ombrazia is built around the worship of seven gods, who have each gifted their descendants—known as “disciples”—-with specific kinds of magic. Unfortunately, those without similar gifts are discriminated against as part of a lesser caste known as the “unfavored,” citizens who are destined to live lives of poverty and strike, with their sons and daughters sent to battle and die in the city’s seemingly endless war with a Northern kingdom.

You were at the Mercato.” Forte’s voice was bland as he echoed Damian’s statement. “Did you not make your rounds of the temples yesterday?” M.K. Lobb: The hardest part of writing “Seven Faceless Saints” was definitely balancing the world-building, the progression of the murder mystery, and the character relationships. There’s so much to sift through when it comes to each, and I had to decide which elements were going to make the cut. I could have written an entire book solely about Roz and Damian’s relationship, or the history of Ombrazia, its politics, and its saints. I really had to think about what I wanted to include, and how I was going to include it in a way that fits into the narrative. As I said, there were a lot of drafts, and I ended up adding and removing stuff over and over again. I did end up having to cut a lot of scenes that showed more of the secondary characters because they just weren’t driving the plot. Doing that is always sad, but I tell myself revising is all about making tough choices. Especially when you have to stay within a certain word count! Through their very different perspectives, we see how Wes and Margaret directly influence each other’s character development. Wes teaches Margaret she doesn’t always have to be alone; in turn, she teaches him that he’s allowed to be vulnerable. Knowing them both on such an intimate level is crucial to appreciating the depth of their connection. Both are outsiders in their society, and are full to the brim of fears and desires. It takes them some time to be honest with one another, and only then can they change their circumstances (and kiss). Don’t miss the atmospheric and sinister “Seven Faceless Saints,” an utterly addicting murder mystery fantasy woven with a tantalising romance that is unputdownable.

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reddorakeen on Beyond The Exorcist: Five Movies That Explore Possession From Non-Christian Perspectives 4 hours ago Before we wrap, how’s the sequel, “Disciples of Chaos” coming along? Can you tease anything for us about what we may expect next? Now a murderer stalks Ombrazia’s citizens. As the body count climbs, the Palazzo is all too happy to look the other way—that is, until a disciple becomes the newest victim. With every lead turning into a dead end, Damian and Roz must team up to find the killer, even if it means digging up buried emotions. As they dive into the underbelly of Ombrazia, the pair will discover something more sinister—and far less holy. With darkness closing in and time running out, will they be able to save the city from an evil so powerful that it threatens to destroy everything in its path? Damian leaned away from Leonzio’s body, repressing a shiver. The disciple’s bedroom was cold, and dim candlelight cast shadows on the gilded walls. Perhaps it was merely situational, but there was something oppressive about the darkness nipping at the edges of that orange glow. Something unnerving about the way Leonzio’s face was turned so as to reflect in the mirror across the room. Truth be told, he was weary in general. The night had long shifted closer to dawn than dusk, and it was increasingly difficult to focus on the dead disciple before him. He adjusted the collar of his Palazzo-issued coat, hoping it might ease some of the pressure building in his throat.