Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Lives of Saints by Leigh Bardugo
Narrator: Lauren Fortgang, Ben Barnes
Series: Grishaverse
Published by MacMillan Audio on December 8, 2020
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy
Length: 2 hours, 14 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: NetGalley
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble, Apple
Dive into the epic world of international bestselling author Leigh Bardugo with this beautifully illustrated replica of The Lives of Saints, the Istorii Sankt’ya, featuring tales of saints drawn from the beloved novels and beyond. Out of the pages of the Shadow and Bone trilogy, from the hands of Alina Starkov to yours, the Istorii Sankt’ya is a magical keepsake from the Grishaverse.
These tales include miracles and martyrdoms from familiar saints like Sankta Lizabeta of the Roses and Sankt Ilya in Chains, to the strange and obscure stories of Sankta Ursula, Sankta Maradi, and the Starless Saint.
The Grishaverse is the world Leigh Bardugo created for both The Shadow and Bone Trilogy and Six of Crows duology. This world is rumored to be coming to Netflix sometime soon. It is a world steeped in culture and history with stories a long list of saints the people believe in and pray to for strength. This compilation tells the stories of some of these saints. Most had lives that ended in some tragedy or fantastic way to leave a mark on this world.
The Lives of Saints is definitely for those who have read either or both of Bardugo’s series set in this world. I love the audio version as the accent of the narrator really adds to the Russian folklore feel of the stories being told. Each story of a saint is short, probably just a few pages. Some are beautiful but most are tragic. I did wish some were a little longer because I’d be just getting into the story and then it was over and we were on to a new Saint.
I’ve also seen the illustrations from the ebook and they are beautiful. If you enjoyed some of Bardugo’s other works, I think this one will just add to the world you already enjoyed. It is really for the fans of the series. I think for me it is one I’d like to have both the ebook and audio of so I can look at the illustrations while the story is read to me.
Narration:
Ben Barnes and Lauren Fortgang added so much to the narration. Their voices are perfect for the fairytale like stories and the accents provided really brought me back into the Russian lore feel of the story.
Listen to a clip:
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I’ve only read Ninth House so I’m not ready for this one. Wonderful review!
That is the one book buy her I haven’t read yet.
I loved it! 5 hearts from me.
I really liked The Ninth House. I have read the Shadow and Bone trilogy, but need to read the Duology. I’m really looking forward to the series which Netflix is now saying will have an April release! Thanks for the scoop on the audio of this book I’ll def. want to listen to Ben Barnes reading…
If you have read at least one of the series you’d be ready for it. Ben Barnes voice is fantastic
I keep meaning to try this author. Should get to it!
So many great series out there. I hope you find some time.
I actually haven’t started this series yet… I know, I know, it’s definitely my cuppa, but I haven’t gotten around to it. I’m sure I will one day. I’m glad you enjoyed it, even if there were some things that weren’t as good as they could have been.
I feel that way about so many series out there really. I loved the Six of Crows dualogy, maybe start there.
I have not read this author yet but my daughter spent her Christmas break listening to one audiobook after another set in this world. I will have to make sure that she knows about this one.
Oh then this should just add to her enjoyment of the series.
I love the Grishaverse series so I really need to read this too. Glad to hear you enjoyed it!