The Faithful Dark is a remarkable literary achievement. Its intricate character work, immersive world-building, and unflinching examination of faith and manipulation mark it as a standout in contemporary speculative fiction. Readers interested in gothic aesthetics, queer narratives, and psychologically rich storytelling will find much to admire in this novel. It is, quite simply, one of the most compelling and memorable books of the year.

At its core, The Faithful Dark functions as a genre hybrid: a gothic murder mystery, a fantasy steeped in theological dread, and a slow-burning character study. The setting is a fictionalized theocracy where the Church exercises authoritarian control over both corporeal bodies and intangible souls. In this world, demons have been expelled, angels have vanished, and the state of one’s soul is a matter of bureaucratic record and spiritual currency—pain or coin can purge corruption. Religion, in this society, is not merely a belief system but a tool of manipulation and repression. The novel’s setting is atmospheric and meticulously rendered, immersing readers in a brooding cityscape where political and spiritual corruption pervade nearly every institution.

Baumer has crafted a richly immersive and evocative narrative, distinguished by atmospheric prose and a carefully constructed plot that sustains engagement throughout. The language is not only elegant but also functional in its service to tone and world-building. The pacing is deliberate, yet never sluggish, and the storyline unfolds with coherence and intention. Of particular note is the novel’s character development: the figures who populate the text are rendered with depth and emotional resonance, creating a cast that is both endearing and narratively compelling.

In conclusion, this work stands as a noteworthy contribution to contemporary queer literature. Its aesthetic and narrative accomplishments are impressive, as they present an affecting and masterfully told story.

Baumer wrote a compelling set of characters and an interesting world, but I didn't vibe with the pace and writing much. That said, I would still recommend it!

*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*

The Review

Likes

- Ilan. He is a former High Inquisitor, but the church lost their faith in him. Csilla is a soulless girl which received the same fate as Ilan. They immediately connected with eachother.
I love his grumpy villain vibes and I'm glad that 'cause of him Csilla isn't making the wrong choices. He made her remember how being her own self is important and beautiful.
Also his loyalty is admirable, even though that means that he is acting violent.

- I was glad to see that Csilla, the protagonist of this story was a gentle and soft girl, which couldn't hurt a fly. The most recent books seem to feature woman with strong bodies and minds, which is compelling too, but not what I'm looking for on the long-run. There is something intriguing with a protagonist who is so kind and never sins in a world so full of terrors (especially since a serial killer is on the run in her town). No matter how often Csilla faced rejection in life as she won't get accepted for being soulless she still is determined to save her fate by finding the serial killer herself.
(Though I was disappointed to see how easily she sided with Mihály instead of Ilan, even though Mihály is delusional and dangerous).

- I prefer slow-burn over anything, so I was happy to see that the romance between Csilla and Ilan was slow, but still in a steady pace.

- The magic in this book was really thought-through. There were so many things that were explained and one could see that the author really tried to make it realistic while reading. It also helped me feeling like being part of this story while reading. For instance, Mihály was divine and researched souls. This character introduced to the readers how souls truly work in this world. Ilan, the former High Inquisitor teaches us how fast a soul can be blackend (when it's full of sins) and how a device helps finding out. He also showed how corrupt and cruel the police is: Torturing (often innocent) people to get a confession out of them. This really added to the dark world which was promised to the reader.

- The torture scene near the end? Tension. I felt so tense watching it, though I believe the characters felt even more tense, after all I was lucky to not be part of all of this.
(I also have the feeling that it made the situation worse that it was with a cane and not a normal whip)

Dislikes

Extremely slow start. (Takes about 40% in to get actually interesting). In general, the pacing felt off the whole time while reading. Even though there were enjoyable moments while I read, I never felt like there was truly anything impactful. Like there was no climax in the story. I'm aware that this is a duology series, but each single book still needs its climax and I honestly didn't find one. Maybe there was one and I just didn't notice, but not noticing means it wasn't great enough to really call it a climax.
So, a pacing that is off and no climax. This book still felt like a draft that needed to fix a few things to make the reading flow more bearable and actually interesting to read about. I felt myself often bored 'cause a lot of things repeated itself (not just storywise but also wordwise) and 'cause a lot of stuff was included that wasn't really part of the plot later on. Don't get me wrong, there was definitely a story to be told and there were moments that were important later on, but just as I mentioned above, there were also lots of things that weren't interesting to the reader as it wasn't really necessary to include.

- Izir Mihály ('cause of him we got that boring journey outside Silgard)
+ even though he acted like a saint, I always had this iffy feeling about him (especially when he touched Csilla weirdly, WITHOUT permission, which she even says herself that it isn't really comfortable)

- A while, the book felt like it was trying to solve some murder mystery, but the vibe wasn't there to begin with. It was like: ‘Hey, let's find the murderer, but we don't actually know how, but you could help us...right?’ for a very long time. I get it that it wouldn't be interesting if they have a lead and find the murderer immediately, but having no lead at all and working with magic (which by the way, thanks to Mihály, made me feel like I was watching some weird sacrificial ritual) won't really advance the plot. Overall, the plot always felt very shaky as if it was about to come to a halt only for it to move forward at the last possible minute.

- Most characters were one- or two-dimensional but never really three-dimensional (though Csilla is three-dimensional since she is the protagonist and we actually read her thoughts all the time and know her full backstory). There is definitely still room to get to know the characters better in the last installment of the series, I just think it's a bit scarce.

Final thoughts

Thank you NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the advanced reader copy of The Faithful Dark by Cate Baumer!

I will probably be not there to read The Ruthless Light, the second and last installment of the series as I wasn't able to enjoy this story so far enough to actually be looking forward to the end of this story. My low rating is due to me having expected something entirely different when I read the blurb. It's on me, as I tend to always feel intrigued when I read that it's about some spiritual/mythical beings. After all, my favourite manga is about angels and demons as well, making me feel even more drawn in into stories that feature this.

I might not have liked this book, but that doesn't mean that it's awful. So far, I see people really enjoying this book from other reviews and I don't want to discourage anyone with my review to read it as well. Just be prepared that it's slow, not just in the pacing but also the romance. If a dark fantasy with a touch of gothic and mysterious atmosphere is making you feel intrigued as well as political tension, magic, religious faith and spiritual beings then this book might appeal you.

I also included a content warning on StoryGraph, which could be helpful by choosing if this book suits one or not.

Started the book: 12. July 2025
Finished the book: 13. July 2025
Wrote the review: 13. July 2025

I’m actually obsessed with this book! If I could give it infinity stars, I would!

The Faithful Dark is a dark, gothic fantasy set in a holy city where touch reveals sin. Soulless Csilla is seen as worthless until the Church orders her to assassinate a heretic with divine heritage, accused of murders threatening the city’s magic. But the heretic offers her a deal: help him catch the real killer and he’ll give her a soul. Joining them is Ilan, a fallen Inquisitor desperate to reclaim his title by any means necessary, and together they hunt a murderer whose trail leads to secrets that could shake the Faith itself.

The characters are so complex and fascinating! I love when authors make characters feel like real people, flaws and all, and Cate Baumer absolutely nailed it. Csilla and Ilan have such distinct voices, and the character development is phenomenal. There’s kind of a love triangle (but also not really, it’s complicated) and I was eating it up! And the slow burn and yearning? Perfection! It’s like Baumer wrapped up everything I love into one book!

The worldbuilding is incredible. In this world, souls can blacken with sin and only pain or coin can banish the corruption on a soul, which is such a brilliant concept. Add in a murder mystery that becomes so much more, vanished angels, banished demons, saints, and a dark and corrupted religion, and you have this masterpiece of a book! The gothic atmosphere is immaculate and the setting, a fantasy Vatican, is such a delight to be in.

Plus, the writing is so beautifully lyrical. If there were any flaws I didn't notice them, I was completely swept away. I binged most of the book in a day because I just couldn’t put it down! The ending actually made me cry, and I’ve only cried while reading maybe two other books in my life. The Faithful Dark made me feel so many things which is exactly what a book is supposed to do.

Some bonus amazing things: an all-queer cast (asexual healer, transmasc priest, bisexual angel descendant), political intrigue, fantastic plot twists, and so much depth in every character. I’m basically in love with everyone despite their many flaws!

Honestly, this whole book is a piece of art. It gave me The Knight and the Moth vibes, but darker, moodier, and with a slower slow burn. I absolutely adored it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Found a new favorite book!

3.5 Stars.

I really enjoyed this book, it had a very well-developed world and religion. The characters were also very complex and interesting, especially when they interacted with each other. It was also nice to see a real slow-burn romance for once. Typically when books claim to be "slow-burn," the characters pine for three chapters then kiss, but that was not the case here. The atmosphere was very vivid and the writing was excellent.

I will say that for the first half, this book was a little hard to follow/get into. I was a bit confused at what was going on and what needed to be done, but around 40% it started to clear up. There was also some confusion throughout surrounding what the characters were doing, and certain descriptions felt a little convoluted.

This book subverted my initial expectations in a good way and I can't wait to read the sequel!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this copy.

One of my absolute favorites! Gothic atmosphere and a dark, unsettling tone. I loved the twists and turns as well - this is a book that is very imagery heavy but in a written way, if that makes sense. And it will make sense if you READ IT!

♾️/ 5 ⭐️


「 ✦ 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬 ✦ 」In a walled city where holiness is sacred and sin is seen through touch, Csilla—born without a soul—is little more than a tool to the Church that raised her. When a string of murders threatens the magical purity that protects the city, the Church sends her to kill a heretic with divine blood, believing she can’t be tainted by sin. But the heretic offers her something the Church never could—a soul of her own, in return for her help catching the true killer. As they dive deeper into the truth, hunted by a vengeful inquisitor and shadowed by the Church’s secrets, Csilla must decide if a soul is worth betraying the only world she’s ever known.

𝑷𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒂𝒕𝒆 : February 19th , 2026

⋆.˚✮ 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 ✮˚.⋆ I am IMPRESSED.The world was lush, the writing was magic, and the characters—don’t even get me started. I cried, I gasped, I highlighted a hundred lines. I don’t even know how to move on. My heart belongs to this story now. New favorite, forever. This book had the slowest of slow burn , and I am not complaining because it’s MUCH better than insta love! I Adored the gothic atmosphere ! And the hint of a love triangle(Well not exactly) Wow! I loved Mihaly but in the end I found myself simping over Ilan 🤭Csilla was the perfect FMC. I completely connected with each of the characters! The plot was engaging and well written.



𐔌 . ⋮ 𝐂ɦα𝗋α𝖼𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗌 .ᐟ ֹ ₊ ꒱

⋮ ⋆˚࿔ 𝐂𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚 ⋆ 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
What a great FMC!!! Like I’m literally so tired of FMCs cursing and being like “I’m not like the other girls” and black cat energy , we need more FMCs like Csilla with a soft personality! I have to say that this girl is LITERALLY so generous, like no matter whatever someone has done to her , she had a forgiving personality and is so soft hearted 😍



⋮ ⋆˚࿔ 𝐌𝐢𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐲 ⋆ 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
MY SHAYLA😭 Okay I know HE WAS A RED FLAG but still bro was madly in love. I defend him WTH MY LIFE. Do I think he deserved more? Yes. Do I think he should’ve end up with Csilla? No. It was really cute seeing them together in those scenes and I fully support this duo , but I think she’ll be better off with Ilan



⋮ ⋆˚࿔ 𝐈𝐥𝐚𝐧 ⋆ 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
He’s literally SO FINE 😏 If I had known that he was the love interest , I would have rooted for him from the start. While he was a little grumpy, but still I loved to see his possessive side . Also I officially declare him as my new book boyfriend 🤭 Absolutely Cannot wait for the next book to come out and we get to know more of their love story❤️



𐔌 . ⋮ 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒔 .ᐟ ֹ ₊ ꒱

• Slowest slow burn of all time
• Chaotic angel x Sunshine x grumpy
• Full on gothic fantasy vibes
• Queer Cast
• Murder mystery + much bigger plotline
• Enemies to lovers ( Kinda)


⋆.˚✮ 𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍 ✮˚. I’m absolutely fangirling over this book , I can’t wait for this book to be published and I’m sure I’ll be the first one to run to get a physical copy of this book 😍 Thank you NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton and Cate Baumer for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review !

There is a living depth to the world the author has created. Fantasy Gothic, political, faith, magic, and miracles.
The villains: the ruthless men that rule the church and plot to stay in power, and the Demon that treads the streets, plotting, with darkness as its only friend. The games are afoot. Who will step up to protect?
The first a heretic with divine heritage, the second a church inquisitor with sharpened blades and the third a young women with no soul.
Cast out as worthless Csilla just wants to prove her worth, and be accepted by the Church who took her in as an orphaned baby.
Will any survive the subtle force of Csilla’s morality and determined faith?
Thank you to Hodder and Stoughton and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

I have mixed feelings about this book. The world and characters are compelling, but the execution of the actual writing and formatting is making it hard for me to continue this read. Not to mention the word "intercession" (or some form of it) being used about ten times in the first 20% of the book. The dialogue was confusing as to who was speaking at times due to the formatting. It all felt very unorganized on the page. I think this concept has promise, but it feels very underdeveloped and unrefined in its current state.
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this eARC!

This was my second time reading The Faithful Dark, and somehow I loved it even more than the first. I originally picked it up during its indie release, and now, with the upcoming traditional publication, I was thrilled to revisit the story. I can happily say it more than holds up. I devoured it in a single day and had an absolutely fantastic time. Again.

First of all, let me say that the premise of this story is compelling all on its own. Csilla is a healer born without a soul – someone the Church she serves considers worthless. But when a series of murders shakes her city, the very institution that deems her unworthy sends her on a mission: to kill the suspected heretic, since a soulless girl like her can’t risk sin. I believe the blurb alone is enough to spark the interest of many readers.

What stood out to me was how the book weaves together institutional religion – portrayed as a cold, violent, and unyielding machine – with the flawed individuals simply trying to survive within it. Csilla, though cast aside for lacking a soul, remains gentle, kind, and quietly brave. I adored her. I wish we saw more fantasy heroines like her – soft doesn’t mean weak, and this book understands that perfectly.

The other two leads are just as well-drawn. Mihály, the heretic, is a divine-touched man fighting to clear his name. Then there’s Ilan – a disgraced former inquisitor who once upheld the very Church that’s now turned its back on him. All three characters are shaped by their relationship to faith, and that tension drives the book in compelling ways. That said, as much as I loved all the characters, I have to admit – my heart 100% belongs to Ilan. I’m a sucker for grumpy men with religious trauma, and he absolutely delivers (!!!).

As the protagonists’ paths intertwine, what begins as a shared mission evolves into a slow, aching emotional triangle. The romance is extremely slow burn – but it’s so full of yearning and unresolved tension! Cate Baumer writes touch, silence, and eye contact with the intensity of a romantic epic. A simple brush of skin feels like the height of intimacy.

On top of all that, the murder mystery plot is solid and keeps the story moving, while the worldbuilding truly shines. It's simple yet incredibly effective: imagine the Vatican crossed with Victorian London. The result is a gothic atmosphere that’s immersive, haunting, and wholly original.

The Faithful Dark is what I’d call "quiet fantasy": rich in feeling, full of slow-burning tension, layered with religious trauma, and set in a beautifully normalized LGBTQ+ world. The characters are complex, the stakes are both internal and external, and the emotional depth is stunning. If you love yearning, grief, faith, and softness wrapped in gothic shadows, this book is for you.
I’m so happy it’s getting a traditional release. Cate Baumer deserves all the readers.

The intensity, kept intensifying. This book was dark and suspenseful and mysterious and also a deep fantasy world and reflective of religious politics. It was a very fascinating read, I didn't even want to put it down to sleep. The lore, the world building, the characters and their development are all interesting and well done. I'm eager to find out what happens in the next book.

Csilla doesn't have family, nor does she have a soul. She's served the church her whole life and it's all she wants to, especially to help people. When the church requests her to go on a mission and murder someone they deem a threat to the church, she struggles because it goes against everything she believes in. When she gets there, she find the Angelic man charming and sweet, and far kinder to her than she believes she deserves, so she can't go through with it. Once the church finds out, they exile her but she still wants to help and save the people of her city. Simultaneously, mutilated bodies keep appearing and a serial killer seems to be on the lose. But maybe solving that mystery can help her save them all.


(I received this as a arc)