In a holy city where sins and blessings are revealed through touch, Csilla, born without a soul, is coerced by the Church to assassinate a heretic. As a series of murders unravel the city's safety, Csilla navigates a web of corruption, mystery, and personal growth in a gothic fantasy world intertwined with religious intrigue and a slow-burn romance.

"The Faithful Dark" by Cate Baumer is a captivating and atmospheric gothic fantasy that seamlessly blends elements of mystery, religion, and romance. Set in a holy city where sins and blessings can be revealed through consecrated touch, the novel follows Csilla, a young woman born without a soul, as she navigates a complex web of political intrigue and supernatural forces.

One of the most striking aspects of "The Faithful Dark" is its rich and immersive world-building. Baumer has crafted a compelling setting that draws inspiration from Victorian aesthetics and religious systems, creating a dark and moody backdrop for the characters' struggles and moral dilemmas. The city itself becomes a character, with its vivid descriptions and haunting atmosphere that permeates every page.

At the heart of the story lies a gripping mystery surrounding a series of murders that threaten the delicate balance of power within the city. Csilla, once considered worthless by the Church that raised her, finds herself thrust into the center of the investigation when the elders task her with assassinating the prime suspect, a heretic with divine heritage. The plot unfolds at a measured pace, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the world and the characters' motivations.

The characters themselves are the true strength of the novel, each flawed yet incredibly compelling in their own right. Csilla's journey is particularly poignant, as she grapples with her lack of a soul and her desire to find purpose and acceptance within the Church. Her interactions with the enigmatic heretic, Mihaly, and the recently demoted Inquisitor, Ilan, are electric, showcasing the complex dynamics between faith, loyalty, and personal convictions.

Baumer's writing is exquisite, with prose that is both haunting and beautiful. The author has a keen eye for detail, bringing the world and its inhabitants to life with vivid descriptions and evocative imagery. The pacing is well-balanced, allowing for moments of introspection and character development while maintaining a sense of urgency and tension throughout the narrative.

One of the most refreshing aspects of "The Faithful Dark" is its diverse and nuanced representation of queer characters. The cast includes an asexual healer, a transmasculine priest, and a chaotic bisexual angel, all of whom are fully realized and integral to the story. The romance, a slow-burn that simmers beneath the surface, is handled with care and adds an extra layer of depth to the characters' relationships.

Readers have praised "The Faithful Dark" for its atmospheric writing, complex characters, and unique premise. Many have drawn comparisons to works like "For the Wolf" and "Uprooted," noting the novel's ability to blend fantasy and mystery elements seamlessly. The exploration of religious themes and the normalization of queerness within the narrative have also been highlighted as standout features.

In conclusion, "The Faithful Dark" is a stunning debut that marks Cate Baumer as an author to watch. With its gothic atmosphere, gripping mystery, and unforgettable characters, this novel is sure to captivate readers who crave dark, immersive fantasies with a touch of romance. Baumer has crafted a world that is both terrifying and beautiful, and a story that will linger long after the final page is turned. "The Faithful Dark" is a must-read for fans of the genre and anyone seeking a fresh, engaging, and thought-provoking tale.