I recently finished reading The Saint, the highly anticipated conclusion to Bastien and Fleur’s tumultuous love story, and I have to say, it delivered the emotional rollercoaster I was looking forward to. As a passionate reader of romance and thrillers, the premise of a love story intertwined with danger in the underworld of Paris intrigued me right away. The book promised high stakes, intense moments, and complex relationships, compelling me to dive in as I had enjoyed the previous books in the series.
At its core, this book is about more than just romance; it explores themes of love, loyalty, and the grey areas of morality. The tension mounts as Bastien and Fleur’s love faces external threats from the Aristocrats and internal struggles stemming from their pasts and family dynamics. I found their relationship compelling, especially as they navigate their scars and vulnerabilities. Bastien, whom many described as broody and dangerously alluring, captures your heart while eliciting frustration with his often reckless decisions. I felt this frustration echoed in SAW’s review, where they highlighted the emotional highs and lows that made the narrative so compelling.
One of the standout aspects of The Saint is the character development. Fleur shines as an empowered character who doesn’t merely stand in the shadows of Bastien’s life. Her bravery and tenacity when dealing with dire situations are genuinely inspiring. The growth of both characters—from battling their past demons to confronting present dangers—adds depth to their story. As Allie pointed out, it was engaging to see more of Bastien’s backstory, especially his complicated relationship with his brother, which brought a fresh dynamic to the story.
Yet, while the characters’ development continues to captivate, I did find some criticism valid. For instance, a recurring theme in reviews was the pacing of the book. Aundrea noted that while it was an enjoyable read, it felt stretched out. This sentiment struck a chord with me; there were moments that felt like they could have been more concise, potentially enhancing the overall impact. Sometimes, certain conflicts appeared too neatly resolved, which detracted from the overall tension of their situations.
Another criticism noted was the epilogue. Though I don’t mind a time jump in a narrative, ChillA08’s frustration with the abrupt shift to a 15-year later scene felt justified. I, too, would have liked a more gradual exploration of how Bastien and Fleur navigated life after the tumult they faced, providing a fuller picture of how they matured as a couple.
Despite these criticisms, I genuinely enjoyed the culmination of Bastien and Fleur’s story. The writing style engaged all my senses, allowing scenes to play out vividly in my mind. The blend of romance, spice, and high stakes makes for an exhilarating read. I found the plot twists particularly satisfying, especially the way past truths and secrets came to light, keeping me glued to the pages.
If you’re a fan of thrillers layered with romance, The Saint won’t disappoint. The emotional highs and lows intertwined with intense action provides an addictive reading experience. It’s easy to see why so many readers are drawn to this series, and it indeed lives up to its #1 Amazon Bestseller status.
Overall, I would highly recommend The Saint to anyone who enjoys a good fusion of romance, danger, and character-driven narratives. It is a satisfying conclusion to a beloved series, allowing us to bid farewell to these characters while sparking excitement for more tales in this universe, particularly hinting at Luca’s story next. My reading adventure was thrilling—worth every page turned—and I can’t wait to dive into whatever Penelope Sky has in store next!