The Saint of Steel Series by T. Kingfisher – A Book Review

Spoiler-Free Overview

I’m going to try something new with this blog post and review the series The Saint of Steel by T. Kingfisher, books 1-3, Paladin’s Grace, Paladin’s Strength, and Paladin’s Hope. Book 4, Paladin’s Faith, has been out since the end of 2023, but I’m waiting to get the audiobook. I’ve read the first three books all on audiobook. 

This series takes place in a low-magic fantasy setting where there are references to magicians called wonder workers, demons, and gods. The series revolves around the paladin’s of the Saint of Steel, only their saint has died and they no longer have a connection to their god. After a dark period, those that survived the loss are taken in by the White Rat’s priests, who focus on civil justice and taking care of the poor.

Book one, Paladin’s Grace, starts out with Steven, our paladin, and Grace, a perfumer who’s trying to live under the radar in the city. They have several run-ins and eventually are swept up in the attempted murder of the visiting prince. The two have to work together to help solve the crime, stay out of the eye of the Hanged Mother’s priests and paladins, and overcome their own anxiety to find their way to romance.

Book two, Paladin’s Strength, follows Istvhan and his travels to uncover a strange set of murders all committed by clay golems piloting dead bodies. Along his travels, Istvhan finds Clara, a nun, who’s sisters have all been captured bandits. Clara travels with Istvhan’s group to find her sisters, and being the noble paladin, Istvhan agrees to help her. Only, Clara and her sister have a secret, and it comes between Istvhan and Clara’s romance.

Book Three, Paladin’s Hope, is the shortest of the three, but the most romantic. Galen, our paladin, and Piper, a lich-dictor (think medical examiner), find themselves on an adventure to find why several dead bodies are washing up in the river. They follow the river through several towns only to be caught in the web of the mysterious killer.

Liz’s Thoughts and Feelings

I’m a bit obsessed with this series. T. Kingfisher is quickly becoming one of my favorite modern authors. She creates such well-rounded and distinct characters, and I’m in love with all of them. 

Creating a world with god-touched paladins and then immediately killing their god is such a compelling concept to me. And it gives our main characters so much depth and complexity that T. Kingfisher plays with in unique was for each one.

Steven is patient, kind, and logical, but he lost all faith in himself when he lost the Saint. His relationship with Grace, who’s smart but nervous, empowers them both. They each have their self-deprecating problems to overcome, and together, they find the strength to do so.

Istvhan is a commanding and balanced man. He’s, perhaps, the most adjusted of our paladins after the death of the Saint. He’s a big man and often tries to make himself seem smaller. Along comes Clara, a strong, funny, and stubborn woman. She’s also a larger woman, and she stands up to Istvhan, which feeds into a wonderful slow burn romance.

Galen is a young, clever, and witty man who uses his jokes and charm to hide that he’s one of the most damaged from the loss of the Saint. He suffers from severe night terrors and a constant reminder of the berserker rage he went into when the Saint fell. Piper, the lich-doctor, is a brilliant man with a touch of magic, just enough to see the last moments of when someone died. 

These two are adorable together. I think their relationship is my favorite. Piper ends up showing Galen just how much he can have, even with his condition, and that he’s still worth loving. Galen shows Piper that love isn’t a lost cause, and that there’s a world outside his offices.

The world in this series is unique but familiar enough that it gives off this cozy feel, like I’m slipping into a well-loved place. On top of that, the mysteries in these books are engaging and sometimes fun. 

In short, these books are a must read if you love romantasy. They lean into the adventure and mystery of the genre while giving realistic and fulfilling romances.