Saints Astray

Santa Olivia, Book 2

By: Jacqueline Carey

Narrated by: Susan Ericksen

Fellow orphans, amateur vigilantes, and members of the Santitos, Loup Garron-the fugitive daughter of a genetically engineered "wolf-man"-and Pilar Ecchevarria spent their entire lives under military occupation in a cordoned off Texas no-man's-land that used to be called Santa Olivia, now known as Outpost 12. But now they're free, and they want to help the rest of the Santitos escape. During a series of escapades, they discover that Miguel Garza, Loup's former sparring partner and reprobrate surrogate brother, has escaped from Outpost 12 and is testifying on behalf of its forgotten citizens-at least until he disappears from protective custody. Driven by a sense of honor, Loup vows to rescue Miguel, even though venturing into the U.S. could mean losing her liberty. Driven by love and loyalty, Pilar promises to help her.

Also listen to the first book, Santa Olivia.©2011 Jacqueline Carey (P)2011 Tantor

Heartwarming!

This book was the perfect sequel to the first. All the loose ends were tied up and the ending was very moving.

We get to see the relationship between Loup and Pilar develop into practically marriage. And there is no chance of anything ever splitting them up again.

I really loved this series, It will always be one of my favorites. Part of me wants more books but I don't think that anything more needs to be told about these characters except possibly Loup kicking a ton more ass.

5* from me!
Jacqueline Carey you did an extraordinary job!


~Wallis

Fun story, uninspiring writing

My one complaint about this book is the writing is very basic, there’s no style or artistry. It’s not bad but doesn’t meet my (admittedly fairly high) standards.
Otherwise it’s an enjoyable urban fantasy adventure. The thing that stood out to me most was Carey created a world where systems of power have created a dystopian environment but basically every one we meet is ultimately a decent person.
The main characters are a lesbian couple and they encounter no homophobia, strangers are kind and helpful, systemic bigotry isn’t reflected in individual attitudes. On one hand it’s jarring, I kept thinking “well that’s not realistic” but it’s a fantasy! The point is it doesn’t need to be realistic. It’s an invitation to consider a world where it could be realistic, and I really enjoyed that.

Great Story!

I wish there were other books on the series. I enjoyed all the characters and felt for all of them.

Rooting for the underdogs!

I loved the whole story. I am a die hard J Carey fan. Loved this story& hope to hear more of these characters.

Get through all the steam and it's great

This book really took me out of my comfort zone. The more I listened the more I needed to hear. I like the main characters balance with each other. One engineered to be better but somehow more dependent on others because of it. I will say some of the explicit implications get repetitive but somehow never boring

loved it.

I love Jacqueline Carey's writing style.
Susan Ericksen made a really good story even better.

loved it

amazing 👏 need more stories of them and the Santa Olivia outpost :) Pilar and Loup Kick sss

Phenomenal!!!!

What did you love best about Saints Astray?

This was a very pleasant surprise. I chose to take a chance on this series mostly because of the narrator. But I was wowed by the characters and story as well. After I finished listening to both books, I started it all over again. Honestly I am tempted to listen a third time. I almost wish a book three would be written. I recommend this book series to everyone. Its a love story, an action book, and fantasy. Its great.

Which character – as performed by Susan Ericksen – was your favorite?

Loup Garran

Boring life story

I kept thinking something was going to happen, nothing did. It's great that they love each other but after that what, they have sex. Their relationship was alot of them hanging out then having sex.

LOVED IT!

Can I give this book ten stars? Is it possible to love a second book in a series more than the first? I wish I could, and I do.

The depth of character, plot and world building is absolutely amazing! Jacqueline Carey writes in poetry it seems. Not in a dull, you have to figure it out as you go into tangled webs-way, but flowing and vivid. It is like you have put on Carey glasses and see a world you might not have seen before.

I didn't cry at the end of this book. But I am sad. I cannot see how there could be a sequel. I have never seen so many threads brought to a more satisfying end. Except one. Robe. I wanted more. My problem is that I miss the characters so much and I know outside of reading the books again, I just wont have opportunity to enjoy them again. But Jacqueline Carey is a genius, so maybe she can pull more out of these characters. I hope so.

Now for a word for the narrator, Susan Ericksen. Wow! I am sure the book was marvelous without Ms. Erickson's voice but to listen to her while reading Jacqueline's book was like "cake AND ice cream." A couple of the characters have similar backgrounds yet Susan managed to keep their accents separate and individual. Since they are of Latino descent I was worried that as they went to European countries and then to Australia and Japan that there would be some dull or unbelievable accents. No. She carried all characters and accents off with a flair. I look forward to more of her narrations.

I highly recommend the series and/or the audio of Santa Olivia and the sequel Saints Astray to Everyone!