Emily A. Duncan

Emily A. Duncan writes young adult dark fantasy novels. She gained recognition with her debut novel "Wicked Saints," the first book in the Something Dark and Holy trilogy, published in 2019. Duncan's work centers on Slavic mythology and folklore, incorporating elements of dark magic and religious themes. Her stories feature morally complex characters navigating political intrigue and supernatural conflicts. The author studied English at Mercyhurst University in Pennsylvania. She has worked as a bookseller and draws inspiration from gothic horror and fantasy literature. Duncan's writing explores themes of faith, power, and corruption within fantasy settings that blend religious imagery with pagan mythology.

Readers responded with mixed reactions to Duncan's work, particularly "Wicked Saints." Many readers praised the atmospheric world-building and the incorporation of Slavic mythology, finding the dark fantasy elements compelling. The gothic tone and religious themes resonated with readers who appreciated the blend of horror and fantasy elements. Readers frequently criticized the pacing and character development. Many found the plot confusing and the characters underdeveloped, with some describing the protagonist as unlikable. The writing style received mixed feedback, with some readers finding it overwrought or difficult to follow. Romance elements divided readers, with some enjoying the dark romantic subplot while others found it unconvincing or poorly developed. Several readers noted that the book's marketing did not match their expectations of the actual content, leading to disappointment. The violence and dark themes surprised some readers who expected a different tone based on initial descriptions.