A review by whatsheread
Disciples of Chaos by M.K. Lobb

4.0

DISCIPLES OF CHAOS concludes M. K. Lobb's Seven Faceless Saints duology. As with the first book, it is a book that is difficult to describe and even more difficult to analyze. It remains an action-packed, emotion-fueled story in which all characters are morally gray and absolute power corrupts absolutely. 

Before I discuss what I liked, I had a few issues with DISCIPLES OF CHAOS. First, I am not a fan of the "will they or won't they" trope, something Ms. Lobb adapts for Damian's behavioral changes. Roz and Damian spend so much time wringing their hands about Damian's increasing anger and what it might mean for him. Unfortunately, there are only so many times I can see the same plot point repeated, and the number of times Damian yells at Roz and then apologizes to her pushes me over that edge. 

Also, Ms. Lobb introduces not one but two new baddies in DISCIPLES OF CHAOS. These baddies are so stereotypical and one-dimensional, that I don't know what value they bring to the story. Part of me wonders if the story would have been stronger if Ms. Lobb had kept one or two baddies from the previous book. At least then we wouldn't have had the introduction of two new characters who are nothing more than plot devices. 

Lastly, Ms. Lobb chose to end her series with a resolution in which all parties achieve some form of satisfaction. However, for a while at least, it looked like she was going to end DISCIPLES OF CHAOS with a less traditional ending. Given the anger and bitterness that embodies both books, the non-traditional ending felt right in that it honored what each person was trying to accomplish. While I don't mind the ending, here is another area in which I wonder if a different choice would have improved the story even more. 

Despite all of my nitpicks, I did enjoy DISCIPLES OF CHAOS. Roz is still so angry, and now we have even angrier Damian. Reading about their anger helped ease my anger towards the general state of the world right now. I could direct my anger towards Roz's and Damian's foes. Having something concrete like that eased some of my anxiety, which is always a goal of reading. Plus, the action is fast and furious, with plenty of twists that I did not anticipate. For its cathartic nature alone, DISCIPLES OF CHAOS is one to enjoy.