Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars) 

“Savior of Lost Souls” is one of those rare novels that pulls you into its world from two directions at once — the supernatural and the painfully human — and manages to make both feel equally urgent, equally gripping.

The heart of the story lies with Lavek, the ancient god compelled to intervene when a soul’s cry pierces the veil of Ul’Den. The mythology surrounding him is rich, atmospheric, and wonderfully immersive. Bateman’s worldbuilding shines brightest in these sections: the vivid landscapes, the haunting purgatorial realm, and the sense of ancient justice moving beneath the surface of every scene. Lavek himself is a fascinating blend of compassion and ruthlessness, a character driven by purpose rather than ego, and I found every chapter featuring him utterly absorbing.

Running parallel to that mythic thread is the story of the Williams family in 1986 — a picture-perfect household quietly spiraling toward tragedy. This timeline carries the emotional weight of the novel, and Bateman does well to show how fragile happiness can be, how easily darkness slips through the cracks of suburban life.

I will say this: Savior of Lost Souls is ambitious. There are many characters, many perspectives, and a number of backstories woven into the narrative. Some of these enrich the themes, while others feel like seeds planted for future books in the series. At times, the sheer volume of detail slows the pace, but it never fully detracts from the pull of the story. You can sense the author’s long game — every character matters, even if we don’t yet know why.

Where the novel truly excels is in its atmosphere and emotional stakes. The tension builds steadily, the moral questions linger long after you turn the final page, and the looming tragedy surrounding the Williams family keeps the reader invested right to the end.

As a first installment in the Retribution series, this book lays down an impressively solid foundation. It introduces a world of gods, judgment, and mortal frailty, and leaves you with the unmistakable feeling that this is only the beginning.

A dark, thoughtful fantasy-thriller with heart — and a protagonist you won’t soon forget.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Read my Goodreads review here.