Good horror, like speculative fantasy and science fiction, has the ability to transport readers to places and times that they will never experience themselves. In the process, minds are expanded, iconic images are formed, and in the case of horror tales like THE STARVING SAINTS by Caitlin Starling, indelible nightmares are created to the point of being nearly unshakeable.

Set in medieval times within the fictional Aymar Castle, the residents under King Cardimir have been under siege for six months. This has taken a toll on everyone mentally and physically, but now the lack of nourishment is beginning to consume all who are there. It is made that much worse due to the fact that the population is three times the typical number of 300. Phosyne, a nun-turned-sorceress, is seeking answers as she realizes they are about 15 days away from complete starvation. Her magic and mysticism had solved their water problems, but her various experiments have yet to find a way to take care of the food issue.

"THE STARVING SAINTS falls into that category of great, transformative horror that stimulates the imagination and preys upon every core human fear along the way."

The King and his noble court, which includes people like Ser Leodegardis, have ordered Phosyne to find a solution. Doubting that she has the stamina or dedication to do this, the King places the mighty female knight Ser Voyne as her overseer. Ser Voyne does not understand or necessarily believe in what Phosyne can do, but she knows how to be a brutal taskmaster prepared to do whatever bidding her King requests of her. When Phosyne is unable to complete her task, the King and his court must make a fateful and regrettable decision. They take one of their noble fallen numbers, lost in the constant defense of their keep, and do the unthinkable act of turning his remains into sustenance for the people of Aymar Castle. Ser Voyne is sickened and horrified by this, but nearly everyone else goes along with it as they realize it is the only thing left for them to do to survive.

With this barbaric, cannibalistic life confronting them, an answer suddenly appears within the walls of Aymar Castle in the form of four majestic and very foreign beings. To most who witness them, they are saints: the Constant Lady, the Warding Saint, the Loving Saint and the Absolving Saint. These alleged Starving Saints bring with them riches of food and drink, from fruits to fine meats, and what appears to be the promise of salvation for all who partake. However, there are those who are not fooled by these creatures, and three citizens --- Phosyne, Ser Voyne and a serving girl named Treila --- come together to fight them. In order to do this, they first must appear to succumb to their powers in order to get close enough to understand them before they can determine how to overcome them.

In reality, these beings are ancient ones who seem to bleed honey and want nothing more than to consume every body and soul within Aymar Castle. The rebellious trio, each of whom serve as narrators of this tale, must make heavy sacrifices if they are to succeed. In the case of Treila, she gives a little finger and an ear to the hungry evil horde just for the ability to leave and return to the castle. The Constant Lady seeks to show Phosyne answers to her questions under the guise of granting her freedom, while all along planning to possess her in ways she cannot resist and suck out her very soul from the inside out.

Watching the plight of these three women during a strange time like the medieval era is frightening enough. When coupled with the horrific images that Caitlin Starling plants within your brain, it evolves into a feverish nightmare that gives no hope of sanctity or relief. THE STARVING SAINTS falls into that category of great, transformative horror that stimulates the imagination and preys upon every core human fear along the way.