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rebicon's review against another edition
4.0
I should have reread the first book because I believe my lack of understanding and flow could have contributed to not remembering things. I feel like it was slow in some parts and things didn’t truly pick up until the end but I really enjoyed the book and loved seeing Aya, Will, Aidon, and Josie again. I wish we had more time with all four of them because they are great characters and I love all of their interactions together. This book did start off directly after the first book ended which was mice that there wasn’t a jump in time or anything to disrupt the flow.
There were a lot of “well shit” moments, like chapter 56, and I thought the way Act I ended was done really well. I’m looking forward to the next book and what it entails.
I received an advanced copy for NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
There were a lot of “well shit” moments, like chapter 56, and I thought the way Act I ended was done really well. I’m looking forward to the next book and what it entails.
I received an advanced copy for NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
emslitlibrary's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
The Curse of Sins is a really solid and enjoyable sequel to The Curse of Saints. Aya and Will return home to face insurmountable odds and in doing so, must keep their newly blossoming relationship a secret. And man, did they really go through it in this book.
I found the first half of this book to be a bit slow as you’re dealing with more questions than answers at that point. I struggled a bit with jumping to Aidon & Josie’s POVs but I do understand why we needed it. That said, the chapters are short enough that it still moves at a decent pace even if it feels like the plot does not move much in that first half. Aya was also kind of annoying with her mistrust but I think it was valid given her position and granted, she had a lot going on.
Now for all the good stuff. There was plenty of tension and angst between Will & Aya but we also got some really sweet, tender moments that I loved. Around the 55% mark things really started to pop off. I predicted one big reveal, but aside from that I was thoroughly surprised and delighted with where the story went in the end. I loved seeing all the key players come together, if only for a brief period of time. There were a lot of developments leading up to the final scenes that felt like all the puzzle pieces being positioned so that they can slide into their rightful places in the third and final installment.
After that ending, I imagine the final book in this trilogy is going to put us through quite a bit of heartache, but I am really excited to see where this story goes and have my fingers crossed for a HEA. Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for an ARC to read and review!
I found the first half of this book to be a bit slow as you’re dealing with more questions than answers at that point. I struggled a bit with jumping to Aidon & Josie’s POVs but I do understand why we needed it. That said, the chapters are short enough that it still moves at a decent pace even if it feels like the plot does not move much in that first half. Aya was also kind of annoying with her mistrust but I think it was valid given her position and granted, she had a lot going on.
Now for all the good stuff. There was plenty of tension and angst between Will & Aya but we also got some really sweet, tender moments that I loved. Around the 55% mark things really started to pop off. I predicted one big reveal, but aside from that I was thoroughly surprised and delighted with where the story went in the end. I loved seeing all the key players come together, if only for a brief period of time. There were a lot of developments leading up to the final scenes that felt like all the puzzle pieces being positioned so that they can slide into their rightful places in the third and final installment.
After that ending, I imagine the final book in this trilogy is going to put us through quite a bit of heartache, but I am really excited to see where this story goes and have my fingers crossed for a HEA. Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for an ARC to read and review!
zagfros's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Sins was a good continuation of Aya's story & I loved the expanded world building from Dramis. It's honestly my favourite part of the series as the world is so fleshed out and not overshadowed by the romance, personally I find this is where the story shines! Aya & Will's relationship is still front and centre though and despite certain struggles the relationship still grows over the course of the plot.
I did find the novel a tiny bit lengthy and occasionally wanting to rush through certain POVs to get back to Aya's. However, overall the book was still a great read and I loved learning more about the world and characters from Saints.
The wait for the next installment is going to be tough though... that cliffhanger!!!
I did find the novel a tiny bit lengthy and occasionally wanting to rush through certain POVs to get back to Aya's. However, overall the book was still a great read and I loved learning more about the world and characters from Saints.
The wait for the next installment is going to be tough though... that cliffhanger!!!
thenewreadingnook's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The woman (me) was TOO STUNNED TO SPEAK??
This is the second book in this series (first is A Curse of Saints) & BOY do I not see enough of you reading that 😮💨 This story picks up immediately where we’re left off in Saints & I did feel that the beginning was more of a steady paced walk than a sprint but I still enjoyed it. Also because the rest of the book was so fast paced I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough 🫢 The ending has my heart rate SO HIGH.
Aya & Will are returning from their mission in Saints & so much has changed between them. Going from enemies to lovers is a lot of work okay?? The only thing is they cannot at all even a little bit let anyone know how they truly feel about each other without major repercussions. Let’s not even bring up the fact that Aya has grown in popularity for more than one reason okay?
The world is seemingly what they expected and things resume until pieces just don’t fit anymore. The two of them go about finding out what this unease is coming from in their own ways & the drama (cough cough DANGER) that comes from it is astronomical. These two can’t catch a break and that much is certain.
They end up needing to defend their land & face the VERY real possibility that they may have to make devastating sacrifices to save the ones they love.
AND THE CLIFFHANGER?? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I read this as an ARC as the book isn’t releasing until June so I have to wait even LONGER for the next one 😩 I simply don’t know how I’ll survive till then.
Thank you NetGalley & Kate Dramis for the opportunity to read this as an ARC, my review is honest 🫶🏻
This is the second book in this series (first is A Curse of Saints) & BOY do I not see enough of you reading that 😮💨 This story picks up immediately where we’re left off in Saints & I did feel that the beginning was more of a steady paced walk than a sprint but I still enjoyed it. Also because the rest of the book was so fast paced I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough 🫢 The ending has my heart rate SO HIGH.
Aya & Will are returning from their mission in Saints & so much has changed between them. Going from enemies to lovers is a lot of work okay?? The only thing is they cannot at all even a little bit let anyone know how they truly feel about each other without major repercussions. Let’s not even bring up the fact that Aya has grown in popularity for more than one reason okay?
The world is seemingly what they expected and things resume until pieces just don’t fit anymore. The two of them go about finding out what this unease is coming from in their own ways & the drama (cough cough DANGER) that comes from it is astronomical. These two can’t catch a break and that much is certain.
They end up needing to defend their land & face the VERY real possibility that they may have to make devastating sacrifices to save the ones they love.
AND THE CLIFFHANGER?? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I read this as an ARC as the book isn’t releasing until June so I have to wait even LONGER for the next one 😩 I simply don’t know how I’ll survive till then.
Thank you NetGalley & Kate Dramis for the opportunity to read this as an ARC, my review is honest 🫶🏻
cassiekayyye's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
vellichor_xv's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
While The Curse of Saints wasn’t a 5 star read for me, I did enjoy it and was excited to be able to read this ARC.
Unfortunately, I felt the same as many other reviewers in that this book just felt too long and too drawn out. It didn’t feel like there was much substance in such a long book and I feel that there were certainly parts that could have been omitted without the storyline changing.
Additionally, I felt that the frequently character switches were a disservice in this book, although there were some characters where I simply wasn’t interested in their storylines, so this might just be a me problem.
I was able to finish this book, though it took some pushing, and after doing so, I definitely think that book 1 was better than book 2, although book 2 was worth the read, just to see how the story continues, in my opinion.
While The Curse of Saints wasn’t a 5 star read for me, I did enjoy it and was excited to be able to read this ARC.
Unfortunately, I felt the same as many other reviewers in that this book just felt too long and too drawn out. It didn’t feel like there was much substance in such a long book and I feel that there were certainly parts that could have been omitted without the storyline changing.
Additionally, I felt that the frequently character switches were a disservice in this book, although there were some characters where I simply wasn’t interested in their storylines, so this might just be a me problem.
I was able to finish this book, though it took some pushing, and after doing so, I definitely think that book 1 was better than book 2, although book 2 was worth the read, just to see how the story continues, in my opinion.
hannahrowan13's review against another edition
4.0
What I love most about this series is how the author is able to balance the fantasy and the romance of the story so well. I’ve heard some people consider this a “romantasy,” and I suppose it is but not in the stereotypical way. There is so much political intrigue (which I loved!) The world building is very complex and at times was a little confusing, but that could be because it’s been over a year since I read the first book. It took me until the 75 percent mark to get a sense of the conflict/what the upcoming war was about. The book did drag in some places but the last 25 perfect was fast paced. I do think this book was too long. It definitely could have been condensed. I wasn’t a fan of the additional POVs but could see how one of the character’s pov was necessary considering they were an ally kingdom. What I loved about the romance is that despite the two main characters being together they still faced obstacles. It wasn’t happily ever after. A lot of times in books when a couple gets together there is no conflict in the relationship and it feels too easy. I never felt that way about the romance sub plot. The romance was familiar because it was established in the first book but was also kept fresh. I am curious to see how this series wraps up!
Thank you to Netgalley & the publisher for an Arc in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to Netgalley & the publisher for an Arc in exchange for my honest review!
lanereading's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Ever since reading Curse of Sins, I’ve been in such a reading slump because I just feel like nothing else could compare.
Curse of Saints was such an unexpected top read for me least year, so much that Sins made its way straight to the top of my 2024 anticipated list and I screamed at 3AM when the ARC showed on my kindle. I’ve read it maybe 3 times now.
I already loved Aya and Will’s story so much and Sins just solidified that love more. Seeing their relationship with themselves and each other grow to new levels made me so happy.
I also loved that Aidan and Josie remained integral characters in the story and took up space in the book. Can’t wait to see their stories unfold more in the next instalment!
The pacing and maturity level felt more natural in Sins compared to Saints which I hope to see continue.
joyfullylauren's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is one hell of a second book. It takes these characters that formed something of a found family in book 1 and explores what happens when bonds forged in the fire are exposed to the cold air and revealing light of day. How much can they actually rely on each other? How much pressure will it take to make them break?
Will and Aya return to Dunmeaden intent on discovering what dangerous game Queen Gianna is playing and how they can deliver Tala from the threat of Kakos. They try to step back into the roles they filled before the events of Book 1, but they find that they don't fit quite as comfortably as they did before. They have to put distance between themselves for their own safety and to hide their real mission, and they both struggle with that isolation, especially Aya.
Aidon and Josie remain in Trahir to establish and new reign and to deal with the relational and emotional fallout from Vi's betrayal and the murder of the king. Josie struggles to process her own feelings while simultaneously holding space for Vi to process her trauma, and it feels impossible. She is determined to make her own way in the world apart from her title of princess, and she struggles to stay in good relationship with her brother who longs to keep her safe and protected. Aidon struggles to establish himself as king without giving in to the temptation to solve problems the way his uncle would have, and he fights to keep the secret of his Visya power hidden from his people, even if suppressing it might kill him.
The two things that I loved most about this book is that is raises the stakes significantly from book 1 and it forces the characters to deal with adult struggles and choices. This not YA fantasy with added smut to make it adult. It's a book filled with characters who have to face impossible choices with real consequences to themselves and other people. They are courageous and emotionally aware enough to make those decisions with care even if all options lead to a dark end.
This book made me fall more in love with these characters and this series. I highly recommend it for fans of fantasy with a strong romance subplot, morally gray characters, and those who tend to love angsty second books filled with longing and deep inner struggles.
And smut. Let's not forget that this book also delivers on the explicit intimate content. Chefs kiss.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for gifting me an e-ARC to review.
Will and Aya return to Dunmeaden intent on discovering what dangerous game Queen Gianna is playing and how they can deliver Tala from the threat of Kakos. They try to step back into the roles they filled before the events of Book 1, but they find that they don't fit quite as comfortably as they did before. They have to put distance between themselves for their own safety and to hide their real mission, and they both struggle with that isolation, especially Aya.
Aidon and Josie remain in Trahir to establish and new reign and to deal with the relational and emotional fallout from Vi's betrayal and the murder of the king. Josie struggles to process her own feelings while simultaneously holding space for Vi to process her trauma, and it feels impossible. She is determined to make her own way in the world apart from her title of princess, and she struggles to stay in good relationship with her brother who longs to keep her safe and protected. Aidon struggles to establish himself as king without giving in to the temptation to solve problems the way his uncle would have, and he fights to keep the secret of his Visya power hidden from his people, even if suppressing it might kill him.
The two things that I loved most about this book is that is raises the stakes significantly from book 1 and it forces the characters to deal with adult struggles and choices. This not YA fantasy with added smut to make it adult. It's a book filled with characters who have to face impossible choices with real consequences to themselves and other people. They are courageous and emotionally aware enough to make those decisions with care even if all options lead to a dark end.
This book made me fall more in love with these characters and this series. I highly recommend it for fans of fantasy with a strong romance subplot, morally gray characters, and those who tend to love angsty second books filled with longing and deep inner struggles.
And smut. Let's not forget that this book also delivers on the explicit intimate content. Chefs kiss.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for gifting me an e-ARC to review.