You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.

278 reviews for:

The curse of sins

Kate Dramis

4.07 AVERAGE

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

"Perhaps it was the thought of something ruining this— the thought of them finding each other only to not have a life together— that terrified her. So much had threatened it already. So much that they still hadn’t sorted through. But she didn’t care. Not tonight. She wanted him. Perhaps that made her selfish, too."

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca and Dresamscape Media for e-ARC and audiobook copies of this book for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Curse of Saints was one of my favorite books of last year, one that I haven't been able to stop thinking about since, so I was checking nearly daily for this to pop up on Netgalley and managed to snag this during a 'read now' timed giveaway!

Trying as much as I can to avoid spoilers for book 1, The Curse of Sins follows Will and Aya as they return to Tala after their many discoveries and ordeals, Aidon as he struggles to settle into his new role, and a few other chapters from bonus character POVs that add to the story as well. After leaving Aidon, Will and Aya are almost immediately separated as well, leaving us wondering if the three of them separately will be able to handle Queen Gianna, the politics between neighboring kingdoms, the impending war with their overpowered enemy, and the prophecy involving Aya and the gods.

One of my favorite things about this series is how much I care about every single character, no matter how minor. I would read a novella about almost anyone here, and I screamed when something terrible happened to someone WHO DESERVED BETTER!!!!!! I was also pleasantly surprised (although in emotional turmoil) by how the ending wrapped up some untied plots I didn't even remember from the beginning of book 1 even! I also like how the setup of who is left together at the end of book 2 will make for a fascinating start to book 3.

I didn't notice any issues with the logic in the plot, although I still have a lot of questions about the limitations of Aya's powers and want answers to what the origin of her powers means after the ending. I enjoyed that we got POVs in at least three kingdoms this time, and felt the atmosphere and different environments were well-written.

If I had to have a complaint, it was that my intrigue was a little low in the middle where everyone was still separated and mostly going through separate types of training. That's par for the course with a fantasy book, however, and I was purposely trying to go slow with this book to savor it (plus I had to move home and a couple of big life events), so I think I wouldn't have felt this if not for dragging it out myself as well. The narrator for the audiobook also really grew on me this time. I actually preferred listening to the audiobook for the sequel!

I can't wait for The Curse of Gods, and really, really hope Fairyloot completes the series with its special editions. I would recommend this series to anyone who loves slow-burn romance, found family, and cliffhangers!

For fans of:
- Throne of Glass
- A Court This Cruel & Lovely

The Curse of Sins begins with Will and Aya's return to Gianna's treacherous clutches. Now that Aya's sainthood is common knowledge, her role as Gianna's 3rd is more precarious than ever. Will on the other hand is trying to juggle his commitment to Aya with his reputation as a villainous rake, and will accomplice to crimes committed against his people. Across the world, Aiden is getting used to his new role as king, but his secret fire-wielding abilities are beginning to chafe. As he attempts to quell his dissenters and prepare his people for war, he feels more alone than ever. Finally, Josie feels betrayed by all those she loves, and with things so strained with Vivianne, she wonders if life will ever return to normal.

This book includes:
- a makeshift found family
- religious fanaticism
- he fell first and she fell harder
- betrayal, subterfuge, and conspiracy
- creative elemental magic system
- kings and saints
- LGBT relationships
- multiple POVs
- a cliffhanger ending!

This is a great sequel to Curse of Saints and now I'm dying for book 3. Aya is fierce and powerful and I loved seeing her develop from the naive girl we saw in book 1, to a woman filled with determination and rage. Will is the perfect leading man, he's self-sacrificing, devoted, gorgeous, smart. If you're someone who loves to collect book boyfriends, you'll be obsessed with Will.

Aiden and Josie's storyline was a bit slower. It was so hard seeing the siblings at odds while still being very much on the same side, but it felt like an honest portrayal of grief - which I appreciate. I just love this series in general.

I received this audiobook as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Kate Dramis, and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to review this book.
adventurous dark tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous emotional tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

I love love loved The Curse of Saints - in fact, I liked it more than Fourth Wing - so I was hyped to read the sequel.

Aya and Will continue to have my heart, but I find Aidon’s and Josie’s POVs to be less interesting, especially since Aya and Will aren’t with them. Also, their POVs lack the romance and angst of Aya’s and Will’s. Plus, Aidon could be rather stubborn and his decision-making is poor.

There’s a whole lot of men drawling. The mythology and political machinations are confusing. Some plotlines end with a whimper (her father).

Did anything else think this is a duology? It is not. Be prepared for a cliffhanger ending.

That being said, I really like this series, and I’m excited for the next.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
adventurous 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
adventurous 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