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4.07 AVERAGE

adventurous 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: Complicated

The first book was good, this one was AMAZING! Do I understand everything I read? No. Do I care? No.
adventurous challenging dark emotional slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix

<i> “My destination has always been you.” </i>

Overall Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
Spice Rating: 2/5 🌶️

I love this series and everything about it — and darien cassel more than anything! Book one took my breath away, and while I didn’t love this book as much as i did that one, I really enjoyed this one nonetheless! 

This book had me all over the board with my emotions (no sicker there with how thick this book is tbh)— laughing, crying, giggling, swooning, anything that can be felt — you name it & i was feeling it. It had the ingredients for such a good urban romantasy that you just can’t pass up, and so much was happening that i’m surprised it didn’t take me even longer to get through this series in all honestly! I also just didn’t want it to end. 

City of Souls and Sinners felt a bit different and on the slower side compared to the first book— lots happens, lots of new characters (and our same lovable characters) and a lot more plot heavy which took some time getting used to and why it initially took me a bit to really get diving deep in this book, but when it got good, it got good!! that last like 20% was actually insane and i still can’t wrap’s my head around it — did that really happen??? wtf??? hello???? someone pinch me??? why do i feel like i’m about to emotionally and mentally block this out because I AM TERRIFIED still and it’s been hours since i’ve finished it now. So much is happening in my head that i don’t even know how to put thought into my words for this review.

and that epilogue??? hello??? i’m ready for more roman devlin…

more fun tidbits i loved about this book:
— one an angry love confession <3
— mortimer playing a bigger role! slay king! 
— cast of characters at the end
— darien cassel being darien cassel !!!
— a max pov 
— the bathtub scene (iykyk)
— absolutely not the imperator (that guy can suck it)
— butcher guy kinda growing on me 

I’m really excited to see what’ll come of book three and eventually book four. Am i even remotely emotionally prepared after what I just went through with this book? I think absolutely not.

quotes / segments i love:

“I want them to know that I’m dating a human. What difference does it make? I’m with you, you’re with me, and if the rest of the world thinks it’s wrong, then fuck them.”

“Do you want me on my knees? Do you want me to beg, is that it? Because I will. I’ll crawl for you.” (the answer is yes) 

“You can relax now, sweetheart,” Darien whispered, thumb stroking her cheek. “You’re with me.” He retreated a little before easing back in, still taking it slow. “You’re with me, and I’ve got you.”

“Have you never danced like this before?” “My kind of dancing is usually… dirty.” He grimaced, but it passed quickly. In its place was bliss. Pride. “But I always dreamed I would find a girl worth spinning one day. You’re a girl worth spinning.” He gripped her tighter, pulling her flush against his chest. “My girl.” Her whole body heated up from the statement. “Forever your girl,” she promised. “Forever my girl.”

AND THIS ONE ESPECIALLY

“When I’m with you, I feel like I finally have a shot at being the man I always dreamed I could be. The one who doesn’t need to kill or hit things to find peace. This life of mine—it’s a crutch. It’s a coping mechanism, a means of survival, a way of getting by until something better comes along. You’re that something, Loren. You’re that something, and you’re finally here.”
dark emotional hopeful tense fast-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
dark emotional hopeful informative mysterious reflective 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: No
dark medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated

This book has felt like eons but that may be because it took me a month to get through. It’s just so long with a lot of filler (and too much smut). The romance development was low-key just them sleeping together. The plot didn’t come in until about halfway and was complicated but not so complicated that this book had to be 900 pages. While i’m talking shit about this book I do actually enjoy this world and its concepts!! I like the magic and the devils and the side characters. Even Loren has grown on me. And I was shocked by most plot twists so that’s also a plus. I will definitely be continuing and I did run to pick up this book, maybe that’s why I read it slowly I lost motivation. i’m excited to see their new characters and hope for a more plot heavy book that doesn’t just hit at the halfway point. The ending was a bit unanswered
how do we still not know if Loren’s awake or what happened there like that’s our main character and the fact that she’s still in her coma when this ends is stupid imo.
mysterious slow-paced
adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful informative mysterious reflective sad fast-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

After finishing the first book, I dove straight into City of Souls and Sinners—and it definitely kept me hooked! The story picks up almost immediately, with Loren, Darien, and their friends still grappling with the fallout from Loren’s magic saving the city from the Well’s explosion. The first two books really complement each other, with the world-building and magic systems unfolding naturally alongside the plot. 
Loren comes into her own in this book, which was such a satisfying journey to watch. She takes the initiative to understand her powers, all while trying to protect those she loves—especially Darien. Even when she has to distance herself from her friends and loved ones, her selflessness and bravery shine through. I loved seeing her dig deeper into her heritage and not shy away from asking difficult questions. As for Darien, his character arc is equally compelling. He’s juggling grief, anxiety, and a whole new set of responsibilities, and I really felt for him as he navigated the political landscape around him. His growth, especially driven by his love for Loren and to protect his family, made his journey even more impactful. I also found myself wishing he would catch on a bit faster to some of the signs, but I think that made his development even more realistic. 
Max’s POV added a nice change of pace and gave us more insight into his character and his relationship with Dallas. It was interesting to see their dynamic unfold, and Max’s perspective, alongside Darien’s, really helped flesh out the world and the power structures at play. 
As one of the big plot points, Darien is facing mounting pressure to take down his father’s illegal arms trade, which leads to the darker side of Angelthene starts to come to light—women disappearing, secrets being revealed. It’s all building toward something big. 
Loren’s curse by the Impetrator amps up the tension as she’s forced to locate the Well and open more of the Veil. She’s constantly being watched, but her ability to outmaneuver her situation and continue pushing forward made this a pivotal part of her growth. Learning that the source of everyone’s powers came from the same Well Loren was created from added a layer of mystery, and I’m excited to see where it all leads. Meanwhile, Darien takes over Randal's spot and has to navigate the tricky political landscape of Angelthene. The more detailed intro to Malakai, the Reapers, and a deeper look at Angels and Werewolves brought even more depth to the world. (Shoutout Sabrine and Logan)
There are plenty of lighter moments too—like the school dance, Loren and Darien being lovers, and the Devils just being themselves. Their banter and chemistry are a nice balance to the more serious moments. Loren and Darien’s wit, especially, was a highlight and made me smile. Honestly. all of the characters made me grin at different points. Also - I want to learn more about Ivy and Jack and their relationship!
The finale had me on edge, with Loren doing everything she could to protect those she loves. The ending left me with so many questions, concerns, and I can’t wait to see where the third book will take us!
adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense slow-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: Yes