A review by shahad_isam
City of Souls and Sinners by Kayla Edwards

adventurous dark emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This book is even better than the first one—despite literally having the same plot and the same third act. And let’s talk about Darien Cassel… he is the perfect man. He’s so PATHETIC in the best way possible, and I felt for him so much throughout the book.

This quote from him explains everything

"Do you want me on my knees? Do you want me yo beg, is that it? Because I will. I'll Crawl for you."

Absolute perfection.

I also felt for Loren even more—I love her. She’s a soft girl, and I adore that about her. This is the first time I’ve seen a fantasy romance FMC who isn’t the typical “I don’t need your protection” or “Don’t fight my battles for me” type. Instead, she’s like, “I’m a weak human, and I can’t fight these demons and monsters—please protect me.” And honestly? That’s so real! But even though she’s fully aware of her weakness, she will still do anything and everything in her power to protect Darien and her friends, which tugged on my heartstrings.

Darien and Loren’s unconditional, undying love for each other made me tear up multiple times. And even though the misunderstanding trope usually pisses me off, in this book, it was so understandable from both sides.

I also loved Max and Dallas’s relationship development in this book—I didn’t expect them to have an arc at all, but I’m so happy they did.
The found family aspect was great (Travis and Tanner are my favorites!), and I genuinely enjoyed all the side characters—except Malakai and Logan. Still don’t care for them.

Now, for the cons… I didn't exactly like the Cliffhanger. It gave me Zodiac Academy Book 6 flashbacks with Darius, and I’m still traumatized from that series  😭.
The last chapter being from

Roman’s

perspective was kind of corny. We’ve never even seen him before—only heard about him since he’s

Travis’s older brother and Darien’s cousin.

His speech in the elevator? Yeah… it was a lot little bit chessy. 😕

My favourite quotes from the book:

"You’re my home, Lola. You’re my home."

"You are the light in my dark. My reason for living."

"As long as you are with me, I will always protect you. Bodyguard, remember?"

"Instantly, I was…protective of you. Even if you would’ve refused my help, I don’t think I would’ve been able to stay away from you."

"He fell in love with her all over again every single day."

"He hated seeing her upset. He fucking hated it more than anything in the world. It made him want to rip out hearts and crack open skulls and burn entire buildings to the ground."

"You are the exception to every one of my rules."

"A toxic relationship is a toxic relationship, no matter who it involves."

"You belong with me." His words were a declaration. A shout out into the universe, a claim that could not be challenged. "No one else. This—" He lifted her left hand to his chest, flattening it right above his heart, his strong pulse thumping under her palm. When he spoke, his eyes burned with passion and intent. "This is yours. From now until the day I die, and every day after, I am yours. Got it?"

"I don't just want you right now, I want you forever."

"My destination has always been you." (This is my absolute favourite)

"I'll love you through anything and across any distance."

"Until she'd met Darien, she had never believed in fate, but the way he made her feel, the way their paths had been so inexplicably entwined, had turned her into a believer."

"Was it possible to die of a broken heart?"

"He fell in love with her all over again every single day."

"It was funny how a wrong turn in life sometimes led to the right destination."

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content, Violence

Moderate: Bullying, Grief