Member Reviews
I really enjoyed this follow up to The Curse of Saints by Kate Dramis. All of our favorite characters are back and there's plenty of steam and surprises and war. I say the following with nothing but kindness: there's nothing overly unique about this story and characters. If you read a lot of romantasy, it'll probably feel familiar. But that's not a bad thing! This world and these characters have their own things, for better or worse, but I found myself drawn to them and not wanting to put the book down. For 20-something, best-of-their-kingdom warriors, I do wish they acted more mature and we saw why they were considered so *special*, especially Aya. At times she acted like a 16-year-old, and certainly not the Queen's best spy. It was frustrating in the first book and it was frustrating here. But I liked enough of story to get past it, but it's still there and I wish the author had taken more time to really figure out how to write Aya as more mature and more skilled, other than her raw power. The ending, while not overly surprising, was well done and makes me wish we were getting the third book sooner than later. 3.75 rounded up to 4.
This is a great sequel to a solid fantasy series. The pacing is good and I can't wait to see where else the story goes. This series is 100% worth it!
I enjoyed reading this book as much as I did the first. Fast paced and a nice quick and easy read.
Overall a very enjoyable read!
This book was amazing. After being disappointed from the first book in the series, I was hesitant to read this one. However, this one completely changed my attitude towards the series. It was so entertaining and you can tell that the level of editing and story telling has been improved.
I completely adore the characters now! Will and Aya’s relationship was completely swoon worthy.
I was still struggling to understand and recall the reasons why the were going to war and the threats they were facing. However, that’s probably because I need to reread the first one.
I also wished that the ending had been as rushed. It didn’t feel as much as a cliffhanger, some shock factor would have been beneficial.
I will definitely be recommending this in store and it will be hugely popular, especially with the rise in the romantasy genre.
3.5 stars
The curse of saints was a five star book for me so I went into this book with high expectations.
The romance was solid but was lacking the angst from the first book that made it so good.
I enjoyed the multi-pov, surprisingly I was most interested in Aidon’s chapters.
The book sets up for a good finale.
My main issue is it was too long. There was a lot of repetition, in what the characters were thinking but also in what they were doing.
I found myself having to force myself through parts of this, so I feel like it would’ve been very strong if it was shorter.
It is still a good book and I really enjoy the world and the magic system. I look forward to the next book and I hope it is less long and drawn out.
I really loved The Curse of Saints, and I looooooved the sequel too!! Kate simply has a beautiful way with words, and I can’t wait to purchase the Fairyloot edition for my collection :)
I want to thank the author and netgalley for this ARC. Loved the tropes. A really good read ando good pace. I really enjoyed this book.
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!!! Thanks to Netgalley & Penguin Random House for the chance to read this arc!
This picks up right where The Curse of Saints ends and I was so happy to be back with Aya. She is such a likeable main character and I love how she interacts with everyone. The romance is sweet and although it played a bigger part than in book 1, it still doesn't take away from the world building and war etc. We all know I love a multiple POV and this had that. My heart was racing for the last 20% of the book as you just don't know whats real or not (IYKYK). The end is a huge cliff hanger and I need book 3 immediately.
I did find the plot regarding Aya's father didn't really resolve so I'm interested to see where that goes.
Review: 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ @katedramis
I first ended up seeing this book due to @fairyloot announcing the sequel and it was so stunning I knew I had to find out what series this was asap!
'Aya Love' 🥹
This fast paced sequal has all the things I LOVE in a book, broody & bad ass, saints & secrets, powers & promises and so so much anger. The story gripped me from the get go and I finished this book so quickly. Finally having more from Will & Aya was so delicious and their relationship was so believable.
Aya was still Aya but questioning everything and that word 'Trust' was another massive theme in this book. Shes still angry but now there are other emotions involved that I wont list as this is a spoiler free review...
The ending was left on a cliff hanger that I did NOT see coming!!! I cant wait for the next installment to see how this progresses and to see Aya really take on the world and shine.
Blurb
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He’d once called her dangerous. And he had been right.
Aya was not a pawn.
She was a spy.
A warrior.
A weapon.
Aya has returned home at last.
But she is not the same person who left Tala all those months ago.
And Tala isn't the same either.
The threat of war that could destroy the realm continues to grow and she is the only one who can save it.
Because she is the Second Saint. The bringer of hope. The light in the darkness. Blessed with powers not seen in centuries.
But there are those who stand to use her power for their own gain and Aya learns that danger is closer to home than she ever could have imagined.
The Curse Of Sins truly blew me away. This is a masterpiece of fantasy, and romance, and everything in between. I have laughed and cried, and I haven’t rooted so hard for characters in a long time. Aya’s story is heartbreaking and raw and Kate is an exceptional story teller. This is a 5 star read and I’ll be recommending it to everyone I know!
Stay anchored in the light, they told her. But what had the light ever done for her?
I’m a mess. This was so good????
From Kate Dramis’ first book, The Curse of Saints, Aya and Will’s journey had stolen my heart, and when I saw that I was approved for an early e-arc of this book, The Curse of Sins, I was extremely estatic.
The book was extremely easy to get into and right off the bat, Kate Dramis was hitting every beat like she knew what she was doing.
I also love the fact that this book is multi-POV which meant that we got perspectives from most characters on specific scenes.
AND OH MY GOD THE ENDING-
Nothing could’ve prepared me for that-
I also love how Dramis puts a spin on the chosen one trope and embraces Aya’s darker side.
I LITERALLY CANNOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE
Thank you to the publisher & netgalley for the e-ARC.
No matter how far the fall.
I love love loved The Curse of Saints - in fact, I liked it more than Fourth Wing - so I was hyped to read this 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.
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.
Thank you NetGalley and Kate Dramis for early access in exchange for my honest review.
I bought the first book and read it before reading this one. I had never heard of the series or the author before this. I loved the first book, I couldn’t put it down once I started. The second was no different.
The work is well written. It didn’t have any holes as to what’s going on or what the world looks like. If you’re going into this thinking you’re getting only romance you’ll be disappointed. The work has many layers that need to be stripped away. (Though Will and Ayas romance is wonderful) I did think that the book could have done without so much information, there were some dead ends but it didn’t take me out of the story. It was just difficult to grasp what was important information and what was just loose details.
I like these characters, I love the world that’s been built, the political crumbling happening around us, the magical elements in play, the old beings hanging over civilization, it’s just all so fantastic. It’s so fantasy. Lots of action, heartache, desperation, and a grasp on small pieces of dwindling hope. Ugh love it.
The relationship between Aya and Will is at a constant challenge, with the ending breaking your heart. I loved getting the multiple POVs. It moves the plot along and helps understand all the moving parts better. I thought it was a great second book that made me interested to stay on for the third book. Thank you Kate for allowing me access to your work I can see that much love and effort has gone into this book!
I absolutely adored The Curse of Saints so I was incredibly excited to read the second installment. I am delighted to say that The Curse of Sins exceeded all of my expectations.
Kate Dramis has once again woven the perfect blend of romance, fantasy and political intrigue. The world building in this book is complex but it was extremely well written and gave me a broader understanding of the world. The romance between Aya and Will is definitely a highlight of the book and I love their relationship so much!
As a whole, I absolutely adore this series and it definitely scratches the Throne of Glass itch. I am already looking forward to the next installment!
*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Well,this was just brilliant! I devoured this.Stayed up late reading it because I couldn't put it down! This was one of my most anticipated reads this year and I am happy to say it did not disappoint.Book 1 was one of my top 3 books last year and it is safe to say the momentum will continue. Kate Dramis once again delivered in the action and amazing world building department.the magic system is amazing and certain situations left me on the edge of the seat. Can't wait to read more!5 stars!
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big thank you to the publisher for granting my wish on Netgalley!
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When I began reading The Curse of Saints, I knew I’d be absolutely feral for this series in a way I haven’t been feral for one for a while. As soon as The Curse of Saints was on Netgalley I was all over it, and I can’t wait for the FairyLoot special edition to drop!
This series mixes romance, politics and fantasy in a similar way the first few books in TOG does, so it was no wonder I was glued to it so. I love all of the characters so much, & Will is the best morally grey love interest I’ve read in a while.
In this instalment, we follow Aya & Will as they navigate their new tenuous position in Gianna’s court. Distrust at every turn, they are searching for answers for The Second Saint. My only boredom was found at Aya’s continuation of her training; but my disinterest in training montages in fantasy novels is a me issue.
We still benefit from a few POVs, and get to revisit Aidon in his new position as King and Josie as she finds her place in his court. I love the secondary characters and we even get introductions to some new ones (hi Liam)
The overall plot does fall a bit shallow at times, with a lot of information around the magic/political system and opposing kingdoms falling a wee bit short of depth. I think this will all be pulled together in the next series however, so it’s nice to feel as shocked or confused as the characters are while they navigate the tumultuous world.
I am so attached to this series already and I just know it’s going to take a special place on my shelf and be subjected to rereads. It’s comforting, familiar but also keeps me on my toes.
Buzzing for the next instalment!
~my 5* review means: nestled in my heart forever, something I personally really enjoy~
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TY again for the eARC, my review is honest & unbiased
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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!
3.5 stars rounded up!