This wasn't for me, unfortunately. The story was a little bland and repetitive and I didn't click with the writing style. I feel that if I had read this ten years ago I would have loved it but didn't work for me now.

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

The first thing that drew me to this book was the title and the cover. The way that the society is built in this book made me so frustrated, but I love the main character Eva. Her strong willed opinions, but her willingness to keep her head down had me extremely interested in her. At first I couldn't believe that they forced her into something she didn't want to do but how she excelled was like a huge foreshadowing. This book is a definite page turner!

Thanks to NetGalley and Blue Crow Publishing for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The story follows Eva and Ari, two citizens in the Commonwealth where the Seven Deadly Sins can really turn out to be deadly. Human emotion of love/lust, greed, anger, any emotion is forbidden. Citizen are made in a lab and anyone that is natural born is expected to be the slaves to the citizens.

We follow Eva from the time of her Choosing ceremony where she is selected to be a warrior instead of ending up in computers where she thinks she belongs. Eva becomes the apprentice and Ari her mentor as they fight a growing attraction to each other which could send them to their deaths. This story is full of forbidden love, witty banter, mystery and intrigue as Eva and Ari unravel who they are in a system that doesn’t want you to be unique.

I loved this book and I was quite glad to also have the sequel on hand to go straight into. The one thing I don’t understand about this book is why I had not heard of it before now. I will definitely be continuing with this series.

The blurb caught my attention and the cover too, but I didn't expect to like this as much as I did. It was exciting and I loved the Eva's character. I'm fond of strong female lead characters and I'd love to read more about Eva's adventures!

I really wanted to like this book. The synopsis sounded right up my alley! A girl and a boy forced in a grim profession that neither of them really want to do fall for each other slowly and it became them against the world? Sign me up! Unfortunately, the story itself did not live up to the expectations. The book is narrated in alternating pov from Eva's (17) and Ari's (19) and while this is always something that I appreciate I felt like both of the characters somewhat lacking dimensions. The way their relationship evolved felt fake, like we are told that they are falling in love rather than showing it. The world building lacked details.
Overall is not a bad book but it reads very much like a generic YA without nothing really standing out.

*thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

*I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

And I am quite grateful that I also received a copy of the sequel at the same time because I don't have to wait any longer to start reading it than it takes me to write this review.

This was one of those books I knew I'd like as soon as I started reading it. The book is narrated in somewhat alternating chapters from Eva's (17) and Ari's (19) points of view. I found both of them to be likable characters, despite the occupation that was chosen for them. I wholeheartedly rooted for them from the moment their eyes met in the first chapter, even though they were only 10 and 12 at the time and living in a society where any type of attachment is forbidden. Something I really like about Ari is that he never feels threatened by Eva despite her skills improving to the point that they are superior to his. Instead, he is supportive and proud of her.

From clues within the text, I'm assuming this takes place sometime in the distant future on the North American continent. The Commonwealth is a walled-in society that supposedly protects its citizens from the barbarians and the wilds outside, all led by a man known as the Executor. Society is built upon seven Virtues to ward against seven Sins (wrath, lust, envy, greed, gluttony, pride, and sloth). No attachments are permitted between people, with the teaching that it leads down a road to chaos. All children (regulation born) are conceived through in vitro fertilization and implanted into surrogates--so nobody knows who they're related to in order to prevent said attachments. Whenever citizens are found guilty of a sin, they receive a punishment relevant to what they did (for example, a citizen is found guilty of gluttony for borrowing more than the allotted number of books and is forced to serve an elaborate meal to everyone else without being allowed to eat any of it). Natural-born children are considered inferior and forced to do menial labor, their parents executed or exiled. The Bellators are basically the law enforcement, but I suppose a more apt comparison would be to the Peacekeepers in The Hunger Games--they're more like the Executor's strong arm. They receive training the hones their senses and makes them stronger.

It's a rather interesting world, to be honest. The science-fiction aspect of it completely surprised me, though--I wasn't expecting to see genetic modifications to that point. To be honest, that's possibly the only aspect of the book that makes me worry about it ending well. Not that this is a sunshine and butterflies book. It's not. But I do hope that it works out. As I mentioned in the beginning, however, I am glad that I get to start reading book two soon.

Note: A little swearing. A couple of sensual scenes and talk about sex (by two people who really have no idea what it even is).

A solid 3.5
This one was an easy read and while I liked the original dystopian premise, some of the revelations towards the end just didn’t do it for me. The characters felt flat, and although there was some great tension, overall the romance aspect felt rushed. To be honest, the book in its entirety felt rushed. This one has some great potential but it didn’t snag me enough to want to read the sequel.

I really loved the writing style of this book! The descriptions were vivid and I really connected to the characters. It was hard to get into in the beginning which is mainly why it took me so long to read it, but it picked up and began to have more of a flow to it. I enjoyed it and am already looking forward to reading the next book.

“Sword of the Seven Sins” is my first read from author Emily Colin, and she did not disappoint. I wouldn’t say that this was an all time favorite of mine, but I most definitely had fun while reading and the book kept me very intrigued. I loved learning about Eva and following her along through this story, she was easily my most favorite character in this book. Her relationship and romance with Ari was really well written, even though things felt quite fast, I think that was just the general pacing of the book. I will say that going into this book, I had only read the description and totally thought this was gonna be a fantasy book, not dystopian. I have nothing against dystopias and still really enjoyed the book, but it just wasn’t what I expected based on the synopsis.
Overall this was a fun read, and I look forward to reading the second book to find out what happens next. I think this series and world has a lot of potential, and Emily Colin’s could seriously be onto something great.

Amazing book! I absolutely loved it! The romance was amazing, and I loved the plot! The characters were also super likeable!

If you’re looking to fulfill your need for YA dystopian and relive the 2012 dream then Sword of the Seven Sins is for you – and I promise it still has some new elements so you won’t be reading the same blueprint.

Overall, I enjoyed this book once I was able to really get into it. It took a little while to invest in the characters and story but after I understood the world and got used to the religious focus of the society and the attitudes held by the leaders of this world, I could begin to have fun. It’s an interesting take in the dystopian genre while still including the ‘controlled state’ element.

The romance however did feel a little too close to insta-love for me. There seemed to be barely any interactions between our two leads, Ari and Eva, before they couldn’t stop thinking about one another. Don’t get me wrong that have great chemistry and their banter was great, I just would have preferred more of that before it got all intense, you know? I would guess that you do because it looks like almost every other 3 star review has the same feeling.

While we have dual point of views, an element I absolutely love, there was one moment where it wasn’t utilised right. In the interest of not spoiling this I’ll do my best to be vague but instead of adding suspense and having the audience believe the duplicity of a character we’re in on it from the start because we see from both POVs within seconds of each other. I would have liked to feel the betrayal of this moment instead of knowing because that would have made it more thrilling and shocking.

As soon as it picked up I really loved this book. This pulled me out of the reading slump that I had been in for a while.

really liked this book, it was fun and easy to get through. the mc is a great character she isn’t the usually annoying i liked the side characters even more the main relationship was the best thing. the pacing and the setting of this novel was so good and just made the book even better.

Wow! This was very different! At first I got very Hunger Games mixed with Divergent vibes but as Ari and Eva’s story progressed I admit I was becoming enthralled!

The world building is quite good, I liked the way Colin incorporated the Seven sins. Everyday tasks could easily be construed as having too much Pride or too much Gluttony. Look at someone the wrong way and you’d be accused of Envy or Wrath… and procreation! Don’t even get me started!

And the more I read the more little sneaky twists snuck in… one page there was story… and the next Acknowledgements! Well done! Kept me on my toes! Keen to see where it goes next!

**chefs kiss**

The story follows our two main characters Eva and Ari. They live in one of a few surviving post-war cities called the Commonweath and it’s run by religious fanatics. This is a place where the smallest of sins has egregious consequences. Eva and Ari must find a way to live within the system they hate so much or be exiled to the wastelands with the hoards of barbarians.

(Think Divergent but if the church won the war)

I loved everything about this story!! From the dual perspective to the authors perfect use of imagery. I felt like I was in the book! Emily Colins writing put me smack dab in the middle of the action. Though the story is your stereotypical down with the system dystopian novel, Colins twist on the community being run by the church, and taking “I’m not like every other girl” to a whole new level; was a beautiful breath of fresh air!

If that doesn’t convince you then all I have to say is ARI…. He was everything I wanted in a leading male character.

This story just gave me exactly what I wanted from a dystopian story and I can not wait to read the next one!!

Ok Ms. Emily Colin, you now have a new fan! This book takes a much different approach from my usual fantasy books. The book is set in a modern post-war America where most people are now created artificially and society abides by never committing any of the seven deadly sins and living by the seven virtues. If they are caught showing pride, greed, envy, gluttony, wrath, sloth, or worst of all lust, then they endure severe punishment including execution. So obviously, the slow burn romance is excruciatingly real for this book. I absolutely loved the plot of this book. It was fast-paced, witty, and entirely captivating. The main characters, Ari and Eva, are easy to root for and I'm excited to see how their relationship continues to develop. The writing sometimes feels forced but overall kept me tuned in. If you loved the Divergent series then I would highly recommend giving this book a try!

I have received a digital advance review copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

When I started reading this book I really thought I was going to love it, but it ended up kinda disappointing me. The writing of Emily Colin's was good, but as the story developed I just felt like it was all a bit rushed. To be honest I felt like someone threw Delirium and Divergent series into a mixing bowl and this was the result. I lost interest in it when I got to like 80% of the book.

Sadly, this book just wasn't my cup of tea. But if you like dystopian books and you love Delirium or Divergent series then you might just end up liking this book, so you should give it a chance.

Eva, born into the Commonwealth, where citizens live and die by the code of the Seven Sins. Sins can not go unpunished and the threat of being executed at every corner, causes Eva to secretly question the Commonwealth.

" I knew I should nod like everyone else, knew the mothers were watching the children from the nursery to make sure we showed the appropriate response. But within me, from some unknown and dangerous place, came a spark of resistance."

Pretending to fit in and feel like the rest she’s Chosen as the first female bellator. Scared to be exiled or worse, she joins to become a trained fighter. Ari Westergaard, her unreadable mentor challenges her and brings out talents she was unaware she had.

Love is forbidden- Ari’s reminds himself daily to conceal his love for Eva since they were children. Eva who secretly has feelings for Ari, they both struggle with temptation and the strong pull of "sin". The two uncover a secret that could Commonwealth itself. Now Eva and Ari must make a choice: continue being a Bellator and protect the Commonweath or follow their hearts.

Well this book has been added to my "Favorite" Bookshelf and plan to pre-order the second book that comes out in August 2021. The author explains well how Eva is feeling as well and Ari, that allows you to feel part of the story. The surprises and twist and turns causes you to stay on the edge of your seat. The slow burn romance was greatly done, just the two touching each other hands caused you to stir with emotion. Greatly done!

"I don't think love makes you weak," Eva says, shooting him an irritated look. "But I do think it's dangerous. For love, people will take risks they'd never dream of otherwise."

Sword of the Seven Sins
Rating: 7/10


Book Synopsis:

There are seven virtues that society lives by. There are also seven sins that can get you punished. At any point you can find yourself living an unvirtuous life. Eva has always hated the rules her society lives by. They just don't make sense to her, so when she has to become the first female bellator she is conflicted. She can't turn away from this position chosen for her because that would mean exile, but how can she come the executioner for the High Priests. How can her role in this society be killing anyone who doesn't follow the rules when Eva knows her heart doesn't follow the rules itself.


Why I Read this Book:

This was the first book I got sent from NetGalley. Thanks NetGalley! Usually NetGalley is a place where you can get advanced reader copies of books in exchange for a book review on them. This book, however, is already published. It was published in 2020 and it was a book I could receive right away without going through a vetting process that normally happens before they send you books. So I figured it would be something I could read in order to get my feet wet in the ARC world of reading.


What I Thought:

I really liked the concept of this book. A society living by seven virtues and getting punished if they break one of the seven sins? That had me sold from the start, it was interesting how the society was laid out though. Each city is confined to itself so it is difficult to tell if this is how the entire world works, or if it just this little section of the world. And love and lust are intertwined, so there is no such thing as relationships. But the forbidden love trope is one of my favorites. Eva and Ari are so cute together and I really just wish them all the best. But how we got from point A to point B was a little hard for me. She becomes a bellator and is trying to stay away from Ari as much as possible so she doesn't give into her feelings, which is impossible because he is her mentor, but all of a sudden there is a secret society that Ari is told about? It doesn't seem like many precautions were taken place before Ari is told anything. And with how obsessed this world is with maintaining virtue I would have thought there would've been a bunch of hidden cameras somewhere. Or at least in the vineyard since gluttony is a sin. It seemed like some things were just unbelievable to me, or at least very improbable.

Sword of the Seven Sins tells the story of two new recruits in the Bellatorum, the elite guard of the Commonwealth, a particularly harsh authoritarian society. The book is an interesting mix of sci-fi dystopia and fantasy, and I found myself interested in the struggles of Ari and Eva as they navigated this harsh and interesting world.

The story often surprises with its well-written action sequences and reflective character writing. I found myself engaged and interested in the characters' relationship and what they were going through, and how the narration weaved intrigue and events together from different points of view.

The parts that kept me from being fully engrossed in the story were the occasional weak side character dialogue that felt merely like exposition to advance the story and a few convenient plot points.

However, I particularly enjoyed how the author played with the theme of 'sin' in relation to its authoritarian society. Some secrets and questions remain after finishing the book, so I'm interested in following the story to see how it continues to unravel.