Book Name: The Curse of Sins
Author: Kate Dramis

ARC
Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca

Stars: 2

- Thoughts.
- Everything I hoped we’d get past on book 1 … still here….
- everything i liked in book 1 …. gone…

I had such high hopes… and they just fell apart.. its slow and flat and I don’t know how she did that with everything possible to go …. the plot is great execution is horrible.

"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!

Literally what else can I say other than this book is freaking amazing... I absolutely adored The Curse of Saints and I was so thrilled to be able to get my hands on a copy of this early... I did however forget to write my feedback on Netgalley for the longest time so my apologies for that. I adore the direction that Kate takes in the book, delving into each of the characters individually and giving us new views and things to think about going into the third novel in the trilogy. I really did have so much fun reading this as much as it tore my heart apart to finish it. I love watching each of the characters interact with each other - their characters are well fleshed out and distinct making it easy for me to follow dialogue which I sometimes struggle with as a dyslexic reader.

Kate Dramis killed it in this sequel. The book was a great continuation to the first book. It did feel like it was a little slower at times (especially during part two of the book), but overall the story was phenomenal and the characters were just as great as the first. I really did love the plot twist in the end and I am excited to see what happens in the third!

Actual rating 4.5/5 stars. This is the second instalment in the Curse of Saints series.

Aya was once in her queen's inner-circle but then her magic manifested and she became everything her kingdom had been taught to fear and despise. Now she has to discover who she really is and if everything she knows has been a lie all along. She must forge her own path and, in doing so, betray queen and country and those she holds dear.

The politics of the lands featured heavily throughout this and I adored the high stakes, the plotting, the scheming, the constant threat of discovery, and the consistent idea that all was not as it really seemed to be. This book was one adrenaline-fuelled ride and I loved every second of it!

That isn't to say that it wasn't without its softer moments, as the core characters explored their relationships with one another. I loved these moments just as much but they too were overshadowed with the threat of discovery. I was dogged with the fear that everything the characters had fought for was going to be ripped away or their bonds used against each other, and it seemed I was right to own this fear!

I hesitate to say too much about the plot of this book, due to it being a sequel, but what I can say is that it immediately follows the events of the first, focusing mainly on Aya and Will, as well as Aidon and Josie, as each of them tries to settle into their new roles for the upcoming war.

This was definitely an improvement on the first book, though the pacing suffered the most from Dramis’s attempt at balancing relationships with plot. I could see a good 100 pages being chopped without any particular loss to this book or series. But I’m also baffled by Aya’s lack of thought towards her father for the last 25% of the book, especially given everything that happens. And I’m skeptical on the whole Mathias thing.

With that being said, I’m here for more wolf content, Aidon and Josie’s struggles, both individual and with each other. Will continues to be the most fascinating character of the bunch, though not for being hopelessly in love with Aya, since that gets to be a bit much for me, personally. I really liked having Liam back in this book and watching him grow into a very interesting character. Wish him and his sister had a weightier moment together. Gianna is definitely a worthy opponent, also really liked seeing her scheming in action, even though I wanted to deck her for the entirety of this book. Well done, author.

As for Aya, she’s okay. Her reasoning suffers a bit in this book, particularly in two instances—when she finds out what Will is doing, and when she goes after a specific person around 75%, and specifically in how these two events correlate to each other. A bit hypocritical of her, though I suppose we all have our blind spots.

On the other hand, Tova’s plotline felt a bit drawn out and simultaneously underutilized, and while I like Aleissande by herself, I certainly don’t like her with Josie, so I hope book 3 puts an end to that. And also answers what will happen to Ryker. I can’t have been the only one who got a vibe from him?

Anyway, that cliffhanger was mean. Feelings have been hurt.

I regretfully had to DNF this one. I made it about 33% in and I just felt stuck and bored. There wasn't much character development/progression at this point and I found it hard to care. It was also hard to the main characters name in EVERY sentence.

I gave it an extra star because she is thicc and I know this author worked hard on this book. It just wasn't for me at this time.

Thank you netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC

this series is SO DAMN GOOD.

i am genuinely not sure why it took me so long to find Kate, but i am so shocked because i love these characters so much.

the twists & turns in this book had me gasping out loud, i at one point did throw my kindle across the room, and yet still came back for more. it only took me a while to finish it because i was sad for it to end.

the webs of lies, trust, deception, family, found family, and friends is so intricate and well-written. when Aya hurts, i hurt. hells, when Will hurts i hurt.

this series is SO DAMN GOOD.

I am genuinely not sure why it took me so long to find Kate, but i am so shocked because I love these characters so much.

the twists & turns in this book had me gasping out loud, I at one point did throw my kindle across the room, and yet still came back for more. It only took me a while to finish it because I was sad for it to end.

the webs of lies, trust, deception, family, found family, and friends is so intricate and well-written. When Aya hurts, I hurt. Hells, when Will hurts I hurt. SO. damn. GOOD!

do yourself a favor and read it immediately

I got lucky enough to have access to both the Audiobook and ebook of this book, and this was for me the best combo. I did the same thing with The Curse of Saint and it just worked so well, because it does have a slow start, and there were some moments when I struggled a little more into staying into the story, but I soon as I listened to a few chapters, I jumped right back to reading the books (I love being able to read and listen to a book depending on my mood, my schedule or where we are in the story). And the narration was great. I could listen to it at 1.8 or 2x speed like I usually do.
One thing that I did really enjoy is the tension between the characters, as we often didn't know for sure who Aya and Will could really trust, and how these tensions affected the dynamics between characters. Character-wise, we also get additional POVs, and I'm still not 100% how I feel about it. On one hand, I'm not a big fan of multiple POVs, as I do find that it the beat of my reading, and I often find myself struggling to stay in the story when it switches too often. On the other, I was glad to get a little more from Aidon and all, but still. That's where the audio book really helped keep me into the story and pretty much devour the book in a day.
Now, I have to say, I didn't realize this wasn't the conclusion to the story, so there was a little bit of a shock when I realize that (which was pretty in the last like 50 pages). In a way, it is a good sign, because I didn't really like it was a filler book, like it can sometime happen a middle book (though, let's be clear, there were some moments in the books that really slowed it down, and I couldn't have seen remove to keep the pace a little more to my taste). I honestly enjoyed it, and I'm really looking forward to the next book, because I really want to know what will happen next to Aya, Will and company.

This book was everything that I had hoped for in a sequel. It does not suffer from middle book syndrome. It was action-packed, contained exquisite character development, and toyed with the reader with some unexpected twists and turns - especially that ending. It’s hard to tell how heart-broken I am when I am still suffering from shock, even weeks after having finished this book. I am eagerly (and impatiently) awaiting the conclusion to this series. Dramis’ world building was palpable - I felt like I was completely immersed in the world and did not want to leave. The magic system continued to impress. The characters are really what pull at the heart strings and have you rooting for each one at every turn. She created a story that I was so invested in that I did not see the depth to the treachery until it was too late and I was holding back from throwing my reader across the room. I desperately need someone to talk to about everything that I experienced.
I highly recommend this series to anyone that enjoys a high-stakes fantasy that you want to get lost in. I already have a special edition physical copy of the book on its way to me.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for an e-arc of the book. The opinions expressed are honest and my own.

"The Curse of Sins" is the follow-up to Kate Dramis's "The Curse of Saints," and while it didn't quite hit the same high notes as the first book, it was still an enjoyable read.

The world-building remains impressive, and Dramis does a great job of expanding on the lore introduced in the first book. That said, there were times when the plot felt a bit predictable and didn't carry the same sense of urgency and surprise as its predecessor.

Despite these issues, Aya's journey is still compelling, and there are plenty of twists and turns to keep readers engaged. If you enjoyed the first book, "The Curse of Sins" is definitely worth a read, even if it doesn't quite live up to the original. It sets up an intriguing premise for what comes next in the series.

It's been a while since I felt like I had to pick up the next book in a series right away. The problem is that I'll have to wait a year for the next book even after that cliffhanger! The book also held a lot of mystery and suspense throughout the story that kept me reading. This is also one of the best sequels I've read. Some of those plot twists have me reeling.

I love Aya, Will, and all of their friends with all my heart. Aya and Will are beautifully written complex characters in their own scenes, and together they have the best chemistry. I even hated at first when it was Aidon's or Josie'spoint of view because I just wanted to read about Aya and Will. However, Aidan and Josie's characters were amazingly developed throughout the book and were very fun to read. The book's best parts are when at least two of them are together because the character dynamics are exceptional. Kate Dramis is just amazing at writing the characters to make a reader hate or love them, especially the villains of the story. The best example is Tova who I had a love-hate relationship based on what side she was currently believed to be on.

My favorite part of the series is probably the world-building. Everything from the kingdoms to the religious systems is very well written. My favorite part is that both Will and Aya have bonded wolves called Athatises.

The Curse of Sins was pretty high up on my most anticipated releases for the summer season. I enjoyed the first book and looked forward to expanding on Aya and Will’s relationship, as well as the lore and upcoming war. I think the first half of this book lacked plot movement and purpose, but once I got through it and things picked up, I couldn’t put this book down! I really enjoyed the twists and the ending cliff hanger. I just know we’re going to get some top tier angst in the third book and I’m already stoked. I hope the author is able to keep momentum going so I’m not so bored while she develops the plot, since that’s my biggest complaint with The Curse of Sins. Overall, this trilogy has been a ton of fun and I’ve really enjoyed it so far!

Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and the author for providing me an early copy!

Sometimes sequels in a trilogy make me apprehensive. That the characters will get lost in translation as the plot thickens in a sophomore book. Rest assured, I was immensely relieved to find that was not the case here.

Will and Aya had found the way to each other’s hearts at the end of book one but they have a lot to work through in the journey ahead. And it’s rough and messy but their love perseveres. My heart especially hurt for Will. Oh sweet Will 😭. The absolute dedication he has to Aya is to his own detriment. I just want to wrap him in a blanket and hide him in my closet from any more pain. Aya experiences so many painful hurdles and I love her character growth through it all. I loved seeing her ruthless side making an appearance again.

I knew I was gonna love Liam from the first time he made an appearance in this one. But his name is giving me PTSD IYKYK and I’m trying not to get too attached 😅. Tova…it’s complicated but I did love her by the end. I’m so happy we got POVs for our friends across the sea and I was so looking forward to that reunion!

The plot!! Oh man. I had my suspicions but I did not see things unfolding the way they did towards the end. Master stroke. I have no idea how the characters are going to overcome these new challenges but I absolutely cannot wait to find out in the next book.

Thanks to the publisher and author for the eARC.

The Curse of Sins has surpassed my expectations for a sequel. Dare I say, I like it more than book 1? The answer is yes! We're still following Aya and Will as they return to Tala following the bombshell from The Curse of Saints. Normally I don't particularly enjoy when a book splits off into multiple POVs for extended periods of time but I really liked it in Sins. I loved getting more from Aidon and Josie along with the introduction of new characters like Aleissande. I am still reeling from the ending but am truly excited for the next installment!

I really enjoyed this book and thought it was different and intriguing! I liked all the characters and will be very interested to read the next book. Will be adding to our library!

Secrets, betrayal, and the power of the saints all converge as war is here and who knows who you can trust. Picking up where the first book left off Aya and Will have finally confessed their feelings for each other and have begun a relationship... one they will have to keep in secret as they return to serve their wicked one. Aya is a new discovered prophecized second saint, her powers have been awakened... and the queen will want to use her for her own agenda. Will is the queen's second in command... and someone who has a reputation that has been carefully crafted to appear as if he is her lover... and who knows how long he can keep the queen's interest at bay before she begins to demand more from him... demand things he will only ever want to give to Aya. Aya and Will have sworn oaths to each other but they both must put on their masks again and pretend to hate one another... but how can their new relationship survive it when the Queen becomes suspicious of them and Will is hiding secrets that would destroy the tenuous trust Aya has given him. Will is determined to protect Aya at all costs... but the costs might cost him Aya's love and he'll do anything to hold on to her, to have her after all this time. Aya is thrust into her new role as saint... but that means facing off against what the people expect... and a strange visitor that has been plaguing her dreams. All the while Aidon, a new King must find a way to not only move past everything that happened to him in the first book but take on the responsibilities of being king and find out who he can trust and if he can save his kingdom. Will and Aya must find a way to stop Queen Giana before she destroys them all... but is she the true villain or s a much darker villain waiting to reveal themselves? This was definitely such a fun sequel to the first book and oh boy did it pick up on the SPICE, like hot DAMN. I enjoyed the political drama and relationship drama in this one and loved seeing just how in love Aya and Will were. I also enjoyed Aidon and couldn't wait for the trio to get back together. The villain twist was fun and the book ends on a cliffhanger so I can't wait to read the next book!

Spoiler: Aya and Will go back to the palace and pretend to be normal... only Toya has revealed Will's secret to the Queen and she is now suspicious of him. She tasks him with torturing and finding the supplier who leaked the information while also demanding a bit more of their relationship (he does not want it). Aya is also being trained more and forced to study the saints books to figure out more about the previous saint, Evie. Aya and Will secretly continue their relationship but Will doesn't tell Aya about what he is doing, too afraid that she'll hate him again and that he'll tell her later. Turns out the Queen tortured and erased Toya's memories, leading to her accidentally telling the queen about Aya and Will's relationship (she knew he was faking it the entire time and was testing him). Aya finds out and Will and her get into a fight but finally tell the truth to one another only for the queen to send Will away to the other kingdoms (it was a death mission). Will finds out that the Queen has been killing off the other kingdoms and when the Queen lies and tells Aya that Will is dead, Aya runs to Will, no longer caring about the consequences. Aya and Will reunite, Will was saved by Aidon only for them all to go face off against the queen. Lena was the one to betray Will and Liam sides with Will (Lena and Liam are siblings). Turns out Evie was evil and waiting to be released all along, she kills the Queen and Toya and kidnaps Aya for herself. Will arrives only to find Aya taken (Book ends).

Release Date: June 25,2024

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca | Sourcebooks Casablanca for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

This book picks up where the last one left off with Aya and Will on their way home via ship. They plan to get back into Queen Gianna's good graces to uncover her plan. And after the events in the last book to say that won't be easy is an understatement. The only way to uncover the plans is to go back to the way things were before they left and act like all the changes between them didn't happen. This causes A LOT of emotional turmoil not only for each other but for Will, I think his job with the Queen is definitely the hardest and the most likely to go wrong.

As soon as they get home the pace of the story picks up and doesn't stop until we reach the last page. So many things happen, we have betrayals, new surprising friendships, more action, and we get a lot more character development all of which propels the story forward making me not want to put the book down. I can't wait to see how it is all going to play out in the next book, especially with the way The Curse of Sins ended!! So unexpected, I loved it.

This book was everything I wanted it to be and more! It perfectly met, if not exceeded, my expectations. I loved all of it, I think it’s a perfect second book in a trilogy.
The Curse of Sins follows Aya and Will, back in Tala, as they’re trying to uncover Gianna’s plan and understand the prophecy and Aya’s role in it, all while struggling to decide who they can trust and keeping their feelings for each other secret.
I loved Aya’s and Will’s journey as characters in the first book, and this sequel did not disappoint! I liked how Aya struggles to understand what it means to be “a saint”, to be the chosen one and save the kingdom, the length she must go to do so, and what she’s willing to sacrifice for it. We see Will more vulnerable than ever – with Aya, with himself – as he starts to open up more and show his true self. I was struggling right beside them as they were trying to do the right thing time and again, as new obstacles were put in front of them.
I love them apart and I love them together, they make me cry all my tears and feel all the feels - they’re my new favorite fictional couple.
I liked following Aidon and Josie’s POVs as well, I love their storylines. I loved Aidon’s character in the first book and even more in this second one, as his internal conflict is growing as he struggles to mend his bond with his sister, keeping his secret hidden and making the right choices as king to save everyone. I can’t wait to see more of him in the next book and how his character arc progresses.
I also loved the side characters – I loved Tova from the first book and was happy we got to see more of her in this one. I also fell in love with Liam and Aleissande. TYR!!! I love the bond between him and Aya so much, their reunion scene made me sob. They are one of my favorite things about this story.
Every character in this book felt so real and three-dimensional – they all seem like real people to me, I would do anything for them. I loved the main cast, individually and together, their dynamics and relationships add so much tension and layers to the story, it’s amazing.
I think every single thread in this book was woven together so well. The engaging plot, the shocking plot twists and revelations (THE ONE AT THE END, OMG), the character arcs, all the political and court intrigues… everything comes together to create a rollercoaster of an emotional journey for this story.
I also adore Kate’s writing style, I think it perfectly delivers the emotional punches: I felt everything the characters were feeling.
I really recommend this series, it’s become one of my favorites ever. It’s been a long time since I read a fantasy series that so perfectly suits my taste. Do you know that feeling when you read a book and you think it is written just for you, so much so that some parts even feel familiar to you? That’s how I feel about these series.
I laughed, I giggled, I cried, and sobbed while reading this book. AND ALSO THAT ENDING??? I don’t think I will recover anytime soon, I was gasping and crying while reading the last pages. Kate, you are mean. I need the third book ASAP, please. My mental stability depends on it.