This is my first TRUE FIVE STAR read of the year! I listened to an advanced copy of the audiobook, which is releasing in May 2026, although the ebook has been out since September - and I am going to literally recommend this to EVERYONE!

I was honestly not sure what to expect when I started the book, but the premise sounded thoroughly original - and it exceeded ALL expectations! The main character is an original demon, the embodiment of the first sin of Pride. Pride leads his demonic siblings in their primary objective - to harvest human souls for their Maker. As the centuries pass, the demons find themselves constantly adapting and evolving in order to better understand and manipulate their human prey - but living amongst the humans takes its own toll. Pride finds himself struggling with his sense of identity and purpose, with his desires, and his increasing feelings of resentment towards Lucifer…

The writing was truly impeccable - intelligent, purposeful, and engaging. Ms. Coursey crafts a beautiful world, giving us glimpses of magic and creatures and cultures that are both familiar and fantastical. You really feel as if this story is woven into the fabric of our own human history, while still feeling fresh and unique. She explores the themes of humanity and self-determination in a way that is thought provoking, but still accessible. This book makes you FEEL side by side with the demons, through every bit of joy and pain (and there is plenty of both.) With this stunning debut novel, I know now that Ms. Coursey will become one of my auto-buy authors, and I am a fan for life.

Now, as I listened to this as an audiobook, I do want to take time to review that format specifically. The narrator, Sami Ro, did a marvelous job bringing all of the demons to life. I particularly loved her characterization of the twins (Greed and Gluttony). The novel has many dialogue heavy chapters, yet there was never any difficulty keeping track of who was who during the scenes. The production value was high, and the audio effects used to give that other worldly/demonic tone to Lucifer (and some of the other characters) was effective without being campy. I highly recommend the audiobook to anyone that wants to experience the book, but may be intimidated by the length of the written versions.

Overall, this novel is officially joining my GOD-TIER fantasy series - right up there with the Wheel of Time and Kushiel’s Legacy series. I literally CANNOT wait for the next book to come out later this year!

I cannot believe this is Kassidy Coursey debut into dark fantasy! This was such a cool representation of the seven deadly sins. They were personified with depth and had such great interactions with another. Sibling rivalry is hell, and in hell too, apparently.
Character development was done so well that I couldn't help but root for a character that I didn't want to like. Lucifer was dark. I mean, like devilishly dark and intense, not like snarky dark sense of humor dark. He made my skin crawl and the voice actors absolutely nailed the presentation of these characters. The familial support and relationships were emotionally wrecking and sweet and provided such a believable amount of dysfunction that I giggled a few times. I don't know how to classify this story because the world building was so plush and vivid that it gave me all the makings of an epic fantasy but there was some instant attraction stuff that was very unique for that genre. Overall, a very unique and well written story but be prepared to fall in love with a demon... or demons.

This was such a unique and surprisingly emotional take on the seven deadly sins. Each sin is personified with real depth, and the sibling dynamics were fantastic. Lucifer in particular was genuinely unsettling, and the audiobook narration by Sami Ro brought every character to life in a way that made the story even richer.

The world‑building is vivid and immersive, blending epic‑fantasy scale with a character‑driven story about identity, purpose, and what it means to evolve. It’s dark, intense, and unexpectedly heartfelt, with moments that made me laugh and others that hit much harder.

Overall, a fresh, well‑written fantasy with incredible narration and a cast of demons you can’t help but get attached to. I’m already excited for the next book.

Wow - this novel has such a unique premise, it was a pleasure to read. Fallen's First is an Adam-and-Eve retelling through the framework of the 7 demons of hell and Lucifer. The story explores the nature of the Seven Deadly sins as if they were individuals and how each others "sins" influence them. It's it a little slow getting started because the demons are newly made and still orienting themselves to their reality and learning language. But once the story gets past the "introduction" chapters (part 1), it comes together faster. It's a slow burn with real pay off.

The audiobook narrator Sami Ro did an excellent job with the many voices of the demons, Lucifer and humans. She has incredible range and a soothing presence.

Bonus: the author has some wonderful artwork made for Saer and Neyu on her Instagram :)