The Curse of Sins was one of my highly anticipated sequels, and it more than lived up to my expectations. This story picks up where the first left off, and Aya and Will are forced to confront the consequences from the choices they made in The Curse of Saints. I loved the split focus between Aya/Will and Aidon/Josie. You could tell it was intentional to have the storylines intersect again at some point, it was just a matter of when. I love stories that are part chess match, and that’s what Dramis did so well in The Curse of Sins. Overall, I love her writing style. Dramis is great at keeping the plot moving well while not skipping out on character development and world building. There’s such a great mix of political intrigue, magic, and action to the point, I could not stop reading this. There were also plenty of betrayals and plot twists to keep you guessing at character’s true motivations and who was ultimately lying. I’m still not over that ending and desperate for book three. I combo read this bouncing between the ebook and audiobook. I think the narration by Devon Sorvari was good overall. The one critique I have is that I wish there was a little more distinction between the different character POVs. It made it difficult to keep track at times because there wasn’t a clear distinction between them at least at the speed I listen. I felt Sorvari did really well at bringing the emotion and amping up the intensity of the story. Overall, I really enjoyed both the ebook and audiobook and feel this would be great to read in either format.

The Curse of Saints was one of my favourite books last year so I can’t tell you how much I’ve been waiting for its sequel, The Curse of the Sins, to come out and it was worth the wait. Engrossing, action-packed, and full of surprises, I couldn’t put it down.

The Curse of the Sins picks up right after the ending of the first book. After discovering the truth about their queen and her plans for the Second Saint, Aya and Will return to Tala with every intention to stop her. Once enemies, now lovers, they have to pretend that nothing’s changed during their stay in Rinnia, while trying to save their realm from war.

As the Second Saint, Aya is popular now. Everyone expects great things and power from her and she feels the pressure of these expectations, especially as she keeps playing a game of pretending with everyone, except Will. Oh, the romance between these two was perfect! Swoony, sexy, and full of chemistry and tension that kept me completely absorbed.

In the meantime, in Rinnia, Aedion must face responsibilities and challenges as the new king. He’s always known he was heir to the throne, but he didn’t expect to kill his uncle to do it. With so many enemies around him, he doesn’t know who to trust, and he is keeping secrets that, if discovered, could put everyone in danger.

The Curse of Sins is even better than the first book. As the first book in the trilogy, The Curse of Saints focuses more on world building and introduction to the characters and the plot. The Curse of Sins brings it all together, adding exciting romance, a bit of drama, and many more twists and turns, with a fantastic and explosive cliffhanger that makes me count down the days until the third book.

Arc review
I'm speechless... This book was an angsty emotional rollercoaster. And that cliffhanger?? I need final book NOW. Anyway, I loved this book more than the first one. I loved that Aya's character kept growing, how, despite her coming to terms with her guilt in first book, she kept learning to accept her pain and feelings. And Will... My boy deserves a break. Seriously, his self-loathing was painful to read. I loved that in their relationship, despite their love for each other, their past didn't let go of them and there were moments they still felt the smallest hint of doubt about each other. I loved that they were growing in this relationship and learning how to trust each other completely. I also loved that we got Josie's pov here. I was curious of what was happening in her head. I loved how Will and Aidon's friendship evolved. They were so funny. Another pleasant surprise was Liam. Boy did I underestimate him in first book. Didn't expect him to save the day. Oh and the wolves. I loved that we had more of Tyr and Akeeta, that we actually saw them in action with their bonded. And Gianna. I never liked her, since the beginning there was something about her that screamed 'red flag'. I didn't expect her to turn out to be so much worse. But I think I should've. That woman is crazy. But I loved that twist on the real villain. I really can't wait to see what will happen next.

I am still processing the details and so this is not the best review ever. Sorry, but not sorry its Kates fault.

I am so pleased that I had the opportunity to read this second book in the Curse of Saints series. I enjoyed the first one, but The Curse of Sins was a whole other level of drama, tension and romance. I remember writing in my review for The Curse of Saints that I wish there had been more romance throughout the story and my wish came true. Aya and Will's relationship developed so much more and I was on that romance journey right alongside them.

I got very invested in the plot with this one. I felt joyous when good things happened and heartbroken when things weren't going well (which happened a lot!). I loved the secrecy and mystery, particularly when it all started to unravel. I am not ashamed to admit that was more than one twist that I did not see coming and I had many *gasps with hand to mouth* moments.

I continued to love Aya and I think she is a great character in this series. She's brave albeit a touch stubborn and she cares and loves fiercely. I really enjoyed seeing some of her vulnerabilities and was so pleased that she let her guard down with Will. I went to and fro on my feelings about Will. He made some questionable decisions but I am team Will and believe that his intentions were always true.

The only downside to having read this book now is that I have to wait for the next book to be released. The ending has left me craving more and if I had it my way, I'd be jumping straight back into this world with these characters.

I can't begin to describe how much I love this series!!

I won't go into much detail about the plot, as this is book 2, so I'll avoid any spoilers!

I am so glad to be back reading about Aya and Will. Aya is a badass FMC, and I love her for that! Her character development from the beginning of book 1 has been great. She's definitely become formidable and a force to be reckoned with.

I am so glad to see more of the wolves in this book! This was something I was really hoping for, and it's looking like we may hopefully see more in book 3 🤞.

This was such a good read with so many twists in the storyline. I never saw most of the stroyline coming, even right at the beginning. I can't wait to see where book 3 goes now!

I won't spoil anything at all, but I will say Kate has a way of ending her books and leaving you DESPERATE for more!! First, the epilogue in book 1 and now the ending of book 2 😲 I absolutely can't wait for book 3 now.

4,5 / 5

Not counting the prologue, Curse of Sins picks up right where Curse of Saints left off.

Due to my own stupidity, I accidentally spoiled myself with what happens on the last 20, maybe 30 pages, and I was somewhat worried that it wouldn’t have the effect on me that the author intended. Which yes, but also, no. It affected me even though I knew what was coming.
Don’t be like me. You don’t want to know what happens until it actually happens.

Compared to book one, this sequel had way more monologues from pretty much everyone who had their own pov. Which was nice, because we got a more in depth view in their minds.
Yet it also felt a bit too much at times, because those monologues might feel repetitive to a certain point.
Especially when those feelings, thoughts and doubts often enough boil down to the same issue the character in question was facing from the beginning of the book/series.
And it’s not like I can’t understand those emotions, it’s just from a reader pov you’re like ‘ok I think I got it now’.
One might argue that those parts could have been shortened or felt dragged out and I am inclined to agree.

I loved Aidon + Josie in Curse of Saints and was very happy to see that they played not only a bigger role, but we also got to see frequently through their povs what was happening in their lives and in Trahir, especially after the events in Curse of Saints.
But I love them even more now!

An arguably important part of the book was Tova and her relationship with Aya. I would have loved to read some of their conversations through Tova’s pov, so we can understand her own frustration and general emotions better.

We were also (re)introduced to (some new) characters not only around Aya and Will, but also Aidon and Josie and I am very interested to see how these new relationships will develop in the next book.

Some of the cursing felt a bit off, and it’s not like I am against dropping the f-bomb or a curse in general (one might argue I am actually the opposite of being against it), but there were some moments where it did feel almost forced and not really necessary to convey whatever frustration the character was feeling.
This is also something that I felt during Curse of Saints, but can easily look past.

I also felt like some of the revelations came way too quickly to Aya and Will. How are you not able to connect the dots and see through all of the issues and yet here you are suddenly understanding everything without a second thought?

With how Curse of Sins ended, I am VERY excited to read the next book and hope to explore even more of the world! I would also really love to read from some more characters point of view.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐬
Aya has returned home as the Second Saint, the saviour of the realm, but there are people willing to use her powers for their own gain and they are closer than she thinks. And there are those who see her as pawn and want to use her power for their own gain, Aya is about to learn that the real danger is closer to home than she could have imagined.

This book cleverly portrays the inner turmoil of the main characters as she begins her journey as the Second Saint. There is additional light being shed on other characters pasts and how far they are willing to go to protect the ones they love. There is something beautiful and telling about this book and it’s characters. This story is captivating and will leave you wanting more with very turn of the page. Any fantasy romance reader will swoon over the relationship between the charters; fantasy lovers will want to delve deeper into the world; and reader will enjoy the story as it unfolds.

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘗𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘯 𝘙𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘮 𝘏𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘥𝘪𝘨𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘷𝘪𝘢 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘚𝘪𝘯𝘴 𝘣𝘺 𝘒𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘋𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘴

4.5 ⭐️ 2 🌶️
Multiple Pov in 3rd person

This story picks up immediately where the first book left off. I really enjoy Will and Aya together, the tension and chemistry between them is perfect. Cant wait to see where Aidon's story goes.

I can't wait for book 3 after that ending!!

Thank you for the eARC, Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House & Netgallery

"The Curse of Sins" picks up right after " The Curse of Saints," and we follow Aya and Will as they navigate the aftermath of previous events. While the first half unfolds at a more leisurely pace, the story intensifies dramatically as it progresses.
The final 20% of this book is a whirlwind of unexpected twists, culminating in a jaw-dropping cliffhanger.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching the characters evolve and embrace their strengths. The development was satisfying and compelling. Given that cliffhanger, there's no doubt I'll be diving into the next installment!

OH MY LORD

Before requesting this ARC, I hadn’t even read the first one (concerning for my feedback percent I know) but boy am I glad I requested this.
I immediately started this after the last one and was happy to find out that it continues straight on.
I am absolutely in love with Aya and Will, but miss author you’ve really done me dirty with that cliff hanger! And now I have to WAIT?? AFTER THAT?? Unacceptable

Thanks to NetGalley for providing 'Curse of Sins' by Kate Dramis in exchange for my honest review

I had such high hopes for this sequel, I really loved the first book Curse of Saints, however but this book just did not hit it for me the way the previous book did.. I really liked the first book, however I found this book too brooding and the pace was slow for me.

I must confess it was a big let down after the first book.

I struggled with this one a bit. I enjoyed the first one but perhaps the second suffered a little. I don't think it helped by being more than 600 pages long. I think the first half dragged a little but definitely picked up towards the end. I enjoyed the tension of the last couple chapters and that cliff hanger was really something.
This book deals a lot with not knowing who to trust and I think that was done well. I also enjoyed the characters coming together more in this than last time. knowing they have each other even if they don't know who else to trust.
I'm not sure if I want to continue the series. sometime cliff hangers are their just to push you onto the next book, but without it I'm not sure there is anything keeping me attached to this series.

This series so far are just been average? I hoped the second book would bring more to the table, but it still fell short for me. I really wanted to be invested cause I feel like it has soo much potential. Unfortunately there's just no spark for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for this amazing opportunity to read rate and review this arc which is available June 20,2024!

I enjoyed it. I was also highly annoyed with the repetitiveness in the dialogue and writing style. It is truly solid sequel. I love Aya. Will? Not so much. I felt like this book had a bit of a sequel slump but it is still very very good.

WHAT JUST HAPPENED?! The last 30% is an absolute ride with a ton of unexpected twists and that cliffhanger. Omg. I am unwell.

Sins picks up right after Saints, and we see Aya and Will deal with the fallout of everything that happened. Lots of heartache and literal pain to be had by all. The first half was sort of a slow roll, but wow, did it ramp up. I definitely messaged Kate at one point because I was freaking out. Haha

I loved seeing so many of the characters come into their own and embrace their strengths. I will definitely have to read the next one because, again, that cliffhanger!

Thanks to Kate and NetGalley for an eARC of this book for an honest review.

The Curse of Sins surpassed all expectations and not in the way I predicted at all.
The novel starts right where it left off in the first novel of the series, with an Aya and Will worried for what they will find in Tala. And they should be, as they do not know who can they trust, is the queen reliable? Can they trust Tova with the new found information they bring from Trahir?
This novels plays with themes like distrust and uncertainty, the struggle to find out a darker truth behind the hardest of betrayals. And Aya will be fighting to keep faith and hope while exploring her power and finding the answers to all her questions, can she save the realm? Can she continue to fight the darkness in her? Will her love prevail over all the trials? Or will the pressure of an upcoming war destroy all they have built during their time in Rinnia?
This book manages to masterfully portray the inner battle of Aya in this part of her journey as the second saint. It also sheds much wanted light into Will’s past and his present, showing us an introspective view of his fight against the shadows of the past and the lengths he will go to protect Aya from harm.
The story is captivating since the beginning, keeping you on the edge of your seat for the whole read. This is written in a way that makes you suffer alongside the characters and identify with their concerns and worries. The curse of Sins is the perfect continuation to an exhilarating story I cannot recommend enough.

DNF

I am going to have to dnf this one. After enjoying the first book in this series. It was such a great book! Unfortunately I am having a hard time getting into the sequel. I don't think the length is helping with this since it feels spread out with a lot of brooding in between when it comes to the plot twists. Some also don't have the impact that I was expecting. This could totally be me since I have been in a reading slump lately, but this book isn't helping with that. I may get back into this one eventually.

The Curse of Sins is the second book in the series and continues where book 1 left off with Aya and Will returning to their kingdom to unravel secrets and unleash Aya's true power.

I said this in my review of the first book and I'll say it again, I absolutely adore the relationship between Aya and Will. They're the absolute perfect main characters for a fantasy book of this degree. This book didn't focus heavily on the romance and I actually really enjoyed that. It had me eating up all the moments between them that we did get between the two. It also allowed for the reader to pay more attention to the plot and the little clues that were put throughout the book to unravel the plot.

Despite absolutely loving the first book in this series, I can't say that I enjoyed this book as much as I did The curse of saints. Maybe it was because the entire concept of the book was new in book 1, but I found myself loving book 1 so much more compared to this book. That's not to say I didn't enjoy this one because I did; I just feel like certain parts of this book acted kind of like a filler to make the book a longer one.

Despite not enjoying this book as much as the first one, the concept of this entire book was all was still extremely interesting and new to me. I've never read a fantasy book with the aspects that this book contained and I enjoyed that.

All in all, I think that book was definitely an enjoyable one. I can't wait for book 3 in this series - especially given how this book ended - and I'm already craving more Aya and Will.

So I enjoyed Book 1 by Kate Dramis. I will say maybe it was the time that passed or my preferences have changed but I wasn’t as in love with this book as I was in The Curse of Saints. I loved the action and loved the opportunity to read about Aya and Will again. Even after they go through they come back to one another. Love it!