Book two picks up right where book 1 ended and though it didn’t end on a cliff hanger, I was glad not to have too much time pass as there is a lot of new information going forward as Aya and Will return to Trahir. I was also glad that even though they left Tala, we still get POVs from Aidon as well as his sister Jodie. In book one, it took some time to trust them and even like them, but they develop into likeable characters. Characters are fully fleshed out, from those we aren’t sure we can trust, the unexpected relationships that develop and even truly despise those we’re meant to. But even then, Dramis always adds a twist that makes the reader really ponder human, even non-human, behavior and I especially liked that the characters were fully developed in this way. I was able to develop an emotional attachment to them and empathize with them or understand motives and moral conflict.

This book also has great world building, expanding upon the different kingdoms, the magic Visya and non-magic people, as well as their faith. Political machinations and impending war, and religious beliefs move the plot toward our inevitable end, all while trying to figure out who is an ally, a spy, or a traitor.  I especially enjoyed the various magical abilities and how they worked within the world.

With that intrigue, we also still have our romance, and it has gotten spicy. With this being an adult book, it can really explore that more, as well the complexities of love and decisions we make, the sacrifices we make. I think the introspection on finding yourself, being true to yourself, and letting others see the real you came through well. It explores forgiveness and vulnerability. Our morally gray love-interest and prophesied saint are not only enemies to lovers but at this point, nearly a forbidden romance. Can Will even be acceptable for a saint? To Aya’s dad, to Tova?

I absolutely loved getting more of Tova and Josie and Tyr, meeting Liam and Alisand, and seeing all their interactions. This one had action, adventure, romance, friendship, family, found family and the messy dynamics of it all.  I also did not anticipate that ending. I’m only sad I have to wait for the third book, because I found this fun and enjoyable. The narrator did a fabtastic job capturing tone and distinguishing POV.

Kate Dramis!!!! What is in this series? I loved getting to know more about Aya’s backstory and what makes her tick. What I didn't love was the ending. I am ready for the next one ASAP.

I DNFed this at 55%. I didn’t love the first book but I was hoping to enjoy this one more but I just couldn’t. I think I’m getting tired of the MMC keeping things from the FMC and then it causing the FMC to not trust him. I just can’t deal with that trope rn in any of my books and I tried to get past it but when it happened again I just couldn’t see past it. I also don’t love how this narrator does the voice for Will. In book one I was able to deal with it but in this one it started to grind on me more. On retail sites I won’t be giving it a star review since I did not finish it.

I was so excited to get book two in the series. Also getting approved for the audio ARC seemed perfect as the best way to fit it into my TBR. The problem with ARCs is that we have to wait longer than normal to get to the next, final in this case, installment though. Also, I have gone back and read my review of the first book and laughed now that I’m through with this one.

Character work is something that is done very well in both books. We get to see our characters work through turmoil, joy, and grief and see how that can change them. Aya and Aidon shine in this capacity. The author is also very true to real life in the emotional range of our characters. Her author note showed how Dramis wanted to show that characters, much like us, can go through emotional growth only to circle back around to having the same issues later. On that note though let's move to the pacing.

Well, maybe not the pacing but also a little bit. I feel that the book was too long. Sure it is typical fantasy length. However, we had several instances where it didn't seem that the plot was moving forward and repetitive scenes. This doesn't seem necessary to the amount that it was done even to convey the emotional states and depth of our characters.

The plot of this one seems to be that Aya and Will are returning home to face their queen. While they don't fully trust her they also know this is their best chance to find answers. Aya must discover what the greatest wrong she has to right is before war is upon them. They decide the best course is to hide their relationship. This way Will can still pretend to be flirting with the queen. Most of Will's time is still spent searching for the weapons supplier mentioned in the first book and hating himself. While Aya is sent for an emotional upheaval after an attack close to home.

One point against the specific version. For this read-through, I listened to the audiobook for the first book to have a refresher before starting the audiobook ARC. While the narrator has a good voice and pronounces stuff correctly there were issues. Mainly the issue is that there are different main characters between male & female and there was no noticeable difference. Then even between the different perspectives of the same gender or conversations, there was hardly a distinction between inflection of voice. This just made it hard to know who the perspective of each chapter was from.

After the slow pace of most of the book, the last portion was just wow. Again I'm left with several questions and this time even conflicting feelings. Why did the mob boss feel the need to send that "message"? He and Aya had been on working terms for years it makes no sense and does nothing to the plot really except add to Aya's emotional strain. Then there is what happened to Tova, just why? I like the way the story is going in a sense and will definitely read the final book. Hopefully, there will not be unanswered questions or needless pacing bits in that one.

The author found her voice in this book. It was superbly crafted with multiple POVs and strong character motivations. I loved all of the characters and did not get bored with the story since there was so much going on.

This set up so many different scenarios and truly kept you guessing. If you love fantasy in any form, this is definitely a series to read! The romance was also very sexy and sweet at the same time — which is incredibly hard to do! It kept you invested in the story as well.

The ending was such a roller coaster it was reminiscent of popular writers in fantasy such as SJM and Danielle L Jensen. I cannot wait for the next book! This is definitely my favourite read of 2024 so far!!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ALC in exchange for my honest review.

The second Saint has risen, and
she’s supposed to right the greatest wrong…

The Curse of Sins is a captivating journey into a fantasy world teetering on the brink of war, where political intrigue intertwines with hidden magic and forbidden romance. Set against a backdrop of looming conflict of who to trust, the narrative unfolds with a tapestry of secrets and morally grey characters that are each driven by their own ambitions and desires.

Kate Dramis skillfully weaves together multiple perspectives. There’s an intricate web of alliances that are tested, secrets are kept concealed, interwoven with lies and betrayals to keep the reader on edge. Dark magic lurks in the shadows threatening destruction and an ancient prophecy casts an ominous shadow over Aya. She has many unanswered questions. Will Aya destroy the realm or save it…

“Stay anchored in the light…
but what had the light ever done for her. Where had burying these parts of herself gotten her. Perhaps control wasn’t found in hiding, perhaps it was found in facing oneself head on.”

I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this highly anticipated sequel. I loved The Curse of Saints and Aya + Will’s forbidden romance “No matter how far the fall.” 🖤

“There is only one woman who will have me.”

“Let the world fucking burn, as long as he was with her when the flames consumed them. That was the only death he would settle for.”

That ending, what a twist! Can’t wait for book 3. Perfect for fantasy readers who love Olivia Wildenstein, J.M. Kearl, JLA, Leigh Bardugo

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for sending this audio book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

3.5 stars

I really liked A Curse of Saints, but the sequel just didn’t do it for me.

Sins picks up pretty much right where Saints left off, with Aya and Will on their way back home to deal with the aftermath of Aya learning she’s the prophesied Saint reborn, while Aedon is left picking up the pieces of his uncle’s treachery and trying to hide magic that makes it illegal for him to rule. Seems like the stakes are pretty high, no?

In reality, I kept finding myself getting bored because nothing happened other than all of the characters being whiney and brooding. I loved Will so much in the first book, but even he eventually got on my nerves. I loved how proactive and cunning the characters all were in the first book, but they kind of felt like bumbling/hormonal high schoolers instead of the people meant to be running kingdoms and leading them to war.

Also, I actively HATED the Gianna OW drama. It felt very Amarantha-Rhys, and honestly just skeeved me out and added to my irritation.

I probably will read the next one, but only because I don’t like investing so much time in a series to stop it when I’m this far in.

Audience: Adult
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 4.5/5
Spice: 2/5
Keywords: Saving the World, Magic, Political Intrigue, War, Lies and Deception, Romance

I received an advanced readers copy of this book from Netgalley (Thank you Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ebook and eaudio).

This is the second book in the Curse of Saints series (the first novel is of the same title). This novel is a romantic fantasy that continues shortly after the events of the first book. Curse of Sins focuses on Aya and Will, as they both navigate the political trials facing them, all while keeping their new romance a secret. Aya, the Second Saint, (who is prophesied “to right the greatest wrong”), must decide how to navigate her new role, while avoiding manipulation from everyone around her. Additionally, Aidon and Josie are back in Trahir deciding how to handle the political upheaval, and Aidon being crowned the new king.

This novel takes place in two different locations — with multiple POVs. Usually, I would prefer a chapter statement saying whose POV I was reading, but I actually didn’t mind it because the name or location was mentioned within the first sentence. I do have one minor critique though — the phrase “hands balled into fists” was used way too much for me.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book much more than the first. But I think that’s because the majority of the first book was world building and character development. The readers had gotten a glimpse of who they were. In Curse of Sins, the readers really get to watch how the characters’ motivations and choices really impact one another, as well as the world around them. This novel really allows readers to sit back and go along for the ride. And what a ride it has been! This is a 600+ page book, and it didn’t feel like it was at all! I was so captivated by the story, and the characters that I simply devoured the book in 6 days.

Additionally, I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook. The narrator, who was the same for the first book, was so compelling that it was difficult to put the book down. The pacing was perfect — I will typically listen at 1.5 speed, and that was perfect for me. The narrator was faithful to the book, and read with voices and expression that made the story come alive. Very well done with the audio!

I would recommend this book (and by extension the series) to anyone who enjoys reading Romantasy with lots of intrigue and unique magic systems. And I’m excited to see how the series will progress.

If you loved the book one of the series, as much as I did, get ready to be swept off your feet again with its sequel, The Curse of Sins. The narrator returns with the same mesmerizing charm that made the first book a joy to read. Once more, you find yourself immersed in an adventure that unfolds with twists and turns that keep you guessing, and just when you think you've figured it out, a new layer of mystery unravels. The characters, old and new, deepen in complexity, revealing hidden depths and surprising alliances. Overall, The Curse of Sins is a worthy continuation of a beloved series. Whether you're a returning fan or new to the series, this book promises adventure, intrigue, and a narrator whose voice is comforting and compelling that brings each setting to life with vivid detail. Highly recommend reading through audiobook!

4.5 stars

I have been excited to read this book since finishing The Curse of Saints last year and it did not disappoint! There is so much action and adventure and politics in this book. I really enjoyed how the book follows all the different characters and how there stories intersect. I felt like I never knew what was going to happen next which made me want to keep reading. There is also significantly more romance in this book than the first. I was really invested in the little hints of it we got in the first book so I loved getting to see so much more of it in this one.
This was an exciting follow up to The Curse of Saints with lots of twists and turns and I definitely recommend checking out this book (or the whole series if you haven’t read the first yet!)

The audiobook was narrated by the same person who narrated the first book. I didn’t love her reading of the first book but I found that she really grew on me on this book and I thought she did a really good job of differentiating between the characters and conveying emotion and tension in the story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC!

Y’all I absolutely devoured this book. Reading and listening was an experience.
STAY ANCHORED IN THE LIGHT, THEY TOLD HER. BUT WHAT HAD THE LIGHT EVER DONE FOR HER?
With betrayal lurking around every corner, she and Will are forced to lie, manipulate, and hide what they've become to one another as they struggle to learn the truth before dark magic destroys them all.
And with secrets and lies trailing Aya wherever she goes, she has to wonder...do the gods truly want her to save the realm...or simply watch it burn?
I loved book one so much that I couldn’t wait to get into book two when NetGalley said I was approved.
The way Kate has expanded this world is just awe inspiring to witness. The character developed with the whole cast was evenly split out so you cared for the whole cast of wildly diverse characters. And that finale, aka a cliff hanger that left me shooketh. It make me want to have book 3 in my hands so bad so I can get answers to the burning questions that I left jumping around my head.
You will love this book if you love:
•darkness vs light
•complex characters
•diverse cast
•twists and turns
•shocking finale
I would 100% recommend this book to anyone looking for a series to completely leave them destroyed and grateful for it.

Thanks to the folks at NetGalley for an audio copy of this book. My review is a honest reflection of my feelings towards this book.

This was such a fun read. I don’t know if I enjoyed book one or book 2 better. In this sequel, I loved getting to know the side characters. Aiden is probably my favorite and I need him to get whatever happy ending he deserves. I knew it would end on a cliffhanger but it wasn’t as brutal as I anticipated. I wondered why Gianna was seen as much of a threat when she had no power but the ending answers that for us. In hindsight, it makes more sense but Im not sure if withholding that to the very end was the best idea. I think the worst part is having to wait so long for book 3 because this one hasn’t even published yet. Hoping it’s a quick turnaround because I’m dying to know how it ends.

I will admit I didn’t reread the first book before jumping into this, so I definitely had to look up multiple reviews to remember. The book takes off right from where the first book ends. The beginning is looking at the repercussions of what happened in the last book, and how this affects the characters moving forward.

There is so much betrayal and suspicion within the storyline that it was difficult to truly know who you could trust and who was acting. I felt a bit of the middle book syndrome with the middle portion. It was a bit slow with plot and heavy on political intrigue. The ending got wild and I gasped a few times while listening.

Honestly with this story the characters and their interactions keep me more invested than the magic system, which I think is a bit convoluted. (Maybe I would understand the magic system more on reread). I absolutely love the characters and their interactions with one another. The author does a good job in making me love and absolutely hate characters. There was good development of themselves and relationships with each other. The romantic angst was real in parts of this story. Aya and Will are one of my favorite couples to follow, because they at least talk to each other sooner rather than later.

I am so excited to see the conclusion of the story, but am disappointed it isn’t going to be out anytime soon. In terms of the audiobook quality, I really enjoyed the narration and it was very compulsive to listen to.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for the early access to an audiobook in return for a review.

After discovering she's prophesied to save the realm, Aya's duty should be clear: return home with once-sworn enemy Will to serve their queen in the coming war against a rival kingdom…one whose pursuit of dark magic could bring the realm to its knees.

But with part of the prophecy still undiscovered, and their queen's intentions increasingly suspect, Aya's very purpose is quickly brought into question. With betrayal lurking around every corner, she and Will are forced to lie, manipulate, and hide what they've become to one another as they struggle to learn the truth before dark magic destroys them all.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this audio e-arc.*

It can be hard to review a sequel adequately without spoilers but I'll do my best!
I binged the audiobook of The Curse of Saints from my library in a single day and couldn't wait to get my headphones on for the epic sequel.
These books just continues to get better and better, with more twist and secret plots, this series is quickly becoming one of my favourites.
I'm a big fan of fantasy books that explore politics and religion in fictional worlds. And while everyone loves a morally grey hero, every one of Kate Dramis's characters has their complexities and their motives keep me guessing.
This series is perfect for those who grew up with the Grishaverse and are looking for their next fantasy fix.
And that ending absolutely killed me; book 3 can not come soon enough!

The Curse of Sins pretty much picked up where the first book ended. A lot went down in this installment - action, intrigue, political machinations, betrayal, deceit, sexy times and so much more. One of my fave things was the growth in the characters. I liked seeing their vulnerability and them being a bit more comfortable with who they are and who they are becoming. I enjoyed listening to and reading it simultaneously. I think the narrator did an awesome job. I enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to seeing how it all ends.



Copies provided by publishers through NetGalley

I just returned from an adventure, feeling like I might not be entirely the same person. Witnessing this character's journey and growth has left me deeply moved. Getting to know all the characters has been both heartbreaking and enriching. Despite the emotional rollercoaster, I wouldn't hesitate to experience it all over again.

If you’re here, this probably means you enjoyed The Curse of Saints enough to see if book 2 is worth reading. And I would say yes. If you enjoyed the first book, you’re likely going to enjoy the sequel.

That said, the problem with books where two storylines are interweaving is that inevitably one of them is more interesting than the other. Unfortunately for me, The Curse of Sins was no exception to this. And even more unfortunately for me, the storyline that interested me the most was the secondary story, where we got to follow Aidon and Josie and how they are coping with his sudden ascension. Spoiler, not well.

Aya and Will’s storyline dealt with a lot of miscommunication (and by that I mean deliberately keeping information from each other) that I didn’t love. But in the moments that they were working together instead of against each other, it really brought back all of what I loved from the first book.

I am really excited to see where things progress in the final book.

If you love audiobooks, the narrator is the same as the first book and continues to do an excellent job bringing the characters to life!

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an audio arc!

Enthralling, epic, high fantasy. I absolutely loved this book and was disappointed when it ended, I wanted it to keep going. This is one of my favorite fantasy books I have read. The story is bursting with lies, betrayal, deceit, magic, mysteries, love, battle, war, twist, tragedy, and loss. This story had me captivated, shocked, gasping and flabbergasted. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Devon Sorvari, she did a fantastic job bringing life into the story. What an epic book!

The Curse of Sins is the second book to The Curse of Saints. The story continues to follow Aya and Will, they are returning to their home kingdom and have to act like nothing has changed between them. Aya is forced to learn more about the first saint that is prophesied. Will is trying to get back into the queen's good graces without overstepping any boundaries that will hurt Aya. War has officially started, and the destruction of the dark magic wielders is horrendous. Aya and Will have suspicions of the queen's intentions; will she choose what is best for the kingdom or the gods?

So the first book I loved(once I reread the beginning 3 times and figured out what was happening.) Anyways while I did enjoy this book I felt it long and dragging at times. But overall still interesting.