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The Seven Sins #1
Sword of the Seven Sins
In a world ruled by sin, love is a dangerous game.
Eva has never fit into the restrictive Commonwealth, where love is a sin and lust is a death sentence. But when she’s chosen to become an assassin, she doesn’t just belong…she shines. Eager to find her place at last, Eva’s determined to use her eerie abilities to best her deadly, not to mention handsome, mentor, Ari. But she soon realizes that besting your mentor is difficult when you’re falling for him.
Bound together by a blood oath, there’s no way for Eva to avoid Ari. Yet the more time they spend together, the harder it is to resist the lure of his green eyes, his grace with a sword, and the charm beneath the sarcastic front he shows the world. When Ari falls for Eva too, they are terrified. As their feelings grow, and Eva’s mysterious physical gifts heighten, so does the threat of discovery. But the Commonwealth is built on secrets, and when Ari uncovers one that could destroy it, Eva must choose between love and survival.
Author's Note If you can’t resist fierce girls with swords, infuriating guys with hearts of gold, forbidden love between a mentor and apprentice who can’t keep their hands off each other, and star-crossed lovers who fight to the death by each other’s sides, then this is the book for you.
WINNER of the 2021 North Carolina Indie Author Award in Young Adult Fiction
FINALIST for the 2020 Foreword INDIES Award in Young Adult Fiction
SHORTLISTED for the The Manly Wade Wellman Award for Science Fiction and Fantasy
WINNER of the 2022 Gold Moonbeam Award for Best Book Series
“I couldn’t stop reading. This is the best book I’ve read in a long time.” — YA Books Central
“Powerful, hopeful, sexy, and unsettling.” —Heidi Ayarbe, award-winning author of Freeze Frame
“Sizzling hot and exploding with tension.”—Lisa Amowitz, award-winning author of Breaking Glass
Eva has never fit into the restrictive Commonwealth, where love is a sin and lust is a death sentence. But when she’s chosen to become an assassin, she doesn’t just belong…she shines. Eager to find her place at last, Eva’s determined to use her eerie abilities to best her deadly, not to mention handsome, mentor, Ari. But she soon realizes that besting your mentor is difficult when you’re falling for him.
Bound together by a blood oath, there’s no way for Eva to avoid Ari. Yet the more time they spend together, the harder it is to resist the lure of his green eyes, his grace with a sword, and the charm beneath the sarcastic front he shows the world. When Ari falls for Eva too, they are terrified. As their feelings grow, and Eva’s mysterious physical gifts heighten, so does the threat of discovery. But the Commonwealth is built on secrets, and when Ari uncovers one that could destroy it, Eva must choose between love and survival.
Author's Note If you can’t resist fierce girls with swords, infuriating guys with hearts of gold, forbidden love between a mentor and apprentice who can’t keep their hands off each other, and star-crossed lovers who fight to the death by each other’s sides, then this is the book for you.
WINNER of the 2021 North Carolina Indie Author Award in Young Adult Fiction
FINALIST for the 2020 Foreword INDIES Award in Young Adult Fiction
SHORTLISTED for the The Manly Wade Wellman Award for Science Fiction and Fantasy
WINNER of the 2022 Gold Moonbeam Award for Best Book Series
“I couldn’t stop reading. This is the best book I’ve read in a long time.” — YA Books Central
“Powerful, hopeful, sexy, and unsettling.” —Heidi Ayarbe, award-winning author of Freeze Frame
“Sizzling hot and exploding with tension.”—Lisa Amowitz, award-winning author of Breaking Glass
336 pages, Paperback
First published August 3, 2020
57 people are currently reading
3102 people want to read
About the author
Emily Colin
13 books332 followersEmily Colin writes love stories with a supernatural edge for adults and teens. Her debut novel, THE MEMORY THIEF, was a New York Times bestseller and a Target Emerging Authors Pick; she followed it up with THE DREAM KEEPER’S DAUGHTER.
Emily is also the author of the Gold Moonbeam Award-winning, young adult dystopian romantasy series, The Seven Sins. SWORD OF THE SEVEN SINS, the first book, was a Foreword INDIES Award finalist, won the YA fiction award of the North Carolina Indie Author Project, and was shortlisted for the 2021 Manly Wade Wellman Award for North Carolina Science Fiction and Fantasy. The second novel of the series, SIEGE OF THE SEVEN SINS, is a 2021 silver IPPY Award winner and Foreword INDIES finalist. The third book in the series launches February 13, 2024.
Emily co-edited and contributed to the young adult anthologies WICKED SOUTH: SECRETS AND LIES and UNBOUND: STORIES OF TRANSFORMATION, LOVE, AND MONSTERS, which was a SUSPENSE MAGAZINE “Best of” 2021 pick as well as a 2021 Foreword INDIES Award finalist. DISSENT, the 2022 romance anthology to which she contributed a short story, was a #1 Amazon category bestseller in over eight countries.
Emily's diverse life experience includes organizing a Coney Island tattoo and piercing show, hauling fish at a dolphin research center, roaming New York City as an itinerant teenage violinist, helping launch two small publishing companies, and working to facilitate community engagement in the arts. A former Pitch Wars mentor and KissPitch mentor, Emily is a writing instructor, freelance editor, and book coach. She lives in Wilmington, North Carolina. You can find her at www.emilycolin.com and on IG at @emilycolin.books.
Emily is also the author of the Gold Moonbeam Award-winning, young adult dystopian romantasy series, The Seven Sins. SWORD OF THE SEVEN SINS, the first book, was a Foreword INDIES Award finalist, won the YA fiction award of the North Carolina Indie Author Project, and was shortlisted for the 2021 Manly Wade Wellman Award for North Carolina Science Fiction and Fantasy. The second novel of the series, SIEGE OF THE SEVEN SINS, is a 2021 silver IPPY Award winner and Foreword INDIES finalist. The third book in the series launches February 13, 2024.
Emily co-edited and contributed to the young adult anthologies WICKED SOUTH: SECRETS AND LIES and UNBOUND: STORIES OF TRANSFORMATION, LOVE, AND MONSTERS, which was a SUSPENSE MAGAZINE “Best of” 2021 pick as well as a 2021 Foreword INDIES Award finalist. DISSENT, the 2022 romance anthology to which she contributed a short story, was a #1 Amazon category bestseller in over eight countries.
Emily's diverse life experience includes organizing a Coney Island tattoo and piercing show, hauling fish at a dolphin research center, roaming New York City as an itinerant teenage violinist, helping launch two small publishing companies, and working to facilitate community engagement in the arts. A former Pitch Wars mentor and KissPitch mentor, Emily is a writing instructor, freelance editor, and book coach. She lives in Wilmington, North Carolina. You can find her at www.emilycolin.com and on IG at @emilycolin.books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 267 reviews
August 31, 2020
This action-packed dystopian is filled with romance, thrills, and twists at every turn.
It’s been a while since I dipped back into the dystopian genre (though thirteen year old me would have been raging - since that would be her favorite genre 😂), but I loved the tone of this one! The dystopian world, because of the code they lived by, was not necessarily futuristic, but regressive in many ways. It almost gave me The Handmaid’s Tale and The Giver vibes - gritty and fraught with ill-conceived morals.
The entire book gave an aura of sophistication that I’ve seen lacking in some stories in this genre, which was refreshing. I would have liked to have felt more immersed in the world, and there were times when I found Ari’s character tedious, but overall it was a romantic, gritty story!
Big thank you to the author and MTMC Tours for sending me a finished copy of this book!
To check out my MTMC Tour Stop post on Instagram for Sword of the Seven Sins, click here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CEChQObgKGd/
Fear is the enemy. Fear is the force that can break the strongest of men. But it will not break me.
It’s been a while since I dipped back into the dystopian genre (though thirteen year old me would have been raging - since that would be her favorite genre 😂), but I loved the tone of this one! The dystopian world, because of the code they lived by, was not necessarily futuristic, but regressive in many ways. It almost gave me The Handmaid’s Tale and The Giver vibes - gritty and fraught with ill-conceived morals.
“With attachment comes tenderness,” he says, the first words of our catechism.
“With tenderness comes love,” we reply, our voices blending in a chorus that pleases the Executor. A smile lifts his lips.
“With love comes loss...With loss comes hate. With hate comes chaos...Out of chaos comes order.”
The entire book gave an aura of sophistication that I’ve seen lacking in some stories in this genre, which was refreshing. I would have liked to have felt more immersed in the world, and there were times when I found Ari’s character tedious, but overall it was a romantic, gritty story!
Big thank you to the author and MTMC Tours for sending me a finished copy of this book!
To check out my MTMC Tour Stop post on Instagram for Sword of the Seven Sins, click here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CEChQObgKGd/
November 5, 2024
I- Ahh wow I don't even know. Y'all, read this book. It's criminally underrated. The romance, the tension, the plot, the tropes, the badass MC... it's all so good. The premise is interesting and original, and reminds me a lot of some other books in the YA genre (in a good way), such as Delirium and Divergent (although I liked it a lot more than them - I'm not trying to bash those books, its just my preference). I know I literally just mentioned it but ahhh the tension. <3 the tension <3 Lol this is barely a review but I don't care this book was so freaking good. I'm really looking forward to continuing the series :)
Thank you to the author and Booksirens for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to the author and Booksirens for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
May 17, 2021
GREAT POTENTIAL, LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING WHERE THIS IS GOING
Overall, I liked this book. It captured my attention, I breezed through it and I want to continue this series. I did have some things that bothered me, but I am hopeful that the next book will sort some of these things out.
👍 What I Liked 👍
Dystopian society: The dystopian society that this story is set in fascinated me. It was remiscent of Gilead from The Handmaid's Tale in regards with focus on religion and controlled procreation. But this had some interesting twists all on its own. I hope the coming books will dive deeper into this society and give us even more exposition on how things are done.
Ari and Eva: Our two MCs Ari and Eva have great chemistry right from the beginning. It's easy to spot the attraction between them and I found myself rooting for them from the beginning. My heart almost stopped during a particularly loaded scene (which totally reminded me of that flex from the 2005 Pride and Prejudice film adaptation) and I was SO there for it! Still, I did feel like the relationship became too intense too fast. I loved the suspense at the beginning and the tension and I was sad that it went away too early.
👎 What I Disliked 👎
Inconsistencies: A few times I caught some inconsistencies in the world building that left me a bit confused and annoyed. For instance, Eva says she has no clue what the words "wife" or "daughter" means because this society doesn't have wives or daughters. Yet Ari, who has grown up in the exact same society, has no problem understanding the word "parents" even though this world has no parents...
Confused genres: For the most part this was clearly a dystopian sci fi book, and I was so into it. Until.... the ending kind of mixed up some genres, IMO. Whereas the first part of the book was heavily reliant on science and fitted right into the sci fi mold, the end drifted into fantasy. Some of the 'science' felt very unrealistic and it killed it for me, slightly.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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Blog Post: 15 Bookworm Problems
Overall, I liked this book. It captured my attention, I breezed through it and I want to continue this series. I did have some things that bothered me, but I am hopeful that the next book will sort some of these things out.
👍 What I Liked 👍
Dystopian society: The dystopian society that this story is set in fascinated me. It was remiscent of Gilead from The Handmaid's Tale in regards with focus on religion and controlled procreation. But this had some interesting twists all on its own. I hope the coming books will dive deeper into this society and give us even more exposition on how things are done.
Ari and Eva: Our two MCs Ari and Eva have great chemistry right from the beginning. It's easy to spot the attraction between them and I found myself rooting for them from the beginning. My heart almost stopped during a particularly loaded scene (which totally reminded me of that flex from the 2005 Pride and Prejudice film adaptation) and I was SO there for it! Still, I did feel like the relationship became too intense too fast. I loved the suspense at the beginning and the tension and I was sad that it went away too early.
👎 What I Disliked 👎
Inconsistencies: A few times I caught some inconsistencies in the world building that left me a bit confused and annoyed. For instance, Eva says she has no clue what the words "wife" or "daughter" means because this society doesn't have wives or daughters. Yet Ari, who has grown up in the exact same society, has no problem understanding the word "parents" even though this world has no parents...
Confused genres: For the most part this was clearly a dystopian sci fi book, and I was so into it. Until.... the ending kind of mixed up some genres, IMO. Whereas the first part of the book was heavily reliant on science and fitted right into the sci fi mold, the end drifted into fantasy. Some of the 'science' felt very unrealistic and it killed it for me, slightly.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Follow me for more book loving content!
Blog ✨ Facebook ✨ Instagram ✨ Twitter
Blog Post: 15 Bookworm Problems
April 15, 2024
I was TRANSPORTED by this book! There are a handful of books where I get the feeling that my consciousness, my awareness, my very being has been moved to a different world, and this is one of those books. I could not step away from this story. Hence, why I am reviewing the first book and the first novella. The timelines go hand in hand, honestly. You can't have one without the other.
Eva and Ari live in an extremely restrictive community of people. This world is sometime in the future, where current society as we know it has fallen, and these "commonwealth" communities have sprouted up all over the country. They are fenced in communities where the citizens are "safe" from the outside "barbarians." But it is at the cost of their individual freedom. Each citizen in the commonwealth must always work for the common good, no fraternizing with the opposite sex, all people are born from a lab setting, and nothing is your own everything is shared.
Eva has always questioned her place in this community and cannot make herself be subservient to the rules of the commonwealth, and Ari has always cared too much about his peers to fit the mold required in the commonwealth.
Of course, the outside world is not all they have been told it is. So, I'm very excited to continue on my reading journey.
Eva and Ari live in an extremely restrictive community of people. This world is sometime in the future, where current society as we know it has fallen, and these "commonwealth" communities have sprouted up all over the country. They are fenced in communities where the citizens are "safe" from the outside "barbarians." But it is at the cost of their individual freedom. Each citizen in the commonwealth must always work for the common good, no fraternizing with the opposite sex, all people are born from a lab setting, and nothing is your own everything is shared.
Eva has always questioned her place in this community and cannot make herself be subservient to the rules of the commonwealth, and Ari has always cared too much about his peers to fit the mold required in the commonwealth.
Of course, the outside world is not all they have been told it is. So, I'm very excited to continue on my reading journey.
August 26, 2024
This is definitely an intriguing dystopian novel. I'm finishing this book with a strong curiosity to dive right into the next one. The story unfolds in an empire where sins are punishable, even by death, and where children are born in test tubes to prevent any emotions like attachment or love that could lead to sin. Every citizen is then assigned a job in service to society.
The world-building is fascinating, particularly the way it portrays people experiencing forbidden emotions, struggling to find words or ways to process them because society has made such feelings taboo. Eva, the fierce and formidable main character, is chosen to be an assassin due to her exceptional abilities. Ari, her mentor, finds himself drawn to her charm and spirit, just as she begins to develop emotions that force them both to confront difficult choices.
The pace is fast, and the story is packed with action and tension, told from the perspectives of both Eva and Ari.
Thanks to BookSirens and Emily Colin for a chance to read this book for free. I’m leaving this review of my own accord.
The world-building is fascinating, particularly the way it portrays people experiencing forbidden emotions, struggling to find words or ways to process them because society has made such feelings taboo. Eva, the fierce and formidable main character, is chosen to be an assassin due to her exceptional abilities. Ari, her mentor, finds himself drawn to her charm and spirit, just as she begins to develop emotions that force them both to confront difficult choices.
The pace is fast, and the story is packed with action and tension, told from the perspectives of both Eva and Ari.
Thanks to BookSirens and Emily Colin for a chance to read this book for free. I’m leaving this review of my own accord.
June 15, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and Crow Blue Publishing for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was an intense adventure from page one. Set in a dystopian world, after the Fall of mankind as we know it. Humanity now lives in the Commonwealth, a sterile place where emotions are forbidden and the slightest mistake is punished to the highest degree. Eva is one of the many people born and raised in the Commonwealth, taught from birth that the outside world is filled with savages and to leave is to exile oneself to the brutal and fatal attacks from roaming beasts.
Eva has always known Ari, one of the blackclad and imposing Bellators (or executioners) of the Commonwealth. But she is unaware of his forbidden feelings for her and his thirst for more than this life. When she is suddenly thrust into the ranks of the Bellators as the first female chosen to serve, she finds herself as Ari’s apprentice. Working together is rocky at first. But soon they learn that things are not as they seem. Secrets have been kept from them and every other citizen born inside the Commonwealth. What follows is a fast-paced thrilling story as they fight against everything they’ve been taught, in search of something grander.
In this book, the author has created a vivid world with well-developed characters that have endeared themselves to me. Eva is a strong female lead, without being annoying. She is faced with obstacles and revelations that she meets head on. Ari is arrogant, yet charming. They are the perfect match and their slow burn romance is passionate with a touch of innocence that is adorably refreshing. The side characters are given a chance to shine. I enjoy meeting a villain that I truly grow to despise and the Executor fits the bill. He is creepy and disturbing and I developed a healthy dose of dislike for him.
I really enjoyed reading this book. There were a couple phrases that the author used that left me scratching my head. But overall, I felt immersed in the story and can't wait to find where Eva and Ari’s adventures take them next.
This book was an intense adventure from page one. Set in a dystopian world, after the Fall of mankind as we know it. Humanity now lives in the Commonwealth, a sterile place where emotions are forbidden and the slightest mistake is punished to the highest degree. Eva is one of the many people born and raised in the Commonwealth, taught from birth that the outside world is filled with savages and to leave is to exile oneself to the brutal and fatal attacks from roaming beasts.
Eva has always known Ari, one of the blackclad and imposing Bellators (or executioners) of the Commonwealth. But she is unaware of his forbidden feelings for her and his thirst for more than this life. When she is suddenly thrust into the ranks of the Bellators as the first female chosen to serve, she finds herself as Ari’s apprentice. Working together is rocky at first. But soon they learn that things are not as they seem. Secrets have been kept from them and every other citizen born inside the Commonwealth. What follows is a fast-paced thrilling story as they fight against everything they’ve been taught, in search of something grander.
In this book, the author has created a vivid world with well-developed characters that have endeared themselves to me. Eva is a strong female lead, without being annoying. She is faced with obstacles and revelations that she meets head on. Ari is arrogant, yet charming. They are the perfect match and their slow burn romance is passionate with a touch of innocence that is adorably refreshing. The side characters are given a chance to shine. I enjoy meeting a villain that I truly grow to despise and the Executor fits the bill. He is creepy and disturbing and I developed a healthy dose of dislike for him.
I really enjoyed reading this book. There were a couple phrases that the author used that left me scratching my head. But overall, I felt immersed in the story and can't wait to find where Eva and Ari’s adventures take them next.
April 11, 2025
2.5 Stars ✨
YA Dystopian Fantasy
Started off ok thought I would really enjoy this. It had all the things I like in a book, but about half way something shifted and it got kinda repetitive and also too weird 🤔 for lack of a better word. The storyline just went in a different direction than I was expecting. The writing was ok… just wasn’t impressed with the plot and the romance was intstalusty and not my cup of tea.
Content ⚠️
- few instances of language
- no spice but pretty angsty
- mild violence
YA Dystopian Fantasy
Started off ok thought I would really enjoy this. It had all the things I like in a book, but about half way something shifted and it got kinda repetitive and also too weird 🤔 for lack of a better word. The storyline just went in a different direction than I was expecting. The writing was ok… just wasn’t impressed with the plot and the romance was intstalusty and not my cup of tea.
Content ⚠️
- few instances of language
- no spice but pretty angsty
- mild violence
April 7, 2024
This is a story with forbidden love and dangerous attachment set against the backdrop of a restrictive, religious society ruled by avoiding sin. This is a world where love is forbidden and lust is punishable by death. Eva struggles to find her place in the Commonwealth. Chosen to become a soldier, Eva finds herself drawn to her mentor, Ari, despite the dangerous consequences of love and attachment.
Colin skillfully explores the complexities of their relationship, infusing the story with palpable yearning and desperation for one another. I have never, ever been so breathless with a simple hand-holding or fumbled kisses in the woods.
The world-building in "Sword of the Seven Sins" is fascinating, with the Commonwealth depicted as a society built on secrets and religious fervor. Eva and Ari must confront the threat of discovery and the harsh consequences that await them. While the focus remains primarily on Eva and Ari, I did wish for more depth in the exploration of other characters within the society. However, I am well aware that due to a lack of attachments, that was not something that would probably be meaningful.
Overall this is an engrossing read, filled with intrigue, romance, and high-stakes drama. I received an advance review copy for free from booksirens and the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you!
Colin skillfully explores the complexities of their relationship, infusing the story with palpable yearning and desperation for one another. I have never, ever been so breathless with a simple hand-holding or fumbled kisses in the woods.
The world-building in "Sword of the Seven Sins" is fascinating, with the Commonwealth depicted as a society built on secrets and religious fervor. Eva and Ari must confront the threat of discovery and the harsh consequences that await them. While the focus remains primarily on Eva and Ari, I did wish for more depth in the exploration of other characters within the society. However, I am well aware that due to a lack of attachments, that was not something that would probably be meaningful.
Overall this is an engrossing read, filled with intrigue, romance, and high-stakes drama. I received an advance review copy for free from booksirens and the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you!
July 26, 2021
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.
3.5 stars from me.
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.
review copy provided by netgalley for an honest review
3.5 stars from me.
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.
review copy provided by netgalley for an honest review
September 22, 2020
Sword of the Seven Sins started off eerie and dark and I was hooked right away as the main character kills her first man. Eva has to become the one thing she despises: a Bellator. The pace only picks up from there, and the suspense killed me, I couldn't stop reading!
Her mentor Ari is introduced and a steamy romance is born. I was rooting for them from the start, and the enemies-to-lovers scenes were literally everything. I am so addicted to this trope as you guys know. But how could they be together when love is forbidden?
The plot was fast-paced, which is something I enjoy. I love the entire concept behind the society which bases its rules on virtues and sins. The character development is very well played out, specially their chemistry. The ending had me reeling and I was left a mess after finishing it. Such an intense and addicting read, I am so eager for the sequel!
Her mentor Ari is introduced and a steamy romance is born. I was rooting for them from the start, and the enemies-to-lovers scenes were literally everything. I am so addicted to this trope as you guys know. But how could they be together when love is forbidden?
The plot was fast-paced, which is something I enjoy. I love the entire concept behind the society which bases its rules on virtues and sins. The character development is very well played out, specially their chemistry. The ending had me reeling and I was left a mess after finishing it. Such an intense and addicting read, I am so eager for the sequel!
Want to read
August 18, 2020the main character has my name.. it’s a given that i read this
April 3, 2024
Book 1: Sword of the Seven Sins
Emily Colin
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was full of action! Its setting in the beginning of the book reminded me of The Handmaid’s Tale. In the beginning it read a little slow for me, but boy did it pick up its pace. I could not stop reading it!
The way that Ari loves Eva pulled at my heart strings. 💕🥹I loved the authors use of language in conveying how strongly he felt about Eva.
If you want to read about a tough female character,read this book because Eva was a bad ass! At times, I was like there is no way little Eva is whooping those men the way she was, 😅but as the story unfolded it all made sense. Eva’s heightened abilities fascinated me and I cannot wait to see how she uses her abilities in the next book. I don’t want to give anything away but the part when Eva was in the cell got me all kinds of excited! 😆
One thing that rubbed me the wrong way was having the dark skin people with rough hair portrayed as “the barbarians.” I was like ouch, but I had to remember that it is a dystopian novel,so I guess it made sense. I appreciate that the author showed that those characteristics did not make them barbarians after all. Yay!
I can’t wait to see what Eva and Ari come against in the next book! Also, will Ari still feel the same way about Eva? Iykyk.
Read this book if you like
⚔️Strong Female Characters
⚔️Warriors
🖤Science-Fiction
🖤Fantasy
🌹Forbidden Love
Thank you @emilycolinbooks
#dystopian #dystopia #scifi #sciencefiction #bookstagram #postapocalyptic #dystopianfiction #books #art #apocalypse #dystopianfuture #dystopianbooks #photography #booklover #futuristic #bladerunner #scifiart #postapocalypse #fantasy #madmax #book #bookish #bookworm #scifibooks #reading #bookstagrammer
Emily Colin
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was full of action! Its setting in the beginning of the book reminded me of The Handmaid’s Tale. In the beginning it read a little slow for me, but boy did it pick up its pace. I could not stop reading it!
The way that Ari loves Eva pulled at my heart strings. 💕🥹I loved the authors use of language in conveying how strongly he felt about Eva.
If you want to read about a tough female character,read this book because Eva was a bad ass! At times, I was like there is no way little Eva is whooping those men the way she was, 😅but as the story unfolded it all made sense. Eva’s heightened abilities fascinated me and I cannot wait to see how she uses her abilities in the next book. I don’t want to give anything away but the part when Eva was in the cell got me all kinds of excited! 😆
One thing that rubbed me the wrong way was having the dark skin people with rough hair portrayed as “the barbarians.” I was like ouch, but I had to remember that it is a dystopian novel,so I guess it made sense. I appreciate that the author showed that those characteristics did not make them barbarians after all. Yay!
I can’t wait to see what Eva and Ari come against in the next book! Also, will Ari still feel the same way about Eva? Iykyk.
Read this book if you like
⚔️Strong Female Characters
⚔️Warriors
🖤Science-Fiction
🖤Fantasy
🌹Forbidden Love
Thank you @emilycolinbooks
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January 28, 2024
Okay, so this book took me on one wild ride. Picture this dystopian Commonwealth where the Seven Deadly Sins call the shots, and our protagonist, Eva, goes from tech whiz to an unexpected assassin. I was on the edge of my seat, feeling the weight of a world where love is a straight-up taboo and lust means risking your life.
Eva's struggles hit close to home, and her mentor, Ari, adds this wickedly cool yet dangerous vibe. Their forbidden love? It's like a slow burn that had me totally invested. The night in the woods? Let's just say it's a game-changer, and you're in for an emotional rollercoaster.
The world-building is insane, and the pacing, mostly perfect. Sure, some twists were on my radar, but it didn't ruin the fun. The big reveal about a society-shaking secret? I was practically holding my breath.
Yeah, there were a couple of moments that felt a tad rushed, but who cares? This book is a wicked blend of dystopian chaos, tangled emotions, and a love story that's both heartbreaking and exhilarating. If you want a personal, emotional journey through a world dripping with sin, this one's a winner.
Eva's struggles hit close to home, and her mentor, Ari, adds this wickedly cool yet dangerous vibe. Their forbidden love? It's like a slow burn that had me totally invested. The night in the woods? Let's just say it's a game-changer, and you're in for an emotional rollercoaster.
The world-building is insane, and the pacing, mostly perfect. Sure, some twists were on my radar, but it didn't ruin the fun. The big reveal about a society-shaking secret? I was practically holding my breath.
Yeah, there were a couple of moments that felt a tad rushed, but who cares? This book is a wicked blend of dystopian chaos, tangled emotions, and a love story that's both heartbreaking and exhilarating. If you want a personal, emotional journey through a world dripping with sin, this one's a winner.
May 7, 2021
This started in such a way that I was instantly enthralled by Eva and also the world she lives in. The author has somehow managed to meld together numerous genres as Eva lives in a society that has risen up following the Earth being depleted of many natural resources so I guess you expect me to say dystopian . Well atually this book is more than that, a whole lot more !
Eva has been raised by the Commonwealth, a society that is blinkered by the teachings of its Priest's who rage against sins. Wrath, greed, pride etc but rather more crucially lust which brings me to a salient point, fornication is punishable by death or banishment . Children are created in laboratories and test tubes without parents to raise them and instead live in groups with caregivers. Touch, gentleness and feelings are frowned upon and punishable. I've seen some comparisons to the Hunger Games but honestly I got much more of a Handmaids Tale vibe.
Eva knows she's somehow different to those she has been raised with but hides her unfathomable abilities. Expecting to be assigned to work in technology she's absolutely floored when picked to be the first female Bellator, an elite killing squad. Here's she's mentored by Ari a confident, dangerous recruit who unknown to Eva has been watching her secretly for several years !
This story gallops along and just pulled me with it. I liked that even though it's technically dystopian we aren't hit over the head with eco warnings and instead its just a simple background. What I didn't like was from the start children are excited to watch executions and it felt as if humanity and emotions had been stifled. Also if not conforming to perceived desirable attributes people were ostracized, bullied and generally treated like slaves so a truly unpleasant society. Luckily the plot is essentially about Eva and Ari and their relationship. Things happen at breakneck speed which kept me glued to my kindle. There is almost a science fiction element here but it doesn't feel futuristic and actually much more totalitarian. The irony is that the Bellators, who truly are little more than assassins actually have a lot more freedom than those they oppress. This surprised me constantly and definitely kept me entertained and I cannot wait to read more about these characters and the dangerous situations that await them.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
Eva has been raised by the Commonwealth, a society that is blinkered by the teachings of its Priest's who rage against sins. Wrath, greed, pride etc but rather more crucially lust which brings me to a salient point, fornication is punishable by death or banishment . Children are created in laboratories and test tubes without parents to raise them and instead live in groups with caregivers. Touch, gentleness and feelings are frowned upon and punishable. I've seen some comparisons to the Hunger Games but honestly I got much more of a Handmaids Tale vibe.
Eva knows she's somehow different to those she has been raised with but hides her unfathomable abilities. Expecting to be assigned to work in technology she's absolutely floored when picked to be the first female Bellator, an elite killing squad. Here's she's mentored by Ari a confident, dangerous recruit who unknown to Eva has been watching her secretly for several years !
This story gallops along and just pulled me with it. I liked that even though it's technically dystopian we aren't hit over the head with eco warnings and instead its just a simple background. What I didn't like was from the start children are excited to watch executions and it felt as if humanity and emotions had been stifled. Also if not conforming to perceived desirable attributes people were ostracized, bullied and generally treated like slaves so a truly unpleasant society. Luckily the plot is essentially about Eva and Ari and their relationship. Things happen at breakneck speed which kept me glued to my kindle. There is almost a science fiction element here but it doesn't feel futuristic and actually much more totalitarian. The irony is that the Bellators, who truly are little more than assassins actually have a lot more freedom than those they oppress. This surprised me constantly and definitely kept me entertained and I cannot wait to read more about these characters and the dangerous situations that await them.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
May 18, 2025
High stakes dystopian romantasy
Slow burn
Forbidden love
Mentor/mentee
Banter
Resistance movement
Dual POV (Ari and Eva)
A thrilling immersive romantic dystopian read filled with high stakes adventure, deadly assassins, and forbidden love.
Welcome to the oppressive Commonwealth, where defying the High Priests and the vicious Bellatorum (assassin) warriors means execution or exile. One must keep their feelings a secret, for in the Commonwealth, any kind of love, even friendship, is a killing offense.
A true forbidden love story where they cannot show any type of emotions towards one another. Ari is our broody, strong MMC who ends up being Eva’s mentor. This boy falls first and hard. I enjoyed every minute of it.
I found the writing captivating, keeping me hooked. This book took me on an emotional roller coaster, with moments of happiness and humor, as well as dark and tense moments.
Slow burn
Forbidden love
Mentor/mentee
Banter
Resistance movement
Dual POV (Ari and Eva)
A thrilling immersive romantic dystopian read filled with high stakes adventure, deadly assassins, and forbidden love.
Welcome to the oppressive Commonwealth, where defying the High Priests and the vicious Bellatorum (assassin) warriors means execution or exile. One must keep their feelings a secret, for in the Commonwealth, any kind of love, even friendship, is a killing offense.
A true forbidden love story where they cannot show any type of emotions towards one another. Ari is our broody, strong MMC who ends up being Eva’s mentor. This boy falls first and hard. I enjoyed every minute of it.
I found the writing captivating, keeping me hooked. This book took me on an emotional roller coaster, with moments of happiness and humor, as well as dark and tense moments.
September 12, 2021
I really liked this dystopian novel by Emily Colin!
I haven't read any books in that genre for a while so am not an expert, but I think Colin did a great job moving the plot along and creating some really interesting characters.
Here are my FAVORITE things about this book (spoiler free):
1. Emily Colin writes incredibly captivating action and suspense scenes. There are a few that had me on the edge of my seat, and I haven't enjoyed any like that in a long time!
2. Great comprehensive world building (makes it easy to follow along and explore with the characters)
3. Felt like a unique mix of The Hunger Games and The Handmaid's Tale and I adore both of those!
I did feel like the beginning was a bit slow for my taste, but still felt it was well worth the read. Started the second book as soon as I finished this one!
I haven't read any books in that genre for a while so am not an expert, but I think Colin did a great job moving the plot along and creating some really interesting characters.
Here are my FAVORITE things about this book (spoiler free):
1. Emily Colin writes incredibly captivating action and suspense scenes. There are a few that had me on the edge of my seat, and I haven't enjoyed any like that in a long time!
2. Great comprehensive world building (makes it easy to follow along and explore with the characters)
3. Felt like a unique mix of The Hunger Games and The Handmaid's Tale and I adore both of those!
I did feel like the beginning was a bit slow for my taste, but still felt it was well worth the read. Started the second book as soon as I finished this one!
February 10, 2024
What a great start to a series! The plot was extremely unique and was honestly very refreshing. I often find dystopian novels can get old quickly because they all are very similar but this one kept me engaged and interested the entire time.
I loved the cult-like government and how it was centered on the seven sins. While I did at times get frustrated by their strict rules and obvious manipulation, it added great depth to the story.
Ari and Eva have a very interesting relationship and I hope the next book dives into it more. I obviously have many questions about the reason they’re so drawn to each other and Eva’s abilities.
If you’re a big fan of forbidden romance like I am, I definitely recommend you read this!
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy to review!
I loved the cult-like government and how it was centered on the seven sins. While I did at times get frustrated by their strict rules and obvious manipulation, it added great depth to the story.
Ari and Eva have a very interesting relationship and I hope the next book dives into it more. I obviously have many questions about the reason they’re so drawn to each other and Eva’s abilities.
If you’re a big fan of forbidden romance like I am, I definitely recommend you read this!
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy to review!
April 17, 2024
Honestly? I have no words.
It takes A LOT for me to love a book that's classified as "YA." Do I like them? Of course! But love?
That's a whole 'nother story.
This book had more love/tension, violence and emotion than some NA books I've read and I cannot believe how much of a grip it had on me from chapter 1.
Eva is the stabby strong FMC we all need in our lives and the world she's enraptured in sounds (and feels) like a true dytopian nightmare.
This is one of those few series where knowing it's a completed series actually has me a bit sad already because I can tell I'm not going to want this to end.
It takes A LOT for me to love a book that's classified as "YA." Do I like them? Of course! But love?
That's a whole 'nother story.
This book had more love/tension, violence and emotion than some NA books I've read and I cannot believe how much of a grip it had on me from chapter 1.
Eva is the stabby strong FMC we all need in our lives and the world she's enraptured in sounds (and feels) like a true dytopian nightmare.
This is one of those few series where knowing it's a completed series actually has me a bit sad already because I can tell I'm not going to want this to end.
October 22, 2021
It’s been a while since I picked up a YA dystopian novel and I thought now was the time to read one, this book didn’t disappoint.
The dystopian world is interesting and has some twists which I haven’t seen in other dystopian novels but also feels very well established as well. This made it easy to connect with the characters and the worldbuilding.
The romance felt kind of forced and I think it was insta-love, which I’m not a huge fan of, however in this book it kinda made sense, that the characters felt so strongly about each other even after such a short time. Still, it bothered me a little.
The dystopian world is interesting and has some twists which I haven’t seen in other dystopian novels but also feels very well established as well. This made it easy to connect with the characters and the worldbuilding.
The romance felt kind of forced and I think it was insta-love, which I’m not a huge fan of, however in this book it kinda made sense, that the characters felt so strongly about each other even after such a short time. Still, it bothered me a little.
April 1, 2025
I AM OBSESSED!!!! This book is SO GOOD!!! The plot, the world building and the big bad are INCREDIBLE. And most importantly: ARI WESTERGAARD 😍😍😍. The way this man yearns for Eva is unmatched! If I could rate this more than 5 stars, I would and it deserves it! If you liked Powerless, Heartless Hunter or An Ember In The Ashes, please please please read this series!!!!
September 22, 2025
This book is a page turner! I was immersed in this world from the start and enjoyed it from beginning to end. I am looking forward to the continuation of the story in book 2. I liked the female lead became stronger within herself as the story went on. The author had a way of making you apart of the story and that you were a part of it. I enjoy stories that capture your attention and keep you wanting more. This definitely is one. You won’t be disappointed.
November 16, 2021
This is an excellent YA dystopian fantasy that pushes the edges of different genres. I loved it! Two complicated, sympathetic main characters drive the story. World-building is tops and the writing is superb. Love the slow-burn romance, and honestly, Eva is one of my favorite strong heroines of late. Well done!
April 22, 2020
SWORD OF THE SEVEN SINS is a rollicking ride through forbidden love and deadly adventure. Collins has expertly woven elements of our modern society into a fantasy novel you will want to read more than once. I haven’t ached for love like this to conquer all since Tris and Four. Eva and Ari forever.
March 3, 2020
What a great start to the series! I love that it did not end with a cliffhanger; the ending was satisfying. I can't wait to see what's next for Eva and Ari. Such a thrilling book!
May 21, 2021
First sentence: The first time I condemned a man to death, I was ten years old. I was standing with the rest of the Commonwealth of Ashes in Clockverk Square, beneath the giant clockwork tower that stood watch over us all.
Premise/plot: Sword of the Seven Sins is a dystopian YA novel set in the future starring Eva, our heroine, and Ari, our hero. They live in a very unforgiving, strict, life-or-death society. There are, you guessed it, seven sins. And breaking any of the sins could lead to exile or death--most likely death. The sin tempting both Eva and Ari is the sin of lust. Now in this society, men and women do not fall in love, get married, have a family. Babies are conceived in a test tube and raised communally. There are no family units. No bonds between parent and child, no bonds between siblings, no attachments allowed ever. Well, you're supposed to be super-super-super loyal to the Commonwealth and serve where you're supposed to serve. But essentially, you're not supposed to be all feely-feely and think about the meaning of life.
Eva had hopes of being chosen to be a computer tech, but, she's chosen instead to be a warrior. Ari is her mentor/trainer and fellow warrior. These warriors are called bellators.
The first book is all about world-building and initial conflicts leading to bigger conflicts. The goal of book one is to make the heroes feel angsty about the world they're living in and to get them to start questioning big things, little things, everything.
When the two begin to have some big doubts about the Powers That Be, will they risk everything to do what they think is right?
My thoughts: It has been a while since I've read a new-to-me dystopia. I've revisited dystopias off and on through the past few years. I've started rewatching some dystopian movies lately (Hunger games series, Divergent series, etc.) and so I was in the mood to revisit what used to be a favorite sub-sub-genre of me.
I liked it. I did. It is very much a YA DYSTOPIA.
You might be wondering...is it "ruined" with a love triangle?!?!?! I can say that there is NO LOVE TRIANGLE!!! That is fantastic news. Is it "ruined" with insta love??? That's more complicated. Romance is a super-strong element of this one. If you absolutely HATE romance mixed in with your dystopia, then I can see this one might drive you crazy! If you don't mind romance so long as it feels right and not forced, not rushed, then you might enjoy this one. It is intended to be a steamy read. And the last bit of the novel especially is all let's explore each other bodies now that the big chase scene stuff is over!
What agenda(s) does it have? This future nightmarish world is brought about due to climate change, bad immigration policies, and racism.
Premise/plot: Sword of the Seven Sins is a dystopian YA novel set in the future starring Eva, our heroine, and Ari, our hero. They live in a very unforgiving, strict, life-or-death society. There are, you guessed it, seven sins. And breaking any of the sins could lead to exile or death--most likely death. The sin tempting both Eva and Ari is the sin of lust. Now in this society, men and women do not fall in love, get married, have a family. Babies are conceived in a test tube and raised communally. There are no family units. No bonds between parent and child, no bonds between siblings, no attachments allowed ever. Well, you're supposed to be super-super-super loyal to the Commonwealth and serve where you're supposed to serve. But essentially, you're not supposed to be all feely-feely and think about the meaning of life.
Eva had hopes of being chosen to be a computer tech, but, she's chosen instead to be a warrior. Ari is her mentor/trainer and fellow warrior. These warriors are called bellators.
The first book is all about world-building and initial conflicts leading to bigger conflicts. The goal of book one is to make the heroes feel angsty about the world they're living in and to get them to start questioning big things, little things, everything.
When the two begin to have some big doubts about the Powers That Be, will they risk everything to do what they think is right?
My thoughts: It has been a while since I've read a new-to-me dystopia. I've revisited dystopias off and on through the past few years. I've started rewatching some dystopian movies lately (Hunger games series, Divergent series, etc.) and so I was in the mood to revisit what used to be a favorite sub-sub-genre of me.
I liked it. I did. It is very much a YA DYSTOPIA.
You might be wondering...is it "ruined" with a love triangle?!?!?! I can say that there is NO LOVE TRIANGLE!!! That is fantastic news. Is it "ruined" with insta love??? That's more complicated. Romance is a super-strong element of this one. If you absolutely HATE romance mixed in with your dystopia, then I can see this one might drive you crazy! If you don't mind romance so long as it feels right and not forced, not rushed, then you might enjoy this one. It is intended to be a steamy read. And the last bit of the novel especially is all let's explore each other bodies now that the big chase scene stuff is over!
What agenda(s) does it have? This future nightmarish world is brought about due to climate change, bad immigration policies, and racism.
August 5, 2021
*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.
How it ends:
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).
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.
How it ends:
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).
May 15, 2021
"The first time I condemned a man to death, I was ten years old." And bang, the story begins on a gut punch.
This book is reminiscent of Huxley's A Brand New World, Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale, and Orwell's 1984. It was advertised as being of the Fantasy genre, but I believe it is more dystopian/sci-fi.
I really enjoyed the story. It was an easy, quick, enjoyable read. I would easily of rated it four stars if not for the following ...
Firstly, anybody who reads my reviews regularly will know I have an issue with 'insta-love.' I struggled to decide whether this book contained the dreaded instantaneous love or not. In the end, I decided that there was insta-love, but that it was forgivable because it was true-to-story. From a phycological perspective, if you've been raised to believe lust is a deadly sin (Even in the medium of thought) then you've already practically forfeited your life for the sake of a kiss, making the relationship very serious, very fast.
Secondly, the story was problematic in the middle. Upon being ambushed by the Bellatorum, Efraim thanked Eva for her 'excellent work,' in betraying Ari and the Brotherhood, in what I assumed to be a sarcastic tirade. Eva, however, then went on to stand at Efraim's side. "I understood my orders sir." A few chapters later and, during a discussion with Ari, Kilian reiterates her betrayal by saying, "She was their nice little marionette, she played along with them - right up until it looked like your life was on the line." Again, implying that Eva had been implicit in the attack on the Brotherhood.
"She was betraying him the entire time!" I thought. Alas, this was apparently not the case. Later, it is explained that she pretended to acquiesce in order to save Ari, but the language used to do this was wrong, and created the wrong impression to the reader. It was confusing and put our main protagonist's character under scrutiny.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book is reminiscent of Huxley's A Brand New World, Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale, and Orwell's 1984. It was advertised as being of the Fantasy genre, but I believe it is more dystopian/sci-fi.
I really enjoyed the story. It was an easy, quick, enjoyable read. I would easily of rated it four stars if not for the following ...
Firstly, anybody who reads my reviews regularly will know I have an issue with 'insta-love.' I struggled to decide whether this book contained the dreaded instantaneous love or not. In the end, I decided that there was insta-love, but that it was forgivable because it was true-to-story. From a phycological perspective, if you've been raised to believe lust is a deadly sin (Even in the medium of thought) then you've already practically forfeited your life for the sake of a kiss, making the relationship very serious, very fast.
Secondly, the story was problematic in the middle. Upon being ambushed by the Bellatorum, Efraim thanked Eva for her 'excellent work,' in betraying Ari and the Brotherhood, in what I assumed to be a sarcastic tirade. Eva, however, then went on to stand at Efraim's side. "I understood my orders sir." A few chapters later and, during a discussion with Ari, Kilian reiterates her betrayal by saying, "She was their nice little marionette, she played along with them - right up until it looked like your life was on the line." Again, implying that Eva had been implicit in the attack on the Brotherhood.
"She was betraying him the entire time!" I thought. Alas, this was apparently not the case. Later, it is explained that she pretended to acquiesce in order to save Ari, but the language used to do this was wrong, and created the wrong impression to the reader. It was confusing and put our main protagonist's character under scrutiny.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 7, 2021
In the Commonwealth the citizens live by strict rules. The seven sins - pride, lust, sloth, envy, wrath, greed, gluttony - are forbidden, and they should strive for the virtues - chastity, humility, diligence, temperance, kindness, patience, charity - instead. If you break the rules you will be punished by the Bellators of Light, the Commonwealth's executioners. Eva Marteinn thinks they're nothing more than ruthless killers. To her own dismay she's chosen as the first ever female bellator. If she refuses she'll end up living in exile. It doesn't get any better when Ari Westergaard is appointed as her mentor. Ari who's been secretly in love with Eva for several years...
"The first time I condemned a man to death, I was ten years old." The first sentence immediately caught my attention. To my delight the book continued to have my attention! The dystopian world in itself is nothing new to me, but how they live their lifes is another matter. The closest resemblance I can think of is Atwood's Gilead, but there's still a huge difference. We get both Eva's and Ari's POV's, which makes it easy to get to know them (and like them!). A lot of the story is unpredictable, and I find myself surprised several times, which keeps me invested. At the end of each chapter I want to read more, but at the same time I want to spend as much time as possible in Colin's world, therefore I've read very slowly!
Something that peaked my curiousity was some of the names. There's a somewhat Scandinavian feel to Ari Westergaard, Eva Marteinn, Thordis Risberg, Efraim Stinar. I wonder were the author got the names from?
It's not really a cliffhanger in the end, but it doesn't make me any less inclined to want to read more! Eva has found out what makes her so special for the Commonwealth and its leader, but she's afraid to tell Ari the truth. Having secrets never tend to end well...!
If you enjoy a mix of sci-fi and fantasy, forbidden love, unexpected turns, fights with deadly weapons, intriguing world building and tough characters, this would be a good choice!
* I received a free copy of the book from the author and I'm giving my honest review. *
"The first time I condemned a man to death, I was ten years old." The first sentence immediately caught my attention. To my delight the book continued to have my attention! The dystopian world in itself is nothing new to me, but how they live their lifes is another matter. The closest resemblance I can think of is Atwood's Gilead, but there's still a huge difference. We get both Eva's and Ari's POV's, which makes it easy to get to know them (and like them!). A lot of the story is unpredictable, and I find myself surprised several times, which keeps me invested. At the end of each chapter I want to read more, but at the same time I want to spend as much time as possible in Colin's world, therefore I've read very slowly!
Something that peaked my curiousity was some of the names. There's a somewhat Scandinavian feel to Ari Westergaard, Eva Marteinn, Thordis Risberg, Efraim Stinar. I wonder were the author got the names from?
It's not really a cliffhanger in the end, but it doesn't make me any less inclined to want to read more! Eva has found out what makes her so special for the Commonwealth and its leader, but she's afraid to tell Ari the truth. Having secrets never tend to end well...!
If you enjoy a mix of sci-fi and fantasy, forbidden love, unexpected turns, fights with deadly weapons, intriguing world building and tough characters, this would be a good choice!
* I received a free copy of the book from the author and I'm giving my honest review. *
May 30, 2021
Swords of the Seven sins has to be the most Unique way I have ever read and seen the Us of Virtue and Sin.
It takes place in an isolated society called the Commonwealth where your life revolves around forbidding sins and following virtues. In this society the children are raised in groups by maternal people choosen. Men separate from Women and you are assigned a job. Babies are made from test tubes supposedly hidden how its really done. Natural born children are treated like slaves and are given menial tasks. The goal is to have a sinless society and the construct is quite instrumental.
Eva Marteinn's choosing day is coming up and she is an expert at what she does in her extra time. With her Choosing day coming up she is hoping for a job similar to what she works in... How her how life is going to change.
Ari Westegard a Few years ahead of her is a Bellator defender of the Commonwealth and really great at what he does. Only 19 and upcoming dedicated to defending.
They are taught outside this Commonwealth the world is full of Barbaric People. Sinners and people who don't care and love each other. Willing to do anything to kill anyone.
Parts of this Book gave me giggles, laughing, knucklebiting, really upset, its a rollarcoaster full of emotions with amazing writing.
Arc was given to me by Netgalley and I'm very glad I got to read it.
It takes place in an isolated society called the Commonwealth where your life revolves around forbidding sins and following virtues. In this society the children are raised in groups by maternal people choosen. Men separate from Women and you are assigned a job. Babies are made from test tubes supposedly hidden how its really done. Natural born children are treated like slaves and are given menial tasks. The goal is to have a sinless society and the construct is quite instrumental.
Eva Marteinn's choosing day is coming up and she is an expert at what she does in her extra time. With her Choosing day coming up she is hoping for a job similar to what she works in... How her how life is going to change.
Ari Westegard a Few years ahead of her is a Bellator defender of the Commonwealth and really great at what he does. Only 19 and upcoming dedicated to defending.
They are taught outside this Commonwealth the world is full of Barbaric People. Sinners and people who don't care and love each other. Willing to do anything to kill anyone.
Parts of this Book gave me giggles, laughing, knucklebiting, really upset, its a rollarcoaster full of emotions with amazing writing.
Arc was given to me by Netgalley and I'm very glad I got to read it.
August 12, 2020
"But if I have already sinned by wanting her, then perhaps what happens between us now doesn't matter. Perhaps we are already damned."
I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When I first read the summary of this book, I was expecting a Roman-esque style fantasy novel involving assassins, but instead I got futuristic science fiction dystopian world wherein the Seven Deadly Sins are considered as the worst of all crimes and the Seven Virtues are the prime goals a person must achieve all the time, and anything that deviates to the standard "Caucasian look" is considered as an abomination so they are killed or exiled. But I wasn't disappointed at all.
The book started off slowly, needing a bit more time to get used to the world and its ongoings, but it was easily understandable enough that things would eventually pick up right away. The writing style is progressive and lyrical, and never dragging, so a reader can quickly read through the book and still enjoy it. The action was really there, and it just kept going and going, keeping me on the edge of my seat. While I found some points a bit too rushed for my liking, it didn't take away from me the enjoyment of reading it.
The characters were phenomenal. Both Eva and Ari were such engaging characters that you can't help but root for both of them. I always loved a very bad-ass character with both brawn and brains, and these two are a definite hit for me. Their chemistry and romance was off the charts, especially in a forbidden romance setting, but I liked how it just continued to build up as they got to know each other more. This one is a clear forbidden love, insta-love romance, and while I normally stay clear from that combination, I really enjoyed how it was written in this book.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series, especially with how things ended!
I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When I first read the summary of this book, I was expecting a Roman-esque style fantasy novel involving assassins, but instead I got futuristic science fiction dystopian world wherein the Seven Deadly Sins are considered as the worst of all crimes and the Seven Virtues are the prime goals a person must achieve all the time, and anything that deviates to the standard "Caucasian look" is considered as an abomination so they are killed or exiled. But I wasn't disappointed at all.
The book started off slowly, needing a bit more time to get used to the world and its ongoings, but it was easily understandable enough that things would eventually pick up right away. The writing style is progressive and lyrical, and never dragging, so a reader can quickly read through the book and still enjoy it. The action was really there, and it just kept going and going, keeping me on the edge of my seat. While I found some points a bit too rushed for my liking, it didn't take away from me the enjoyment of reading it.
The characters were phenomenal. Both Eva and Ari were such engaging characters that you can't help but root for both of them. I always loved a very bad-ass character with both brawn and brains, and these two are a definite hit for me. Their chemistry and romance was off the charts, especially in a forbidden romance setting, but I liked how it just continued to build up as they got to know each other more. This one is a clear forbidden love, insta-love romance, and while I normally stay clear from that combination, I really enjoyed how it was written in this book.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series, especially with how things ended!
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