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The Seven Sins
Shadows of the Seven Sins
Cordelia Navarro was born to blood and sacrifice.
She was also born to love cherry puff pastries, especially the ones from Dev Adelman’s family’s bakery on the City Road…
So begins the spellbinding short story collection set in the world of the award-winning Seven Sins series, from the New York Times bestselling author of Sword of the Seven Sins.
In the oppressive Commonwealth, where defying the High Priests and the vicious Bellatorum warriors means execution or exile, people live and die by the Seven Deadly Sins. In the world beyond the Commonwealth’s borders, an ancient species fights for the right to survive. In one society, love is punishable by death. In the other, royal blood dictates marriage. In both, no laws can govern the heart. Enter the thrilling world of the Seven Sins in these interconnected short stories.
Two childhood friends, one shape-shifting royalty and one a baker’s son, secretly fall in love. When his family suffers a horrible tragedy, he convinces her to use her influence to go to war. But is he acting out of love, or revenge?
When a teen in the Commonwealth spies his best friend, Ari, kissing a girl, he knows the punishment for Ari is death. In that moment, he realizes something else: he is in love with Ari. When a band of bellators passes nearby, Gentian risks his own life to keep Ari’s secret. But can he protect the lovers from certain death?
A boy the Commonwealth’s bellators have always underestimated uses his unique knowledge to aid the rebellion—and changes the course of history.
In the pages of this gripping collection, dive deeper into the stories of your favorite characters from the Seven Sins series and meet new ones. Discover dark secrets they've been hiding. And witness the courage of rebels who risk their lives again and again for love, justice, and freedom.
She was also born to love cherry puff pastries, especially the ones from Dev Adelman’s family’s bakery on the City Road…
So begins the spellbinding short story collection set in the world of the award-winning Seven Sins series, from the New York Times bestselling author of Sword of the Seven Sins.
In the oppressive Commonwealth, where defying the High Priests and the vicious Bellatorum warriors means execution or exile, people live and die by the Seven Deadly Sins. In the world beyond the Commonwealth’s borders, an ancient species fights for the right to survive. In one society, love is punishable by death. In the other, royal blood dictates marriage. In both, no laws can govern the heart. Enter the thrilling world of the Seven Sins in these interconnected short stories.
Two childhood friends, one shape-shifting royalty and one a baker’s son, secretly fall in love. When his family suffers a horrible tragedy, he convinces her to use her influence to go to war. But is he acting out of love, or revenge?
When a teen in the Commonwealth spies his best friend, Ari, kissing a girl, he knows the punishment for Ari is death. In that moment, he realizes something else: he is in love with Ari. When a band of bellators passes nearby, Gentian risks his own life to keep Ari’s secret. But can he protect the lovers from certain death?
A boy the Commonwealth’s bellators have always underestimated uses his unique knowledge to aid the rebellion—and changes the course of history.
In the pages of this gripping collection, dive deeper into the stories of your favorite characters from the Seven Sins series and meet new ones. Discover dark secrets they've been hiding. And witness the courage of rebels who risk their lives again and again for love, justice, and freedom.
- GenresFantasy
282 pages, Unknown Binding
First published June 1, 2021
12 people are currently reading
587 people want to read
About the author
Emily Colin
14 books342 followersEmily Colin is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author whose books blend romance and the supernatural. Her debut novel, The Memory Thief, was a Target Emerging Authors Pick, and her Slavic-inspired romantasy, Fate and Fury, was named a 2024 Foreword INDIES Award finalist and Indie Author Project Select Pick. Emily’s young adult dystopian romantasy series, The Seven Sins, won the Gold Moonbeam, Silver IPPY, and North Carolina Indie Author Project Awards. This series has also been a two-time Foreword INDIES Award finalist and was shortlisted for the Manly Wade Wellman Award for Science Fiction and Fantasy.
A former indie bookseller who spent years in the field of community arts engagement, Emily believes deeply in the power of the arts to transform lives. In her work as an editor, Author Accelerator-certified book coach, and instructor, she focuses on helping authors develop a sustainable writing practice while bringing the books of their dreams to life. She’s served as a Pitch Wars and Kiss Pitch mentor and is currently a Duke University Arts Studio mentor. A native Brooklynite, Emily lives in coastal North Carolina with her family. When not crafting her next novel, she can be found chasing her chaotic pets or drinking mochas by the sea.
Visit her online at www.emilycolin.com or @emilycolinbooks.
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A former indie bookseller who spent years in the field of community arts engagement, Emily believes deeply in the power of the arts to transform lives. In her work as an editor, Author Accelerator-certified book coach, and instructor, she focuses on helping authors develop a sustainable writing practice while bringing the books of their dreams to life. She’s served as a Pitch Wars and Kiss Pitch mentor and is currently a Duke University Arts Studio mentor. A native Brooklynite, Emily lives in coastal North Carolina with her family. When not crafting her next novel, she can be found chasing her chaotic pets or drinking mochas by the sea.
Visit her online at www.emilycolin.com or @emilycolinbooks.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 19, 2024
This novella is a much needed side story! I don't want to give too much away, but the main characters are not present in the series until the end of the third book. So, these characters are entirely new, and it's good to get a fresh perspective on this world. These characters did not grow up in the Commonwealth like Ari and Eva, so seeing how the world works from an "outsider's" perspective is really valuable. The farther into this series I get the more and more lore and magic arise, and it makes me really happy!
In this futuristic version of the United States, people only travel on foot or by horse, but many of the sciences have stayed advanced. Oil and coal production seem to have stopped entirely, but farming and medicinal sciences seem to still be "up-to-date." I love the concept of this world! I'm so excited to keep reading!
In this futuristic version of the United States, people only travel on foot or by horse, but many of the sciences have stayed advanced. Oil and coal production seem to have stopped entirely, but farming and medicinal sciences seem to still be "up-to-date." I love the concept of this world! I'm so excited to keep reading!
September 2, 2024
It's really nice to learn more about the stories of secondary characters. This collection explores their adventures through the lens of sins, shedding new light on the main narrative. The writing is excellent, immersing us in the thoughts and internal struggles of citizens in this highly restrictive society. It helps us understand their intentions and the reasons behind the transgressions they commit. I find myself fearing for their safety, and sometimes it left my heart in pieces.
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July 3, 2023Here's a little teaser excerpt from one of the short stories. I'll be sharing some more as we get closer to release date!
“Lean on me, Kilían. We can do this,” Kennett whispered as they went. “Remember, ‘the race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong.’” These were the words that the Mothers read to them each night, along with the parables of the sins that had led to the Empire’s Fall.
Kilían bit his lip so hard it bled, trying hard not to let his reaction show. To contradict the Mothers when they spoke of such things was heresy—but he believed these words to be lies. Perhaps they held true for the Commonwealth’s citizens at large, but certainly not for the bellators whose ranks he aspired to join. “There are many kinds of strength,” he whispered back.
It was a simple statement—but when Kennett’s hand tightened on his waist, he imagined that perhaps the other boy was reveling in the sensation of this unexpected intimacy, just as he was. For the ninety seconds it took for them to reach the finish line, he let himself imagine things that were beyond verboten: lying in the meadow beyond the vineyards with Kennett, his head on the other boy’s chest, looking up at the clouds that drifted across the sky; pressing a kiss to Kennett’s lips under the watchful eye of the sickle moon.
Something was terribly wrong with him. Kissing was forbidden, let alone kissing another boy. Not that it mattered who you kissed, he supposed; getting caught doing it only ended one way: on your knees in Clockverk Square, with your neck bared for a bellator’s sverd.
Kilían had always expected to be the one wielding the blade. He had no plans to find himself on the receiving end.
Shadows of the Seven Sins
“Lean on me, Kilían. We can do this,” Kennett whispered as they went. “Remember, ‘the race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong.’” These were the words that the Mothers read to them each night, along with the parables of the sins that had led to the Empire’s Fall.
Kilían bit his lip so hard it bled, trying hard not to let his reaction show. To contradict the Mothers when they spoke of such things was heresy—but he believed these words to be lies. Perhaps they held true for the Commonwealth’s citizens at large, but certainly not for the bellators whose ranks he aspired to join. “There are many kinds of strength,” he whispered back.
It was a simple statement—but when Kennett’s hand tightened on his waist, he imagined that perhaps the other boy was reveling in the sensation of this unexpected intimacy, just as he was. For the ninety seconds it took for them to reach the finish line, he let himself imagine things that were beyond verboten: lying in the meadow beyond the vineyards with Kennett, his head on the other boy’s chest, looking up at the clouds that drifted across the sky; pressing a kiss to Kennett’s lips under the watchful eye of the sickle moon.
Something was terribly wrong with him. Kissing was forbidden, let alone kissing another boy. Not that it mattered who you kissed, he supposed; getting caught doing it only ended one way: on your knees in Clockverk Square, with your neck bared for a bellator’s sverd.
Kilían had always expected to be the one wielding the blade. He had no plans to find himself on the receiving end.
Shadows of the Seven Sins
March 23, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
“My hands may look clean to you, but whenever I look at them, I see nothing but blood.”
“I am a medic. But I have no idea how to heal a broken heart.”
Shadows of the Seven Sins is a collection of short stories that serves as a complement to The Seven Sins series.
Comprising seven tales, this collection delves into the backgrounds of several important side characters mentioned in the first two books. I find exploring characters' pasts enriching, as it provides insight into their motivations and the repercussions of their actions.
I appreciated the significant roles these characters played in Eva and Ari's lives, often without their knowledge, such as saving them in pivotal moments.
Moreover, the introduction of new characters piqued my curiosity about their future roles in the series.
In summary, Shadows of the Seven Sins offers a compelling and emotionally charged read, exploring some dark themes.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving ARC didn’t affect my opinion of the book.
“My hands may look clean to you, but whenever I look at them, I see nothing but blood.”
“I am a medic. But I have no idea how to heal a broken heart.”
Shadows of the Seven Sins is a collection of short stories that serves as a complement to The Seven Sins series.
Comprising seven tales, this collection delves into the backgrounds of several important side characters mentioned in the first two books. I find exploring characters' pasts enriching, as it provides insight into their motivations and the repercussions of their actions.
I appreciated the significant roles these characters played in Eva and Ari's lives, often without their knowledge, such as saving them in pivotal moments.
Moreover, the introduction of new characters piqued my curiosity about their future roles in the series.
In summary, Shadows of the Seven Sins offers a compelling and emotionally charged read, exploring some dark themes.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving ARC didn’t affect my opinion of the book.
January 31, 2024
I really liked all of the short stories that this book is comprised of. Reading the back stories of all of the second hand characters and how their roles played in helping and shaping those of the main characters was quite enjoyable. I felt like I was there with each person as their story was told. You could feel all of the emotions of each short story and how they connected. I'm excited to see how this series all wraps up and ends in the last book.
July 5, 2021
In the Commonwealth where citizens live and die by the rules of the Seven Deadly Sins: Pride, Greed, Wrath, Envy, Lust, Gluttony, and Sloth, Eva Marteinn and Ari - the two Bellators of the Commonwealth has committed sins of Lust. When they were sentenced to punishment by the law of the Commonwealth, they barely managed to escape their deaths. What we didn't know was that, there was someone who silently watched all their sins hiding in the shadows. That someone not only kept their secrets safe to himself but also secretly helped them escape the Commonwealth of Ashes. This book reveals all those secrets kept hidden in the dark.
This book is a collection of seven short stories - each based on the theme of one of the seven sins - about characters who went unnoticed in the first book of the Seven Sins universe. Each of the story has a Hero. It reveals some of their darkest secrets too. What fascinated me is that, those side characters which I'm pretty sure we all ignored while reading Sword of the Seven Sins, happened to play the important roles in saving both Eva and Ari. One of the chapters in this book also reveals Ari's parentage and what exactly happened to them. It was the scariest story of them all. I kept biting my nails all throughout, getting anxious everytime it felt like someone might discover their sin. Gosh! The writing is just brilliant!
I felt so connected to all the characters that I wanted more than just a chapter dedicated to them. However, each of the story is complete in itself. There are also some new characters introduced here, about who I really wanna know more. So I believe this collection bridges the gap between the first and the second book and also keeps you waiting for it. I might have said a zillion times already how I am in love with this universe, and I'll say it again - YOU NEED TO READ THIS SERIES! Emily Colin has her way of pulling the readers deep into the labyrinth and once you find yourself into this universe, there's no getting out of it. You'll just crave for more and more. There's action, there's drama, there's romance and includes diverse characters too. I love it and how!
This book is a collection of seven short stories - each based on the theme of one of the seven sins - about characters who went unnoticed in the first book of the Seven Sins universe. Each of the story has a Hero. It reveals some of their darkest secrets too. What fascinated me is that, those side characters which I'm pretty sure we all ignored while reading Sword of the Seven Sins, happened to play the important roles in saving both Eva and Ari. One of the chapters in this book also reveals Ari's parentage and what exactly happened to them. It was the scariest story of them all. I kept biting my nails all throughout, getting anxious everytime it felt like someone might discover their sin. Gosh! The writing is just brilliant!
I felt so connected to all the characters that I wanted more than just a chapter dedicated to them. However, each of the story is complete in itself. There are also some new characters introduced here, about who I really wanna know more. So I believe this collection bridges the gap between the first and the second book and also keeps you waiting for it. I might have said a zillion times already how I am in love with this universe, and I'll say it again - YOU NEED TO READ THIS SERIES! Emily Colin has her way of pulling the readers deep into the labyrinth and once you find yourself into this universe, there's no getting out of it. You'll just crave for more and more. There's action, there's drama, there's romance and includes diverse characters too. I love it and how!
April 15, 2024
This book is recommended to be read in between book 2 and 3 in the "Seven Sins" duology.
I ADORED learning more about some of the side characters in this series. My heart hurt especially reading about Cordelia and Miriam knowing what happens to each of them.
For a society where it is illegal to feel love, these stories show how impossible it is. How so many characters we've seen try to fight their feelings but cannot, because love is a part of the human condition. These short stories explore not only the world and characters of the "seven sins" series, but what it means to be a human being and to feel. To love and to lose.
I highly recommend this book as an addition to the Seven Sins series!
I ADORED learning more about some of the side characters in this series. My heart hurt especially reading about Cordelia and Miriam knowing what happens to each of them.
For a society where it is illegal to feel love, these stories show how impossible it is. How so many characters we've seen try to fight their feelings but cannot, because love is a part of the human condition. These short stories explore not only the world and characters of the "seven sins" series, but what it means to be a human being and to feel. To love and to lose.
I highly recommend this book as an addition to the Seven Sins series!
January 23, 2024
I'm almost at a loss for words, but I'll give it my best shot.
Wow.
If you like heartwrenching, behind the scenes, extra pov action... this is definitely the book for you.
These stories tore me apart. Lust being the worst. As a mother, I cannot imagine going through what happened. I'll be thinking about it for days.
All of the stories were heartbreaking. Perhaps even devastatingly crushing. What's worse is how they all could have been avoided if it weren't for the commonwealth. It fuels my hate fire, as Fat Amy says.
Lovely writing, as is standard for this series.
If I had a critique, it would be a little too much reliving the same scenes.
Overall, highly recommend! 4.5 stars
Wow.
If you like heartwrenching, behind the scenes, extra pov action... this is definitely the book for you.
These stories tore me apart. Lust being the worst. As a mother, I cannot imagine going through what happened. I'll be thinking about it for days.
All of the stories were heartbreaking. Perhaps even devastatingly crushing. What's worse is how they all could have been avoided if it weren't for the commonwealth. It fuels my hate fire, as Fat Amy says.
Lovely writing, as is standard for this series.
If I had a critique, it would be a little too much reliving the same scenes.
Overall, highly recommend! 4.5 stars
April 29, 2024
this one is a short story and i love short stories! So i was really excited and let me say emily colins did not disappoint. little context the short stories were Gluttony,wrath,lust, envy, sloth, pride, and greed! and if you know are the seven sins just made it even more magical! But they were heartbreaking too! 🥀 This book was fun to see all the new characters and perspectives and learn about them!
🐺🦁🐸🐍🐐🐷
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Again thank you Emily colin and the book funnel for this opportunity in return for my honest review!!!
🐺🦁🐸🐍🐐🐷
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Again thank you Emily colin and the book funnel for this opportunity in return for my honest review!!!
February 15, 2024
This book is a backstory and history of the main characters. Kenneth, Miriam, Cordelia, Killian, Eva and Ari. Take a peek at all of their pasts and see how the web of history has intertwined with the future characters. I loved learning more about all of these characters and why they made the decisions that they made and the consequences of those decisions. You could read this before or after Storm of the Seven Sins.
June 11, 2025
Shadows of the Seven Sins is a novella in The Seven Sins series. This book is a great addition to the series because it shows us the backgrounds of several minor characters, giving us a more complex look at their lives. Cordelia, Dev, Kennett, Kilian, and Miriam are all included, and it's a little heartbreaking reading some of the stories when you know how this ends. If you are a fan of the series, I highly recommend taking the time to read the backstories of these characters. 5 stars!
April 25, 2024
This is WILD. I haven't read an entire series whereas every book was 5 stars for me in a MINUTE.
Reading this and getting Coredelia/Devs story was everything. The star-crossed lovers aspect of any book always gets me, but this one really tugged at my heart strings.
5 stars and now I'm onto the last book in the seven sins series...
Reading this and getting Coredelia/Devs story was everything. The star-crossed lovers aspect of any book always gets me, but this one really tugged at my heart strings.
5 stars and now I'm onto the last book in the seven sins series...
July 17, 2021
SO MUCH TO LOVE! A whole book full of new characters and new perspectives, I'm obsessed, and I can't wait for Siege! One of the new characters is now my favorite of the series, and I'm hopeful and excited for the author to give us more of her in the books to come.
May 25, 2024
This was so good!!
I dare say that this was better then the main books and I was so intrigued by the side characters more than Ari and Eva.
I cannot wait to see what happens and how all these characters are going to meet together in book 3!! 😍
I dare say that this was better then the main books and I was so intrigued by the side characters more than Ari and Eva.
I cannot wait to see what happens and how all these characters are going to meet together in book 3!! 😍
February 23, 2025
The first story was pretty good as it gave more depth to Cordelia’s background. The rest of the stories were like reading parts of the series from a different angle. They gave a smidgen more information than the original or just told it from a first person pov.
January 16, 2024
This novel has kept me wanting more and more.
This has definitely been worth the read. Off to get the next book
This has definitely been worth the read. Off to get the next book
June 17, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - this set of stories really adds to the depth of the characters and world building in the series. I'm even more attached to everyone and eager to see what happens next
June 19, 2025
Shadows ties the whole series together by providing backstories for side characters in the series. I loved every second of it.
May 29, 2024
TROPES
Multiple Shot Stories, Forbidden Love, Friendship, Deadly Secrets, Dystopian Society
REVIEW
This was a collection of short stories relating to the Seven Sins series. There are seven short stories following the seven deadly sins. The rating above is entirely a reflection of the fact that I’m not a huge fan of prequels/short stories. I’m just more of a main-story reader.
SPOILERS
In Gluttony and Wrath, we follow Cordelia and Dev in the world outside of the Commonwealth gaining a unique insight into what life is like there and their relationship.
In Lust and Sloth, we follow a young Miriam and Kenneth, trying to make their way in the Commonwealth where love and attachment is forbidden. We follow the development of their relationship and the events leading to them escaping the commonwealth.
In Envy, we follow Kilían on his way to become one of the best bellators the Commonwealth of Ashes has. We follow along as he discovers the truth of Kenneth and Miriam as well as his own complicated feelings and how they drive his actions.
In Pride and Greed, we follow Gentian, sixteen years after the other stories. Gentian’s story mirrors that of KilIían’s. We see the path that leads him to assist the revolution and the steps he took to protect Ari.
May 31, 2024
Emily Colin knows how to do novellas! They are meant to enhance the story and tie in, and they do exactly like. This novella allows us to get to know characters we meet at the end of Siege of the Seven Sins. Since they did not grow up in the Commonwealth like Ari and Eva, we’re allowed an outsider’s perspective. This really adds layers to the story and provides valuable information about this world. Beautifully done!
May 11, 2024
Named after the seven deadly sins, this collection of short stories dives deeper into this world by exploring the tales of our side characters.
I'm at loss for words to describe how fiercely I adored this book! Corelia and Dev's story broke my heart, while Killian’s shattered it to pieces. Can't wait to read the third and final book in the trilogy!
I'm at loss for words to describe how fiercely I adored this book! Corelia and Dev's story broke my heart, while Killian’s shattered it to pieces. Can't wait to read the third and final book in the trilogy!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews