In the Wolf-ruled Kingdom of Elyndria, Paege Vailenbyrg’s world has shattered into three brutal She's not just Fae, she's also Wolf—a hybrid abomination. To break the curse plaguing the kingdom, blood must be spilled. Quentin Ishaan cannot be trusted.
After triggering her Emergence, Paege must learn what it means to be a Fae-Wolf hybrid while piecing together her fractured truth and grieving a devastating loss. Desperate and alone, with nowhere else to turn, she's forced into an impossible alliance with Quentin—the one who shattered her heart—trusting him to help unravel a newly discovered prophecy.
A bloodline shall rise; a bloodline shall fall.
Together, they set out to uncover the truth about her family and the curse that tore them apart. But in Elyndria, nothing ever comes easy, and learning the depths of her family's secrets may come at diabolical cost. Now, Paege must navigate treacherous waters as she travels across the kingdom in search of answers and secrets long buried. Every alliance is a gamble, and tensions rise when Lazarus, an Israykiel Guard with secrets of his own, offers his blade, and old bonds are called into question.
The curse is tightening its grip. Her enemies are closing in. But Paege will stop at nothing to save the ones she loves. Can she do what’s demanded to free her kingdom from the curse, or will the truth cost Paege everything she has left?
Book 2 in the Original Sin series is coming to you on 19 December 2025
Quick Summary This book hits hard with secrets and twists that keep you hooked, plus that quest? Absolutely brilliant! I was all about Quinton, but Laz just swooped in and stole my heart.
Reading Thoughts 📕Wow the first part of this brought all the hurt and pain straight back up 📕There are so many revelations to begin this book to get your head around, and they written so well 📕So I thought I was team Quinton bit Laz is now my new fav 📕This book still has so many secrets and it just gets better and better but the secrets are so hurtful for Paige. My heart screams for her. 📕Loved the quest that they go on, brilliant.
Words that linger 🍷“I need you. I love you. But I will see you again. I promise.” 🍷“I will always find you, little wolf.” 🍷He saw me for who I was and told me the truth of my situation. He pushed me to be better. He saw strength in me when no one else did—when I didn’t. He saw something that no one has ever seen before. Me. 🍷With Laz, I’m unjudged. Understood. Seen.
🍄Tropes🍄 Found Family Power at a Cost Lovers to Enemies Hidden Lineage Epic Quests
Thank you Danielle D. Drummond and Phoenix Rising Literary for the early copy.
we met Paege in the previous book as a fae-wolf hybrid. there are so many secrets and lies that shes been told but must uncover the truth. she learns about the Eagles from her BFF and she sets off with Quentin seeking the answers to undo the curse. along the way they meet Lazarus, a star-borne fae who ia there to help. he has secrets of his own but nonetheless will help Paege on her quest. a perilous journey to find the Eagles leaves more questions then answers. Paege will stop at nothing to keep those she loves safe and learning about the betrayal makes it harder to do. a sacrifice Paege needs to make to ensure the curse is lifted. good read!
Absolutely obsessed. This sequel grabs you by the throat from page one and does not let go. The secrets, the prophecy, the tension between Paege and Quentin…I was eating it all up. The world gets darker, the stakes get higher, and I’m fully feral waiting for book three. Danielle D. Drummond understood the assignment!
The second book in the series...... This book gets a solid 4.5 stars.
This book does give answers with Paege and Guy and their connection. Some of the memories start to come alive. This book leaves right off with a POV of Quinten and then goes back to the POV of Paege. BUT there is a 3rd person that joins the quest..... This book doesn't really have spicy in it. There is a few "almost" scenes but if you remember from the first book, Sylas took care of her being able to be with someone..... Or did he????? Don't want to give it away.
Ok, so this book starts off where the first left off. When Paege finally finds some answers thanks to her friend, and a little messing with Quentin (I giggled at that part), she is determined to go on a quest. When she arrived at her house, she meets Laz who joins the trip. During this quest, in the forest there was a part with Quentin that had me wondering what was really going on (Something that only Paege could see apparently) As they continue on their quest, some things happen that will change how coming back from destination will go. I really don't want to say too much as I don't want to give it away. I will say that poor Paege has endured so much between the first book and the 2nd that it's amazing how she even keeps going to try and solve how to break the curse. Now toward the end of the book...... Hold on for a roller coster of emotions and "what the what"..... There was one part I was like.... OOOOO I knew it and then others I was like ummmmm where did that come from. The ended does end on a cliffhanger but it's not like the first book cliffhanger.
I am a little sad that I read this early copy as early as I did as now I have to wait for the next book. Which makes me sad.... Because I think there is a reason why something didn't happen in the forest (the part that only she could see) and the ending and I want to know if I'm right or not.....
If you are in need of a resilient MFC who realizes that a lot of people are keeping things from her and this causes her to have an increase in emotions AND makes you see some of the information in the first book and be like "how did I miss that", then make sure to pick this book up. Such a great second book. Can't wait to read the next one.
Thank you to the author for working with me and allowing me to read an advanced copy of the second book.
There are some FMCs that set themselves up for the dangers they find themselves in, but then there are the ones like Paege, the ones who only ever wanted and tried to have as normal and happy of a life as she could but Fate and circumstances refuses to allow that to happen.
From finding out the truth of her lineage and shifting abilities, having not one but two shady and evil boyfriends and do I smell a possible Fae mating bond in the works here? Regardless of what happens Paege seriously just cannot catch a break!
This story and world building just pulled me in from the very beginning and I couldn't put it down. I had to know what was going to happen next! The characters in the story definitely all stand on their own, the plot twist absolutely floored me! And even the character I hated the most ended up being one I was rooting for in the end! Now that is great writing lol!
Highly suggest picking this series up if you are looking for that fun mix of modern and fantasy, wolf shifters and Fae, hidden family secrets, lies and forbidden truths, curses and prophecies and annoying alpha-hole Fae males that end up stealing your heart!
Favorite Quotes:
"I suppose when you aren’t looking for it, even the most obvious signs can be well-hidden behind the curtains of lies when they are woven tightly shut."
"Maybe. What a dangerous word. It inspires hope and assumes possibilities. Yes, “maybe” is a dangerous word indeed, but one I badly want to hold onto."
"He saw strength in me when no one else did—when I didn’t. He saw something that no one has ever seen before. Me. And standing next to him, I’ve never felt less alone. With Laz, I’m unjudged. Understood. Seen."
"“But I will find you again, in the next life and the life after that. I will keep finding you. I will always keep finding you. I promise.”
This throws you straight back into the chaos which plot twists happening early in the book, and there is absolutely no easing back into this world, which I loved. From page one, you’re on edge, never knowing who you’re actually meant to trust. I was fully crashing out because I want to love all of these characters, but I’m convinced one (or more) of them is going to rip my heart out and stomp on it.
I love how we continue to learn about the world as Paege does. And don’t even get me started on Quentin and Lazarus in this book… the tension, the protection, the secrets, the vibes... Absolutely immaculate.
That ending? I was gasping, flipping pages like my life depended on it. What was that?! And what am I meant to do now?
This book strikes such a perfect balance between wrapping up threads from book one and acting as a bridge into book three. The lore deepens with politics, secrets, magic, mystery and evolving relationships, all while continuously raising the stakes… and wow, are the stakes high. One of my favorite aspects is Paege’s growth. She doesn’t suddenly become a bad ass warrior overnight. Her development is gradual, messy, frustrating, and real. You can feel her power and confidence brewing just beneath the surface, and I am desperate to see her fully step into it.
The world-building continues to be incredible. Elyndria feels rich, immersive, and alive, filled with fae, wolves, witches, sirens, centaurs, Gods, and beings. There is so much to explore, and this world is genuinely addictive. I need more immediately.
The writing absolutely delivers as always. It is fast-paced, gripping, and emotionally charged. This is perfect for fantasy readers who crave magic, secrets, and high emotional stakes. If book one hooked me, this one claimed my soul. Bring on book three, because I need answers, chaos, and Paege coming into her own.
This book had me in a chokehold, and I couldn't put it down. It starts hard and fast and builds on the foundation of book one all while escalating the stakes until your breath catches in your throat. Danielle has this incredible way of sucking the reader in, making them fall in (and out) of love with characters and driving the story forward while making it impactful and unforgettable.
I'm a HUGE fan.
We pick up where book one left us, Paege is still reeling after all that transpired at the campground, and although Quentin's betrayal still cuts deep, she pushes it aside in the hopes of finding out how to break the curse hanging over everyone's head, and they set out on a perilous quest.
What follows is a race against time and enemies, and with the introduction of Lazarus, a Star-borne Fae who is as mysterious as he is morally grey (and my new book boyfriend) Paege's life is turned upside down and inside out, all while she's trying to hold the fragile pieces of her life together.
With breathtaking world-building, a plot that resonates but hits hard, this is everything you need in an epic read - I urge you to pick it up!
If you love -
• enemies to lovers • morally grey MMC • chosen one • FMC discovering her powers • betrayals • found family • lovers to enemies • dealing with grief • quests and prophecies • supernatural fantasy • crying into your tissues
Then you honestly need to read - it is such a sweeping and all consuming story and I can't wait to see where book 3 and Danielle takes us.
A Bloodline Of Secrets: The Unification An Original Sin Novel Book 2 By Danielle D. Drummond
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🖤Fated Mates 🐺Found Family 🖤Hidden Lineage 🐺Reluctant Damsel 🖤Cursed Kingdom 🐺Trust No One 🖤Forbidden Romance 🐺Forced Protection 🖤High Stakes 🐺Rescue Romance 🖤Personal Betrayal 🐺Power at a Cost
This gripping second instalment of An Original Sin will keep you on your toes as we jump back in to Paege's mission for not only the truth, but the quest to break the curse. While this is mostly Paege's POV there are a few other POVs throughout that will leave you guessing in the best of ways. Just when you think you have things figured out something happens to shake it up again, but you do get some answers to questions from book one that make you go WOW. Paege's quest to break the curse leads her through so much and with a new character 😍 vut who can she really trust after everything that's happened? If you are looking for a strong FMC that never gives up this series this is the series for you!
The twists and turns through this series so far and how well they have been put to paper is absolutely incredible! And I'm not just saying that because the author is my name twin 😉
Review is finally here - needed some time to process & recover!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Blood doesn’t lie. And secrets always demand a price.
Tropes:
💫Hidden Lineage 💫Betrayal, Secrets & Reluctant Alliances 💫Cursed Kingdom 💫Epic Quest 💫Found Family 💫Fae, Shifters, Witches & More
I have been waiting month's for book two and it did not disappoint! It's brutal and emotional - in the best way possible - & packed with revelations that reframed everything I thought I knew.
The world building deepened. The stakes skyrocketed. And the secrets? Absolutely devastating!
Paege’s journey is raw and relentless. Identity, grief, power/magic, and prophecy collide as the truth of her bloodline unravels - and every revelation hits harder than the last.
There are two romantic potentials - one is history - built on angst & emotional scars. The other is unexpected - a slow burn that starts quietly, almost unnoticed, until suddenly it’s everywhere.
This is the kind of sequel that doesn’t just continue the story - it evolves and leaves you emotionally wrecked on the floor wondering how you’re meant to recover.
If you enjoy dark fantasy with emotional damage, hidden lineage, prophecies & cursed bloodlines this one is for you!
Thank you @dani.drummond_author for the ARC - I can't wait for book three!!
A Bloodline of Secrets is a heart-pounding sequel to A Kingdom of Curses, and it delivered everything I was hoping for and more.
The story continues directly from where the first book ended, this time starting from a different perspective that added real emotional depth for me, before shifting back to Paege's POV. The grief carried over from the previous book is still very present, and it’s woven through the unfolding revelations in a way that felt heavy, meaningful, and authentic rather than rushed.
As new characters step into the story, the dynamics begin to shift. I found myself unexpectedly emotionally invested, especially as motivations became less clear and trust felt increasingly fragile. The tension builds steadily, and by the time I reached the ending, I was genuinely shocked and immediately desperate for what comes next.
For a sequel, this book moves the story forward beautifully. The pacing is stronger, the stakes feel higher, and the shifting relationships kept me fully engaged from start to finish. I was completely hooked, and now the wait for the next book feels agonising in the best possible way.
I received this book as an ARC, however, this review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings shared voluntarily.
My emotions are all over the place, as are my thoughts- and there's so many.
What a phenomenal second book, it's taken a wild turn that I was not expecting! And I know the saying is expect the unexpected- but NOPE, not with this book. I really liked the first book, and I was heartbroken by the end of that and trusting the process is hard! And then this second book- mindblowing, there's some new fantastical shifters and creatures introduced in this book (I'll leave them as a surprise for you all); Paege and Quinton have been joined by Laz- he's familiar but a bit of a wild card. They go on a quest, that only Paege knows the truth of- it's a little slow, detailed and suspenseful. Trouble seems to always find Paege- life is never boring but it's never safe, she fights for her life, fights for everyone else's safety. Paege is still growing some perspective, she's slowly developing, and she's sadly blind to walking red flags and her emotions. Her story in this one is a bit sadder, so prepare to have your heart hurt.
The ending, what a cliff hanger. I screamed, I cried, I celebrated and now I'm desperate for book 3.
I did not expect this book to go this way, but am I refreshingly surprised? yes and ~ no.
Danielle is an excellent writer - I know this in my bones - yet as a well seasoned (like a roast chicken dinner) reader, I was still pleasantly taken aback by a second book not falling into the classic "blergh" pile for the first time in ages.
as always, I reread book 1: please do so - it honestly helps! yet despite doing this I was still on the edge of me seat and questioning eveeerryythhhinnmggg
and the twists? the changes?! the subtle hints I misjudged? oooommph!!! *chefs kiss* I do cryptic crosswords, sudoku, word jumble etc every day for ~fun~ and yet this still has me pulling out my *Reid from Criminal Minds* thinking cap to figure out the riddles that have dropped.
am I obsessed? yes. should you read this? you better am I desperate for book three already? Y.E.S.
if you need me, I'll be in my home trying to figure out the web of lies and riddles spun and decoding it in the attic. feel free to join me - please bring snacks (and beer)
A Dark Fantasy That Refuses to Let Go Danielle D. Drummond’s A Bloodline of Secrets is a compelling and pivotal second installment that dramatically raises the stakes, immediately plunging the reader into high-stakes action and profound emotional conflict. Building effectively on the series' foundation, the narrative advances protagonist Paige’s quest to break the curse, expertly weaving together fragmented memories and shocking revelations about those closest to her. The story is rich with heart-pounding action and intricate twists as Paige confronts hidden truths and betrayals. Drummond excels at character dynamics, notably with the dynamic introduction of the complex and intriguing Laz, whose presence adds potent tension to the core journey. While the romance remains a slow-burn subplot, the narrative is expertly paced, full of simmering tension, and culminates in a major, emotional cliffhanger. A sophisticated and unputdownable dark fantasy. With escalating action and compelling moral ambiguity, this installment expertly hooks the reader and refuses to let go.
A Bloodline of Secrets is the second instalment of @dani.drummond_authors “Original Sin Series”.
THIS BOOK DID NOT DISAPPOINT!! Another 5 Star read for me! I thought the first book was intense and the betrayal couldn’t get any worse…well I was wrong!
Paege’s journey in the second book is so much more intense, scary, dramatic and emotional. Check your trigger warnings as there is gore, battles and torture mentioned in this book. As well as emotional manipulation.
We continue with the fantastic world building, which gets even more descriptive and interesting. I really want to visit here! The magic systems get more complex and more is revealed. The history and lore in this book unfolds more of the complex story, that is Paege’s life/history, while many secrets are left untold. Relationships crumble and relationships strengthen, family is a strong theme in this book.
The cliffhanger that we are left with has me throwing my kindle at the wall! I want more and I need to know what happens next!
A Bloodline of Secrets by Danielle Drummond delivered everything I crave in a dark fantasy — heart-pounding, blood-pressure-elevating action, simmering tension and a story that constantly keeps you guessing. This is a magical journey of self-discovery woven through betrayals, lies and the unsettling question of who can truly be trusted. The stakes rise with every revealed truth, and just when you think you’ve found solid ground, the story pulls it away again.
And let’s talk about Laz… new book boyfriend unlocked. Brooding, layered and impossible to ignore, he adds the perfect spark of tension and intrigue to an already addictive narrative.
Mysterious, emotional and expertly paced, this is a compulsively readable fantasy that sinks its claws in and doesn’t let go.
Highly recommend for fans of dark magic, morally grey characters and twist-filled plots. I couldn’t put it down and will need time to recover from that ending!
One way I know I’ve read an exceptional book is when I’m feeling so many emotions towards the characters, almost as if they’re real, and in this second book; A Bloodline Of Secrets: The Unification, I am fuming at some characters, screaming internally (some small minimal screams might have erupted here and there, I’ll admit it) at some dumb moves but mainly betrayals, and evil I was not expecting!
We continue an amazing plot that thickens with twists and turns, a lot of new information bringing this book to an ending that begs for the next book asap!
Seriously pick this up if you love amazingly well-built fantasy, with some mystery, betrayals and twists and turns.
Let me just add, what an amazing FMC! I feel so sorry for her and at the same time, so, so proud!...
I feel very lucky to have been chosen to receive an advance review copy for free, I’m very thankful to the author Danielle D. Drummond, and I am happily leaving this review voluntarily.
A Bloodline of Secrets: The Unification picks up immediately after the devastating events of book 1. Paege grapples with the shocking reveals and mourns the loss of what could have been.
Tropes: 👀Multi POV 💞Fated Mates 🫂Forced Proximity 🫥Hidden Lineage 🛏️One Bed 💔Betrayals, loss 🗺️Quest
This installment sends Paege on a mission to unravel the mystery of the curse and her bloodline. Plagued with secrets and betrayals, I felt for Paege and everything she’s been through.
This story explores the dynamics of rival factions, dangerous secrets, and shifting relationships. While we get some big reveals, I was left with more questions than answers which subsequent installments may tie together and further clarify.
Huge thanks to the author for the review copy opportunity. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Can you find strength when people have made you believe you are weak?
A Bloodline of Secrets is a gripping, tense story that continues with Paege as she uncovers secrets that have long been buried.
Paege’s journey was nothing but exciting throughout the first book of Original Sin, and the second installment does not disappoint. From the first page to the last, secrets, lies, and betrayal spill from the pages as the journey continues.
All your favorite, and maybe not so favorite, characters are back and some new characters join the story to push Paege along as she seeks to become who she truly is. Magic, bonds, and love are all tested as she faces more than she thinks she can handle.
Come join the journey as Paege seeks the answers she is looking for and gets some she may not be.
I was so lucky to receive this as an ARC and yep. The second book curse strikes again—in the best way. I flew through this and immediately needed a minute afterward.
This sequel is bigger, messier, and way more emotionally charged than book one. The tension? Immaculate. The vibes? Dark romantasy perfection. I was fully locked in, constantly whispering “oh no” and “okay but I love this” at the same time.
It’s one of those books that just hits if you’re into romantasy and series that slowly consume your entire personality. As a bookstore owner, this is absolutely a handsell series for me.
If you liked A Kingdom of Curses, you’re going to eat this up. And yes, I am once again impatiently waiting for the next book. 📚✨
Just wanted to first start with thanking Danielle D. Drummond for an ARC copy of this book. I read the first one A Kingdom of Curses: The Emergence and with the ending I had to keep going. My favorite character being Lazarus. Least favorite FMC, Paege and new addition this book, Quentin. Spoiler alert FMC repeats trying to fight again this book. I would like to continue reading this series and what happens next but not a fan of this FMC. I do love all the other characters in the book and I want to keep reading to know what happens to the other characters. I always did not expect all the lies uncovered in this book.
Favorite quote: Like any species, some are bad, but most are just like you and me, trying to figure out where they fit in a world that rejected them.
A Bloodline of Secrets - The Unification Book 2 in The Original sins series. I adore @dani.drummond_author writing. It flows nicely. The World building is divine, makes sense, and doesn't detract from the story. It's easy to follow along and stay focused on the journey unfolding. There are new characters in this book. One that has the potential to be a new book boyfriend but he isn't quite there yet for me. I need the next book for him to prove himself. There is another prominent relationship that I absolutely adored in this book but I am not going to give it away here. You will need to read the book. All in all, this series is a favourite.
This was a great sequel to the first book I did find it rather predictable for the majority of it and I noticed kind of the main element in the first book that carried over and felt it was really obvious but I love the character development I love the storyline and the evolving world it was fun to kind of go on a journey with this book and of course get to know more about some of the characters. I did predict the majority of it so there were parts where I was just like okay get on with it but for the most part I feel like this is a great adventure romanticy. Definitely one of my favorite pairs of books that I've read this year by far.
Book 2 of the Original Sin series jumps in right where A Kingdom of Curses left off.
We have intricate world building, twists and turns, emotional damage in the best way, humour, a new MMC to obsess over, sass, flirting, trauma, shocks and everything in between such as: ✔️Found family ✔️Power at a cost ✔️Lovers to enemies ✔️Fated mates ✔️Hidden lineage ✔️Epic quests
I was kicking my feet one minute, crying the next and then left wanting to throw my Kindle across the room 😅 And LOVED IT ALL!
This exquisite book is available now and I can't recommend it enough.
Congratulations to my gorgeous friend Dani on another 5 star read. So very proud of you 💜
Wow Danielle you have done it again. Book 1 had me hooked, but book 2 was on a whole other level.
A Bloodline of Secrets picks up right where A Kingdom of Curses finished and was non stop action packed from the get go, continuing to wow me through every chapter. Every time a secret was uncovered and I thought I knew where the story was going it would take a twist and suck me right back in.
As far as fantasy series go, this one is more loaded than a pizza with the lot! Wolves, Fae, Witches, an ancient curse, an epic quest, and an ending to leave you guessing and begging for the next book? If this sounds like your style you should definitely look this series up!
Wow. A Bloodline of Secrets: The Unification takes everything I loved about book one and dials it all the way up. The writing is next-level, the pacing is relentless, and I couldn’t put it down. The world is deeper, darker, and more immersive, and I’m even more invested in Paege as she grows into her power. I’m officially hooked and desperately need book three ASAP. Highly recommend! This series just keeps getting better.
So the first book in the series had a lot of world building and it certainly led into a lot more action in this one. The series is very slow burn as far as romance but lots of emotions. And the ending and twists it takes just leave you wanting more. I can’t wait to see where it all leads to in book 3.
Thank you so much to Danielle D. Drummond for the ARC of this book!
Im speechless, this book series has been the best one i have read yet. The unexpected twists and turns that have come with it that i never see coming. Watching paege's story unfold and some unknown questions been answered along the way without giving away to much has been amazing.
what is going on? why is the new love interest a male who’s known her since she was a kid (ew)? why is Quentin evil?? will we ever get to see Paege be free from her scars? what is going on??
her last words to her mum being “you’re not my mother” OUCH
Quentin can’t be evil please i need him to be endgame
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Thanks Danielle for the opportunity to read and review the ARC.
I liked book one a lot but book two was a STEP UP.
Do you like being sent into a tornado of vibes, emotions, and twists?
Do you wanna know if Paege can catch a break?
In book two, Paege needs to go on a quest to find out more about breaking a curse; she must venture through the Whispering woods where there is no way to keep in touch with the outside world. A quest on horseback with two males who irritate Paege to no end; both seemingly vying for her attention.
This was irritating and mind-blowing in the right ways. I loved it.