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Fallen's First
“I was created by him, but I was made for you.”
Saer—the first demon and Pride himself—exists for a single-minded harvest souls to feed the ailing Devil who made him. The same Devil to whom he has sworn a vow of absolute loyalty.
Until the demoness Neyu, incarnation of Lust, makes Saer question what he understands his existence to mean. Every touch or glance from Neyu burns through Saer—the irresistible pull between them at blatant odds with his purpose…and his vow.
One does not love another above the Devil without consequence, so when Saer surrenders to his feelings for Neyu, the Hells shriek—and he’s woefully unprepared to endure the punishment for his sins.
Saer—the first demon and Pride himself—exists for a single-minded harvest souls to feed the ailing Devil who made him. The same Devil to whom he has sworn a vow of absolute loyalty.
Until the demoness Neyu, incarnation of Lust, makes Saer question what he understands his existence to mean. Every touch or glance from Neyu burns through Saer—the irresistible pull between them at blatant odds with his purpose…and his vow.
One does not love another above the Devil without consequence, so when Saer surrenders to his feelings for Neyu, the Hells shriek—and he’s woefully unprepared to endure the punishment for his sins.
487 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2025
6 people are currently reading
372 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
October 17, 2025
4.5/5
[ARC review]
What a ride this was. I picked this book because the synopsis didn’t sound like anything I had read before, and I am so glad I did. While I’ve always loved fantasy and mythology, it had been a while since I last dove into a story rooted in the world of heaven and hell. As the title suggests, this book centers around Lucifer, the infamous fallen angel, and how he begins to build his army and shape Hell into the dark kingdom we know it as.
The story opens with the creation of Pride, Lucifer’s First and most cherished creation. The sins are introduced as his children, though there is a strange tension in the dynamic between father and master. There are seven sins, seven siblings, each crafted with their own purpose. They begin to shape Hell into something unforgiving and relentless, but are soon sent to the surface to find what their Maker requires to sustain his power.
Although the book is written in third person, we follow Saer — Pride — throughout the story. When Lust, the Second, is created, she makes immediate eye contact with Saer. They both instantly recognize a connection that goes beyond loyalty, which is complicated in a world where they are taught to love no one but their master.
The sibling hierarchy is rigid. As the First, Saer has power over all the others. The Second can control everyone except Saer, and so on. Each of them has a true name, which gives others complete control over them. Since Saer witnessed each sibling’s creation, he knows them all. I had forgotten how much I enjoy the true name trope, and this book reminded me just how powerful it can be when done right. The balance of power, the rules, and the subtle threats make the internal politics of Hell as intense as any battlefield.
While the premise is already fascinating, what really makes this book stand out are the characters. In the beginning, each of the daemonaeica is defined almost entirely by the sin they embody. But as time passes and they begin to observe humanity more closely, they begin to change. They grow, they question, they evolve. And as the author so eloquently puts it, Saer (the poor bastard) has seen it all.
The character development is intense and I definitely was not prepared for how attached I would get. This story blends so many themes effortlessly: romance, found family, coming of age, oppression, tragedy, plotting, torture, banter, and so much more. The plot is rich, but this is a character-driven story at its core.
This is the first book in a series. While I would not call the ending a cliffhanger exactly, it definitely leaves you hanging just enough to crave the next installment.
If you’re intrigued by the concept, I strongly recommend giving this a closer look!
Thank you to Kassidy Coursey, Shadow Spark Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
___________________________________________
pre read: betraying the devil sounds very promising to me, let's see.
[ARC review]
What a ride this was. I picked this book because the synopsis didn’t sound like anything I had read before, and I am so glad I did. While I’ve always loved fantasy and mythology, it had been a while since I last dove into a story rooted in the world of heaven and hell. As the title suggests, this book centers around Lucifer, the infamous fallen angel, and how he begins to build his army and shape Hell into the dark kingdom we know it as.
The story opens with the creation of Pride, Lucifer’s First and most cherished creation. The sins are introduced as his children, though there is a strange tension in the dynamic between father and master. There are seven sins, seven siblings, each crafted with their own purpose. They begin to shape Hell into something unforgiving and relentless, but are soon sent to the surface to find what their Maker requires to sustain his power.
Although the book is written in third person, we follow Saer — Pride — throughout the story. When Lust, the Second, is created, she makes immediate eye contact with Saer. They both instantly recognize a connection that goes beyond loyalty, which is complicated in a world where they are taught to love no one but their master.
The sibling hierarchy is rigid. As the First, Saer has power over all the others. The Second can control everyone except Saer, and so on. Each of them has a true name, which gives others complete control over them. Since Saer witnessed each sibling’s creation, he knows them all. I had forgotten how much I enjoy the true name trope, and this book reminded me just how powerful it can be when done right. The balance of power, the rules, and the subtle threats make the internal politics of Hell as intense as any battlefield.
While the premise is already fascinating, what really makes this book stand out are the characters. In the beginning, each of the daemonaeica is defined almost entirely by the sin they embody. But as time passes and they begin to observe humanity more closely, they begin to change. They grow, they question, they evolve. And as the author so eloquently puts it, Saer (the poor bastard) has seen it all.
The character development is intense and I definitely was not prepared for how attached I would get. This story blends so many themes effortlessly: romance, found family, coming of age, oppression, tragedy, plotting, torture, banter, and so much more. The plot is rich, but this is a character-driven story at its core.
This is the first book in a series. While I would not call the ending a cliffhanger exactly, it definitely leaves you hanging just enough to crave the next installment.
If you’re intrigued by the concept, I strongly recommend giving this a closer look!
Thank you to Kassidy Coursey, Shadow Spark Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
___________________________________________
pre read: betraying the devil sounds very promising to me, let's see.
May 10, 2025
This book is a masterful debut on the dark fantasy scene! Coursey's writing is absolutely divine, with clever connections and personifications among the seven sins characters. I couldn't believe how my conviction about a certain character evolved along with the story, which is a tribute to the depth of storytelling. To that end, I was delighted by everyone in this ambitious cast of characters, and especially enjoyed the siblings' interactions. Also, Lucifer scares the piss out of me; true nightmare fuel. Certain scenes have stayed with me long after I set the book down. I need the sequel to this story immediately!!
July 23, 2024
The Seven Deadly Sins aren't without fault.
As the embodiment of Pride himself, Saer slowly learns what it means to be human.
Well written and deeply meaningful, Coursey explores the nature of the Seven Deadly sins as if they were people (well demons).
Not one for sloth, Saer's lust for a wrathful revenge drives his greed and gluttony to a point of envy, costing him much of his pride.
As the embodiment of Pride himself, Saer slowly learns what it means to be human.
Well written and deeply meaningful, Coursey explores the nature of the Seven Deadly sins as if they were people (well demons).
Not one for sloth, Saer's lust for a wrathful revenge drives his greed and gluttony to a point of envy, costing him much of his pride.
September 4, 2025
Coursey brings the seven deadly sins alive, sends you on a never ending journey, and puts you through an emotional ringer through the entirety of this story.
Fallen’s First drew me in from the tropes; the 7 sins portrayed as demons, unhinged devil, their (the demons) first time in human forms, a dysfunctional family, and betrayal and revenge.
What I hadn’t expected was to be thrown into several hundred years of misery, darkness, learning, and adventure throughout the entire world, but man did I fucking enjoy it.
The Fallen Angel’s first-made, Pride, builds a strong character, which makes him so hard to break. The way his (very dysfunctional) family helps him through certain hardships were LITERAL TEARJERKERS.
I also very much enjoyed the twins getting him drank. That was a solid touch.
I teared up more times than I can count throughout this story. And I genuinely cried more than once. Maybe twice. But who’s counting?
“Tell them it’s for Neyu”
As mentioned in my updates, this book was intense on the word building and storytelling. While it does have instant-lust, it will not be suitable for everyone, as it is NOT fast paced, it is not high-heat, and it is a true fantasy.
It read at a similar pace to The Knight and the Moth, and felt familiar to world building to that of Infatuated Fae series as well.
Simply put - it is a STUNNING debut. Kassidy asked me to pick a favorite demon. lol GIRL YOU THOUGHT
(It’s the twins, Gluttony and Greed. I LOVED THEM.)
Overall rating - 4.75 ⭐️ , 1.5 🌶️
Thank you so much Kassidy and team for allowing me an advanced copy of Fallen’s First! I simply cannot wait for the rest of this series!
Fallen’s First drew me in from the tropes; the 7 sins portrayed as demons, unhinged devil, their (the demons) first time in human forms, a dysfunctional family, and betrayal and revenge.
What I hadn’t expected was to be thrown into several hundred years of misery, darkness, learning, and adventure throughout the entire world, but man did I fucking enjoy it.
The Fallen Angel’s first-made, Pride, builds a strong character, which makes him so hard to break. The way his (very dysfunctional) family helps him through certain hardships were LITERAL TEARJERKERS.
I also very much enjoyed the twins getting him drank. That was a solid touch.
I teared up more times than I can count throughout this story. And I genuinely cried more than once. Maybe twice. But who’s counting?
“Tell them it’s for Neyu”
As mentioned in my updates, this book was intense on the word building and storytelling. While it does have instant-lust, it will not be suitable for everyone, as it is NOT fast paced, it is not high-heat, and it is a true fantasy.
It read at a similar pace to The Knight and the Moth, and felt familiar to world building to that of Infatuated Fae series as well.
Simply put - it is a STUNNING debut. Kassidy asked me to pick a favorite demon. lol GIRL YOU THOUGHT
(It’s the twins, Gluttony and Greed. I LOVED THEM.)
Overall rating - 4.75 ⭐️ , 1.5 🌶️
Thank you so much Kassidy and team for allowing me an advanced copy of Fallen’s First! I simply cannot wait for the rest of this series!
September 11, 2025
No cause I literally bawled my eyes out.
Fallen's First follows the demon Saer (Pride, the First of the seven sins of Hell), from his creation by Lucifer, to his exploration of love, family and the mortal world. The problem is, after him, Neyu (Lust, the Second sin) was created - and they instantly fall in love against their Maker's will.
I have NEVER seen such beauty in toxicity and angst in my LIFE. Even just the opening when Saer is creates is so haunting in his utter devotion to Lucifer despite his reservations, and the yearning??? Both Saer and Neyu yearn so much and the angst was so DOWN BAD (compliment) I cried.
The depiction of the 7 sins too?? I love how each demon (each sin) was so well embodied and so subtle yet crafted. Like when Saer was being prideful it HURT because you really understand his pride and reluctance to let it go. Similar to Envy and the rest it's so relatable and devastating at the same time.
Found family AHHH (the 7 demons are actual family 😭🥹🫶) Like this book literally tore me in two. Although I have to admit, I found the first part more interesting because we learn about mortals along with Saer, however, the second part was much more family-focused which I LOVED but also dealt with more devastation for Saer for which I CANTTTT
I need the sequel immediately because that teaser broke me. Like I just want them to be happy is that too much to ask for????????
Thank you to the author and Netgalley for the arc! This is my honest review.
Fallen's First follows the demon Saer (Pride, the First of the seven sins of Hell), from his creation by Lucifer, to his exploration of love, family and the mortal world. The problem is, after him, Neyu (Lust, the Second sin) was created - and they instantly fall in love against their Maker's will.
I have NEVER seen such beauty in toxicity and angst in my LIFE. Even just the opening when Saer is creates is so haunting in his utter devotion to Lucifer despite his reservations, and the yearning??? Both Saer and Neyu yearn so much and the angst was so DOWN BAD (compliment) I cried.
The depiction of the 7 sins too?? I love how each demon (each sin) was so well embodied and so subtle yet crafted. Like when Saer was being prideful it HURT because you really understand his pride and reluctance to let it go. Similar to Envy and the rest it's so relatable and devastating at the same time.
Found family AHHH (the 7 demons are actual family 😭🥹🫶) Like this book literally tore me in two. Although I have to admit, I found the first part more interesting because we learn about mortals along with Saer, however, the second part was much more family-focused which I LOVED but also dealt with more devastation for Saer for which I CANTTTT
I need the sequel immediately because that teaser broke me. Like I just want them to be happy is that too much to ask for????????
Thank you to the author and Netgalley for the arc! This is my honest review.
October 24, 2024
Processing grief through sin is truly what the author has portrayed here I think, and it was masterfully done.
This deliciously dark, fresh take on the seven deadly sins has me completely tethered to Saer’s journey… and especially to Luci (sorry, ladies, he’s mine). I know there’s more to his character and I can’t wait to learn more, regardless of this darkness he’s created from.
I am left with so many questions, and SO much excitement for book 2. I was sucked into this world before I even realized what a grip it held on me; devoured every word, some of which felt like flawless poetry.
And personally, so many unexpected epiphanies and emotions came with this. I loved feeling like I was solving a puzzle and attending the best kind of therapy.
And where it ended???
I’ve had book hangover for months after beta-reading. I can’t get them out of my head!!
This deliciously dark, fresh take on the seven deadly sins has me completely tethered to Saer’s journey… and especially to Luci (sorry, ladies, he’s mine). I know there’s more to his character and I can’t wait to learn more, regardless of this darkness he’s created from.
I am left with so many questions, and SO much excitement for book 2. I was sucked into this world before I even realized what a grip it held on me; devoured every word, some of which felt like flawless poetry.
And personally, so many unexpected epiphanies and emotions came with this. I loved feeling like I was solving a puzzle and attending the best kind of therapy.
And where it ended???
I’ve had book hangover for months after beta-reading. I can’t get them out of my head!!
August 30, 2025
5, if not more stars from me! This was a captivating fantasy that makes deep connections between Saer and his siblings, who represent the 7 deadly sins. Each character, each sin, was developed so well and their personalities were easy to connect with and relate to. The journey of relationships and interactions Saer developed with humans, battling his own feelings of forbidden love vs. duty, and his progressive growth throughout the book had me a in a hold the entire time. And the world building? It was so done so well; I could envision myself there and in the moment. A real great story that left me in deep thought and fascination, I cannot wait to read the next one!
September 24, 2025
I went in expecting a dark, maybe slightly campy romp with demons and forbidden love, and instead I was floored by how layered and ambitious this debut is. Fallen’s First takes the concept of demons as incarnations of sin and turns it into something far more nuanced, weaving together forbidden romance and surprisingly emotional character growth.
At first, the characters are neatly boxed into the sins they represent, but what makes this book shine is how they evolve. As they encounter humanity, they begin to change and grow beyond the boundaries they thought defined them. While the romance between Saer and Neyu seems to be a simple instant attraction, it is so much more. Their yearning in the face of their oppression carries real weight, because it isn’t just about breaking rules, it’s about breaking away from the Devil’s absolute control and finding meaning outside of him.
The worldbuilding is complex and intriguing, with a mythology that feels familiar but completely new. You can tell the author put serious thought into this world-building and the lore. It’s ambitious, and frankly, I’m shocked this is a debut.
Structurally, it’s also doing something different. The narrative leans into Kishōtenketsu (a four-act structure that focuses on development and twist rather than constant conflict), which means the pacing feels a little unusual at times. It's a little slower in spots than you might expect, but purposefully so. Once I realized what it was doing, I appreciated the rhythm a lot more, though I can see some readers needing a beat to adjust.
Overall, this was way more emotional, thought-provoking, and unique than I expected. I signed up for demons and yearning, but what I got was a poignant exploration of loyalty, identity, and love. Kassidy Coursey has serious writing chops, and I’ll be keeping a very close eye on whatever comes next.
Thanks so much to the author and R&R Booktours for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
At first, the characters are neatly boxed into the sins they represent, but what makes this book shine is how they evolve. As they encounter humanity, they begin to change and grow beyond the boundaries they thought defined them. While the romance between Saer and Neyu seems to be a simple instant attraction, it is so much more. Their yearning in the face of their oppression carries real weight, because it isn’t just about breaking rules, it’s about breaking away from the Devil’s absolute control and finding meaning outside of him.
The worldbuilding is complex and intriguing, with a mythology that feels familiar but completely new. You can tell the author put serious thought into this world-building and the lore. It’s ambitious, and frankly, I’m shocked this is a debut.
Structurally, it’s also doing something different. The narrative leans into Kishōtenketsu (a four-act structure that focuses on development and twist rather than constant conflict), which means the pacing feels a little unusual at times. It's a little slower in spots than you might expect, but purposefully so. Once I realized what it was doing, I appreciated the rhythm a lot more, though I can see some readers needing a beat to adjust.
Overall, this was way more emotional, thought-provoking, and unique than I expected. I signed up for demons and yearning, but what I got was a poignant exploration of loyalty, identity, and love. Kassidy Coursey has serious writing chops, and I’ll be keeping a very close eye on whatever comes next.
Thanks so much to the author and R&R Booktours for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
September 21, 2025
Fallen First is a unique story about the Seven Sins, shown as demons for each one. It is deemed an Adam and Eve retelling as the story has some parallels to the original. I found the demon Saer, who represents Pride, to be the primary focus throughout the story. Saer has a task: to obtain souls, but when Neyu, Lust, enters the picture, the dynamics between the Devil and Neyu get conflicted. There are a few spice scenes, but it’s not the primary focus. Fallen First is a highly detailed story with multiple complex layers and a fair amount of descriptive world-building, giving me lots to process at the end.
Thanks to MTMC Book Tours and Author Kassidy Coursey for the gifted e-copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thanks to MTMC Book Tours and Author Kassidy Coursey for the gifted e-copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 18, 2025
Fallen’s First by Kassidy Coursey
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What a wild ride Saer, also known as Pride, took us on! It took a little while to get into the book because of the perspective it was written from, but once I found my groove, I was completely immersed in the world Kassidy created.
I love books that explore the seven deadly sins, and this was a truly unique take on the theme. I want to rave about the writing without revealing any spoilers.
While reading about all of what Saer was doing while avoiding going back to Hell to see Lucifer was so vividly described, and Kassidy wrote each sin character so well that you could tell which sin was speaking, I really appreciated that.
The ending!!! I wasn’t expecting it, and I’ll be eagerly awaiting the next book to be released!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What a wild ride Saer, also known as Pride, took us on! It took a little while to get into the book because of the perspective it was written from, but once I found my groove, I was completely immersed in the world Kassidy created.
I love books that explore the seven deadly sins, and this was a truly unique take on the theme. I want to rave about the writing without revealing any spoilers.
While reading about all of what Saer was doing while avoiding going back to Hell to see Lucifer was so vividly described, and Kassidy wrote each sin character so well that you could tell which sin was speaking, I really appreciated that.
The ending!!! I wasn’t expecting it, and I’ll be eagerly awaiting the next book to be released!
September 2, 2025
The ending of this book has me fired up!
War is coming! I really enjoyed the aspect of the 7 sins and Lucifer. Each of the characters were perfectly written to the sin they represented. You really to get to know all of their personalities. I felt like I was there with our main character and experienced everything with him! This book hurt and healed at the same time. It hits deep and really makes you think about how your emotions drive you. I can't wait to continue this story!
War is coming! I really enjoyed the aspect of the 7 sins and Lucifer. Each of the characters were perfectly written to the sin they represented. You really to get to know all of their personalities. I felt like I was there with our main character and experienced everything with him! This book hurt and healed at the same time. It hits deep and really makes you think about how your emotions drive you. I can't wait to continue this story!
October 1, 2025
Rating: ★★.75 (2.5/5)
I loved the idea of the premise (7 deadly sins as actual beings experiencing humanity) 👀 it sounded so unique!
But… the execution just didn’t grab me. The pacing was a little slow (IMO) and I couldn’t quite connect with either Saer (Pride) or Neyu (Lust). Their romance felt repetitive, and I actually found myself rooting for them to be apart 🤷🏻♀️🥹
While I appreciate the creativity of the concept and can see why others are enjoying it, this one just wasn’t for me. Sadly, I don’t think I’ll be continuing with book two.
With Love,
MnM✨
I loved the idea of the premise (7 deadly sins as actual beings experiencing humanity) 👀 it sounded so unique!
But… the execution just didn’t grab me. The pacing was a little slow (IMO) and I couldn’t quite connect with either Saer (Pride) or Neyu (Lust). Their romance felt repetitive, and I actually found myself rooting for them to be apart 🤷🏻♀️🥹
While I appreciate the creativity of the concept and can see why others are enjoying it, this one just wasn’t for me. Sadly, I don’t think I’ll be continuing with book two.
With Love,
MnM✨
October 6, 2025
You guys, I absolutely loved this book. This was such a unique twist on the seven deadly sins, and Kassidy Coursey did it so beautifully! This story was different than I was expecting, but I am so glad that it was. It completely exceeded all my expectations!
I knew I wanted to read this one as soon as I read the synopsis for the first time. Everything about this story felt new and unique compared to everything I usually read. This books centers around Lucifer creating hell and his army of demons, and all of them are an embodiment of one of the seven deadly sins. From there, we primarily follow Saer - Pride - while he harvests human souls to deliver to Lucifer.
This story offers us so much - there’s romance, banter, found family, forbidden love, tragedy, betrayal, revenge, and so much more. The character development that we see, especially in Saer, was so well done. The longer our demons remain in their human bodies, the more they’re able to observe humanity. As one would expect, this leads to growth as the demons evolve with humanity and begin to question certain aspects of their being. The plot itself is great, but at its heart this story is driven by the characters.
Fallen’s First is Book 1 of the Sins of the Maker series, and I am already dying for Book 2. If you’re looking for a darker fantasy that will make you stop and think periodically while reading it but also makes you feel all the things, then you should definitely read this book.
Thank you so much again to Kassidy Coursey and Twisted Tales PR for the gifted copy of this amazing book! 🔥
I knew I wanted to read this one as soon as I read the synopsis for the first time. Everything about this story felt new and unique compared to everything I usually read. This books centers around Lucifer creating hell and his army of demons, and all of them are an embodiment of one of the seven deadly sins. From there, we primarily follow Saer - Pride - while he harvests human souls to deliver to Lucifer.
This story offers us so much - there’s romance, banter, found family, forbidden love, tragedy, betrayal, revenge, and so much more. The character development that we see, especially in Saer, was so well done. The longer our demons remain in their human bodies, the more they’re able to observe humanity. As one would expect, this leads to growth as the demons evolve with humanity and begin to question certain aspects of their being. The plot itself is great, but at its heart this story is driven by the characters.
Fallen’s First is Book 1 of the Sins of the Maker series, and I am already dying for Book 2. If you’re looking for a darker fantasy that will make you stop and think periodically while reading it but also makes you feel all the things, then you should definitely read this book.
Thank you so much again to Kassidy Coursey and Twisted Tales PR for the gifted copy of this amazing book! 🔥
September 8, 2025
8I recieved this ARC from netgalley in exchange for my opiniom. All views and thoughts are my own.
Interested in finding out how the original seven sins came to be? This is the book for you! Saer was the first; Pride and the devils first 'son'. His kin came about slowly after him, the embodiment of the seven sins, gluttony. Lust. Sloth ect. This book explores the relationship of the siblings deeply and is captivating. Written in third person we get to see how Saer and the other sins shape Hell and interact with humanity as well as see their stories as broken beings . And although he is not human, Saer is shaped by humanity greatly, tasked with finding 'something" to help Lucifer get back to full strength. Think souls but much darker. Kassidy Coursey has a talent for painting a vivid scene where you can almost reach out and feel the heat of the hellfire. This book will appeal to readers who like their romance a little darker, no fluffy, cozy lovestory here. This book is raw and dark. It grips you and doesn't let up until the last page. I definitely don't want to give too much away but I enjoyed the conflict and the male main character coming into his own and taking control of his life, his power and his own destiny
Interested in finding out how the original seven sins came to be? This is the book for you! Saer was the first; Pride and the devils first 'son'. His kin came about slowly after him, the embodiment of the seven sins, gluttony. Lust. Sloth ect. This book explores the relationship of the siblings deeply and is captivating. Written in third person we get to see how Saer and the other sins shape Hell and interact with humanity as well as see their stories as broken beings . And although he is not human, Saer is shaped by humanity greatly, tasked with finding 'something" to help Lucifer get back to full strength. Think souls but much darker. Kassidy Coursey has a talent for painting a vivid scene where you can almost reach out and feel the heat of the hellfire. This book will appeal to readers who like their romance a little darker, no fluffy, cozy lovestory here. This book is raw and dark. It grips you and doesn't let up until the last page. I definitely don't want to give too much away but I enjoyed the conflict and the male main character coming into his own and taking control of his life, his power and his own destiny
April 4, 2025
This book eviscerated me in the best way. FALLEN’S FIRST is at the same time an origin story, a love story, a revenge story, and a dysfunctional found(ish) family story, all while following our quasi-antihero in a simultaneous redemption and corruption arc. Contradictory? Maybe. But it’s true, and Coursey navigates this so expertly I cannot believe this is her debut novel.
Not only is her prose scrumptious, her characters flying off the page, but the way she delivers the story of Lucifer’s seven Daemoenica makes me feel like I’ve gotten ahold of the true origin story of The Hells. Like the hidden manuscript of what truly transpired to create the Seven Deadly Sins was hidden in Coursey’s crypt all along. The Daemoenica now follow me along throughout my day, whether it be thinking of the twins, Gluttony and Greed, when I spot twins out and about, or thinking of Queen Wrath herself when witnessing an enraged interaction, or telling myself to be less of an Errshek when I find myself being envious.
Following a Kishōtenketsu structure, FALLEN’S FIRST brings up achingly apt allegory for human nature by juxtaposing it with sinful urges that are dripping with spontaneity and chaos, yet Coursey’s beautiful narrative borders on literary at times. Coursey is able to craft subplots that draw you in at the micro level, have you rooting for the “NPCs” and then leaves you distraught as we’re brought back to the main plot, quickly recovering and invested in the larger arc with no whiplash. To say this book was a rollercoaster ride would be the understatement of the year. I haven’t been this devastated over fictional characters in a long time.
FALLEN’S FIRST is as unputdownable as they get. The only thing that’s more impossible than putting this book down, is trying to describe its brilliance in a single review. I could go on rants about the absolute compulsion I felt to keep reading, and the way I yelled “no!” at certain points, and again when it was over. I want to keep this spoiler-free, but I truly felt like I’d been to the edges of the earth, down to The Hells and back, many times over by the time I finished, that’s how good Coursey is with her settings. There’s a richness in the way Coursey has crafted the Daemoenica and their particular way of interacting with the surface world that is hard to articulate without spoiling. There’s almost a hint of magical realism every time we learn of a new way one of the demons has infiltrated our world, showcasing yet again Coursey’s ingenuity with how she writes a second world fantasy that still somehow intersects and includes our world within it. This book is a masterclass in expertly executed complex layering.
FALLEN’S FIRST is as haunting as it is captivating, as poignant as it is entertaining. Coursey has created an addictive canon that will leave readers gasping for air and begging for more.
Not only is her prose scrumptious, her characters flying off the page, but the way she delivers the story of Lucifer’s seven Daemoenica makes me feel like I’ve gotten ahold of the true origin story of The Hells. Like the hidden manuscript of what truly transpired to create the Seven Deadly Sins was hidden in Coursey’s crypt all along. The Daemoenica now follow me along throughout my day, whether it be thinking of the twins, Gluttony and Greed, when I spot twins out and about, or thinking of Queen Wrath herself when witnessing an enraged interaction, or telling myself to be less of an Errshek when I find myself being envious.
Following a Kishōtenketsu structure, FALLEN’S FIRST brings up achingly apt allegory for human nature by juxtaposing it with sinful urges that are dripping with spontaneity and chaos, yet Coursey’s beautiful narrative borders on literary at times. Coursey is able to craft subplots that draw you in at the micro level, have you rooting for the “NPCs” and then leaves you distraught as we’re brought back to the main plot, quickly recovering and invested in the larger arc with no whiplash. To say this book was a rollercoaster ride would be the understatement of the year. I haven’t been this devastated over fictional characters in a long time.
FALLEN’S FIRST is as unputdownable as they get. The only thing that’s more impossible than putting this book down, is trying to describe its brilliance in a single review. I could go on rants about the absolute compulsion I felt to keep reading, and the way I yelled “no!” at certain points, and again when it was over. I want to keep this spoiler-free, but I truly felt like I’d been to the edges of the earth, down to The Hells and back, many times over by the time I finished, that’s how good Coursey is with her settings. There’s a richness in the way Coursey has crafted the Daemoenica and their particular way of interacting with the surface world that is hard to articulate without spoiling. There’s almost a hint of magical realism every time we learn of a new way one of the demons has infiltrated our world, showcasing yet again Coursey’s ingenuity with how she writes a second world fantasy that still somehow intersects and includes our world within it. This book is a masterclass in expertly executed complex layering.
FALLEN’S FIRST is as haunting as it is captivating, as poignant as it is entertaining. Coursey has created an addictive canon that will leave readers gasping for air and begging for more.
September 24, 2025
I received this ARC in an exchange for an honest review.
Fallen’s First by Kassidy Coursey is a dark fantasy retelling of the biblical story of Adam and Eve but using the Seven Deadly Sins of Hell instead. The story follows Saer, the demon of Pride, and his siblings as they carry out Lucifer’s command: to harvest human souls that will fuel the creation of his infernal army. Each demon is bound to serve Lucifer without question, and to love and worship him above all others. But Saer begins to defy that order when he falls for Neyu (Lust) and enters a forbidden relationship that threatens not only the two of them, but their entire demonic kin if Lucifer discovers the betrayal.
I was lucky enough to beta read this book back in 2023, and I loved it then. Reading it again now, I love it even more. The writing is tight, the characters are vivid, and the emotional depth lingers long after you’ve put the book down.
At its core, Fallen’s First explores the question of blind loyalty. It asks that when someone holds authority over you, should it bring with it your obedience, even when a command goes against your conscience. The story also digs into how people tend to shift blame downward, often targeting the powerless instead of holding those at the top accountable.
As for the banter, there’s so much of it. Watching the dynamics between the demons is a highlight, especially the twins Alus and Arek, who love to get under Saer’s skin.
Overall, I truly loved this book. It’s the first in a trilogy, and I highly recommend you read it if you love dark fantasy, forbidden romance, and a “found family” of colourful demons.
Fallen’s First by Kassidy Coursey is a dark fantasy retelling of the biblical story of Adam and Eve but using the Seven Deadly Sins of Hell instead. The story follows Saer, the demon of Pride, and his siblings as they carry out Lucifer’s command: to harvest human souls that will fuel the creation of his infernal army. Each demon is bound to serve Lucifer without question, and to love and worship him above all others. But Saer begins to defy that order when he falls for Neyu (Lust) and enters a forbidden relationship that threatens not only the two of them, but their entire demonic kin if Lucifer discovers the betrayal.
I was lucky enough to beta read this book back in 2023, and I loved it then. Reading it again now, I love it even more. The writing is tight, the characters are vivid, and the emotional depth lingers long after you’ve put the book down.
At its core, Fallen’s First explores the question of blind loyalty. It asks that when someone holds authority over you, should it bring with it your obedience, even when a command goes against your conscience. The story also digs into how people tend to shift blame downward, often targeting the powerless instead of holding those at the top accountable.
As for the banter, there’s so much of it. Watching the dynamics between the demons is a highlight, especially the twins Alus and Arek, who love to get under Saer’s skin.
Overall, I truly loved this book. It’s the first in a trilogy, and I highly recommend you read it if you love dark fantasy, forbidden romance, and a “found family” of colourful demons.
September 4, 2025
✨Arc Review✨
Thank you to the author Kassidy Coursey for sending me this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
-All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dark, Spicy, and Utterly Addictive – A Sinfully Good Debut
Fallen’s First by Kassidy Coursey isn’t just a dark fantasy—it’s a descent into temptation, power, and the seductive weight of sin. This book gripped me from the first page and refused to let go, dragging me through a world where the Seven Deadly Sins aren’t just metaphors—they’re real, dangerous, and devastatingly alluring.
The writing is sharp, lyrical, and immersive. Kassidy Coursey has a gift for painting vivid, unsettling imagery that lingers in your mind. Some scenes are so dark and emotionally charged, I had to pause and sit with what I just read. And let’s talk about the spice—this isn’t your average slow-burn. It’s intense, unflinching, and toeing the line between pleasure and power in all the right (and sometimes terrifying) ways.
Lucifer, the male lead, is pure nightmare fuel—but the kind you can’t stop thinking about. He’s dominant, cruel, magnetic, and utterly fascinating. There’s a complexity to him that goes beyond “bad boy” tropes; he’s layered with ancient pain, godlike arrogance, and a dangerously seductive charisma. He doesn't just take control—he owns the page whenever he appears.
This is not a fluffy fantasy romance. It’s for readers who crave dark themes, complex power dynamics, morally gray characters, and spice that pushes boundaries. If you're into books where you're constantly asking yourself “Should I love this?” even as you can’t stop reading—then Fallen’s First is your next obsession.
Certain scenes will live rent-free in my head for a long time. I need the sequel like yesterday.
😈 Sins as Characters – The Seven Deadly Sins are personified as demons with unique personalities and power.
🔥 Dominant Male Lead – Lucifer is a powerful, commanding presence who exudes dark, dangerous dominance.
🌶️ Dark Romance / Spicy Content – Steamy, intense scenes with heavy emotional and psychological tension.
👁️🗨️ Psychological Warfare – Mind games, manipulation, and mental/emotional push-pull.
💔 Emotional Damage / Angsty Backstories – Characters who are broken, bitter, and beautifully written.
🌑 Dark Fantasy Worldbuilding – A rich, eerie setting filled with supernatural politics and danger.
Thank you to the author Kassidy Coursey for sending me this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
-All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dark, Spicy, and Utterly Addictive – A Sinfully Good Debut
Fallen’s First by Kassidy Coursey isn’t just a dark fantasy—it’s a descent into temptation, power, and the seductive weight of sin. This book gripped me from the first page and refused to let go, dragging me through a world where the Seven Deadly Sins aren’t just metaphors—they’re real, dangerous, and devastatingly alluring.
The writing is sharp, lyrical, and immersive. Kassidy Coursey has a gift for painting vivid, unsettling imagery that lingers in your mind. Some scenes are so dark and emotionally charged, I had to pause and sit with what I just read. And let’s talk about the spice—this isn’t your average slow-burn. It’s intense, unflinching, and toeing the line between pleasure and power in all the right (and sometimes terrifying) ways.
Lucifer, the male lead, is pure nightmare fuel—but the kind you can’t stop thinking about. He’s dominant, cruel, magnetic, and utterly fascinating. There’s a complexity to him that goes beyond “bad boy” tropes; he’s layered with ancient pain, godlike arrogance, and a dangerously seductive charisma. He doesn't just take control—he owns the page whenever he appears.
This is not a fluffy fantasy romance. It’s for readers who crave dark themes, complex power dynamics, morally gray characters, and spice that pushes boundaries. If you're into books where you're constantly asking yourself “Should I love this?” even as you can’t stop reading—then Fallen’s First is your next obsession.
Certain scenes will live rent-free in my head for a long time. I need the sequel like yesterday.
😈 Sins as Characters – The Seven Deadly Sins are personified as demons with unique personalities and power.
🔥 Dominant Male Lead – Lucifer is a powerful, commanding presence who exudes dark, dangerous dominance.
🌶️ Dark Romance / Spicy Content – Steamy, intense scenes with heavy emotional and psychological tension.
👁️🗨️ Psychological Warfare – Mind games, manipulation, and mental/emotional push-pull.
💔 Emotional Damage / Angsty Backstories – Characters who are broken, bitter, and beautifully written.
🌑 Dark Fantasy Worldbuilding – A rich, eerie setting filled with supernatural politics and danger.
September 17, 2025
10/10.
Yeah. I’m not okay.
This book is something else. I knew before even starting that I would love Fallen’s First, but, oh man, did I severely underestimate by how much.
Saer, Pride himself, took me on a fucking rollercoaster ride instead of a cutesy journey. I laughed, cried, screamed, you name it. I had a love/hate relationship with him from start to finish, and I couldn’t get enough of it. I lost count of how many times I went from calling him a bitch to saying “yummy” whenever he growled.
Being a HUGE character nerd (to the point where I can’t continue a story unless I latch onto a character and fangirl over them), I think where Coursey shines the most IS the characters. I’ve always been a sucker for stories involving the seven deadly sins. But it’s so hard to find ones where the author SHOWS us their sins as opposed to just constantly explaining it to us through dialogue.
Examples from Fallen’s First:
-Sloth wanting to automate interactions.
-Pride not wanting to admit fault.
-Gluttony devouring leftovers without anyone noticing.
These are qualities Coursey SHOWED instead of saying, “Yeah, Sloth is lazy and doesn’t want to do anything so she wants less work.”
This is what truly sucked me in almost immediately. Her writing is exquisite.
The plot itself is so interesting, too. The first, maybe, third of the book focuses on world-building and character building (HA. LITERALLY.). We spend a good chunk of time getting to know Saer (maybe calling him a bitch here and there) and getting a feel of how everyone and everything works in Coursey’s world. However… once you get about halfway through the book… yeah, good luck putting it down. I took my time absorbing everything and just enjoying my time with Saer, and then I hit the last page. Huh?
Anyway, I’m ecstatic that the author already has the next two books written because I’m about as patient as Saer. Weird flex, I know.
So, for those wanting a quick summary to sell you on Book 1, I’d like to borrow the words of my beloved Arek/Greed: “What did you do, Saer?” Which is what I was saying for like 80% of the book.
You’re welcome. Now, go read it.
Yeah. I’m not okay.
This book is something else. I knew before even starting that I would love Fallen’s First, but, oh man, did I severely underestimate by how much.
Saer, Pride himself, took me on a fucking rollercoaster ride instead of a cutesy journey. I laughed, cried, screamed, you name it. I had a love/hate relationship with him from start to finish, and I couldn’t get enough of it. I lost count of how many times I went from calling him a bitch to saying “yummy” whenever he growled.
Being a HUGE character nerd (to the point where I can’t continue a story unless I latch onto a character and fangirl over them), I think where Coursey shines the most IS the characters. I’ve always been a sucker for stories involving the seven deadly sins. But it’s so hard to find ones where the author SHOWS us their sins as opposed to just constantly explaining it to us through dialogue.
Examples from Fallen’s First:
-Sloth wanting to automate interactions.
-Pride not wanting to admit fault.
-Gluttony devouring leftovers without anyone noticing.
These are qualities Coursey SHOWED instead of saying, “Yeah, Sloth is lazy and doesn’t want to do anything so she wants less work.”
This is what truly sucked me in almost immediately. Her writing is exquisite.
The plot itself is so interesting, too. The first, maybe, third of the book focuses on world-building and character building (HA. LITERALLY.). We spend a good chunk of time getting to know Saer (maybe calling him a bitch here and there) and getting a feel of how everyone and everything works in Coursey’s world. However… once you get about halfway through the book… yeah, good luck putting it down. I took my time absorbing everything and just enjoying my time with Saer, and then I hit the last page. Huh?
Anyway, I’m ecstatic that the author already has the next two books written because I’m about as patient as Saer. Weird flex, I know.
So, for those wanting a quick summary to sell you on Book 1, I’d like to borrow the words of my beloved Arek/Greed: “What did you do, Saer?” Which is what I was saying for like 80% of the book.
You’re welcome. Now, go read it.
September 17, 2025
Another day, another ARC that I’m so thankful I have the chance to read.
Fallen’s First by Kassidy Coursey was a very unexpected, well-written, refreshing read for me. It takes on a more original (or at least less mainstream path) compared to all the romantasy, fantasy that’s out there since the last two years or so. Why? Well, it’s narrated in third person, and the focus is in Saer, the main character… The main MALE character! How dare she?! Honestly, I didn’t realize how much I needed a different kind of writing until now. Because of that, the start was slow because I had to “adapt”, but after a few chapters it became unputdownable.
This is on the darker side of fantasy. Strong emotions, betrayals, revenge... Expect lots of emotional damage, and because it's a series, not a happy ending (yet?). You’ve been warned. The plot moves fast-ish, and the characters too. You get to know the devil himself and his creations, the sins incarnated. Lucifer fills the villain role perfectly. I haven’t hated an antagonist that much in a long time. Oh, he’s that villainy villain that makes you doubt that maaaaybe he’s the good guy, but of course he’s not! HE IS THE DEVIL! We're so naive sometimes. On the other side, Saer… My proud boy, Saer… completely got me in ALL the feels. He yearns, he struggles, he tries, he grows… All his evolution through the book had me rooting so hard for him. Honorable mention to the twins, Greed and Glutton, because of their fun energy; they actually made me laugh. Am I expecting a book for them? Well, I’m not going to lie.
On the spice 🌶️ side of things, there’s a bit, enough to check the box, but I would not rate it as a spicy book. If you only care for smut, this is not the book. The whole romance is more of a subplot in this story, and a very emotional one, too.
In summary, a solid mix of dark, emotional, and surprisingly entertaining dark fantasy that I would totally recommend to add to your TBR.
Personally, I can't wait to see where my boy Saer goes, he deserves the best 🖤
Fallen’s First by Kassidy Coursey was a very unexpected, well-written, refreshing read for me. It takes on a more original (or at least less mainstream path) compared to all the romantasy, fantasy that’s out there since the last two years or so. Why? Well, it’s narrated in third person, and the focus is in Saer, the main character… The main MALE character! How dare she?! Honestly, I didn’t realize how much I needed a different kind of writing until now. Because of that, the start was slow because I had to “adapt”, but after a few chapters it became unputdownable.
This is on the darker side of fantasy. Strong emotions, betrayals, revenge... Expect lots of emotional damage, and because it's a series, not a happy ending (yet?). You’ve been warned. The plot moves fast-ish, and the characters too. You get to know the devil himself and his creations, the sins incarnated. Lucifer fills the villain role perfectly. I haven’t hated an antagonist that much in a long time. Oh, he’s that villainy villain that makes you doubt that maaaaybe he’s the good guy, but of course he’s not! HE IS THE DEVIL! We're so naive sometimes. On the other side, Saer… My proud boy, Saer… completely got me in ALL the feels. He yearns, he struggles, he tries, he grows… All his evolution through the book had me rooting so hard for him. Honorable mention to the twins, Greed and Glutton, because of their fun energy; they actually made me laugh. Am I expecting a book for them? Well, I’m not going to lie.
On the spice 🌶️ side of things, there’s a bit, enough to check the box, but I would not rate it as a spicy book. If you only care for smut, this is not the book. The whole romance is more of a subplot in this story, and a very emotional one, too.
In summary, a solid mix of dark, emotional, and surprisingly entertaining dark fantasy that I would totally recommend to add to your TBR.
Personally, I can't wait to see where my boy Saer goes, he deserves the best 🖤
September 4, 2025
Fallen’s First (Sins of the Maker, Book 1) by Kassidy Coursey
⭐️ 3.5/5
The concept of this book is amazing. Sins not just as ideas, but as flesh and blood, walking around and learning what it means to be human. Saer, Pride himself, bound to the Devil with absolute loyalty—and then Neyu, Lust, coming in like a storm and making him question everything. That dynamic hooked me right away. Their tension, the burn in every touch, the weight of choosing love over loyalty—it’s dark, heavy, and beautifully twisted.
But here’s what annoyed me: Saer spends so much time trying to avoid Neyu. I get the whole “I must resist her” angle, but the way it’s written makes everything harder than it has to be—not only for him, but also for everyone else around him. Instead of moving the story forward, it felt like he kept dragging it back. After a while, it got frustrating, and I just wanted to shake him.
On top of that, the worldbuilding and bigger picture—like the Devil and the consequences of breaking vows—took a backseat to their push-and-pull. It made the romance burn hot, yes, but the rest of the story lost some of its punch. I wanted more balance between their forbidden love and the actual conflict driving the world.
Still, the themes worked. Love as rebellion, punishment for daring to care, sin as something living and breathing—it all sticks. And when Saer and Neyu are together, it is fire. I just wish he hadn’t spent half the book fighting what was already obvious.
Final thought: a dark, poetic romance about Pride and Lust risking everything, with some brilliant ideas but also some frustrating execution.
⭐️ 3.5/5
The concept of this book is amazing. Sins not just as ideas, but as flesh and blood, walking around and learning what it means to be human. Saer, Pride himself, bound to the Devil with absolute loyalty—and then Neyu, Lust, coming in like a storm and making him question everything. That dynamic hooked me right away. Their tension, the burn in every touch, the weight of choosing love over loyalty—it’s dark, heavy, and beautifully twisted.
But here’s what annoyed me: Saer spends so much time trying to avoid Neyu. I get the whole “I must resist her” angle, but the way it’s written makes everything harder than it has to be—not only for him, but also for everyone else around him. Instead of moving the story forward, it felt like he kept dragging it back. After a while, it got frustrating, and I just wanted to shake him.
On top of that, the worldbuilding and bigger picture—like the Devil and the consequences of breaking vows—took a backseat to their push-and-pull. It made the romance burn hot, yes, but the rest of the story lost some of its punch. I wanted more balance between their forbidden love and the actual conflict driving the world.
Still, the themes worked. Love as rebellion, punishment for daring to care, sin as something living and breathing—it all sticks. And when Saer and Neyu are together, it is fire. I just wish he hadn’t spent half the book fighting what was already obvious.
Final thought: a dark, poetic romance about Pride and Lust risking everything, with some brilliant ideas but also some frustrating execution.
September 19, 2025
[ARC REVIEW]
Big thanks for the ARC opportunity! It's such an honour to be trusted with a book before it is released
***
Fallen's First is a truly unique spin on the seven deadly sins. Coursey weaves a dark origin tale that explores how Lucifer created hell and demons, including his first seven, which represent the sins: Pride, Lust, Wrath, Greed, Gluttony, Envy, and Sloth. The novel primarily focuses on the first of Lucifer's creations and the first sin, Pride, who goes by the name Saer.
Through Saer, the reader is given the opportunity to witness the rise of human civilization and the moral conflicts that accompany it. Coursey does not take the easy way out of creating one-dimensional, mindless demons who exist only to please Lucifer. Instead, she weaves a tale of introspection and redemption, where demons are forced to confront the sins that they're crafted from in order grow and develop.
My only criticism is that I wish Coursey had given more time at the outset of the book to set the tone with all of seven sins interacting. Each of them was written in such a clear and distinct way that truly mimicked the sin they represented. The second half of the book really flourished and drew me in, had me anxiously flipping pages, and most of that was due to the natural way that Coursey wrote the interactions between her characters as their relationships and personalities fully developed (but with this being the first of a trilogy, I'm sure there will be ample opportunities to see these characters continue to shine).
If you're looking for an original dark fantasy with a romantic undertone and hint of spice, this is the book for you!
Big thanks for the ARC opportunity! It's such an honour to be trusted with a book before it is released
***
Fallen's First is a truly unique spin on the seven deadly sins. Coursey weaves a dark origin tale that explores how Lucifer created hell and demons, including his first seven, which represent the sins: Pride, Lust, Wrath, Greed, Gluttony, Envy, and Sloth. The novel primarily focuses on the first of Lucifer's creations and the first sin, Pride, who goes by the name Saer.
Through Saer, the reader is given the opportunity to witness the rise of human civilization and the moral conflicts that accompany it. Coursey does not take the easy way out of creating one-dimensional, mindless demons who exist only to please Lucifer. Instead, she weaves a tale of introspection and redemption, where demons are forced to confront the sins that they're crafted from in order grow and develop.
My only criticism is that I wish Coursey had given more time at the outset of the book to set the tone with all of seven sins interacting. Each of them was written in such a clear and distinct way that truly mimicked the sin they represented. The second half of the book really flourished and drew me in, had me anxiously flipping pages, and most of that was due to the natural way that Coursey wrote the interactions between her characters as their relationships and personalities fully developed (but with this being the first of a trilogy, I'm sure there will be ample opportunities to see these characters continue to shine).
If you're looking for an original dark fantasy with a romantic undertone and hint of spice, this is the book for you!
September 10, 2025
What would any of us do if confronted with our greatest sin? Would we fall prey to it, or would we rise above it? Are we truly greater than the darkness we carry?
And what if those sins were more than a metaphorical representation of our deepest, darkest thoughts? What if those sins stepped out of the shadows and transcended into a physical form? Would you confront them still? Or would you run as fast as you could?
Kassidy's exquisite debut, Fallen's First, dares to explore the very limits of sins and of men. If sin were a person, would it evolve and learn from its experiences? Or would it forever stay confined within its original limits?
Fallen's First shows us that even sin itself can defy its maker, rebel against its confines, and carve out a different path.
If you've ever wondered how the seven sins would look and act if given human forms, look no more. You will see how they are more than flesh and blood. You will see how each of them handles human interactions and struggles in their own way, revealing raw humanity in the unlikeliest of places.
They may all be the representations of our darkest thoughts, but they are also so much more. The intensity of their emotions will leave you breathless, be it love, passion, rage, or sorrow. You will learn and you will grow with them. You will cry and hurt for them. And you will never be the same.
Because in the end, don't we all carry some darkness within?
Thank you, Kassidy, for having me on your team and allowing me to experience your world.
And what if those sins were more than a metaphorical representation of our deepest, darkest thoughts? What if those sins stepped out of the shadows and transcended into a physical form? Would you confront them still? Or would you run as fast as you could?
Kassidy's exquisite debut, Fallen's First, dares to explore the very limits of sins and of men. If sin were a person, would it evolve and learn from its experiences? Or would it forever stay confined within its original limits?
Fallen's First shows us that even sin itself can defy its maker, rebel against its confines, and carve out a different path.
If you've ever wondered how the seven sins would look and act if given human forms, look no more. You will see how they are more than flesh and blood. You will see how each of them handles human interactions and struggles in their own way, revealing raw humanity in the unlikeliest of places.
They may all be the representations of our darkest thoughts, but they are also so much more. The intensity of their emotions will leave you breathless, be it love, passion, rage, or sorrow. You will learn and you will grow with them. You will cry and hurt for them. And you will never be the same.
Because in the end, don't we all carry some darkness within?
Thank you, Kassidy, for having me on your team and allowing me to experience your world.
December 9, 2025
I’ve read stories featuring demon characters and representations of the seven sins, but this was something different. For starters, we see Lucifer creating the demons from the beginning. Not only are they born indebted to their creator, but sworn to protect, obey, and always put him first. The story felt more emotionally and character-driven than any other demon story I’ve read. This is the story of Lucifer’s First: Pride.
When Saer (Pride) is sent to be integrated with humans and steal their souls, his acclimation confuses him as he begins to develop emotions. He’s never been taught what these feelings mean, which confuses him more. He only knows he senses strong feelings for Neyu (Lust) and his siblings.
Saer faces a lot in this book. He has to fight inner struggles, question what is right or wrong, crave someone he can’t have, and test his patience with his siblings. Going through what he experienced made me sympathize with him and truly dislike Lucifer for how he treated his creations. If you want a true villain, he is it. He's manipulative and disciplines harshly to get what he wants.
I enjoyed getting to know each demon and having a chapter dedicated to Saer and his interactions with them. Each demon embodies their sin perfectly, and their personalities make them unique. Due to Saer’s controversial decision, their family dynamic has been shattered. They’ve gone their separate ways and can’t wait to see what will bring them back together.
Thank you Netgalley and Shadow Spark Publishing for the ARC.
When Saer (Pride) is sent to be integrated with humans and steal their souls, his acclimation confuses him as he begins to develop emotions. He’s never been taught what these feelings mean, which confuses him more. He only knows he senses strong feelings for Neyu (Lust) and his siblings.
Saer faces a lot in this book. He has to fight inner struggles, question what is right or wrong, crave someone he can’t have, and test his patience with his siblings. Going through what he experienced made me sympathize with him and truly dislike Lucifer for how he treated his creations. If you want a true villain, he is it. He's manipulative and disciplines harshly to get what he wants.
I enjoyed getting to know each demon and having a chapter dedicated to Saer and his interactions with them. Each demon embodies their sin perfectly, and their personalities make them unique. Due to Saer’s controversial decision, their family dynamic has been shattered. They’ve gone their separate ways and can’t wait to see what will bring them back together.
Thank you Netgalley and Shadow Spark Publishing for the ARC.
August 30, 2025
Honest review is a true 4 star.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC copy of Fallen's First.
This story is told through the third-person POV of Saer, our MMC. The author gives a list of trigger warnings and sets the spice at a 3 out of 5, but the actual spice level felt like a 1.5-2 out of 5. We are given a few on page scenes but the first time around has the most description to it and still stays fairly tame. This book does have dark themes and 100% could be potentially triggering to anyone who has dealt with narcissism, gaslighting, abuse disguised as love, and just toxicity in general.
I have not had any problems with trigger warnings before, as someone who has gone through some of that in real life. I almost had to stop this book. The levels of abuse that Lucifer dished out to his sins was very on-point to real life. I was really wanting to see the relationship grow between Pride and Lust, so I made myself push through the first 30% or so and was rewarded once all the sins were able to start interacting with humans. Seeing these characters pick up different aspects of humanity and what it means to feel was very enjoyable. The banter between Pride and Lust had me.
I held my breath through the turning point in this story and felt for poor Saer. I am interested to see how Book 2 will go and who will join Saer on his journey. How will things end for the fallen's First?
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC copy of Fallen's First.
This story is told through the third-person POV of Saer, our MMC. The author gives a list of trigger warnings and sets the spice at a 3 out of 5, but the actual spice level felt like a 1.5-2 out of 5. We are given a few on page scenes but the first time around has the most description to it and still stays fairly tame. This book does have dark themes and 100% could be potentially triggering to anyone who has dealt with narcissism, gaslighting, abuse disguised as love, and just toxicity in general.
I have not had any problems with trigger warnings before, as someone who has gone through some of that in real life. I almost had to stop this book. The levels of abuse that Lucifer dished out to his sins was very on-point to real life. I was really wanting to see the relationship grow between Pride and Lust, so I made myself push through the first 30% or so and was rewarded once all the sins were able to start interacting with humans. Seeing these characters pick up different aspects of humanity and what it means to feel was very enjoyable. The banter between Pride and Lust had me.
I held my breath through the turning point in this story and felt for poor Saer. I am interested to see how Book 2 will go and who will join Saer on his journey. How will things end for the fallen's First?
September 17, 2025
I would like a to start off stating this was an interesting read. I wouldn’t say it was my favorite but that is my own personal opinion now with that statement I will state that the plot was intriguing with how the story plays out, and the characters throughout the story, I also think that with this being the first in a trilogy that its setting up the world to open up a more in depth story/plot. I will say that I enjoyed the characters emotions throughout the story and I feel like that was well described. What made this read fall on the lower rating scale for me was just it took a really long time to get into, and the amount of times the time frame changed and how fast it would without warning was a little frustrating trying to keep up. It kept me interested between what was going to happen to the characters and how everything was going to play out in the end and it made me keep pushing through to figure out what was going to happen and it was overall an okay read! If you’re intrigued by the seven sins, hell and heaven, God and Lucifer. With battles and souls trapped in between realms then this is for you. I just think it moved at a too slow of pace for me and the descriptive parts were too much in areas it shouldn’t have been. Definitely not what I was expecting, and I wouldn’t necessarily read it again.
September 3, 2025
【ａｒｃ ｒｅｖｉｅｗ】
Huge thanks for the ARC opportunity! ❤️🔥
5/⭐⭐⭐⭐
So..Wow… Fallen’s First completely knocked me out. This book is part origin story, part revenge tale, part forbidden romance, and also a chaotic little found-family ride. 🏍️
Saer’s journey is both a fall and a redemption arc which sounds contradictory, but Coursey pulls it off so well you can’t help but get sucked in.
The characters feel insanely real I kept catching myself thinking of the demons in everyday life (yes, even Wrath 😅). The worldbuilding is dark, layered, and so full of clever details that it feels like you’re actually uncovering some lost, secret history of Hell.
What I loved most is that it’s not just entertaining, it also asks real questions: where does loyalty end? When is it right to push back against authority? And why do we always dump the blame on the powerless instead of holding the top accountable?
But don’t worry, it’s not all heavy the banter is so good. The sibling dynamics had me grinning, especially the twin chaos.🌪️
In short: Fallen’s First is dark, funny, heartbreaking, and completely addictive. If you’re into dark fantasy, forbidden love, and morally messy demons, you do not want to miss this one. 🔥
Huge thanks for the ARC opportunity! ❤️🔥
5/⭐⭐⭐⭐
So..Wow… Fallen’s First completely knocked me out. This book is part origin story, part revenge tale, part forbidden romance, and also a chaotic little found-family ride. 🏍️
Saer’s journey is both a fall and a redemption arc which sounds contradictory, but Coursey pulls it off so well you can’t help but get sucked in.
The characters feel insanely real I kept catching myself thinking of the demons in everyday life (yes, even Wrath 😅). The worldbuilding is dark, layered, and so full of clever details that it feels like you’re actually uncovering some lost, secret history of Hell.
What I loved most is that it’s not just entertaining, it also asks real questions: where does loyalty end? When is it right to push back against authority? And why do we always dump the blame on the powerless instead of holding the top accountable?
But don’t worry, it’s not all heavy the banter is so good. The sibling dynamics had me grinning, especially the twin chaos.🌪️
In short: Fallen’s First is dark, funny, heartbreaking, and completely addictive. If you’re into dark fantasy, forbidden love, and morally messy demons, you do not want to miss this one. 🔥
September 20, 2025
An exciting dive into the dark fantasy world of the demons of hell that each represent a different sin. This book follows pride, the first and favored demon of Lucifer, as he balances wanting to please his creator and the attraction and love he feels for the second demon created, Neya a female demon for lust. This book explores the relationships between the different 7 sins as demons and their learning to harvest souls of humans to help heal and appease their master.
I enjoyed getting to see the development of the relationship with Neya and also Ruki the human boy who’s soul is the first harvested by pride who follows him through most of this book almost like a guiding light that he refuses to send to be consumed by Lucifer. The longer he spends on earth away from hell, the more pride seems to relate to these humans and the harder he falls for Neya. When the ultimate betrayal happens and all is revealed to Lucifer, Pride must make a difficult choice that eventually may lead him down a dangerous path away from Lucifer. Overall this book was a new take on demons and sins and even featured some other magical creatures like elves and vampires and was a good fast paced read. My rating 4/5!
Thanks to the author and R&R book tours for the gifted ARC, all opinions given are my own!
I enjoyed getting to see the development of the relationship with Neya and also Ruki the human boy who’s soul is the first harvested by pride who follows him through most of this book almost like a guiding light that he refuses to send to be consumed by Lucifer. The longer he spends on earth away from hell, the more pride seems to relate to these humans and the harder he falls for Neya. When the ultimate betrayal happens and all is revealed to Lucifer, Pride must make a difficult choice that eventually may lead him down a dangerous path away from Lucifer. Overall this book was a new take on demons and sins and even featured some other magical creatures like elves and vampires and was a good fast paced read. My rating 4/5!
Thanks to the author and R&R book tours for the gifted ARC, all opinions given are my own!
September 21, 2025
In this world, the Seven Deadly Sins aren't just metaphors-they're alive, dangerous, and devastatingly alluring. The prose is sharp, lyrical, and dripping with atmosphere. Kassidy Coursey's imagery lingers long after you close the book, haunting and beautiful all at once. Some chapters left me breathless, others had me pausing to process the weight of what I'd just read.
And the spice? Let's just say this isn't your typical slow burn. It's raw, intense, and walks that razor's edge between pleasure and power in the most intoxicating ways.
Now, let's talk about Lucifer. 09 He's dominant, cruel, magnetic, and impossible to look away from. He's not just a villain—he's a force. A nightmare you want to dream about, layered with ancient pain, godlike arrogance, and terrifying charisma. Every time he appeared on the page, he dominated the page.
This is not a soft fantasy romance. It's dark, boundary-pushing, and brimming with morally gray characters.
Triggers:
Familial abuse and gaslighting
On page gore and blood including breaking limbs, evisceration, and eyeball gouging
Grief/loss
Coercion leading to character death
Vomiting
Sulcidal ideation
Religious trauma
Murder
Explicit sex (3/5 spice level)
And the spice? Let's just say this isn't your typical slow burn. It's raw, intense, and walks that razor's edge between pleasure and power in the most intoxicating ways.
Now, let's talk about Lucifer. 09 He's dominant, cruel, magnetic, and impossible to look away from. He's not just a villain—he's a force. A nightmare you want to dream about, layered with ancient pain, godlike arrogance, and terrifying charisma. Every time he appeared on the page, he dominated the page.
This is not a soft fantasy romance. It's dark, boundary-pushing, and brimming with morally gray characters.
Triggers:
Familial abuse and gaslighting
On page gore and blood including breaking limbs, evisceration, and eyeball gouging
Grief/loss
Coercion leading to character death
Vomiting
Sulcidal ideation
Religious trauma
Murder
Explicit sex (3/5 spice level)
September 22, 2025
"I was created by him, but I was made for you."
The Seven Deadly Sins, but in a way I've never read them before. This was such a refreshing take on their creation and their lives. It was intriguing to be with them from their birth at Lucifer's hands while they literally learned how to be alive.
We get to be with them from the first moment of their eyes opening to see their Maker, to learning to speak and navigate thoughts and feelings, to venturing to the world above and assimilating to the native areas of dress, language, and customs, and eventually, learning to think and make decisions for themselves, and not blindly obeying and following Lucifer. To see them learn to be more than just their sin, but allowing things such grief and heartbreak and what it means to be a family start to take up space within them kept me hooked and wanting to know what came next in their stories.
There were definitely times where my heart broke for all of them, and I cannot even imagine the hard road that lies ahead for them. Packed full of Revenge, Anger, Love, Loyalty, Betrayal, this is what I expect when I read a Dark Fantasy. Will they all open their eyes to everything that has happened, or will they continue to shun one of their own while staying loyal to their Father?
The Seven Deadly Sins, but in a way I've never read them before. This was such a refreshing take on their creation and their lives. It was intriguing to be with them from their birth at Lucifer's hands while they literally learned how to be alive.
We get to be with them from the first moment of their eyes opening to see their Maker, to learning to speak and navigate thoughts and feelings, to venturing to the world above and assimilating to the native areas of dress, language, and customs, and eventually, learning to think and make decisions for themselves, and not blindly obeying and following Lucifer. To see them learn to be more than just their sin, but allowing things such grief and heartbreak and what it means to be a family start to take up space within them kept me hooked and wanting to know what came next in their stories.
There were definitely times where my heart broke for all of them, and I cannot even imagine the hard road that lies ahead for them. Packed full of Revenge, Anger, Love, Loyalty, Betrayal, this is what I expect when I read a Dark Fantasy. Will they all open their eyes to everything that has happened, or will they continue to shun one of their own while staying loyal to their Father?
May 14, 2025
Hi! I'm Kassidy, and I wrote this book.
What started as a fanciful foray into trying to create the perfect broody man in my teens eventually turned into this labor of love (Spoiler alert: he's far from perfect).
I started my original draft of Fallen's First (back when the title of the .doc was simply "Saer") when I was 19. It galls me to report I'm now double+ that age.
While the final product looks nothing like how it began, the story has remained the same at its core. I've learned and grown SO MUCH not only as a writer and storyteller, but as a woman, and human during this process. I thank Saer for that, but also the multitudes of glorious individuals who have supported me and cheered me (and him) on along the way.
Be kind to yourself and please read the TWs if you have specific ones, because while I aimed to end this story with hope, there's absolutely spans of darkness through this dark fantasy novel intermingled with tragedy and grief.
And spice. There be spice.
Oh, and the other two are already written. So you won't have to wait long to enjoy the full arc of Saer's story. ;)
Thank you again, and happy reading!
What started as a fanciful foray into trying to create the perfect broody man in my teens eventually turned into this labor of love (Spoiler alert: he's far from perfect).
I started my original draft of Fallen's First (back when the title of the .doc was simply "Saer") when I was 19. It galls me to report I'm now double+ that age.
While the final product looks nothing like how it began, the story has remained the same at its core. I've learned and grown SO MUCH not only as a writer and storyteller, but as a woman, and human during this process. I thank Saer for that, but also the multitudes of glorious individuals who have supported me and cheered me (and him) on along the way.
Be kind to yourself and please read the TWs if you have specific ones, because while I aimed to end this story with hope, there's absolutely spans of darkness through this dark fantasy novel intermingled with tragedy and grief.
And spice. There be spice.
Oh, and the other two are already written. So you won't have to wait long to enjoy the full arc of Saer's story. ;)
Thank you again, and happy reading!
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