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The First Sin
In the sweeping expanse of the Årdrakin Empire, the people fight and die for honor as elite warriors of the galaxy. But long ago, a prophecy was spoken that presaged the apocalypse. Everyone knows and fears the truth: one day, the empire will fall.
Tårik is a guard for small, independent Clan Tsinna. Instead of pondering the end of his civilization, Tårik’s greatest concern is maintaining his honor while escorting a group of impertinent dignitaries across the treacherous Barren Gale. When the Mother Goddess speaks a passage from the prophecy to him, he has the good sense to be frightened, but he doesn’t heed the significance of Her visit.
Then disaster strikes, and Tårik is branded as an exile, leaving him with no home, no honor, and no future. Forced into a desperate struggle for survival, all Tårik can focus on is living just one more day until luck—or maybe fate—gives him the opportunity to join a new clan. But even this is fraught with danger and uncertainty, and it takes him to an inhospitable world far from the empire where survival seems all but impossible.
Faced with new challenges, including trying to navigate first contact with the low-tech locals, Tårik believes the prophecy can’t reach him. Yet it continues to loom, signaling that his fate and the fate of the empire are irrevocably entwined.
This is a dark, spicy, adult science fantasy set in a world that includes war, violence, and other mature themes that some readers may find disturbing. Reading guidance can be found at the beginning of the book or on the author's website.
Tårik is a guard for small, independent Clan Tsinna. Instead of pondering the end of his civilization, Tårik’s greatest concern is maintaining his honor while escorting a group of impertinent dignitaries across the treacherous Barren Gale. When the Mother Goddess speaks a passage from the prophecy to him, he has the good sense to be frightened, but he doesn’t heed the significance of Her visit.
Then disaster strikes, and Tårik is branded as an exile, leaving him with no home, no honor, and no future. Forced into a desperate struggle for survival, all Tårik can focus on is living just one more day until luck—or maybe fate—gives him the opportunity to join a new clan. But even this is fraught with danger and uncertainty, and it takes him to an inhospitable world far from the empire where survival seems all but impossible.
Faced with new challenges, including trying to navigate first contact with the low-tech locals, Tårik believes the prophecy can’t reach him. Yet it continues to loom, signaling that his fate and the fate of the empire are irrevocably entwined.
This is a dark, spicy, adult science fantasy set in a world that includes war, violence, and other mature themes that some readers may find disturbing. Reading guidance can be found at the beginning of the book or on the author's website.
613 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2025
3 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Cheyenne Brammah
1 book7 followersCheyenne Brammah, also known as Iron Dragon, is a Canadian science fiction and fantasy author who “torments her characters in ways reminiscent of George R R Martin”. She’s had a pen in hand for most of her life and loves character-driven stories that are epic in scope and complexity. The All Our Sins Saga features her debut novel, The First Sin, and will be the first stories told in the Akrodaxis universe.
When she’s not writing or reading, Cheyenne dyes yarn, crochets, knits, plays video games with her wonderful husband Mathew, and dabbles in nature photography. She lives in beautiful Cochrane, Alberta, in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
When she’s not writing or reading, Cheyenne dyes yarn, crochets, knits, plays video games with her wonderful husband Mathew, and dabbles in nature photography. She lives in beautiful Cochrane, Alberta, in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 16, 2025
Being told the prophecy (of how things will end) at the start of the story does not spoil this book at all. Like all prophecies, you just never know how the characters are going to fulfil it. This is a fine example of “sort of” knowing the ending but becoming engrossed in the story and the characters because it is so well told.
The world building in this first book is top notch, from the clans and “the Whole” to the planetary system, the ship and Berwen, the planet they end up on,
The author has created a story full of well developed characters, all with their own secrets from the past and flaws that may or may not lead them down the paths they take. Decisions made “for the good of the clan” are not always good decisions.
The comparison between the way the clans work and the way the “hive mind” of the skarastaja works is an interesting juxtaposition.
There are some big themes in this book; love, loss, vengeance, addiction, belief systems and sacrifice, which the author weaves into a compelling narrative. In the second half, we also find out the consequences of introducing another element into a planet’s natural order.
This book is not for the faint hearted. The blurb says dark and spicy, and it certainly delivers on that. There is so much to think about that I need time to reflect before even contemplating my next read.
The character list at the start and the glossary at the end are both useful reference points throughout, to help you keep track of things, if needed.
The world building in this first book is top notch, from the clans and “the Whole” to the planetary system, the ship and Berwen, the planet they end up on,
The author has created a story full of well developed characters, all with their own secrets from the past and flaws that may or may not lead them down the paths they take. Decisions made “for the good of the clan” are not always good decisions.
The comparison between the way the clans work and the way the “hive mind” of the skarastaja works is an interesting juxtaposition.
There are some big themes in this book; love, loss, vengeance, addiction, belief systems and sacrifice, which the author weaves into a compelling narrative. In the second half, we also find out the consequences of introducing another element into a planet’s natural order.
This book is not for the faint hearted. The blurb says dark and spicy, and it certainly delivers on that. There is so much to think about that I need time to reflect before even contemplating my next read.
The character list at the start and the glossary at the end are both useful reference points throughout, to help you keep track of things, if needed.
October 1, 2025
Tarik is a rising star among his clan. The young Tsinna member is entrusted as part of an important political detail but when disaster strikes he and everyone he cares for are stripped of honor. The once worthy warriors then begin a descent into darkness that tests their metal and may even bring doom upon the ardrakin empire.
Brammah really turns the screws on these poor people. From start to finish, small bright periods are tarnished by Brammah's wicked whims but, though i sometimes felt bad for the characters, i kept reading to see what new hell was coming their way. The combination of love, loss, and vengenance makes this self published tale a memorable read the likes of Hugh Howie and is a shining standout from other indie pub books.
Brammah really turns the screws on these poor people. From start to finish, small bright periods are tarnished by Brammah's wicked whims but, though i sometimes felt bad for the characters, i kept reading to see what new hell was coming their way. The combination of love, loss, and vengenance makes this self published tale a memorable read the likes of Hugh Howie and is a shining standout from other indie pub books.
October 19, 2025
Genuinely harrowing. I was lucky enough to receive an eARC copy of this book and blew through it in a couple days, eager to find out exactly where these characters were headed, and it was a roller coaster. Trial after trial, consequence after consequence, you feel just how far the characters have fallen, and how they have grown. Then, just when you feel like they've gotten a reprieve, the floor drops out from underneath them, and you, yet again.
You're given the text of the prophecy right from the get-go, and from there begin to wonder just how it will be fulfilled. You figure it out before the characters do, only to have them discover the truth and extent of it in probably the most horrifying way imaginable. The prophecy itself is an interesting feature of the story; the addition of seemingly supernatural elements gives the story some much needed mystery, yet they take a back seat to the characters' needs in driving the story forward, content to simply sit in the back and occasionally remind you that this story is not going to have a happy ending.
If I had one "complaint" to level against the book, it's that it genuinely isn't for everyone. There are content warnings. Take them seriously, because Brammah does not mess around.
You're given the text of the prophecy right from the get-go, and from there begin to wonder just how it will be fulfilled. You figure it out before the characters do, only to have them discover the truth and extent of it in probably the most horrifying way imaginable. The prophecy itself is an interesting feature of the story; the addition of seemingly supernatural elements gives the story some much needed mystery, yet they take a back seat to the characters' needs in driving the story forward, content to simply sit in the back and occasionally remind you that this story is not going to have a happy ending.
If I had one "complaint" to level against the book, it's that it genuinely isn't for everyone. There are content warnings. Take them seriously, because Brammah does not mess around.
November 19, 2025
Cheyenne Brammah's The First Sin, is the first instalment in the author's All Our Sins Saga. It immerses the reader into the vast the Årdrakin Empire.This is a sprawling interstellar realm where warriors fight for honor amid the stars. The book is not a quick read. It's a beefy 668 pages, so it does depend on what you are looking for. If you are looking for a quick, light read, its not for you, if you are looking for a new epic series with rich worldbuilding and development then it could be.
What I particularly liked was Brammah steadily immerses you in her world without resorting to long clunky info dumps (which in a book of this size really would be problematic). We get introduced to a society where honor is a all-important as we follow Tarik. Brammah is particularly skilled at blending sci fi and fantasy in a way I wish more authors would do.
Despite all these positives I will say I think the book feels a little long from a marketing perspective if nothing else. The length nearly put me off joining this tour and I feel since readers do not yet know this author more would be likely to pick up a shorter first outing. As I read it I was pleasantly surprised by the pacing and lack of info dumping despite the size, but even so think a shorter book might have been better as it takes a big time commitment (hence I actually missed my date for this blog tour and was a day late!)
What I particularly liked was Brammah steadily immerses you in her world without resorting to long clunky info dumps (which in a book of this size really would be problematic). We get introduced to a society where honor is a all-important as we follow Tarik. Brammah is particularly skilled at blending sci fi and fantasy in a way I wish more authors would do.
Despite all these positives I will say I think the book feels a little long from a marketing perspective if nothing else. The length nearly put me off joining this tour and I feel since readers do not yet know this author more would be likely to pick up a shorter first outing. As I read it I was pleasantly surprised by the pacing and lack of info dumping despite the size, but even so think a shorter book might have been better as it takes a big time commitment (hence I actually missed my date for this blog tour and was a day late!)
November 13, 2025
The first thing I have to say about this book is it is a beast! You really need to commit some time it. But if you do it is totally worth it! I think I’d describe it as a dark science fantasy, perhaps not my usual genre but it really gripped me and had the vibe of being epic from pretty much the first page. In fact you get this sense before the actual first page, we get detailed pronunciation guides etc which I personally thought were super cool, and explanations for what various words mean etc. You immediately feel like you are in for something epic. I’d love if more authors did this sort of thing actually. I feel the book it most reminded of, at least to a degree was Dune.
Brammah weaves a tale of betrayal, forbidden desire, and the razor-thin line between destiny and damnation in the sprawling Årdrakin Empire, where elite warriors bleed for honor amid prophecies of galactic doom. It's gritty, spicy, and unflinchingly raw, with alien cultures that feel alive and breathing, their customs clashing in ways that left me breathless.
It’s written really well, some great lines throughout and I really hope it gets the attention it deserves. Thank you so much to the writereads team for making me aware of its existence. I highly recommend it!
Brammah weaves a tale of betrayal, forbidden desire, and the razor-thin line between destiny and damnation in the sprawling Årdrakin Empire, where elite warriors bleed for honor amid prophecies of galactic doom. It's gritty, spicy, and unflinchingly raw, with alien cultures that feel alive and breathing, their customs clashing in ways that left me breathless.
It’s written really well, some great lines throughout and I really hope it gets the attention it deserves. Thank you so much to the writereads team for making me aware of its existence. I highly recommend it!
December 9, 2025
I was fortunate enough to receive an arc of this novel, and while life was determined for me not to finish it, I finally managed to do just that. The words to describe this book that come to mind are Greek tragedy. The inevitability of a cosmic being's decree hangs heavy over the whole of the story. You become attached to the main characters, and pray that they gain relief in their struggles. You also despair when you recognize that they will not receive that relief when they most desperately need it.
This is an agonizing read. You feel for every character, understand their thoughts and conclusions. That doesn't make what happens any easier to deal with. The moments where we catch our breaths are both the softest and most dread inducing points in the story, because you know without a doubt it can't last. I've been less affected by true horror novels than I've been by this sci-fi one. If you value your happiness, I'd advise you turn around. If you seek out emotions and yearn for a story that forces you to confront the uncomfortable reality of love, death, civilization, and honor, I think you would enjoy this. This is an excellent debut in a genre designed to address topics such as colonization, tradition, morality, and the natural.
This is an agonizing read. You feel for every character, understand their thoughts and conclusions. That doesn't make what happens any easier to deal with. The moments where we catch our breaths are both the softest and most dread inducing points in the story, because you know without a doubt it can't last. I've been less affected by true horror novels than I've been by this sci-fi one. If you value your happiness, I'd advise you turn around. If you seek out emotions and yearn for a story that forces you to confront the uncomfortable reality of love, death, civilization, and honor, I think you would enjoy this. This is an excellent debut in a genre designed to address topics such as colonization, tradition, morality, and the natural.
November 18, 2025
The first Sin by Cheyenne Brammah is a super ambitious debut fantasy sci fi novel set in the sprawling Årdrakin Empire.This is an empire where honour is the be all and end all and where a prophecy of doom hangs menacingly over all.
Enter Tarik, a man of small importance who operates as a guard for an equally unimportant clan. But when disaster strikes and Tarik is cast into dishonourable exile left struggling to survive and searching for a new clan. Haunted by the prophecy Tarik meets a slew of well developed and interesting characters as the fate of the entire empire hangs in the balance.
The book is extremely well written for a debut and despite the almost overly ambitious scale the author keeps a good handle on the pacing. I enjoyed a lot of the back and forth dialogue and the fact that the author didn’t shy away from some pretty harsh scenes.
Overall I think it is a good 4 star read from a new author with lots of potential.
Enter Tarik, a man of small importance who operates as a guard for an equally unimportant clan. But when disaster strikes and Tarik is cast into dishonourable exile left struggling to survive and searching for a new clan. Haunted by the prophecy Tarik meets a slew of well developed and interesting characters as the fate of the entire empire hangs in the balance.
The book is extremely well written for a debut and despite the almost overly ambitious scale the author keeps a good handle on the pacing. I enjoyed a lot of the back and forth dialogue and the fact that the author didn’t shy away from some pretty harsh scenes.
Overall I think it is a good 4 star read from a new author with lots of potential.
September 24, 2025
Not only did I have the privilege of receiving an advance copy of this book, but I've been one of her alpha readers for a while now. I've seen this novel grow and change over the years.
This book is the literary equivalent of watching a train wreck in slow motion, and the feeling is worse on subsequent reads. You know what's going to happen, and you yell at the book to not do The Thing and yet it still happens.
The characters and world-building are top notch. Chey has done the work of building a believable society. There are little details sprinkled in that add to the believability. I get a little thrill each time the character named after me is mentioned.
If you like your sci-fi with a splash of fantasy and a nice helping of spice, you'll love this book.
This book is the literary equivalent of watching a train wreck in slow motion, and the feeling is worse on subsequent reads. You know what's going to happen, and you yell at the book to not do The Thing and yet it still happens.
The characters and world-building are top notch. Chey has done the work of building a believable society. There are little details sprinkled in that add to the believability. I get a little thrill each time the character named after me is mentioned.
If you like your sci-fi with a splash of fantasy and a nice helping of spice, you'll love this book.
November 13, 2025
This is a great opening to Cheyenne Brammah’s All Our Sins saga. The writing really crackles with vivid, immersive world-building which despite the rather meaty length of the book results in an engaging and fast pace.
I really thought the author did a great job with Tårik in particular. He pretty much steals the show for me. He is a great morally grey character scarred by loss and haunted by fate. Brammah crafts him with heartbreaking nuance. I will note that the book is not for the faint hearted. Some scenes are pretty brutal!
I’d also like to add that the book is really nicely laid out with lovely, evocative designs at the start of each chapter. I’d be interested in trying the sequel.
I really thought the author did a great job with Tårik in particular. He pretty much steals the show for me. He is a great morally grey character scarred by loss and haunted by fate. Brammah crafts him with heartbreaking nuance. I will note that the book is not for the faint hearted. Some scenes are pretty brutal!
I’d also like to add that the book is really nicely laid out with lovely, evocative designs at the start of each chapter. I’d be interested in trying the sequel.
November 14, 2025
The First Sin by Cheyenne Brammah is the start of a new science fiction fantasy series set in the vast Årdrakin Empire where the main character, Tårik, is more concerned with his every day tasks than the fate of the empire.
Its a really great debut(?) novel from Brammah, who feels like a much more seasoned author than I believe she actually is. The writing is crisp and descriptive without being overly flowery and the characters particularly Tarik are very well done. Despite the books length (it is fairly chonky) Brammah manages to keep things feeling fast moving. fair warning though for those with sensitive hearts the author does not shy away from some pretty gritty scenes at times.
Its a solid 4 star read for me. Thank you writereads for my copy
Its a really great debut(?) novel from Brammah, who feels like a much more seasoned author than I believe she actually is. The writing is crisp and descriptive without being overly flowery and the characters particularly Tarik are very well done. Despite the books length (it is fairly chonky) Brammah manages to keep things feeling fast moving. fair warning though for those with sensitive hearts the author does not shy away from some pretty gritty scenes at times.
Its a solid 4 star read for me. Thank you writereads for my copy
November 16, 2025
The First Sin by Cheyenne Brammah was a well thought out and well written novel, which nicely tells a large-scale story of empires and prophecies through a much more grounded and restricted sense, focusing on Tarik, who is just trying to live his life and get by honourably.
Getting the prophecy at the start really sets the stage, without spoiling things, its all about how the characters will bring it about. I thought the dialogue and interactions between the characters was really well done, the focus is very strongly on Tarik but the surrounding characters are very well fleshed out and felt real. Its a great debut in my opinion and I could see this author doing well.
Getting the prophecy at the start really sets the stage, without spoiling things, its all about how the characters will bring it about. I thought the dialogue and interactions between the characters was really well done, the focus is very strongly on Tarik but the surrounding characters are very well fleshed out and felt real. Its a great debut in my opinion and I could see this author doing well.
October 2, 2025
I have been a critical partner on TFS for more than a year. Even after several passes TFS continued to be such a great read that my critical brain kept falling into its wonderfully textured extraterrestrial world with characters who cannot escape their fate. We watch as our heroes lose their formal life of rank and privilege descending into a hell worthy of Hieronymus Bosch. They are resurrected but only to be subjected again to the whims of gods and prophecy. An amazing ride from beginning to end.
December 27, 2025
This book was so good, it hard to believe it’s a debut novel. The writing is superb, the characters and worlds are totally unique and innovative. There are no old tired tropes here. This books is full of wonderful new ideas and a story that moves along at a good pace. I loved the blend of sci-fi and fantasy and was SO happy that this was not a romance book. Yes there are relationships but the book is not a romance novel disguised as a fantasy book. Thank you!! I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
October 23, 2025
Tårik’s survival is all his main goal. Despite the prophecy!
A well built world and well written story!
It took a minute to get used to the language/new words, then part 2 came along and you’re introduced to another new language and words.
But once past that little hurdle I was all in.
From one trial to the next. I was so ready to find out what came next. I’m actually really looking forward to the next book.
Thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to arc read this novel.
A well built world and well written story!
It took a minute to get used to the language/new words, then part 2 came along and you’re introduced to another new language and words.
But once past that little hurdle I was all in.
From one trial to the next. I was so ready to find out what came next. I’m actually really looking forward to the next book.
Thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to arc read this novel.
November 10, 2025
This was so good. If this is what sci-fantasy can be, give me more. Shove it into my veins.
Great plot (minus one plot point/trope that I am tired of but luckily was over fast here). Great characters. Great lore. Great ending (Holy (bad word here)!!!)
Book of the year candidate. Book 2 when??
Great plot (minus one plot point/trope that I am tired of but luckily was over fast here). Great characters. Great lore. Great ending (Holy (bad word here)!!!)
Book of the year candidate. Book 2 when??
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews