Barbara S. (barbsis) - , reviewed Original Sin (Seven Deadly Sins, Bk 1) on + 1076 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
First of all, this was way religious which I usually don't enjoy. Though I loved the concept of this book, an evil witch (Fiona) trying for immortality, unintentionally releases the seven deadly sins (demons) into the world. She was trying to put them into a vessel that she alone would control but was interrupted by the good guys (Rafe) and chaos now reins. The fight is between the coven (trying to get the demons back) and Saint Michael's Order (a demon hunter group revolving around the Catholic church) who are trying to send the demons back to hell.
Secondly, I really like Moira O'Donnell, she may be a witch and may have started life with the witches (Fiona is her mother) but she realized (almost too late) what was happening and changed sides. Now she battles exclusively for St. Michael's. Rafe Cooper is an anomaly. He belongs to St. Michael's but they haven't been able to pin down his specific ability therefore no one knows the extent of his powers. He is able to do unimaginable things (for the good of human kind) but they scare him since any magic is thought to be the work of the devil.
There is a possiblity of romance between Moira and Rafe but it is fleeting in this book...maybe in the next. Rafe is/was training to be priest and Moira respects that but...
This series has an urban fantasy feel to it where there isn't really a HEA for the main characters. Also involved are Anthony Zaccardi, a demonologist; Skye McPherson, his lover and a cop; Serena, Fiona's other daughter and a powerful witch; and Father Philip, a priest of St. Michael's.
Secondly, I really like Moira O'Donnell, she may be a witch and may have started life with the witches (Fiona is her mother) but she realized (almost too late) what was happening and changed sides. Now she battles exclusively for St. Michael's. Rafe Cooper is an anomaly. He belongs to St. Michael's but they haven't been able to pin down his specific ability therefore no one knows the extent of his powers. He is able to do unimaginable things (for the good of human kind) but they scare him since any magic is thought to be the work of the devil.
There is a possiblity of romance between Moira and Rafe but it is fleeting in this book...maybe in the next. Rafe is/was training to be priest and Moira respects that but...
This series has an urban fantasy feel to it where there isn't really a HEA for the main characters. Also involved are Anthony Zaccardi, a demonologist; Skye McPherson, his lover and a cop; Serena, Fiona's other daughter and a powerful witch; and Father Philip, a priest of St. Michael's.
Jessica D. (JessicaRabbit) reviewed Original Sin (Seven Deadly Sins, Bk 1) on + 110 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I got this book to review back when it came out and I am still reading it. Not because it's bad, because it isn't, but because it scares the crap out of me. lol. I am a WUSS when it comes to books revolving around demons and possession and whatnot, but I LOVE it. I like being scared... unless I pee myself then it ain't funny. But Allison Brennan is the queen of scary. { to me }
Helpful Score: 1
Moira O'Donnell is a powerful witch who no longer practices witch craft. She was born to an evil magician who dedicated her at birth to evil but wants no part of this life. She is both on the run from and hunting her mother who seeks to use her or kill her. She has trained with Father Philip of St. Michael's Monastery to help fight those like her mother who summon demons from hell by practicing black magic.
Moira discovers her mother and her coven in the small town of Santa Louisa and travels there knowing she may die in a confrontation with her. She discovers evidence that her mother and the coven have been conducting rituals drawing evil to this small town.
When Fiona, Moira's mother, attempts to summon and trap the demons from hell known as the seven deadly sins, something goes terribly wrong and the demons are released on earth to wreak havoc. Moira and her allies may be the only hope in trapping the demons and sending them back to hell.
There were a few characters that stood out for me. Moira first of all, was a great heroine. Courageous doesn't even begin to describe her. She has to face down her own mother, who is a powerful witch hell bent on capturing and using her or destroying her. Not only does Moira face her mother but she battles the most vile demons from hell. Anthony, a demonologist, comes off hard and jaded. He's angry and doesn't trust Moira blaming her for the death of his friend and her former lover. Although he distrusts Moira he still works with her for the greater good. Rafe, Moira's love interest is brother from the Monetary. He was a bit a of a mystery to me and I never really could get a handle on his character. While committed to the cause and key to the plot, he seemed to take a backseat in character. I never really understood where the romantic connection between Rafe and Moira originated or why it evolved though. Fiona is the villain of all villains. She is evil, self centered and worst of all uses her own children in the pursuit of power.
This book was billed as a paranormal romance however the romance was very light taking a backseat to the more prevalent mystery and suspense aspect of the book. If you're looking for a more traditional paranormal romance then you may be disappointed in Original Sin. Being a romance lover myself, I will say that I didn't miss the romance angle at all as the plot was strong and the characterization good and I think the tiny bit of romance was not needed at all.
Original Sin worked for me on several different levels. The suspense build-up alone was enough to keep me turning the pages and the mystery held right up until the very end. I will admit, it took me about 6 chapters to really get into it but once the action started I did not want to put this book down.
Moira discovers her mother and her coven in the small town of Santa Louisa and travels there knowing she may die in a confrontation with her. She discovers evidence that her mother and the coven have been conducting rituals drawing evil to this small town.
When Fiona, Moira's mother, attempts to summon and trap the demons from hell known as the seven deadly sins, something goes terribly wrong and the demons are released on earth to wreak havoc. Moira and her allies may be the only hope in trapping the demons and sending them back to hell.
There were a few characters that stood out for me. Moira first of all, was a great heroine. Courageous doesn't even begin to describe her. She has to face down her own mother, who is a powerful witch hell bent on capturing and using her or destroying her. Not only does Moira face her mother but she battles the most vile demons from hell. Anthony, a demonologist, comes off hard and jaded. He's angry and doesn't trust Moira blaming her for the death of his friend and her former lover. Although he distrusts Moira he still works with her for the greater good. Rafe, Moira's love interest is brother from the Monetary. He was a bit a of a mystery to me and I never really could get a handle on his character. While committed to the cause and key to the plot, he seemed to take a backseat in character. I never really understood where the romantic connection between Rafe and Moira originated or why it evolved though. Fiona is the villain of all villains. She is evil, self centered and worst of all uses her own children in the pursuit of power.
This book was billed as a paranormal romance however the romance was very light taking a backseat to the more prevalent mystery and suspense aspect of the book. If you're looking for a more traditional paranormal romance then you may be disappointed in Original Sin. Being a romance lover myself, I will say that I didn't miss the romance angle at all as the plot was strong and the characterization good and I think the tiny bit of romance was not needed at all.
Original Sin worked for me on several different levels. The suspense build-up alone was enough to keep me turning the pages and the mystery held right up until the very end. I will admit, it took me about 6 chapters to really get into it but once the action started I did not want to put this book down.