Reviews with content warning for Sexual content - The Curse of Saints

Reviews tagging 'Sexual content'

The Curse of Saints by Kate Dramis

9 reviews

jg34's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated

4.25

I don’t know why but I had low expectations. Maybe because I’ve read a lot of bad romantasy books lately and this is a debut. But I was wrong!

I think this had the perfect mix of romance, intrigue, world building and character growth. But by far I was most surprised by how much I liked the enemies to lovers situation. I was ready to give up on that trope because I often find that the “enemy” backstory is always so over the top and not realistic in other books. But this was deeper and the two characters history made sense to me. I understood what brought them to enemyhood.

And the romance!!! I loved it. A good amount of slow burn. No trivial issues that pulled them apart miscommunication. The stakes felt appropriately high and I was really invested in their story. I was confused about some of the magic and world building but I am pretty sure that is just me not being 100% focused while listening. I can’t wait to see what happens in book 2!

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moonchild_cos's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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volanscore's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

I enjoyed my reading experience to an extent. The romance started off so well in building that tension that I could maybe skip over Will’s cringy “Aya love” until they actually got together. It was quick and at a random scene, at least to me there were other times they could’ve finally kissed, and then he fingers her in the dungeon while they wait for their deaths. That was ghetto, unclassy, rushed writing to appease to the smut fans and wasted everyone’s time to be blunt. Also the lore building was so flat for me. The Saj have knowledge powers but seem to be regular academics; the Amina have “LIFE AND DEATH” powers and are just seen healing some stab wounds, there was potential for more. The Aquine aren’t even seen and the idea that some of the Caeli could hear the wind calling them could’ve led to something much more intriguing regarding the death of Aya’s mother but of course, the main has to be guilty about something from their childhood. Also, for a story that emphasised Josie being underutilised, she was dreadfully underutilised in the story as well. I have so many notes on how I personally think this story could’ve been richer but this is just a review. Another note: please let the word “godsdamn” take a break…

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readintheclouds's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix

3.5

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billies_not_so_secret_diary's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

The Curse of Saints

by Kate Dramis

Fantasy High Fantasy New Adult

Scribd Audio
Ages: 18+

Aya is a spy and the Queen's third in command, but she has a secret that could either end in her death or be used as a weapon. But Will, who has been her rival since childhood, suspects her of having the powers.

When a friend is hurt Aya reacts, releasing her powers. Aya and Will have to work together when they find out it was orchestrated by a neighboring country that is preparing to start a war.

Sent with Will to secure allies, Aya also searches for a way to control those powers before they destroy her, turning her to darkness.

I liked the world, though it does need more history as does the magic system. As is it's as if the author expects the reader to know the ins and outs of the magic. Sure there was a 'glossary' in the beginning, but that's not showing, that's telling. Showing the magic is how to plant it in the reader's mind.

The characters fit the general trope, but they also had their struggles and self-doubt, so I could relate to them, and the dialogue was 'real'.

This book was great, then towards the end the author had to toe the porn line, then they crossed it, and that took away a star. It was not needed!

When a story moves at a great pace; has drama, mystery, and action, something that teenagers can read, you don't ruin it with adult content. Sure it was a 'slow burn' but that's no reason to add the porn!

It was a quick read, and I couldn't wait to hear what was going to happen, but then the porn ruined the ending, which I think was added only because 'sex sells' and sadly that's the fad now.

3 Stars

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mattiedancer's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Writing: 4⭐️/5

Alright, the writing is above adequate. At times, it really pushes the characters and plot in a nice, even beautiful, way. I think there were a few moments where the writing fell a bit flat, but overall, I had few issues with the writing.

Characters: 4.5⭐️/5

**Spoilers Below**

Kind of split on this one. On one hand, the characters were incredibly rich and interesting. On the other, it fell a bit into the trope of near-teens being incredibly powerful quickly. Both main characters hold head positions in the kingdom and, at times, act incredibly childish in spite of such prestigious positions. However, the three main characters we follow were fairly well-fleshed and fascinating, making their little immaturities a small issue that I was ready to ignore/accept. I liked the relationship between the characters and how slowly it grew – though maybe that also carried on a bit too long. I did like the fact that the enemies portion of the enemies-to-lovers trope felt real and raw. I really believed that these two people would not love each other.

Plot: 4.5⭐️/5

I want to give the plot a better mark, but the beginning was a lot of convenience in order to get our characters into another country. It was nice to see everyone in their element originally, but, plot-wise, it felt a bit weird where the novel started. I liked the second half of the book a lot more. The stakes increased, the drama unfolded, and our slow-burn romance finally ignited. I will also say there were some twists and turns I wasn’t expecting, or didn’t really think would happen, and I loved not knowing anyone’s next move.

Who Should Read This Book?

Fans of romance-fantasy novels
Fans of ACOTAR, TOG, Fourth Wing
Those looking for plot-first books that still provide a bit of spice 🌶️

Content Warnings?

Sexual content, blood, violence, murder, death, death of parent, war, torture, kidnapping, grief, vomit

Post-Reading Rating: 5⭐️/5

I am ready to watch this girl burn the world.

Final Rating: 4.25⭐️/5

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soniajoy98's review

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adventurous tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

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lisashelves's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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jadehusdanhicks's review

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adventurous challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This slow burn story had everyone’s trust constantly in question and the reveals of who is trustworthy at the end definitely had my jaw dropped. If not due to the astounding amount of plot twists and major events that occurred to further the story too.

Battling with inner darkness, realising truths and lies all at once and realising your a literal saint is a lot for just Aya to deal with. So aidon, will and josies roles as supporting main characters were welcome even through all the chaos and lapses in trust.

I cannot wait to find out what happens next

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