4.5/5

Sword of the Seven Sins is the first book in a young adult fantasy romance series by Emily Colin. I loved this book so much you guys! I want the second book in my hands right now. My very next read is going to be the free prequel novella (more information on that below my review) This book was so interesting, and I was happy to learn that it was going to be a series by the time I finished reading. Although there is not much of a cliffhanger, which I appreciated, I am also super excited to jump back into this world for more! I can't wait for the second book. Sword of Seven Sins is the perfect read for fans of fantasy, romance, science fiction and dystopian novels because this unique world blends all of those genres quite well!

In Sword of the Seven Sins, we meet our main characters, Eva and Ari. I loved the both of them so much! Their romance and their feelings for each other is one of the main focuses on the story, which you all know is my personal reading preference. But here, it actually fits in so well with the story line. The world that Emily Colin has created is super interesting and unique. It is a harsh dystopian like punishment structure, but here punishments are not only super harsh (like being exiled or killed) but they crimes and sins are centered around the Seven Deadly Sins  and the Seven Virtues. In this world, the virtues are what one person should embody at all times, and the Seven deadly sins must be avoided at all costs. So to circle back to Eva and Ari- lust is one of the seven deadly sins, and in this world love and lust are forbidden. I was completely in love with their forbidden romance! I want to read about it over and over again!

The plot of the story is totally different, but the vibe of this book reminded me of Kiss of the Royal by Lindsey Duga, which is one of my favorite fantasy romances of all time. I loved the interactions between Eva and Ari so much. Ari has had feelings for Eva his whole life that he has obviously had to conceal, and when Eva is set to become the first female Bellator, which are the executioners of people that commit a crime of the seven sins, Ari is to be her mentor. Obviously, this is where things get really interesting! Watching them together made me feel all the feelings. I am personally hoping that we get to see so many more books featuring the two of them.

Overall, Sword of the Seven Sins was a fantastic read and it is going to be perfect for fans of fantasy romances. It will also be great for fans of dystopian as well because the story kind of blends the two together. I loved this book and I cannot wait for the second book in the series! I need it right now!