Format Read: Paperback

Number of Pages: 416

Release Date: January 26th, 2010
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Formats Available: Paperback, eBook

Purchasing Info:GoodReads, Author Website, Bookdepository

Book Blurb:
Haunted by chilling memories of demonic possession and murder, Moira O’Donnell has spent seven years hunting down her mother, Fiona, whose command of black magic has granted her unprecedented control of the underworld. Now Moira’s global search has led her to a small California town that’s about to become hell on earth.

Tormented by his own terrifying past and driven by powers he can’t explain, ex-seminarian Rafe Cooper joins Moira’s dangerous quest. But Fiona is one devilish step ahead. Hungry for greater power, eternal youth, and stunning beauty, the sorceress is unleashing upon the mortal world the living incarnations of the Seven Deadly Sins.

Together with a demonologist, a tough female sheriff, and a pair of star-crossed teenagers, Moira and Rafe are humanity’s last chance to snatch salvation from the howling jaws of damnation.

Our Thoughts:

What did you think about the multiple POVs in Original Sin?

The Geeky Lover: This book is written in so many POVs,  I was confused right from the beginning. I can live with 2 or 3 but here it felt like we get a new one each chapter. It felt like too much; even more because Ms. Brennan had to do the whole world-building. Confused the hell out of me.

The Smutty Lover: I agree the multiple points of view were confusing and jarring, not in the sense there was many characters’ insights and viewpoints, but that we were thrust into the midst of the middle of the plot. I felt that was jarring and confusing too and I kept thinking I was missing something. I think for a first book of a series it was doubly difficult, and normally I don’t mind multiple POV’s, but I did think this confusing start hindered my enjoyment of the book.

The Sexy Lover: I enjoyed it, especially with so much going on.

What do you think about the world-building Ms. Brennan used in this book?

The Geeky Lover: The world-building was great on its own. I enjoyed reading about her world and how everything works. Okay, at some points it felt a bit too much, but all in all it was good, solid work and it’s definitely something I like to read.

The Smutty Lover: I think this was one of strongest aspects of the book. I really liked the tone and feel of the book, due to the gritty edge. However I felt due to the weak start, the world building did suffer because if it was established earlier on, it would have made the book.

The Sexy Lover: It was good and gave readers lots of info and background about the characters so no one would be left feeling lost.

What about the character development?

The Geeky Lover: In my opinion, the always changing POV killed the character development for me. Everytime I thought I could like a character I was thrown into another POV. I wanted to know what happened to that character and now I had to read about someone I didn’t even know. Felt a bit like the Lesser chapters in the BDB books, just without the good ones in between. Okay, perhaps not THAT bad. But you get what I mean!

The Smutty Lover: The jumping POV’s for this book really suffered. I wished we had one or two main characters’, preferably the hero and heroine of the book because, once I got into a character’s development/plot it suddenly switched. I think it affected the pacing for me, it was too fast paced at times and then it was too slow and I think the romance was also affected. It felt like it was glossed over for me.

The Sexy Lover: The characters were made real to me, especially since a few had lots of faults and major attitude and prejudices against the main female character. This is definitely not a book you can just rush through the pages to read, you have to read at a slow pace because you can miss out on alot if you speed read through it.

What did you like most about Original Sin and what didn’t work for you?

The Geeky Lover: I loved the last 100 pages. The action was thrilling and I really wanted to know what happens next. What I didn’t like is tightly connected with that point. It would have been better if that moment, when I start loving the book, would have been 200 pages earlier. In that sense, it was rather disappointing for my high expectations.

The Smutty Lover: I loved the gritty tone and feel, I think for paranormal/Urban Fantasy books it’s important that it has to feel real to the reader so it can be believable. However, I was disappointed that with the plot/characters I found myself not really caring. I wished there was development with Moria and her hero. I also don’t think the thriller elements of book gelled well with the Paranormal/fantasy aspects. Although I think the premise is a great idea and really like the supernatural aspects, the characterization and pace affected my enjoyment.

The Sexy Lover: I enjoyed the thorough details and info about the characters and flow of the storyline. At times, it did seem like it dragged on and was a little rushed at the end. But I am glad to see that there will be more to this world and maybe we can get to the bottom of the mystery surrounding the identity of Moira’s father.

Your overall impression?

The Geeky Lover: The world-building was good but the changing POVs were too confusing for my taste. A more steady storyline would have fit better. This book is more a dark urban fantasy than a paranormal romance. I would give this 2 out of 5 bookies.

The Smutty Lover: If the supernatural aspects were as good as the characterization and plot, I would have given this a higher grade. I just don’t think the slow beginning and lack of a main focal character helped, and the romance also suffered. I would give this 2.5 out of 5 bookies.

The Sexy Lover: I give it 4 out of 5 bookies

Additional things to say?

The Geeky Lover: If you like dark urban fantasy without much romance this is the book for you!

The Smutty Lover: I really wanted to like this book, especially when I found the premise, but I think the pace of the beginning affected my enjoyment and it felt like a chore once it did improve. I may pick up the sequel to give the series another chance, because it’s only the first book.

The Sexy Lover: Would love to see this be turned into a movie. 🙂

***FTC Disclaimer: Most books reviewed on this site have been provided free of charge by the publisher, author or publicist. Some books we have purchased with our own money and will be noted as such. Any links to places to purchase books are provided as a convenience, and do not serve as an endorsement by this blog. All reviews are the true and honest opinion of the blogger reviewing the book. The method of acquiring the book does not have a bearing on the content of the review.

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