Beautiful photo by @picklesbooks!
Hey there!
Happy Monday and welcome to day 1 of our readalong of The Curse of Saints by Kate Dramis. I’m so excited to be reading this one with you, I hope you all love it!
Before we start, how are you all doing? I hope you had a wonderful weekend, full of great books!
Since today is day 1, we’ll be reading from the beginning to the end of Chapter 15. Get comfy and let’s get started!
When you’ve finished today’s section, catch up with me in the comments down below so we can discuss the beginning of the book. Happy reading!
Please be warned, the following section will include spoilers for The Curse of Saints by Kate Dramis from the beginning to Chapter 15. Please only read on if you have finished this section!
–!SPOILERS!-
The book starts with a bang as we watch Aya use her Persi affinity to persuade information from a barkeep. She then starts a fight and unleashes pandemonium as a huge brawl begins, giving Aya a chance to slip out and catch the tradesmen she just heard about.
She follows a man who turns out to be Will, the Queen’s Enforcer. Apparently these two hate each other but do I smell enemies to lovers?
They return to the Quarter and Aya has a nightmare about Will lying at the bottom of a wall with his arm broken. Oh wait, it’s a memory! Aya persuaded Will to jump and she’s never forgiven him for his consequently attempting to get her thrown out of the Dyminara.
Aya and Tova, the Queen’s General, discuss preparations for the Dawning: a festival to celebrate Saint Evie, whose sacrifice hundreds of years ago called in the gods to abolish the Decachiré who were trying to usurp the gods by making their Visya power limitless.
We switch to Will’s perspective and find that he has been up all night interrogating the Trahir tradesmen using his Sensainos affinity. The Tría meet with Queen Gianna to discuss and Will reveals that the tradesmen were buying weapons for Kakos – the lower third of their continent that had been ostracised as they were said to be searching for a way to attain raw power. They decide not to act rashly and accuse Trahir of being in on it as they do not want to spark a war.
Later, Aya trains with her bonded, Tyr, until she dislocates her shoulder and has to go get healed. Ick.
She takes Tyr back to the barn and finds Will there with his bonded, Akita. Will confesses that he can feel the pain in Aya’s shoulder and the pain of the tradesmen from the interrogation. He can’t shield properly. That can’t be good.
The next day Aya, Tova and Will help train young Visya. Aya and Will demonstrate and Will manages to find a gap in Aya’s shield to prove he can make her feel something positive. Aya’s shield is usually untouchable but there’s something about Will…
At the Dawning ceremony, we are reminded that the gods will not spare humans again if they have to return. However, the Conoscenza says there would be one last failsafe, “for a second of her kind will rise, born anew to right the greatest wrong.” Ooh, who could this be?
Aya and Will catch up on recent developments while they dance but they are interrupted by screams – the Athatis have come down to hunt. Aya tries to lead them away but Will stops her and they both end up running. Smooth, guys.
Aya blacks out as Brien has her pinned on the ground. The last thing she sees is Will feeling her pain and screaming her name. But wait! Just before she blacked out, it seemed like Aya managed to persuade the wolves to come to her. But that’s impossible, right?
It turns out that someone intentionally blasted a hole in the wall of the compound and sent the wolves off to hunt. Who would do such a thing?
Aya tells Tova that she thinks she persuaded the wolves to follow her. Tova advises her not to tell anyone else as it could be mistaken for dark affinity work.
Later, Aya visits Tyre, despite orders to rest, and tells him it’s not his fault. She vows to make whoever did this pay.
Wow, that first section certainly peaked my interest. I can’t wait to find out what happens next!
What are your initial feelings on the book and its characters so far?
Who do you think is the Second Saint they speak of?
Do you think Will is as bad as Aya thinks?
I can’t wait to hear all your thoughts!
Love,
India
1. It took a little while for me to get into the book and while I’m still not totally there, it’s definitely picking up. Aya and Tova are fun, but Will and the Queen are much more interesting to read about! Plus I think the bonded wolves are pretty cool, even if they were tricked into a hunt in the city. I’d definitely love to see more of Mathias too- he seems really cool.
2. Aya seems like she might be a safe bet to become the Second Saint. The wolves shouldn’t have responded to her persuasion, but they did! While Tova might think that’s a sign of the Decachire, I think it hints at a different kind of power.
3. Guys being set up as romantic leads are never as bad as the protagonist thinks 🙂
Ooh I like the idea of a different kind of power! Can’t wait to see how things develop! ?
There is absolutely no doubt for me that Aya is the second saint since it said, that the bonded cannot be persuaded which and then Aya did.
And I think will knows it, too.
I had a few problems starting the book because of the massive Info dump in the beginning. It’s not just learning about the World It’s learning about a whole New Religion which has It’s own bible. It’s stunning how Kate came up to this and I deeply Respekt her for it.
Yes, the author has done an incredible job creating an entirely new world and religion! ?
Hiii!! I’ve been good, finally had time to sit down and read!
Aya seems really cool so far and I like the world building! This whole new religion and saint + bondeds sound really interesting (but also made the beginning a bit like a classroom where I had to memorize everything! ?).
Cannot wait to see what happens next!
I struggled to stay focused at the start of the book but I’m wondering if that’s because I’ve read some REALLY good books over the past few weeks and I’ve got a bit of a book hangover! Because I do really like the plot and the characters so far, it’s just a problem with my attention span!
I think Aya might be the Second Saint, just based off the fact that she’s the main character and seems to be able to use her affinity in ways she shouldn’t! Or perhaps it’s Will (the book never said it has to be another woman!) and that’s why his shield is failing? Who knows? I don’t think we’re far in enough yet to know!
I don’t think Will is that bad, I think he’s just annoying to Aya because they’re so different. I do sense that he’s a potential love interest for Aya so he can’t be that bad if she ends up falling for him! If they don’t end up together perhaps he is as bad as she says, haha!
What are your initial feelings on the book and its characters so far? Still trying to get into the story and characters but I think I’m getting there.
Who do you think is the Second Saint they speak of? I think it’ll be Aya
Do you think Will is as bad as Aya thinks? No I don’t think so, definitely getting enemies to lover vibes
1. I found the start was a bit difficult to get into because of all the worldbuilding, but it definitely all started to make more sense and pick up towards the end of this section. I do really like the cast of characters, seems like a nice variety of interesting characters, I particularly like Tova and the wolves so far!
2. I think it has to be Aya, as she’s the main character and had the ability to influence the Athatis. I’m interested to hopefully learn more about her mother though, maybe there’s something important there?
3. He’s morally grey but I’m sensing enemies to lovers so he’s definitely not as bad as she thinks.
1. At first it was difficult to read the book because I understood nothing of the world. But it often is like that with fantasy books that have their own made-up worlds and that’s the beauty of it – learning about the world, how it works, which creatures are living there, which powers they have etc.
I think Aya and Will are both very intriguing, I want to know more about their past. It is definitely interesting to see where the story takes them. I also like Aya’s friendship with Tova. It doesn’t strike me as a friendship at first sight so it would be great to get to know their past a bit more to understand their friendship better. The part about bonded wolves is interesting, but not elaborated on enough, hopefully more of this comes. So far the characters have been intriguing and I’m eager to continue reading.
2. The Second Saint is probably Aya because she could influence the wolves. It seems like the most logical guess but perhaps we will be surprised.
3. I agree with Victoria that romantic leads are never as bad as the protagonist thinks. So far we have seen the violent and insufferable side of Will but still he went after Aya to try and save her from the wolves so it says something about his character and his motivations.
I really like the book so far. The worldbuilding is good and not confusing, so I’m keeping up well. Everyone’s characterization is good so far. Aya is like your typical fiery heroine, so she’s not really special or unique at the moment. I’m intrigued about how Will is playing the queen and how that will all unfold. Also really loving Tova and Aya’s friendship. Tova is probably my favorite character so far. I also like the idea of the queen’s most trusted little triad. And I loved the little training scene at the school. Maybe because I love academy settings haha
I think that the saint has to be Aya. Plus she’s already showing signs of additional powers, at the moment that things are starting to rev up.
I’m really intrigued by Aya and Will’s history. I don’t think Will is as bad as Aya thinks because he’s obviously empathetic and not as ruthless as others believe. Maybe his reputation makes it so his bark is worse than his bite? I honestly really want to know more about their history during training, before she persuaded him to jump.
Hahaaa I can’t answer any of these questions because I’ve already finished. I will say: the scene with the Aya seeming to persuade the wolves was right where I discovered I COULD NOT STOP READING.
I can talk about my thoughts on the characters, though. From memory, I thought that Aya was not all that good as a spymaster and it was very odd that the Queen chose three very young people to be in positions of power as her first/ second/ third (turns out there’s a reason for that). I did like them all and their tension-filled dynamics.
I really enjoyed this as an adult pick. The story picked up like we’re in the middle of a scene in a movie and I didn’t have to wait a long time to get sucked into the book.
Definitely see Aya as the second Saint, as she’s already proven herself to be different in speaking to the wolves as well as convincing Will to jump off the wall.
I like thirst this book has clearly made them enemies and hopefully to lovers. I know Will seems like a bad guy but I know he cares deeply about Aya and is hiding something to keep her safe.
I am super intrigued! The characters seem complex and I look forward to learning more about them. I’m already astounded by the world-building, the author has clearly put in an insane amount of thought into this world.
I suspected that Aya might be this new saint when it was first mentioned, but after her performance with the wolves, I have no doubts. Clearly her impressive power and the ability to persuade creatures immune to her are due to her status as this born again saint. I am really looking forward to how this will play out. I also wonder if this “greatest wrong” will be different than what we expect it is.
I highly suspect Will is going to turn out to be a huge cinnamon roll on the inside, only wanting to protect and care for Aya. He loves getting under her skin, but who doesn’t enjoy pestering the one they love? And she can try as hard as she wants to deny her feelings, but they’re clearly meant to be!
1. I’m still feeling out the story, and admittedly I’ve been getting bogged down by the terminology that’s been thrown at us within 15 chapters. I got to the mention of the Athatis near the end of chapter 11, and any urgency or high stakes anxiety that was meant to be delivered in the chapter disappeared, because I completely hadn’t realized the Athatis were their bonded wolves (which I must have missed earlier on). Lots of glossary jumping to me!
That said, the magic system is definitely interesting, and I’m kind of intrigued by Will’s power. The idea of being able to inflict and feel a specific type of emotio reminds me of this character in another fictional novel who is able to dial up or tone down pain. I’d definitely like to see more.
2. I mean at this point, with Aya’s ability to somehow control the bonded, including the ones who aren’t hers, she’s showing a lot more power than people expect. I don’t know if she’s the second Saint, I’m inclined to go with no because of how predictably “chosen one” trope it is. I think there’s more at play, and maybe it will lead to opening up the avenue of strengthened magical ability. Or maybe dual ones.
3. I kind of wish there was more elaboration for Aya’s deep seated hatred against Will, because I’m not quite sure where it’s coming from (and while I admire Tova’s ride or die mentality as the best friend, I’m not sure where hers comes from either). The fact that Will does have a POV, though, kind of makes us empathize with him, so unless he actually does intend to commit a heinous deed, I’m giving him the benefit of a doubt.
It was really easy for me to get into this book. I love the world and the fact that we step into this wholly established life of the main character. She has friends and a history with the male main character. She is not alone or thrown into an unknown world. It’s refreshing!
The energy between Aya and Will is amazing. I’m fairly sure that Will has fallen for her long ago. I also feel that Will is hiding a lot more. Being ‘right where he needs to be’ as the right hand of the queen and toying with her. Just seems that he is playing some hidden game. Can’t wait to find out more!
So, I almost didn’t continue with this past chapter 9 – The info dumping at the beginning threatened to pull me out of the book entirely and just give up on it. But I’m glad I pushed through because I am definitely more invested now. Like with all fantasy books that have such rich world building, it’s a slow start, but I do quite like Aya so far. Will intrigues me, and the whole relationship between Gianna, Will, Aya and Tova is intriguing to me.
No doubt in my mind that the Second Saint is Aya – it just makes the most sense, and given that she was able to use her powers on the wolves when it’s not supposed to happen makes me think that it’s true.
I definitely think Will has his own agenda, but I don’t know what it is yet. Pretty sure he’s also at least a little bit in love with Aya to be honest!
Well, my first attempt timed out, so hopefully I’m not double commenting.
1. I’m enjoying the book, but the beginning did throw a lot of information at us. It’s a new universe, so there’s a lot to learn, but I do think it could’ve been handled a bit better. With that being said, dad is precious and nothing better happen to him. The Tría are interesting. Aya and Tova are besties, which I like and hope we get to see more of, but Will feels thoroughly isolated. In fact, the queen’s ‘preference’ seems to only make it worse. Theirs is the most interesting dynamic so far for sure. I can’t wait to see how it affects everything else. Oh, and bonded wolves? Sign me up!
2. I think it’s pretty safe to say Aya is the second saint. But I’m getting the feeling mum might have something to do with it. Maybe it’s a descendant thing, maybe not. We’ll see!
3. I mean, Aya and Will’s wolves have a bond. Need I say more?
1. I think the book was slow to start for me and felt a little unoriginal in the beginning. But then I got really in to it as the characters developed more and we slowly found out some of the backstory with Aya and Will.
2. I assume that Aya has to be the Second Saint but I felt that way from the book synopsis.
3. I think that Will actually loves Aya and acts like the monster she thinks he is so that she can’t reject his true self. Plus, he is keeping secrets so he doesn’t want to let her in anyways.
I am a day behind but I have finally started!
Thoughts:
1. I struggled to be gripped by the story at first. Buuut I think that is because the writing style is different to some of my recent reads.
2. I think it is a bit too obvious that Aya will be the Second Saint. I am hoping it will be both Aya and Will.
3. None of the characters have stood out to me. I am getting a massive enemies to friends/lovers vibe from Aya and Will. The relationship between Aya and her Pa is a bit lack lustre. However, there is potential for great character building.
1. What are your initial feelings on the book and its characters so far?
I am very intrigued by the characters and their powers! It is very interesting and I really like Aya and Will as a character. They definitely piqued my interest and I find their dynamic to be very tense in a good way. Tova seems like an awesome friend and the queen is interesting as well.
2. Who do you think is the Second Saint they speak of?
I wouldn’t be surprised if Aya becomes that Second Saint with the way her powers seem to be evolving. Will also seems to go there a bit since his shield is different/changing. I also wonder if it is a Second Saint or rather an evolution of the powers or maybe even a whole new power
3. Do you think Will is as bad as Aya thinks?
No, I don’t think he is as bad. They might’ve clashed when they were younger and she hold a strong grudge towards him. It might be a bit immature to not give him a change and always think the worst of him. We haven’t really leaned yet what he has done to make Aya hate him so much. It wouldn’t surprise me if he did something, that she didn’t like, because he though he was protecting her or keeping her out of danger, while to Aya it felt like a betrayal
I’m a little confused as to what is happening so far but maybe I just need to reread it.
I am not too fond of Aya or Will at the moment, their personalities kind of aren’t for me but hopefully it will change!
Aya is definitely going to be the second Saint. It has to be the main character, right?
I think Will has some demons of his own but I think Aya just wants to paint him in a negative light.
I won’t lie, this book has a very slow start. And I’m a little behind in the readalong. I like Tova a lot. Aya seems okay. And Will seems interesting.
I have a feeling Aya will be the second saint.
I don’t think Will is as bad as Aya thinks. I think his actions are trying to protect everyone and he thinks he has to do it all by himself. And that isn’t okay with Aya.
I’m a little behind the Readalong but I decided to read this book today ?. So far I enjoyed the first chapters, I’m super interested in what comes next. The characters seem complex and I look forward to learning more about them. I like Aya, she so cool!! That said, the magic system is definitely interesting, and I’m kind of intrigued by Will’s power. I’m so excited to continue reading 😀
What are your initial feelings on the book and its characters so far?
I am liking it. It seems like a big book but it’s a pretty fast read. I like Will and Aya. I’m hoping there is a spark between them as we continue.
Who do you think is the Second Saint they speak of?
I read ahead soooo I kinda know. But at this point it in the book I didn’t know.
Do you think Will is as bad as Aya thinks?
No I think he’s misunderstood and it’s easier to think less of those you don’t understand.
What are your initial feelings on the book and its characters so far?
I’m going to be honest, I’m not really feeling it, despite being super excited for this book. Hopefully that’ll change as I keep reading.
Who do you think is the Second Saint they speak of?
I feel like it’s probably Aya
Do you think Will is as bad as Aya thinks?
I doubt it, especially since I’m getting the sense it’ll be a case of enemies to lovers
What are your initial feelings on the book and its characters so far?
—so far, it’s very interesting! this is probably the most intricate worldbuilding i’ve read in a while
Who do you think is the Second Saint they speak of?
—i wasn’t sure but everyone else is saying aya soooo i think i’ll jump on the bandwagon?
Do you think Will is as bad as Aya thinks?
—probably not. i’m sure he has his reasons