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.

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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 }

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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.

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The seven deadly sins have been released into the world. Only one witch can destroy them, but will she be strong enough?

Moira ODonnell is a witch. Her mother birthed Moira for one reason only, to sacrifice her to the underworld so that she may communicate between the two worlds; to become a Goddess of the Underworld. Moira had no inkling of what the future held, so she trained hard for many years in her witchcraft, trying to make her mother proud. But on the night of the ceremony, Moira witnessed a human sacrifice, and she ran before the ceremony could be completed.

Her mother, Fiona, is a coven leader, and descended from a long line of powerful witches. It is Fionas wish to be all-powerful, and she knows just how to do it. Using an ancient tome, the Conoscenza, she finds the ancient spells to bring forth the seven deadly sins from the underworld. It is her wish to control them, but something goes awry.

Rafe Cooper is a former seminarian who finds himself awakened suddenly from a deep coma. He shouldnt have been able to walk out of the hospital, but he did. But now he has powers and memories he has no recollection of. He will join forces with Moira to hunt down and try to stop Fiona before its too late, even when he knows he shouldnt trust the witch.

ORIGINAL SIN, SEVEN DEADLY SINS, is a phenomenal first book in this new series. The world-building is laid in a manner that is easy to follow and draws your attention to the events surrounding it. Ms. Brennans characters are diverse and compelling. Ms. Brennan blends paranormal fiction with suspense with skill, leaving the reader begging for more.

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Thisis not like any other Allison Brennan book that I have read. I could not finish it. My fault. I didn't read the description before ordering. Just saw the author and went for it. this is about demons and such, which usually I enjoy, this one though is kind of long and drawn out. I am finding it hard to get into the characters.

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This is book one and maybe it is setting the scene for the rest of the series, it is about witches and demons if you like that kind of reading.

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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.

I was unsure if this was a series I would stick with after the beginning, but I'm glad I finished it. I'm positive that it started off slow because Brennan was busy creating an elaborate new world for her characters. The story was different from most of the paranormal books I've read. The suspense build-up alone was enough to keep me turning the pages and the mystery held right up until the very end. With each page more and more was revealed as layer upon layer of religious background, forensics, & demonology, showed up.

So, give this book a try- even if the first couple chapters are frustrating, it is worth it in the end. Great mystery and suspense. I recommend this book to those who love the paranormal, but if you're new to the genre don't start with this one. Save it for later.

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Very exciting book ! Just love Allison Brennan!!!

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This is a great book, but sure that you read the books in order.

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