Book Review: Original Sin by Lisa Desrochers

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Original Sin (Personal Demons #2) by Lisa Desrochers
Release Date: July 5th 2011
Book Format: Library Book
Rating: Two Stars

Luc Cain was born and raised in Hell, but he isn't feeling as demonic as usual lately—thanks to Frannie Cavanaugh and the unique power she never realized she had. But you can't desert Hell without consequences, and suddenly Frannie and Luc find themselves targeted by the same demons who used to be Luc's allies.

Left with few options, Frannie and Luc accept the protection of Heaven and one of its most powerful angels, Gabe. Unfortunately, Luc isn't the only one affected by Frannie, and it isn't long before Gabe realizes that being around her is too…tempting. Rather than risk losing his wings, he leaves Frannie and Luc under the protection of her recently-acquired guardian angel.

Which would be fine, but Gabe is barely out the door before an assortment of demons appears—and they're not leaving without dragging Luc back to Hell with them. Hell won't give up and Heaven won't give in. Frannie's guardian exercises all the power he has to keep them away, but the demons are willing to hurt anyone close to Frannie in order to get what they want. It will take everything she has and then some to stay out of Hell's grasp.

And not everyone will get out of it alive.

I'm just going to be blunt and just admit that I really didn't like this book. I recall liking the first book, which was one of the main reasons why I decided to continue with the series and read this book ASAP. It's a bit of an understatement when I say that I was incredibly disappointed in the end.

This books starts off where the first book ended: when Luc becomes human and he's no longer a demon. In fact, he's now tagged for heaven with his girlfriend Frannie. But the fact that Luc isn't a demon anymore is what is attracting most of his old friends back when he was a demon... and now the head demon, himself, wants him back. Gabe could easily protect them with him being an angel and all but because of how much he loves Frannie (... really?) he forces himself away. The demons are determined, though, and take down many of Frannie's friends to get what they want... and even hired a fallen angel to reverse their tags to get them.

The romance- there's just so much wrong with the romance. I don't mind love triangles, honestly, as long as they're written well... but this one just wasn't well thought-out as it could have been. I'm sure if Frannie could've stopped being indecisive between being with Luc or being with Gabe. I think, if she's considered dating Luc, she shouldn't have even bothered kissing Gabe at all when he was actually around. Frannie's such a hypocrite.

Frannie, herself, does have some intelligent moments but, overall, she's just... not really that bright. She's just not that much of a strong heroine. I don't even consider her 'Sway' a power either, most of it is just using the right words to get someone to agree with her. The only thing that would make it a power is that she can send messages to others... that's about it. That's all.

One of the main plot points would probably make any feminist wince, though (highlight to read the spoilers): Lili/ Lilith really only existed to lust on many of the main characters- Luc, Frannie, and Gabe (although he wasn't as affected...). This went on for about maybe half of the book, if I had to estimate, so yeah. Um. I didn't like her when I saw her in the book and I didn't like her at the end.

I guess if you like angel and demon conflict related story, this might be for you. If you don't think too hard on it, you may find it enjoyable. It was the flaws, overall, that just made me want to throw this book away. I'm sorry.

Original posted and released on December 27th, 2013