As the back cover suggests Original Sin has a very unique cast of characters and when it comes to character development Beth does her due diligence and then some. Although, Lucy is the focus all of the supporting characters are equally as well formed through Lucy’s observations of them. She describes each with an elephant’s memory and a spy’s eye for detail. Not only do we get Lucy’s commentary on each person who passes through her life, but in many cases we also get to travel back in time to Lucy’s most vivid memories of them. As a result in this book as in real life everyone is a true blue individual with their own unique quirks.

At times it felt like there was almost too much character development. Much of the story was spent in the past going back over Lucy’s life and using big chunks of it to explain the present. The detailed back story was greatly appreciated, but so much time was spent in the past I often forgot what was happening in the present.

Although, Original Sin was a solid debut novel it’s real strength, in my eyes, was as a set up device for the rest of the series. Now that the stage is set I’m very interested to see how the next book turns out.

All in all I liked Original Sin, and would recommend it readers who enjoy complexly plotted vibrant stories.

-Aaron