Book: Talismans of Sin by Alyssa Lauseng
Reviewed by Jill's Twisted Spicy Reads
Rating: 4/5
Talismans of Sin felt like a deeper, darker step forward in the Poison and Opium series. As the second book, it builds on the foundation of Dance of Demons in a way that made me feel even more invested in the characters and the world Alyssa Lauseng has created. There’s a lot of emotional weight here, and I really appreciated how the story didn’t shy away from messy feelings, difficult choices, and the consequences that follow.
What stood out most to me was how immersive the writing felt. It has a moody, intense atmosphere that pulls you in, and I found myself wanting to keep going just to see how everything would unfold. Some parts moved a little slower than I expected, but honestly, that also gave the story room to breathe and made the bigger moments hit harder.
This wasn’t a perfect read for me, but it was a compelling one. I liked how much more the second book expanded the series’ emotional core, and I finished it feeling satisfied, curious, and ready for what comes next. Four stars feel right for a book that was gripping, atmospheric, and left a strong impression.