What do you think?
Rate this book
Sisters of Sword and Song
From the author of The Queen’s Rising comes a thrilling YA stand-alone fantasy about the unbreakable bond between sisters. Perfect for fans of Ember in the Ashes, Sky in the Deep, and Court of Fives.
After eight long years, Evadne will finally be reunited with her older sister, Halcyon, who has been proudly serving in the queen’s army. But when Halcyon appears earlier than expected, Eva knows something has gone terribly wrong. Halcyon is on the run, hunted by her commander and charged with murder.
Though Halcyon’s life is spared during her trial, the punishment is heavy. And when Eva volunteers to serve part of Halcyon’s sentence, she’s determined to find out exactly what happened. But as Eva begins her sentence, she quickly learns that there are fates much worse than death.
After eight long years, Evadne will finally be reunited with her older sister, Halcyon, who has been proudly serving in the queen’s army. But when Halcyon appears earlier than expected, Eva knows something has gone terribly wrong. Halcyon is on the run, hunted by her commander and charged with murder.
Though Halcyon’s life is spared during her trial, the punishment is heavy. And when Eva volunteers to serve part of Halcyon’s sentence, she’s determined to find out exactly what happened. But as Eva begins her sentence, she quickly learns that there are fates much worse than death.
432 pages, Hardcover
First published June 23, 2020
About the author
Rebecca Ross
8 books6,781 followersRebecca Ross is the #1 New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author of fantasy books for teens and adults.
She has written multiple highly acclaimed duologies, including LETTERS OF ENCHANTMENT, ELEMENTS OF CADENCE, and THE QUEEN’S RISING as well as two standalone novels: DREAMS LIE BENEATH and SISTERS OF SWORD & SONG.
When not writing, she can be found in her garden where she plants wildflowers and story ideas. She resides in Northeast Georgia with her husband and her dog. Find her on Instagram @beccajross or online at www.rebeccarossauthor.com.
Rebecca is represented by Suzie Townsend of New Leaf Literary & Media.
She has written multiple highly acclaimed duologies, including LETTERS OF ENCHANTMENT, ELEMENTS OF CADENCE, and THE QUEEN’S RISING as well as two standalone novels: DREAMS LIE BENEATH and SISTERS OF SWORD & SONG.
When not writing, she can be found in her garden where she plants wildflowers and story ideas. She resides in Northeast Georgia with her husband and her dog. Find her on Instagram @beccajross or online at www.rebeccarossauthor.com.
Rebecca is represented by Suzie Townsend of New Leaf Literary & Media.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,540 reviews
July 1, 2020
i did not expect to enjoy this as much as i did, so what a surprise gem this turned out to be.
what i had the most fun with was the world building. i was so into the ancient greece vibes, the olive groves, the legions, and the gods. the characters are easy to root for and their cause is exciting.
also, i appreciate that this is a standalone. most YA fantasy stories come in the form of a series and sometimes (aka most of the time) i dont want to commit to multiple books (hence the many series i have yet to finish). i love an author who can take a fantasy world and create a well-developed and resolved standalone story with it.
that being said, if RR writes more books set in the world, i will definitely read them!
↠ 3.5 stars
what i had the most fun with was the world building. i was so into the ancient greece vibes, the olive groves, the legions, and the gods. the characters are easy to root for and their cause is exciting.
also, i appreciate that this is a standalone. most YA fantasy stories come in the form of a series and sometimes (aka most of the time) i dont want to commit to multiple books (hence the many series i have yet to finish). i love an author who can take a fantasy world and create a well-developed and resolved standalone story with it.
that being said, if RR writes more books set in the world, i will definitely read them!
↠ 3.5 stars
July 15, 2020
I received this complimentary ARC from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
AND THE WINNER OF THE PRETTIEST COVER GOES TO...😍
I loved this so, so, so much!!!
This beautifully-written standalone takes place in an alternate Ancient Greek world with its own unique mythology. Each of the nine “divines” (gods) left behind an earthly relic for humankind, some of which were never recovered, and each relic has its own magical properties:
1. Magda (mother goddess of the sun) – the Sunstone Ring (grants enchanted healing to its bearer)
2. Irix (father god of the sky) – the Sky Cloak (grants power over weather and elements)
3. Ari (goddess of the night) – the Shawl of Stars (grants protection to its bearer; is impenetrable and rebounds weapons)
4. Nikomides (god of war) – the Devouring Sword (grants dominion over enemy weapons, turning them into dust; also cuts down enchantments)
5. Acantha (goddess of fate and knowledge) – the All-Seeing Crown (grants its bearer protection from enchantments and enables them to see the past, present, or future of the one they look upon)
6. Euthymius (god of earth and beasts) – the Golden Belt (grants animal allegiance to its bearer)
7. Loris (goddess of water and sea) – the Pearl Earrings (grants the power to breathe underwater)
8. Pyrrhus (god of fire; trapped beneath the earth) – the Ember Stone (grants fire effortlessly when the stone is breathed upon)
9. Kirkos (god of the wind; fallen god) –the Winged Necklace (grants flight to its bearer)
The story revolves around two sisters from Isaura:
the hoplite, Halcyon
and the scribe, Evadne
Halcyon is a fierce warrior, who serves under the command of Lord Straton in his legion…until she is accused of murdering his son and her fellow hoplite, Xander. Straton demands punishment for her crimes, and Halcyon is sentenced to five years working in a quarry, five years in prison, and five more years in service to Straton’s household. Not wanting to lose her sister for 15 years, Evadne agrees to serve the five years in Straton’s household on her sister’s behalf.
It turns out that Halcyon’s crimes are not a simple as they seem and she and Xander had undertaken a secret mission to uncover one of the more powerful relics. As Halcyon tries to survive the quarry, where she’s surrounded by enemies and those who desire information from her – by any means possible – Evadne and Xander’s younger brother, Damon, who is a mage, have decided to see the mission through. And they face much more powerful mages than themselves, mages who want to possess the relic for the powers that it grants the user. Both sisters find themselves in very dangerous situations and find strength in the love they have for each other.
It’s been a while since I’ve come across such a wholesome sibling-relationship in a book. Halcyon and Evadne’s love and devotion to each other was so strong and they were willing to do whatever it took to protect each other. It was so lovely to see, and I’d love to see more books in this wonderfully-constructed world.
I highly recommend picking this up when it releases in June. I absolutely adored it and sincerely hope that Rebecca Ross is not finished with this world that she’s created. There are so many more stories that she could tell. But even if she doesn’t, this standalone had a very rewarding ending and it’s been quite some time that a book has made me so happy.
AND THE WINNER OF THE PRETTIEST COVER GOES TO...😍
I loved this so, so, so much!!!
This beautifully-written standalone takes place in an alternate Ancient Greek world with its own unique mythology. Each of the nine “divines” (gods) left behind an earthly relic for humankind, some of which were never recovered, and each relic has its own magical properties:
1. Magda (mother goddess of the sun) – the Sunstone Ring (grants enchanted healing to its bearer)
2. Irix (father god of the sky) – the Sky Cloak (grants power over weather and elements)
3. Ari (goddess of the night) – the Shawl of Stars (grants protection to its bearer; is impenetrable and rebounds weapons)
4. Nikomides (god of war) – the Devouring Sword (grants dominion over enemy weapons, turning them into dust; also cuts down enchantments)
5. Acantha (goddess of fate and knowledge) – the All-Seeing Crown (grants its bearer protection from enchantments and enables them to see the past, present, or future of the one they look upon)
6. Euthymius (god of earth and beasts) – the Golden Belt (grants animal allegiance to its bearer)
7. Loris (goddess of water and sea) – the Pearl Earrings (grants the power to breathe underwater)
8. Pyrrhus (god of fire; trapped beneath the earth) – the Ember Stone (grants fire effortlessly when the stone is breathed upon)
9. Kirkos (god of the wind; fallen god) –the Winged Necklace (grants flight to its bearer)
The story revolves around two sisters from Isaura:
the hoplite, Halcyon
and the scribe, Evadne
Halcyon is a fierce warrior, who serves under the command of Lord Straton in his legion…until she is accused of murdering his son and her fellow hoplite, Xander. Straton demands punishment for her crimes, and Halcyon is sentenced to five years working in a quarry, five years in prison, and five more years in service to Straton’s household. Not wanting to lose her sister for 15 years, Evadne agrees to serve the five years in Straton’s household on her sister’s behalf.
It turns out that Halcyon’s crimes are not a simple as they seem and she and Xander had undertaken a secret mission to uncover one of the more powerful relics. As Halcyon tries to survive the quarry, where she’s surrounded by enemies and those who desire information from her – by any means possible – Evadne and Xander’s younger brother, Damon, who is a mage, have decided to see the mission through. And they face much more powerful mages than themselves, mages who want to possess the relic for the powers that it grants the user. Both sisters find themselves in very dangerous situations and find strength in the love they have for each other.
It’s been a while since I’ve come across such a wholesome sibling-relationship in a book. Halcyon and Evadne’s love and devotion to each other was so strong and they were willing to do whatever it took to protect each other. It was so lovely to see, and I’d love to see more books in this wonderfully-constructed world.
I highly recommend picking this up when it releases in June. I absolutely adored it and sincerely hope that Rebecca Ross is not finished with this world that she’s created. There are so many more stories that she could tell. But even if she doesn’t, this standalone had a very rewarding ending and it’s been quite some time that a book has made me so happy.
April 20, 2021
3.5 Stars
Ahh this was so tender and sweet and gentle and lovely! LOL. It felt like a hug and letting out a sigh of contentment.
Characters
The main characters were underdogs who possessed the strength and courage that of a lion. These were whom they reminded me of:
Their rather soft demeanor made me crave for one of those tropey characters who was sunshiney, full of life, and sassy or the irresistibly cocky ones just to add some sprinkle of cheeriness that these characters otherwise didn’t have in abundance.
The side characters were likeable. I didn’t find any of the characters interesting as much as they were . . . just plain good people with flaws.
As for the villains, even though they played a significant role to the plot, their characterisation was put on the backburner. I didn’t feel like I got to know them enough, which then resulted in the lack of tension.
However, I also have come to notice that this tends to be the case for standalones. So, I take that it was a conscious choice from the author.
Story
The plot was intriguing and well paced. I loved the adventure and palace revolution side of it. Come to think of it, there wasn’t a scene I didn’t enjoy. The only nit I wanna pick was that the plot twists hardly hold any shock value.
World Building
The story took place in Ancient Greece inspired world. It was well developed, lush and vivid. I adored the Greek vibes it exuded, with the gods and their magical relics, the olive greens, the hoplites, and the characters’ attire.
Relationships
This was probably the most supreme aspect of the book. I loved all the relationships featured in it—family, sibling, friendship, and . . . *ahem* romance.
Throughout the book, the sibling dynamics ware reflected by the majority of the characters. We saw it between Evadne and Halcyon, their father and his brothers, Lord Straton and the evil mage Aunt Selene, as well as Xander and Damon.
Each of them was portrayed differently, but there were still similarities. We saw how healthy, loving, and everlasting or damaging they could be.
Sisters of Sword and Song was a heartwarming story of positivity, of selfless sacrifices for one’s family, and of proving to yourself that strength didn’t just come in the physical sense. If a book has a personality, I’m pretty sure this one is an introvert.
(Read as an Audiobook)
Ahh this was so tender and sweet and gentle and lovely! LOL. It felt like a hug and letting out a sigh of contentment.
Characters
The main characters were underdogs who possessed the strength and courage that of a lion. These were whom they reminded me of:
✓ Evadne → Maia Tamarin from Spin the Dawn
✓ Halcyon → Helene Aquilla from An Ember in the Ashes
✓ Damon → Silas from Sorcery of Thorns
Their rather soft demeanor made me crave for one of those tropey characters who was sunshiney, full of life, and sassy or the irresistibly cocky ones just to add some sprinkle of cheeriness that these characters otherwise didn’t have in abundance.
The side characters were likeable. I didn’t find any of the characters interesting as much as they were . . . just plain good people with flaws.
“You are not weak. There is steel within you.”
As for the villains, even though they played a significant role to the plot, their characterisation was put on the backburner. I didn’t feel like I got to know them enough, which then resulted in the lack of tension.
However, I also have come to notice that this tends to be the case for standalones. So, I take that it was a conscious choice from the author.
Story
The plot was intriguing and well paced. I loved the adventure and palace revolution side of it. Come to think of it, there wasn’t a scene I didn’t enjoy. The only nit I wanna pick was that the plot twists hardly hold any shock value.
World Building
The story took place in Ancient Greece inspired world. It was well developed, lush and vivid. I adored the Greek vibes it exuded, with the gods and their magical relics, the olive greens, the hoplites, and the characters’ attire.
Relationships
This was probably the most supreme aspect of the book. I loved all the relationships featured in it—family, sibling, friendship, and . . . *ahem* romance.
Throughout the book, the sibling dynamics ware reflected by the majority of the characters. We saw it between Evadne and Halcyon, their father and his brothers, Lord Straton and the evil mage Aunt Selene, as well as Xander and Damon.
Each of them was portrayed differently, but there were still similarities. We saw how healthy, loving, and everlasting or damaging they could be.
“Failure is never final unless you choose it to be.”
Sisters of Sword and Song was a heartwarming story of positivity, of selfless sacrifices for one’s family, and of proving to yourself that strength didn’t just come in the physical sense. If a book has a personality, I’m pretty sure this one is an introvert.
(Read as an Audiobook)
January 3, 2023
A wonderful story to finish 2022 off.
4.5 🌟
A Greek myth tinged tale filled with secrets and battles.
Evadne has not seen her sister Halcyon in years. Not since she went to join the army of Queens soldiers.
On the eve she is due back to visit, Halcyon sneaks into Evadne’s room and tells her she is on the run. She has committed a crime and her commander is looking for her.
Despite her best attempts, Halcyon is caught and sentenced to 15 years in prison and in service. Evadne cannot bear this so she offers to take part of the sentence from her sister.
Evadne must work for the commanders family. Where she learns of a secret network fighting against the Queen’s right hand. A sorcerer who is attempting to overcome the queen and take power for herself.
Rebecca Ross’ world building is wonderful. It is immersive, with a great magic system. I’m glad I wasn’t put off by the relationship in her first duology because this book was done so much better!
Can’t wait to read more by her.
4.5 🌟
A Greek myth tinged tale filled with secrets and battles.
Evadne has not seen her sister Halcyon in years. Not since she went to join the army of Queens soldiers.
On the eve she is due back to visit, Halcyon sneaks into Evadne’s room and tells her she is on the run. She has committed a crime and her commander is looking for her.
Despite her best attempts, Halcyon is caught and sentenced to 15 years in prison and in service. Evadne cannot bear this so she offers to take part of the sentence from her sister.
Evadne must work for the commanders family. Where she learns of a secret network fighting against the Queen’s right hand. A sorcerer who is attempting to overcome the queen and take power for herself.
Rebecca Ross’ world building is wonderful. It is immersive, with a great magic system. I’m glad I wasn’t put off by the relationship in her first duology because this book was done so much better!
Can’t wait to read more by her.
Want to read
June 11, 2020I love books with interesting family dynamics
July 14, 2020
ARC received in exchange for an honest review ⚔️
Evadne’s older sister Halcyon has spent eight years away from home, serving in the queen’s army. She’s the shining star of her family, the descendants of a fallen disgraced God, and they’re incredibly proud. So when Halcyon appears on the eve on her return, looking anything but the proud daughter returning home, Evadne knows something is wrong. Halcyon is on the run, hunted by her commander and charged with murder. Halcyon’s punishment for such a crime is severe, but Evadne is convinced there’s more to Halcyon’s story than meets the eye – and takes on part of her sentence in order to clear her name. But Evadne may be taking on more than she can handle – there’s discourse in the magical courts, and rumblings in the forbidden mountain that hint are bigger threats, and fates worse than death if Evadne continues to pry.
I really liked the setting for this, which places it somewhere in between Ancient Greek and Roman mythology, where individuals are descendants of Gods who use to roam the Earth and grant their specific powers to their children. The Gods controlled all aspects of nature, from the earth to the sun and wind, until they grew tired of humanity and moved on. All that’s left of them is the magical ichor that runs in some of their descendants, known as mages, and a number of magical relics that will help the wielder control the power of whichever God’s essence is imbued within. I do think that it could have been expanded on however, especially the aspects involving the mages – who are not able to transcribe their magic as it will not stay on scrolls, meaning it must be sung. I liked the connection between the written word, stories and magic and the overarching belief that everything is interlinked throughout nature – but I think the author could have took this further, and added more depth to these descriptions.
I also liked the overall relationship between the two sisters. Throughout the novel there’s a strong connection between Halcyon and Evadne, even when they spend a good portion of the story apart from each other. There’s a clear message of sisterhood and eternal bonds, protection and supporting one another, and their love and deeper connection towards each other shines through in the story. Anyone who enjoys strong female, sister relationships in books will love this. The two sisters are also incredibly strong, powerful women in completely different ways and at times there are important conversations about being strong women in a world surrounded by men. I also really enjoyed Evadne and Damon’s relationship together. It’s sweet, with an obvious connection that doesn’t feel forced or overpowering to the story.
I will say that this reads as rather ‘young’ YA, and the writing feels a little stilted in places – especially within conversations between characters, which can come across as too formal and stiff. I also found the plot itself to be rather underwhelming, lacking in the substance and depth that I was expecting. There’s a lot of talk about the Gods, but we see very little of their backstory beyond mentions of an underworld, which left me feeling a little flat. I also found that because we don’t really see a lot of the queen and Selene, their character development is left to the minimal, and as such also underwhelming. Nothing feels like a threat, and as such there doesn’t seem to be any sense of urgency to the mission Evadne finds herself on. There’s no real tension.
Wonderful setting, this falls a little short in the story telling, but the sister relationship is beautiful to see unfold.
Evadne’s older sister Halcyon has spent eight years away from home, serving in the queen’s army. She’s the shining star of her family, the descendants of a fallen disgraced God, and they’re incredibly proud. So when Halcyon appears on the eve on her return, looking anything but the proud daughter returning home, Evadne knows something is wrong. Halcyon is on the run, hunted by her commander and charged with murder. Halcyon’s punishment for such a crime is severe, but Evadne is convinced there’s more to Halcyon’s story than meets the eye – and takes on part of her sentence in order to clear her name. But Evadne may be taking on more than she can handle – there’s discourse in the magical courts, and rumblings in the forbidden mountain that hint are bigger threats, and fates worse than death if Evadne continues to pry.
I really liked the setting for this, which places it somewhere in between Ancient Greek and Roman mythology, where individuals are descendants of Gods who use to roam the Earth and grant their specific powers to their children. The Gods controlled all aspects of nature, from the earth to the sun and wind, until they grew tired of humanity and moved on. All that’s left of them is the magical ichor that runs in some of their descendants, known as mages, and a number of magical relics that will help the wielder control the power of whichever God’s essence is imbued within. I do think that it could have been expanded on however, especially the aspects involving the mages – who are not able to transcribe their magic as it will not stay on scrolls, meaning it must be sung. I liked the connection between the written word, stories and magic and the overarching belief that everything is interlinked throughout nature – but I think the author could have took this further, and added more depth to these descriptions.
I also liked the overall relationship between the two sisters. Throughout the novel there’s a strong connection between Halcyon and Evadne, even when they spend a good portion of the story apart from each other. There’s a clear message of sisterhood and eternal bonds, protection and supporting one another, and their love and deeper connection towards each other shines through in the story. Anyone who enjoys strong female, sister relationships in books will love this. The two sisters are also incredibly strong, powerful women in completely different ways and at times there are important conversations about being strong women in a world surrounded by men. I also really enjoyed Evadne and Damon’s relationship together. It’s sweet, with an obvious connection that doesn’t feel forced or overpowering to the story.
I will say that this reads as rather ‘young’ YA, and the writing feels a little stilted in places – especially within conversations between characters, which can come across as too formal and stiff. I also found the plot itself to be rather underwhelming, lacking in the substance and depth that I was expecting. There’s a lot of talk about the Gods, but we see very little of their backstory beyond mentions of an underworld, which left me feeling a little flat. I also found that because we don’t really see a lot of the queen and Selene, their character development is left to the minimal, and as such also underwhelming. Nothing feels like a threat, and as such there doesn’t seem to be any sense of urgency to the mission Evadne finds herself on. There’s no real tension.
Wonderful setting, this falls a little short in the story telling, but the sister relationship is beautiful to see unfold.
December 8, 2019
*Spoiler free*
I originally sort of pushed this book to the side. It sounded good, but something I would get to in the future. I'm not sure what pulled me back to it, but I decided I really wanted to read it. My friend is a huge fan of this author (hi Mo!), so I knew I wanted to at least give it a try. Plus, I'm finding that I'm really drawn to sisters stories. And one of the sisters takes on part of the other sister's punishment? And its a fate worse than death? But the punishment isn't described and we have no idea what it could be. Yes, that sounded like something I wanted to read and something I wanted to know more of.
After reading this one, I can understand where Mo's love of this author comes from. I'm ready to scream my love of this book from the rooftops.
Alright, I'm not quite where to start. I guess I'll start with the world. Wow, it was something to behold. It's absolutely gorgeous, in a soft feeling kind of way. There are dark parts and there are evil things that are apart of it. Gods trapped beneath mountains, a mage who sends phantoms to protect the mountain, and some people who are horrible. Still, the beauty of it shines through. Halcyon and Evadne's home is in a grove with olive trees and it has tons of sunshine. I honestly thought it was just really beautiful.
And this world has mages and scribes and warriors, and I just found everything about it so brilliant. I loved every part it of, from mountain with evil in its depths to the city where Evadne has to go to serve part of her sentence. It fit the story really, really well and it shined through.
I also really loved the characters. Halcyon and Evadne were so different. Halcyon is a warrior and she wants to fight. Evadne is softer, but no less fierce. She craves magic, but does not have any. So, she finds other ways to help and her own ways to fight. The sisters love each other so much and they are willing to do anything for each other. Their bond was so strong and I loved seeing how much they loved each other. It felt really special.
The familial relationships were also something really amazing. I love seeing parents who adore their children. Evadne and Halcyon have a big family, and they all live in the grove together. I loved all of them and I loved seeing them interact. They all cared so deeply for each other.
Even the characters who weren't related by blood, but shared that familial connected was something I really loved. There was pain ingrained in these relationships (I have to be vague because of spoilers!), and situations that had no right answer to them. But there is still love underneath everything. I really, really liked seeing those relationships play out and how they developed. It wasn't something I've seen in a lot of books before, but I really liked see it. It was complicated and it was painful, but it was also full of love.
There is also a male main character that I seriously adored. He was so kind. He wasn't kind to make people happy or anything like that, he was kind because that's the kind of person he was. I dunno, but it felt really special to me. He was a really solid guy, because that's who he was at his core. He was kind and I know that seems like a small word, but it felt really big to me. Plus, it created the sweetest romance and some of the things he said made my heart want to explode out of my chest.
I also loved how magic and the gods were integrated into this book. They weaved themselves into the plot. I don't quite know how to describe them other than they were fascinating.
Alright, maybe I should take about the actual plot haha. IT WAS VERY VERY GOOD. It's cloaked in secrets and filled with that complicated pain. And there are so many plot twists. There was one near the beginning and even then I was shocked. I loved how information was withheld from the reader to build suspense. It didn't feel frustrating, it felt like a very calculated move and it created a feeling that I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. It was really smart.
The plot was big and was something that felt world ending. But, this book is a standalone. I feel like it could have been more than one book, but I also like that it wasn't. It's packed full of so much, but not in a way that feels overwhelming. Everything that happens has it's place. Plus, I liked that everything was wrapped up in the end!
Ah, I can't say enough good things about this book. There were magical relics, hidden alliances, complicated pain, familial relationships, an amazing male character, amazing female characters, magic, scribes, mountains with evil within them, and so much more. I really, really loved this book. It was so good!
I originally sort of pushed this book to the side. It sounded good, but something I would get to in the future. I'm not sure what pulled me back to it, but I decided I really wanted to read it. My friend is a huge fan of this author (hi Mo!), so I knew I wanted to at least give it a try. Plus, I'm finding that I'm really drawn to sisters stories. And one of the sisters takes on part of the other sister's punishment? And its a fate worse than death? But the punishment isn't described and we have no idea what it could be. Yes, that sounded like something I wanted to read and something I wanted to know more of.
After reading this one, I can understand where Mo's love of this author comes from. I'm ready to scream my love of this book from the rooftops.
Alright, I'm not quite where to start. I guess I'll start with the world. Wow, it was something to behold. It's absolutely gorgeous, in a soft feeling kind of way. There are dark parts and there are evil things that are apart of it. Gods trapped beneath mountains, a mage who sends phantoms to protect the mountain, and some people who are horrible. Still, the beauty of it shines through. Halcyon and Evadne's home is in a grove with olive trees and it has tons of sunshine. I honestly thought it was just really beautiful.
And this world has mages and scribes and warriors, and I just found everything about it so brilliant. I loved every part it of, from mountain with evil in its depths to the city where Evadne has to go to serve part of her sentence. It fit the story really, really well and it shined through.
I also really loved the characters. Halcyon and Evadne were so different. Halcyon is a warrior and she wants to fight. Evadne is softer, but no less fierce. She craves magic, but does not have any. So, she finds other ways to help and her own ways to fight. The sisters love each other so much and they are willing to do anything for each other. Their bond was so strong and I loved seeing how much they loved each other. It felt really special.
The familial relationships were also something really amazing. I love seeing parents who adore their children. Evadne and Halcyon have a big family, and they all live in the grove together. I loved all of them and I loved seeing them interact. They all cared so deeply for each other.
Even the characters who weren't related by blood, but shared that familial connected was something I really loved. There was pain ingrained in these relationships (I have to be vague because of spoilers!), and situations that had no right answer to them. But there is still love underneath everything. I really, really liked seeing those relationships play out and how they developed. It wasn't something I've seen in a lot of books before, but I really liked see it. It was complicated and it was painful, but it was also full of love.
There is also a male main character that I seriously adored. He was so kind. He wasn't kind to make people happy or anything like that, he was kind because that's the kind of person he was. I dunno, but it felt really special to me. He was a really solid guy, because that's who he was at his core. He was kind and I know that seems like a small word, but it felt really big to me. Plus, it created the sweetest romance and some of the things he said made my heart want to explode out of my chest.
I also loved how magic and the gods were integrated into this book. They weaved themselves into the plot. I don't quite know how to describe them other than they were fascinating.
Alright, maybe I should take about the actual plot haha. IT WAS VERY VERY GOOD. It's cloaked in secrets and filled with that complicated pain. And there are so many plot twists. There was one near the beginning and even then I was shocked. I loved how information was withheld from the reader to build suspense. It didn't feel frustrating, it felt like a very calculated move and it created a feeling that I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. It was really smart.
The plot was big and was something that felt world ending. But, this book is a standalone. I feel like it could have been more than one book, but I also like that it wasn't. It's packed full of so much, but not in a way that feels overwhelming. Everything that happens has it's place. Plus, I liked that everything was wrapped up in the end!
Ah, I can't say enough good things about this book. There were magical relics, hidden alliances, complicated pain, familial relationships, an amazing male character, amazing female characters, magic, scribes, mountains with evil within them, and so much more. I really, really loved this book. It was so good!
August 20, 2020
This was a beautiful stand-alone fantasy read, immersive, entertaining and with unlikely heroes.
Here is how the story goes...There was once an enchanted queen turned puppet by people who meant the kingdom harm. Then there were two sisters, who loved each other very much, the older sister, Halcyon was a trained warrior, and the younger Evadne, a humble farmer. They all lived in a magical land where powerful mages were the bad guys... the fate of the sisters got intertwined with the people trying to save the queen; at first not in a good way. The sisters had to make difficult choices, take perilous journeys, and forge ahead in battle when the odds of winning was stacked up against them; all to save the queen.
In the process, they faced their worst fears, found redemption, and even love. It was a fun read. 3.5 stars!
Here is how the story goes...There was once an enchanted queen turned puppet by people who meant the kingdom harm. Then there were two sisters, who loved each other very much, the older sister, Halcyon was a trained warrior, and the younger Evadne, a humble farmer. They all lived in a magical land where powerful mages were the bad guys... the fate of the sisters got intertwined with the people trying to save the queen; at first not in a good way. The sisters had to make difficult choices, take perilous journeys, and forge ahead in battle when the odds of winning was stacked up against them; all to save the queen.
In the process, they faced their worst fears, found redemption, and even love. It was a fun read. 3.5 stars!
July 5, 2023
Thank you so much HarperTeen (HarperCollins) for providing me a free copy through Edelweiss in exchange of an honest review.
3,5 (rounded to four) stars for this wonderful tale about two sisters that will do anything for each other.
CHARACTERS:
The main protagonists, sisters Evadne and Halcyon, are the complete opposite: one is timid, with dreams too big for her and a bit of a wallflower, often living in the shadow of her big sister; the other is confident, skilled and dedicated.
Each mildly envy the other, Halcyon envies Evadne for the affections she receives and for the life free of pressure she has; Evadne envies Halcyon for her confidence and ability to be strong enough to make her dreams come true, for how easy (in her mind) life is for her.
Throughout the story both sister go through an amazing evolution arc, Evadne learns that strength comes in all kind of shapes and that her opinion matters; Halcyon journey is more raw and heartbreaking, focusing more on forgiveness and faith.
The bond of sisterhood is beautiful: these two people care so much for each other and are willing to do anything to protect one another form the evil of the world.
The romance was very much on the background but it was very nice and well executed, the love interest’s personality is as layered and complex as the girls’ ones; also another big theme of the book is family, in all the shapes and kinds it can come.
WORLD-BUILDING AND PLOT:
The story takes place in a fantasy world that takes inspiration for its society and cultural style from Ancient Greece.
The magic system revolves around artifacts left on earth by a pantheon of deities, each with its own ability related to the what the god or goddess can control.
The plot is a wild adventure and relics treasure hunt to prevent the villain from becoming a megalomaniac tyrant.
The story is full of dramatic fights and revelations, heartfelt moments and shocking betrayals....a tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole time.
WRITING:
The writing was smooth and nicely paced, with well thought out dialogues and scenes full of emotional impact.
FINAL NOTE
A wonderful story about sisterhood, friendship, love, forgiveness and inner strength.
3,5 (rounded to four) stars for this wonderful tale about two sisters that will do anything for each other.
CHARACTERS:
The main protagonists, sisters Evadne and Halcyon, are the complete opposite: one is timid, with dreams too big for her and a bit of a wallflower, often living in the shadow of her big sister; the other is confident, skilled and dedicated.
Each mildly envy the other, Halcyon envies Evadne for the affections she receives and for the life free of pressure she has; Evadne envies Halcyon for her confidence and ability to be strong enough to make her dreams come true, for how easy (in her mind) life is for her.
Throughout the story both sister go through an amazing evolution arc, Evadne learns that strength comes in all kind of shapes and that her opinion matters; Halcyon journey is more raw and heartbreaking, focusing more on forgiveness and faith.
The bond of sisterhood is beautiful: these two people care so much for each other and are willing to do anything to protect one another form the evil of the world.
The romance was very much on the background but it was very nice and well executed, the love interest’s personality is as layered and complex as the girls’ ones; also another big theme of the book is family, in all the shapes and kinds it can come.
WORLD-BUILDING AND PLOT:
The story takes place in a fantasy world that takes inspiration for its society and cultural style from Ancient Greece.
The magic system revolves around artifacts left on earth by a pantheon of deities, each with its own ability related to the what the god or goddess can control.
The plot is a wild adventure and relics treasure hunt to prevent the villain from becoming a megalomaniac tyrant.
The story is full of dramatic fights and revelations, heartfelt moments and shocking betrayals....a tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole time.
WRITING:
The writing was smooth and nicely paced, with well thought out dialogues and scenes full of emotional impact.
FINAL NOTE
A wonderful story about sisterhood, friendship, love, forgiveness and inner strength.
June 29, 2020
Ross is a masterful storyteller. Her writing is descriptive and immersive - the gods, missing relics, selfless sacrifice, slow burn romance and hidden strength.
I seriously couldn’t get enough of this story. There are some incredible reveals, but they didn’t steal the show by overpowering the story.
Highly recommended. A fantastic and well-crafted fantasy.
I seriously couldn’t get enough of this story. There are some incredible reveals, but they didn’t steal the show by overpowering the story.
Highly recommended. A fantastic and well-crafted fantasy.
January 6, 2021
A love letter to sisterhood. Plenty of twists, betrayal, and sorrow, alongside magic, divine relics, and... did I mention sisters? Recommend!
Actual rating: 4.5
Actual rating: 4.5
Shelved as 'maybe-read'
June 4, 2020Well, now I have a brand new shelf titled: Something of Something and Something.
Seriously, stop! The book world would be a better place if these YA formulas ceased to exist. I'm taking a lonely crusade against these Something of Something and Something titles.
It's getting old and I need a new source of entertainment!
Seriously, stop! The book world would be a better place if these YA formulas ceased to exist. I'm taking a lonely crusade against these Something of Something and Something titles.
It's getting old and I need a new source of entertainment!
August 2, 2021
Cómo me ha gustado esta historia. Ha sido todo lo que esperaba y más. No era la primera vez que leía a Rebecca Ross, ya que anteriormente había leído la bilogía La rebelión de la reina, que me había sorprendido muy gratamente y quería seguir leyendo a la autora, así que la noticia de la publicación de una nueva novela -y además autoconclusiva- fue maravillosa.
La historia tiene muchísima fuerza, empezando desde sus personajes, hasta la trama y cómo se desarrolla poco a poco, desvelando la información del mundo creado por la autora a su debido tiempo. Para mi, lo más importante y destacable es la relación de las hermanas, Evadne y Halcyon. Las he amado por completo. Cada una con una fuerza interior increíble pero las dos muy diferentes, ya que Evadne es una chica que se ha quedado trabajando en los campos de olivos de su familia, mientras que Halcyon se está preparando en el ejército de la reina. Me ha encantado su desarrollo a lo largo de la trama y como no, también he sufrido por ellas. Además, la dinámica de ir intercalando los dos puntos de vista hace que la novela sea mucho más amena y más atrapante.
Además, los personajes secundarios... son increíbles. He acabado de leer el libro con una sonrisa y con el corazón calentito de amor. Lo recomiendo muchísimo, sobretodo si no sabéis por dónde empezar con la fantasía, ya que esta novela es ideal, pero eso no quiere decir que sea floja ni muchísimo menos, ya que el world-building es muy original.
No tengo nada malo a destacar del libro porque ha sido todo lo que esperaba de fuera. Eso sí, ahora tengo muchas más ganas de seguir leyendo a la autora, así que estoy deseando que escriba y se publique su siguiente novela.
La historia tiene muchísima fuerza, empezando desde sus personajes, hasta la trama y cómo se desarrolla poco a poco, desvelando la información del mundo creado por la autora a su debido tiempo. Para mi, lo más importante y destacable es la relación de las hermanas, Evadne y Halcyon. Las he amado por completo. Cada una con una fuerza interior increíble pero las dos muy diferentes, ya que Evadne es una chica que se ha quedado trabajando en los campos de olivos de su familia, mientras que Halcyon se está preparando en el ejército de la reina. Me ha encantado su desarrollo a lo largo de la trama y como no, también he sufrido por ellas. Además, la dinámica de ir intercalando los dos puntos de vista hace que la novela sea mucho más amena y más atrapante.
Además, los personajes secundarios... son increíbles. He acabado de leer el libro con una sonrisa y con el corazón calentito de amor. Lo recomiendo muchísimo, sobretodo si no sabéis por dónde empezar con la fantasía, ya que esta novela es ideal, pero eso no quiere decir que sea floja ni muchísimo menos, ya que el world-building es muy original.
No tengo nada malo a destacar del libro porque ha sido todo lo que esperaba de fuera. Eso sí, ahora tengo muchas más ganas de seguir leyendo a la autora, así que estoy deseando que escriba y se publique su siguiente novela.
October 25, 2020
buddy read with Laysa and the lovely Karen in the Buddy Reads group!
ahh i'm glad i finally got this off my TBR list, it was such fun! the sisters had the CUTEST relationship and the magic was brilliant, my only disappointment was the romance, but honestly i could overlook that for the gorgeous relationship between Hal and Eva!
i'm so glad i finally read this and i'm so glad it was a buddy read!! thanks babes :))
ahh i'm glad i finally got this off my TBR list, it was such fun! the sisters had the CUTEST relationship and the magic was brilliant, my only disappointment was the romance, but honestly i could overlook that for the gorgeous relationship between Hal and Eva!
i'm so glad i finally read this and i'm so glad it was a buddy read!! thanks babes :))
July 31, 2020
this is probably more of a 4 star book but im rounding up because of that ending 😭😭
Evadne, my heart. My chorus. I would sing with you until the end of days. I would sing with you until my bones turned to dust.
This book was seriously a breath of fresh air. Don't be fooled by the slow start - it does not go where you think it will go from reading the synopsis. I loved the simplicity and originality of the narrative. The world is built on what is a fairly basic set of rules, and yet it vibrates with life. I likewise adored all the characters (except for Selene :)))) - they are strong-willed but practical - sometimes they act out of love in rash and foolish ways, but they are all still level-headed enough for me not be shaking my head and my fists at every decision they make.
The only reason why I say this might be more of a 4-star book is because I felt as if the two main conflicts in Parts II (Damon and Evadne's journey) and III (the final battles) of the book climaxed too quickly. Yes, sacrifices were made, but I do wish Ross had just chosen one of the conflicts for the book - I had hoped the journey to finding the [redacted] relic would have taken a few days at least.
But, the characters and their relationships easily make up for it. The sisterly bond was so sweet and so well-developed, even if substantial stretches of the book were spent with them separated from one another. The romance was also so so sweet, but subtle enough that it didn't overwhelm the plot or the characters' larger concerns.
Evadne, my heart. My chorus. I would sing with you until the end of days. I would sing with you until my bones turned to dust.
This book was seriously a breath of fresh air. Don't be fooled by the slow start - it does not go where you think it will go from reading the synopsis. I loved the simplicity and originality of the narrative. The world is built on what is a fairly basic set of rules, and yet it vibrates with life. I likewise adored all the characters (except for Selene :)))) - they are strong-willed but practical - sometimes they act out of love in rash and foolish ways, but they are all still level-headed enough for me not be shaking my head and my fists at every decision they make.
The only reason why I say this might be more of a 4-star book is because I felt as if the two main conflicts in Parts II (Damon and Evadne's journey) and III (the final battles) of the book climaxed too quickly. Yes, sacrifices were made, but I do wish Ross had just chosen one of the conflicts for the book - I had hoped the journey to finding the [redacted] relic would have taken a few days at least.
But, the characters and their relationships easily make up for it. The sisterly bond was so sweet and so well-developed, even if substantial stretches of the book were spent with them separated from one another. The romance was also so so sweet, but subtle enough that it didn't overwhelm the plot or the characters' larger concerns.
January 13, 2022
this was so sweet and magical and it’s after a long time the 5 stars read. is it worthy of the hype? definitely yes.
let’s start with the characters who had their own flaws and therefore seemed real. evadne is just an ordinary girl, limping because of an accident that happened to her as a child, a descendant of a fallen god with her fears. halcyon is an excellent warrior, but she made but so many mistakes that it would be deadly to a normal person (literally). and damon is the average magician. not the best, not the strongest in the universe. just average.
then there is the environment inspired by ancient greece. i’m a sucker for mythology, so i liked the idea with the gods (as i mentioned before) and their relics.
and last but not least, romance. it was quite predictable which characters would end up together, but it was so nicely written that i didn’t mind. slow burn in stand alone is always hard to write and i appreciate the author that she succeeded. moreover, it was not a classic bad boy and good girl (damon wasn’t arrogant, he cared, he mourned his loss).
underlined, summed up, read this book. you won’t regret.
let’s start with the characters who had their own flaws and therefore seemed real. evadne is just an ordinary girl, limping because of an accident that happened to her as a child, a descendant of a fallen god with her fears. halcyon is an excellent warrior, but she made but so many mistakes that it would be deadly to a normal person (literally). and damon is the average magician. not the best, not the strongest in the universe. just average.
then there is the environment inspired by ancient greece. i’m a sucker for mythology, so i liked the idea with the gods (as i mentioned before) and their relics.
and last but not least, romance. it was quite predictable which characters would end up together, but it was so nicely written that i didn’t mind. slow burn in stand alone is always hard to write and i appreciate the author that she succeeded. moreover, it was not a classic bad boy and good girl (damon wasn’t arrogant, he cared, he mourned his loss).
underlined, summed up, read this book. you won’t regret.
Want to read
March 29, 2020ancient greek world? close bond between sisters? slow burn romance? rebecca ross is serving.
February 16, 2021
A lot of telling and no showing, stilted dialogue, and characters that felt only half-formed. Irritatingly, laws in this world do not seem to be legally binding and the magic system defies logic. I’ll confess I judged this by the cover and while it’s gorgeous, I found the contents to be lacking.
Want to read
July 17, 2020The last time I was drawn to a book because of its pretty cover, it sucked. Hopefully this one doesn't.
Read
March 12, 2021TRADUCCIÓN ACABADA!!!
March 14, 2022
En La canción de las hermanas he vuelto a encontrar los elementos que tanto adoré en el anterior libro de la autora, dándonos un libro de fantasía con grandes personajes, un mundo que me ha sorprendido y esos toques de magia y romance a los que nunca puedo decir que no. Necesito que Rebecca escriba varios libros cada año, porque de pocos libros de las nuevas autoras de la fantasía juvenil disfruto tanto.
Reseña completa
Reseña completa
August 4, 2020
I will read anything Rebecca Ross writes. Her writing, characters, worlds, and relationships are so lovely.
August 9, 2020
I would recommend "Sisters of Sword of Song" to you if you love:
1.) inspiring sisterly bonds - As much as I appreciate a good romance, I want to read more books with awesome sibling relationships as the driving force. As an only child, I'm crazy about this trope so this book was such a joy. Even though Halcyon and Evadne had very different strengths and envied each other at times, I felt the unconditional love between them. The way those two brave girls supported each other was the most heartwarming and unforgettable thing about this standalone novel.
2.) underrated heroes with quiet and enduring strength - I was cheering for Evadne and Damon all throughout this novel. They intrigued me right from the beginning and I admired them even more as the story progressed. They were not divinely gifted in terms of physical and magical prowess, but damn, I was in awe of them because they persevered even when hope seemed lost.
3.) lovely slow-burn romance - I don't mind a predictable romance as long as it's well-written. Aside from the believable way Damon and Evadne fell in love with each other, another thing I appreciated about their relationship was the emphasis on mutual respect. You'd see the importance of consent, patience, and giving each other space. Damon and Evadne showed that true love's NOT really about the grand romantic gestures. It's about being consistent in showing your respect, trust, and love through the good and bad times.
4.) complex antagonist - I was only impressed by one of them and that's Commander Straton. Even when I wanted to punch him, I couldn't help but sympathize with him. On the other hand, during some of his tender moments, I wanted to shake some sense into him and yell: "OMG WILL YOU PLEASE FORGET ABOUT YOUR DAMN PRIDE FOR A FEW MINUTES?!?!?!"
5.) immersive world-building inspired by Greek mythology - You wouldn't suffer from a bad case of info dump. Even if you aren't familiar with Greek mythology, the author made it easy for us to familiarize ourselves with the magic system of this world. I really enjoyed the stories about the gods and goddesses and would have appreciated more!
1.) inspiring sisterly bonds - As much as I appreciate a good romance, I want to read more books with awesome sibling relationships as the driving force. As an only child, I'm crazy about this trope so this book was such a joy. Even though Halcyon and Evadne had very different strengths and envied each other at times, I felt the unconditional love between them. The way those two brave girls supported each other was the most heartwarming and unforgettable thing about this standalone novel.
2.) underrated heroes with quiet and enduring strength - I was cheering for Evadne and Damon all throughout this novel. They intrigued me right from the beginning and I admired them even more as the story progressed. They were not divinely gifted in terms of physical and magical prowess, but damn, I was in awe of them because they persevered even when hope seemed lost.
3.) lovely slow-burn romance - I don't mind a predictable romance as long as it's well-written. Aside from the believable way Damon and Evadne fell in love with each other, another thing I appreciated about their relationship was the emphasis on mutual respect. You'd see the importance of consent, patience, and giving each other space. Damon and Evadne showed that true love's NOT really about the grand romantic gestures. It's about being consistent in showing your respect, trust, and love through the good and bad times.
4.) complex antagonist - I was only impressed by one of them and that's Commander Straton. Even when I wanted to punch him, I couldn't help but sympathize with him. On the other hand, during some of his tender moments, I wanted to shake some sense into him and yell: "OMG WILL YOU PLEASE FORGET ABOUT YOUR DAMN PRIDE FOR A FEW MINUTES?!?!?!"
5.) immersive world-building inspired by Greek mythology - You wouldn't suffer from a bad case of info dump. Even if you aren't familiar with Greek mythology, the author made it easy for us to familiarize ourselves with the magic system of this world. I really enjoyed the stories about the gods and goddesses and would have appreciated more!
July 15, 2020
Considering this was a standalone (a rarity in the YA fantasy genre), it’s incredible how Ross created such a lush and rich world. Her prose is captivating and keeps you hooked throughout the entire story.
A story filled with an interesting magic system, a beautiful sister dynamic, and some swooning, I can’t recommend this enough.
The story itself feels complete, but Ross could definitely continue telling stories centred in this world. Or perhaps I’m just feeling greedy because I’m not ready to leave it yet.
A story filled with an interesting magic system, a beautiful sister dynamic, and some swooning, I can’t recommend this enough.
The story itself feels complete, but Ross could definitely continue telling stories centred in this world. Or perhaps I’m just feeling greedy because I’m not ready to leave it yet.
June 24, 2020
Incredibly lovely.
January 23, 2022
NOOOOO, TREMENDA HISTORIA POR FAVOR 😍😍😍
June 18, 2021
En general me ha gustado mucho, y mira que me ha pillado en una época de tener la cabeza en otras cosas, pero gracias a su lectura he conseguido desconectar de todo, viajar a un mundo basado en la antigua Grecia, donde la magia y el amor fraternal se unen para darnos una historia que engancha, se disfruta, y es autoconclusiva, es un libro que siempre os voy a recomendar.
September 20, 2023
This was so cute and unique, I loved it!!!!!
July 2, 2020
(A huge thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss for the eARC of the book)
The Queen's Rising by Rebecca Ross is one of those books that took me by surprise. I hadn't expected it to love it so much but I did and I think the author's latest book makes me feel so too. It definitely exceeded expectations and I read it in almost one sitting.
~5 REASONS TO READ THIS BOOK ASAP~
~Underdog protagonists who will make you feel and root for them~
Something I've loved in the author's previous duology is how her main characters aren't all powerful, supremely strong characters who can do anything at all. They're normal people who grow to be something more with sheer hard work and willpower.
Sisters of Sword and Song does this too. Gives you protagonists who are flawed and real, protagonists who make it easy for us readers to root for them.
Evadne suffered a dog attack leaving her ankle permanently sore, making her limp badly on cold days. She's a girl who dreams of magic but has accepted there's none within herself. She envies her older sister but loves her fiercely all the same. she isn't the most strongest or cleverest person around but she's fierce and loyal and always tries her best.
Also personal note - When Evadne asked if she could please have a chiton with POCKETS, I totally whooped. YOU TELL THEM GIRL!
Halcyon envies her younger sister for having the most of her parents' affections. She's strong and brave and a fighter to the core but she's made mistakes and will do anything to amend them.
Damon has the magic than Evadne envies but he thinks himself average. Not great, not bad but just somewhere in the middle. He is gentle and kind and also wants to prove himself to his father even though he feels he'll fall short of the person his brother had been.
And I rooted for all three of them throughout the book.
~All the family wholesomeness~
This is something I also loved in The Queen's Rising. The wholesome and supportive family and familial love. Evadne's family is the best. I loved that while they don't have as much page time as the sisters did, they still make their mark. I'm so here for loving parents, annoying cousins and all that comes with being a family. I loved the descriptions of their home and the little stories from their lives.
~Sibling love that makes me cry happily~
Seriously this should be a more popular trope. Amazing siblings who love each other and hold each other up. Evadne and Hal are so different from each other but they are each other's strengths and they keep each other marching forward. I liked that the book also shows the envy they have for each other and the times where they argued about things.
Seriously, I want to start a petition for loving, realistic sibling love in books!
~The mythology and World Building~
The story is set in an alternate Ancient Greek world. The pantheon is made up of 9 divines who no longer walk among humans. Instead they left behind relics the humans could use. They hoped commoners would find them rather than people who already wielded magic. Mages are descended from the divines themselves and each has a different amount of magic within themselves. I loved seeing the politics of uneven power play out. I would totally read more books set in this world because it's fascinating. I want to read more myths about the divines and see how the humans play out their politics.
~The romance is not all-encompassing~
The romance is gentle and sweet and something of a slow-burn. It is a predictable ship but lovely all the same. And I liked that while there was a bit of romance it never took away from the main plot or the story; it simply added to the magic of it all.
Sisters of Sword and Song is a beautiful standalone filled with magic, myths, sisterly love a a sweet romance.
The Queen's Rising by Rebecca Ross is one of those books that took me by surprise. I hadn't expected it to love it so much but I did and I think the author's latest book makes me feel so too. It definitely exceeded expectations and I read it in almost one sitting.
~5 REASONS TO READ THIS BOOK ASAP~
~Underdog protagonists who will make you feel and root for them~
Something I've loved in the author's previous duology is how her main characters aren't all powerful, supremely strong characters who can do anything at all. They're normal people who grow to be something more with sheer hard work and willpower.
Sisters of Sword and Song does this too. Gives you protagonists who are flawed and real, protagonists who make it easy for us readers to root for them.
Evadne suffered a dog attack leaving her ankle permanently sore, making her limp badly on cold days. She's a girl who dreams of magic but has accepted there's none within herself. She envies her older sister but loves her fiercely all the same. she isn't the most strongest or cleverest person around but she's fierce and loyal and always tries her best.
Also personal note - When Evadne asked if she could please have a chiton with POCKETS, I totally whooped. YOU TELL THEM GIRL!
There is steel within me.
I will not bend.
I will not break.
Halcyon envies her younger sister for having the most of her parents' affections. She's strong and brave and a fighter to the core but she's made mistakes and will do anything to amend them.
And now she was finally being held by the father of her soul, the man who had loved her in his own quiet, steel-sharpened way.
Damon has the magic than Evadne envies but he thinks himself average. Not great, not bad but just somewhere in the middle. He is gentle and kind and also wants to prove himself to his father even though he feels he'll fall short of the person his brother had been.
And I rooted for all three of them throughout the book.
~All the family wholesomeness~
This is something I also loved in The Queen's Rising. The wholesome and supportive family and familial love. Evadne's family is the best. I loved that while they don't have as much page time as the sisters did, they still make their mark. I'm so here for loving parents, annoying cousins and all that comes with being a family. I loved the descriptions of their home and the little stories from their lives.
~Sibling love that makes me cry happily~
Seriously this should be a more popular trope. Amazing siblings who love each other and hold each other up. Evadne and Hal are so different from each other but they are each other's strengths and they keep each other marching forward. I liked that the book also shows the envy they have for each other and the times where they argued about things.
Evadne threaded their fingers together. It was the hand Halcyon had killed with, the hand Evadne had written spells with. Two very different hands and two very different women, and yet they had sharpened the other, upheld the other. Defended and protected and healed one another.
Seriously, I want to start a petition for loving, realistic sibling love in books!
~The mythology and World Building~
The story is set in an alternate Ancient Greek world. The pantheon is made up of 9 divines who no longer walk among humans. Instead they left behind relics the humans could use. They hoped commoners would find them rather than people who already wielded magic. Mages are descended from the divines themselves and each has a different amount of magic within themselves. I loved seeing the politics of uneven power play out. I would totally read more books set in this world because it's fascinating. I want to read more myths about the divines and see how the humans play out their politics.
~The romance is not all-encompassing~
The romance is gentle and sweet and something of a slow-burn. It is a predictable ship but lovely all the same. And I liked that while there was a bit of romance it never took away from the main plot or the story; it simply added to the magic of it all.
Sisters of Sword and Song is a beautiful standalone filled with magic, myths, sisterly love a a sweet romance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,540 reviews