Kait ✨
Written on Jun 30, 2020
Rebecca Ross, acclaimed author of The Queen's Rising duology, delivers a thrilling new fantasy about the lengths two sisters will go for each other. Perfect for fans of Ember in the Ashes, Sky In the Deep, and Court of Fives.
Two sisters... one unbreakable bond
Evadne is finally going to be reunited with her older sister, Halcyon, who has been serving in the queen's army for eight long years. But when Halcyon unexpectedly appears a day early, Evadne knows something is gravely wrong. Halcyon has been charged with a heinous crime and though her life is spared, she has been sentenced to fifteen years of punishment - five years of hard labour, five years of imprisonment and five years serving the house that she has wronged.
Suspicious of the charges, as well as the details of the crime, Evadne volunteers to take part of her sister's terms. If there's a way to clear Halcyon's name, she'll find it. But as the sisters begin their sentences, they quickly learn that there are fates worse than death...Set in a richly-drawn, ancient world comes this epic fantasy from the author of The Queen's Rising...
- ISBN10 0062471414
- ISBN13 9780062471413
- Publish Date 23 June 2020
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country US
- Publisher HarperCollins Publishers
- Imprint Collins
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 480
- Language English
Reviews
bookishzelda
Written on Jun 19, 2020
I like that the heart of the story is really about family. Blood relation or not, I loved reading the bond between the characters. It really shaped their actions and how they reacted to one another. Even in their worst moments.
I did really enjoy the plot. This is a land of magic and myths Some are blessed with powers and others are not. Halcyon and Evadne are descended from the God Kirkos who became mortal when he fell in love. So their chances of having any magical abilities are slim to none. They find other ways to shine. Halcyon in her ability to be a warrior. Evadne in her wisdom and loyalty. The sisters are put to the test in each of their own ways.
I really liked Evadne. She in a way is just considered average. Yet she has this well of strength that nobody really expects. I liked her character development in the story. How she stays strong no matter what is placed in front of her. Fueled by her love of her sister and her family. I think it’s interesting that Kirkos' fall was because of love and considered a weakness. When it appears to be his ancestors greatest asset.
Halcyon is also kind of interesting because she is the sister that seems to have everything. Yet she loses so much in the story. I didn’t feel as bonded with her character as much as Evadne but I still appreciated her.
The romance is light and cute. I really liked the little bit it added but that it wasn’t a main focus.
I enjoyed this as a standalone fantasy. I liked the strong family roots and the plot steeped it’s own mythology.
shannonmiz
Written on May 24, 2020
Sisters of Sword and Song really took me by surprise! I really had no idea if it'd be my "thing", it was more of an impulse request if I am being honest. But wow did it pay off! I ended up totally sucked into this lovely book. And, we have more fun with sisters, woo! I shall now tell you all about why I liked it!
- ►Oh, I could not put it down! Like, from the start I was completely enamored. I can't even fully explain why, I just kind of started reading and forgot to stop, which is a sure sign that I am loving a thing. I also couldn't wait to pick it back up when I did stop, which is another guaranteed clue.
- ►I loved the sisters in this story! Evadne and Halcyon have been apart for a pretty significant chunk of their lives, but the fierce love and loyalty they've always shared remains. It seems at the start that Halcyon is the warrior while Evadne is sort of the more "average" sister, but oh, that is so false. It's such an interesting commentary about how who we think we are, who we're told we are or should be, isn't necessarily the case at all.
- ►To that end, there are great family dynamics involved. Because of where Evadne thinks she fits in with her family, it makes some of her choices even more of a struggle. She worries for herself, for her sister, for her parents and extended family. And frankly, I loved that we got to see so many close relatives! Seeing uncles and cousins and such being really important to a character is kind of refreshing.
- ►There is a romance and it's my favorite. That is all I am telling you. Not sorry.
- ►Lots of morally gray characters and decisions. You know how I love gray morality, right? Oh do I ever! I also love Clarke Griffin-esque "no good choices" decisions, and there are definitely some to be made here.
- ►The magic was fairly straightforward and fit with the story well. You know how I can be with magic, but this was one case where it was definitely on point. I understood it, it made sense, and even better, it had limits instead of being a crutch for the progression of the story. Quite a win!
- ►There is adventure and secrets and all kinds of fun! What I am saying is, there was always something to unfold in the story. I never once felt bored, or as though it was lagging. Nor was I overwhelmed, it was kind of the perfect balance that kept me entertained throughout.
Bottom Line: An incredible tale of sisterly love and devotion mixed with a daunting mission, this is a fantasy that certainly hit the mark!