Book Review | Sistersong

Based on the Twa Sister Ballad, Sistersong by Lucy Holland is an achingly beautiful and magical tale of familial love, jealousy, and betrayal.

The story is set in the kingdom of Dumnonia during a tumultuous time. Britain is beginning to convert to Christianity, Saxons are trying to conquer them, and the magic is dying from the land.

We see this all viewed through the alternating perspectives of the king’s children.

While most of the characters in this story are compelling and complex, I do wish the priest—as one of the central antagonists—had been fleshed out more. He's presented more as a pagan-hating caricature, which I feel was a missed opportunity. I wished the author had written a more fascinatingly conflicted character who’s questioning their faith in the presence of magic (i.e. Konstantin from The Bear and the Nightingale).

Overall though, this is a heart-wrenching and haunting tale that breathes life to a unsung story.

Thank you, NetGalley and Redhook, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Book Details:

Publication Date : October 5, 2021

Publisher : Redhook

IBSN : 0316320773

Pages : 416

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