Sisters of Sword and Song

I was already a big fan of Rebecca Ross’s work from her first book, The Queen’s Rising. But Sisters of Sword and Song made me an even bigger fan of her writing and her worlds. It’s a beautifully crafted and tightly woven tale, filled to the brim with Ancient Greek mythology, the power of a sisterly bond, and emotional trepidations. This powerful stand-alone is deserving of all the praise and more. At the center of this story is that powerful sibling relationship. Halcyon and Evadne are sisters who both lead two very different lives. Halcyon is a warrior while Evadne is a scribe. When Halcyon is accused of treason, Evadne agrees to work for five years for Lord Straton in exchange for her sister’s freedom. But Evadne uncovers secrets about Halcyon and her world that ultimately place both girls in the front lines of danger. The bond between Halcyon and Evadne is the heart of this story. Both sisters would do absolutely anything for one another. I loved being able to read from both of their perspectives and see how each handled the danger set in their path. Halcyon had secrets she had to keep hidden deep and Evadne had secrets she had to discover to prove her sister’s innocence. Both girls suffer from different types of pain, but that and all their grief is something each has to learn to overcome. And it wasn’t just the main relationship that hooked this story for me; I loved the side relationships and the budding romance. Everything about this book – the characters, the world, the story – was just magical and mesmerizing and I cannot wait to read this book again. And let me just add: this world and its occupants are marvelous. Ross does a magnificent job of bringing this magical world to life. It’s so beautifully descriptive and filled with lush and vivid scenery. I fell in love with this world and the characters. It’s a world with darkness and light, magic and life. It’s a story with an intricately woven plot with gods and magic and love. I cannot express enough how captivating Ross’s writing is: she has created such an abundant and extraordinary world that I can still picture everything clear as day weeks after finishing the story. I know Sisters of Sword and Song is a stand-alone, but I’m really hoping Ross visits this world again sometime in the future. It’s such a magical story steeped with breathtaking Greek mythology. Sisters of Sword and Song is a strong and powerful story, one I hope many readers fall in love with. This is, without a doubt, my favorite Rebecca Ross book so far – it’s a story I highly recommend!

"I will find my way back to her." This was a surprising, heart tugging, romantic, truly YA book and a magical ride. Some people struggle with the pacing of this, especially in the beginning, but I found it needed that extra time to build this magical world. I LOVE that it's a standalone book. (Not a series) I also adored the sister's bond and growth. It's reminiscent of an Elsa and Anna relationship but a 100% better. The romance was a slow, tender thing and I really enjoyed it. (Its closed door) When it finally hit, it was beautiful... “What have you done to me?" I finished this book with a happy, giddy feeling. If you want a book with clean but angsty romance, a fun fantasy world, a strong sister relationship and lovely writing, give this one a try. DIDN'T LOVE: -I wanted more development with Damon’s sister and mother. -I wish we could have had memory flash backs of his brother with H. -I would have loved to see more of the Gods. -Some things felt too easy. -In the end, there were a couple characters, I still had questions about. -The magic system could have been explored on a deeper level. -The final scene was a little rushed. -Some friendships needed more development. BASICALLY.... I LOVE that it’s a standalone BUT I think it would have been better as a duology. I think all of my issues would have been fixed with another book. Having said that, I really enjoyed it! I would definitely re read this one sometime. (Physical book. NOT the audio. it didn't work for me.) For what this is, a standalone fantasy with a YA audience, it's an awesome book!

If you’re looking for something fresh, new, magical, fast, and inspired by Greek Mythology with the best character developments, then this book is for you. It has everything you would look for in a good book. The plot was well described, and followed two sisters with very different personalities, but each with their own gifts. Halcyon, the eldest, is a brave fighter to stands for the Queen, while her humble baby sister, Evadne, works in the olive fields with her parents, dreams of being a mage, something she knows will never happen, cannot fight to save her life, and walks with a limp from a dog bite. These sisters must unite after spending many years away from each other, after Halycon is blamed for murder, and an ancient artifact must be found before the wrong person gets their hands on it. The relationship building in this book is phenomenal, and more attention needs to be driven towards it. I mentioned the character development before, but I simply cannot get over how much I loved it, tied in with the mythology, mages, and adventure, I could not get enough. My only criticism is that this book isn’t a series! Don’t get me wrong, it is PERFECT as a standalone, but I wish there was more. Rebecca Ross, if you’re reading this, please write more… Sincerely, Everyone who has read this book.

It took me a while to start this book because I didn't want to be disappointed. I can tell you now that I was not. This story is so well written, and it sucks you into the pages. I couldn’t put it down, a definite must-read. A beautifully written story about magic, love, family, protégés, sacrifice, tradegedy, and redemption. The relationship between two sisters, Hal and Eva, is beautiful. It was so easy to fall in love with Damon and make you wish that this world was real, a book you truly wish wouldn't come to an end.

I have no words.... This book is awesome!! I devoured it in a day and I have no regrets!

Non conosco bene la storia,lo preso per mia nipote che lo voleva,detta da lei è rimasta soddisfatta,quindi lo consiglio....

“There is always more strength to draw from. You must find where it hides and wield it.” This is a story of two sisters. One left 8 years ago to train and serve in the queens army. One was left behind to wait for her return. Evadne is waiting the arrival of her sister Halcyon. She is too arrive the following evening. She hasn’t seen her sister in 8 years when she left to serve the queens army. When Halcyon shows up the night before her expected arrival Evadne senses something is wrong. Halcyon is on the run. She is being chased by the Lord Commander. She is accused of murder. These two sisters are complete opposites, but they both bore so much strength! Evadne stood up for her sister and asked to serve some of her sister’s sentencing. She was to serve 5 years serving the house of the lord commander on behalf of her sister Halcyon. This book had me speculating so much throughout it. You can see there were secrets and lies, manipulation and deceit. I had so many theories and I devoured this book in less than 48 hours! I was so intrigued with the strength of these two women. It was truly inspiring. “Failure is never final unless you choose it.”

This was a story that managed to be interesting, thrilling, beautiful, heartbreaking, and hopeful all in one. The sisterhood and relationships was wonderful, the plot captivating, and the writing style simply stunning!

Although I must reckon I expected A LOT from Ross' next novel, which I knew was a very risky thing to do, I have not only not been let down. I have been given a story that was everything I needed it to be, and more. Ross builds a whimsical tale about fallen gods, powerful relics, songs woven with magic, and atop of it all, an unbreakable bond between two sisters. Halcyon and Evadne, as different as can be, share the passion for each other and the unbreakable spirit of warriors. Ross is one of my favourite authors because of her strong, smart, and complex female characters, who break all and every stereotype that has ever been formed concerning female main characters. And, although Halcyon was an absolute delight and won my heart from the very first word she spoke, I must reckon how Evadne got me falling in deep, utter love as the pages turned and the adventure unfolded. Not only is she smart, resourceful, kind, and brave; she's also profoundly human. The slow burn between her and *Spoiler Goes Here* made me SWOON. They were so cute, I actually cried! Also adored the mythology Ross built for her third child. The gods, the relics, the myths, the enchanted lands, the magic... Oh! A tasteful cocktail of every Ancient trope I love, plus one or two breathtaking plot-twists. Just... Buy your copy, and start reading ASAP!