Sisters of Sword and Song by Rebecca Ross
Published by HarperTeen on June 23, 2020
Genres: Fantasy
Pages: 432
Format: ARC
Source: ALA
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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.

my thoughts:

Fantasy novels are so hit or miss for me. Fantasy standalone novels even more so. Rebecca Ross seriously impressed me with Sisters of Sword & Song. Not only did she manage to craft a wonderfully elaborate new world, she managed to do it all in one book. I wouldn’t say no to more of these characters and this story but for once, it’s not necessary.

Sisters of Sword & Song is truly a character driven book. (Bet you never would have guessed that based on the title, right?) Evadne and Halcyon are the heart of this story. Their bond never breaks, even after years apart. Even when harboring jealousy against each other, their love never wavers. Evadne has always looked up to Halcyon and she’s willing to do anything for her sister, even take on part of her sentence. Evadne has never known hardship in her life but she faces it head on and doesn’t break. Halcyon is the same way. She’s headstrong and stubborn and unwilling to break, no matter what she faces. The two sisters are willing to face whatever in order to be reunited one day.

Part of the reason these sisters are so strong is that they are descended from the gods, like many in their world. Rebecca Ross draws from mythology to create the world and the gods in Sisters of Sword & Song. Each god has their own history as well as a magical relic that embodies some of their powers. Some relics are in human possession and others are lost to time. These relics play a huge role in their world and a huge role in the story. Imagine a treasure hunt with a mystical relic at the end and you’ll have an idea of what Halcyon and Evadne face in order to free themselves.

“Sometimes I forget that we have descended from the god of the wind. A god who broke himself for love of another. But every now and then, a generation will remember what it is like to fly, and they will grow their own wings.” – Rebecca Ross, Sisters of Sword & Song

While the romance in Sisters of Sword & Song didn’t overwhelm the story, it played a huge part in my love for this story. Evadne and Damon were adorable together. Slow burn romance fans will be cheering for them from the second Damon walks onto the page. Both Evadne and Damon are wonderful people but when put together, they make each other even better. My heart broke for both of their struggles but seeing them together slowly mended it.

Overall, Sisters of Sword & Song is one book that you don’t want to miss. Rebecca Ross is a master storyteller who will have readers hooked from the very first sentence. I’m eager to see what she does next!

What others are saying about Sisters of Sword & Song:

Books. Bags. Burgers.’s review: “It definitely exceeded expectations and I read it in almost one sitting.”

Captivated Reading’s review: “This book has a definite feel of ancient Greece–gods included–and that really set the whole feel of the story.”

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How do you feel about family based stories? I feel like there aren’t nearly enough of them and I’d love more. If you have a favorite, let me know in the comments!

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