Sisters of Sword and Song

"Just going to start by saying I put off reading this book many a times. The multiple bad-attempt-retellings of Greek mythology has thrown me off from the lore completely as of late. But this was an unexpected gem. Not a retelling but a new and rich stand alone that won't leave you lacking.<br/><br/>After reading the Acknowledgments I found out that Rebecca Ross only wrote from Evadne's pov in the beginning. I was so glad a friend change her mind because the accompaniment with Halcyon experience took this story to new heights. I could feel the connections of each relationship so ardently. The wholesomeness, family dynamics, rich world building, and character development transformed this experience into a breath of fresh air. The book was filled to the brim but not in a way that was overwhelming.<br/><br/>The characters were well developed and before I knew it I was whole heartedly invested. Evadne and Halcyon's sisterly love was very warm and inviting. Their strengths and manners were so different yet they fit like a puzzle piece. Though each one envied the other they both nourished the one anothers hopes and dreams. Damon was a gentle warm breeze. He never pushed or over stepped. Even his father had me brimming with pride and envy of my own. And to my complete surprise and relief, none of the characters were special and dominating. Each individual was average. Evadne, Halcyon, Damon, all wishing to be special, all falling short but each accepted it.<br/><br/>Im honestly shocked by the lack of reviews. Just the cover itself is beautiful enough to make me want to read it again. And the map too, wow, Kate O' Hara did her due diligence in creating the artwork. Really I can't think of anything negative to say. The story was perfectly paced. It was very easy and exciting to picture the world around me. Original, heartwarming, the list goes on.<br/><br/>Reading about this world and about Evadne and Damon was like lying in the sun's rays with a soft breeze on my cheek. I oftened just sighed with contentment. Though the emotion was too real at times. The lump in my throat hurt as I tried to hold back tears in public. Time and again I got lost in the words. I relished in Evadne and Damon's nearness, like for a second, as they gazed at each other, the stars shown brighter and the world wasn't in perilous danger for a time. Their singing and writing brought a sweet twist to the relationship. And the romance came in due time. True love should not be rushed. I felt the sweet pang and enjoyed the journey."

"This is like the first physical book I've checked out of a library since 2019. I went to the LIBRARY yesterday.<br/><br/>About the book, well, I read all 458 pages of it today when I only meant to read like a couple chapters, so that should say something. Having liked two books by Rebecca Ross now, I think I'll be keeping an eye out for her future books. I was thinking about the Queen's Rising and how back in grade 9 I read plenty of YA fantasy, and it finally clicked for me that I never really stopped <i>liking</i> fantasy, it is </i>series</i> that I have beef with. I'm sure I've had this epiphany before, but epiphanies don't last, guys. Anyway I'm thankful for anyone who can give me a satisfying standalone fantasy. Sisters of Sword and Song has genuinely interesting mythology and worldbuilding, great interpersonal dynamics, and the shift between the perspectives of each sister didn't bore me in the slightest, which like never happens. Ross chose her scenes well."

"Good"

"Loved the concept, but it didn't really draw me in. There were some good scenes but it fell flat somehow."

"I finally got my hands on this book and it's beautiful. The title rings true to the meaning of the book and is well chosen. This book tells a tale of two sisters whose strengths couldn't be further apart. A world where relics hold power and mages desire to rise above their station. This books transforms itself as you keep reading it and it doesn't disappoint. The story line is strong from beginning to end. It deserves to stand by itself and shine like the stars from within it."