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 can be very inconsistent in quality for my taste, and fantasy standalone novels are even more unpredictable. However, Rebecca Ross truly impressed me with Sisters of Sword & Song. Not only did she create a richly detailed and intricate world, but she accomplished it all within a single volume. While I wouldn’t oppose reading more about these characters and their journey, for once, a sequel isn’t necessary.
Sisters of Sword & Song is, at its core, a character-driven story—something you might easily guess from the title. Evadne and Halcyon are the emotional anchors of this narrative. Their bond remains unbroken despite years of separation and underlying feelings of envy. Their love for each other never falters. Evadne has always admired Halcyon and is willing to do anything for her, even sharing the burden of her punishment. Though Evadne has led a sheltered life, she confronts adversity with unwavering strength. Halcyon, equally resilient and determined, refuses to be broken by her circumstances. Both sisters are prepared to endure any challenge for the hope of one day being reunited.
A key source of their strength lies in their divine heritage, a trait they share with many in their world. Rebecca Ross skillfully weaves elements of mythology into the fabric of the story, creating a pantheon of gods each with their own history and a magical relic that embodies their power. Some of these relics are held by humans, while others have been lost to time. These artifacts play a crucial role in both the world and the narrative. Imagine a treasure hunt with a mystical relic as the ultimate prize, and you’ll have a sense of what Halcyon and Evadne must undertake to secure their freedom.
“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
Though the romantic subplot does not dominate the story, it significantly deepened my appreciation for the book. The relationship between Evadne and Damon is beautifully portrayed. Fans of slow-burn romance will find themselves rooting for them from the moment Damon appears on the page. Individually, Evadne and Damon are compelling characters, but together, they bring out the best in each other. Their personal struggles tugged at my heartstrings, yet watching their connection grow provided a sense of healing and hope.
Overall, Sisters of Sword & Song is a book you won’t want to miss. Rebecca Ross demonstrates masterful storytelling, capturing the reader’s attention from the very first line. I am excited to see what she writes 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.”