Red Sister was one of my favourite fantasy novels in years, so much so that when the final installment (Holy Sister) fell into my little paws I didn’t hesitate to go back for a reread before this middle installment.

Following the events from that first book, the surviving novices and sisters have returned to the convent of Sweet Mercy. But politics abound in the Empire, and Nona Grey has to face not only the trials of Mystic classes, but the hatred of a wealthy lord, the schemings of an emperor’s sister, and the horror of the Inquisition.

One of the things I loved about the first book was the world building, and the hints that things were more than they seem. Where are the four races from? Who are the Missing? We get a little more information about the shiphearts and the Arks here, but no real answers. More questions, of course! Foremost of those would be: who the heck is this Keot? The author even pre-warns us before starting the story that we’re not meant to know who he is, he has just ‘appeared’ since the first volume.

We also seem to have jumped forward a fair bit of time which felt a little jarring. Given the amount that happens in book 1, especially at the ending, it doesn’t feel right that the span from then to ‘now’ was so quiet – Keot aside. And to skip over all of his introduction… argh!

Some of the characters have changed, too, in ways that might have made more sense if the passage of time wasn’t so truncated. Kettle, for instance, is almost more friend than teacher now, which doesn’t not make sense, but still.

But, that all soon falls by the wayside as we are once again caught up in the politics and scheming of a world that is slowly being consumed by ice. Nona’s self-discover has led to much great confidence and some new fighting techniques, and if that at times felt a little Logan-esque to me the action still stays high and the intrigue abounds.

Of course there is an element of middle book syndrome, with most things already explored to an extent but no resolution. Still, book three is in my hands and started, so I won’t complain too much! It’s still very well written, intriguing fantasy, and I cannot wait to see where it’s going to end.

This was somehow even better than Red Sister. The author has created such a memorable world populated with fantastic characters (of which Abbess Glass is my new favourite). One of the best fantasy series I've read in recent years.

I requested this not realising at the time it was a sequel and I still have not managed to read the first book therefore I feel it is unfair to leave it hanging and will review when I eventually read the series.

<blockquote>“There are some lessons that must be written in scars.”</blockquote>

Grey Sister is an action-packed thrill ride that packs a heavy emotional punch. It’s everything a second book in a trilogy should be. So many writers miss that mark when it comes to a middle book, but not so with this series. There was not a single chapter that felt boggy or unimportant to me; I was entranced by every page. Lawrence took the story and relationships he crafted in Red Sister and managed to make them both more playful and more poignant and, most importantly, more powerful. I have never come across another fictional character to whom friendship is more important and personality-defining as it is with Nona Grey. I think this quote illustrates that importance beautifully: <blockquote>“Those…are my friends and I would die for them. I would face a terror for them that I haven’t the courage to stand against on my own behalf.”</blockquote>

During the first half of the book, we get more focus on the school setting that won my heart in Red Sister. I love everything about the descriptions of Sweet Mercy convent. I love the classroom setting, and how each class and teacher is so radically different from one another. I love that Nona still stuffs herself in the dining hall, as if a plate with food still on it is an affront to her. I love the battle training in the Blade Hall. I love dorm life and Nona’s battles with classmates turned enemies and her secret wanderings into hidden places with her friends. School stories have always been special to me, and I think they always will be. Nona’s story is now among my favorites in that category. However, the story doesn’t stay within the walls of Sweet Mercy, and the story takes some crazy turns from there.

<blockquote>“Your enemies make you what you are. Your foes shape your life more than friends ever could.”</blockquote>

Something that set this book apart from its predecessor was the inclusion of another perspective in the storytelling. Instead of seeing the entire tale through Nona’s eyes, we are also witnessing the experiences of Abbess Glass. I was thrilled to get a peak inside her mind, because I think the Abbess is a wonderfully complex character. She doesn’t have the crazy strengths and abilities demonstrated by so many of her novices. No, her gifts are far more subtle. The best literary comparison I can thing of for her would be Lord Varys, the Spider from Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire. Abbess Glass is playing a long and deep game, and knows how to pull strings and plant ideas without anyone being the wiser. However, I find her to be much kinder and more caring than Varys, and much more likely to use herself as a player on the board instead of being content to orchestrate behind the scenes. I find her highly compelling, and the trade-off between her and Nona’s perspectives kept the story feeling fresh.

<blockquote>“When strength is in your hands there is a temptation to lash out against what looks like injustice. But our rules are all we have to stop everyone from lashing out, each to their own sense of justice. Battles are better fought within the system, even when it seems broken.”</blockquote>

As I stated earlier, there was an insane amount of action in this book. I think that Nona is the most badass character I’ve ever come across in fiction, male or female. Her sense of self-preservation is impressive when she’s alone but flies completely out the window if one of her friends is in danger. I have never met another character so free with their love and so fiercely protective of those who have won her affections. I’ve also never seen anyone so freely admit their faults or so canny in their ability to use said faults to their benefit. I know the quote below is long, but I feel like it perfectly sums up Nona’s view toward her internal struggle with rage:<blockquote>“The holy disdain anger, for what faith is not, at its core, about acceptance of things you cannot change? The wise call wrath unwise for few truths are to be found there. Those who rule us stamp upon rage for they see it clearly, knowing it for the fire that it is, ad who invites such hungry flames among that which they possess?
To Sister …, though, fury was a weapon… There is a purity in rage. It will burn out sorrow. For a time. It will burn out fear. Even cruelty and hatred will seek shelter; rage wants none of them, only to destroy. Rage is the gift our nature gives us, shaped by untold years. Why discard it?”</blockquote> I find her understanding of herself incredibly compelling.

I am also insanely impressed with Lawrence’s prose. Book of the Ancestor is the first of his series that I’ve read, but every element of his writing style just absolutely works for me. He has a beautiful way with words, and knows how to weave metaphors seamlessly and powerfully into his descriptions. For example: <blockquote>“The sword Cage held offered its sharpness to the world and the Corridor wind, divided by its edge, hissed in pain.”</blockquote> Isn’t that a beautiful description of the sound the wind makes? I could hear it as I read that line. He also has some profound things to say that serve as great commentary of and words of wisdom for the time in which we live. Here are a few of my favorite lines: <blockquote>“The understanding that power corrupts is an idea older than the language we repeat it in.”</Blockquote> <blockquote>“The world is not changed by individual acts of violence, no matter how good the cause.”</Blockquote> <blockquote>“The greatest threat to any faith is not other faiths or beliefs but the corruption and division of its own message.”</Blockquote> I agree with all of these so strongly, and Lawrence stated them so well, that these are lines that will stay with me.

<blockquote>“There are many poisons that will induce madness but none perhaps quite so effective as love.”</blockquote>

Love comes in many forms, and we see them all in this series. Romantic love, maternal love, love between friends, and even darker loves, such as love of power and of self. Love is often portrayed as a source of weakness, and we see it as such in both Red Sister and Grey Sister. But it is also presented as a source of strength, which I absolutely believe it is.

<blockquote>“Trust is the most insidious of poisons.”</blockquote>

I can’t recommend this series enough. I have my fingers crossed that Holy Sister will be a mind-blowing ending to Nona’s story. If that wish is fulfilled, Book of the Ancestor will be among by favorite trilogies I’ve ever read, without question. If you love school settings as much as I do, you’ll love this. If you like your books pack with nearly nonstop action and epic fight scenes, you will definitely get that with Nona’s tale. If you prefer your fantasy packed with girl power, you can’t find a more powerful group of women than those residing in Sweet Mercy. Nona is a phenomenal protagonist, and I can’t wait to see where she takes us next.

<blockquote>”I am my own cage.” She lifts her sword. “And I have opened the door.”</blockquote>

An action-packed sequel that offers relatable commentary about faith, corruption, authority, and family.

So far, this is the highest and the most positive rating I ever gave to Lawrence’s middle-book installment; I gave both King of Thorns and The Liar’s Key 2.5/5 stars. I am very pleased to say that I loved Grey Sister. Even though I loved Red Sister more, Grey Sister was another great volume for the series and depending on how I feel about the third and final volume, Book of the Ancestor could actually end up becoming one of my favorite trilogies.

“The understanding that power corrupts is an idea older than the language we repeat in. All of us in positions that afford authority over others are susceptible, be we high priests, prime instigators, even abbesses.”

Grey Sister takes place two years after the bloody conclusion of Red Sister. Nona Grey was in Red Class and Grey Class in the first book, the first half of this novel continues the wonderfully-written magic/battle school trope by showing Nona’s journey in the Mystic Class. Nona is now fifteen years old in this book, one of the things that Lawrence did spectacularly is making sure that Nona’s inner narrative voice stayed and changed realistically according to her age. Her character development was superb and utterly clear; the reader will know that this is simply Nona growing up as a teenager. She’s more confident and more susceptible to anger, but deep down she’s still the same life-hardened kid we knew from the first book; kind, loyal, and she treasures friendship more than her life.

“Those novices are my friends and I would die for them. I would face a terror for them that I haven’t the courage to stand against on my own behalf.”

There were plenty of changes from the first book; most of them were great. The most significant change was how the storytelling structure turned into a multi-POV narrative. I found this to be a very clever decision. Other than Nona, Abbess Glass and Sister Kettle now have a POV to follow and I loved reading every moment of their perspectives.

The multi-POV narrative gave better insight into the important side characters’ personality and at the same time, it added depth to how well-written the characters were. Several new side characters were also introduced, but the most fantastic one was definitely Keot. Without giving any spoiler, this character reminded me of Nightblood from Sanderson’s Warbreaker; hilarious, terrifying, powerful, mysterious, and delightful to read. Truthfully speaking though, despite the fact that I enjoyed reading Nona’s and Kettle’s story, Abbess Glass was easily the number one highlight of the book for me. I was already intrigued by her wit and wisdom in the first book, but this book enhanced it even further by giving her a POV to follow; she completely stole the spotlight of the second half of the book for me.

“The greatest threat to any faith is not other faiths or beliefs but the corruption and division of its own message.”

All that being said, there was one minor issue I had with the book: the pacing in the second half. The second half of the book took the story in a different direction by moving away from the school setting. This storytelling direction was mostly wonderful because it shows the world outside of the convent more. Plus, the second half gave more revelations on the world-building and history of the world; at the same time adding more mysteries to be answered in the last volume. However, almost the entirety of the second half was non-stop action scenes, this was especially true for Nona’s time in Tetragode. Although the action itself was well-written and Lawrence did slip in Abbess Glass’s POV for a change of pace in the narrative, I found myself feeling bored by Nona’s time in Tetragode.

“It’s when your power is taken, or given, away that you discover who your friends are, brother. There’s a lesson for us all in that.”

The climax sequence of this book, however, proves to be as brilliant and tension-packed as the concluding battle in Red Sister. With great characterizations, world-building, and beautiful prose, Grey Sister ended up becoming a terrific sequel that will push me to start Holy Sister as soon as possible, and I’m going to prove that by starting it now.

“There are many poisons that will induce madness but none perhaps quite so effective as love.”

I was initially interested in reading this book, however my tastes have shifted and I do not think I will be able to get to it now. Many thanks to the publisher for sending me a digital copy!

This was another fast-paced and brilliantly intellectual addition to the series.
Once again, the characters were, flawed and strong and fearless.

Just like Red Sisiter, this was an awesome read.

Nona and co remain fierce, devoted and inspiring. More of the world is revealed, and possibilities for a resolution start to show themselves....

Second novel in the brilliant new series from the bestselling author of PRINCE OF THORNS.

In Mystic Class Nona Grey begins to learn the secrets of the universe. But so often even the deepest truths just make our choices harder. Before she leaves the Convent of Sweet Mercy Nona must choose her path and take the red of a Martial Sister, the grey of a Sister of Discretion, the blue of a Mystic Sister or the simple black of a Bride of the Ancestor and a life of prayer and service.

All that stands between her and these choices are the pride of a thwarted assassin, the ambition of a would-be empress wielding the Inquisition like a blade, and the vengeance of the empire’s richest lord.

As the world narrows around her, and her enemies attack her through the system she has sworn to, Nona must find her own path despite the competing pull of friendship, revenge, ambition, and loyalty.

And in all this only one thing is certain. There will be blood.

Having read the Red Sister I was excited to see the second book appear in NetGalley so thank you NetGalley for letting me read this book for honest review.
This is an excellent series, with realistic world building and characters you can feel empathy for. The book is written in such a way that you are pulled straight into the world, with such details on small things that increase the readers perception of the world and those that live in it.
The plot building and sub plots work to add depth to the story and keep the reader interested.
Nona Grey is a strong character and throughout the books we see her growing in strength and how her character develops.

Another great story from Mark Lawrence. The action in this book was spectacular! I think this series is more polished than his previous stories, more accomplished, but there is still something in Jalan and Snorri and Jorg that was special, in my opinion. However there is no doubt that Mark Lawrence has written another winner.

Trigger Warning: This book features violence heavily.

I have been patiently waiting for Grey Sister by Mark Lawrence. I absolutely loved the first in the Book of the Ancestor trilogy, Red Sister, and I knew it's sequel was going to be epic. I never realised just how epic this book would be. It's absolutely incredible.

Grey Sister is going to be a very difficult book to review without giving spoilers, because everything changes in this story. Everything. And it's impossible for me to summarise this novel without giving things away. Nona had a hard time in Red Sister, but that's noting compared to what she goes through in Grey Sister. Nona has periods of a somewhat peaceful life in Red Sister, but that is not the case in this book. Once things start to head south, they go from bad to worse. Grey Sister is action packed, tension-filled, and bloody stressful to read. So much violence, so much danger, so many times when it looks like death is the only possible outcome. Seriously. I knew while reading that this was a trilogy, but more times than I can count I was absolutely certain death was on the cards for the characters, but especially Nona. This is absolutely an edge-of-your-seat read, and completely unputdownable. It's bloody brilliant!

Nona really grows in this book, I think. She's still a a little fireball of rage, but she learns about herself, and how important love and friendship is to her. Not just that it's important - it's important to everyone - but how love and friendship makes a difference to the person she is. The choices she makes, and what those choices lead to. She could make very different choices if it wasn't for the importance of her friends and how she loved them. This doesn't stop Nona from being the violent, stabby, super quick ball of fury that she is, but emotion plays a strong part in this book for her. I'm pretty sure it did in the first, but it's been a while since I read it, and I feel it's more so in this one. It's so beautiful to see.

I liked how we got to see a bit more of some of the other characters, too. I'd say there were three narrators, though technically it's two, maybe 2.5. I can't explain it, for spoilers, but we do see from the perspective of three characters; Nona, as expected, Abbess Glass, which we saw from the perspective of a little bit in Red Sister, but a lot more so in Grey Sister, and a third, which I can't really talk about. Abbess Glass' perspective is really fantastic to see, because we get more of a glimpse of what's going on behind the scenes, the strings she's pulling, the machinations coming into play. It's a slow process, but seeing things unfold, even though as a reader you're not entirely sure what's going to happen, but that Glass has got a few things up her sleeve. But again, you never really know how the cards are going to fall, and it's so brilliant.

The ending is incredible. Such a climax! Such a cliffhanger! I am so desperate to know how the ending will affect things for Nona, Abbess Glass, and Sweet Mercy! I knew Grey Sister was going to be epic when I finished Red Sister, but it completely surpassed my expectations! It's a hugely emotional, fast-paced story, and I absolutely loved it! So many unexpected revelations and discoveries! Oh my god, I have no idea how things are going to pan out in the next and final book, Holy Sister, which comes out in April next year, nor how things are going to be wrapped up! Grey Sister is an absolutely incredible follow up to Red Sister, and I cannot wait to get my hands on Holy Sister, and see what Lawrence has in store for Nona and Sweet Mercy next!

Thank you to HarperVoyager via NetGalley for the eProof.

I've only given this book 3 stars because I haven't actually read it yet. I realised when I was a few pages into it that I should read the first in the series before I read this one. I've now purchased Red Sister and will read that and then read this book and edit the review

I loved the Red sister, but Grey Sister is out of this world amazing! Mark managed to capture the dark atmosphere and bring it up to a whole new level. There is literally not a single bad word that I can say about this sequel. Definitely not suffering from middle book syndrome (why do I believe this is a trilogy? don't know...).

All of the awesome characters from Red Sister take centre stage in this sequel and truly come alive. I remember being 100 pages in and struggling to put the book down because it was THAT GOOD! I also love Mark's writing style, he has a unique voice and the ability to summon characters and settings to life, to make you care. I was also impressed by his ability to not only write about girls but also understand them. The world building and magic system are so well done it makes logical sense and drags you into the story and doesn't let you leave. 

As I've already said, there isn't a thing that I can fault this book which is probably my favourite fantasy book of 2018 and of all time. There is no denying that Mark Lawrence is a god!

I have come to Mark Lawrence's Book of the Ancestor's trilogy later than most, I completely missed the first one and was unsure if I'd be able to pick it up. Although I wouldn't recommend reading it the way I did (this is a series well worth emersing yourself in), it is do-able, there is a 'catch up' chapter at the beginning of the book which avoids the need to repeat information already covered in the first book.

Grey Sister picks up a couple of years after Red Sister ends with Nona et al. having grown in years and skill level. She has advanced in her classes at Sweet Mercy convent and we see her facing cruelty from some fellow novices but forging strong bonds with others all while struggling to keep the existence of Keot (a demon who has taken up residence under her skin) a secret.

The political climate wrested by the fight for territory in a world dominated by encroaching ice is front and centre throughout this episode emphasised with bloodshed, malice and vengence - what's not to like?

Lawrence has built a world of fantastic complexity with lead characters driven by loyalty, friendship and a high dosage of 'kick-assedness'. Loved it.

Thank-you to Netgalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

“The Noiguin pushed the best of their killers into shadow, as far as their minds could bear. It broke some, others were lost in the dark places behind the world”

On a desolate ice-covered planet, the only life is trapped at the equator, forever being tested by the encroaching cold. A young apprentice of a convent of power-gifted witches called Nona is about to embark on her own journey of danger as she takes the first steps on her path to take on the dangers that killed her best friend and stole a supremely powerful artefact that may not be all it seems.


Mark Lawrence has created a wonderfully imaginative immersive world using a tried and tested formula. The book also has an entire recap/catch up section before the prologue for anyone who needs it. This is a great piece of forethought that not many authors have ever implemented. Sadly this is done in paragraphs of text that feels sluggish and overwhelming to read (have you ever tried reading the encyclopaedia Britannica in one go?). Unfortunately, this has the effect of making the book feel difficult to get into and may be better to skip entirely. If this is the route you chose the story loses almost no quality - a testament to great narratives that they can stand on their own.

Once you get past the initial burdensome “story so far”, you break into a deeply thought out world with engaging characters that all have unique history and motivations.

Taken as a whole this book is a delightful read that leaves you wanting more and has plenty of unforeseen twists and turns.

Alex

Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review

I really enjoyed reading this one. The world building was "out of this world". Really powerful and intense characters but not so much that they outshine the storyline built for them. Really enjoyable read.

Grey Sister is the second book in Mark Lawrence’s newest trilogy that is taking the world by storm as Mark’s work tends to do. Red Sister opened up a can of worms that I really didn’t want to see closed in any way, luckily enough (although I had to wait a year for it’s sequel) Grey Sister did not disappoint in any way, shape or form.

Mark Lawrence’s signature writing style drags you in from the outset with talons and it doesn’t let you go. You’re dropped right there besides Nona Grey and it’s almost like you’re feeling everything she experiences throughout the book. There’s a wicked “here’s what’s happened so far” page at the beginning but it gives you this information about something we’ve not yet read.

Keot. Despite his obvious flaws I think Keot as a character is pretty nifty. He grows in this book along with Nona.

In Red Sister, Nona is learning the things she needs to learn to be a good novice and she also comes into herself a bit more. In Grey Sister, Nona has dropped into a new space and become a whole new woman. Rest assured, despite her physical age, she has matured mentally quite a bit. She is ready I’m telling you – but for what I don’t know.

Kettle is back and kicking butt in this book as well. I love Kettle – she’s definitely one of my favourite ladies in this book. Abbess Glass is also a favourite. Both characters are brilliant and are people I would not want to cross.

As the storyline progresses we learn more about the Noi-Guin, about the Sis and about Kettle, Zole, Nona and the other novices. The conversation and dialogue is fabulously balanced with the action and there is plenty of action to go around.

There is absolutely no need to worry that Mark reached the height of the story in Red Sister ’cause in Grey Sister he raises the bar even higher with some really nifty twists and turns in this book and I can’t wait to see where the next book takes Nona.

I have three words: BUY THIS BOOK!

Well written, well plotted, and I enjoyed it.

Looking forward to the next in the series.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review..

Two years after Nona Grey killed Raymel Tacsis, lost two friends in the process, she is continuing her education at Sweet Mercy, with the intention of becoming a Red/Martial Sister. However, she did not come out of the last fight unscathed - she carries the shifting devil Keot under her skin and has made more enemies in the process. Enemies who will stop at nothing to see the end of Nona, of Sweet Mercy and even of the Empire itself.

Nona is a very compelling character; she is tough, fearless and loyal, but she is also impulsive and, during this second book, she starts learn the consequences of those actions. She has grown in power since the first book and it is lovely to see the unwritten depths of the friendships she holds - I hope these are properly developed in the third book.

Lawrence writes in a way that keeps pulling you into the next chapter - there's always a new problem or something to fight. It makes for exhausting reading, but a very happy reader.

This series just keeps getting better and better, but now I have to wait until next year to read what I think is the final installment of Nona's journey.

In this book, we learn just a tiny bit more about the origins and mysteries of Abeth, the world where this story takes place. It reminds us that this isn't just a magical fantasy novel but a slice of sci-fi just waiting to be unleashed.

This story is intense, action-packed and full of the excellent characterisation I've come to expect from Lawrence's work. The character dynamics have shifted a bit, a few years on from where the last book left off, the characters have matured and their friendships have done the same.

Conspiracies laid out in the previous book now start to make sense and you start to see how deviously clever the author is. Now Nona's a little older, the villains from her past are back to try to finish the job. Once some of those loose ends are tied up, we find out that they all play a part in an even bigger threat to her and everything she holds dear. The suspense may actually kill me before I get to read the next book...