Red Sister - Mark Lawrence

Red Sister

By Mark Lawrence

  • Release Date: 2017-04-04
  • Genre: Epic Fantasy
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 658 Ratings

Description

The international bestselling author of the Broken Empire and the Red Queen’s War trilogies begins a stunning epic fantasy series about a secretive order of holy warriors...
 
At the Convent of Sweet Mercy, young girls are raised to be killers. In some few children the old bloods show, gifting rare talents that can be honed to deadly or mystic effect. But even the mistresses of sword and shadow don’t truly understand what they have purchased when Nona Grey is brought to their halls.
 
A bloodstained child of nine falsely accused of murder, guilty of worse, Nona is stolen from the shadow of the noose. It takes ten years to educate a Red Sister in the ways of blade and fist, but under Abbess Glass’s care there is much more to learn than the arts of death. Among her class Nona finds a new family—and new enemies. 
 
Despite the security and isolation of the convent, Nona’s secret and violent past finds her out, drawing with it the tangled politics of a crumbling empire. Her arrival sparks old feuds to life, igniting vicious struggles within the church and even drawing the eye of the emperor himself.
 
Beneath a dying sun, Nona Grey must master her inner demons, then loose them on those who stand in her way.

Reviews

  • Powerful

    5
    By Studiocher
    At last, something of interest and good enough to hold the attention. Great storytelling, great characters, great writing. You can’t ask more of a book.
  • Disappointing

    2
    By Eporrini
    I’ve read Mark’s Broken Empire and Red Queen books and found them to be very well written. This book lacks much of the passion, fire and imagination I have come to expect from him. To me it comes off much more as a youth fantasy book. I can’t recommend it and will likely not continue with the rest of the series.
  • Almost dropped this book, but so glad I didn’t!!

    5
    By T-weave
    4.5/5 The first 30% is a 3/5. 30-50% is a 5/5. And the rest of the book is between 4 and 5/5. I almost dropped this book around 30%, but I reminded myself how much I loved Lawrence’s Prince of Thorns and I kept going. I’m so glad. This book has a lot of things going for it: fascinating world-building, an interesting main character, and an engaging history of Abeth’s powers and magics. The main issue I had with this book was how slowly these things were revealed. Of course, slowly unraveling a plot is critical in storytelling to create intrigue and suspense, but it happened wayyyy too slow in this book. To put it plainly, the first 30% of the book is just boring. You barely learn anything about the characters or Abeth, only little teases here and there. Past the 30% mark (or around there), Red Sister is an entirely new book. And once you hit 40-50% the ball is rolling and it doesn’t stop! I loved this book, and if you’re struggling to read the first part I promise it gets better. It gets amazing and so, so satisfying. Can’t wait to read the rest of the trilogy!!
  • Red HOT Sister by Cincy Kid 68!

    5
    By JC Cincy Kid
    What a Read, found this by accident and it's one of the BEST books I’ve read in the past few years. Very much look forward to the next in the trilogy, because this start is truly exceptional and unique. (5) Stars ALL the way! Can’t wait to start on Book (2)- JB
  • Refreshing book

    5
    By JCinCincy
    As someone who reads just about anything “Grey Sister” was an amazing find in a field cluttered with a lot of noise. Nora’s an amazing character, well fleshed out, and thoughtfully presented to is the reader. If you looking for really for fantasy on caliber with Robin Hobb and Patrick Rothfus look no further!
  • Excellent Read!

    5
    By Gfy0602
    This was recommended by goodreads and it surely did not disappoint. I am an avid reader of fantasy and sci-fiction books and this beautiful weaving of magic, friendship, and pain is a literary accomplishment. Thanks for writing this story and look forward to reading more! Courtney T
  • Delightful read

    5
    By Venerator
    This has been a very delightful read full of fun and excitement from the first page to the last! The author writes in a rather engrossing style and the pace of the book is quite good. Very difficult to put down.
  • Red Sister

    5
    By Beebeegeebee
    Superb in every way. Can't wait for more!!