Sisters of Sword and Song by Rebecca Ross – a Review

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Description:
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.

Review:

Sisters of Sword and Song by Rebecca Ross is a fantastic YA fantasy.  Having read a previous duology by Ross, I looked forward to reading this book.  I loved it, and best of all, it is standalone novel, which means you don’t have to wait to see what happens in the next book. ?

Sisters of Sword and Song focuses on two sisters, Halcyon and Evadne, who were very close.  Halcyon is the older sister, who left home 8 years ago to join the Queen’s army, where she rose to become a powerful and loyal warrior in the Bronze Legion.  Evadne was excited, as she awaited Halcyon’s return home to visit after all these years, but to her surprise, she is awakened in the middle of the night by a desperate Halcyon.  Evadne will learn that Halcyon is now wanted for murder, though it was an accident; but she wanted to see her sister, and run before she is found, or they will kill her despite not being intentional.  Swearing Evadne to not revealing that she came to see her, Halcyon runs away; only to be found a short time later, and captured to and tried for murder. Evadne, and her family travel to support Halcyon, as they knew she would never murder anyone and she was also so loyal to the Queen and her commander. 

Evadne worshipped her sister, and when then the sentencing is harsh (15 years in three concurrent 5 year terms), it will be Evadne who will offer to share the penalty to help save her sister’s life.  The Lord Commander Straton, whose son, Xander was the one who was killed, will step in and accept those terms, with Evadne being the one who will spend 5 years working for the Straton family. 

What follows is a tense, exciting, action filled and intriguing story that is filled with many surprising twists. We follow as Halcyon is sent to prison, where she is quickly under duress, as those in charge are determined to get information from her about the mission she and Xander were on when the accident occurred. One of the villians, a mage, arranged to have her poisoned, in order to weaken her and break through her mind to find the information needed.  Will she survive?  During that same period, Evadne is put to work as a servant, until Damon ( Xander’s brother and Straton’s other son), who is a Mage, takes a liking to her, and eventually pulls her to work for him as a scribe. Together they will slowly find their attraction growing, as well as becoming a perfect team; using the mage’s ability to sing (with Evadne joining the song) to use magic that will help them defeat the enemy.  Both Damon and Evadne will be the ones who will step up to take over the dangerous mission to gain a relic that will help save the Queen, against a evil and strong mage, who happens to be Straton’s sister.  Too tell too much more would be spoilers, but this was an exciting, mind blowing adventure that held me on the edge of my seat, wondering who will die and who will survive. 

I loved both Halcyon and Evadne, as they not only made great heroines, but it was so great to see their sisterhood bond.  I also loved Damon and Evadne slow burn romance, as they made a great couple.  She willingly helping Damon, despite the dangers; and he turned into such a great hero, so sweet and charming.  I got a kick out of Evadne discovering her new wings, and her ability to fly both her and Damon to safety. 

Sisters of Sword and Song was a fantastic story, so very well written by Ross.  This was a fantasy that had a bit of everything, such as mythology, magic, mages, scribes, warriors, gods, magical relics and horrible villains.  This was a journey to save the Queen, against evil forces; especially against a terrifying evil and ultra-powerful villain.  If you enjoy fantasy, especially a rare standalone, then look no further than Sisters of Sword and Song. I have come to adore the writing of Rebecca Ross.  

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher