Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Wow, I don't know what I was expecting, but I was surprised in the best way with this book. I received it as an ARC in 2020, prior to an illness and am sadly just now getting around to reviewing it, but that hasn't stopped me from thoroughly enjoying it all this time.

The book is told from the perspectives of three people: First Sister, Lito, and Hiro and I found myself equally enjoying Hiro and First Sister's parts. First Sister is a contrast to Hiro in that she feels more somber and less playful than Hiro, which I found myself looking forward to.

I did have a small "ick" with the women being referred to as "comfort women", as in Korean history (I believe) that has some serious connotations, especially when dealing with war, so tread carefully. There are also some scenes of graphic violence, as well as autonomy issues, and rape culture, so be prepared for that.

I'm not usually a sci-fi reader, but this one was a pretty gripping read, especially that ending, which I won't spoil. If you are looking for something that's going to give you a change of pace and something that keeps you holding on until the last page, I highly suggest this book.

Wow this book sucked me in from the beginning. It is very unique, deals with complex storylines and wow . I couldn't put it down. 4.5 stars. I could see this book being a love/hate book. Either obsessed at the uniqueness of it ... or completely overwhelmed by the story building.

A mark of a good book: my dog collapsing in the entry way once we get back from a walk because I was so sucked into the story that we went at least 2 km farther than we normally do.

For real though, this book was so utterly riveting. It has some fabulous Handmaid's Tale vibes in space with great promise for political intrigue and growing rebellions. The ending is jaw-dropping, with several plot twists that sent my mind absolutely reeling. This was not a predictable novel at all. These characters are so interesting as well! They truly carry the story on their shoulders from opposing sides of the spectrum and I still don't know who I like best. I received an ARC of this last year but decided to read the audiobook, and that was an excellent decision. The three narrators had me making excuses to keep listening because their voices were so engaging, and they captured this diverse, queer cast beautifully.

As you may have guessed, this book is told in three POVS.

First Sister
She has such a heartbreaking tale as a priestess of the Sisterhood, the religion of the Gaen people. The Sisterhood is an oppressive and silencing organization, quite literally. Each Sister has her voice removed and is forbidden to write or communicate in any way with anyone outside of the Sisterhood. The purpose of this is that whatever is "confessed" to them is kept in the strictest confidence. And if a confessing sinner needs a different way to assuage their guilt *cough* sex *cough*, a Sister must oblige. But hey, as First Sister she gets privileges, like only the ship captain can have their way with her. Their bodies do not belong to them at all, and it's so sad.

Right off the bat, we sympathize with First Sister. She is finally leaving the ship to live planetside with Captain Arturo, but her dreams are crushed when Arturo leaves without her and she is faced with a new captain, Saito Ren, to gain favour with so she can remain First Sister. Following her journey with Ren, the discoveries she makes about the Sisterhood and herself, they were probably the most interesting part of the book. It leaves a lot of ground to cover in the sequel that I know I will enjoy.

Lito val Lucius
Lito is a man adrift. He is one half of a pair of duelists, elite soldiers bonded by an implant chip that connects their emotions, suppresses pain, etc. Only, Lito's other half is missing after a devastating battle, and he's not too sure what to do with himself without Hiro. This of course only gets worse when he learns that Hiro is a traitor and he is tasked with assassinating both Hiro and the head of the Gaen religion.

I really liked Lito as a main character. Sometimes nothing makes a character more intriguing than their underdog story and what they will do to cling to the success they literally fought tooth and nail for. In Lito's case, he worked his ass off to rise out of the slums and an abusive family to give his sister a better life and find a new family with Hiro. His storyline delves into the possibility of rebellion, and while I didn't find it quite as interesting as First Sister's, I can't wait to see where it goes.

Hiro val Akira
Their tale unwound a little differently than the other two. As Lito is tasked with killing Hiro, we are often left wondering what the heck happened? As such, their story is told through a series of recordings sent to Lito. The recordings give us a lot of background information on their's and Lito's relationship and their upbringing with the military, as well as their childhood. Hiro certainly comes across as a spoiled brat in the beginning, having grown up with great wealth and a famous family, but there are some ghosts in the Akira family closet. The biggest plot twist absolutely belongs to them and how they disappeared. I have a few feelings about it that I don't quite know how to put into words, but please know I tripped while walking when it was revealed.

For as much as I enjoyed this, it did lack in some areas. I would have enjoyed seeing so much more of this world. Half of it is set on a space ship but we don't see space. It's a very limited sci-fi in terms of the scope of setting, and I found that somewhat disappointing. I also would have liked a little more clarity on the history of the opposing forces and the move from Earth. Perhaps it was because I read the audiobook, but I still feel quite foggy on which planets are "inhabited", who holds which planet, and what the deal is between each force and their antagonism with the other. It kept me at arms' length in a few respects and prevented me from fully appreciating it.

I stumbled upon this book by accident, but please know I will be getting my hands on the sequel the first chance I get.

The First Sister, first book in The First Sister Trilogy, a space opera following First Sister, a priestess of the Sisterhood, and Lito, an elite solider tasked with killing his old partner.

I heard such good things from early reviews of The First Sister, I absolutely jumped on this when I was able to request it. I needed more space opera in my life, and hearing that it had all sorts of diverse rep, I was was super intrigued. And for the most part, I did really enjoy the plot and the characters. They’re interesting, the story is engaging, so all in all, I should have loved this, but something about it just didn’t quite work for me.

I know that with how many other readers loved it, this is a me problem more than anything, but I think it was the writing. I found it slow, and just lacked something that I needed to really pull me fully into the story. As much as I pushed through it because I wanted to know more about the characters, the writing pulled me back out more often than not. The First Sister is a debut novel though, so I’m not willing to say it’s bad writing, or that I won’t continue with the series. I just think it felt a bit stilted, and also a bit younger than I expected for an adult novel, so the writing just didn’t suit me as the reader.

Knowing how interesting the story itself is though, I very much am looking forward to continuing with the series to see what happens next, and in hopes that the writing is more to my reading tastes. If you’re a fan of science fiction, space operas, or just looking for more diverse reads, especially own voices, The First Sister is still well worth checking out.

Stunning cover! So happy to finally see this on our shelves. I am always looking for diverse voices to recommend, especially for fantasy and sci-fi lovers. I wish the trilogy was already complete. More please!

This was absolutely phenomenal! Easily one of my favourite reads of the year so far. If you’re interested in a space opera with queer characters, look no further than this book.

I don’t delve often into sci-fi space novels, mostly because I often find them not living up to expectations: they’re usually shallow, lacking world-building and complexity.

But THIS. Was AMAZING. Lewis peels back the layers of the conceived societies, hinting at wars with possible androids, and exploring colonization across the four inner planets of our known system. The story never feels bogged down in exposition—things are explained at the proper moments, with just enough detail for readers to understand without feeling overwhelmed (or underwhelmed!).

And the characters! The relationships! There are two main characters narrating in the present-time of the story, First Sister and Lito. First Sister is a voiceless priestess who works as a companion aboard a warship for the soldiers, who dreams of a better life outside the Sisterhood. Lito is a legendary duelist who’s one half of an empathically-linked pair—whose partner’s betrayal ripped everything Lito fought for. Interspersed between these two narratives is the transcript of Lito’s partner, Hiro, who tries to explain their actions.

I truly adored everything about this book. It takes so many unexpected twists and breaks everything the characters thought they knew about their world. And the writing is gorgeous. The sequel is high on my must-read list for next year.

Rep: LGBTQ+, Latinx, Japanese

My Review: Solid Start, Messy Execution

The First Sister had a strong beginning and the middle was also interesting. The ending was where things got muddled for me.

The Pros: What worked for me

Every character was unique and well developed. Even the side characters were interesting! My favourite, by far, was First Sister, as her perspective was one of the most unique.
I loved the use of mixed media via transcripts of recordings
There was not a dull moment throughout the book; it was fast-paced and action-packed!
The author made the genre of space opera approachable by not overwhelming the reader with too many facts

The Cons: What I didn’t like

Some political details were confusing and could have been explained better. I struggled to understand how certain political decisions would affect different planets and races.
The ending was very rushed and unsatisfactory. It lacked the thoughtfulness that permeated throughout the book.The end revelation was so anti-climactic, with everyone just standing around. Also Lito had a PTSD episode and just … got over it? And the escape was just too easy! And what was with that last letter?!

Despite the negatives, I really enjoyed this novel. It had a great plot, intriguing characters, and good pacing. I’m definitely going to be reading it again, but I hope the author takes their time with the ending!

I tried to like read this one but I just had to quit it . It started off good but then for some reason I just lost interest in the book. Maybe I just not in the right mind to read a Sci-fi book right now.

Wow this book was a lot better then I expected. During the first half I did struggle to fully understand the world that Lewis build but by the half way point it all started to make sense. My personal favourite POV was definitely the First Sister’s but I also really enjoyed Hiro’s. Both were packed with powerful emotions which I could really empathize with.

This novel gives you a little bit of everything; action, space adventure, amazing fights, tragic romances and LGBTQ+ representation. I loved seeing full fledged out characters which went beyond their label. Hiro identifies as non-binary but the book went past putting him in a non-binary box. They are non-binary but they are so much more than that label. This transcends through all the characters and I loved that.

The last 20% of the book really pushed this to a 4 ⭐️read for me. The twists and turns that this book took me through I DID NOT see coming. It tied up everything so nicely while also leaving a lot to explore for it’s sequel.

I will definitely be picking up book number 2!

I loved this diverse read and see it as a prime example not only of the fantasy genre, but also of science fiction. What I enjoy most about this genre is that often the author is expressing a commentary on the society in which we live – and Lewis is no exception. She explores how a group of people are silenced – both a race, and a gender. In the case of women, their voices are literally taken away; in the case of the marginalised group their rights and ability to speak out are taken away from them by poverty and disempowerment. The author makes references to colonisation and hints at the injustices that it brought about.

In The First Sister, Lewis explores the power the use of technology brings to a group of people; as well as how this power is abused. Linked to this exploration is the corruption of power and how those in power use it to further their own ends. I suspect this exploration will continue in the next book of the series and be expanded even further. I look forward to seeing where Lewis will take this theme.

I enjoyed getting to know Lewis’ characters; and seeing the way in which they interact with one another. I see, too, the potential for their growth which will, I am sure, be expressed more in the following novels. I appreciate the fact that the characters embrace a diverse group of people giving the novel an added richness.

The action of the story ends nicely but the reader is left with some unanswered questions – questions which certainly encourage me to be on the lookout for the next novel in the series. I enjoyed the themes explored in The First Sister as well as the characters. The novel is expertly written and I found it difficult to put aside. If you enjoy fantasy and science fiction novels, this is a novel for you. In addition to reading about a futuristic world, you will also be encouraged to think on our social practices and what is done to silence large groups of people.

When you read a tag like “The Handmaid’s Tale meets Red Rising” expectations are quite high and immediately your guard is up to expect disappointment. I am happy to say that page after page my expectations were exceeded in every way.

I was immediately immersed in the First Sisters story and its quite clever that you never know her real name - and you didn’t even realize it! Her story from her meagre beginnings, working her way through the ranks of her sisters shown favouritism because of her beauty, only to be placed in her position to act as the Mothers pawn. When she’s given a mission that tears her emotionally her rage comes to the surface. Every twist in her story is a great surprise.

Then there’s poor Lito earning his way out of the slums via missions for his warlord, doing it all for the sake of his sister. A great duelist in his own right Lito is feeling lost without his partner Hiro who has disappeared, feared defective and working for the enemy. When Lito is given the mission to find and kill Hiro his emotions conflict as he has no choice but to expect. I Loved the relationship between him and Hiro, Hiro’s letters to Lito were very well written and believable, offering a second sight into a complicated friendship.

This could have been a very complicated book (sometimes it gets that way with outer space - since it’s infinite authors imaginations can run away with them) but the pace and information revealed was beautifully done.

The classic conundrum between doing what is right and doing what you are told is a major theme in this novel and written in a most addictive fashion. I can’t wait for the next instalment!

This. is. GORGEOUS. Absolutely epic. So fucking queer. I adored it.

I read a post by Linden A. Lewis explaining The First Sister's origins as a short story about the wartime love between a voiceless priestess and her spaceship captain. I am SO glad the author decided to write this story into a novel, because it's become so much more—something gorgeous in its multidimensionality.

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The First Sister takes place centuries into the future; Earth has been irreparably ravaged, sending humans into space. Two warring societies take centre stage: the religious Geans (colonizers of Earth and Mercury) and technologically superior Icarii (colonizers of Mars and Venus). Caught in the middle are the Asters, genetically modified humans comprising the lowest rungs of both societies, oppressed by Geans and Icarii alike.

First Sister is a voiceless Gean priestess who services soldiers aboard a prestigious warship, taking confessions and warming their beds. All she's wanted is a home, a family, to be her own person away from the Sisterhood—until she meets Saito Ren, the enigmatically untraditional captain who makes her question everything she's willing to sacrifice.

Lito val Lucius fought his way out of the slums to achieve legendary status as an Icarii duelist, one half of an empathically bonded pair. But this is all ripped away after his partner, Hiro, betrays them to the Geans—and now Lito must kill the person who was once everything to him. Except... what if Hiro was onto something bigger than both of them?

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Full disclosure: Sci-fi really isn't my genre. Space operas have never revved my engines. I've never even read The Handmaid's Tale in its entirety. So yeah—sometimes my attention did drift while reading The First Sister. Even so, I found myself utterly blown away by the epic, epic worldbuilding.

Linden A. Lewis's prose is gorgeous, and the universe they've created is lavish and extensive but never overwhelming. What's more, they've created a story that centres queerness, and interrogates themes of reclaiming autonomy—of body, mind, gender, and identity.

First Sister (who's bi!!) struggles to forge an identity and destiny apart from the machinations of the cruel Sisterhood. Lito must grapple with the devotion to his military that he's known all his life. And Hiro—

I freakin' adored Hiro. Of all the characters, they were hands down the most enthralling for me. Hiro is 100% enby badassery; they have rebelled all their life against their father's cruelty, at the cost of everything dear to them. I loved their blithe irreverence. The snarky comebacks always on the tip of their tongue. The distinctiveness of their voice in the chapters dedicated to them.

What left the greatest imprint on me was Hiro's resilience. The Icarii government seizes everything from Hiro—their body and emotions and gender—to mold them into a weapon against the Geans.

But they won't be weaponized. Neither will First Sister or Lito. And when the three finally come together, it marks the start of a cosmic revolution that will change everything.

I absolutely implore you to read their story.

What a harrowing take on a book about taking control of your body and life. The First Sister is a compelling and diverse science fiction novel that takes us through some thought-provoking ideas and some very disturbing scenes. The First Sister is not going to be for everyone. There are some content warnings throughout the whole books. The book is told through three POV’s which are First Sister, Lito and Hiro and told in consecutive order. I liked how the author wove these seemingly unconnected stories and people together, it was interesting to see. The world building, I believe could do some work; some things needed more explanation. I feel I should also bring up that in the synopsis it talks about romance but there really wasn’t any romance in the book and I find if you want to read it for that you will be disappointed. Besides from that everything about The First sister was exceptional. You really feel for the characters and the stuff they do and go through. Overall, The First Sister is an exceptionally written and thought-provoking science fiction read.

Normally in my reviews I try to balance what elements I thought were done well with those needing a bit of refinement. In the case of Linden A. Lewis’ THE FIRST SISTER, I can honestly say I have zero critiques. It’s like this book was made for me; I read it in a single sitting and laughed, cried, gasped, and nearly chucked my tablet at points. Sci-fi at its finest and a series I can’t wait to read more of.

The First Sister might also be for you if you enjoy:

*A complex organization of space priestesses reminiscent of The Handmaid’s Tale, with a nuanced woman who belongs to said organization as one of the POV characters
*Galactic dystopian societies embroiled in war and violence similar to the vibe of Red Rising
*Multiple LGBTQ protagonists, including a non-binary protagonist whose character doesn’t solely revolve around their gender expression
*Fast paced plotting with twists and turns that will leave you breathless
*Excellent worldbuilding with elements familiar to fans of the genre with their own unique, original flair
*Nuanced political factions within said amazing world with questions of moral culpability
*Drift compatibility a la Pacific Rim without the giant mechs
*Women who aren’t afraid to fight for what they want
*A tense, dark, disturbing mood as the stakes ratchet higher and higher
*Endings that resolve the novel while setting a beautiful stage for the next book in the series

(But here’s a secret: Even if the above list hasn’t sold you 100%, I still believe you should give The First Sister a read. Seriously. It’s that good.)