This wonderfully written fantasy novel features a world set in ancient Brittania (King Codor’s Kingdom of Dumnonia) at a transformative time of change and challenges: British/Celtic pagan folklore (and its magical forces) is challenged by a new religion called Christianity, an aging King defends against an imposing Anglo-Saxon army, and his three daughters struggle with their places in a world that demands conformity, obedience, and confinement.

Quite naturally, the stage is set for rebellion on multiple levels - the author really excels in this area. Intrigue, manipulation, jealousy/envy, the ambitious quests for power are unleashed when outsiders arrive in the form of a meddling priest (Gildas), a powerful magician (Myrdhin), and a handsome heartthrob (Tristan).

As with most epic fantasies, this book contains all the components of political plotting/scheming, war and the ensuing big battle scenes, the role of religion (and the magical elements, sacrifices required to wield it), the pain of unrequited love, the price of ambition, heartbreak, the need to be true to oneself while seeking one’s destiny.

Recommended for fans of British/Celtic folklore, epic fantasies, family drama.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an opportunity to review.

In the words of Taylor Swift, this book was "sad, beautiful, tragic." I use this quote because I have no words myself except WOW. This ending broke me in the best way. Will be picking up more from Lucy Holland after this stunning addition to the mythology fantasy retellings I've been adoring so far. I can't get enough.

A unique and unexpectedly beautiful read. Really enjoyed this one and will definitely be buying a hard copy.

After a few days of thinking about it, my opinions have changed. This may not have had the best start but it was a solid story. The first 30% was very slow and boring. I didn't start connecting to any of the characters until near the end. It became truly interesting around 50%. I loved the gender representation through Keyne and Mori.. The parts involving magic are interesting and the author put thought into how it worked and why. Once things start going down it's worth the read but it was a dragging start.

Original:
This was a disappointment.. The first 30% was incredibly boring. I didn't care about any of the characters, they were all annoying in their own special way. After 50% is when all the things actually get interesting. I love the representation of gender identity through Keyne and Mori. The parts involving magic are great and interesting. Once things start going down I'm into it but unfortunately the beginning dragged it pretty far down. Just because this wasn't for me does not mean it isn't for you check it out if you think it might interest you. Just know it has a very slow start.

It took me a while to pick this book up and read it only because life seemed to get in the way, but this book is phenomenal. One of the best books I've read this year. I'd compare it to CIRCE meets THE LOST APOTHECARY and if you'd read either of those books, you know what high praise that is. It's an enchanting story with beautiful characters and an alluring world. I cannot recommend it enough.

I'd like to thank NetGalley for allowing me a chance to read this book.

Thanks to Juliet Mariller, I realized that as I began to read this book... I knew it as one of the tales she covered in the Sevenwaters series of books. However, from what I recalled, she didn't add a LGBTQ character. So it made me all the more interested to see what and who that character would be.

If you have never read Juliet Mariller's Sevenwaters series, you should. It's absolutely gorgeous and she does a bang-up job of retelling the tale. If you have, this will still come as a delight to you because the characters still have a distinctive and fulfilling arc.

The reason I rated this book a star less is that I think the world building was a bit lax. The threat of the Saxtons and Christianity coming forth and trying to take over the land was a bit downplayed. So when it came to those bits, I felt a little lost at what the true terror was.

I hate comparing two different authors and their handling of a tale, but this book is gorgeous and it does have really well done characters and fulfills the story of the three sisters. I just think that we lack any sort of fear or agency in this book to give it the pay off it needs.

I really wanted to love this book, and the trans rep was great and the non-binary rep was great, and the plot was interesting. But the prose was that kind of meandering overly descriptive prose that I struggle to engage with. I just every time I tried reading this book my mind would start wandering and I would realize I hadn't processed anything I had read in the last 5 min. So I fully suggest this book if you seek out rich, descriptive, kind of wandering prose, but if like me you prefer something direct and to the point this one may not be for you.

OMG can I just express how fabulous Lucy Holland is with writing! I am just getting into Greek Mythology based books and AHHHH I loved this!

If you are a fan of Signe Pike’s TLQ series then SISTERSONG needs to move to the top of your TBR stack. Both craft and put strong female protagonists front and center in a time in Scotland and the World where that wasn’t usually the case. They both involve a period where paganism and old worship of the natural land is colliding with new incoming Catholicism views sweeping into the land painting Merlin in conflict with the new priest. It’s also a savage violent era with warring parties amongst the clans, neighbors, and foreign enemy invaders — and when the people aren’t fighting for survival against human enemies they are still fighting daily battles against hunger, the elements of weather, and social status restrictions.

Where Lucy Holland pens her own mark and carves a separate path is by crafting a transgender protagonist in one of the king’s daughters. There is a distinct pronoun change as the book progresses along with Keane’s power of magic in control of the land and strength in battle. It was a unique, unexpected, and distinct twist in this genre style and historical period. However, there is also another shockingly jarring plot twist involving the ghastly fate of another of the king’s daughters (that I won’t detail due to spoilers) that for me at least was dreadfully off-putting and distressing but maybe perhaps wouldn’t bother others. Unfortunately, it was enough to tarnish the book’s shine for me, though I still contend it was very well written and engaging otherwise. I have a feeling there could be a sequel in the works and it will be be interesting to see where Holland takes the reader next In this kingdom’s journey.

I love a good retelling and this book did not disappoint!! The POVs were each distinct and interesting enough to keep me engrossed in the story. I would recommend this book for readers who like historical fiction, retelling, and mythology

It must be the year of retellings because this is the fifth one I’ve read in 2021. Despite the shared theme of retelling tales, each one has been wildly different, and Sistersong by Lucy Holland sings its own unique tune while expanding on a haunting folklore ballad.

Lucy Holland was inspired by a ballad titled “The Two Sisters,” which tells a story of a jealous girl who drowns her sister. The drowned sister is turned into a harp and sings of her sister’s crime to the king, who metes out punishment for the other girl. Holland used this ballad as a framework for Sistersong and added color to the tale of the two girls. But Holland also twisted the song to tell a different story, one where there were three siblings. Here is where the book sings a third note, which expands on the ballad to explain why a third sibling was struck from the song and history all together.

King Cador’s connection with the land granted him immense power as he ruled over the ancient kingdom of Dumnonia. However, when Christianity begins to spread, the King turns his back on gods and magic, and in turn, loses his connection with the land. As a result, the kingdom begins to experience longer winters, failing crops, and the threat of Saxons approaching their territory. Riva, Keyne, and Sinne as the King’s daughters begin to see the old ways clash with the new first hand and each discovers they may possess a magic of their own. The future of their kingdom will be determined by three young siblings, each called to a different path that will honor the old ways or usher in a new era.

Even though the ballad of the two sisters sets the stage for the book, Sistersong feels more like Keyne’s story. Keyne identifies as a man and his struggles in this pre-modern world led by kings is a force that drives the plot forward. He’s an amazing character and has a thoughtful, full-fledged arc. The other sisters had a part to play but their stories sound too quiet next to Keyne’s full melody. Riva and Sinne didn’t progress or shine in the way Keyne did, and their stories feel stagnant in comparison. Both certainly have hurdles of their own to overcome, but neither had progression and fell quickly to the background. They may have the starring role in “The Two Sisters” ballad, but I consider them supporting characters to Keyne’s larger story in the book.

Sistersong is a slow burn. Instead of ending with a big flashy conclusion, the story wraps up in a uniquely quiet way. It is a fitting end because the storytelling is soft and unassuming, like reading an account of events in a history book. There is an active plot and the characters are engaged, but it all seems to be happening at a distance. The story also doesn’t contain many surprises because the characters are black and white and very one-dimensional. It’s established early on whether a character will be good or bad and they stay within the lines of that role throughout the entire story. Tristan is the one character that is painted with shades of grey but does little to earn that reputation. From the moment you meet him, Tristan is sketchy and the benefit of the doubt never appears so every word and action just further cements his character. Overall the book has a mellow, straightforward air about it and at times seemed like a slice of life following three children in ancient Britain.

Sistersong marched to a different beat than I’m used to, and while I was ready to charge ahead, others may enjoy this change of pace. Holland did a fabulous job bringing the ballad to life, managing to make the story her own while also bringing in bigger themes of identity with Keyne. This is particularly impressive given how little source material there is to work with, which speaks greatly of Holland’s imagination and creativity. That being said, this story was very much not for me, but I suspect many will feel differently. Sistersong is simple but written well and I have no doubt it will be the perfect ballad for someone out there.

Rating: Sistersong - 6.0/10

This was a beautiful and bittersweet story. While I was not familiar with the song/myth of the Twa Sisters, reading this book made me want to research it. I realize that I really enjoy historical fantasy; I love when really old tales/myths/folklore are reimagined. I also really loved the ways in which the story differs from the ballad, and the additions that the author made. The ballad was really only one part of the story, but there was so much more. While I thought the beginning was a little slow and I had a hard time immersing myself in the world, about half way through I started to get really invested in it, and I had trouble putting it down.

I loved Sistersong so much! Following the three children of a king in early Britain, this book retells the ballad of the Twa Sisters. Riva, Keyne, and Sinne are sisters who remain incredibly close while following very different paths. Keyne was my favorite, as she battles to be seen as the king’s son and explores gender identity. I also liked Riva and her desire to be loved and seen as more than a girl with a disfigured hand. Sinne seemed a little silly and childish to me, although she is the youngest of the sisters. I really loved this book and I’m definitely going to read Holland’s next novel.

This follows three sisters that are the daughters of a king. Their father has always protected his people and lands with his magic. But with the rise of Christianity, the magic is dying.
The sisters know they must return to the old ways or all will be lost. Especially with the Saxons on the horizon.

I loved the folklore. I loved the characters, and I loved the magic.

☆☆☆☆ /5
(english review below)

Une lecture poétique, touchante qui met en scène trois frères et soeurs essayant de trouver leur propre voie dans un monde et une société difficiles.
¤
Le cœur de ma sœur s'est brisé sur la rivière—et la rivière l'a emporté et l'a emporté.

Dans l'ancien royaume de Dumnonie, la magie ancienne se trouve dans le murmure du vent, les racines des arbres et la courbure de l'herbe. Le roi Cador le savait autrefois, mais maintenant la terre s'est détournée de lui, appelant à la place ses trois enfants. Riva peut guérir les autres, mais ne semble pas pouvoir guérir ses propres cicatrices. Keyne se bat pour être accepté pour qui il est vraiment : le fils du roi. Et Sinne rêve de voir le monde, de trouver l'aventure.
Tous trois craignent une vie de confinement dans les murs de la cale, dernier bastion de force de leur peuple contre les envahisseurs saxons. Cependant, le changement survient le jour où les cendres tombent du ciel. Il amène avec lui Myrdhin, ingurgiste et magicien. Et Tristan, un guerrier dont les secrets vont les déchirer.
Riva, Keyne et Sinne, trois frères et sœurs empêtrés dans un réseau de trahison et de chagrin, qui doivent se battre pour tracer leur propre chemin.
Leur histoire façonnera le destin de la Grande-Bretagne.
¤
Ce roman m’a beaucoup touché par les liens uniques et forts décrits entre nos 3 protagonistes. Riva, Keyne et Sinne sont des personnages que j’ai adoré découvrir. Ils m’ont tous marqués par leurs différences et par leur affection les uns pour les autres. Chacun des membres de cette fratrie cherche à trouver sa propre voie, à s’affirmer et à trouver sa place dans le monde, malgré le contexte de conflit dans lequel se déroule l’histoire. J’ai eu l’impression de grandir en même temps que nos 3 personnages au fur et à mesure qu’ils évoluaient et apprenaient à maîtriser leurs pouvoirs.
En parlant de leurs pouvoirs, j’ai beaucoup aimé la présence et la manifestation de ceux-ci dans un contexte qui est pourtant très terre-à-terre. En effet, le récit nous plonge dans le passé, à l’époque où la Grande Bretagne connaît beaucoup de conflits, dû à la transition du paganisme vers le christianisme dans le monde.
Ainsi, entre religions, guerre et magie, l’autrice m’a complètement emportée dans la quête de soi que vont entreprendre nos protagonistes et dans le renforcement des relations familiaux au sein des descendants du Roi Cador.

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ENGLISH REVIEW:

A poetic, touching reading that features three brothers and sisters trying to find their own way in a difficult world and society.
¤
My sister’s heart broke on the river—and the river took it and bore it away.

In the ancient kingdom of Dumnonia, there is old magic to be found in the whisper of the wind, the roots of the trees, and the curl of the grass. King Cador knew this once, but now the land has turned from him, calling instead to his three children. Riva can cure others, but can’t seem to heal her own deep scars. Keyne battles to be accepted for who he truly is—the king’s son. And Sinne dreams of seeing the world, of finding adventure.
All three fear a life of confinement within the walls of the hold, their people’s last bastion of strength against the invading Saxons. However, change comes on the day ash falls from the sky. It brings with it Myrdhin, meddler and magician. And Tristan, a warrior whose secrets will tear them apart.
Riva, Keyne and Sinne—three siblings entangled in a web of treachery and heartbreak, who must fight to forge their own paths.
Their story will shape the destiny of Britain.
¤
This book touched me a lot because of the unique and strong links described between our 3 protagonists. Riva, Keyne and Sinne are characters that I loved discovering. They all impressed me with their differences and their affection for each other. Each member of this sibling seeks to find their own way, to assert themselves and to find their place in the world, despite the context of conflict in which the story unfolds. I felt like growing up along with our 3 characters as they evolved and learned to harness their powers.
Speaking of their powers, I really liked the presence and manifestation of them in a context that is however very down to earth. Indeed, the story takes us back in time to a time when Britain was experiencing a lot of conflict due to the transition from paganism to Christianity around the world.
So, between religions, war and magic, the author took me completely in the quest for self that our protagonists will undertake and in the strengthening of family relations among the descendants of King Cador.

3.5 stars - Well, this book took me on a wild ride. The beginning portion of the novel is perfectly atmospheric. I loved how well readers are placed into the world of the novel. Being a retelling of the Twa Sisters, this was a story I was not aware of at all, so I had no expectations as to where this would go. I loved the conflict between the old gods of Britain and the new Roman religion sweeping the nation (let's give it up for Catholicism baby) that is ruining the magic of the land and making the kingdom weaker. I am a sucker for that kind of plot and worldbuilding so you know my ass was here for it - and I did really enjoy this aspect (especially when it looked at whether or not Father Gildas was using the magic of the land or the Lord's will). I also really loved the rising conflict between the siblings and how they all shaped to play a different role in the fall and rise of their kingdoms. However, I think the ending was a little rushed and unrealistic in my opinion and brought the whole novel down for me. (Maybe this a me thing, but Tristan, this man, infiltrated the kingdom with the goal to take it down from the inside, was in cahoots with the king's daughter and then gave it up for LOVE? Call me a cynic, but like.... come on). Regardless, I still found this to be a great book, and if you like more bittersweet endings, I would pick this one up.

Weird. Intriguing. Dark. I’m not exactly sure how to describe this book. It certainly was interesting.

I know this is based on an old myth but I haven’t been able to find the original story that inspired this book, and that’s too bad because it’s an interesting story. Set at a time when the old pagan ways of life in Britain are on the way out, inexorably bending to the influence of christianity and the domination of non-pagan tribes. Riva, Keyne and Sinne though are still tied to the magic of the land and they will need their magic to live through a coming war.

The book is well written, and while it has a slow start you quickly become invested in the sisters stories. Let me tell you though, the story takes a seriously dark turn about 3/4 through that was simply stunning. It was completely unexpected but still fit in perfectly with the arc of the story line.

Another plus is the inclusion of more than one LGBTQ character, including two transgender people. I’m always happy to see this kind of representation.

If you are a fan of arthurian type legend, sister stories, magic, druids and such you will enjoy this book. The story has weight and meaning and is a good read besides.

Initial Thoughts
This book wasn’t on my radar before the publisher reached out and asked me if I’d like to read it. But, when I saw the description, it sounded right up my alley.

Some Things I Liked
Multiple POVs. I enjoyed reading from all the different POVs in this story. The secrets and lies were woven together in a very interesting way and the drama was only amplified by the switching perspectives.
Historical fantasy elements. This book opens with a sequence about magic but the story is not heavily focused in magic. I liked that it was mostly a historically accurate tale but it had themes of magic woven throughout.
Progressive and feminist. I also loved that this story was centered around the children of the King and the people that they wanted to be. Their actions might not have been tolerated at the time but I enjoyed suspending my disbelief and reading how their characters progressed through the story.

One Thing I Wasn’t Crazy About
I actually put this book down for about 3 weeks. It hit a dull patch in the middle and I wasn’t sure if I was going to pick it up again any time soon.

Series Value
This is a standalone. The end note really solidified that point. But, I’d be interested to read more from this author.

Final Thoughts
This book was a bit out of my comfort zone. It was more of a thinking book than a fantasy or romance story and I liked that it left me still considering the themes and characters long after I put it down.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Based on the Twa Sister Ballad, Sistersong by Lucy Holland is an achingly beautiful and magical tale of familial love, jealousy, and betrayal.

The story is set in the kingdom of Dumnonia during a tumultuous time. Britain is beginning to convert to Christianity, Saxons are trying to conquer them, and the magic is dying from the land.

We see this all viewed through the alternating perspectives of the king’s children.

While most of the characters in this story are compelling and complex, I do wish the priest—as one of the central antagonists—had been fleshed out more. He's presented more as a pagan-hating caricature, which I feel was a missed opportunity. I wished the author had written a more fascinatingly conflicted character who’s questioning their faith in the presence of magic (i.e. Konstantin from The Bear and the Nightingale).

Overall though, this is a heart-wrenching and haunting tale that breathes life to a unsung story.

I tried and tried... I just couldn't get into this book. I read 80% and gave up. I had a hard time connecting with the characters. I felt emotionally removed from them. The plot was a slow burn which would have been ok if I had been able to care about the characters. My favorite plot point and the most interesting conflict was that between Riva and Tristan. I was curious to know what his deception was all about. The king and queen seemed like caricatures. Perhaps this was just a case of the wrong book at the wrong time, but I really never connected with this book.