Member Reviews
Savage Sisters is the first title in a terrific action-packed gangland thriller series by Heather Atkinson.
Jane, Carly and Rose Savage learnt at a very young age to stand on their own feet. With their mother having died much too young and a bedridden father who was too ill to work, the three sisters had to fight for everything they had in order to survive on the rough streets of Glasgow’s Haghill. The family’s flat was always their sanctuary and their fortress, but when Carly’s former boyfriend Cole Alexander is released from prison, trouble quickly comes knocking at their door.
The Savages and the Alexanders have always been at loggerheads and with the sisters now in the eye of the storm, they realise they need help, so they call their uncle Eddie and his two sons, Harry and Dean. When a turf war breaks out, the Savage sisters find themselves at a crossroads: either to stick to the straight and narrow or else go over to the dark side. With Jane’s former girl gang also making trouble for the sisters, the three siblings vow to do whatever it takes not to go under because there is far too much at a stake and the Savage Sisters never back down. They will win this war and they will fight tooth and nail to reign supreme because there is no one more dangerous than a Savage sister.
Heather Atkinson’s Savage Sisters packs plenty of punch. A nail-biting, nerve-twisting and fast-paced chiller that reminded me of Lynda La Plante’s classic Widows series, Savage Sisters is an exciting and unpredictable tale about deadly sacrifices, ruthless ambition and twisted and toxic relationships that is dark, gritty and twisted.
An excellent start to an addictive new series, Heather Atkinson’s enjoyable new novel Savage Sisters is a must-read for fans of the genre.
Fantastic book. First book I've read by this author. Well written andgreat characters, Really gritty with a level of violence. I loved the family aspect of staying together and thesense of community. Betrayal at its best. Can't wait for the next in series.
Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for an arc in exchange for an honest opinion
Another great read from Heather Atkinson. Loved the girls relationship. The setting is grim and just perfect for this gritty tale.
Savage by name, savage by nature; A brutal, dangerous, edge of your seat gangland thriller which I just loved!
The main characters are extremely likeable, particularly Carly. I can't be the only one who found the family romance within the book particularly odd though?! Although I understand it fit in with the storyline and is not legally classed as incest in the UK, it made me cringe slightly.
An excellent book from Heather Atkinson and I'll be starting the follow up right away!
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review 📖
This is the first book in a new gangland crime thriller based in Glasgow. The Savage Sisters, Carly, Rose and Jane live in Glasgow with their bedridden father. Trouble is brewing for them when the ex boyfriend of Carly. Cole Alexander is released from prison . Feeling fearful and knowing their father won’t be able to help as he is suffering from Parkinson’s they contact their Uncle Eddie who arrives with his two sons to protect the girls and their father. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it was a good fast paced read. I grew very fond of the Savage sisters as I progressed through the story and look forward to reading book 2.
This book was incredible and I absolutely adore the Savage family.
It's giving me dividing line vibes but with fresh blood.
The savage family appear to be a normal family but they are definitely savage by name, savage by nature!
Savage Sisters is the first in the series of the same title and if you love books by Kimberley Chambers, Jessie Keane and Jacqui Rose, you are bound to love this book too.
The story follows Jane, Carly and Rose, three sisters living in Glasgow struggling to get by as they are looking after their father who is very ill. Being in an area run by a local family and a local girl gang called The Bitches life is not easy and when Carly's ex-boyfriend gets out of prison things take a turn for the worst,
Despite all of the obstacles thrown at them the Savage sisters stick together and surprise more than a few people. This was a great story full of angst, action and family relationships that will make your family feel like The Waltons no doubt! I highly recommend this book and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series already.
A brilliantly enjoyable novel, one that will keep the reader entertained and hooked from the start.
The characters are good, the descriptive nature is spot on, the story flows effortlessly and leaves the reader with a sense of immense satisfaction.
There has to be a follow up! PLEASE!
Disclaimer: I was gifted a copy of this book via netgalley and in exchange I'm leaving an honest review. All opinions my own.
Starting with what I liked:
The pacing was easy to follow.
The closeness of the Savages. Loyalty and the like.
I like the main character Carly.
I like the portrayal of the rivalry between the Alexanders and the Savages. And the fight scenes especially towards the end.
I did not like the incest between her and Dean. It was Lowkey triggering bc why tf--they're cousins. Also the fact that no one cared about it was so weird??? Why???
Also I know it's set in haghill or whatever but the dialogue was kind of confusing. Reading accents is hard I guess.
Three young sisters and their invalid father.
When one of the sisters Carly whose boyfriend Cole Alexander comes to the house after being released from prison, trouble follows. The sisters and their dad have a long dislike for the Alexanders and tempers are starting to fray.
The girl's dad, who was once a respected villain is now so weak he cannot look after his girls so his brother Eddie and two meaty sons Harry and Dean arrive to protect them all.
Set in Haghill Scotland this book has all of the grit of a gangland thriller and it twists and turns to keep you guessing what will come next.
Brute and violence are the name of the game with this book and if you're a true lover of gangland life this book is for you.
"Savage Sisters" is an interesting thriller that keeps you in suspense until the last page. I liked the fight scenes between the two families. Gangs rule here. Who will win and who will lose? You will find out by reading this book. It was worth staying up all night for such an emotional story.
Here I met three brave girls from the Savage family: Jane, Carly and Rose. All three have been through hell. Six years ago, their beloved mother died of cancer. They were 15, 13 and 10 at the time. Their father, Alec, had to take care of his daughters and take care of everything at the same time. A year after the death of his wife, he began to feel bad. After being diagnosed, it turned out that he had Parkinson's. It was a shock to the whole family because Alec was only 47 years old. Our heroes had to take care of everything. Their father's illness progressed rapidly, and 5 years later he was a shadow of himself. Jane works full time. She is currently 21 years old. Carly works part-time at a bar. She's 19. All household chores rested on her shoulders. She feeds her father. Rose is 16 and still goes to school. She is the sunshine of the whole family.
I was cheering for the girls. I was very proud of them. Despite the tragedy that befell them, they coped. Everything would be fine if the ex-boyfriend of one of them hadn't come out of prison. From then on, their world will start to crumble. Literally, their lives will be in danger. Their Uncle Eddie and his sons will have to step in. Real hell will break loose. Will the Savage family defeat the Alexander family? Will it be the other way around?
After answering, I refer you to this book.
What will you get by reading this book? An interesting plot, fast-paced action and brave girls.
I'm happy with the ending. I quietly hope that in some time there will be another part of the adventures of the Savage family.
I recommend.
Jane, Carly and Rose are the daughters of Alec Savage, a hard man from Glasgow now struck down with Parkinson's. Jane has relinquished control of the Bitches gang to care for her family and Carly has been dumped by her prisoner boyfriend Cole while Rose is still at school. Now Cole is out of prison and his loyalties are divided...
Savage Sisters is a gritty gangland thriller.
Cole Alexander has just been released from prison and is keen to reignite his relationship with Carly Savage but their families are feuding. There are plenty of twists as Carly struggles to decide who she can trust, has to adapt to chaging relationships, and there are twists right up until the final page.
Carly and her sisters have an emotional side as they cope with their father's illness. They are devoted daughters and easy to like despite their violent side. Carly has mixed emotions about Cole's release from prison and the arrival of her uncle and cousins. She wonders who she can trust, and as readers, we aren't sure either which adds to the tension and anticipation.
There is plenty of swearing and violence as you would expect from this genre of book. The characters revel in violence but the one torture scene is not particularly graphic as it focusses on Carly and Dean's emotional reaction to it. The book is written in the third person throughout so we see various perspectives to understand various viewpoints and gain a greater knowledge of a range of characters.
Savage Sisters is very entertaining but not for the faint hearted.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I devoured this book in just over a day, which goes to prove how much I loved it. I went to sleep thinking about it and woke up desperate to start it again. I was captivated by both the characters and the storyline, and the ending was satisfying but still left me wanting more, perfect for the first book in a series.
I have read a lot of gangland books but only have a select few authors on my auto buy list, and this book has put Heather Atkinson on that list. Her writing is perfect for the genre and so easy to read and follow.
Thoroughly enjoyed my time reading Savage Sisters and can not wait for the next book in the series.
(Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the EARC in exchange for an honest review.)
As always I absolutely devoured this book. Heather Atkinson is an exceptional writer. She delivers a story line which keeps you entertained the whole way through a book. This author has written some outstanding books and this one is no exception.
Savage Sisters introduces us to Jane, Carly and Rose Savage. 3 sisters that have not had an easy upbringing. They take us on a journey through their day to day lives of survival.
Deceit, betrayal, loyalty, family. Feuds, fights, this book has it all and more. The girls live with their father Alec who suffers from Parkinson’s disease. They do all they can to look after him. They have a true family bond and god help anyone who wants to get in the way of that.
Learning of new characters is exciting, I can see these characters being around for a good while, growing with each and every book. I can't wait to continue on their journey with them.
A superb story line that has you gripped from the start and spits you back out at the end, I expected nothing less from Heather Atkinson, If you have not read any of this authors work then please do so. If you love a good gangland crime thriller then you won't go wrong with this authors works. I can't wait to read more of this series.
These books are always deserving of the 5 starts given.
Atkinson is a queen of Gangland crime. Jane, Carly and Rose are strong characters who I have loved. This is full of suspense with some questionable characters thrown in.
As always, this is perfectly paced and completely unputdownable. I have been caught up in this, intrigued to find out if the sisters would be destroyed.
This is thrilling and full of action. We have some violence in this trip to the dark side but I have loved it.
Atkinson gets better and better with every book and I have no hesitation in recommending this one.
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Savage Sisters' by Heather Atkinson.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Heather Atkinson, Boldwood Books, Book And Tonic and Rachel's Random Resources Tours.
Publication date 18th May 2023
This is the first book I have read by this author. It is also the first book in this series.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching and colourful cover and its intriguing synopsis. The synopsis stated that 'Bestseller Heather Atkinson is back with a brand-new series, perfect for fans of Kimberley Chambers and Jessie Keane'. I am a huge fan of Kimberly's books so am interested to see if it will live up to this statement. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Boldwood. I have yet to read a book published by Boldwood that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 29 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short to medium to long in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Glasgow, Scotland 🏴, UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture.
This book is written in third person perspective with the main protagonists being Carly Savage, Jane Savage and Rose Savage. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions and the perfect atmosphere for the storyline. The synopsis and cover work perfectly with the book cover. I am always wary about trying a new author out but was definitely not disappointed.
The book is gripping and addictive from the very first page until the last. I was absolutely hooked throughout with the suspense and tension filled plot. I enjoyed delving into the underworld and getting to learn about the Savage Sisters, the underworld and all the other gangs. The storyline was intricately woven with so many sub plots that kept me completely engaged throughout. This is the first book in what promises to be an absolutely explosive series! Heather's excellent and evocative writing skills ensures your imagination pictures everything going on. It is filled with laughter, love, crime, loss, shocks, twists and one hell of an explosive ending!!! What an absolute cliffhanger to end on with not just one shocker but many massive bombshells/cliffhangers!!! I was absolutely on the edge of my seat, biting my nails with a pounding heart throughout this absolutely gripping and addictive book!!! It is heart racing and nail biting and OMG the emotions I was going through!! I screamed, shouted, cried, my nails are bitten down so there's nothing left and I have been on the edge of my seat constantly. The ending just completely left me mind blown and I am ABSOLUTELY dreading and yet excited for and unable to wait for the next book which I just know is going to be another absolute explosive bombshell! Teasing you much? What are you waiting for grab your copy today. Carly 19 years old), Jane (21 years old) and Rose (16 years old) Savage live together in the Haghill district of Glasgow where they have had to learn to look after themselves, each other and their father who suffers with Parkinson's disease after their mum died 6 years ago. Jane works in a call centre, Carly works in a pub and Rose is at school. Life is tough and money is tight but it gets alot harder. Carly's ex boyfriend Cole Alexander has been released from prison and him and his brothers Ross and Dominic try to take the Savage sisters down. The Savage sisters get in touch with with their uncle Eddie who moves into the area with his sons Dean and Harry to protect the sisters. However, unknown to Eddie Jane was previously a leader in the gang Unbeatable B1tch3$ and can protect herself and her sisters. However, can the Savages beat Cole and his brothers or have they met their match?? Who can be trusted? An absolutely addictive, gritty, addictive and action packed page turner that I just could not put down and ended up devouring in one sitting!!! I cannot wait for the next book in this promising new series!!!
It is always worrying when starting a new series as you have no idea who the characters are. It is very important for me to bond with not only the lead protagonists but also any characters that may make repeat appearances during the series too.
I really enjoyed meeting the Savage family as well as the other characters. These girls, especially Jane are definitely a force to be reckoned with and who doesn't love strong kick @ss females in the world!! I absolutely loved getting to know each and every one of the characters who Heather really brought to life. There was a lot of character development throughout the book and Heather does a fantastic job building up their personalities from the first page to the last. I became completely invested in the Savage Sisters and I cannot wait to jump back into their world in the next book in this fantastic series!! It wasn't just the girls that caught my interest but several other of the characters such as the pub landlord Derek who made me laugh with his tiny bladder and many admirers, Eddie, Ross, Dominic and many others who I am looking forward to getting to know more about and meeting again and hopefully very soon!! Every single character was strong and had their own unique personalities and each definitely left an impression on me. Regardless of whether you love them or hate them they all play their parts perfectly to make this the gripping addictive thriller it is!!
I am looking forward to reading more of Heather's books and it would be intriguing to see them turned into movies. Heather, congratulations, you have hit my top author list!!!
Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read the first chapter of Heather's 'Blood Brothers' which promises to be just as addictive as this book and is one I'm definitely looking forward to reading myself!!
Overall a fast paced, page turning, gripping and addictive adventure from the Glasgow gangland!
Genres covered in this novel include Thriller, International Mystery & Crime, Hard-Boiled Mysteries, Urban Fiction, Crime Thriller, Organised Crime, Mystery, Psychological Fiction, Gangland Crime, Fiction Urban Life, Crime, Thriller & Mystery Adventure, Mashup Fiction, Noir Fiction and Crime Thriller amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Martina Cole, Jessie Keane, Emma Tallon, Kimberley Chambers and anyone who enjoys reading an unputdownable and explosive page turner about crime from the dark side..
354 pages.
This book is just £2.09 to purchase on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £9.66 in paperback via Amazon at time of review which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
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Author Bio –
Heather Atkinson is the author of over fifty books – predominantly in the crime fiction genre. Although Lancashire born and bred she now lives with her family, including twin teenage daughters, on the beautiful west coast of Scotland. Her gangland series for Boldwood, set on the fictional Gallowburn estate in Glasgow begins with the title Blood Brothers.
Review –
The novel follows two sisters, Carly and Jane Savage, as they navigate the tough streets of Glasgow and deal with the rekindled tension between their family and the Alexanders, sparked by Carly’s ex-boyfriend’s release from prison.
Heather Atkinson’s addictive writing style is praised for gripping readers with unexpected plot twists from beginning to end. And that is especially true for this book. Atkinson’s storytelling is on display in this fast-paced novel with complex characters, an unpredictable plot, and a tense atmosphere. It will make you laugh, gasp, and even shed a tear.
This is a must-read for fans of gritty urban crime fiction. Heather Atkinson’s captivating narrative is full of twists and excitement, keeping you hooked and wanting more. Highly recommended.
It’s back to Glasgow for a brand-new series, this time set in the Haghill area in the east end of the city where three sisters, Jane 21, Carly 19 and Rose Savage 16 share a flat and the care of their father Alec who suffers from Parkinson’s disease, since their mother died 6 years ago. It’s tough, Jane works in a call centre, Rose is at school and Carly does shifts in a pub, and there’s never enough money at the end of the day but family always comes first. The love of Carly’s life had been Cole Alexander until he foolishly got involved in a robbery with his oldest brother Ross, and ended up in the infamous Barlinnie prison where he cruelly dumped Carly. Now a free man, he tells Carly he has turned over a new leaf but has he changed for the better? Ross and their other brother Dominic are determined to keep the couple apart and teaming up with the vicious girl gang that Jane used to lead, now headed by the nasty Emma Wilkinson, they start to threaten the Savage family. Alec’s estranged brother, Uncle Eddie and his two hardmen sons Dean and Harry come to the family’s aid but amidst rumours of Eddie’s armed robbery and drug dealing history, do they have an ulterior motive for moving into the area? There’s a war coming and the Savages, wondering just who can be trusted, will all have to return to do what they do best – fighting for their family.
There is lots of action and gritty language as might be expected, but still also some humour and light-hearted moments, and I loved the character of pub landlord Derek, with his tea-bag sized bladder fending off the amorous advances of some of his older female customers. Like all the other books I have read by this author, once again it was highly enjoyable, not horrific or purely out to shock like a lot of gangland stories, but down to earth and just as much about love, life and loyalty. It gives a great introduction to these very likeable main characters including some fiery young women who show they can clearly hold their own in a rough world and I am very much looking forward to another instalment in this series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Oh my god people if you haven't read this, do so NOW!
Heather Atkinson is one of those authors who just does not disappoint. This book is AMAZING! It starts off good literally first couple of pages had me hooked. Around the middle it's great and by the end it's caught you by the throat and shaken you alive 😲 absolutely blows your socks off and if Heather continues on this track, we'll have another Dividing Line series happening.
Heather, get writing woman we want more 😊
The start of a exciting and addictive gangland thriller series that you don't want to miss! There is not a single bad thing I could say about this book. I loved it from the first page to the last. The three Savage sister's haven't had it easy but they look after each other and stick together. Life is going to become more complicated for them with the Alexanders and Jane Savages old gang. One thing is certain you never mess with a Savage.I loved how the author created a tense atmosphere and you can't predict what will happen next. I actually really liked and admired the Savage sister's. It gets gritty and dark at times which made me cringe but I loved it. The best book of 2023 so far! I am now going to be impatiently waiting for the next book in this gripping series.