Thank you Macmillan for this book in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis:

535 AD. In the ancient kingdom of Dumnonia, King Cador’s children inherit a fragmented land abandoned by the Romans.

All three fear a life of confinement within the walls of the hold – a last bastion of strength against the invading Saxons. But change comes on the day ash falls from the sky, bringing Myrddhin, meddler and magician, and Tristan, a warrior whose secrets will tear the siblings apart. Riva, Keyne and Sinne must take fate into their own hands, or risk being tangled in a story they could never have imagined; one of treachery, love and ultimately, murder. It’s a story that will shape the destiny of Britain

Review:

Let’s face it, the cover should be convincing enough that you should read this book! Have you seen how glorious it is?!

This book was powerful. I wasn’t sure what I was expecting, but it certainly took me by surprise in so many ways. What took me most by surprise is that it is a feminist retelling of Celtic mythology.
We are in the mid-6^th kingdom of Dumononia where the Romans have retreated from the land, leaving King Cador and his people to suffer at the hands of the Saxons who are invading. This tale is told through the eyes of King Cador’s children: Riva, Kenye and Sinne. Though the siblings aren’t on the greatest of terms and drifted apart when a stranger enters their lives.

Sistersong is delivering you old school fantasy book vibes with the complexity of the story and characters that create a gripping and enticing tale, on the most part at least. It is great to see that fantasy books are going back to their old roots.

While Holland is a fantastic writer and the story was beautiful, the pacing of the book killed me. There were a few moments where I put it down and went onto something else because it was inconsistent with its built-up action and then chapters of dialogue. I didn’t hate it, but I thought it would have been a little more gripping.

Rating: 3.5/5

Publisher: Macmillan

ISBN: 9781529039030