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Thanks to NetGalley and Ace for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: April 4th, 2017
432 Pages
Synopsis: I was born for killing–the gods made me to ruin.
At the Convent of Sweet Mercy young girls are raised to be killers. In a few the old bloods show, gifting talents rarely seen since the tribes beached their ships on Abeth. Sweet Mercy hones its novices’ skills to deadly effect: it takes ten years to educate a Red Sister in the ways of blade and fist.
But even the mistresses of sword and shadow don’t truly understand what they have purchased when Nona Grey is brought to their halls as a bloodstained child of eight, falsely accused of murder: guilty of worse.
Stolen from the shadow of the noose, Nona is sought by powerful enemies, and for good reason. Despite the security and isolation of the convent her secret and violent past will find her out. Beneath a dying sun that shines upon a crumbling empire, Nona Grey must come to terms with her demons and learn to become a deadly assassin if she is to survive…
It is important, when killing a nun, to ensure that you bring an army of sufficient size. For sister Thorn of the Sweet Mercy Covenant, Lano Tacsis brought two hundred men.
And with that beginning I knew I was going to be in for one heck of a ride! Red Sister is the first book I’ve read by Mark Lawrence, which has left me questioning “Why?” The main character, Nona immediately grabbed my heart right from the beginning as she’s waiting to be executed for murder. Once she’s rescued and brought to the convent, she begins training to be a holy and deadly warrior. The nunnery is somewhat similar to those seen in other fantasy series such as The Kingkiller Chronicles, and even Harry Potter. It also was slightly reminiscent of Nevernight, by Jay Kristoff. There’s that connecting theme to all of them that have the main character possibly being a “chosen one” being sent off to some form of boarding school with tough teachers, and bullies, yet also features close friendships being formed. In this book though, this theme takes on a far more darker and sinister tone. The style of writing is evocative and almost lyrical, which further sets it apart from other fantasies. Everything in Red Sister, from the world-building, the magic system, and even the characters themselves, takes the reader on a journey quite unlike any other. I was a little confused in the beginning as far as the way Lawrence’s world actually works, but I wonder now if this was done purposefully. As I kept reading, it seemed as though I was learning alongside Nona. The ending completely blew me away and it’s left me anxiously waiting for the next book. I do need to bring up the absolute brutality in this book, particularly as it relates to children. This complex world that the author has created is unapologetically bloody and violent. The first chapter has the line:
No child truly believes they’re going to be hanged.
I knew right then there were going to be some stomach-churning moments and I was right. So just beware, particularly if you cringe at violence being directed toward young ones. Otherwise I cannot recommend this highly enough to fans of fantasy. I guarantee that from the very first page you won’t be able to tear yourself away until the end which will leave you gasping!
KrystiYAandWine said:
Wow! That line is incredible! I’m hooked just reading that alone. Thanks for sharing, Kim!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Krysti, you seriously need to read this!😊
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KrystiYAandWine said:
It sounds awesome. Totally adding it to the TBR pile!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
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Drew @ TheTattooedBookGeek said:
Yes! Glad I’m not the only one who thought it reminded me of The Kingkiller chronicles and Nevernight! It truly is an outstanding book, his best and most accessible yet, such a great read. 😀
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I really need to go read his other books now because I’m completely hooked!💁🏻
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TeacherofYA said:
Do you think someone like me, who mainly reads YA,
would like it? I’ve seen rave reviews everywhere but was wondering if I should give it a go myself…🤔
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Absolutely!
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TeacherofYA said:
Good! Then I’ll add it! Thank you!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Awesome! Will you let me know what you think once you’ve read it?💁🏻
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TeacherofYA said:
You got it! 😉
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
😊
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ignitedmoth said:
Omg fantastic review! This book sounds so good. Your review makes me want to read it even more now! 😀 Love the quotes from the book you included.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yay! Thank you sooo much! I’m a Mark Lawrence newbie, but I’m definitely catching up with his other books while Im waiting for the second book in this series. I hope you love Red Sister as much as I did!😊
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ignitedmoth said:
I will be a Mark Lawrence newbie too once I read one of his books, so you’re one step ahead of me! 😉
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
*Fist Bump!*
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toomuchofabooknerd said:
Wowwww, this is one of my most anticipated releases this April and your review left me gaping! I’m so excited to get my hands on this now!!! 😀
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank you so much! I hope you love it as much as I did!😊
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BrizzleLass said:
The UK publisher has just approved me for this and I can’t wait I’ve heard nothing but praise from your side of the pond!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Awesome! I hope you love it!💁🏻
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theorangutanlibrarian said:
Ah awesome review!! I loved this book- so glad you did too!!! 😀
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks! I need the next one NOWWWWW!😁
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theorangutanlibrarian said:
You’re welcome!! Me too!! 😀
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Books, Vertigo and Tea said:
Fabulous review of what has certainly been one of my favorite reads since I began my blog! I appreciate that you address the violence. Lawrence has created something wonderful with Nona. I cannot wait to see where this series goes!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank you so much Danielle! There were definitely some scenes that made me cringe, so I thought I’d better warn people.🤗
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faithrivens said:
Wonderful review! I am looking forward to this book. Love me some fantasy 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Faith! I’d love to know what you think once you read it.💁🏻
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cupcakesandmachetes said:
I can’t wait to read this! Love Mark Lawrence.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Since you’re already a fan I think I can guarantee you’re going to love this! I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to pick up one of his books!💁🏻
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cupcakesandmachetes said:
I’m very into grimdarks so I fell in love with the Broken Empire series. (I still need to read The Red Queen’s War trilogy as well.)
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Trang (Bookidote) said:
Im so happy to read that you like this 😍😍 Lashaan is reading it live and I can’t wait to start reading it too 😀
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
That’s awesome Trang! I’d love to know what the both of you think of it!💁🏻
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vinnieh said:
Sounds very fascinating, love the premise.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
This was all kinds of AWESOME!😁
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vinnieh said:
Well when you put it in capital letters, it must be good.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
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vinnieh said:
How are you Kim?
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Dealing with a monster migraine unfortunately.😕 Thanks for asking Vinnie. Everything okay with you?💁🏻
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vinnieh said:
I’m sorry to hear about that. I’ve been breaking out The Godfather Trilogy and reliving the greatness of them. I seriously find something new each time I watch these films.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’m glad you’re having so much fun with them!
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vinnieh said:
The first two are definitely my favourite films ever. The third one has a bad rep, but is still very watchable.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Wow! That’s high praise from you indeed.
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vinnieh said:
Ever since I saw them years ago they always stuck with me. I find something new every time I view them, that’s how good they are. And they are a lot deeper than most crime movies, instead more focused on the dynastic nature of family and passage of power.
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Lekeisha The Booknerd said:
Okay, I am legit getting this one. I saw it in a newsletter last week, but didn’t really pay it any attention. It looks like I’ll be enjoying this. Great review!
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ravenblake99 said:
It’s one of my highly anticipating books and also my first Mark Lawrence book so I’m very excited to read it. Loved your review! I can’t wait to devour this book myself! 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Raven. I think you’re going to love this!😊
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Lashaan and Trang (Bookidote) said:
This book was AMAZING! So glad to hear you share the same love for the universe Mark Lawrence created. I really liked how everything was presented, how the lore was slowly introduced, at the appropriate time, so that both Nona and the readers understand more what’s at stake! Can’t wait for Book 2!!! I wonder what it’s going to be called. 😛
– Lashaan
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’m really excited for book 2 as well. I can’t even imagine what the title will be.
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sky @ duskblooms said:
I’ve always wanted to read Mark Lawrence and I don’t know why I haven’t picked anything up by him yet. Because this sounds so good!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
This was the first book of his I’ve read so I’d say it’s definitely a good place to start!😊
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