Grey Sister (Book of the Ancestor #2) – Mark Lawrence

Haven’t read the first novel, Red Sister? Check out my review!

Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Ace
Pages: 416
Release Date: April 3, 2018

In Mystic Class Nona Grey begins to learn the secrets of the universe. But so often even the deepest truths just make our choices harder. Before she leaves the Convent of Sweet Mercy Nona must choose her path and take the red of a Martial Sister, the grey of a Sister of Discretion, the blue of a Mystic Sister or the simple black of a Bride of the Ancestor and a life of prayer and service.

All that stands between her and these choices are the pride of a thwarted assassin, the ambition of a would-be empress wielding the Inquisition like a blade, and the vengeance of the empire’s richest lord.

As the world narrows around her, and her enemies attack her through the system she has sworn to, Nona must find her own path despite the competing pull of friendship, revenge, ambition, and loyalty.

And in all this only one thing is certain.

There will be blood.

 

I’ve gone on a journey when it comes to Red Sister and Grey Sister. I remember finishing Red Sister and being confused and disappointed because I didn’t enjoy it as much as everyone else did, especially those that I regard their opinion in high esteem. You can read my full review here. I decided to pick up Grey Sister after talking to a friend about it and I’m incredibly happy that I did.

My copy of Grey Sister features a previously on section. I’d like to take a second to thank everyone and anyone who had a hand in that because those sections need to be featured in book more often. This clarified a few things I was confused about after finishing Red Sister and what ultimately allowed me to enjoy Grey Sister to its fullest extent.

“Your enemies make you what you are. Your foes shape your life more than your friends ever could.”

Grey Sister follows Nona as she graduates to Grey Class. Readers follow Nona and her friends as they pick up the pieces left after the events of Red Sister while trying to continue their training. Grey Sister focuses much more on the big picture plot elements than Red Sister while still including the day-to-day machinations that sets these books apart from the rest.

“But I must warn you, sister, that a sickness runs in me, and if you fashion yourself my enemy I will make a ruin of your life, for I am born of war.”

Perhaps one of my favorite additions to Grey Sister is the inclusion of Abbess Glass’ chapters. They are incredibly insightful and badass as readers watch Abbess Glass manipulate and plan as the walls close in around the Covent of Sweet Mercy.

Overall, Grey Sister is an incredible sequel that has cemented my love for this trilogy. The release of Holy Sister is just around the corner and I’m desperate to get my hands on it!

 

Have you read Grey Sister? What did you think?