Grey Sister

February 5, 2018
In offering sometimes small insights into his characters’ inner lives, Lawrence elevates the second volume of his Ancestor epic fantasy series (after Red Sister) above similar books featuring a young woman who is separated from her family and taught to make the best use of her supernatural skills. Nona Grey, a peasant child who was sold into slavery, was found to have a rare combination of ancient talents including “manipulat the threads that are woven to create reality.” Her gifts have been nurtured by her teachers at the Convent of Sweet Mercy, who train girls to become assassins (called Red Sisters), but following Nona’s killing of a nobleman’s son, she is targeted for death by his father. Lawrence’s suspenseful account of Nona’s efforts to complete her training and gain control over her powers balances action and introspection, and will keep readers hooked.

April 15, 2018

As novice Nona Grey moves into Mystic Class, the events of her last years (recounted in Red Sister) at the Convent of Sweet Mercy weigh upon her. She has lost one of her closest friends, seen the shipheart stolen by a failed assassin, and killed a man of means whose family is out for vengeance. Soon Nona will have to decide whether a life of service means a path filled with prayer or fight, but her dedication to the order is interrupted by the Inquisition led from afar by a queen seeking more power. With the religious order being used as a weapon against Nona, her friends and even her abbess, this clash of politics and power means difficult choices for all, including a young woman who will have to balance her fury and desire for revenge against loyalty to her order. VERDICT Vivid worldbuilding and fast-paced action enhance this powerful coming-of-age story. Readers who loved Red Sister will find this second series outing even more compelling.--Kristi Chadwick, Massachusetts Lib. Syst., Northampton

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from April 1, 2018
Nona Grey, having survived the attack by Raymel Tacsis and the Noi-Guin (in Red Sister, 2017), has now graduated to the Mystic class of novices at the Convent of Sweet Mercy. Surrounded by her friends, Nona still has a knack for making enemies, and she quickly makes one of new student Joeli. Nona has bigger worries than a bully, though. Her battle with Raymel left her with a literal demon, Keot, under her skin. Keot appeals to Nona's violent side and prompts her to take more extreme actions than she would normally do. When the Inquisition, on the orders of the evil Sherzal, comes to Sweet Mercy, Nona, along with Abbess Glass and Sister Kettle, finds that the path ahead is much more dangerous than she initially thought. Once again, Lawrence combines great world building and dynamic characters to craft an exciting, gritty fantasy novel. This being book two in the series, some story lines end, while some remain open for the conclusion of the Book of the Ancestor series. A brilliant fantasy book that is highly recommended for all adult and YA fantasy collections.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)