Grey Sister (Book of the Ancestor)

Nona is still one of those characters that I just want to win, because she’s inherently likable, to me. There’s just something about her. I cheer for Nona, and I despair for her when things don’t go her way, so of course, this story kept me reading into the wee hours.In this volume, she has moved up to Mystic Class, which is teaching her a lot about the magical thread weaving parts of her skillset while still concentrating on the fighting skills that she has become quite adept at. There’s still classmates that are the mean girls (there are always some), and there are classmates that she has become friends with. Her and her friends do various things with various levels of rule-breaking or bending. Nona has quite a few tricks up her sleeve.There is the addition of a new sort of character in this volume, which was unexpected. His name is Keot, and he is… a mystery… (DUN DUN DUNNNN!) Keot and Nona have a very interesting relationship, which I’ve seen described as similar to the relationship between Fitz and Nighteyes in Robin Hobb’s Realm of the Elderlings series, which I do agree with to a point… but to me, it instantly brought to mind the relationship between Mia and Mister Kindly from Nevernight (excepting of course that Mister Kindly is a shadow, and Nona has no shadow). Sort of symbiotic… sorta kinda.Either way, I love love loved the dynamic of the relationship between them. I loved the addition of Keot as a character and that the addition was so unexpected. It added a level of interesting and mystery to a character I already find interesting. We see how Nona combats Keot whispering horrible ideas in her ear. We get a bit of an inner monologue, as it were.Much like Red Sister, this one was really difficult to put down once I started, and is incredibly well written. It’s peppered full of really quotable deep thoughts, is full of all kinds of plot twists and turns. I was surprised numerous times, to the point where I audibly gasped (this barely ever happens guys). Best of all, it has characters that I either love to love or love to hate. Nothing like a character that you love to love going up against a character you love to hate, amirite? The last 1/4 of this book was quite simply unputdownable.And at the same time as all these shenanigans between Nona and everyone else are going on, we continue to get little glimpses into the real story about this really unique world, the people called the Missing who once lived on it, and the falling moon that’s the only thing keeping the ice at bay.Very awesome read!

Humans have built lives on another planet - albeit one revolving around a dying (red) star. Somehow, over the centuries, different tribes of humans have developed differing magical powers. Moreover, because the star is in its late stages, the planet is mostly ice-covered, with a narrow band at the equator that is still habitable. The ice is advancing, although rather more rapidly than the eon-long death of a red giant (based on what I know of astrophysics).Meanwhile, the story's protagonist, None, an orphan, lives in a convent, getting training in her selected area of magic and in various weapons. She has to deal with friends, rivals and a demon inside her who constantly tempts her to kill people at inconvenient times. (Fortunately, she's strong enough to resist, mostly.) The plot thickens when she's sent on a mission to retrieve some artifact from the spaceships that brought the humans there. There are supposedly four of these gadgets, and if they are collected, something significant will happen (the reader will probably find out in a subsequent volume).Lawrence has constructed a detailed, internally credible world, with plenty of intrigue, plots, deceit, betrayals, religious and political conflict to keep up the lively pace. Things get a bit contrived toward the climax: a load of just-in-time, last-minute explosions to save None and turn the tide. Nevertheless, it's an enjoyable read and I'm motivated to continue with the series.

Mark Lawrence has built an interesting world with great characters. The second book is as compelling as the first. Can’t wait to start the third book.

Grey Sister by the incomparable Mark Lawrence is the incredible, and a bit darker, sophomore installment in his Book of the Ancestor series. It's a story of intrigue and sacrifice, filled with tension that drips from every page. The world he has created continues to be carefully curated and becomes more enthralling as the tale of Nona progresses. With a cast of beautifully crafted characters, strange mysteries of the past, and a unique setting that threatens all life on Abeth, this tale is sure to grip you and not let go. We get to witness the story through the eyes of multiple characters, which really worked for me and I have to admit, Nona’s ferocious loyalty is both humbling and inspiring. The final chapters are filled with surprising twists and turns and sent shivers down my spine on multiple occasions - I was a little upset I didn’t have book three waiting in the wings to get started on right away.Lawrence’s The Broken Empire series is what really drew me into dark fantasy years ago and his works never disappoint. Book of the Ancestor is no exception and his writing seems to only be getting better and better with each book he releases. While I thoroughly enjoyed Red Sister, I absolutely LOVED Grey Sister and I’m really looking forward to the conclusion of Nona’s story next year. I cannot recommend this series enough - go read it!

One of the best fantasy series, I enjoyed each book and felt like the plot was super unique and interesting

Grey Sister started with many of the same beats as Red Sister. The first third of the book had me regretting my decision to buy the sequel. That opinion quickly changed once Nona had her challenge with the box in the tree. The book became fascinating and intriguing. I look forward to finishing the series. Grey Sister still has its faults. I prefer a linear story, so Keot is frustrating. A great character, but we deserved a proper introduction. The thick plot armor of nearly every names character is still a problem. Apparently only one hero may fall per book. I was also annoyed Nona keeps making best friends with blue-eyed blonde snobs. Ara was redeemed in book one. I suspect Joeli will be, too. You don't have to be beautiful and blonde to be a mean girl. (Though the trope does help). Despite these issues, the book was a good read.