Grey Sister

Executive Summary: I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as [b:Red Sister 25895524 Red Sister (Book of the Ancestor, #1) Mark Lawrence https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1481038440s/25895524.jpg 45777900], but it was still really goodAudiobook: Heather O'Neill does another fantastic job. I love her voices. She reads with good inflections and volume. She definitely makes this series a must listen for me.Full ReviewI finally took the plunge with Mark Lawrence with [b:Red Sister 25895524 Red Sister (Book of the Ancestor, #1) Mark Lawrence https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1481038440s/25895524.jpg 45777900] back in February and this is now the 5th Mark Lawrence book I've read this year. It's the first I got on release day, and won't be the last. In fact I'm ready for [b:Holy Sister 38099642 Holy Sister (Book of the Ancestor, #3) Mark Lawrence https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/50x75-a91bf249278a81aabab721ef782c4a74.png 59773612] to come out tomorrow :)I love the idea of a warrior nun. Not only is Nona Grey a fantastic protagonist, most of the other Nuns are Novices are fantastic as well. It probably helps that I love a good fantasy school trope, but Mr. Lawrence's spin on it is pretty unique compared to all the others I've read.The world building is really intriguing, but not explored as much as I'd like. I want to know more about the ancient people and their technology. I was also hoping we got some more information on the magic system in this book, so I was a bit disappointed in that regard.My main gripe was that the primary antagonist felt a bit too much like your standard spoiled rich kid who hates the protagonist simply for being poor. I know those people exist in reality, but it just feels a bit overused, especially in the fantasy school trope. It would have been nice if there was more depth to her character.That aside, I'm really eager to see where things go in what I believe is the final book. I think I read that Mr. Lawrence has already finished writing it, so hopefully it will be out early next year. I've seen comments about this ending on a cliffhanger, but I thought compared to the first book this one ends in a much better place. Do I want to know what happens next? Of course I do. I want all of the next book right now in fact, not just the next few scenes.I'll likely sustain myself by reading The Red Queen's War trilogy. Some of my friends say it's better than this one. All that I know is that this series is great, and I think it's a far better place to start with his work than [b:Prince of Thorns 9579634 Prince of Thorns (The Broken Empire, #1) Mark Lawrence https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1327917754s/9579634.jpg 14466531].

Although I didn't find Grey Sister to be quite as compelling as Red Sister, I loved it anyway and could hardly put it down throughout the second half. I'm very invested in many of these characters, especially Nona, and I also very much enjoyed the themes surrounding various types of strength, power, and friendship.

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