Finally! A review on my site for a book I actually loved!! I literally just finished reading Sisters of Sword and Song by Rebecca Ross and I can easily say that this book is in my top 5 books of 2020. Let's talk about it. 

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This is a young adult fantasy novel set in a kingdom called Corisande and is the best fantasy I have read in a long time! I cannot remember the last time I was sucked into a world so quickly and wholeheartedly. Within this world, there is also a unique magic system which uses the power of relics and song to create spells capable of both creation and destruction. I know other books use music as a weapon, but this was the first time I had actually read one- so needless to say, I was enthralled. 

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Sisters of Sword and Song follows, you guessed it, two sisters who have been separated for 8 years. When we meet these sisters, one is on the run from a mysterious crime and the other is preparing excitedly for their reunion. I'm not going to say much more in terms of plot points, as I think it is best to go into this book blind. But if that description does not pique your interest... I don't know what to say to you.

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One particular element about this book that resonated with me more so than other fantasy novels is the pacing. So much happens in the 458 pages of this book. There are plenty of battles, injuries, action and emotion to this novel, and no one scene is dragged out any longer than necessary. It feels like we got two books worth of events in one. This can be a particular gripe of mine in fantasy novels, where battle scenes and wrap ups tend to go on for about 15 pages too long. Some people may see that as a flaw in this book, but I found the fast pace to be perfect. 

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The cast of characters in this novel are incredible as well. Everyone feels fleshed out and embarks on their own personal journey of growth and it is simply beautiful to watch. In particular, Halcyon and Evadne grow so much in just this one novel, and watching their relationship grow stronger and stronger is incredible. I love seeing not only powerful female friendships in YA fiction, but sisterly relationships specifically. 

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Overall, I can only hope that this is simply the first in a long series to come, but as of now, November 29, 2020, there are no announcements of a sequel. I loved this novel with every fiber of my being and will happily be picking up more of Rebecca Ross' books. It should be no surprise that I gave 5/5 stars to Sisters of Sword and Song by Rebecca Ross.