Holy Sister by Mark Lawrence

Every time Mark Lawrence writes a new series I think he can't top his last one and every time he proves me wrong. The same is true with Holy Sister, the concluding volume in the Book of the Ancestor series. Holy Sister picks up the events at the conclusion of the previous book, Grey Sister. It also has a parallel narrative set three years after those events. Dual narratives are always tricky because often one is less interesting than the other, only making you anxious to get back to the narrative you left. Lawrence’s work doesn’t suffer that problem because both narratives are equally compelling. At the end of Grey Sister, Nona and her friends had just escaped the palace of the emperor's sister, Sherzal, carrying one of the Arcs. Now, Nona and Zole have set off across the ice to lead Sherzal’s soldiers away from the rest of the nuns. As they set out across the ice, Nona learns more about the tribe that Zole came from and confronts dangers and uncovers secrets that had only been hinted at previously.

In the present, set three years after the escape, Nona finds herself back at Sweet Mercy Convent trying to complete her classes. She is again at odds with a class rival, there's still a price on her head and she still has to uncover the secrets that can save their doomed world with ice encroaching from both sides and opposing armies moving in on both ends of the empire.

The stakes have never been higher than they are in Grey Sister. The artificial moon which melts the ice and keeps open a narrow corridor that is the only habitable portion of the planet is no longer able to keep pace with the encroaching ice. The secrets of the ancestors are largely lost to the planets modern-day inhabitants. If some of these ancient secrets are not uncovered and put into action the world may literally end.

Not only is Nona Grey one of the most compelling characters that Mark Lawrence has ever created, but the supporting cast is equally compelling. Abbess Glass manages to dominate the story even when she is not present on the page. The plots that she has set in motion and the way she manipulates events truly set her above all the other characters. Nona is fiercely loyal to her friends and fiercely loyal to the Abbess who literally rescued her from death. Though still young, Nona recognizes the decisions she has to make will influence the course of world events and perhaps even the fate of her world. The action is outstanding with events that present true danger to the characters and real moral choices. The politics of this world are intriguing and realistic.

This is a fantastic conclusion to an outstanding series and Mark Lawrence has topped himself once again. I cannot recommend this series highly enough. Mark Lawrence's ability to make you feel all the emotions that these characters are experiencing elevates these books above ordinary fantasy novels.

Heather O’Neill, who narrated this book and this series, does an amazing job, worthy of award consideration. The passion and emotional arc of the characters come through with every word. Each character is distinct and her tone perfectly matches the pace and mood of the story. Her wonderful job is the main reason that audio is my preferred way and my recommendation for how to encounter this book. This is certain to be at or near the top of my best books of the year. Highly recommended.

I was provided a copy of this audiobook by the publisher.

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