Sisters of Shadow and Light, Book 1
Synopsis: “The night my sister was born, the stars died and were reborn in her eyes…”.
Zuhra and Inara have grown up in the Citadel of the Paladins, an abandoned fortress where legendary, magical warriors once lived before disappearing from the world―including their Paladin father the night Inara was born.
On that same night, a massive, magical hedge grew and imprisoned them within the citadel. Inara inherited their father’s Paladin power; her eyes glow blue and she is able to make plants grow at unbelievable rates, but she has been trapped in her own mind because of a “roar” that drowns everything else out―leaving Zuhra virtually alone with their emotionally broken human mother.
For fifteen years they have lived, trapped in the citadel, with little contact from the outside world…until the day a stranger passes through the hedge, and everything changes.
Review: As soon as I saw the synopsis of this novel, I was curious to find out more! I love fantasy YA and it was a good opportunity to discover an author I didn’t know.
Inara and Zuhra have lived with their mother in a citadel since birth. They cannot leave and only their “governess” can sometimes go down to the city to buy food. But here they are, their mother is completely broken since Inara’s birth, which also coincides with their father’s disappearance. What about Inara? Well, this girl has a lot of power, but she never manages to stay lucid for very long and Zuhra tries to help her as best she can. It’s complicated, especially when their mother has no interest in Inara. However, things will change drastically when one day a man passes through the hedges that keep them away from the outside world, the only man who has managed to cross them since birth. And this change will completely change their lives.
I really enjoyed following the two young girls, although I was always looking forward to returning from Zuhra’s point of view. This young girl is resourceful, curious and above all ready to do anything for her sister. Unfortunately, things will not be so simple and if our heroine is happy to see a newcomer, the dangers are getting closer, but that is also how we will discover the truth about her father, about the Paladins and about what is happening in the outside world.
As I said, I had a good time and I’m very curious to learn more about the characters, especially about Raydin, and I look forward to reading the sequel now!
Sophia Rose
You’re wonderful review has me curious now for the sisters’ story. 🙂
Melliane
It was a really nice one
Anne - Books of My Heart
I haven’t heard of this one. Excellent review. I’m glad it worked well for you.
Carole @ Carole's Random Life in Books
This sounds fantastic! These two girls sound really interesting. I will have to check this one out.
Heidi
This looks like a good read. Thank you for calling it to my attention. I hope you enjoy the sequel just as much.
Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum
Wow, fantastic review! Now I’m kicking myself for passing it over, but you know YA, it’s so hard to tell if it’ll be good.
Nina
From time to time I enjoy reading ya fantasy and this book sounds really fun! I love magical worlds 🙂
Nina@Adventurous reader
Jenea's Book Obsession
This is one that I’ve been curious about. Your review makes me want to pick it up and soon!
Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer
This sounds like a great fantasy. So happy you enjoyed it!
Mary Kirkland
That sounds really good. Thanks for the great review.
blodeuedd
I saw this one and thought about it, but I have been burned so much by ya fantasy and is scaaaaared
Carole Rae
Hopefully the next book is good!
Angie Elle
This does sound like a good read! If you like books about sisters, YA Fantasy, in particular, I suggest Grace and Fury by Tracy Banghard. I haven’t had a chance to read the sequel yet, but I loved the first book.
Great review! I’ll have to check this one out.
Melliane
Oh thanks. I’ll take a look!
Joy // Joyousreads
Zuhra’s sounds awesome. Heck, this book sounds awesome!