The description comparing the book to Anne of Green Gables and Diana Wynne Jones initially lured me in, but I couldn't get into the story as much as I would have liked. The pacing and the character development felt a bit off to me, but teens might still enjoy it.

I enjoyed this story but I felt it was aimed at more younger side of ya. And I couldn't quite relate to the characters

My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and One More Chapter. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Fantasy, LGBTQ Fantasy, Dark Fantasy

I was initially intrigued with the kidnappings and how one girl would go to save the other. The cult aspects were not to my taste. I was looking for more of a book about friendship with this one because of the Anne of Green Gables comparison, so I think that threw me off.

If you go in with the vibe of V.E. Schwab, looking for creepy cottagecore with a sapphic couple, then I think you'll have a better experience than I did. It's all about setting the right the expectations.

Happy reading.

This is a fantasy and coming of age story that follows the unplanned adventures of two best friends, Lily and Alice; an apothecary apprentice and a girl people call a witch and outcast…

Sisters of Shadow is a young adult novel and that's apparent by some of the darker and more violent moments of their misadventure along their journey, as well as the chemistry between the two girls and their respective partners. However, I did feel as though some of the writing and storytelling feels more middle grade in nature, which is somewhat disappointing as it lets the overall dynamic of the book down.

Everything about Sisters of Shadow should have appealed as there's magic, mystery, misadventure, and a group of truly evil witches who seem to live in a cult-like manner. However, I found the world building wasn't consistent in how strong and immersive it is, which is very important, especially when it's a fantasy novel. Due to this, there is a disconnect between both myself as the reader and the world they're in. I prefer books that truly pull me in and hold me there, so for example, I'd feel as though I'm a witch or a friend to Lily or Alice.

I did enjoy how the storyline is a dual perspective as the two girls are separated, so to is their adventures, feelings, and circumstances. The supporting cast of characters do add to their recollections both for the good and the dire moments and the connection between Alice and Grace especially was done so well that you experience their initial reticence and Alice's uncertainty of who to trust through to the two experiencing an intense and intimate chemistry. It wasn't in your face at all that either girl was attracted to the other nor that their sapphic romance would occur, so it felt natural albeit swift but sometimes when you know.. you know.

Sisters of Shadow had a great premise, but I was left with far too many questions. Primarily, why are the witches so damn awful and cruel to those they themselves encouraged to seek out their coven? I was irritated. There wasn't more explanation, nor if I'm honest, any historic moments of why the coven exists, etc. I kept holding out for answers but instead got a cliffhanger instead.

I honestly don’t know why I even bothered to finish this as I hated it. It just lacked so much in the writing. It was very one dimensional

With thanks to Katherine Livesey and HarperCollins UK for an advanced reader copy of this book.

3*

This is a wonderfully written story, which weaves wonderful prose that wouldn't be out of place with the classics.

Aimed at a younger teen audience, this series has a lot of potential and I look forward to receiving the next.

There was something about this story that was elusive... something that I couldn't put a finger on. Perhaps it is how I had to force myself to read it. Perhaps it is because the characters didn't engage me in the way that I wanted them to. Either way, I'm disappointed in this title.

I am sorry for the inconvenience but I don’t have the time to read this anymore and have lost interest in the concept. I believe that it would benefit your book more if I did not skim your book and write a rushed review. Again, I am sorry for the inconvenience.

This jumps right into the action and keeps the reader engaged as we follow two girls' journeys to discover themselves. Alice receives a mysterious letter and is kidnapped by a coven of witches and Lily sets out to rescue Alice shortly after. Each girl discovers secrets and hidden powers within themselves, as well as finding love. I really enjoyed this and I'm already excited for the sequel!

This book was just okay for me. I definitely see the potential in this authors work for it to improve though. I just think the plotting needs to be worked on a little

Sisters of Shadow follows Alice, a witch who's lived alone since her parents abandoned her, feared by everyone except Lily, her friend and apothecary. Their town has started hearing rumours of women of great power luring children into a cult. Then, in the dead of night, Alice receives a letter promising answers to the questions that have always tormented her. Worried that Alice has joined a cult, Lily sets out to find her.

This was such a fun read, it felt very magical and had some really sweet relationships. I enjoyed reading from both Alice and Lily's perspectives, they both had distinct personalities and their own exciting journeys. They each had a romance that developed at a good pace and turned out really cute! I loved all the twists as secrets were revealed and am excited to see the effect in the next books! Overall it was a whimsical fantasy adventure that I think a lot of people will enjoy!

Unfortunately, this book didn't grab me. I wanted to like the story, but there was something not present in the characters to keep my interest.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I think this book had potential but was ultimately too slow paced for my taste. The characters are well developed though, and I am curious to see where their story will lead them in the sequel.

This was my first book by this author, It was pretty enjoyable. I would give this book a 3.5 star rating! It was a pretty Quick and easy read!

A very stong book in all ways. Strong characters to whom you warm, great settings, magic, mystery, friendship, witches and so much more. The female characters are prtrayed as well rounded and independent and love interests are equal. They are several different types of love portrayed, male/female, female/female, "parent"/child and love of a good freind.

The settings are well described and the reader can really feel they are there.

There is darkness with the book and just the right amout of witchyness to keep you hooked and scared but not terrified.

A great read and I look forward to the nest two in the series.

Sisters of Shadow is the first book in a YA quest fantasy series by Katherine Livesey. Released 30th Sept 2021 by Harper Collins, it's 361 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats.

This is an oddly paced and quirky book. The settings and characters and the vibe are slightly off-kilter. The publisher's blurb drew comparisons to Anne of Green Gables and Diana Wynne-Jones. I disagree with the former, Anne Shirley was fanciful but relatively serious and sensible, the characters to be found here are odd at best, and slightly sinister in most cases.

The pacing was problematic for me. In places it's positively glacial contrasted with scenes which really are pivotal to the plot being glossed over. It felt as though the author fully intended to go back and revisit those important plot elements and ran out of time or was contractually obligated to finish faster than would have been optimal (or both).

The characters are simultaneously two dimensional archetypes and overwrought; I didn't actually count how many times in the text readers are told protagonist Lily *needed* to feel the grass against her bare legs and feet, but it was intrusively many.

The adults are barely sketched in outline; mostly as background scene filler to explain that apparently when she became orphaned (at 6 years old), the entire town and all the adults save one decided that MC Alice was a witch and not to be interacted with. (What??).

Overall, I'm positively inclined to be supportive of YA fantasy of any kind. There are some positive aspects to this new series; female protagonists, positive LGBTQ+ portrayals, etc. On the other hand there's a lot of rough, almost unfinished, dialogue and descriptions to be slogged through.

Three stars. There are some positives, but I don't plan to seek out the following books in the series without reading a number of reviews beforehand.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

I think I may be in the minority here but I was quite underwhelmed the whole time I was reading this book.

I just wanted to yell at the characters for some of the choices they were making that just did not make sense. even if one account for their age and lack of experience and so on. It was just frustrating and I was glad when it was over. Maybe I am not the target audience for these types of books anymore, what can I say.

I am very sorry to say that I did not enjoy anything in this book, but that is a very personal experience and opinion as I see that tons of other readers have had fun with it and loved it. So it was just not for me!

Thank you Netgalley!

'Sisters of Shadow' was an interesting premise, however I struggled to get hooked on the story. The plot took a long time to get going and I didn't feel particularly connected to the characters in a way that made me care how the story continued.

There was a lot of focus on the set up on the novel, with a lot of care and attention given to setting up Alice's loneliness in her house in the woods, and the strange friendship between the two girls. For me, the writing style left a lot to be desired. That isn't to say it's not good, it just wasn't my thing.

Overall I can see a lot of people enjoying this novel, but unfortunately it just wasn't for me.

Sisters of Shadow is the first in a series about a girl who sets off on an adventure to save her friend from the mysterious group of witches who has tricked her into “joining” them. It’s a solid story of magic, budding love, and the unbreakable bond of friendship (the best part!).

I was taken in by the cover (love a lighthouse), and I enjoyed the book. The girls are the perfect compliments to one another, and though each girl had a romance, it’s not the center of the story, and their strong bond is rooted in friendship, despite their differences. It wrapped up well but also left off with plenty of potential for future adventure in the sequel(s).

It’s out now wherever you get your books and as of April 14, you can also get the sequel, Sisters of Moonlight.

DNF - Did not finish. I did not connect with the writing style or plot and will not be finishing this title. Thank you, NetGalley and Publisher for the early copy!