New Release!
Title: The Sisters Grimm: A Novel
Author: Menna van Praag
Release Date: March 31st 2020
Genre: Dark Fantasy
The critically acclaimed author of The House at the End of Hope Street combines love, mystery, and magic with her first foray into bewitching fantasy with a dark edge evocative of V.E. Schwab and Neil Gaiman.
Once upon a time, a demon who desired earthly domination fathered an army of dark daughters to help him corrupt humanity . . .
As children, Goldie, Liyana, Scarlet, and Bea dreamed of a strange otherworld: a nightscape of mists and fog, perpetually falling leaves and hungry ivy, lit by an unwavering moon. Here, in this shadowland of Everwhere, the four girls, half-sisters connected by blood and magic, began to nurture their elemental powers together. But at thirteen, the sisters were ripped from Everwhere and separated. Now, five years later, they search for one another and yearn to rediscover their unique and supernatural strengths. Goldie (earth) manipulates plants and gives life. Liyana (water) controls rivers and rain. Scarlet (fire) has electricity at her fingertips. Bea (air) can fly.
To realize their full potential, the blood sisters must return to the land of their childhood dreams. But Everwhere can only be accessed through certain gates at 3:33 A.M. on the night of a new moon. As Goldie, Liyana, Scarlet, and Bea are beset with the challenges of their earthly lives, they must prepare for a battle that lies ahead. On their eighteenth birthday, they will be subjected to a gladiatorial fight with their father’s soldiers. If they survive, they will face their father who will let them live only if they turn dark. Which would be fair, if only the sisters knew what was coming.
So, they have thirty-three days to discover who they truly are and what they can truly do, before they must fight to save themselves and those they love.
The Sisters Grimm is a dark fantasy tale with a magical touch.
Once upon a time, a demon who desired earthly domination fathered an army of dark daughters to help him corrupt humanity . . .
I admit that I had trouble writing my review. I loved the creativity and wonder this story represented. I was excited to read and escape into a magical world just for a little while but I also had issues with it. The story was a little hard to follow at times. There’s multiple POV’s and very little information is given. We also have flashbacks on top of all that. Those I didn’t mind so much. I kept reading because the characters kept me engaged. These young women grew up differently but are tied together since childhood. Magic runs through their veins and they are beginning to come into their powers. I loved how empowering that was! Most of them were likable. Yes, even Bea. Once you read the story, you’ll know what I mean. I also liked the uniqueness of Leo’s story.
All in all this was an ok read. The idea behind the story is imaginative. It’s creative and the author did some wonderful world building. Magical and a bit urban fantasy. I can appreciate all of that, however the story didn’t wow me. I ended up enjoying it but felt it could have been so much more. I give this 3 stars.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*
The Literary Vixen 