Red Sister

First Book of the Ancestor

By: Mark Lawrence

Narrated by: Heather O'Neill

From the international best-selling author of the Broken Empire Trilogy comes the first in a brilliant new breakout fantasy series. A searing novel set in a brand-new world, this series follows a young girl who enters a convent where girls are selected to train in religion, combat, or magic. Nona is selected to learn combat and finds herself at the center of an epic battle for empire on the outer reaches of a dying universe.

©2017 Boblinga Ltd. (P)2017 Recorded Books

Great Story supported by great narration

An excellent offering from Mark Lawrence, one in which he departs from the brooding grimdark tone of the broken empire setting in favor of a lighter (though still dark) coming-of-age story about a young girl, Nona, with extraordinary abilities that she doesn't understand. The writing is consistently excellent, capturing the world of Abeth with wit and often colorful strokes of language.
The middle section of the book drags slightly, but is punctuated with spurts of action to support the emotional character development that goes on between the girls. If anything, I enjoyed the book even more because of the middle third's more relaxed pace and emphasis on the daily lives of the young novices contrasts nicely with quick beginning and dramatic ending of the story.
As for the narrator, don't listen to the people who say she ruined the book. The narration fits perfectly in tone and delivery. Each main character has a distinct voice and mannerisms. The narrator's performance of Nona deserved much praise, and I adored her Irish accent. As anyone who listens to a lot of fantasy audiobooks can tell you, the generic male British narrator gets old, and Heather O'Neil's colorful performance enhances the text and makes it vastly more memorable.

Overall, I would highly recommend this audiobook. Engaging and well-performed, the story of the Sweet Mercy Convent will stick with you long after the final line is delivered.
9/10

Absolute Bliss

Ill start by saying Ive read a literal ton of books and I almost never leave reviews. I loved the hell out of this book! Well, I love all of his books, but still! I think this was by far the best writing he's done yet and I can't wait to see what unfolds in the next ones.

It's reminiscent of both Blood Song and Name of the Wind, but only in that it's a framed narrative and the warrior-monk coming of age bit. It's still very much it's own story with a very unique world whose people seem to have a rich history. Subtly post-apocalyptic, concise yet poetic prose, and an interesting yet mysterious (even to the reader who's in her head) main character; this book is a winner. 100%

PERFECT!

One of the best books I've listened to yet. Not too heavy, not too light, perfect narration, just an amazingly good listen! Engaging characters, great storyline, can't wait to start the next book!

Great Book

I love the building of the story.
The book hits on all my desires. You have the characters starting from humble or troubled beginnings and growing into something greater than themselves. There is a bit of fantasy and mystical beliefs. Reminds me of the Rangers Apprentice and Throne of Glass series. Again great book and looking forward to gray sister book.

Excellent !

I stink at writing reviews but I know what I like and this book was written specifically to delight me. And Heather O’Neill did a fantastic job giving voice to these wonderful larger then life characters.