The First Sister

The First Sister Trilogy, Book 1

By: Linden Lewis

Narrated by: Neo Cihi, Gary Tiedemann, Emily Woo Zeller

Length: 12 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's Summary

Combining the social commentary of The Handmaid’s Tale with the white-knuckled thrills of Red Rising, this epic space opera filled with “lush prose” (Publishers Weekly) follows a comfort woman as she claims her agency, a soldier questioning his allegiances, and a non-binary hero out to save the solar system.

First Sister has no name and no voice. As a priestess of the Sisterhood, she travels the stars alongside the soldiers of Earth and Mars - the same ones who own the rights to her body and soul. When her former captain abandons her, First Sister’s hopes for freedom are dashed when she is forced to stay on her ship with no friends, no power, and a new captain - Saito Ren - whom she knows nothing about. She is commanded to spy on Captain Ren by the Sisterhood, but soon discovers that working for the war effort is much harder when you’re falling in love.

Lito val Lucius climbed his way out of the slums to become an elite soldier of Venus but was defeated in combat by none other than Saito Ren, resulting in the disappearance of his partner, Hiro. When Lito learns that Hiro is both alive and a traitor to the cause, he now has a shot at redemption: track down and kill his former partner. But when he discovers recordings that Hiro secretly made, Lito’s own allegiances are put to the test. Ultimately, he must decide between following orders and following his heart.

With “a layered, action-filled plot and diverse characters” (Library Journal), The First Sister explores the power of technology, colonization, race, and gender and is perfect for fans of James S.A. Corey, Chuck Wendig, and Jay Posey.

©2020 Linden A. Lewis. All rights reserved. (P)2020 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

Fresh bold story with a jaw dropping twist

This opening is beyond intriguing. A Sisterhood in space without speech. Pov's on opposite sides of the spectrum. Sinister glances from every side. So who do you trust?

With all that I very much enjoyed this title. The way you are taught the rules of the world and at the same time your principles are being turned inside out. Also while reading from the perspective of The First Sister my mind constantly was repeating warning warning warning at every turn. I have to say her Pov was my favorite. She was a great character who just wanted to survive but honorably. Emily Zeller did an amazing job with the narration.

But for the first half of the story and with the multiple povs I felt like not much happened. It wasn't until later I realized that this was just a ploy to blow my freaking mind. I am so confused now but in a very good way. Definitely going to have to pick up book two. The story was fresh excited and literally made my jaw drop. I had to race back through my memory and reevaluate what I just read.

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On a side note I'm going to go ahead and put myself on the spot. Hero was often referred to as them or they. Reading this story I couldn't understand why so I finally excepted it. Well being the idiot that I am I asked my bestie which enlightened me it was for non-binary characters. I pride myself on keeping my eyes open to the world. So this was a special book to help open them even more. Ignorance breeds fear and hate. I'm tired of being ignorant and I don't want to harm someone because I know no different. This story was very bold and beautiful and full of love. Can't wait for book 2.

Great Performance

Having 3 different voices read the parts/perspectives of the three different characters you follow in this story was really nice. All three narrators performed their parts well & I felt their voices fit their characters.

I also appreciated this authors representation of gender nonconforming characters and sexual fluidity. Often times, the inclusion of LGBTQ or any non-binary character feels like they were included to earn a gold star for diversity. In this story it felt very natural and not showy.

I’m looking forward to the next book in this series & finding out what is to come for these characters. The story is very open ended and leaves you wanting to know more without leaving you in a cliffhanger-style lurch.

An All You Can Eat Buffet for Your Imagination

I am not one to read (or listen to) Sci Fi and space travel plots often lose my interest after the first planet, but I decided to pick up The First Sister because I wanted something to stimulate my imagination as I lay in bed, drive to work, make art, etc. And I am so glad I did. The First Sister has revolutionized Sci Fi for me by painting an enthralling plot and stunning imagery, as well as (and most importantly) by finally queering this genre. For too long has the straight white man lorded over the science fiction realm. Down with he who recycles the plot of Star Wars and writes femmes as one dimensional ornaments and writes queer folx as... well doesn’t!! As a non-binary person who pronouns are they/them, getting hear those pronouns repeated and respected nonchalantly by multiple characters helped me do the same for myself internally. I loved this book and CANNOT WAIT for The Second Rebel.

Unexpectedly Wonderful

I stumbled across The First Sister at a time when I was somewhat over-saturated in the genre. I expected something fairly typical. Instead, I found that It was a hidden gem. The world that the story is set in is fresh and intriguing. It’s not too often that plot twists surprise me, but First Sister managed it. The narrators did a great job bringing the characters to life. I liked it so much that I ended up buying a copy of the book to read, as well. I’m eagerly anticipating the next instalment.

Adult Scythe

it was amazing and reminded me fondly of Scythe and the Toll. I can't wait for more. Amazing readers per character and great development of characters and world. A plot twist I never saw coming. 10/10

Well worth it

I don't remember how I found this book or why I got it, but I definitely enjoyed it and am looking forward to the second book. Unfortunately the book sat in my "to listen to" list for several months before I started listening and I had totally forgotten what it was about. So, the Sisterhood's slavery bit threw me for a loop right at the start. Once I got my mind around the world the author created, I realized how intricate and detailed the world was. The author provided substantial depth to the competing societies and still hasn't revealed the entirety of how the societies shaped and continue to shape the characters.

Satisfied by it, but likely won't read sequel

I'm surprised by how much I liked this, I had zero expectations going into it.
It is almost like The Handmaid's Tale meets the Netflix show Altered Carbon.
I thought the characters were interesting and diverse which is a nice change of pace. I didn't see a whole lot of character growth, but I wasn't necessarily upset by that. I will likely not read the second, but I'm satisfied that I read this one

captivating from first paragraph

I went through to book within 4 days, and spend any time available to listen.

Enthralling Story

This was such a fantastic story and I hope for more from this universe. I don’t usually review books so I am not sure what to say. But, please, consider giving this author and their fantastic story a chance.

Slow buildup but so worth it

This book was a great listen. It took a few chapters to catch my interest, but then I couldn’t put it down until it was over! The different points of view are presented wonderfully in the story and the different voice actors are great!