The Seventh Sister

The Strattaria Chronicles, Book 1

By: M. A. Brown

Narrated by: Jacci Prior

The Seventh Sister is an epic dark romantasy set in a lush and immersive world with fairytale like elements, classic romantasy vibes, and an edge of your seat pace.

The story follows Ertha, a True Healer who is kidnapped from her place at the Selenyss Temple by the legendary Sons of Uther. When she arrives on the dark shores of the enemy kingdom she's thrust into a tangled web of political intrigue and deadly secrets that leaves her wondering who she can trust—the otherworldly second in command who is her keeper, or the soldier she healed who has vowed to protect her at all costs? But when it becomes clear she wasn't just taken by chance—that there are much more powerful entities with their hands steering her fate—she's forced to confront that nothing is as it seems, not the men who protect her, the world she knows, or even herself.

Perfect for fans of The Witcher, fairytales, and Vikings.

©2025 M. A. Brown (P)2025 M. A. Brown

Vikings vibes - perfect for fans of HM Long

This gorgeous cover captures the mood of the book beautifully, but it was the audiobook that really elevated the experience. Narrated by the talented Jacci Prior, it’s a wonderful performance. The accents, the touches of music, all of it enhanced the world without ever distracting from the story. I’d especially recommend experiencing this one in audio format.

The opening hook pulled me in immediately, and the atmospheric writing feels perfect for a Viking-inspired story. What impressed me most was the layered world-building and the characters; they are complex, unpredictable, and never fall into the archetypes I expected. The romance was not at all what I expected. And the healing magic was easily one of my favorite elements; though some of its abilities were a bit of a stretch.

I went in expecting nonstop Viking battles, but instead found a story rooted in mystery, folklore, and political intrigue. The tension is ever-present, with danger humming beneath the surface, more about secrets and power plays than axes on the battlefield. And that ENDING? I’m still shook.

There is an attempted SA, which I never enjoy encountering, but here it was handled with care and with purpose. If you’re looking for a darker romantasy that is perfect for fans of H.M. Long and Danielle L. Jensen, pick this up!

Thanks so much to the author and R&R Booktours for the complimentary audiobook. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.

Epic and immersive

4.5⭐️
The Seventh Sister is an epic dark romantasy that wastes no time getting to the action. From the first couple chapters alone, I knew I was in for a ride. Check your CW and TW because some of the themes are very dark. While the spice and v!olence was moderately graphic, they did not feel gratuitous and absolutely helped to carry the plot along. The FMC is a secret princess, taken captive from a temple and kept as a healer for an enemy kingdom. Her captor keeps her close through a forced magical bond. I loved the mix of magic, world building, and the eclectic cast of characters. I love that they low key had her doing yoga every day even though the poses were scandalous. The way things rounded out in the last quarter of the book had me on the edge of my seat, theorizing and gasping at the many revelations. I literally screamed when the audiobook ended. I cannot wait to pick up the next in this series once it is out.

🎧 The audiobook had a single narrator but the performance was so immaculate that I hardly noticed. I love the accents and the raw emotion that made this audiobook stand out to me. I had goosebumps. Also, I really enjoyed the musical touches included between chapters and during particular scenes that added to the suspense and immersive quality. I highly recommend checking out the audio!

WHAT TO EXPECT:
• epic dark romantasy
• captive & captor
• secret magic
• meddling gods
• she’s a healer and he’s a warrior
• forced proximity
• uncovering secrets
• be careful who you trust
• they read smut
• spice: 🌶️🌶️ (moderately graphic on page scenes)

Fantastic narration!

let me start by saying the narration and production get 5⭐️s! This was very well done, engaging and easy to follow. And I liked the occasional edition of background noise/music that helped bring the story to life.

The writing itself was 4⭐️s! I continue to really enjoy M.A. Brown’s lyrical/ romantic writing style. I think this world is very interesting and the ending left me wanting more!!

But Ngl, there were times when the description of Fenris made me a little uncomfortable. Like how before Ertha knew his name she thought of him as “the dark one” and also the constant highlighting of his “otherness” I’m pretty sure that this is foreshadowing some reveal but idk, it just made me feel a little off. And that was the main thing that kept the story from being 5 stars from me.

EVERTHING I'VE BEEN WANTING FROM ROMANTASY

Are you tired of insta-lust romance? Do you crave world building, layers of secrets, and meddling gods? Do you like a little music added to your audiobook? How about GODDESS TIER narration? Like I refuse to accept this was just one voice actor! The distinctions between character voices were incredible!

Do I have your attention?? Listen. To. This Audiobook. Chefs Kiss. Perfection and I need book 2 ASAP because I have so many questions and predictions for where this is going. I need it yesterday. THAT ENDING!

That ending…..

Wow, just, wow. Loved it. Beautiful and dark. Highly recommend for ppl who want a plot with a romance haha 😂

Beautifully Written Romantasy!

The Seventh sister is a beautifully written slow burn Romantasy about a woman stolen away to another kingdom because of her healing abilities.

As she searches for a way to escape, she discovers secrets long forgotten, and must grapple with her fated role in the unfurling events before her.

You can expect open door explicit intimacy in this book.