Description
What if the Knights of the Round Table had a female counterpart? An epic Arthurian fantasy reimagining from the UK’s leading and bestselling feminist writer, Laura Bates, for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Sarah J. Maas.
'An interesting thing happens when a man is defeated in combat by a woman . . . He tells nobody.'
Destined for an arranged marriage, Cass dreams of freedom. So when a fierce and beautiful leather-clad woman rides up and offers to take her away, Cass doesn’t hesitate to join her. She is introduced to the Sisters of Sword and Shadow - a group of female knights training to fight, protect their community and right the wrongs of men. Drawn into a world of ancient feuds, glorious battles, and deadly intrigue,
Cass soon discovers she holds a power that could change not only her own fate but that of her entire sisterhood.
Introducing Laura Bates' fantasy debut, the first in a breathtaking and sweeping duology, exploring questions about power, courage and the stories we tell about the past.
Review
Sisters of Sword and Shadow is a wonderful modern retelling of the Arthurian legend - only this time with a secret group of females as the heroes.
On the day of Cass’s sister’s arranged marriage, Cass finds herself in danger in the forest. She is saved by a knight - who Cass soon discovers is a girl not much older than she is.
She is taken to a fortified village that is inhabited only by women and girls, many of whom have sought refuge from all manner of male driven troubles. They have their own knights and squires, and live to help and support each other, particularly against their tyrannical overlord, Lord Mordaunt.
Cass is unsure if she should stay and learn how to be a knight or return to her family, who must be missing her dreadfully, and endure a lifetime of servitude. But she has a strong feeling that this is her true destiny...
This book puts a fantastic twist on the whole Arthurian world with females as the good knights. A terrific story with themes of sexism, misogyny, finding your destiny and the classic good overcoming evil that will make it a popular read, best suited to readers aged 13 to 16.
Reviewed by Rob
