Grey Sister: 2 (Book of the Ancestor) Mass Market Paperback – 26 Feb. 2019by Mark Lawrence (Author)

The second novel in a brilliant fantasy trilogy from the international bestselling author of Prince of Thorns.

Behind its walls, the Convent of Sweet Mercy has trained young girls to hone their skills for centuries. In Mystic Class, Novice Nona Grey has begun to learn the secrets of the universe. But so often even the deepest truths just make our choices harder. Before she leaves the convent, Nona must choose which order to dedicate herself to–and whether her path will lead to a life of prayer and service or one of the blade and the fist.

All that stands between her and these choices are the pride of a thwarted assassin, the designs of a would-be empress wielding the Inquisition like a knife, and the vengeance of the empire’s richest lord.

As the world narrows around her, and her enemies attack her through the system she is sworn to, Nona must find her own path despite the competing pulls of friendship, revenge, ambition, and loyalty.

And in all this only one thing is certain: there will be blood.

Editorial Reviews

Praise for Grey Sister

„Vivid worldbuilding and fast-paced action…Readers who loved Red Sister will find this second series outing even more compelling.“–Library Journal (starred review)

„Once again, Lawrence combines great world building and dynamic characters to craft an exciting, gritty fantasy novel.“–Booklist (starred review)

„Lawrence’s suspenseful account of Nona’s efforts to complete her training and gain control over her powers balances action and introspection, and will keep readers hooked.“–Publishers Weekly

Praise for Red Sister

„Fabulous, in-depth world building, great characters, and as always with Lawrence, plotting that is fresh and unpredictable…If you like fresh, take-no-prisoners fantasy, this is for you.“–Rick Riordan, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Burning Maze

„Dark, passionate, tense, with a female hero anyone could relate to–I was utterly fascinated! This is no pretty, flowery tale, but one of vastly different people struggling to survive when a hostile government comes to power.“–Tamora Pierce, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Battle Magic

„The lyrical excellence of previous books is present in full force here and it’s fair to say that Mark Lawrence has evolved into a master of his craft. In Red Sister he has produced a novel that is as thought provoking as it is entertaining, and as poignant as it is ferocious. Highly recommended.“–Anthony Ryan, New York Times bestselling author of The Legion of Flame

„In this stunning, action-filled series launch, Lawrence (‘Broken Empire’ trilogy) establishes a fantastic world in which religion and politics are sharp as swords, with magic and might held in the hands of wonderful and dangerous women. Impatient George R.R. Martin fans will find this a pleasing alternative until the next installment in his „A Song of Ice and Fire“ saga arrives.“–Library Journal (starred review)
– From the Publisher

02/05/2018
In offering sometimes small insights into his characters’ inner lives, Lawrence elevates the second volume of his Ancestor epic fantasy series (after Red Sister) above similar books featuring a young woman who is separated from her family and taught to make the best use of her supernatural skills. Nona Grey, a peasant child who was sold into slavery, was found to have a rare combination of ancient talents including „manipulat the threads that are woven to create reality.“ Her gifts have been nurtured by her teachers at the Convent of Sweet Mercy, who train girls to become assassins (called Red Sisters), but following Nona’s killing of a nobleman’s son, she is targeted for death by his father. Lawrence’s suspenseful account of Nona’s efforts to complete her training and gain control over her powers balances action and introspection, and will keep readers hooked. (Apr.)
– Publishers Weekly

*04/15/2018
As novice Nona Grey moves into Mystic Class, the events of her last years (recounted in Red Sister) at the Convent of Sweet Mercy weigh upon her. She has lost one of her closest friends, seen the shipheart stolen by a failed assassin, and killed a man of means whose family is out for vengeance. Soon Nona will have to decide whether a life of service means a path filled with prayer or fight, but her dedication to the order is interrupted by the Inquisition led from afar by a queen seeking more power. With the religious order being used as a weapon against Nona, her friends and even her abbess, this clash of politics and power means difficult choices for all, including a young woman who will have to balance her fury and desire for revenge against loyalty to her order. VERDICT Vivid worldbuilding and fast-paced action enhance this powerful coming-of-age story. Readers who loved Red Sister will find this second series outing even more compelling.–Kristi Chadwick, Massachusetts Lib. Syst., Northampton
– Library Journal