Sisters of Sword and Shadow by Laura Bates

Sisters of Sword and Shadow is the completely engaging young adult tale of a group of women who create a world for themselves within a world does not allow them to choose their own paths. I was eager to read it and completely captivated by what I found inside. I couldn’t put it down – ending up in a very cold bath because I just kept reading!

Stories of medieval knights typically follow men who fight with honour and valour – rescuing damsels in distress and taking everything they believe to be rightfully theirs. King Arthur and his knights know what they want out of life and are not afraid to battle those who oppose them. Sisters of Sword and Shadow turns this tradition on its head. A community of determined women learn swordplay and jousting, self-sufficiency and strength as they live secret double-lives.

Cass always thought she was destined for the same life as her sister – to be married to the first man who makes her father a decent offer and spend her days as a wife and mother. She would have no voice, no choice and no real future. When she is whisked away by a powerful knight on horseback, she discovers a whole new life. In this world, she is free to pursue a quest she didn’t even realise she needed – a quest to uncover her true self, her true abilities, her true strength. Living the life of a knight’s squire shows her just how much she is capable of and the incredible power of women.

Sisters of Sword and Shadow is just the book for readers who love history, are passionate about the empowerment of women and are ready for that little bit more. It is not a story for the faint-hearted with many depictions of fighting and death. Readers will be challenged about their preconceptions about this time in history and the traditions of knights. They will be inspired by the strength and determination of these women as they stop at nothing to create the life they know they deserve.

Thank you so much to Simon & Schuster Children’s Books and Roann Gutierrez for this fantastic book!

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