2.04.2021

Fourth Sister ~ Review

Fourth Sister
Hearth and Bard Tales #2
By M.L. Farb

Shisei is cursed, she's known it most of her life. She is followed by death. She is responsible for her twin brother's death, and she feels she must do what she can to fulfill the promise of what his life might have been. When she brings about another death she is compelled to leave her home and family behind. Disguising herself, Shisei apprentices herself to a mask maker. But the four-tailed fox, a white kitsune, that has plagued her life has followed her - a trickster that is determined to ruin the new life she is now creating for herself. 

When Shisei returns to the village of her family she brings death with her. When the only son of the village Kazoku dies the blame is laid at the feet of her youngest sister - the penalty death! To save her sister's life, Shisei must become more than she has ever believed possible. She must become a leader and lead her sisters in a deception that could free one or cost them all their very lives.

Shisei has believed lies and allowed them to shape her life and undermine her worth in her own eyes. She's lived her life in penance but to save her sisters she must discover who she is.

Fourth Sister is a delightful story that takes the reader into a world that many are unfamiliar with. Combining myth, fantasy, and the beauty of haiku the reader is taken on a journey - a journey that one wishes would continue on. The story is well worth the time spent within its pages. It celebrates the bonds of family and explores the power of words. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:
Shi, shi, fourth and death.
Fourth sister and twin to death.
Brother born silent.

Blamed for her twin brother’s death, Shisei, the outcast fourth of seven sisters, apprentices herself to a mask maker; but when the local Kazoku accuses the youngest sister of killing his son, Shisei must lead her sisters in a deception that will either save the youngest or condemn them all.

Fourth Sister is a Japanese fairy tale retelling with sparse poetry and gold-mended brokenness. A Studio Ghibli type story that invokes reflection.

Little Women x Spirited Away

No comments:

Post a Comment

Thank you for your comments.
~ Blooming with Books