The Sisterhood of Secrets by Winnifred Tataw
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Diversity. Balance. Though this is the fourth book in the series it is the first book I have read by the talented Winnifred Tataw. While I was initially concerned about being confused about the story or not being able to understand what was going on I found I had no issues with understanding. This book was very informative about building the world and characters in the first several chapters. So, I am confident in saying that from experience this book could be read as a standalone, though I plan to go back and read the previous three soon. Told through several characters’ perspectives, it gives a well-rounded story.
Alistine was once a part of the castle staff now with the crowned prince Rayden. Arcelia is the girlfriend of Prince Rodrick, Rayden’s brother. Rodrick, prince of Diar but also the Acolyte of Time. Nikolai the Acolyte of Life. While all the characters have their side story or own situations, they are all tied together to varying degrees. Arcelia is determined to prove that she is not like her family that she is not with Rodrick for power but for love, primarily to his mother Queen Riva. Nikolai has many duties as the acolyte of life, one being as an unbiased tiebreaker for the beings of balance. In past situations when he was needed, he was given details on who or why a person was so important to upcoming events but this time he has told very vague details. Leading him to wonder if he knows the person that could be the single sacrifice. When all things begin to change where will they fall in the balance of the world.
What is better sacrifice one or many, did Nikolai make the right choice? Will Alistine and Rayden finally complete the process of her becoming his princess? How will Arcelia’s visit with her estranged family go? Was Alistine’s feeling that something wasn’t right worth worrying about? The world that the author creates is beyond fascinating in not only the mix of cultural diversity but with the blurred lines between the past and present. Honestly at first, I thought this was a story placed more in medieval times, or closer to that era, until the mention of “scrolling through my phone” and the realization that it was a more current story in terms of technology. The story reminded me in many ways of Game of Thrones in terms of one overlaying story but each character or set of characters having their own side story simultaneously to the main plot. I can’t wait to read the previous books and will be keeping my eyes out for what comes next.

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