Red Sister (2017) by Mark Lawrence is the first book in the Book of the Ancestor trilogy (Red Sister, Grey Sister & Holy Sister), a gripping blend of dark fantasy, coming-of-age intensity, and razor-sharp prose. Set in a dying world where a dwindling sun casts its light over a narrow corridor of habitable land, the story follows Nona Grey, a nine-year-old orphan with a lethal secret, rescued from the gallows and taken to Sweet Mercy Convent. There, young girls are trained as deadly warriors, assassins, and spies under the tutelage of warrior nuns who wield blades, poisons, and arcane powers.
Nona, small but fiercely loyal, discovers her own rare and dangerous gifts—ranging from superhuman speed to the ability to manipulate shadows—while navigating a web of friendships, rivalries, and political treachery. The convent’s walls hold bloody secrets, and beyond them, empires plot wars fueled by ancient technologies and religious fanaticism. Lawrence’s worldbuilding is stark yet vivid, anchored by his signature morally complex characters and relentless pacing.
A tale of sisterhood, survival, and vengeance, Red Sister is a masterclass in fantasy storytelling, balancing brutal action with deep emotional resonance. Its iconic opening line—“It is important, when killing a nun, to ensure that you bring an army of sufficient size.”—sets the tone for a series where every choice is edged in blood.
