12 new science fiction and fantasy releases to get chills with this October
By Lacy Baugher
October 2021 release: Sistersong – Lucy Holland
A loose and lyrical retelling of the story of the Twa Sisters, a traditional murder ballad about betrayal, jealousy, and tragedy between two siblings, Sistersong is a rich, imaginative tale that will appeal to fans of Circe, The Witch’s Heart, and similar female-focused explorations of folklore and mythology
Set in ancient Britain, the story follows Keyne, Riva, and Sinne, the three children of Dumnonia’s King Cador, each with their own set of challenges to face. Keyne struggles to be seen as the man he feels he is – despite the fact that he was born a daughter. Middle child Riva has healing abilities but is herself horribly scarred. And young Sinne is a flighty free spirit, who wants to see the world and find love.
Magic once literally flowed through their lands, but with the arrival of the Christian priest Gildas, the king has turned his back on the old ways, leaving the kingdom defenseless against an encroaching Saxon army. The three siblings will have to forge their own paths – and their choices could shape the future of Britain.
The official synopsis describes the story as follows.
"In the ancient kingdom of Dumnonia, there is old magic to be found in the whisper of the wind, the roots of the trees, the curl of the grass. King Cador knew this once, but now the land has turned from him, calling instead to his three children. Riva can cure others, but can’t seem to heal her own deep scars. Keyne battles to be accepted for who he truly is—the king’s son. And Sinne dreams of seeing the world, of finding adventure. All three fear a life of confinement within the walls of the hold, their people’s last bastion of strength against the invading Saxons. However, change comes on the day ash falls from the sky. It brings with it Myrdhin, meddler and magician. And Tristan, a warrior whose secrets will tear them apart. Riva, Keyne and Sinne—three siblings entangled in a web of treachery and heartbreak, who must fight to forge their own paths. Their story will shape the destiny of Britain."
Sistersong is available on October 5.