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Sisters of Sword and Shadow #2
Sisters of Fire and Fury
What if the knight destined to unite Britain was not King Arthur, but a woman? An epic Arthurian fantasy reimagining for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Sarah J. Maas.
Having won the battle against Mordaunt’s men, the sisterhood is left dealing with grief and banishment. Cass has become a leader but her blossoming new powers threaten to overwhelm her. The fellowship will be tested to their limits as they fight off invading forces and come face to face with Arthur.
Get ready for bigger battles, destiny and old magic in this spectacular sequel!
Having won the battle against Mordaunt’s men, the sisterhood is left dealing with grief and banishment. Cass has become a leader but her blossoming new powers threaten to overwhelm her. The fellowship will be tested to their limits as they fight off invading forces and come face to face with Arthur.
Get ready for bigger battles, destiny and old magic in this spectacular sequel!
411 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2024
17 people are currently reading
806 people want to read
About the author
Laura Bates
21 books2,300 followersLaura Bates is the founder of the Everyday Sexism Project, an ever-increasing collection of over 100,000 testimonies of gender inequality, with branches in 25 countries worldwide. She works closely with politicians, businesses, schools, police forces and organisations from the Council of Europe to the United Nations to tackle gender inequality. She was awarded a British Empire Medal for services to gender equality in the Queen's Birthday Honours list 2015 and has been named a woman of the year by Cosmopolitan, Red Magazine and The Sunday Times Magazine.
Laura is the author of Everyday Sexism, the Sunday Times bestseller Girl Up, and Misogynation. Her first novel, The Burning, was published in 2019. She co-wrote Letters to the Future with Owen Sheers. Laura writes regularly for the Guardian, New York Times and others and won a British Press Award in 2015. She has been a judge for the Women's Prize, the YA Book Prize and the BBC Young Writers Award and part of the committee selecting the 2020 Children's Laureate. In 2019 she was elected a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.
Laura is a contributor at Women Under Siege, a New York-based project tackling rape in conflict worldwide and she is patron of SARSAS, Somerset and Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support. She is the recipient of two honorary degrees and was awarded the Internet and Society Award by the Oxford Internet Institute alongside Sir Tim Berners Lee.
Laura is the author of Everyday Sexism, the Sunday Times bestseller Girl Up, and Misogynation. Her first novel, The Burning, was published in 2019. She co-wrote Letters to the Future with Owen Sheers. Laura writes regularly for the Guardian, New York Times and others and won a British Press Award in 2015. She has been a judge for the Women's Prize, the YA Book Prize and the BBC Young Writers Award and part of the committee selecting the 2020 Children's Laureate. In 2019 she was elected a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.
Laura is a contributor at Women Under Siege, a New York-based project tackling rape in conflict worldwide and she is patron of SARSAS, Somerset and Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support. She is the recipient of two honorary degrees and was awarded the Internet and Society Award by the Oxford Internet Institute alongside Sir Tim Berners Lee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
December 25, 2024
I know this is a duology, but hear me out, five books? Four books? I'll even settle for three PLEASE I NEED MORE!!!
I had an arc of book one and loved it to bits, but this release went a bit off the radar for me, so I was really exited when I saw it was finally out.
It's such a brilliant sequel, I can't say which book I love more. While the first focused on Cass trying to find herself, this one really leaned into her embracing her destiny. AND, we got to see (and meet) Arthur, Merlin and the Knights too.
The dreamy writing style is still present and perfect for the story, I'd like to go back to this dream again and again thanks!!
I just adore the way this was written, the choices made relating to each character, in which light to paint them, and the huge emphasis on women being forgotten throughout history no matter how grand their contributions.
Cass grew so much during her journey, and I'm so glad I got to know her and the rest of the women. They'll continue living in my head rent free forevermore.
I had an arc of book one and loved it to bits, but this release went a bit off the radar for me, so I was really exited when I saw it was finally out.
It's such a brilliant sequel, I can't say which book I love more. While the first focused on Cass trying to find herself, this one really leaned into her embracing her destiny. AND, we got to see (and meet) Arthur, Merlin and the Knights too.
The dreamy writing style is still present and perfect for the story, I'd like to go back to this dream again and again thanks!!
I just adore the way this was written, the choices made relating to each character, in which light to paint them, and the huge emphasis on women being forgotten throughout history no matter how grand their contributions.
Cass grew so much during her journey, and I'm so glad I got to know her and the rest of the women. They'll continue living in my head rent free forevermore.
December 15, 2024
This was fine but both books have never gripped me. A good retelling of arthurian legend with a feminist take but it all felt a bit rushed, no real depth and didn't wow me
January 5, 2025
4.5*
I feel like the author managed to do more with this book after setting up the characters and place in the first one. Some good action alongside good relationships.
I feel like the author managed to do more with this book after setting up the characters and place in the first one. Some good action alongside good relationships.
June 2, 2025
this was so good!!! cass and sir gamelin are such a intresting couple, and the plot line was great! i gasped a few times, i hope there’s another one!!
October 20, 2024
If you like the first then the second is a goer. Ending felt slightly rushed and would have preferred it to be less gift wrapped, no loose ends to ponder over.
January 25, 2025
i can’t say that this book was worse than the first but the story itself just felt so flat.
all of the characters felt so 2D, and honestly i couldn’t give a toss about any of them. the romantic sub-plot was incredibly meh and it felt like it was written for the convenience of having a romantic sub-plot.
in this book we find out that cass is the “chosen one” who’s been prophesied and it just felt like lazy writing. it felt like this was done so that cass could fight like a knight without the author having to write a couple of chapters on her development in training.
cass may be the chosen one but if it wasn’t for astra, the entire sisterhood would have been dead in a ditch somewhere so i think our prophecy was misplaced.
and just as i was maybe starting to get into it, the chapter ended and the next chapter began with, “at daybreak victory was theirs”, like c’mon, you almost had me!!
i’m not sure if the intention for this series is as a duology or a trilogy but i don’t think i’ll be picking up any more books by this author in a hurry.
all of the characters felt so 2D, and honestly i couldn’t give a toss about any of them. the romantic sub-plot was incredibly meh and it felt like it was written for the convenience of having a romantic sub-plot.
in this book we find out that cass is the “chosen one” who’s been prophesied and it just felt like lazy writing. it felt like this was done so that cass could fight like a knight without the author having to write a couple of chapters on her development in training.
cass may be the chosen one but if it wasn’t for astra, the entire sisterhood would have been dead in a ditch somewhere so i think our prophecy was misplaced.
and just as i was maybe starting to get into it, the chapter ended and the next chapter began with, “at daybreak victory was theirs”, like c’mon, you almost had me!!
i’m not sure if the intention for this series is as a duology or a trilogy but i don’t think i’ll be picking up any more books by this author in a hurry.
January 31, 2025
to say that this book was better than the first is just a testament to how bad the first book was
July 30, 2025
It just should have been gayer.
October 9, 2024
I was SO ready to be disappointed by this after loving the first one so much and gushing about it to everyone and then just waiting for the sequel to be lesser than. Well. I should eat my own fears!
Laura Bates everyone, Laura Bates has crafted a gorgeously complex duology that fills my heart with joy, pride, anger, resentment, sorrow and pure adulated awe.
This is the stuff of dreams. A well thought-through, well-planned, multifaceted tale that takes the story of legendary Arthur Pendragon and twists it just so… or does it?
Maybe, it’s a real reflection of how Women have always been the stuff of afterthought in reflection, the history books written by the men in power, the men in positions with availability to craft their futures.
This felt like an absolute wonder to read, with compelling humanity in characters of all guises to incredibly well-researched fighting scenes that made everything play across the page as vividly as witnessing it first hand.
A glorious feat- and a must read to any budding feminist browsing the YA section. As a bookseller, it feels important to state how rare a piece this duology felt. This duology perfectly represents the world we live in, the world our history is based in, and the fantasy lands so many of us oft escape to; this duology takes those worlds and aligns them without apology.
I feel beyond honoured to have been an advanced reader for both books and being sent copies and please note; yes I bought extras of both books and have them already on the way to my 13 year old sister, her school library and a little free library. Because this is a duology I believe in, a duology I hope gifts the spark of fight within the teens reading them and leads them to their own paths of discovery.
Laura Bates everyone, Laura Bates has crafted a gorgeously complex duology that fills my heart with joy, pride, anger, resentment, sorrow and pure adulated awe.
This is the stuff of dreams. A well thought-through, well-planned, multifaceted tale that takes the story of legendary Arthur Pendragon and twists it just so… or does it?
Maybe, it’s a real reflection of how Women have always been the stuff of afterthought in reflection, the history books written by the men in power, the men in positions with availability to craft their futures.
This felt like an absolute wonder to read, with compelling humanity in characters of all guises to incredibly well-researched fighting scenes that made everything play across the page as vividly as witnessing it first hand.
A glorious feat- and a must read to any budding feminist browsing the YA section. As a bookseller, it feels important to state how rare a piece this duology felt. This duology perfectly represents the world we live in, the world our history is based in, and the fantasy lands so many of us oft escape to; this duology takes those worlds and aligns them without apology.
I feel beyond honoured to have been an advanced reader for both books and being sent copies and please note; yes I bought extras of both books and have them already on the way to my 13 year old sister, her school library and a little free library. Because this is a duology I believe in, a duology I hope gifts the spark of fight within the teens reading them and leads them to their own paths of discovery.
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March 31, 2025DNF at 40%
I really enjoyed Sisters of Sword and Shadow (and rated it 4 stars) but the sequel just didn't grip me the same way. I felt like the story came across stagnant in places even though I was approaching the middle of the story, and I didn't get the same vibe / feminism-centered plot like the first book, and would've loved to see books one and two merged instead, if that had happened from the get-go, as that may have shaped it entirely different for me.
Again, I hugely enjoy Laura's writing, and feel like she has such a way of pulling you in, but this book just wasn't the one I was expecting this time around. I will, as always, look out for more books by Laura in the future. No rating, because I didn't finish it, so it wouldn't be fair.
I really enjoyed Sisters of Sword and Shadow (and rated it 4 stars) but the sequel just didn't grip me the same way. I felt like the story came across stagnant in places even though I was approaching the middle of the story, and I didn't get the same vibe / feminism-centered plot like the first book, and would've loved to see books one and two merged instead, if that had happened from the get-go, as that may have shaped it entirely different for me.
Again, I hugely enjoy Laura's writing, and feel like she has such a way of pulling you in, but this book just wasn't the one I was expecting this time around. I will, as always, look out for more books by Laura in the future. No rating, because I didn't finish it, so it wouldn't be fair.
June 16, 2025
Sisters of Fire and Fury was an okay read, but I much preferred the first book in the series, Sisters of Sword and Shadow. The bond between the sisters was still a strong part of the story, and the world had some interesting elements, but overall this one didn’t hit the same for me.
The pacing felt off—some parts dragged while others moved too fast. The romantic subplot didn’t feel developed enough, and I kept wanting more from it. Some of the characters also felt a bit flat this time around.
It wasn’t a bad book, just not as gripping or well-balanced as the first. Still, if you enjoyed book one, it might be worth reading to see where the story goes.
The pacing felt off—some parts dragged while others moved too fast. The romantic subplot didn’t feel developed enough, and I kept wanting more from it. Some of the characters also felt a bit flat this time around.
It wasn’t a bad book, just not as gripping or well-balanced as the first. Still, if you enjoyed book one, it might be worth reading to see where the story goes.
April 18, 2025
THE ENDING? I have a love hate relationship with Arthur. Sometimes I was very confused, there were some plot holes. But as I read it just got better. ALSO is the horse alive? I NEED TO KNOW, it's my greatest concern. I don't think Sir Gamelin and Cass should've been together because of those circumstances :(. I loved the fights and the connection between Cass and Arthur and stuff. Overall, a really good ending to the story.
November 11, 2024
What if the knight destined to unite Britain was not King Arthur, but a woman?
This book was just as good as the first one!! Sometimes sequels aren’t as good but this was fantastic! It really focused on Cass and her story and destiny and I loved it! It really was a wonder to read and definitely my favorite book of 2024.
This book was just as good as the first one!! Sometimes sequels aren’t as good but this was fantastic! It really focused on Cass and her story and destiny and I loved it! It really was a wonder to read and definitely my favorite book of 2024.
November 23, 2025
I enjoyed the concept, although very teen-targeted, but the speech is awkward.
August 1, 2025
I found this book a lot more engaging from the get go than book one, but it felt strange by the last third.
it seemed like instead of continuing with the story it turned into the author seemingly writing a summary. "This happened, that happened, but I'm just gonna tell you not show".
And the big moment at the end...what an anticlimactic end to a character and completely avoids that there would be emotional consequences to that Action.
Also, what was the deal with the swords?!?!
I just...it seemed like there should be a book three, as everything got so rushed and I want to understand how the consequences could play out and whether the relationships would remain despite everything.
Just feeling frustrated and disappointed by the end. And it's a rare occasion that I think another book is required!
it seemed like instead of continuing with the story it turned into the author seemingly writing a summary. "This happened, that happened, but I'm just gonna tell you not show".
And the big moment at the end...what an anticlimactic end to a character and completely avoids that there would be emotional consequences to that Action.
Also, what was the deal with the swords?!?!
I just...it seemed like there should be a book three, as everything got so rushed and I want to understand how the consequences could play out and whether the relationships would remain despite everything.
Just feeling frustrated and disappointed by the end. And it's a rare occasion that I think another book is required!
October 10, 2024
Yesssss this is how you do a sequel. I have to admit I felt a bit lacklustre about the first book because it was marketed as a feminine version of the knights of the round table, and it didnt live up to my expectations. This one, however, did. I’m lowkey reflecting on my original opinion of the first book.
I loved how we were finally introduced to the characters from the knights of the round table with a lovely little twist in them as well. Cass continued to grow and I loved how her arc developed.
The book flowed really well for me and I was able to follow everything easily. I’m very very happy I decided to stick with the series and I’m desperate for another instalment.
Edit, I’ve changed my rating from a 4* to a 5*. And that’s because I was very pleased with the direction of the story.
I loved how we were finally introduced to the characters from the knights of the round table with a lovely little twist in them as well. Cass continued to grow and I loved how her arc developed.
The book flowed really well for me and I was able to follow everything easily. I’m very very happy I decided to stick with the series and I’m desperate for another instalment.
Edit, I’ve changed my rating from a 4* to a 5*. And that’s because I was very pleased with the direction of the story.
June 29, 2025
I went into Sisters of Fire and Fury fully expecting the classic second-book slump that often happens in a duology; but I ended up loving this even more than the first! This sequel really hit its stride, benefiting from the strong foundation laid in Sisters of Sword and Shadow. Since the characters were already so well developed, this book could dive straight into the action, drama, and deeper emotional and political stakes without having to reintroduce everyone, and it paid off brilliantly.
The pacing, structure, and tension were all masterfully done. So much happens in this book, but it never felt overwhelming. The flow of the story kept me completely engaged, and the last 20% had me absolutely gripped ; I couldn’t put it down!!
Cass truly came into her own in this book. Her arc was phenomenal! Watching her evolve into a strong, complicated, and badass protagonist was one of the highlights of the story. What I especially appreciated was how her heroism wasn’t portrayed as purely righteous, there’s a real reckoning with the violence she commits and the emotional cost of that. It adds such depth to her character.
Arthur was also a standout. He’s portrayed as a morally grey character; someone you root for and question at the same time. His internal struggle with kingship and his manipulation by Merlin added layers of intrigue and emotional tension, especially as his relationship with Cass developed and then unraveled. Their dynamic was compelling throughout.
And Merlin? Absolutely awful!!! In the best possible way. Manipulative, calculating, and sinister, he made for a brilliant antagonist. His scenes with Cass were intense and compelling, and their opposing forces made for fantastic storytelling.
As with the first book, my one lingering critique is the romance. It was handled better here but I still felt like it wasn’t entirely necessary. The rest of the book was so strong that the romantic subplot almost distracted from the powerful themes around power, sisterhood, survival, and female agency. That said, it did bring a touching conclusion to the duology and will certainly satisfy readers who enjoy a romantic payoff.
Overall, this was a phenomenal follow-up; beautifully written, richly imagined, and emotionally gripping. It blends historical fiction with fantasy in a way that feels both grounded and magical. I would highly recommend this duology to anyone looking for a fierce feminist fantasy with heart, complexity, and characters that stay with you long after the final page.
The pacing, structure, and tension were all masterfully done. So much happens in this book, but it never felt overwhelming. The flow of the story kept me completely engaged, and the last 20% had me absolutely gripped ; I couldn’t put it down!!
Cass truly came into her own in this book. Her arc was phenomenal! Watching her evolve into a strong, complicated, and badass protagonist was one of the highlights of the story. What I especially appreciated was how her heroism wasn’t portrayed as purely righteous, there’s a real reckoning with the violence she commits and the emotional cost of that. It adds such depth to her character.
Arthur was also a standout. He’s portrayed as a morally grey character; someone you root for and question at the same time. His internal struggle with kingship and his manipulation by Merlin added layers of intrigue and emotional tension, especially as his relationship with Cass developed and then unraveled. Their dynamic was compelling throughout.
And Merlin? Absolutely awful!!! In the best possible way. Manipulative, calculating, and sinister, he made for a brilliant antagonist. His scenes with Cass were intense and compelling, and their opposing forces made for fantastic storytelling.
As with the first book, my one lingering critique is the romance. It was handled better here but I still felt like it wasn’t entirely necessary. The rest of the book was so strong that the romantic subplot almost distracted from the powerful themes around power, sisterhood, survival, and female agency. That said, it did bring a touching conclusion to the duology and will certainly satisfy readers who enjoy a romantic payoff.
Overall, this was a phenomenal follow-up; beautifully written, richly imagined, and emotionally gripping. It blends historical fiction with fantasy in a way that feels both grounded and magical. I would highly recommend this duology to anyone looking for a fierce feminist fantasy with heart, complexity, and characters that stay with you long after the final page.
September 20, 2025
I am not quite sure why the author felt inclined to do this in the sequel as well, but the last bit of the book after the big battle was just a massive summary of things that happened. Almost as if you're sitting an exam and realise you have 10minutes left to cram everything in without a connection or linked thought. We did not even get to process a character death and suddenly the two find themselves at a farm and then the anticlimatic departure from the manor - my head was swimming with confusion by the end.
In terms of pacing, the first part started out quite slow, Cass gearing up for the big reveal, and then everything was happening quite fast, often too fast and moving on without properly outlining the consequences of current events.
As someone who is a die hard fan of the BBC Merlin show, the Camelot the author presented in the book was a hard pill for me to swallow. On one hand, I belive the whole sibling plot came out of nowhere and took up most of the book instead of focusing on the female knights alone, as if the only thing that could elevate it from the first book was the introduction of a famous man and his round table gang.
On the other hand, it was a much more realistic reimagining of the Arthurian tales, and I could imagine that was exactly how it happened in real life. What with Lancelot being a massive womanizer, the king and queen being children groomed into puppets, the constant quest for glory and songs over prosperity for the small folk and so on.
Romance wise, I truly never felt anything between Cass and Sir Gamelin - she had more chemistry with Sigrid, Astra and even Gaia. Now that is a romance I'd love to have read.
Additionally, I appreciate the amount of research that went into this, especially practical fighting bits. As someone who both fences and writes fight scenes, it can be tricky to strike a right balance between experiencing it yourself, and using the words to describe it. The fact that the author spent time talking to expert reenactors about horseback archery and jousting is evident in the writing, and I believe those were my favourite scenes.
All in all, quite disappointed after the discovery that was the first book, but still an enjoyable read.
In terms of pacing, the first part started out quite slow, Cass gearing up for the big reveal, and then everything was happening quite fast, often too fast and moving on without properly outlining the consequences of current events.
As someone who is a die hard fan of the BBC Merlin show, the Camelot the author presented in the book was a hard pill for me to swallow. On one hand, I belive the whole sibling plot came out of nowhere and took up most of the book instead of focusing on the female knights alone, as if the only thing that could elevate it from the first book was the introduction of a famous man and his round table gang.
On the other hand, it was a much more realistic reimagining of the Arthurian tales, and I could imagine that was exactly how it happened in real life. What with Lancelot being a massive womanizer, the king and queen being children groomed into puppets, the constant quest for glory and songs over prosperity for the small folk and so on.
Romance wise, I truly never felt anything between Cass and Sir Gamelin - she had more chemistry with Sigrid, Astra and even Gaia. Now that is a romance I'd love to have read.
Additionally, I appreciate the amount of research that went into this, especially practical fighting bits. As someone who both fences and writes fight scenes, it can be tricky to strike a right balance between experiencing it yourself, and using the words to describe it. The fact that the author spent time talking to expert reenactors about horseback archery and jousting is evident in the writing, and I believe those were my favourite scenes.
All in all, quite disappointed after the discovery that was the first book, but still an enjoyable read.
January 27, 2025
Quality Rating: Five Stars
Enjoyment Rating: Five Stars
My kind of romance, my kind of thriller, my kind of everything really. Heart-pounding action, heartwarming love, and heart-burning fury. When I realised it was the last few pages, I didn't want it to end.
I enjoyed the first book, but I feel like I understood the second book more. It's so well done, so much fun but so political and real - the balance is so well crafted. I remember reading an interview with Derek Landy (author of the Skulduggery Pleasant series, and one of the most influential writers of my childhood) where he was talking about action and violence involving young characters. He spoke about how important it was to him to show that action is exciting but getting hurt, well, hurts. It's scary even with a weapon in your hand, and no one is invincible. There's a handful of moments in Sisters of Fire and Fury where I was reminded of that and impressed by how Laura Bates doesn't glorify the fantasy of female knights - glorious as it is - because they are hurt, they are scared. They are protecting not conquering.
I speak a lot about adaptations around retellings and between mediums, and if I ever had to teach a class on it, I think this would have to be one of the examples. The first book was very loose with its inspiration, while this one meets it head on, but with so much love for the original myths of King Arthur. Instead of strictly rewriting it or giving it a click-bait 'twist, the story is instead allowed to grow with new opportunities that the original myth never saw. It's modernised through the acknowledgement of how our morality system and culture has evolved, and by seeing where that new perspective leads us.
The themes in these books feel so true, so close, even if the rest is beautiful medieval fantasy. I'm grateful to have these books as a 20-something. I hope they're devoured by younger.
Enjoyment Rating: Five Stars
My kind of romance, my kind of thriller, my kind of everything really. Heart-pounding action, heartwarming love, and heart-burning fury. When I realised it was the last few pages, I didn't want it to end.
I enjoyed the first book, but I feel like I understood the second book more. It's so well done, so much fun but so political and real - the balance is so well crafted. I remember reading an interview with Derek Landy (author of the Skulduggery Pleasant series, and one of the most influential writers of my childhood) where he was talking about action and violence involving young characters. He spoke about how important it was to him to show that action is exciting but getting hurt, well, hurts. It's scary even with a weapon in your hand, and no one is invincible. There's a handful of moments in Sisters of Fire and Fury where I was reminded of that and impressed by how Laura Bates doesn't glorify the fantasy of female knights - glorious as it is - because they are hurt, they are scared. They are protecting not conquering.
I speak a lot about adaptations around retellings and between mediums, and if I ever had to teach a class on it, I think this would have to be one of the examples. The first book was very loose with its inspiration, while this one meets it head on, but with so much love for the original myths of King Arthur. Instead of strictly rewriting it or giving it a click-bait 'twist, the story is instead allowed to grow with new opportunities that the original myth never saw. It's modernised through the acknowledgement of how our morality system and culture has evolved, and by seeing where that new perspective leads us.
The themes in these books feel so true, so close, even if the rest is beautiful medieval fantasy. I'm grateful to have these books as a 20-something. I hope they're devoured by younger.
November 13, 2024
I received a review copy from the publishers in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.
SISTERS OF FIRE AND FURY is a sequel that embraces its Arthurian inspirations.
This is much more of a noticeable Arthurian reimagining than SISTERS OF SWORD AND SHADOW. For a start, Arthur and Merlin are present in the book and the conflict is against the traditional Arthurian enemies - the Saxons, the Picts, etc. Given it is described as a feminist Arthuriana series, I appreciated that it felt very Arthuriana this time around.
I really liked that Merlin is an antagonistic character in this book (I don't like him much as a character in general, so like it when books take that stance too!) Arthur is very much a Male Hero who is hiding a lot of insecurities and not handling them well.
This leads into a discussion of what it is to be a leader, the pressures and ways people look up to leaders. Depending on the person who is the leader (or adjacent), they react differently, and this book explores the doubts and insecurities of leadership in a nicely nuanced way.
I loved the fact that the Battle of Badon was included in this book - it's a real battle that took place between the Britons and the Saxons (the last major Briton victory). I liked the way it was used in this book and the talk about the stories that come out of it.
SISTERS OF FIRE AND FURY is a sequel that embraces its Arthurian inspirations.
This is much more of a noticeable Arthurian reimagining than SISTERS OF SWORD AND SHADOW. For a start, Arthur and Merlin are present in the book and the conflict is against the traditional Arthurian enemies - the Saxons, the Picts, etc. Given it is described as a feminist Arthuriana series, I appreciated that it felt very Arthuriana this time around.
I really liked that Merlin is an antagonistic character in this book (I don't like him much as a character in general, so like it when books take that stance too!) Arthur is very much a Male Hero who is hiding a lot of insecurities and not handling them well.
This leads into a discussion of what it is to be a leader, the pressures and ways people look up to leaders. Depending on the person who is the leader (or adjacent), they react differently, and this book explores the doubts and insecurities of leadership in a nicely nuanced way.
I loved the fact that the Battle of Badon was included in this book - it's a real battle that took place between the Britons and the Saxons (the last major Briton victory). I liked the way it was used in this book and the talk about the stories that come out of it.
October 19, 2024
Solid 4.5 stars!
Again, I had a strong love-hate relationship with this book!
In all honesty, the first half of the book was a bit slow for bit by the 45% mark it picks up hard core!
The author definitely has some excellent elements of Arthuriana in here! Arthurs 12 battles are sequenced, the green knight and even a mysterious familiar female knight from legend makes an appearance ;)
I struggled with Bates depiction of Arthur. At first,I was happy to see a male figure portrayed in what I thought was a positive light.....well ⚔️⚔️
As I mentioned, with my review of book one, I do find the fact that this book is marked as young adult as somewhat unsettling at the authors feminist viewpoints towards men tend for the majority come off as very negative. That being said I do grasp the points the author is trying to make and I agree they are important and correct , but I think it can also be slightly unhealthy for young woman to get that negative a POV so young.
Overall, I enjoyed this duology! Lots of jousting and mounted archery that was very well researched. Also, I love the designs of this book.Cover the sprayed edges are gorgeous!! I'm happy to have a story of female knights in my Arthurain collection!
Again, I had a strong love-hate relationship with this book!
In all honesty, the first half of the book was a bit slow for bit by the 45% mark it picks up hard core!
The author definitely has some excellent elements of Arthuriana in here! Arthurs 12 battles are sequenced, the green knight and even a mysterious familiar female knight from legend makes an appearance ;)
I struggled with Bates depiction of Arthur. At first,I was happy to see a male figure portrayed in what I thought was a positive light.....well ⚔️⚔️
As I mentioned, with my review of book one, I do find the fact that this book is marked as young adult as somewhat unsettling at the authors feminist viewpoints towards men tend for the majority come off as very negative. That being said I do grasp the points the author is trying to make and I agree they are important and correct , but I think it can also be slightly unhealthy for young woman to get that negative a POV so young.
Overall, I enjoyed this duology! Lots of jousting and mounted archery that was very well researched. Also, I love the designs of this book.Cover the sprayed edges are gorgeous!! I'm happy to have a story of female knights in my Arthurain collection!
August 18, 2025
As I kind of predicted, book 2 was worth reading straight after book 1. It seemed to flow better than the first book and the storyline was quite interesting/griping.
Now, it could be because I had the flu, and wasn't in the mood to do much else, but I read both books in just over 3-days! So, they must have held my interest in some shape or form.
Or was it that I just couldn't put it down? Maybe?
My only gripe would be that it felt like the book had finished but still had 50-pages to go... It was as if the author had arrived at the end but realised that they hadn't finished their contract number of pages...
After a while it did turn out that there might have been some unfinished business and/or loose ends to tie up, and it did have some interesting twists that made it worth the wait... so, not quite as I feared.
All in all, it was a good read. And certainly, in its own way, showed an alternative view of the King Arthur tales and potential political agendas. It might have been based on history but there was a lot of the story that could easily apply in today's climate!
Although I only gave the first book 3 stars, I think as a duology it is definitely worth 4 stars and would recommend reading as one.
I'd probably put it on my 'read again later' list too!
Now, it could be because I had the flu, and wasn't in the mood to do much else, but I read both books in just over 3-days! So, they must have held my interest in some shape or form.
Or was it that I just couldn't put it down? Maybe?
My only gripe would be that it felt like the book had finished but still had 50-pages to go... It was as if the author had arrived at the end but realised that they hadn't finished their contract number of pages...
After a while it did turn out that there might have been some unfinished business and/or loose ends to tie up, and it did have some interesting twists that made it worth the wait... so, not quite as I feared.
All in all, it was a good read. And certainly, in its own way, showed an alternative view of the King Arthur tales and potential political agendas. It might have been based on history but there was a lot of the story that could easily apply in today's climate!
Although I only gave the first book 3 stars, I think as a duology it is definitely worth 4 stars and would recommend reading as one.
I'd probably put it on my 'read again later' list too!
March 15, 2025
3.25
This is for children, I am positive now more than ever. 11-13yrs would love this and are the perfect audience. I am not the audience for this book.
I am so conflicted with the rating and feel like it's somewhere between a 3.25 and 3.5 but it just didn't wow me, it didn't really have much of a plot, it was better than the first book but again felt a little simple, a little boring, and just didn't do it for me.
The random barely there love interest in the first book is again barely there in this one and has no personality.
Arthur and his knights are in this one, what a let down, Arthur has the presence of a teaspoon and this I feel was not needed to make a feminist point. His knights are either not present, villainous but without showing anything truly bad, or a surprise twist that was so cliché my eyes rolled 360.
I really wanted to like this, I tried but it wasn't for me.
I do stand by that this is likely written for young girls 11-13yrs. They would likely love it.
There are many spoilers I wish to delve into but can't regarding her love interest and pebble but I don't like leaving visible spoilers.
This is for children, I am positive now more than ever. 11-13yrs would love this and are the perfect audience. I am not the audience for this book.
I am so conflicted with the rating and feel like it's somewhere between a 3.25 and 3.5 but it just didn't wow me, it didn't really have much of a plot, it was better than the first book but again felt a little simple, a little boring, and just didn't do it for me.
The random barely there love interest in the first book is again barely there in this one and has no personality.
Arthur and his knights are in this one, what a let down, Arthur has the presence of a teaspoon and this I feel was not needed to make a feminist point. His knights are either not present, villainous but without showing anything truly bad, or a surprise twist that was so cliché my eyes rolled 360.
I really wanted to like this, I tried but it wasn't for me.
I do stand by that this is likely written for young girls 11-13yrs. They would likely love it.
There are many spoilers I wish to delve into but can't regarding her love interest and pebble but I don't like leaving visible spoilers.
May 31, 2025
This is part of a duology , the second book .
This Book is such a brilliant sequel to the sisters of sword and shield , but I definitely think the first was my favorite book .
While the first book focused on Cass trying to find herself, and learn more about herself , she wanted adventure and to be her own person , and when sigrid asked her to go with her to get her necklace back , she never took a second look back when she got upon that horse . I loved this Arthurian legend retelling and it was a fresh take of the story . One of my favorites characters from the book is of course Cassandra , I didn't like Arthur or Merlin at all in this book , and what cass did in the end pleased me lots . I had so much fun reading this book , I will definitely re read this book in years to come .
The sister hood of knights , sword fighting and protecting their lands and families drove me on every page pulled me in to this world ,.
Great book
This Book is such a brilliant sequel to the sisters of sword and shield , but I definitely think the first was my favorite book .
While the first book focused on Cass trying to find herself, and learn more about herself , she wanted adventure and to be her own person , and when sigrid asked her to go with her to get her necklace back , she never took a second look back when she got upon that horse . I loved this Arthurian legend retelling and it was a fresh take of the story . One of my favorites characters from the book is of course Cassandra , I didn't like Arthur or Merlin at all in this book , and what cass did in the end pleased me lots . I had so much fun reading this book , I will definitely re read this book in years to come .
The sister hood of knights , sword fighting and protecting their lands and families drove me on every page pulled me in to this world ,.
Great book
October 26, 2025
2.75 stars rounded up to 3
The first book was better, unfortunately.
The pacing was off here, with many of the more exciting bits (battle scenes, the ending) feeling rushed. The romantic subplot felt underdeveloped and unnecessary, particularly because it leads to an ending that defeats the entire purpose of Cass’s journey before then. Likewise, the magical sword/chosen one/long lost princess theme irked, as it felt lazy. Cass could so easily have been an incredible warrior through her own merit, and not because she happened to be related to a legendary king and possessed an ensorcelled weapon.
The first book was better, unfortunately.
The pacing was off here, with many of the more exciting bits (battle scenes, the ending) feeling rushed. The romantic subplot felt underdeveloped and unnecessary, particularly because it leads to an ending that defeats the entire purpose of Cass’s journey before then. Likewise, the magical sword/chosen one/long lost princess theme irked, as it felt lazy. Cass could so easily have been an incredible warrior through her own merit, and not because she happened to be related to a legendary king and possessed an ensorcelled weapon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2024
Both of the books are exactly the type of fantasy i always aim to read. You have the MC learning the skills and being an appretince, love, battles, loss, betrayl, and watching the MC face their past, find themselves and become a prominent fighter or person in their field.
2 books is the perfect length for this story (but i wouldn't be against a third ;))
I love Cass and the ending chapters were a perfect zoom out of her story
The book wouldve been 5 stars if i had cried. I just really enjoy having the books i read make me feel intense emotion, that is the only bar it missed.
2 books is the perfect length for this story (but i wouldn't be against a third ;))
I love Cass and the ending chapters were a perfect zoom out of her story
The book wouldve been 5 stars if i had cried. I just really enjoy having the books i read make me feel intense emotion, that is the only bar it missed.
February 23, 2025
Much preferred this second book. Continuing on from the first I just loved it. The blur fir this book again is kind of wrong as the characters aren't trying to be the female version if the Knights of the Round table they are just trying to be recognised as Knights in their own rights....I loved tge way thus story entwined itself with Aurtherian mythology it work so well it'd great to see females getting in in the action ...I don't want to say too much to give the plot away but girl power is definitely alive and kicking in thus book who needs men....
February 3, 2025
I read the first book all the way back in November, and I have just finished the second book. Inspired by Arthurian legends, this book poses the question: "What if the Knights of the Round Table had been women?"
The first book mostly focused on establishing this secret sisterhood of knights and how these women all ended up there. This book was wonderful because it felt natural. We spent days with these characters learning how to be knights and how they kept their secret. All of the women had their own motivations, with nothing about them feeling forced. This book is very much setting up the rest of the story for the second book, and while that is something I would normally find rather tedious (as honestly not too much happens in this book), the characters and the world that Bates has built made this a wonderful, relaxing read.
The second book is where the main action happens, but it also takes time to explore the history behind Cass's character. The world-building in both books was wonderful, and the focus in this one was to set up the world of Arthur, his life, and his court. This book was more action-packed, with the threat of the Saxons at its highest. I found that Bates carefully balanced the action with spending time with and on the characters.
Personally, I wasn’t keen on the ending, as I found it to be just too quick. Through all of the first book and most of the second, the pacing was quite relaxed. So, switching to a fast-paced series of events was abrupt, and I wish she had spent a little more time on them to round out the story.
The first book mostly focused on establishing this secret sisterhood of knights and how these women all ended up there. This book was wonderful because it felt natural. We spent days with these characters learning how to be knights and how they kept their secret. All of the women had their own motivations, with nothing about them feeling forced. This book is very much setting up the rest of the story for the second book, and while that is something I would normally find rather tedious (as honestly not too much happens in this book), the characters and the world that Bates has built made this a wonderful, relaxing read.
The second book is where the main action happens, but it also takes time to explore the history behind Cass's character. The world-building in both books was wonderful, and the focus in this one was to set up the world of Arthur, his life, and his court. This book was more action-packed, with the threat of the Saxons at its highest. I found that Bates carefully balanced the action with spending time with and on the characters.
Personally, I wasn’t keen on the ending, as I found it to be just too quick. Through all of the first book and most of the second, the pacing was quite relaxed. So, switching to a fast-paced series of events was abrupt, and I wish she had spent a little more time on them to round out the story.
August 5, 2025
girl knights and magic swords, we love to see it. vibes-wise, this is like the "i am no man" scene from LotR (a formative moment in my teenage years) meets Gwen and Art are Not in Love (a bit silly and superficial but ultimately kind of sweet). overall, i did enjoy this series, but probably not as much as I would have if I'd read it when I was like 14, when it would probably have changed my entire life.
August 19, 2025
I was really looking forward to reading the second book in this series but as much as I wanted to like it like the first but I just couldn’t. It felt so rushed and the biggest battles of what felt like the whole story was made for felt over in 2-3 pages? I absolutely loved Astra, literally my favourite character, she saved it for me, but hate Gamelin & Cass, like poor Anne????
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