What do you think?
Rate this book
Young Palmetto Books
The Last Sister: A Novel
Set during the Anglo-Cherokee War (1758-61), The Last Sister traces a young woman's journey through grief, vengeance, guilt, and love in the unpredictable world of the early American frontier. After a band of fellow settlers fakes a Cherokee raid to conceal their murder of her family, seventeen-year-old Catriona "Catie" Blair embarks on a quest to report the crime and bring the murderers to justice, while desperately seeking to regain her own sense of safety.
This journey leads Catie across rural South Carolina and through Cherokee territory--where she encounters wild animals, physical injury, privation, British and Cherokee leaders, and an unexpected romance with a young lieutenant from a Scottish Highland regiment--on her path to a new life as she strives to overcome personal tragedy.
The Anglo-Cherokee War erupted out of tensions between British American settlers and the Cherokee peoples, who had been allies during the early years of the French and Indian War. In 1759 South Carolina governor William Henry Lyttelton declared war on the Cherokee nation partly in retaliation for what he perceived as unprovoked attacks on backcountry settlements.
Catie's story challenges many common notions about early America. It also presents the Cherokee as a sovereign and powerful nation whose alliance was important to Britain and addresses the complex issues of race, class, and ethnicity that united and divided the British, the Cherokee, the Scottish highlanders, and the Scottish lowlanders, while it incorporates issues of power that led to increased violence toward women on the early American frontier.
This journey leads Catie across rural South Carolina and through Cherokee territory--where she encounters wild animals, physical injury, privation, British and Cherokee leaders, and an unexpected romance with a young lieutenant from a Scottish Highland regiment--on her path to a new life as she strives to overcome personal tragedy.
The Anglo-Cherokee War erupted out of tensions between British American settlers and the Cherokee peoples, who had been allies during the early years of the French and Indian War. In 1759 South Carolina governor William Henry Lyttelton declared war on the Cherokee nation partly in retaliation for what he perceived as unprovoked attacks on backcountry settlements.
Catie's story challenges many common notions about early America. It also presents the Cherokee as a sovereign and powerful nation whose alliance was important to Britain and addresses the complex issues of race, class, and ethnicity that united and divided the British, the Cherokee, the Scottish highlanders, and the Scottish lowlanders, while it incorporates issues of power that led to increased violence toward women on the early American frontier.
230 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
4 people are currently reading
255 people want to read
About the author
Courtney McKinney-Whitaker
1 book7 followersI grew up in South Carolina, spent a brief stint in New Jersey, and now live in Illinois, where I am a writer and a mom to three girls: one dog, one cat, and one human. I've made a living at various times as a youth services librarian, community college English teacher, and curriculum writer. My good habits include exercising regularly, making my bed, and eating healthy food. My bad habits include procrastinating and watching TV more than I should.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 25, 2014
The Last Sister by Courtney Mckinney-Whitaker is a first reads win and I'm giving my honest opinion. In the mid 1700's the French and the British were waging a war with the Cherokee Indians trading sides and fighting for the French. Into these troubling times in South Carolina's wilderness is a preacher family, the Blair's. Preacher Blair taught his children, even daughter Catie, the classics, the local and country politics. His wife looked down on many of their neighbors. It got in the crawl of some of them. What started out on her 17th birthday, Catie's brother Mark was teaching her to shoot. On returning home they heard noises and saw smoke coming from their parent house. Mark sent Catie and their younger brother Jamie to hide in the cave at Fish Falls. After waiting for what seemed hours Catie left Jamie and went looking for Mark. When they met up he told her they also attacked Owen's family. It wasn't Indians. It was their neighbors led by Donald Campbell dressed as Indians. Mark gave her the good rifle and told her to head to Fort Loudoun, right thru Cherokee land. Mark gave her the better rifle and told her Owen would meet her at Fish Falls. He was going to buy her time. Catie watched as Donald Campbell shot her broth and scalped him. She was sick with grief at her cowardness. Maybe if she shot Donald, Mark would be alive. Catie wants revenge.
November 4, 2014
** I recieved this book as a first read giveaway **
The Last Sister is a story about a seventeen-year-old girl named Catriona. On her birthday she is out shooting with her brothers when her home and her family are attacked in what appears to be a Cherokee raid. Her older brother, Mark, goes to check it out and tells her they are going to head to Fout Loudoun to tell the British army that the group of men, led by a man named Donald Campbell, attacked their family and the neighbor's family and killed them. Mark tells her that their friend (and her intended betrothed) Owen, is alive and will be joining them to go to the fort. During this time, Mark is killed by Donald Campbell.
Now its up to Catriona and her younger brother Jaime to make their way to Fort Loudoun and report what happened. They make their into the wild, in Cherokee land. While trying to make it into the frontier, they overhear Donald Campbell and his men talking about finding them and killing them. After they manage to make it away, they have to race against the oncoming winter to make it to the safety of the fort. Along the way, they run into a catamount and Jaime is killed and Catriona is severly injured.
While Catriona is trying to crawl away, while wishing to die, someone rescues her. Here we meet Malcom Craig the highlander. He takes Catriona back to his shelter and tends to her wounds. She wakes up after being unconsious for a week. She has no idea where she is and tries to fight off Malcom when he returns. Malcom continues to care for her wounds and helps her heal. After some time he tells her about himself. He was a lieutenant from a Scottish Highland regiment of the British army. He also tells her that he is a criminal and a deserter.
During the months that she stays with him, they begin to fall in love with eachother. He tells her that he loves her, but she doesn't believe it. You can tell that she loves him, even though she doesn't say it.
When spring comes, Catirona and Malcom set out for Fort Loudoun together. On their way, they get captured by Cherokee men. They were taken to Kanagatucko. He and his men had the fort under seige and were willing to trade their prisioners for food.
Upon entering the fort, they meet Captain John Stuart and Captain Paul Demere. To Catriona's surprise, Owen is waiting at the fort and has told everyone that she is his betrothed. She soon meets Amelia Williamson and befriends her. Catriona eventually meets up with the captians and tells them about the attack and Donald Campbell. That evening she has to rush to the surgery to retrieve Malcom, who has become the new doctor at the fort. He helps tend to Amelia's son who is sick and unfortunately doesn't make it through the night. While Catriona and Malcom are together, Amelia can tell that they are in love.
Catriona starts to figure out a plan on how to leave the fort. She wants to make it to Fort Prince George, where she can meet up with Colonel Montgomery and the 77th Regiment of Foot. With the help of Captian John Stuart's wife, Susannah Emory, Catriona is able to convince the men to let her leave. They agree becuase supplies are low and the fort won't last much longer. They want her to convince Montgomery to come help them. They send her with a man named Gabriel Swan as an escort. They also send Owen with her and Amelia joins them because she can't stand to be in the fort after the death of her husband and children.
The men at the fort stage an attack on the Cherokee so the group can make it out without being killed by the Cherokee men. The next day, someone catches up to the group; its Malcom. He wouldn't let Catriona leave without him being there to protect her. It's a good thing he was with them, because a couple of days later, they are attacked. Gabriel is killed and Owen is injured. Catriona killed a man that was attacking Amelia. Malcom had to take care of Owen's wounds so they could make it to Fort Prince George.
When they finally make it to Fort Prince George, the first person they run into is none other than Donald Campbell. He tries to convince Catriona to leave with him and go back to the place where her family is buried to pay respects to them. With the support of her group, she is able to make him leave. Once inside of the fort, she meets Lieutenant-Colonel James Grant, Colonel Montgomery's second-in-command. She explains the attack, what Donald Campbell did, and Fort Loudoun's desperate situation. The only problem with Lieutenant-Colonel James Grant being at Fort Prince George is that he was in charge of the regiment that Malcom had been with and deserted. If Grant finds out that Malcom is there, he will be executed.
The night after they arrive at the fort, Donald Campbell attacks Catriona while she is asleep. He tries to scalp her, but is stopped by Malcom. Malcom had been watching her tent inc ase Donald showed up to do anything. After arguing about it, they decide to let him go. She also tells Malcom that he has to leave so Grant doesn't find out about him and kill him. Catriona and Owen go to see Grant in the morning to report the attack. Meanwhile, Grant comes up with a plan to catch Donald attacking her and Owen. If they can catch him attacking them and if they make it out alive, they can manage to arrest him. After announcing that they will be leaving the fort and making sure that Donald hears the rumor that Catriona and Owen will be alone, they set out to head east.
Amelia joins them on their journey, but she doesn't know that they are setting a trap for Donald. After a while, Catriona, Owen, and some of Grant's soldiers go visit the remains of Catriona's house. Along the way, they are attacked. The soldiers manage to kill the one man, but they scatter to hide. Catriona is left in the opn when Donald makes his appearance. Catriona is able to shoot him and kill him. She finally is able to get revenge for her family's death. After she kills Donald, Malcom shows up and tells her that he had been following her to make sure she was safe. They lose track of time and Grant, Amelia, and his men come looking for Catriona. Grant recognizes Malcom right away.
Malcom is arrested for desertion. He spends the rest of their traveling tied to a wagon or tied to a tree. Even though Grant arrested him, he lets Catriona stage an attack with the help of Owen. She is able to free Malcom and together they run away. They are now both criminals. They run off together and hide. They also consider themselves married.
Then it flashes to the future. Malcom and Catriona are married and have two children. They have a home also.
I absolutely loved this book. I was always rooting for Catriona. For a while at the beginning, I was hoping that she would meet up with Owen and that things would work out in the end. But once Malcom was introduced, I wanted them to be together. I was kinda frustrated with Catriona for not realizing or admitting her feelings for him sooner. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I kind hope that there will be a second one to continue it. Great job Courtney!
The Last Sister is a story about a seventeen-year-old girl named Catriona. On her birthday she is out shooting with her brothers when her home and her family are attacked in what appears to be a Cherokee raid. Her older brother, Mark, goes to check it out and tells her they are going to head to Fout Loudoun to tell the British army that the group of men, led by a man named Donald Campbell, attacked their family and the neighbor's family and killed them. Mark tells her that their friend (and her intended betrothed) Owen, is alive and will be joining them to go to the fort. During this time, Mark is killed by Donald Campbell.
Now its up to Catriona and her younger brother Jaime to make their way to Fort Loudoun and report what happened. They make their into the wild, in Cherokee land. While trying to make it into the frontier, they overhear Donald Campbell and his men talking about finding them and killing them. After they manage to make it away, they have to race against the oncoming winter to make it to the safety of the fort. Along the way, they run into a catamount and Jaime is killed and Catriona is severly injured.
While Catriona is trying to crawl away, while wishing to die, someone rescues her. Here we meet Malcom Craig the highlander. He takes Catriona back to his shelter and tends to her wounds. She wakes up after being unconsious for a week. She has no idea where she is and tries to fight off Malcom when he returns. Malcom continues to care for her wounds and helps her heal. After some time he tells her about himself. He was a lieutenant from a Scottish Highland regiment of the British army. He also tells her that he is a criminal and a deserter.
During the months that she stays with him, they begin to fall in love with eachother. He tells her that he loves her, but she doesn't believe it. You can tell that she loves him, even though she doesn't say it.
When spring comes, Catirona and Malcom set out for Fort Loudoun together. On their way, they get captured by Cherokee men. They were taken to Kanagatucko. He and his men had the fort under seige and were willing to trade their prisioners for food.
Upon entering the fort, they meet Captain John Stuart and Captain Paul Demere. To Catriona's surprise, Owen is waiting at the fort and has told everyone that she is his betrothed. She soon meets Amelia Williamson and befriends her. Catriona eventually meets up with the captians and tells them about the attack and Donald Campbell. That evening she has to rush to the surgery to retrieve Malcom, who has become the new doctor at the fort. He helps tend to Amelia's son who is sick and unfortunately doesn't make it through the night. While Catriona and Malcom are together, Amelia can tell that they are in love.
Catriona starts to figure out a plan on how to leave the fort. She wants to make it to Fort Prince George, where she can meet up with Colonel Montgomery and the 77th Regiment of Foot. With the help of Captian John Stuart's wife, Susannah Emory, Catriona is able to convince the men to let her leave. They agree becuase supplies are low and the fort won't last much longer. They want her to convince Montgomery to come help them. They send her with a man named Gabriel Swan as an escort. They also send Owen with her and Amelia joins them because she can't stand to be in the fort after the death of her husband and children.
The men at the fort stage an attack on the Cherokee so the group can make it out without being killed by the Cherokee men. The next day, someone catches up to the group; its Malcom. He wouldn't let Catriona leave without him being there to protect her. It's a good thing he was with them, because a couple of days later, they are attacked. Gabriel is killed and Owen is injured. Catriona killed a man that was attacking Amelia. Malcom had to take care of Owen's wounds so they could make it to Fort Prince George.
When they finally make it to Fort Prince George, the first person they run into is none other than Donald Campbell. He tries to convince Catriona to leave with him and go back to the place where her family is buried to pay respects to them. With the support of her group, she is able to make him leave. Once inside of the fort, she meets Lieutenant-Colonel James Grant, Colonel Montgomery's second-in-command. She explains the attack, what Donald Campbell did, and Fort Loudoun's desperate situation. The only problem with Lieutenant-Colonel James Grant being at Fort Prince George is that he was in charge of the regiment that Malcom had been with and deserted. If Grant finds out that Malcom is there, he will be executed.
The night after they arrive at the fort, Donald Campbell attacks Catriona while she is asleep. He tries to scalp her, but is stopped by Malcom. Malcom had been watching her tent inc ase Donald showed up to do anything. After arguing about it, they decide to let him go. She also tells Malcom that he has to leave so Grant doesn't find out about him and kill him. Catriona and Owen go to see Grant in the morning to report the attack. Meanwhile, Grant comes up with a plan to catch Donald attacking her and Owen. If they can catch him attacking them and if they make it out alive, they can manage to arrest him. After announcing that they will be leaving the fort and making sure that Donald hears the rumor that Catriona and Owen will be alone, they set out to head east.
Amelia joins them on their journey, but she doesn't know that they are setting a trap for Donald. After a while, Catriona, Owen, and some of Grant's soldiers go visit the remains of Catriona's house. Along the way, they are attacked. The soldiers manage to kill the one man, but they scatter to hide. Catriona is left in the opn when Donald makes his appearance. Catriona is able to shoot him and kill him. She finally is able to get revenge for her family's death. After she kills Donald, Malcom shows up and tells her that he had been following her to make sure she was safe. They lose track of time and Grant, Amelia, and his men come looking for Catriona. Grant recognizes Malcom right away.
Malcom is arrested for desertion. He spends the rest of their traveling tied to a wagon or tied to a tree. Even though Grant arrested him, he lets Catriona stage an attack with the help of Owen. She is able to free Malcom and together they run away. They are now both criminals. They run off together and hide. They also consider themselves married.
Then it flashes to the future. Malcom and Catriona are married and have two children. They have a home also.
I absolutely loved this book. I was always rooting for Catriona. For a while at the beginning, I was hoping that she would meet up with Owen and that things would work out in the end. But once Malcom was introduced, I wanted them to be together. I was kinda frustrated with Catriona for not realizing or admitting her feelings for him sooner. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I kind hope that there will be a second one to continue it. Great job Courtney!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
August 19, 2014Last Sister - Thoughts
Is a page turning adventure first of all—and well researched—set in and about the Anglo-Cherokee Wars (1758-1761.) Catie Blair, eighteen, watches her family killed and scalped by white men posing as Cherokee Indians. The perpetrator is after her—the only remaining witness.
Those scalpings are pretty brutal, but realistic. The emotions run to realism when Catie says, “I won’t cry till I’m safe.” She is a strong girl, but remains of her time, which I so appreciate. Minor details help make the story life-like, such as, Catie had an older sister, who died as a child.
The man heading the brutal murders and burning of the homestead is a monstrous and we as the reader want him brought to justice. The neighbor family has been killed and scalped but Catie cannot stop to check to see if Owen, the boy she loves is among the dead. We hope with Catie that Owen will survive.
Catie uses the vivid metaphor of the three sisters—from Greek mythology she learned at her father’s side—sisters who cut the threads of life. Whose thread will be cut next?
I loved hearing about the Cherokee and early settlers way of living. This is what I love about history. I do think the author over used dialog to convey a preponderance of war set-up and history. The guise of Catie remembering her history lessons with her father did not work for me. Or in the dialog of British officers explaining to a young girl their motives in previous war moves—did not feel authentic to me.
Catie’s love affair with Malcolm seemed true. I only wonder if he would call her “sweet” and “love” and she wouldn’t wonder about the impropriety of that when she worries about the impropriety in relationships of so many other details.
It fascinated me to hear that English women to the Cherokee were an immense threat—more so than white men—because they bear children and that means the taking of more land. The French were less threatening because their women in general did not accompany the French settlers. It’s so obvious yet I’d never thought of it.
I love that this story gave the Cherokee great credit—they were not brutal savages. So many aspects of Native American culture have always seemed to me admirable—their non-dominating relationship to the earth, their religion of giving thanks. In this story “blood” revenge is described. If you take 10 of our people, we’ll take 10 of yours. Catie’s exchange was more specific. She wanted the man and men who killed her family—not 10 random men. So I discover in this way I am part of the white culture.
This was an interesting story set in a time of history that I knew little about and definitely worth reading.
Is a page turning adventure first of all—and well researched—set in and about the Anglo-Cherokee Wars (1758-1761.) Catie Blair, eighteen, watches her family killed and scalped by white men posing as Cherokee Indians. The perpetrator is after her—the only remaining witness.
Those scalpings are pretty brutal, but realistic. The emotions run to realism when Catie says, “I won’t cry till I’m safe.” She is a strong girl, but remains of her time, which I so appreciate. Minor details help make the story life-like, such as, Catie had an older sister, who died as a child.
The man heading the brutal murders and burning of the homestead is a monstrous and we as the reader want him brought to justice. The neighbor family has been killed and scalped but Catie cannot stop to check to see if Owen, the boy she loves is among the dead. We hope with Catie that Owen will survive.
Catie uses the vivid metaphor of the three sisters—from Greek mythology she learned at her father’s side—sisters who cut the threads of life. Whose thread will be cut next?
I loved hearing about the Cherokee and early settlers way of living. This is what I love about history. I do think the author over used dialog to convey a preponderance of war set-up and history. The guise of Catie remembering her history lessons with her father did not work for me. Or in the dialog of British officers explaining to a young girl their motives in previous war moves—did not feel authentic to me.
Catie’s love affair with Malcolm seemed true. I only wonder if he would call her “sweet” and “love” and she wouldn’t wonder about the impropriety of that when she worries about the impropriety in relationships of so many other details.
It fascinated me to hear that English women to the Cherokee were an immense threat—more so than white men—because they bear children and that means the taking of more land. The French were less threatening because their women in general did not accompany the French settlers. It’s so obvious yet I’d never thought of it.
I love that this story gave the Cherokee great credit—they were not brutal savages. So many aspects of Native American culture have always seemed to me admirable—their non-dominating relationship to the earth, their religion of giving thanks. In this story “blood” revenge is described. If you take 10 of our people, we’ll take 10 of yours. Catie’s exchange was more specific. She wanted the man and men who killed her family—not 10 random men. So I discover in this way I am part of the white culture.
This was an interesting story set in a time of history that I knew little about and definitely worth reading.
January 1, 2020
This was so well done. The main character wrestles with very (very) difficult, complex situations that require her to use her good judgment in order to do what she believes is best. There is no idealism. There are just a bunch of people trying to work with what they have.
If you're a homeschool parent (hiya) considering this as an assignment for your student, give it a read first. It's pretty brutal with the killings, there are several pages of hormones, and a passing acceptance of abortion. It'd be a lot for a younger kid to handle.
The author did a thorough job making you feel the ever-present mortality that becomes a major center of the main character's life. Death is always RIGHT THERE, and there's no good reason why she should still be alive, and she knows it.
If you're a homeschool parent (hiya) considering this as an assignment for your student, give it a read first. It's pretty brutal with the killings, there are several pages of hormones, and a passing acceptance of abortion. It'd be a lot for a younger kid to handle.
The author did a thorough job making you feel the ever-present mortality that becomes a major center of the main character's life. Death is always RIGHT THERE, and there's no good reason why she should still be alive, and she knows it.
October 7, 2014
Marvelous debut novel from a writer to watch. Beautiful writing and exquisite detail that immerses you in Catie's world.
Check out the review on my blog: http://mfantaliswrites.wordpress.com/...
Check out the review on my blog: http://mfantaliswrites.wordpress.com/...
September 15, 2016
Required reading for my YA lit class.
Just not for me.
Just not for me.
November 24, 2014
This book is absolutely engaging. I was sucked by word one. The author has a real gift for keeping her readers on the edge of their seats with her suspenseful writing with the occasional down time to heal and recuperate. Courtney balances her story between the two wonderfully so the reader isn't bored with downtime or overwhelmed with constant action.
The story itself and the characters are amazing as well. I felt engaged by Catie’s struggle for survival in the cold mountains of Appalachia, her fight for justice for her family’s murder, and her finding love in the most unexpected of places. The author draws on real historical facts and figures to create one girls struggle against the elements, men bent on war, and to understand her place in the grander scale of historical events she finds herself smack in the middle of.
All the author’s characters are fascinating. From the minor like Susannah Emory trying to live between two worlds to the major like Lt Malcolm Craig struggling to overcome a horrific past and find love again with this stranger of a girl he rescues. Yet, I really do feel that the show was stolen by Catie. She’s such a strong character, full of passion for life that she fights so hard to keep, filled with the fire of justice that she’s struggling to bring for her family, and with such a strong will that she’s able to overcome some pretty dang strong obstacles. Courtney does an admirable job in bring all her characters to life, and she succeeds in spades.
I also have to commend the author on her historical research, not all that surprising however since she does hold a college degree in it. There are many nuggets of information hidden in this whopper of a tale that will make the historical enthusiast in anyone happy as a pig in mud (call me Ms Piggy!). From real historical figures like Captain Stuart to real events like the siege of Fort Loudon to real historical character traits like Grant and his penchant for traps, this book shows the author’s dedication to getting her facts right and using that to tell an incredible tale of survival, justice, and love.
This book was a lovely surprise. I wasn't expecting all that I got but was so happy I found it. Impeccable historical detail, strong as steel characters, and a suspenseful tale all come together to create a book I would highly recommend to any historical fiction lover. Don’t let the YA target audience fool you; this book is for everyone, old and young.
Note: Book received for free via Good Reads First Reads program in exchange for honest review.
The story itself and the characters are amazing as well. I felt engaged by Catie’s struggle for survival in the cold mountains of Appalachia, her fight for justice for her family’s murder, and her finding love in the most unexpected of places. The author draws on real historical facts and figures to create one girls struggle against the elements, men bent on war, and to understand her place in the grander scale of historical events she finds herself smack in the middle of.
All the author’s characters are fascinating. From the minor like Susannah Emory trying to live between two worlds to the major like Lt Malcolm Craig struggling to overcome a horrific past and find love again with this stranger of a girl he rescues. Yet, I really do feel that the show was stolen by Catie. She’s such a strong character, full of passion for life that she fights so hard to keep, filled with the fire of justice that she’s struggling to bring for her family, and with such a strong will that she’s able to overcome some pretty dang strong obstacles. Courtney does an admirable job in bring all her characters to life, and she succeeds in spades.
I also have to commend the author on her historical research, not all that surprising however since she does hold a college degree in it. There are many nuggets of information hidden in this whopper of a tale that will make the historical enthusiast in anyone happy as a pig in mud (call me Ms Piggy!). From real historical figures like Captain Stuart to real events like the siege of Fort Loudon to real historical character traits like Grant and his penchant for traps, this book shows the author’s dedication to getting her facts right and using that to tell an incredible tale of survival, justice, and love.
This book was a lovely surprise. I wasn't expecting all that I got but was so happy I found it. Impeccable historical detail, strong as steel characters, and a suspenseful tale all come together to create a book I would highly recommend to any historical fiction lover. Don’t let the YA target audience fool you; this book is for everyone, old and young.
Note: Book received for free via Good Reads First Reads program in exchange for honest review.
April 14, 2015
Catriona (Catie) lives with her family in the backwoods of the South Carolina wilderness in the years preceding the Revolutionary War. On the eve of her 17th birthday, her family is murdered, in what is disguised as a Cherokee attack, but Catie really knows it to be the work of her neighbor, covering up a scandal. Catie must trek through the wilderness in wintertime to get to a fort to report the crime and bring her neighbor to justice, but as a young woman alone in the mid 1700s, what can she do?
This was a book that I will admit, I wouldn't have picked up on my own. First, this book suffers from "Ugly Cover Syndrome", but it's an opportunity to not judge a book, etc. =) The esoteric setting is the biggest reason (Anglo Cherokee War? Is that a thing? South Carolina backwoods?), but after reading, it really works. It's not the same old historical fiction set in the same old settings. It's unique, and I learned quite a bit about native american relations leading up to the Revolutionary War, as well as a bit of information regarding Scottish people in the early US. The beginning is a little much, delving right into the action within a few pages, and this being the South Carolina wilderness, the author doesn't hold back. There are scalpings, talk of rape, people getting shot with old-timey guns, it feels like a lot for the start of a book. I liked Catie as a character, she is smart but not a petulant teen, and I found her interesting as a character. I also appreciated Malcolm, (and yeah, I liked the romance between them. Not too much, it's still YA, but it was nice!) and I felt the two characters meshed well together. Lots of careful character crafting went into this book, as well as a painstaking amount of research for the setting and plot, I'm sure. If you are interested in a YA historical fiction that goes off the beaten path, give this one a try!
Disclosure: I know-ish the author; she's a friend of a friend, she lives in my town, and I've met her before. Still, my review remains honest, despite the fact the author can find out where I live pretty easily. Hi Courtney!
This was a book that I will admit, I wouldn't have picked up on my own. First, this book suffers from "Ugly Cover Syndrome", but it's an opportunity to not judge a book, etc. =) The esoteric setting is the biggest reason (Anglo Cherokee War? Is that a thing? South Carolina backwoods?), but after reading, it really works. It's not the same old historical fiction set in the same old settings. It's unique, and I learned quite a bit about native american relations leading up to the Revolutionary War, as well as a bit of information regarding Scottish people in the early US. The beginning is a little much, delving right into the action within a few pages, and this being the South Carolina wilderness, the author doesn't hold back. There are scalpings, talk of rape, people getting shot with old-timey guns, it feels like a lot for the start of a book. I liked Catie as a character, she is smart but not a petulant teen, and I found her interesting as a character. I also appreciated Malcolm, (and yeah, I liked the romance between them. Not too much, it's still YA, but it was nice!) and I felt the two characters meshed well together. Lots of careful character crafting went into this book, as well as a painstaking amount of research for the setting and plot, I'm sure. If you are interested in a YA historical fiction that goes off the beaten path, give this one a try!
Disclosure: I know-ish the author; she's a friend of a friend, she lives in my town, and I've met her before. Still, my review remains honest, despite the fact the author can find out where I live pretty easily. Hi Courtney!
October 23, 2014
The Last Sister is one of my favorite books! It was definitely a page turner. I could not put it down and nearly finished it in one sitting. Courtney McKinney-Whitaker takes accounts that happen in the back country of South Carolina in the mid 1700s and brings them back to life in this book. She describes it so clear that I can picture Catie's journey. She keeps the suspense going all through the book. Catie never gives up as she brings Campbell to justice for killing her family. She goes through several obstacles along the way. She nearly dies in the wilderness as she accomplishes her obstacles. She becomes stronger as she overcomes the grief of losing her family and accomplishes her goal of bringing her family's killer to justice. Courtney McKinney-Whitaker makes historical fiction interesting and entertaining, while she tells her readers about history. She even throws in a love triangle that makes it more thrilling. Catie falls in love with Malcolm, who finds her in the woods after she was attacked by the catamount (mountain lion).Malcolm helps her heal from her wounds and they spend the winter battling the cold. They fall in love as they stick together and help each other heal from their tragedies they have faced. Then later on Catie finds out that Owen, who she was in love with before the attack, is still alive. In addition,I love how Courtney McKinney-Whitaker includes characters from all different back grounds that came over to America to settle or fight in the Anglo-Cherokee war. Courtney McKinney-Whitaker takes historical fiction to the next level with this amazing book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2015
The Last Sister is set during the Anglo-Cherokee War (1758-61) in South Carolina. After Catie’s family is murdered, she travels through Cherokee territory to find safety and justice.
Characters are what make or break a book for me, and these are well crafted. Catie is a wonderful main character: strong willed, fair minded, and imperfect. I absolutely loved Malcolm; he is courageous, kind, and protective, but scarred. (Side note: if you read the back cover and assumed you’d be getting an arrogant, broody Highlander in a kilt, you picked the wrong book!) The side characters were fascinating, as well, and I loved getting to see little bits of the conflict and life at the time through their eyes.
The story was very readable, but not overly simplistic, with plenty of history, adventure, and emotion. Be aware that there are several violent scenes, as you would expect given the story line and time period. These are appropriate to the story and situation of the time, and are described pretty matter-of-factly. McKinney Whitaker made no attempt to “prettify” these, but she didn’t go out of her way to be gory, either. I didn’t find them to be out of place, but it’s something to be aware of if you’re more sensitive to violence or if you’re looking for reading material for a younger person.
All in all, this was a fantastic and well-written story. We homeschool, and I am fully intending to use this as a living book to go with our history study when we get to that time period.
Characters are what make or break a book for me, and these are well crafted. Catie is a wonderful main character: strong willed, fair minded, and imperfect. I absolutely loved Malcolm; he is courageous, kind, and protective, but scarred. (Side note: if you read the back cover and assumed you’d be getting an arrogant, broody Highlander in a kilt, you picked the wrong book!) The side characters were fascinating, as well, and I loved getting to see little bits of the conflict and life at the time through their eyes.
The story was very readable, but not overly simplistic, with plenty of history, adventure, and emotion. Be aware that there are several violent scenes, as you would expect given the story line and time period. These are appropriate to the story and situation of the time, and are described pretty matter-of-factly. McKinney Whitaker made no attempt to “prettify” these, but she didn’t go out of her way to be gory, either. I didn’t find them to be out of place, but it’s something to be aware of if you’re more sensitive to violence or if you’re looking for reading material for a younger person.
All in all, this was a fantastic and well-written story. We homeschool, and I am fully intending to use this as a living book to go with our history study when we get to that time period.
October 31, 2015
Fabulously researched and well-executed historical YA from Courtney McKinney-Whitaker. Readers will delve into the lesser-known Anglo-Cherokee War (1758-61) set in the Appalachian mountains of South Carolina. Catie Blair is a 17 year old girl finding her way in the world--and the war--but doing it alone.
THE LAST SISTER weaves history with a coming-of-age tale that easily crosses over from the YA shelves to adult. The writing is sublime, the essence of place, and a complex set of characters.
Ultimately, the desire to bring justice to light is what drives this story forward.
My only "complaint" is that there are a few "info dumps" of historical significance that I felt a little jarring from the storyline, but this could just be me. For anyone studying this particular time in history, it really brings it to life and makes you feel an active participant.
For all of my reviews, including author interviews, please see: www.leslielindsay.com
THE LAST SISTER weaves history with a coming-of-age tale that easily crosses over from the YA shelves to adult. The writing is sublime, the essence of place, and a complex set of characters.
Ultimately, the desire to bring justice to light is what drives this story forward.
My only "complaint" is that there are a few "info dumps" of historical significance that I felt a little jarring from the storyline, but this could just be me. For anyone studying this particular time in history, it really brings it to life and makes you feel an active participant.
For all of my reviews, including author interviews, please see: www.leslielindsay.com
November 5, 2019
Keeps Your Attention From Beginning to the End!
Amazing time in the early history of our Country. I had to keep reading because I wanted to learn what would happen next? Brilliant descriptions of early settlers lives and what they were challenged with on a daily basis. There were some sections of gruesome scenes that helped to illustrate the conflicts between settlers from different European Countries, the Native Americans, and Soldiers from Britain, France, and other Countries. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope the Author writes more historical fiction novels and maybe some biographical ones too?
Amazing time in the early history of our Country. I had to keep reading because I wanted to learn what would happen next? Brilliant descriptions of early settlers lives and what they were challenged with on a daily basis. There were some sections of gruesome scenes that helped to illustrate the conflicts between settlers from different European Countries, the Native Americans, and Soldiers from Britain, France, and other Countries. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope the Author writes more historical fiction novels and maybe some biographical ones too?
November 3, 2014
What an enjoyable reading experience! Although this is labelled as a young adult book, as an adult I still deeply connected with Catriona's character and the story. I learned about a historical period, locale, and events that were completely unfamiliar to me and find myself interested in learning more. Great story, well written, and a book I would recommend highly to young adult and adult alike. This would be an excellent book club read. I am looking forward to more from Courtney McKinney-Whitaker.
March 19, 2015
I would never have picked up this book had it not been chosen for book club, but I'm really glad we did read it because it was incredibly compelling, and I found it surprisingly fast-paced for historical fiction. The writing is superb and definitely had been well-researched. The heroine is strong, but not emotionless or some of the other negative aspects YA heroines often seem to have to be seen as strong. She felt real to me.
March 2, 2015
Compelling story told by a truly talented writer. This would make an incredible companion text for English or history classes, not to mention a great movie. Highly recommend; looking forward to the next McKinney-Whitaker book.
March 18, 2015
This was a great book. A little-known part of American history is the backdrop for a thrilling coming-of-age story. You will want to root for this heroine.
March 20, 2015
A link to my book blog: https://historyloverdiversions.wordpr...
February 19, 2015
Fabulous first novel that will keep you up late to finish in one sitting. Loved it!!
March 24, 2015
The title only hints at the conflict in this book between the Cherokees, settlers, and the British. It is a page-turner.
January 8, 2016
Exceptionally well-written, involving, and complex -- a cut above most YA historical fiction. Plus I know the author!
March 3, 2016
Really good historical fiction set in South Carolina during the Anglo-Cherokee War. Historical research is top notch, but I would expect nothing less when the author is a librarian!
February 17, 2020
Loved it and look forward to her next book.
May 27, 2015
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews