The Sisters Who Were Promised

by Kayla Cosentino

Four will emerge, but only one will rise.

The kingdom of Linnosa has been without magic for over a century. Now, four estranged sisters are reunited after fourteen years, following the murder of their royal parents. Cyra, Rheanna, Aella, and Petra must learn how to control their elemental powers as they learn the truth behind the dark prophecy that plagues their family. At the same time, they must battle a lethal resistance to the Crown called the Cleansers and fight back the tide of monsters who spawn from the dark waters at the center of their kingdom.

Death follows the sisters at every turn, mythical creatures rise from the depths, and prophecies intertwine as they search for answers. Set against a backdrop of passion, murder, and betrayal, The Sisters Who Were Promised will keep readers guessing.

Who among them will rise…And who will fall?

348 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 9, 2025

About the author

Kayla Cosentino writes new adult and fantasy fiction while juggling college courses and spending her days as a high school English teacher. She is currently working on The Sisters Who Were Promised, her debut fantasy novel. She received her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and English at Southern New Hampshire University and is currently pursuing her Master of Education. She spends her free time reading, listening to heart-wrenching music, and binging Netflix. She resides in New Jersey with her three cats, Theo, Will, & Buffy, and mini dachshund, Tallulah.

Reviews

[Chezza's life · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC review*

Wow I went into this read with and open mind and I was thoroughly impressed.

4 sisters
1 prophecy
1 curse

Separated for 14 years after the youngest sister was born and thrust back together after their parents were murdered.

political intrigue
betrayal at every corner
elemental magic
and gruesome creatures

Honestly this book had it all and I ate this whole book up and could barely put it down. It kicks off from the start and doesn't have you yearning for more.

Thank you to TheNerdFam for the eArc in exchange for an honest review

[Jacklyn B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved that at the center of this book are four sisters. They have been apart for years and reunite after their parents are unalived. They also discover a dark prophecy that has the potential to destroy them.

There are some good twists and turns and I thought the world building was done well. I liked the seen of suspense and tension too.
This book has a little bit of everything - magic, monsters, political intrigue, assassins and more.

I really liked the elemental magic system and how each sister was connected to a different element. We really get to know each sister as they start to reconnect after so many years apart.

I am really curious to see where this story goes!

✨What To Expect:
⚔️Fantasy
💜Sisterhood
❤️‍🔥Lovers to Enemies
🔥Elemental Magic
⭐️Found Family
🩶Morally Gray
🔮Dark Prophecy
🔪Betrayal & Unaliving

[Kelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Four shall emerge, but only one will rise”
 
A prophecy that has told the fate of 4 royal sisters; Cyra, Rheanna, Aella and Petra. A prophecy that changed their lives a very young age. The Oracle deemed their magic and this prophecy as dangerous, so they were separated on the day of the 4th sister’s birth. The tragic death of the King and Queen forces the sisters back together and for the oldest to take her place on the throne. As the sisters are reunited, bonding, learning their magic and who to trust, the monsters also seem to be stronger.Are the monsters creatures or those pretending to be closest to the princesses? Who can this sisters trust? What part does the Oracle play? What is with the prophecy? Will three of them have to die in order for the prophecy to be fulfilled?
 
The Sisters Who Were Promised is a medium paced story told from the sister’s POV. The world is easy to consume and is built in a way to make each of the sisters’ paths understandable and relatable based on the way they were raised. How would you handle being stripped of your family as a child? With no real information as to why and if you would ever return?  In this book, we start to see the sister’s character and strength grow both mentally and physically (be that training, with their magic or how they handle themselves). They are at times fueled by love, joy, passion, anger, HEARTBREAK and vengeance. I really enjoyed this world. It gave me non contemporary Charmed vibes but with Fae and well…we knew from the start there were 4 sisters, lol. Social class doesn’t seem to dictate the person you love. Same sex relationships aren’t taboo. Women can rule. It’s not even questioned. Magic exists and its power is real. While this story ends on a cliffhanger, I am looking forward to diving right into book 2.
 
If you love fantasy, sisterhood, strong FMC’s, lovers to enemies, elemental magic, found family, dark prophecy, betrayal, and political motives give this book a try.
 

[Kayleigh Garner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading The Sisters Who Were Promised. The narrative was captivating, and I particularly appreciated that each of the sisters had their own back stories that painted a vivid picture of who they were. I found myself eagerly invested in their journeys and the dynamics of their budding relationships with one another. I do hope book two, The Sisters Who Mourn, gives much more details on each of them and the rich lore within their world, especially how their pasts intertwine with the larger events unfolding around them.

I loved the general pacing of the plot and felt that it kept me hooked from the very first page, immersing me in a world that was compelling. The way it threw me straight into the heartbreak that jumped out from nowhere was remarkable, as it captured my emotions in a way that I hadn’t anticipated. If the writing continues being this good, then I’m not just ready, I am absolutely eager and counting down the days to read the next installment of this series.

My only bugbear was how there were sometimes sudden shifts in the narrative that didn’t seem to make sense, leaving me momentarily confused as to the plot’s direction. However, as a new author, I have faith that Cosentino’s writing will keep on evolving and maturing with each piece she produces, ultimately enhancing her storytelling capabilities and narrative coherence. I still think this book deserves a solid 4 stars because the general premise of the story is really good, filled with intriguing ideas and compelling themes that resonate well with readers. Despite the occasional disjointed transitions, the overall journey that the author takes us on is an engaging one, rich in potential and creativity.

I’ll be reading The Sisters Who Mourn very soon, so watch this space for my review!

[Sarah Elyse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kayla Consentino’s “The Sisters Who Were Promised” is a fantasy novel that centers on four estranged sisters: Princesses Cyra, Rheanna, Aella, and Petra.

Each of these young women’s stories unfold as we get further along in the book, and I can honestly say that this book took me on many twists and turns that I wasn’t able to predict.

I really wanted to fall in love with world, but unfortunately, the characters were a little too flat for me. Because things happened in an almost choppy way, I wasn’t particularly attached to any of the characters.

All in all, I think this was a good start to a new fantasy series, and I’m just intrigued enough that I’m going to continue reading this series. I’m having high hopes for book two!

[Roo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a fun ride to be on! I really enjoyed being able to meet all of the characters and see there similarities and differences from one another!

I love the aspect of sisters being reunited after being estranged for so long! It was nice to see them coming back together to see who will rise and who will fall!

🧡 Mythical Creatures
🧡 Prophecy
🧡 Passion
🧡 Murder
🧡 Betrayal
🧡 And more!

4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Danielle Stiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book. Went into it blind and did not know the whole story. It was AMAZING! The love between the sisters is unmistakable. And the end was sad, exciting and everything in between. Kinda figured out who the true villian was right at the beginning but didn't know how she fit. Definitely did not expect her to be related.... Can't wait until the next book.

[Jacqueline Snyder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: .5 🌶️ (Maybe)
Favorite Character: Rheanna

This was ALOT of fun to read. I'm absolutely ready for the sequel already because it left on a great cliffhanger. It could be classified as ALMOST young adult.

❤️ Family Reunited
❤️ Elemental Magic
❤️ Royal Family
❤️ Love Triangles
❤️ Tragic Death

The one thing I was not a fan of was the romance. I felt like there was no time for any romance to develop other than Aelle. The love situations moved on so quickly that I just was kinda confused why there wasn't more reasoning behind Ivan's all of a sudden obsession with Cyra after being with Rheanna for FOURTEEN YEARS!? But I still love it nevertheless.

Thank you Kayla and The Nerd Family for allowing me to be an ARC reader! I look forward to the sequel!

[Misty Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a decent read. I love the magical system and how the story focuses on sisterly bonds. It did feel repetitive at times and I found myself skimming through. It shows real promise and I'm ready to see what happens in the next one.

Thank you for the ARC. All opinions are mine.

[Sarah Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book to read as an ARC and had no expectations at all. I was pleasantly surprised to read a book that didn’t centre around one FMC and MMC but 4 sisters. It was a nice change of pace.

It is well written and easy to binge through. I enjoyed the character set up and the time spent on each sister.

Really enjoyed and a recommended read

[Maddy Diba · Rating 2 out of 5]

CW’s: violence, death,, some language.



My Rating: 2.25 stars



I received a free e-galley from the author and the Nerd Fam in exchange for an honest review



So, I want to start with how much I liked the premise, and I felt like the book kicked off the premise immediately. I do feel like some of the writing right off the bad left something to be desired, it felt a bit like it was trying too hard to be beautiful. It reminded me a little bit of fan-fiction, but I don’t think that has to be a a bad thing.



My main issue with this book was that it just felt clunky, the prose was clunky and so was the prose. There was definite potential, but I just didn’t feel like it flowed very well. The dialogue felt like the author couldn’t decide between more modern language and language more befitting of a fantastical setting. It was unclear was exactly the setting entailed. Was it based in history? Was it a world all its own? Was it supposed to feel more modern?



All of that was just really unclear. This book’s premise was a really interesting one, and I think that the author tried to make the princesses distinct. But they just initially felt really flat right off the bat. They didn’t come alive immediately, it didn’t feel like they were real characters and I didn’t feel immersed. To be quite honest, some of it felt like AI writing. The emotion just wasn’t completely there and when it was, it felt very classically fanfic-y. And not good fanfiction either. I just don’t know how else to describe the first third of this book.



The plot just…again, I didn’t feel it. I didn’t care enough about the characters or the people in this book to feel like the stakes were high. I really have to care about the characters for the plot to matter to me, and I felt really disconnected from the plot and I didn’t feel that spark of connection to each of the characters. I feel like this had a lot of potential to be like the Princess Bride or similar fantasy books that evokes nostalgic YA vibes, but it hadn’t delivered that by the 33% mark. I feel like books, good books, should be able to deliver right away.

The writing still feels so juvenile and I just can’t get into it. I think the writing is certainly readable and I did fly through the chapters but I just felt so indifferent. I can’t put it into words, why the writing was so off but it was.



I really would have liked to see more development and fleshing out of the magic system. Where do powers originate? What rules does the magic have?



I feel the same way about the religion. Are there multiple Gods and Goddesses? Or just the one? How do people worship?



I think this book suffered from a lack of development that could have been fixed with developmental editors. It had a lot of potential to be good. Even the prose could have worked better if the author allowed a more natural writing style rather than something so forced. I think a focus on making sentences flow should have been a priority over purple prose.

I will say, I did like the casual queer representation and the queer joy. The author didn’t make a big deal out of it and I loved that. I liked the Aella and Natalie plot line a lot.



I liked the sisterly bonds too. They’re complicated and they fight each other and protect each other. They’re complicated have complex feelings about each other and their parents. I think it’s one of the places that the author showed real potential. If that had just been applied elsewhere this book would be so much better.



But overall, I just felt like there was a lot of exposition, a lot of telling and no showing. I just didn’t feel much when I was supposed to feel grief, I just didn’t.

[Alli MacManus · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sisters Who Were Promised is a story about prophecy, power, and the complicated bonds of family.

In the kingdom of Linnosa, magic has not worked for some time. And yet four royal sisters are born wielding elemental power.

From the moment they arrive in the world, a prophecy looms over them: four sisters will rise, but only one will survive. If they remain together, the kingdom itself may fall.

Terrified of what that prophecy might mean, their well-meaning but deeply misguided parents make a devastating choice. They send three of the girls away to distant corners of the kingdom and keep only the youngest, Petra, at court. The sisters grow up apart—never knowing one another, never learning what it means to be family.

Fourteen years later, everything changes.

When their parents are poisoned before Petra’s eyes, the oracle summons the scattered princesses back to the castle, reuniting them for the first time since childhood.

Each sister has become someone very different from what the royal court might have expected:
• Cyra, the fire wielding eldest and crown princess, is preparing to inherit the throne while hiding a very big secret that she isn’t sure how to bring into the dangerous world of the palace.
• Rheanna, the water wielding second born, was raised in the north with a family she loves very much. She travels back with the eldest son of that family, and is very excited to see Cyra and Aella and meet Petra.
• Aella, the air wielding third sister, was raised to become an infamous assassin and struggles the most with the idea of suddenly having sisters—or trusting anyone at all. While grappling with her rage at her parental abandonment.
• And Petra, the youngest, grew up alone in the palace under the weight of a prophecy that might demand the lives of her own sisters.

But the danger surrounding them goes far beyond their fractured family.

A radical faction known as the Cleansers is rising against the crown, determined to purge what they see as corruption in the royal line. At the same time, something far stranger is happening across Linnosa: monsters are emerging from dark waters, leaving death in their wake and spreading a growing rot throughout the kingdom.

Between political conspiracies, mythical creatures rising from the depths, and the lingering threat of the prophecy itself, the sisters must not only survive the dangers closing in around them—they must also learn how to be sisters after a lifetime apart.

The result is a story filled with passion, murder, betrayal, and prophecy, balanced by the deeply emotional core of four women trying to rebuild the family they were never allowed to have.

The magic system is intriguing, the worldbuilding hints at much deeper mysteries still to come, and the emotional tension between the sisters makes the story feel grounded even amidst the epic fantasy stakes.

It’s tragic, intense, and genuinely gripping.

And by the end, I was more than ready to see where the sequel takes the world of Linnosa next.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sisters Who Were Promised immediately caught my attention with one simple premise:

Four sisters. One prophecy. One curse.

And honestly? I needed to know what happened next.

This story follows Cyra, Rheanna, Aella, and Petra—four sisters who were separated on the day the youngest sister was born and forced to grow up apart from one another.

After the tragic deaths of the king and queen, fate brings them back together for the first time in years. As the eldest sister prepares to take her place on the throne, the sisters must navigate family bonds, political tension, ancient prophecies, dangerous magic, and increasingly powerful monsters threatening their kingdom.

One of my favorite aspects of this book was the sisterhood.

Each sister had her own personality, strengths, fears, and journey, which made them feel distinct and memorable. Watching them slowly reconnect after years apart while learning how to trust one another again was one of the strongest parts of the story for me.

The magic system was also really enjoyable. As the sisters began learning about their powers and uncovering secrets surrounding the prophecy, the story continued to reveal new layers that kept me invested.

Because this book is told through multiple points of view, I initially expected it might take some time to settle into the story. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to follow.

The transitions between sisters felt natural, and I never found myself confused about who was narrating or what was happening. The worldbuilding was accessible without feeling overwhelming, making it easy to become immersed in the story and follow each sister’s path.

There was also plenty of intrigue throughout the book.

As the sisters searched for answers about their family’s history, their powers, and the prophecy surrounding them, the danger continued to grow. The monsters became stronger, secrets were uncovered, and the stakes steadily increased.

By the end, I was eager to continue the series and discover what happens next for these sisters and their kingdom.

If you enjoy:

⚔️ Fantasy adventures
👑 Royal intrigue
✨ Elemental magic
👭 Strong sisterhood bonds
🖤 Family secrets
📜 Ancient prophecies
🐉 Dangerous monsters
🏰 Multiple POV fantasy
❤️ Strong FMCs
🌙 Found family themes

then The Sisters Who Were Promised is definitely worth checking out.

⭐️ Overall Rating: 4/5
🔥 Action & Tension: 4/5
✨ Magic & Worldbuilding: 4/5
💧 Emotional Impact: 3.5/5

Thank you to Rattle the Stars and Kayla Cosentino for the ARC opportunity. All opinions are my own.

[Brea · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sisters Who Were Promised by Kayla Cosentino is a story built on prophecy, power, and the kind of sisterhood that refuses to break—even when it’s been torn apart.
In the kingdom of Linnosa, magic has been dormant… until four royal sisters are born with elemental abilities. From the beginning, a prophecy shadows their lives: four sisters will rise, but only one will survive. Fearing what that might mean, their parents make a devastating decision—separating them at birth and raising them in different corners of the kingdom.
Fourteen years later, tragedy forces them back together.
What follows is a layered, character-driven fantasy filled with political tension, rising rebellion, and something far more unsettling lurking beneath the surface—monsters emerging from dark waters, spreading rot and fear across the land.
The premise is incredibly strong, and the story leans heavily into its emotional core. Each sister feels distinct, shaped by the life she was forced to live: — a crown princess carrying secrets
— a daughter raised in warmth far from court
— an assassin built from abandonment and rage
— and the youngest, left to bear the weight of a prophecy she never chose
Watching them navigate each other—hesitant, defensive, and slowly softening—was easily the most compelling part of the book. The sisterhood is messy, fragile, and real in a way that grounds the larger fantasy elements.
The writing has a slightly whimsical, almost storybook quality at times, which contrasts nicely with the darker themes of betrayal, murder, and political unrest. The worldbuilding hints at deeper lore still waiting to unfold, especially surrounding the magic system and the creatures haunting Linnosa.
That said, the pacing can feel a bit too even. With so much happening—rebellion, prophecy, monsters—you expect a sharper sense of urgency than what’s always delivered. There are moments that should feel high-stakes but don’t quite hit as hard as they could. The multiple POV shifts can also be slightly disorienting at times, especially without clear transitions.
Even so, the story kept me engaged. The twists, the tension between the sisters, and the underlying mystery of the prophecy were enough to keep the pages turning.
Overall, this is a solid start to a series with a lot of potential. It’s emotional, intriguing, and layered with just enough darkness to keep things interesting. I’m definitely curious to see where the next book takes these characters—and whether fate will really demand what it promised

[ZouDunnit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the eARC.

The premise of the story is incredibly intriguing, but the execution leaves something to be desired. The writing just did not work for me, it felt off. Particularly the use of modern slang which, in my opinion, clashes with the fantasy setting (it was jarring to read about a character teaching preschool in a world that otherwise is pretty removed from contemporary reality and the repepeition of the word ‘like’ made me roll my eyes too many times).
Nonetheless, the magic system is one of its strongest elements, unique and well thought-out which contributes to a solid, fleshed out world-building that is full of potential. The sisterly dynamics and relationships at the heart of the story is well executed, offering an emotional bond that is quite strong. I also really liked the fact that the story focuses more on familial bons than just your typical romance plot. That was refreshing and added a depth to the story that I really enjoyed. Yet, I have to say I found that the narrative relies too heavily on telling rather than showing; often, after a piece of dialogue, the following paragraph simply reiterates what was just said. While some telling can be effective, the repetition makes it feel like the author doesn't trust the reader to pick up on key points. This over-explanation becomes tiresome and undercuts the impact of the scenes. The use of multiple points of view, which I usually enjoy, also fell flat here because we often see the same events through different characters without gaining much new insight. As a result, the story feels stagnant instead of dynamic.

Overall, while the story shows real promise (Especially the magic system and the family dynamics), the writing style held it back for me.


Thank you again for the eARC, all thoughts shared are my own.

[PrincessStitchy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sisters who were promised by Kayla Consentino

Well a fantasy that had me on my toes the whole time I did not expect a lot of what happened! It made me physically gasp in shock at time!!

But my goodness 4 very strong women in different ways! I loved the lengths of the chapters 4-7mins, I was worried at the start when you saw it from multiple POV I would get confused but I didn't it was so easy and enjoyable to follow!

Cyra 100% the protective older sister from the start and throughout.

Rheanna seems the be the most sensitive and caring. And sadly often feels over looked!

Aella has become an amazing assains but with such a traumatic upbringing (which you don't fully find out about till the end) it's no wonder she comes off a cruel and standoff ish (but love her! And her Attitude)

Petra is a young princess who is like a golden retriever in human form there's no way to hate her and she's so happy to have siblings!

The stories of the three oldest as kids had my laughing out loud...#snort

One couple is soo cute. One you dont no if you want to happen and the third is spicy! And the 4th is about to get her dance when action erupts!

How are you meant to get anything done with this book!

One warning chapter 33 😭💔💀

Such a fantastic read, couldn't put it down and really need the next one already!!

[Destinee SanSoussi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you, Nerd Fam, for the gifted eARC!

The Sisters Who Were Promised is a captivating debut that immerses readers in a world of elemental magic, prophecy, and sisterhood. Set in the kingdom of Linnosa, where magic has been absent for over a century, the story follows four estranged sisters—Cyra, Rheanna, Aella, and Petra—who reunite after the tragic murder of their royal parents. As they discover and learn to control their elemental powers, they uncover a dark prophecy that has haunted their family for generations. Cosentino's writing is rich and atmospheric, drawing readers into a world teeming with mythical creatures, political intrigue, and emotional depth. The dynamics between the sisters are complex and compelling, highlighting themes of family, betrayal, and destiny. The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the sisters navigate their newfound powers and the dangers that threaten their kingdom. Fans of fantasy novels that blend magic, mystery, and strong familial bonds will find The Sisters Who Were Promised to be a must-read. Cosentino has crafted a world that is both enchanting and perilous, with characters that are both relatable and heroic. This book is a promising start to what is sure to be an exciting series!

[lizface · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
4.5 rounded to 5


“That is the one thing we do control—our courage in the face of what we cannot change.”

This is such a wonderful story about sisterhood 🥹
From all the political and familial turmoil. To the growth and love each sister experience. This story will make you laugh, cry, and every thing in between.

I really enjoyed how each sister was so different from the other. Their elemental powers were chosen perfectly for each, in my opinion. My favorite part of the story was definitely the sisterhood they kept throughout everything. They were always there for one another, no matter what.
I especially loved Aella’s growth the most 🥹
I knew a certain someone was fishy 😡 I’m sooo mad!
And also the dark monsters coming out of the lake was suuuuper interesting!
The pacing was great, not too slow but fast paced enough to not feel bogged down by too many details.

The romance in this book is more closed door/fade to black, I hope that gradually changes throughout the series. But with the right amount of tension and banter I’m okay without it 😊

Book 2 is gonna be even better! I just know it!
I can’t wait to find out who Hollins dad is, well I hope we do 👀

Thank you Kayla and NerdFam for the opportunity to be an ARC reader for you 🫶

[Kirsty Hewes (hewes_books_are_these) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for a copy of this arc.

This book is perfect if you are a fan of: sisterhood & bonding, murder & betrayal, found family, prophecies, magic & monsters.

What I loved about this book:
* The four sisters (Cyra, Rheanna, Aella & Petra such gorgeous names!) and their relationships & how they have changed over the years. I really liked how they are reunited after a long period of time due to a tragedy & how they reconnect themselves as sisters. I liked that the story was centred about their relationships as sisters rather than just about FMC & MMC romance.
* I loved how the author spent time on each sister and developing them as characters. It may be feel more emotionally connected to each one as the story progresses and I read about their experiences.
* The elemental magic system was great- I also loved how each sister had a different representation with each of the elements.
* The prophecy that tied the sisters together and had haunted their family for generations was very interesting. I enjoyed reading and uncovering this.
* Gave me Throne of Glass Vibes with the fact that magic had been absent from Linnosa for a Century and how the sisters learned to control their developing powers. It definitely piqued my interest.

[Lauren Giles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four will emerge, but only one will rise.

This book started with a bang and I was not ready for it. Cyra, Rheanna, and Aella were all forced to be separated from each other and the castle once their baby sister Petra was born due to the prophecy from the Oracle. However, once tragedy strikes in the kingdom, all of the sisters all called back home and are reunited once again.

I absolutely loved getting to see each sister's POV and getting to learn their character. This was all about sisterhood and even though they spent fourteen years apart, as soon as they came together, it was like no time was lost between them. Even with Petra, though they never knew their baby sister, they accepted her and she was so excited to learn that she had sisters. No matter what happens in the story, between the political turmoil, the magical creatures that seem as though they came from dark magic, the prophecy that they were warned about, and multiple betrayals, the sisters always had each others backs.

I was immediately pulled into this world and loved the magic system and the characters. Super fast paced and the plot is so well written. I was not expecting to be emotionally devastated like that though. I have to start book two now!!

[Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent start to an enticing series, that I cannot wait to keep diving into. I loved each of these sisters so immensely and really felt how well-developed they were through their own experiences and histories. Even from a third person view, each character felt well understood. I was never unaware of who was talking or who the conversation revolved around, which can be tricky at times.

The whole premise of this book was so exciting, and kept me looking forward to the next page and next chapter to see how it would progress. The prophecy behind these girls' lives is so heavy, so to see them come together in a time of crises and truly represent sisterhood to its fullest potential is absolutely beautiful.

I am always a sucker for magic, and how the sisters are described as using their magic is one thing I fell in love with really quick. It's exciting, versatile, and I love seeing the elements come together uniquely for each sister.

While I am so excited for the next book, I was absolutely wrecked by this book and imagine I will continue to be devasted by my love for these characters as it continues. An absolute recommended read for a fantasy, magic system lover. It's fast paced and such a wonderful read.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sisters Who Were Promised by Kayla Cosentino is a captivating debut that immerses readers in a world of elemental magic, prophecy, and sisterhood with a blend of magic, mystery, and strong familial bonds. This book builds a world in which it is both enchanting and perilous, with characters that are both relatable and heroic.

The book is rich and atmospheric, drawing readers into a world with mythical creatures, political intrigue, and emotional depth. The dynamics between the sisters are complex and compelling, highlighting themes of family, betrayal, and destiny.

The sisters each have their own personalities and complexities individually as well as together.

The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the sisters navigate their newfound powers and the dangers that threaten their kingdom. The pacing is fast but doesn't take away from the story.

This book is a promising start to what is sure to be an exciting series! I can't wait to see how the story continues to unfold.

Release date is May 9, 2025.

Thanks to the Nerd Fam for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Jessie Coughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sisters Who Were Promised completely surprised me in the best way because I genuinely did not expect half the twists that happened, there were multiple moments where I physically gasped, but what really made the story special was the sisterhood at the centre of it all, these four women are so different yet so connected and you can feel how deeply they love and protect each other through all the chaos, Cyra being fiercely protective, Rheanna quietly carrying so much heart while feeling overlooked, Aella hiding pain behind her sharp edges and attitude, and Petra just bringing this warm golden retriever energy that makes her impossible not to love, and even with multiple POVs it was so easy to follow because each sister felt distinct and real, the pacing kept everything moving without losing the emotional moments, and I especially loved watching Aella’s growth because once you understand everything she’s been through it just hits differently, plus the political tension, the creepy dark monsters, and the little bits of romance and banter woven through it all made it such an addictive fantasy that leaves you really attached to these characters by the end.

[Jennifer B · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25⭐
This is the first fantasy novel I’ve read with four FMCs. I really enjoyed how the beginning chapters were each dedicated to one of the sisters and where they were at that moment. Each of the sisters has their own distinct flaws and strengths which made the story that much more engaging. The varied magic in the world was interesting, though not fully developed. In this first book, there didn’t seem to be a consistent love interest for any of the sisters. Cyra and Ivan/Rheanna and Ivan had potential for a lot of tension but that didn’t really pan out. Petra was mad at Luca for a good portion of the book. Aella and Natalie could be a main couple (but I won’t spoil what happens with them). Going forward I’m really curious about where this story will go with the potential MMCs Ripley and Atlas. The story seems to be well set up to continue in The Sisters Who Mourn. I’m cautiously optimistic for the next book to dive deeper into the connections between the sisters and for the story to really unfold plot-wise. This first book definitely felt like the first half of a duet. Looking forward to the conclusion.
**spice rating 🌶️*

[Tina Esther · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall thoughts: This book was just fine for me. I didn’t love the characters or the pacing of the story. There is some serious stuff going on in this book. Monsters, prophecies, magical issues... and the urgency just doesn’t seem to be there for the characters or the author. Which frustrated me and maybe colored my other feelings across the book. But really, where is the urgency? Also (minor minor spoiler) there is a section where seasoned warriors don’t set a watch while they’re out in dangerous territory. How? 3 of the 4 sisters were really enjoyable but one gave overly “sad-girl vibes.” The story idea is really cool but overall this book wasn’t for me. I’m sure it’s for someone out there.

What made my weirdo heart happy:
“This is becoming too much like my stories and I’m not too fond of it becoming reality.”
Honestly, same girl. Same.

Will I read more books by this author?: I think so.

Would I recommend this book to a friend?: The right friend.


[I received an ARC copy of this book from The Nerd Fam. All opinions are my own.]

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four sisters, princesses each with a different element, but torn apart as children all because of a prophecy, now reconnect fourteen years later. The three oldest were inseparable from birth but have never met their youngest sister, and have all led very different lives since their separation from each other. One thing that can’t be broken though is their bond of sisterhood, and maybe that’s exactly what they need to finally rise above whatever fate has in store for them.

This fantasy drew me in from the very first page and kept me invested until the very last. With descriptive and emotional writing, I felt as if I was right there beside each of the characters. The writer did a spectacular job with the sisters’ relationship. I loved that they didn’t blame Petra for their parents separating them, and instead chose to immediately embrace her with that same warmth they’ve shared for each other.

The political intrigue and darker elements at play upon their return all added to the overall enjoyment of the book. I highly recommend it.

[Lili (mamacitareadsbooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐.5 The Sisters Who Were Promised was a fun read! I enjoyed the characters and the story.

The story follows 4 sisters, princesses from the Kingdom of Linnosa, all possessing magic in a kingdom who hasn't had magic for the last century. At the birth of the 4th and youngest sister, all of them are separated only to be reunited 14 years later.

After being apart for 14 years because of a prophecy, the sisters must get to know each other and learn to use their elemental powers once again to protect their kingdom. The kingdom is in disarray and The Cleansers—a local group determined to end the sisters who were gone and put the youngest on the throne—has been wreaking havoc all over the kingdom.

The sisters must also contend with the monsters from the dark lake, as well as a council who doesn't support them, and betrayal from close friends.

The prophecy says, “Four will emerge, but only one will rise.” It is time for the sisters to find out the meaning behind the prophecy and how they will proceed. Looking forward to book 2!

[Whitney Mcgill · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Sisters Who Were Promised was such an emotional fantasy that focused heavily on healing, sisterhood, and rebuilding broken relationships. The story follows four sisters who were separated for years because of a prophecy, and each of them had to grow through their own pain, trauma, and struggles before finally finding their way back to one another.

What I loved most about this book was watching the sisters slowly learn to trust and understand each other again. Their bond felt emotional and real, especially with how differently each of them was raised. Even when fate, prophecy, and outside forces tried to tear them apart, they continued fighting for each other.

The elemental magic, political tension, adventure, and multiple POVs kept the story engaging, but the emotional depth between the sisters is what truly stood out to me. There were definitely moments that frustrated me, but overall I really enjoyed the journey and loved the themes of family, healing, and loyalty throughout the story.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 / 5
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a nice read! I LOVED the complexity of the sisters, their relationships, how they bonded through their trauma, and their own self discovery. The bits of bickering and bolstering each other perfectly summarized sisterhood at this age from my experience. My sneaking suspicions about some characters turned out to be true but also with some unexpected twists. I have a lot of questions for the next installment but enjoyed this debut! I would recommend this to young readers in my life that are 16-18+ due to some violence and more mature aspects of the relationships in the book.

I waffled on my rating between 3.5-4 stars and thought about the things that bothered me, and I don’t think they would matter so much to younger readers, specifically contemporary references to language, dates, etc.

[Mindy Lou Who · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review: The Sisters Who Were Promised

The Sisters Who Were Promised delivers a captivating tale of elemental magic, fierce sisterhood, and a prophecy that binds four sisters to a destiny where only one will rise. The elemental magic system is both imaginative and integral to the plot, adding depth to the world-building. The bond between the sisters is portrayed with authenticity, showcasing their strength and resilience.

Each sister's fiery spirit and unwavering determination shine through, making them compelling characters who don't back down from challenges. While the multiple points of view enrich the narrative by providing diverse perspectives, they occasionally slow the pacing, requiring readers to adjust as the story unfolds.

Overall, The Sisters Who Were Promised is a spellbinding read that combines magic, family dynamics, and destiny. Fans of character-driven fantasy will find much to admire in this novel.