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The Sibylline Saga #3
The World Mother
There he gathers to him, the laughing, loving Dark.
But restless spirits cannot live on simple human spark.
When Gwenna hears a siren call in the night, she travels to a far distant country across the sea to discover its source. There, she encounters the great stone Giants of Lujor and a prophecy that could end it all.
There is a hole in the universe – a breach into the void between worlds – and Gwen will do anything to find it before it’s too late. Her search leads her to Amau, where a tightly knit family led by Arlo, called the Dragon, is waging war against the south. But the Dragon's family has a secret, one they've faithfully kept for over a century. And it's a secret Gwen will discover, even if she has to start a clandestine war of her own to do it.
Because as terrifying as the Dragon and his armies may be, that's something Gwen has little interest in – just another war among men. What truly scares her is the lady upstairs, the gentle, soft-spoken wife of the Dragon, with golden hair and eyes as empty as the space between trees.
But restless spirits cannot live on simple human spark.
When Gwenna hears a siren call in the night, she travels to a far distant country across the sea to discover its source. There, she encounters the great stone Giants of Lujor and a prophecy that could end it all.
There is a hole in the universe – a breach into the void between worlds – and Gwen will do anything to find it before it’s too late. Her search leads her to Amau, where a tightly knit family led by Arlo, called the Dragon, is waging war against the south. But the Dragon's family has a secret, one they've faithfully kept for over a century. And it's a secret Gwen will discover, even if she has to start a clandestine war of her own to do it.
Because as terrifying as the Dragon and his armies may be, that's something Gwen has little interest in – just another war among men. What truly scares her is the lady upstairs, the gentle, soft-spoken wife of the Dragon, with golden hair and eyes as empty as the space between trees.
- GenresFantasy
448 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2025
6 people want to read
About the author
Anna Cackler
10 books45 followersAnna Cackler is a lover of story – and a sucker for drama, romance, and dark beauty. Which is odd, considering how generally unserious she is most of the time. She’s married to her best friend, and they have a lovely little family in Arkansas. They have two dogs, a cat, a slew of chickens, and a pond in their front yard that won’t hold water. She’s pretty sure there’s a metaphor in there, somewhere.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 7, 2025
This is the book where you realize you've only read half the story. The plot threads of Gwenna's coming of age in book 1 and Nora's misadventures of book 2 are tied together in a high stakes mission to save the world.
What I loved about this book, and this series in general, is that I couldn't predict what was going to happen. It's not one of those BookTok fantasy/romance trope parties; it's genuinely original and strange while still being accessible to an older YA or NA audience. There's little romance in this instalment as it's more about the action.
As this series finale was tying up loose ends, it's a bit more plot driven than character. We do get to see the action through Gwenna's eyes, as well as the odd guest POV, and we do get to learn how everyone's stories intertwine, including some interesting side characters. It reveals things that made me want to go straight back to the first book and start again now that I knew how all the pieces fit together.
The tension simmers gently underneath the action as we fill in the gaps in events from book 2. There are genuinely sad moments too, though for those of us with easily broken hearts it's lucky that Gwenna's recollections tend to gloss over the story a little towards the end (understandable given the narrative framing). In a way I'd have liked for books 2 and 3 to be combined with alternating POVs to tell this story all together without holes, but when you've got characters who have to remain oblivious to the bigger picture and are playing with timey-wimey stuff, I can understand why it might have been difficult (as well as very long).
Overall this debut fantasy trilogy mixes the familiar fantasy concepts with unusual storytelling and characters who won't take no for an answer no matter the pain it might bring them. With enchanting lore, a brash reluctant (older than 18) heroine, a hint of romance, and a comfortable marriage of modern language in a high fantasy world, there's a lot to love.
-I received an ARC e-book from the author. This does not influence my review-
What I loved about this book, and this series in general, is that I couldn't predict what was going to happen. It's not one of those BookTok fantasy/romance trope parties; it's genuinely original and strange while still being accessible to an older YA or NA audience. There's little romance in this instalment as it's more about the action.
As this series finale was tying up loose ends, it's a bit more plot driven than character. We do get to see the action through Gwenna's eyes, as well as the odd guest POV, and we do get to learn how everyone's stories intertwine, including some interesting side characters. It reveals things that made me want to go straight back to the first book and start again now that I knew how all the pieces fit together.
The tension simmers gently underneath the action as we fill in the gaps in events from book 2. There are genuinely sad moments too, though for those of us with easily broken hearts it's lucky that Gwenna's recollections tend to gloss over the story a little towards the end (understandable given the narrative framing). In a way I'd have liked for books 2 and 3 to be combined with alternating POVs to tell this story all together without holes, but when you've got characters who have to remain oblivious to the bigger picture and are playing with timey-wimey stuff, I can understand why it might have been difficult (as well as very long).
Overall this debut fantasy trilogy mixes the familiar fantasy concepts with unusual storytelling and characters who won't take no for an answer no matter the pain it might bring them. With enchanting lore, a brash reluctant (older than 18) heroine, a hint of romance, and a comfortable marriage of modern language in a high fantasy world, there's a lot to love.
-I received an ARC e-book from the author. This does not influence my review-
December 29, 2025
This book was another great adventure! I loved that everything fell into place in this third book of the sybilline saga. It was fun to revisit some things and see it from another perspective. Sometimes it made the pacing a little slow, because I was anxious to know how the story would continue after book 2. And it definitely didn't disappoint. Anna Cackler's writing style is so good and I love how unique and thought through this series is. I think this was a great way to end Gwenna's adventure!
November 25, 2025
Enjoyed wrapping up the pieces of the first 3 books
November 26, 2025
Another amazing book, and the satisfying conclusion to The Sibylline Saga. The World Mother takes place at the same time as The Giant Singer, but is told through Isla’s and Gwenna’s POVs. It fills in all the gaps in the Giant Singer and brings the story to its conclusion.
While not as action packed as the first two books, it does have its share, and it is still such a great read. I was really sad to see this series end. Cackler is such a great writer and this trilogy is so dang good, I imagine I’ll be reading it over and over. (FYI, I’ve already read it twice!)
If you want to read an amazing and beautifully written fantasy series that has a hint of romance and an intricate plot, this is the series for you.
Thank you to the author for the advance reader copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
While not as action packed as the first two books, it does have its share, and it is still such a great read. I was really sad to see this series end. Cackler is such a great writer and this trilogy is so dang good, I imagine I’ll be reading it over and over. (FYI, I’ve already read it twice!)
If you want to read an amazing and beautifully written fantasy series that has a hint of romance and an intricate plot, this is the series for you.
Thank you to the author for the advance reader copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 26, 2025
Have you ever wished after reading a story that you could read it again for the first time? Lately I've run into that a lot, and this series has joined the growing list of 'I wish' books.
I love when an author revisits the same timeline but offers fresh points of view. Anna Cackler has done just that and I find myself appreciating the characters I once viewed as villains, even sympathizing with them. And then there's the ending. Or should I say the new beginning? If you know, you know. If you don't, you should read for yourself and find out.
I think it's safe to say that this series will be joining my physical wishlist, and I will revisit this world one day.
Soon.
Ravenheart Rating: 10/10
Spice Factor: There is one scene on page, but it's vaguely written. I wouldn't consider it 'spice' at all.
I love when an author revisits the same timeline but offers fresh points of view. Anna Cackler has done just that and I find myself appreciating the characters I once viewed as villains, even sympathizing with them. And then there's the ending. Or should I say the new beginning? If you know, you know. If you don't, you should read for yourself and find out.
I think it's safe to say that this series will be joining my physical wishlist, and I will revisit this world one day.
Soon.
Ravenheart Rating: 10/10
Spice Factor: There is one scene on page, but it's vaguely written. I wouldn't consider it 'spice' at all.
November 25, 2025
Calliope sure is an interesting spirit within the Sibylline world. And to think how much power she has accumulated in such a short amount of time! The Owl certainly has to think on her feet during this adventure.
I will say, I much preferred this story compared to book 2 as I really like reading from Gwenna's POV more than other characters as I feel her storyline is the strongest. Overall, I have really enjoyed the Saga so far and can’t wait to meet more of the Old Kind.
I will say, I much preferred this story compared to book 2 as I really like reading from Gwenna's POV more than other characters as I feel her storyline is the strongest. Overall, I have really enjoyed the Saga so far and can’t wait to meet more of the Old Kind.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews