Sisterhood Above All: A #RushTok Novel

by Kathleen Barber, Amayah Shaienne

Any girl would kill to be a Gamma.

“Barber and Shaienne’s juicy, sexy, vicious collab is like America’s Next Top Model stitched with The Art of War. You’ll be equally riveted by the reality TV-level drama and the raw authenticity of the characters in this sure-to-go-viral sorority rush thriller.” — Layne Fargo, bestselling author of The Favorites and They Never Learn

This program features multicast narration.

Being a Gamma at Southern State University means belonging to the most desirable, exclusive sisterhood there is. For Ava, it means even more—it’s the last connection she has to her beloved late mother, and she’ll do anything to wear the Gamma letters.

But the Gammas didn’t become the best house on campus by letting just anyone in, and every prospective pledge is expected to earn her spot. As president, Madison is the ultimate gatekeeper, and she has a special test for Ava.

Rival sorority Theta is nipping at the Gammas’ heels for the top spot on campus, and president Shay is proud they’ve gotten there by rising above the hyper-competitive gamesmanship that consumes other houses. She knows she’s made some enemies in her quest to change the Greek system from the inside, but she can’t imagine the depth of Madison’s resentment for her … or how far Ava will go to become a Gamma.

The sisterhood, the parties, the elite status—and the connection to her mother—are what Ava has always wanted, but she never guessed the cost of membership would be so high. Three women, two houses, one dead rush has never been this messy.

A Macmillan Audio production from Saturday Books

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Dark Academia, Mystery Thriller, Adult Fiction, Suspense

Audible Audio

Expected publication July 14, 2026

Reviews

[Barry · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book just wasn’t a acquired taste for me,I had a hard time getting through it and I didn’t really relate to the characters but if you are a college student and in a sorority this is probably a great read for you ,I say the competition and the things that happened in the sororities make this something you would enjoy if that’s what you’re interested in.So don’t listen to my rating,read this if college students and their trails with sororities is your thing.

[Bianca | bookd_by_bee 🐝 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press for the ARC! I was so excited to read this!

3.75 stars rounded up ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

As a former sorority girl and #BamaRush enthusiast, I was so excited about this book when I first heard about it and to be granted an early copy was just chef’s kiss 😘🤌🏽✨

Told in a multiple POV format (which I love), this is the story of sorority rush, sisterhood and murder. Together, Shay, Ava and Madison take us on a journey filled with deceit, jealousy, hidden motives and the lengths people will go to belong. I can’t say that I was particularly “rooting” for any of the characters in this book - they all had some shady qualities and made some very questionable decisions along the way. I liked the short chapters and found it fairly to keep up with the plot of the story.

I do wish the authors would have taken more time to provide more of a backstory for the 3 main characters. We learned more about them along the way, but key details were sort of shoe-horned into the story and it felt like an afterthought in some chapters.

If you love a quick thriller with unreliable characters or are into the dark side of sorority life then you’ll enjoy this book. There isn’t a whole lot of depth to this story, but it will keep you coming back for more and the story moves quickly. I’m so glad this wasn’t my sorority experience, but it was a fun read.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 🌟. I purposefully went to a college that did not have Greek life because I personally find it so disgusting. However, I LOVE a messy sorority story! This book was so much fun to read. The characters were all crazy and the lengths these people go to fit into these sororities is seriously unhealthy - maybe even murderous.

Thanks to NetGalley for this arc!!

[elena bw · Rating 5 out of 5]

rounding up! i won a goodreads giveaway for the first time ever!!! and ended up with the advance readers edition of this book and i am so happy i did

i’ll be honest that i didn’t come in with high expectations, but i zoomed through this because it was quick to getting into the story and kept my attention with pretty frequent plot twists / new reveals / scarier scenes. it did feel bama rush vibes, but combined with the domestic thriller genre i love, and i liked the combination a lot.

[Bonnie Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sisterhood Above All is a look inside sorority rushing. It's the story of Ava, a Gamma legacy. Her deceased mother had been a Gamma, so Ava wanted more than anything to be a Gamma. Madison, the current president of the Southern University Gamma chapter has had to work hard to get where she is now. She was not one of the lucky ones who came from money. She will do anything to achieve her dreams of being part of the Corpus, a secret society that governs the Greek world. Shay, is the president of the Theta sorority. She has been Madison nemesis since their high school cheerleading days.
How far will these women go to be part of the sorority world?

[Corinne’s Chapter Chatter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one—in a fluffy, vapid kind of escapist way.

I was never a sorority girlie myself, and I don’t particularly follow #RushTok beyond the occasional post that pops up on my feed in late summer, but I do enjoy reading about it the same way I enjoy reading about any lifestyle or world that differs from my own.

The multiple POV format kept me engaged, and the short, fast-paced chapters made it easy to keep flipping because I always wanted to know what happened next. I read this as an audiobook, which was provided to me by Macmillan Audio via NetGalley ahead of publication, and I thought it was a great way to experience the story.

It was narrated by Charlotte Lobdell, Khaya Fraites, and Suzy Jackson, all of whom did a great job. They sounded age-appropriate and captured the tone of the sorority girls well without leaning into tired or outdated stereotypes.

As for the story itself, it was inclusive and touched on heavier topics like racism, drug abuse, and disordered eating in a low-key, accessible way while still making its point.

Is this the next great American novel? No, of course not. But it is a fun, entertaining thriller with a fantastic audiobook presentation. It’s definitely one to add to your TBR for this rush season.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 rounded down.

I've gone down the rabbit hole of #rushtok so I had an idea of the scale and grandeur that is Southern State Rush(aka Bama Rush). But as a fellow sorority sister that did not experience this kind of Rush it all feels very surreal.

Anyway, the book...predictable at it's best and worst. It's very fast moving with short chapters, but you really don't get to know Shay, Ava, Madison or Chelsea well enough to want to root for any of them. I wanted to like Shay, but she is so "I do it myself" and curt with everyone that I had a hard time believing she cared for anyone other than herself.

Christian might actually be my favorite character in the whole book. He was at least honest and kept it real.

[Melanie Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

#Rushtok goes bad when two rival sororities try to recruit the best pledge class. Gamma’s president, Madison, will do anything to be the best. She’s still hurt that last year’s “favorite” PNM (potential new
Member) chose their rival, Theta.

This book is campy but also takes on serious themes that young women deal with at college, including how frats treat women and the things women are willing to do to get into their favorite sorority. A quick read that comes out in July.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is definitely not for me. The writing makes for a quick read however the subject matter is frustrating. Young college woman yearning to join the sorority of their choice are catty, superficial, jealous and much too desperate to fit in and belong. Women should be uplifting each other not undermining and sabotaging one another. Thankfully, I’ve aged out of this stage of life. This ARC was provided by St Martin’s Press publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

[Britney Ireland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

This book, unfortunately, landed squarely in the middle for me, earning a modest 3-star rating. While I appreciate the effort that went into the narrative, I struggled to become fully invested and engrossed in the overall storyline. The connection, for whatever reason, just wasn't there to pull me completely into the world the author created.

The primary hurdle I encountered was a lack of relatability to the core characters. Their motivations and experiences, while central to the plot, felt distant, making it difficult to forge an emotional or intellectual bond with them. This detachment was a significant factor in my inability to fully immerse myself in the story.

However, the narrative was not without its merits. I must commend the author for weaving in several genuinely good twists and turns throughout the book. These unexpected developments offered welcome spikes of intrigue and excitement, preventing the pacing from becoming too stagnant. They successfully managed to catch me off guard and were certainly a strong point of the writing.

I believe this novel would find a particularly enthusiastic audience among younger adults, especially those currently navigating the collegiate world. The themes, particularly those surrounding sisterhood and the sorority experience, are likely to resonate deeply with college students or those who have recently graduated and can recall that time vividly. For readers who have either been a part of or have an interest in Greek life, the context and emotional dynamics presented here would likely feel much more familiar and engaging.

Thank you to #NetGalley for providing me with an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book in exchange for an honest review.

#sisterhoodaboveall

[Joseandbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 3.5/5

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the audiobook ARC of Sisterhood Above All.

I have really mixed feelings about this one. The premise was interesting, and I liked where the story was trying to go, but I never fully got pulled in. I kept waiting for that moment where I’d become completely invested, and it just never quite happened for me.

The standout was definitely the multicast narration. Everyone did a great job, and having multiple narrators made it much easier to follow the different characters and perspectives.

For me, the book felt very YA in its tone and character dynamics. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that—it just wasn’t what I was expecting, and I think that’s part of why I had a harder time connecting with the story. I was interested enough to keep listening and see how everything played out, but I never felt fully immersed.

Overall, this wasn’t a bad book at all. It just wasn’t the right fit for me. If you enjoy friendship-focused stories with a younger feel and strong audiobook performances, this one may work better for you than it did for me.

[Justinstaysreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowow the dark reality and the societal pressure to belong in greek life. This story was unhinged and everything I love in a dark academic story. I loved the main characters and the tension and back stories that took time to reveal. I was hooked from the first to the last page. I was consumed and could not put this one down!

Thank you NetGalley!

[Michelle Kimber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book laden with twists and catty girls. If you like girl energy and mean vices this book is for you. It's witty and entertaining. Not my usual read, but it totally engaged me.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press via Goodreads giveaway for an ARC of this book! All views are my own.
I know that Greek life probably isn’t as consistently dramatic at this level for the most part, but the deep spiral of Madison and Ava makes me extra grateful that I did not attend a college with any fraternities or sororities (not to yuck anyone’s yum, but even how these societies actually function was just not for me lol). I like that while none of the characters are really that likable, you’re still deeply drawn into their stories and at least I could connect with their flaws on some level. Madison’s sharp shift in perspective towards the end of the book was pretty sudden and I actually liked the whiplash from her being very intense to her total psychopathy, and I like that we get a bit of a redemption arc from Ava.
While I often find references to real life, modern things (such as referencing actual social media platforms, celebrities, pop culture, etc.) a bit cringey, I think it worked in this setting.

[Christel Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read other sorority books, and this one is better than any of them. We have three points of view.

Shay is the president of the Theta sorority. She looks out for all women but has some personal issues she’s dealing with. Madison is the president of the Gamma sorority. She’s decided she’s a rival of Shay from their high school days. She fits the stereotypical view of a sorority member—though I’m glad for the characters who break this stereotype. Ava is pledging Gamma after losing her mom who was also a member of the sisterhood.

Madison manipulates Ava into doing her bidding, and chaos ensues.

I couldn’t stop reading this book. The drama was just dramatic enough. And the ending was satisfying. I absolutely recommend this book.

I received this ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.

[Melissa Gandarinho · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this book and the storyline, despite it being cliché. It reminded me of Greek (the show) meets Heathers (the movie). I noticed nods to a lot of things that correlate with both of those, specifically Greek life and Christian (Christian Slater). But I may be overthinking the connections. I will say, I do wish there was more discussion about how Shay is black and in Greek life, I thought that was super important to the storyline and why Madison might have been threatened by her. The writing is easy to read, maybe a little 'too' easy, that some people might not enjoy that it's not complex. I'd recommend this to people in their 20s, but as a 38 year old, I felt a bit disconnected from the characters, because this was a mystery/thriller and barely any character building. I think adding some of that would have allowed us to understand the choices made by these people, more fluid

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy.

[motherknows.books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for the advance copy of the audiobook! The following is my honest review:

Drama filled and fast-paced, this thriller drew me in quickly to its over-the-top world where nobody is to be trusted, everyone is harboring secrets, and no-one is who they profess to be. Told through short chapters and multiple points of view the story is propels along rapidly, revealing snippets of back-story that steadily add depth to the rivalries and obsessions as they unfold.

This is not a book to be taken too seriously. It’s a fun, chaotic read that’s the perfect palette cleanser or beach read. It chooses to stay surface level, focusing on drama and pacing rather than looking too closely at any of the characters. It certainly doesn’t indict the Greek system, and I honestly would of preferred the book had it been more political.

Themes of race, privilege and class are gently touched upon- Shay’s character serving as a construct, a modern lens taking a closer look at the problematic aspects of Greek life, though superficially so.

Similarly, there was more to be explored with Madison- behaviorally, she is the most interesting character. Further exploration of her behavior would add depth to the narrative & bring understanding to the extremes of her actions & motivations. Rather, the reader is offered perfunctory references to her supposed psychopathy. Was her lack of empathy born, nurtured, or simply the cost of her power?

This is a story where every character is morally ambiguous. In its soapy way it serves as a warning against superficial connections, toxic behavior labelled as friendship, and the unrelenting pursuit of external validation. We are faced with a cast of characters who can never realize either personal peace or their potential as they, in their own ways, focus outwardly rather than face themselves.

The irony isn’t lost on me that, in a story about women, written by women, the only likable characters are men…

Regardless, this is perfect for fans of the toxicity within Layne Fargo’s ‘The Favorites.’ This is another story of a world that glitters outwardly, though cruel & rotten within. Sisterhood Above All may also appeal to fans of ‘Every Exquisite Thing’ by Laura Steven. Though the tone is very different the books parallel each other thematically, both stories of obsession that explore complex female relationships, the lengths people will go to for belonging, and the price of perfection.

*A note on the format: I listened to the audiobook and if this book is on your TBR I highly recommend the audio version. I found it really highlighted the drama of the story and created an immersive experience. It was genuinely hard to stop listening! Each POV had it's own narrator and, though there are several characters to keep track of, the narrators voices were distinctive, helping to ground you in the narrative as well as differentiate between the cast of characters. My only minor gripe is that the narrators occasionally leaned into what I would consider stereotypical American female tones of voice, which did grate a little; it was fitting with the tone of the book, so tolerable, but might not be for everyone.

[Read_with_Beans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC of Sisterhood Above All by Kathleen Barber and Amayah Shaienne, narrated by Charlotte Lobdell, Khaya Fraites, and Suzy Jackson.

I have been on the lookout for a solid sorority-centered thriller for years now and have been constantly met with disappointment. But thanks to Kathleen Barber and Amayah Shaienne, I have FINALLY found the Greek-life thriller of my sorority girl dreams.

“Joining a sorority was supposed to be the best thing I ever did, and it has turned into a living nightmare”

Being part of Greek life can be such a positive college experience, but it rarely comes without drama. This story covers the timeframe of rush week, the times when new young women visit different sorority houses and meet the sisters with the intent of learning about the sorority while also trying to make a good enough impression to be invited to pledge the sorority (earn a bid). Ava is a legacy of the Gamma house, meaning she is almost guaranteed an invitation to pledge because her mom was a Gamma, but a new rule means she will not be viewed as a legacy but as someone who has no link to the sorority. This stresses Ava out, and she decides she will do ANYTHING to get a bid. Madison, the Gamma president, sees an opportunity to get back at Shay, her nemesis and ex-friend, who is now the president of Theta, the new best sorority on campus. Let the games begin! There’s nothing wrong with a few pranks, petty mean girl talk, and a little rush week drama, but when a sister dies, everyone is shocked. Was it suicide, a drug-related accident, or murder?

The chapters within this book are told in alternating perspectives between the main characters, Ava, Madison, and Shay. This led to an opportunity for three narrators to be part of this audiobook, and I really enjoyed it. Each narrator had a distinct enough voice that listeners would not be confused about whose chapter they were listening to. The chapter starts with the name of the character, to make it easy for those physically reading. There were situations within the story that were very serious or emotional, and the narrators were able to reflect the appropriate emotions with the tone of their voice. Each narrator was able to bring their character to life, making the mean girl so easy to identify, even just by the way the narrator read their lines. With three narrators its possible that a listener may not like one of them, but I found each of their voices enjoyable to listen to even at 2x speed.

This story was such a fun time, and realistic enough to make its readers grateful this wasn’t their personal sorority experience. This isn’t a thriller or a book with crazy twists or lots of huge surprises, but it features unhinged moments from an unhinged woman and a mystery of what happened to the deceased sister. I had not previously read from Amayah Shaienne, but I have enjoyed Kathleen Barber in the past. I would love to read from both of these authors again in the future.

Yes, I can highly recommend this book for fans of murder mysteries and unhinged characters.

Audiobook: 9 hours, 36 minutes

[Roslyn Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read by Kathleen Barber and Amayah Shaienne, and I received an ARC from NetGalley and honestly, this book was just fun. Messy, dramatic, over the top in the best way, and absolutely dripping with that reality TV meets Greek life energy. If you like your thrillers a little soapy and a lot chaotic, this one delivers with a one two punch! Ava Nichols is such a great entry point into this world. She’s a freshman desperate to join Gamma Gamma Alpha, not just for the status but because it’s her last connection to her late mother. That emotional hook gives her ambition a real heartbeat. Watching her navigate the intense, sometimes dangerous “tests” Gamma throws at her is wild and you can feel how badly she wants to belong, even when the tasks start crossing lines. Then there’s Madison Archer, the queen bee president of Gamma and the ultimate gatekeeper. She’s sharp, calculating, and honestly a little terrifying in that perfectly polished sorority‑girl way. Her dynamic with Ava is fascinating being part mentor, part puppet‑master and she’s the one who sets Ava on the covert mission that kicks the whole plot into motion. On the other side is Shay Wright, president of rival sorority Theta Kappa Xi. Shay is trying to run her house differently, without the cutthroat gamesmanship, but she’s dealing with mysterious blackouts and lost time that add a whole extra layer of suspense. Her chapters were some of my favorites because they bring a psychological edge to the story and tie directly into the book’s biggest twist. When Ava’s assignment spirals out of control and someone falls from a balcony during a recruitment party, everything explodes. Rumors fly, alliances shift, and the secrets that have been simmering under the surface finally start boiling over. The twist ties together the blackouts, the rivalry, and the power plays in a way that’s dramatic but satisfying very “Scream Queens meets Greek tragedy.” The ending lands well, too. Without spoiling specifics, it forces the characters to reckon with the cost of belonging and the damage done by the toxic culture they’ve been feeding. It’s sharp, a little dark, and exactly the kind of finale a book like these need. #netgalley #sisterhoodaboveall

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars.This is a twisty campus thriller set during pledge week on a college campus. Grudges are swelling the busyness of picking pledges and commitment could prove deadly.

First when I was in college fraternities and sororities were “persona non grata” - yes, I’m dating myself. So when my granddaughter pledged to one I was disappointed but such is change. Consequently when I came across this ARC (my thanks to NetGalley and Saturday Books/ St. Martin’s Press) I was greatly intrigued.

Ava Nichols is a legacy. Her mom was a member of the Class of 1997 Gamma Gamma Alphas. With her mother’s death, pledging this sorority will honor her mom - after all she wears all her mother’s GGA jewelry. But per new rules legacies can’t be favored over other pledges. Shay Wright is the President of a competing sorority, Theta Kappa Xi, and has an interest in Ava so as to a coup over GGA president, Madison Archer. When Ava gets in a compromising position in pledging to GGA, she’s coerced by Madison to spike Shay’s coffee. Things get tangled up in the excitement and busyness of rush week but when TKX member, Chelsea Upshaw is found dead on the patio of the sorority what else could go wrong?

This is a twisty good. As to authenticity of rushing, the book is also co-authored by Amayah Shaienne, who is part of the 2022 Bama Rush (as I found out in the Kirkus review of this book) which is a documentary on HBO about a sorority rush at the University of Alabama. While I haven’t seen the documentary, I felt in reading the book that what was happening could be real - after all secrets and shenanigans abound everywhere. The characters seem nicely drawn and we meet them in alternating chapters: Ava, Shay and Madison. And definitely you feel sisterhood could be toxic as you read. Liked the ending - it was a surprise but I enjoyed that it was a positive one.

My only criticism of the book was its length. I felt at one point it such could be shorter but then that twist came - though I still think it could be shorter. I found though I really enjoyed the story and the characters so much that my criticism is minor. And while I’m still not a fan of sororities, I liked the book and highly recommend.

[Savannah Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Sisterhood Above All is a deeply moving historical novel that centers on the enduring power of female bonds in the face of unimaginable hardship. Drawing on her signature style, Heather Morris tells a story rooted in resilience, survival, and loyalty, emphasizing how connection can become a lifeline when everything else is stripped away.

Set against the backdrop of war and persecution, the novel follows women whose lives are violently disrupted, forcing them into circumstances where trust and solidarity are essential for survival. Morris focuses less on graphic detail and more on emotional truth, allowing readers to experience the characters’ fear, courage, and determination through their relationships with one another. The idea of sisterhood—chosen, forged, and fiercely protected—anchors the narrative from beginning to end.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its portrayal of women supporting women under extreme conditions. The characters are distinct and flawed, yet united by a shared will to endure. Their bond offers moments of tenderness and hope amid despair, reminding readers that humanity can persist even in the darkest settings. Morris excels at showing how small acts of kindness and loyalty can become acts of quiet resistance.

The writing is accessible and emotionally driven, making the novel approachable while still carrying significant weight. While the pacing is steady rather than fast, the emotional impact lingers, particularly in its exploration of loss, survival, and the long shadows trauma casts even after hardship ends.

A Sisterhood Above All will resonate with readers drawn to historical fiction that highlights women’s experiences and emotional resilience. Ultimately, the novel is a tribute to the strength found in connection and a reminder that survival is often not a solitary act, but one sustained by love, loyalty, and unbreakable bonds.

[Atlas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the ARC 💖📚

This is messy. Like, reality-TV-meets-dark-campus-thriller messy. Think #RushTok drama dialed all the way up, add ambition, grief, power plays, and then… sprinkle in a little murder. You’re either here for the chaos or you’re not, and honestly, I was entertained 😌✨

The story follows Ava, Madison, and Shay across rival sororities, and it leans hard into the idea that belonging can get… dangerous. Ava wants in for deeply personal reasons, Madison will do anything to maintain control, and Shay is trying to change the system without realizing how deep the toxicity runs.

What worked really well
• Fast-paced, super bingeable with short chapters 📖
• Multiple POVs that keep the tension moving
• Juicy, petty, high-stakes sorority drama 💅
• Unreliable, messy characters doing questionable things (always fun)
• Strong “how far would you go to belong?” theme

This is not a character you “love” kind of book. It’s a watch-the-trainwreck kind of book. Everyone is a little unhinged, a little selfish, and very caught up in image and status. I didn’t find myself rooting for anyone, but I didn’t really need to, the drama carries it.

Things to know going in
• Character depth is lighter, this is more plot and vibes than deep development
• Some twists are predictable, but still fun to watch play out 😅
• If you’re not into Greek life or campus drama, this may not hit
• Very much a “grab popcorn and enjoy the chaos” read 🍿

Overall, this is a quick, addictive thriller that leans into spectacle over substance, but does it in a way that keeps you turning pages. If you’ve ever fallen down a #RushTok rabbit hole or just like your thrillers a little glossy and vicious, this will absolutely do the trick 💋

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC for review. To be published July 4, 2026.

3 stars

The second of the two listed authors is apparently a real, live Bama Rush girl. You can stop to throw up if you want. If you don’t know what that is, save yourself and investigate no further, I beg of you! And I was a Soutgern sorority girl myself back in the day (which is why I can’t resist these tales) and the Bama Rush thing is still way, way too much for me. That said (and Who knows how much she actually contributed toward writing the book, she may have just clued the primary author in on the cool brands of the day and I would surely rely on my niece who is currently a sorority girl at Auburn to give me that info…though it’s amazing how much I learn just being around her and shopping with her!)

Anyway, this is a story of two houses at the fictional Southern State University, which is the saddest fictional name for a school I’ve ever read. Gamma is the popular old faithful but Theta is quickly gaining traction and they poached some of the best girls last year. Madison is president of Gamma, Ave is a Gamma legacy and is dying for a bid and Shay is president of Theta and wants it to be a different kind of house. Hijinks, well, make that lowjinks, ensue. Meaning death, of course. It’s always death nowadays, you know?

The book offers a fairly accurate, detailed look at the rush process, other than that I’m not sure you would give it to your daughters other than as a major cautionary tale or as a warning against Greek life. Not enough sisterhood here.

[Juno ✦ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for providing ARC access!

Like any good thriller worth its salt, I was GLUED to this book. I started reading it while waiting for my shower water to warm up, and I ended up devouring a third of it while standing around in my bathroom. The school setting, the subtle female rivalries, the pointed social commentaries all make for an edge-of-your-seat read. It's a book you'll think about even when you aren't actively reading it: the kind of book where you're like "it can't get any worse!" and then it gets worse. It's brilliant.

This is a perfect accompaniment for readers who enjoy social tensions, and I found it reminiscent of Ashley Winstead's In My Dreams, I Hold a Knife. As someone who hasn't experienced Greek life personally and only through the experiences of social media and my roommates, it's fascinating how this culture has evolved into a horror subgenre. I can understand how this book isn't for everyone: like any thriller, there's some suspension of disbelief necessary to enjoy the novel at its fullest. But that heart-gripping, gutwrenching feeling was palpable for me and arguably the strongest pull of the book. I wish we got to spend more time with some of the characters to fully flesh them out and to endear them to the audience, especially because some of the Theta girls felt a little token-y and in the case of Chelsea, I wish she got to be her own person for a bit instead of a plot device.

But overall, I found the book pretty approachable and a riveting read!

[Amy (amysbooked)]

DNF - While I understand the point was to make the main characters rather unlikeable, I do believe authors can do that without making the main characters caricatures. Essentially, I wish it felt like these characters were awful for a reason instead of just as an attempt to shock or mock. There was never a time that I wanted to pick the book back up and made it to 61% before I remembered I could just not pick it back up.

Synopsis: Being a Gamma at Southern State University means belonging to the most desirable, exclusive sisterhood there is. For Ava, it means even more—it’s the last connection she has to her beloved late mother, and she’ll do anything to wear the Gamma letters.

But the Gammas didn’t become the best house on campus by letting just anyone in, and every prospective pledge is expected to earn her spot. As president, Madison is the ultimate gatekeeper, and she has a special test for Ava.

Rival sorority Theta is nipping at the Gammas’ heels for the top spot on campus, and president Shay is proud they’ve gotten there by rising above the hyper-competitive gamesmanship that consumes other houses. She knows she’s made some enemies in her quest to change the Greek system from the inside, but she can’t imagine the depth of Madison’s resentment for her … or how far Ava will go to become a Gamma.

The sisterhood, the parties, the elite status—and the connection to her mother—are what Ava has always wanted, but she never guessed the cost of membership would be so high. Three women, two houses, one dead rush has never been this messy.

[Cc Readsss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Release: July 14, 2026
Author: Kathleen Barber; Amayah Shaienne
Publisher: St Martin's Press

Rating: 3.75★ 

Thoughts:
This was a wild ride! The rivalry between the sororities felt almost palpable, and the characters were so messy and compelling in their own ways. It’s fast-paced, full of drama, and definitely not shy about exploring toxic dynamics in the quest for power and belonging. It was a guilty pleasure, for sure.

This book suits someone in the mood for something: emotional, tense, dark
Pace: fast
Plot or Character Driven?: plot
Strong Character Development?: it’s complicated
Loveable Characters?: no
Diverse Cast?: it’s complicated
Are Character Flaws a Main Focus?: yes
Main Themes / Tropes:
sorority rivalry, obsession, ambition, power dynamics, toxic relationships

Synopsis:
In the cutthroat world of sorority rush, Ava’s desperate desire to become a Gamma leads her into a web of manipulation, competition, and betrayal. What seems like the ultimate prize—a prestigious position in the most exclusive house—becomes a dark spiral of power struggles, deadly secrets, and personal sacrifice. As alliances shift and bodies fall, Ava must confront the true cost of belonging in a world where loyalty is as fragile as reputation.

Favorite Quote:
"she was never meant to be managed, never meant to be offered. Never meant to be quiet in pretty rooms. This year, we're crowning women who choose themselves."

[Ali Mortensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this #RushTok ARC!

Rush. PNM. Legacy. J-board. Rush Crush. Lilly Pulitzer. Suicide Bid. Gamma...
music to my sorority girl ears.

As a former sorority girl when the TSM blog was in its prime, I really enjoyed this fast-paced sorority thriller! I enjoyed the drama, the sorority girls that were easy to love, despise, and envy, the frat bros, and inside scoop of the pressures of rush.

Madison and Shay have a long-term rival, starting from cheerleading as teenagers through current Greek life. At first, you think Madison has good intentions: she just wants to fill her Gamma chapter with the highest quality of girls and she has a heart for Ava, a potential new member, who also tragically lost her mother. Shay is a Type A sorority president of Theta who wants to make her mark, works hard in everything she does, and refuses to conform to the norm of sorority culture. What's not to love? And why would Madison have so much beef with Shay?

Before you know it, a few Rush rules become broken, a prank has gone wrong, and now someone from Gamma's rival house, Theta, is dead. Was it simply an accident? Or, did someone from the Corpus want her gone?

This book was very fun to read! My only critiques were that I’d love it if the text messages were in little text message bubbles to differentiate what a text vs. regular conversation is, as it was hard to differentiate, and that the flow of the timeline is hard to follow at times. Still very entertaining though!

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

Thank you to Saturday Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC - all thoughts and opinions are my own!

As someone who is fascinated by the concept of Greek life, #RushTok, and all of the drama and messiness that goes into it, I definitely felt like I was living in this drama while reading this book! We follow three main POVs, two girls that are chapter presidents of their respective sororities and a PNM (potential new member), and trust me, each of these girls has a lot going on in their lives. You see girls at both their best and their worst and it really makes you stop and think about how much you sometimes just want to belong to a group and be a part of something greater, especially if you have always felt on the fringe.

While I enjoyed the drama and messiness, I do feel like the plot dragged in some areas and it made me feel like we were taking a long time to reach our conclusion, and when we get to the end, it ends pretty quickly with not as much closure as I had hoped. But I did enjoy my time reading this one and seeing how messed up some women can be when it comes to sisterhood and wanting more.

If you are looking for a book that will have you hooked and wanting to watch #rushtok for yourself (it’s a real thing!), then look no further than Sisterhood Above All!

[Ali Bunke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sisterhood Above All is a sharp, readable thriller that dives straight into the high‑pressure world of sorority rush and all the messy emotions that come with it. The story unfolds through the perspectives of three women, each with her own agenda and secrets.

Madison, the president of Gamma, leads the sorority at Southern State University. It is the one everyone wants, the one that practically guarantees status. Ava is a Gamma legacy, but legacy status doesn’t mean a free pass. She’s determined to follow in her late mother’s footsteps, and she’s willing to make it happen. Then there’s Shay, the president of Theta, a sorority nipping at Gamma’s heels for the top spot. Shay and Madison share a complicated history, and that tension simmers beneath every decision they make.

This book has everything from mean‑girl energy, characters desperate to belong, unreliable narrators, hidden motivations, and a behind‑the‑scenes look at sorority rush culture that feels uncomfortably real. As a former sorority girl myself, It felt pretty spot‑on. The twists are unexpected, the pacing worked well and the ending lands in a satisfying way.

Thank you NetGalley and Saturday Books for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.

[itsallaboutbooksandmacarons · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was marketed as a thriller, but for me it felt closer to a drama with heavier layers underneath. I’m not good at labeling things, and I really don’t like it, even though it’s usually the first question people ask.

A big part of the story is about belonging — being part of a sisterhood or brotherhood. I’ve never experienced that, and I never fully understood it, but I expected a much stronger sense of loyalty between the girls, like they would do anything for each other. That wasn’t always there in the way I imagined.

The audiobook kept me engaged the whole time. It goes through difficult topics without avoiding them: drugs, racism, and history that still affects people long after it happened. There’s also how blame can be misplaced, and how that can turn into cruelty toward the wrong people.

What also didn’t sit well with me was how easily people can be exposed or turned against each other, and how uncomfortable that kind of public exposure feels when it happens inside a group that is supposed to be close.

At the same time, there is something engaging in how all of this unfolds, the way the story keeps pulling you forward even when the topics are heavy, and how the interactions between the characters still feel real and emotionally strong.