To mourn is to burn. And they’re ready to set the world on fire.
After a devastating loss, Cyra, Rheanna, and Aella must pick up the pieces of their broken kingdom and face the coming darkness.
The kingdom of Linnosa teeters on the edge of war with the Cleansers no longer lurking in the shadows. The rebellion rises, their power fed by fear, betrayal, and something darker stirring beneath the surface.
As old loyalties falter and new ones form, the sisters must place their trust in unlikely allies, even those who once walked beside the enemy. Love is tested. Blood is spilled. And when Cyra’s daughter Hollin becomes a pawn in the war for magic itself, the cost of the crown becomes terrifyingly clear.
With monsters clawing their way out of the deep and the Oracle’s true intentions unravelling, the sisters find themselves caught in a web of secrets, prophecy, and impossible choices.
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.
The Sisters Who Mourn by Kayla Cosentino was just as good, if not better, than the first book for me. This series keeps the momentum going so well, and the twists had me questioning everyone and everything the entire time. The plot was absolutely plotting 👀
One of my favorite parts of this series continues to be the relationships. I love seeing the bond between the sisters grow stronger while still getting to see their individual personalities, flaws, and wants shine through. The familial dynamics mixed with the romantic relationships make these characters feel incredibly real.
I also really appreciated the subtle exploration of grief throughout the story. Watching the sisters try to hold themselves and the kingdom together after such a devastating loss added a lot of emotional depth to the book.
I will say I slightly preferred the first book overall. I guessed some of the direction this one would take based on the ending of book one, and I felt like one major dramatic event wrapped up a little quicker than I would’ve liked. Even with that, I was completely hooked from start to finish and now desperately need book three.
Thank you to RTSPR and Kayla Cosentino for the ARC opportunity.💞✨
The Sisters Who Mourn by Kayla Cosentino is a strong second installment that builds beautifully on everything established in book one. Instead of losing momentum, this story deepens the emotional stakes and expands the world in a way that made it even harder to put down. This book follows Cyra, Rheanna, and Aella as they try to hold together what remains of their kingdom while facing grief, betrayal, and growing danger. With monsters in the water, political tension rising, and Hollin at risk of becoming a pawn in a larger conflict, the story carries a constant sense of urgency without losing its emotional core. One of the things I appreciated most was how much heart this book has. At its center, this is a story about family, loss, resilience, and the strength found in both the bonds we are born into and the ones we choose for ourselves. The characters each feel distinct, with their own voices, flaws, and desires, which made their relationships feel especially layered and compelling. The writing leans more into plot and emotion, while still carrying a whimsical, immersive quality that keeps the story engaging. There were several twists that kept me questioning everyone, and the tension stayed high from beginning to end. I was especially invested in Cyra’s journey and found myself fully rooting for these characters as they fought for their future. Overall, this was an engaging and emotionally grounded sequel that left me very eager for the next book in the series.
The Sisters Who Mourn somehow took everything I loved about the first book and made it even more emotional, the stakes feel higher, the grief feels heavier, and the bond between the sisters feels even stronger as they fight to protect what’s left of their kingdom while everything around them starts falling apart, and I loved how each character still felt so distinct and layered with their own fears, strengths, and heartbreaks, the worldbuilding was immersive without ever dragging and the tension never really lets up between the monsters, betrayal, political chaos, and all the personal battles happening underneath it all, but what really got me was the heart of the story because beneath all the danger it’s still about family, resilience, and choosing each other no matter what, and that ending?? Kayla really had me sitting there staring at the wall because how do you end a book like that AGAIN, I’m way too emotionally attached to these characters now and I need the next one immediately.
There’s something quietly powerful about this story. It leans into grief, connection, and the weight of what’s left unsaid in a way that feels both emotional and grounded.
What stood out to me most was the atmosphere. There’s a heaviness to it—not overwhelming, but present enough that you feel it in every interaction and moment between the characters.
The relationships carry the story, especially the way emotions are expressed through actions rather than just words. It made everything feel more real and personal as it unfolded.
For me, this is a solid 4 ⭐ because while I really enjoyed the emotional depth, I found myself wanting just a little more in certain moments to fully push it to that next level.
What worked for me: • strong emotional themes throughout • character relationships feel authentic and meaningful • the atmosphere adds depth to the story • a story that lingers after you finish
Quiet. Emotional. Thoughtful.
Read this if you like: • character-driven stories • emotional, reflective reads • themes of grief and connection • slower, meaningful storytelling
Wow! The second boom is even better than the first one! So entertaining, full of magic, monsters, and the sister’s individual personalities and power were more explored.
Do I have a favorite sister? Not sure. I like each of them in different ways. The sisterhood fighting their emotions of grief and destiny, not only the enemies. Their bond is unique, raw and powerful. love that all the elements can be explored and we have a royal fae in this plot. And talking about plot.. what was that ending?!
Would love to see what is going to happen on the third book. What Kayla will come up with now!
Read this if you like character-driven stories, emotional and reflective reads, as well as themes such as grief and connections. This one is a meaningful slow storytelling.
Thank you Kayla Cosentino e Rattle The Starts PR for an arc copy of this book!
**I was given this as an ARC, thank you Kayla for the opportunity.**
Okay, wow. Hello. Second book slump? Who is she, because it’s not this! The writing and layout got a bit better (and that’s not shade to the first), the characters are fleshed out, and the plot was PLOTTING.
Three sisters grieve the loss of one while trying to keep the kingdom afloat. It’s not easy, it’s not fun, and it’s definitely not cute. But this book takes you through a very subtle showing of the layers of grief, and I found that really interesting.
They’re finding love when they didn’t think they would, they’re working together, and AH I need the third please. I can’t wait to see how this story ends!
This book is the follow up to The Sisters Who Were Promised. Book one left us with heartache but also a sense of looming resilience and prophecies still yet to be realized.
This book takes us deeper into the world of grief and shows us exactly how grief can change us. It also shows the lengths to which grief can push us to.
Book one started our emotional journey, but book two definitely took us to the dark depths of it. How do you do what's right for the kingdom when your heart is shattered into a million pieces? That was the question the sisters had to deal with. With a war looming on the horizon, they have to figure out how to navigate what their heart feels and what their mind tells them they must do.
This was a solid four out of five star read for me.
Thank you to the author and Rattle the Stars PR for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed returning to this world in The Sisters Who Mourn. One of my favorite parts of the book was how deeply it explored each sister’s individual grief and how differently they each handled loss and everything happening around them. Their emotional journeys felt distinct and added a lot of depth to the story.
The sister dynamic continues to be one of the strongest aspects of this series, and I stayed invested in every POV throughout the book.
I did feel like the ending involving the oracle wrapped up a little too quickly for me, but overall, I really enjoyed this installment and that cliffhanger ending absolutely has me needing the next book immediately.
Book two somehow raised the stakes even higher, and I was obsessed from beginning to end.
The Sisters Who Mourn expanded the world, deepened the emotional tension between the sisters, and delivered even more betrayal, danger, and heartbreaking moments. The character growth in this installment was incredible, especially watching the sisters struggle with loyalty, power, and the weight of prophecy.
The pacing kept me constantly engaged, and the darker tone made everything feel even more intense. Every chapter felt like standing in the middle of a storm waiting for the next disaster to hit.
And that ending? RUDE. I need the next book immediately because this series has fully claimed my soul.
In the second book to The Sisters Who Were Promised, had me thirsty for more! The sisters must pick up the pieces of the broken kingdom and face what comes ahead. With new allies, love interests and spilled blood the path to the oracles true intentions becomes an obstacle everyone has been waiting for.
The Sisters who Mourn is available on Kindle unlimited and Amazon.
Elemental Magic | Dark Prophecy | Morally Grey | Found Family | Sisterhood | Monsters | Betrayal & Murder | Fantasy Book | Book Review
Shout out to @kaylasliteraryworld and @Rattlethestars for an amazing opportunity to read and review!
I first wanted to say thanks to rattlethestarspr and Kayla for giving the chance to read this one early. 🫶📚
I’m literally obsessed with this series so far. The characters are 5/5 stars. The banter is so on point. I’m so in love with all the love interests. Also love the found family aspect, it makes you love the sense of loyalty.
I will forgive you for the ending but I did had a breakdown 😭
Most definitely will continue to read this series.
If you liked Throne of glass , you should check this one out!🥰📚
The second book in the series picks up right where the first left off. I liked that the bond between the sisters continued to grow stronger, as well as seeing more of their own personalities. I did enjoy the first book slightly more than this one. The story was good but I just felt like something was missing the entire time. I was pretty sure I knew how the second book would unfold based on how the first one ends. The “dramatic event” was resolved a bit too quick for my liking.
Thank you RTSPR and Kayla Cosentino for this arc opportunity. All thoughts are my own.
One thing I really loved about book 2 is how we see each sister kind of come into their own identity as they grow together in while navigating the aftermath of book 1.
One thing Kayla does really well is explore the relationships between characters, not just romantic, but deepening the connection between each sister. I very much like how this story has some romance, but it's not the main point of the plot.
I really hope we continue to see more of Holly's history regarding who her father is in book 3! Unless we'll never know, in which case I might throw a fit.
This is 100% the book that I’m going to be discussing with my therapist because this took me on one emotionally devastating ass ride and then forced me to experience all seven stages of grief. Life and the reality of the situation that these sisters find themselves in gets increasingly heavy in this installment of the series. There’s so much to unpack in this book and I don’t think the first book put into perspective how intense this story was going to get (in the best way possible.)
There are books that make you think, books that alter your brain chemistry, and books that make you feel. This book is one of those. This book is better than the first one, which I thought was perfect as is. Watching these sisters l navigate their world together as a unit in the face of trials and tribulations showed their strength, courage, and grace. I am on pins and needles waiting for book three!
The Sisters Who Mourn by Kayla Cosentino is just as good (if not better) than the first. It keeps the momentum going of the storyline and the twists and turns had me questioning everyone and everything. I love the familial and romantic relationships built in this series. Each character has an individual voice that shines through with their own flaws, personalities, and wants in life. I’m hooked and I can’t wait to see what comes next!
I enjoyed this book immensely. I enjoyed how the bonds between the sisters grow stronger and how protective they are of each other and their extended family. Each sister is different but they complement each other wonderfully. They deal with their grief from book one and are able to build upon new relationships. There are some loose ends tied up in this but the ending is left wide open for book three.
This book picks up from where book one left off - I really have enjoyed this series!
To see the sisters explore the grief and trauma and work together to carry themselves through - I really liked the family dynamic. You discover more about each sister and their personalities - the character growth and development is definitely enjoyable!
The plot is definitely there!! There were so many twists! Each one left you like 👀👀 . I definitely recommend this series if you like a story that will stay with you when you’re finished. The characters feel real and relatable, as do the relationships. The only reason it’s not 5 stars is because I feel like it felt slightly rushed in certain parts - like things could’ve played out a little longer but it’s still a great read! Thank you again Kayla and RTSPR for the early read! All opinions are my own.
The twists and turns in this book had me hooked!! I was heartbroken for what the sisters had to go through and loved how they were each portrayed as dealing with grief differently. The little sprinkles of romance warmed my heart because they all deserve a happy ending but it’s obvious the bond between the sisters withstands all.
The first book in this series was amazing but the second book was everything! I loved this story line and the way the author brought these characters to life!
I Thoroughly enjoyed this series, and this book was even better than The Sisters Who were Promised. I cannot wait to see what Kayla does with the next book, she has kept me guessing through the whole series.
The Sisters Who Mourn by Kayla Cosentino follows Cyra, Rheanna, and Aella as they pick up the broken pieces of their kingdom, facing monsters that lurk in the water while trying to keep Cyra's daughter Hollin from becoming a pawn in the rebel Cleansers' game. What a story of finding your power in the darkest of times! This powerful second installment of the series was seriously hard to put down! I loved all the characters (especially my girl Cyra) and was really rooting for them the whole time. The story was super tense and kept me wanting more all the time. I liked the love interests and plot twists. I can’t wait for the next one!
Finished in one day. Most of the time, book two lacks a certain flare that book one had. That’s not the case here. I actually liked this book even more than book one!
The sisters find themselves navigating grief, betrayal, and heartbreak all while maintaining their humanity. It’s a story about family - the ones we are born with, and the ones we choose - and how we are all stronger together.
this books follows the sisters who were promised, and let me tell you this one is even better than the first!! wow. this book had even more emotions than the first. the sisters are trying to keep their kingdom together, while dealing with grief, betrayal, and continuing danger. I enjoyed how each sister was distinct from the other, they all had their own strengths or weaknesses. and we continue to have twists that have you questioning everyone! The way this one ends leaves me extremely excited about where we're going next with this series!!
Thank you so much to Rattle The Stars PR and the author for the arc to read for my honest review!