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Three Sisters Trilogy #1
Three Sisters: A Tale of Survival
“Raw storytelling and textured characters that take risk and get rewarded.”
Three Sisters is meant for the Big Screen!
“It’s Tomb Raider meets Lord of the Flies with all the good aspects of Water World sprinkled in.”
If you run into a survivor, they’ll tell you about the day the Enders crashed upon the world’s shores.
Sadie Larkin survived. She escaped the global catastrophe and violent chaos, venturing back to her childhood home in the old growth forest in the mountains by the sea.
Sadie dug in deep among the fallen redwoods and those that still stood. Solitude. Survival. Ten years hunting. Ten years of questions.
Sadie runs into a man from her past! He’s been badly beaten, lies unconscious and is nearly dead. Through this man, she learns the horrible truth—the Splitter Nation has arrived. And they’re on her front doorstep.
Sadie grabs her bow—and ends up saving much more than just one man.
Three Sisters is meant for the Big Screen!
“It’s Tomb Raider meets Lord of the Flies with all the good aspects of Water World sprinkled in.”
If you run into a survivor, they’ll tell you about the day the Enders crashed upon the world’s shores.
Sadie Larkin survived. She escaped the global catastrophe and violent chaos, venturing back to her childhood home in the old growth forest in the mountains by the sea.
Sadie dug in deep among the fallen redwoods and those that still stood. Solitude. Survival. Ten years hunting. Ten years of questions.
Sadie runs into a man from her past! He’s been badly beaten, lies unconscious and is nearly dead. Through this man, she learns the horrible truth—the Splitter Nation has arrived. And they’re on her front doorstep.
Sadie grabs her bow—and ends up saving much more than just one man.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 19, 2019
338 people are currently reading
801 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
March 25, 2023
This book really developed into a thrilling tale. It did take the first few chapters to get into the story. Lewen takes her time to really lead you into the collapse of the world as we know it, and the rise of the Splitter Nation. The protagonist, Sadie, is the badass we all need her to be and leaves us on a major cliffhanger. The rest of this series is going on my TBR shelf✅️.
September 9, 2021
1.5 STARS
I was somewhat engaged in the plot for the first third of the book, then I lost interest and skimmed a lot of the rest. There was so much tedious detail, this book was twice as long as it needed to be.
What little dialogue there was featured a weird vernacular...and the...overuse...of...ellipses...was quite...distracting.
Most of the problem was Sadie. She was perfect in every way. Had enough supplies to last 100 years or more. Knew how to garden, hunt, generate her own electricity, get plenty of water when water was scarce, she could do it all. Every single person she came in contact with was in awe of her, no human being has ever been admired more! By the end of the book I was so tired of Sadie. And almost every other person introduced (who wasn't a villain) was unrealistically accomplished too.
The fact that Sadie spent a decade on an island that she explores constantly and never noticed that there were two other massive homesteads made no sense. One of them had farm machinery and gas powered vehicles that made noise!
I'm not even going to get into the offensive black and gay stereotypes in the last chapters, ugh. The ending was a massive cliffhanger, but I'm not reading the next one.
I was somewhat engaged in the plot for the first third of the book, then I lost interest and skimmed a lot of the rest. There was so much tedious detail, this book was twice as long as it needed to be.
What little dialogue there was featured a weird vernacular...and the...overuse...of...ellipses...was quite...distracting.
Most of the problem was Sadie. She was perfect in every way. Had enough supplies to last 100 years or more. Knew how to garden, hunt, generate her own electricity, get plenty of water when water was scarce, she could do it all. Every single person she came in contact with was in awe of her, no human being has ever been admired more! By the end of the book I was so tired of Sadie. And almost every other person introduced (who wasn't a villain) was unrealistically accomplished too.
The fact that Sadie spent a decade on an island that she explores constantly and never noticed that there were two other massive homesteads made no sense. One of them had farm machinery and gas powered vehicles that made noise!
I'm not even going to get into the offensive black and gay stereotypes in the last chapters, ugh. The ending was a massive cliffhanger, but I'm not reading the next one.
August 19, 2022
Good story in a dystopian world
The story starts with Sadie who finds a very badly injured Caleb, surrounded by the Splitters. Sadie tries to bring Caleb to one of the locations that she has been living in and slowly the story around her comes out. Sadie is from a future which has been ravaged both by Nature and human's activities as well. There are not many humans alive and for the past ten years, Sadie has not seen any other humans. She has lost her father and her husband in the disaster and she has been living alone. She never stays in the same place for fear of the Splitters, which brings out the dystopian world better.
Caleb and Sadie have a history together from college and she finally manages to bring him to one of the places that she had chosen, with all her own physical effort, dragging the man across a mountain, covering up her tracks and making sure that the place she is taking him to, has not been taken by the enemy.
Meeting Caleb has opened avenues to other such survivors who are also trying to live in small settlements around the place.
Sadie meets them too and tries to learn and impart all that she had learnt during her own solitude of a decade.
Caleb seems a different man and he still seems to be pining for Sadie's attention, but the settlement and the others there, do not let him be much with the others.
The dystopian world was very good. Sadie seems to be an interesting character as she has lived and managed all by herself. The other characters like Anna, Clara, Jose and Caleb come fleetingly to move the story forward.
The story ends in a cliffhangar paving way for Book 2. Overall good read for dystopian and survival book readers. Nice story.
The story starts with Sadie who finds a very badly injured Caleb, surrounded by the Splitters. Sadie tries to bring Caleb to one of the locations that she has been living in and slowly the story around her comes out. Sadie is from a future which has been ravaged both by Nature and human's activities as well. There are not many humans alive and for the past ten years, Sadie has not seen any other humans. She has lost her father and her husband in the disaster and she has been living alone. She never stays in the same place for fear of the Splitters, which brings out the dystopian world better.
Caleb and Sadie have a history together from college and she finally manages to bring him to one of the places that she had chosen, with all her own physical effort, dragging the man across a mountain, covering up her tracks and making sure that the place she is taking him to, has not been taken by the enemy.
Meeting Caleb has opened avenues to other such survivors who are also trying to live in small settlements around the place.
Sadie meets them too and tries to learn and impart all that she had learnt during her own solitude of a decade.
Caleb seems a different man and he still seems to be pining for Sadie's attention, but the settlement and the others there, do not let him be much with the others.
The dystopian world was very good. Sadie seems to be an interesting character as she has lived and managed all by herself. The other characters like Anna, Clara, Jose and Caleb come fleetingly to move the story forward.
The story ends in a cliffhangar paving way for Book 2. Overall good read for dystopian and survival book readers. Nice story.
December 16, 2022
This is a very good book about survival after a catastrophic tsunami and earthquake followed by anarchy. The characters especially Sadie are interesting and hold your attention. However I never expected the ending and now look forward to the next book.
August 28, 2024
Sadie Larkin is the wonderful protagonist in this great trilogy. Through these novels, we follow Sadie as she survives and helps fellow survivors from the vicious Splitter Nation. With her cross bow and great determination to make the best new world possible, Sadie fights to conquer the evil President X and the Splitter Nation army.
Nikki Lewen has delivered three great books that will you rooting for a great heroine. Nikki's character development and writing is impeccable. From the first chapter to the last line in book three, you are left wanting more. I truly loved this series and I can’t wait to read more of Nikki's work.
Nikki Lewen has delivered three great books that will you rooting for a great heroine. Nikki's character development and writing is impeccable. From the first chapter to the last line in book three, you are left wanting more. I truly loved this series and I can’t wait to read more of Nikki's work.
April 1, 2024
What a ride!! Three Sisters is one of those books that you just can’t put down. It’s heart breaking, hopeful, sweet, and dark all at the same time. The main character, Sadie, makes you want to be a better person. Having survived through some of the absolute worst losses that one can imagine, she thrives. She becomes a true hero and has no fear - except maybe that she could fall in love? This group of characters will become your family as you turn the pages. The ending?! Well, just be ready!! I can’t wait to start book two. Read it. You won’t be disappointed!
August 5, 2022
I enjoyed this read, it seemed to dwell on in certain parts but overall I liked it and it kept me intrigued! Good cliffhanger at the end.
June 30, 2024
Really good dystopian. I liked all the characters and reading all they had to do to survive. That cliffhanger ending 😰
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August 12, 2019Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman
Three Sisters: A Tale of Survival (Three Sisters Trilogy Book 1) is a deep dive into a dystopian world that may not be too far away. Author Nikki Lewen imagines an earth that has been struck by three tragedies, two natural and one very much of man’s own doing. When the world is hit by three almost simultaneous giant tsunamis (the tri-nami), billions of people and massive land areas are submerged underwater. What follows, as the survivors attempt to rally, is an enormous earthquake along the San Andreas fault line that changes the land that is left, dramatically. Of greatest concern to the survivors, though, is the marauding presence of an ex-military group called the “Splitters” who have split from and effectively taken over control of what was left of the military and the country. They survive by reverting to the old Viking methods of “raping and pillaging”. No pocket of survivors is safe from these vile, despicable, ex-soldiers. Sadie Larkin headed home to her parent’s mountain retreat before disaster struck but soon found herself left alone, as first her father and then her husband was taken from her. Resourceful and the daughter of a survivalist who had planned for such an eventuality, Sadie had lived alone, with no contact with anyone for over a decade when she discovers her old boyfriend, from college, almost dead at the hands of the Splitters, during one of her daily checks of her property. For the first time in many years, Sadie has to think of someone else’s welfare other than her own and so begins the adventures on this remote, (now an island) section of what was once Northern California.
I am a fan of dystopian fiction and author Nikki Lewen has written a realistic and believable tale in The Sisters: A Tale of Survival (Three Sisters Trilogy Book 1). I was initially intrigued by the premise but Lewen’s writing style quickly dragged me into the story and kept me bouncing along with her plot, the new revelations, and the new characters. Sadie was a perfect character for the role – strong, independent and resourceful (a female McGyver, if you like) but she also was softened by a tender side that had not seen much light over the previous decade spent alone. The scenarios painted in the novel were totally believable and, of course, as with most dystopian novels it was fascinating to watch how quickly the thin veneer of civilization fell away to be replaced by man’s basest instincts. There were still humans who cherished their humanity, though and this certainly helped to soften the violence and casual disregard for human life portrayed by the Splitters. I particularly enjoyed the way the author handled the rekindled relationship between Sadie and Caleb. It would have been so easy for her to fall into the cliched and expected with this but I felt she handled it beautifully. As this is the first in a trilogy, the author has definitely succeeded in investing her readers in the characters. I really care about what happens to these five main characters now and although I’m not a great fan of cliffhanger endings, it does make it almost certain I’ll be reading book two just to find out what happens next. A thoroughly readable and exciting novel that I can highly recommend.
Three Sisters: A Tale of Survival (Three Sisters Trilogy Book 1) is a deep dive into a dystopian world that may not be too far away. Author Nikki Lewen imagines an earth that has been struck by three tragedies, two natural and one very much of man’s own doing. When the world is hit by three almost simultaneous giant tsunamis (the tri-nami), billions of people and massive land areas are submerged underwater. What follows, as the survivors attempt to rally, is an enormous earthquake along the San Andreas fault line that changes the land that is left, dramatically. Of greatest concern to the survivors, though, is the marauding presence of an ex-military group called the “Splitters” who have split from and effectively taken over control of what was left of the military and the country. They survive by reverting to the old Viking methods of “raping and pillaging”. No pocket of survivors is safe from these vile, despicable, ex-soldiers. Sadie Larkin headed home to her parent’s mountain retreat before disaster struck but soon found herself left alone, as first her father and then her husband was taken from her. Resourceful and the daughter of a survivalist who had planned for such an eventuality, Sadie had lived alone, with no contact with anyone for over a decade when she discovers her old boyfriend, from college, almost dead at the hands of the Splitters, during one of her daily checks of her property. For the first time in many years, Sadie has to think of someone else’s welfare other than her own and so begins the adventures on this remote, (now an island) section of what was once Northern California.
I am a fan of dystopian fiction and author Nikki Lewen has written a realistic and believable tale in The Sisters: A Tale of Survival (Three Sisters Trilogy Book 1). I was initially intrigued by the premise but Lewen’s writing style quickly dragged me into the story and kept me bouncing along with her plot, the new revelations, and the new characters. Sadie was a perfect character for the role – strong, independent and resourceful (a female McGyver, if you like) but she also was softened by a tender side that had not seen much light over the previous decade spent alone. The scenarios painted in the novel were totally believable and, of course, as with most dystopian novels it was fascinating to watch how quickly the thin veneer of civilization fell away to be replaced by man’s basest instincts. There were still humans who cherished their humanity, though and this certainly helped to soften the violence and casual disregard for human life portrayed by the Splitters. I particularly enjoyed the way the author handled the rekindled relationship between Sadie and Caleb. It would have been so easy for her to fall into the cliched and expected with this but I felt she handled it beautifully. As this is the first in a trilogy, the author has definitely succeeded in investing her readers in the characters. I really care about what happens to these five main characters now and although I’m not a great fan of cliffhanger endings, it does make it almost certain I’ll be reading book two just to find out what happens next. A thoroughly readable and exciting novel that I can highly recommend.
July 7, 2022
Soooo, okay. This was a 3.5 for me, but giving it the benefit of the doubt because it's a damn good story.
THE GOOD: First and foremost, this really was a very enjoyable read for me. I love survivalist stories and good dystopian World building, begging the question about what we're doing to our planet and how it will end. The characters were mostly likeable, with me being partial to Clara. As a "lady of a certain age" who is fiercely independent and has both ingenuity and moxie to burn, I fully identify with her. Anna and José are great characters too, but Caleb is super annoying and kind of a p***y, albeit having an interesting and maybe necessary storyline. The protagonist Sadie is good, but as others have mentioned, not super believable in how she is all knowing, all seeing, wise beyond her years - everyone who meets her falls under her spell instantly and obeys her every command. Evs 😒
THE BAD/CRINGEY: OOF, this book needs editing! There are misspellings, strange grammar choices (i.e., ellipses and hyphens everywhere) improper use of words (to, too, two) - and a super weird "accent" that everyone uses. It's a distraction to anyone for whom grammar is important. All the good guys are absolutely good, bad guys are absolutely bad. This just isn't human nature - there are no shades of gray. Hard to believe that Sadie is this gorgeous creature with whom all the men are completely enamored, but they never try anything (when rape is literally happening all around them). Everyone takes orders from her like she's a five-star general, including men who don't know her and are actual military. Nobody questions where she's getting all the food and supplies she's sharing with them, nor do they try and take it from her. There's an asshole in every group - we KNOW this - but they are all content for her to feed them like baby birds from her massive and well-stocked bunker. Annoying cliffhanger at the end, forcing you to buy book 2 to get the rest of the story. But hey, authors gotta eat, and I like the story enough to continue so I've already bought the 2nd book to continue learning about this brave new World, so..... (an ellipsis just for you, Ms. Lewin😉)
*Despite my propensity to nitpick, I've written far more here than I have for most of the books I've read and reviewed this year - because I'm invested in this story and I'm totally here for what's next. You should check it out if so inclined. It IS a damn good story 🤓
THE GOOD: First and foremost, this really was a very enjoyable read for me. I love survivalist stories and good dystopian World building, begging the question about what we're doing to our planet and how it will end. The characters were mostly likeable, with me being partial to Clara. As a "lady of a certain age" who is fiercely independent and has both ingenuity and moxie to burn, I fully identify with her. Anna and José are great characters too, but Caleb is super annoying and kind of a p***y, albeit having an interesting and maybe necessary storyline. The protagonist Sadie is good, but as others have mentioned, not super believable in how she is all knowing, all seeing, wise beyond her years - everyone who meets her falls under her spell instantly and obeys her every command. Evs 😒
THE BAD/CRINGEY: OOF, this book needs editing! There are misspellings, strange grammar choices (i.e., ellipses and hyphens everywhere) improper use of words (to, too, two) - and a super weird "accent" that everyone uses. It's a distraction to anyone for whom grammar is important. All the good guys are absolutely good, bad guys are absolutely bad. This just isn't human nature - there are no shades of gray. Hard to believe that Sadie is this gorgeous creature with whom all the men are completely enamored, but they never try anything (when rape is literally happening all around them). Everyone takes orders from her like she's a five-star general, including men who don't know her and are actual military. Nobody questions where she's getting all the food and supplies she's sharing with them, nor do they try and take it from her. There's an asshole in every group - we KNOW this - but they are all content for her to feed them like baby birds from her massive and well-stocked bunker. Annoying cliffhanger at the end, forcing you to buy book 2 to get the rest of the story. But hey, authors gotta eat, and I like the story enough to continue so I've already bought the 2nd book to continue learning about this brave new World, so..... (an ellipsis just for you, Ms. Lewin😉)
*Despite my propensity to nitpick, I've written far more here than I have for most of the books I've read and reviewed this year - because I'm invested in this story and I'm totally here for what's next. You should check it out if so inclined. It IS a damn good story 🤓
December 28, 2024
Overall, I really liked the concept of this story. I think the idea is unique and interesting. While certain elements felt very believable and I had no trouble seeing that for one possible future of our world, there were pieces that didn’t feel like they really fit. This first book in the trilogy also reads more like a journal than a story. It’s a very slow burn getting to any action. For the most part, we read about daily activities on a homestead, but there’s little to no conflict throughout most of this book and what is there feels a little rushed and glossed over in some cases. We get a few flashbacks, but those even feel a little hurried, at times. For a story of survival after two apocalyptic-type events, in some ways, it feels a little too easy for me.
I really enjoyed meeting the characters and learning more about each of them. The character development is done very well throughout the story. I also enjoyed the will-they/won’t-they with Sadie and Caleb. I have to admit, I was hoping Sadie would soften up towards him a little bit as we neared the end. But this is part of where I struggle to understand just how long ago the main events took place. In some cases, it feels like it was only a year or two ago. In other areas, it feels like it was 20 years ago. With Sadie and Caleb, it feels like her husband only died a year or two ago. But with how long she’s been on her own and her routines, it feels like so much longer.
If you’re looking for action though, the end of the book definitely delivers. And one of the things this author does really well is cliffhangers. Once I got to the end, I couldn’t wait to start the next one in the trilogy.
Despite a few timeline questions and a lack of conflict/action during most of the middle of the book, if you enjoy a slow-burn adventure story taking place in a future that could be possible for our world, you should definitely check out Three Sisters.
I really enjoyed meeting the characters and learning more about each of them. The character development is done very well throughout the story. I also enjoyed the will-they/won’t-they with Sadie and Caleb. I have to admit, I was hoping Sadie would soften up towards him a little bit as we neared the end. But this is part of where I struggle to understand just how long ago the main events took place. In some cases, it feels like it was only a year or two ago. In other areas, it feels like it was 20 years ago. With Sadie and Caleb, it feels like her husband only died a year or two ago. But with how long she’s been on her own and her routines, it feels like so much longer.
If you’re looking for action though, the end of the book definitely delivers. And one of the things this author does really well is cliffhangers. Once I got to the end, I couldn’t wait to start the next one in the trilogy.
Despite a few timeline questions and a lack of conflict/action during most of the middle of the book, if you enjoy a slow-burn adventure story taking place in a future that could be possible for our world, you should definitely check out Three Sisters.
November 18, 2020
This is a very entertaining book, the first of a series, about the cataclysmic effects of climate change and how they impact on Sadie, Caleb, Jose, Anna and Clara.
The Tri-Nami has struck the world and changed everyone’s life. Sadie lost her father and her husband. She must now deal with her new reality, which includes former boyfriend Caleb, orphaned children Jose and Anna, and Clara, a widow who has survived off-grid for several decades. They live in a dangerous world plagued by diminishing resources and facing the atrocities of the Splitters, a group of vigilantes made up of murderers, torturers, rapists, and their slaves.
The author has created a cast of characters with strong women and evil antagonists, all very realistic. She has not succumbed to explaining all minute details, the mistake other dystopian authors make, which allows the reader to move swiftly through plot and subplots (I read it in two sittings).
The secret of success in dystopian writing is making the readers comfortable as part of the story, involving them emotionally in the survival of the protagonists and the destruction of the antagonists. In other words, Lewen’s task is to transport the readers into a parallel universe that “could happen to them.” Sometimes, she seems to not provide enough description of items Sadie puts into her backpack, or changes Jose makes all by himself on the Coast Guard vessel they have obtained. But that’s all good. It doesn’t let the story get bogged down with boring specifications.
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I truly enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Five Stars
The Tri-Nami has struck the world and changed everyone’s life. Sadie lost her father and her husband. She must now deal with her new reality, which includes former boyfriend Caleb, orphaned children Jose and Anna, and Clara, a widow who has survived off-grid for several decades. They live in a dangerous world plagued by diminishing resources and facing the atrocities of the Splitters, a group of vigilantes made up of murderers, torturers, rapists, and their slaves.
The author has created a cast of characters with strong women and evil antagonists, all very realistic. She has not succumbed to explaining all minute details, the mistake other dystopian authors make, which allows the reader to move swiftly through plot and subplots (I read it in two sittings).
The secret of success in dystopian writing is making the readers comfortable as part of the story, involving them emotionally in the survival of the protagonists and the destruction of the antagonists. In other words, Lewen’s task is to transport the readers into a parallel universe that “could happen to them.” Sometimes, she seems to not provide enough description of items Sadie puts into her backpack, or changes Jose makes all by himself on the Coast Guard vessel they have obtained. But that’s all good. It doesn’t let the story get bogged down with boring specifications.
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I truly enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Five Stars
November 8, 2024
Three Sisters: A Tale of Survival by Nikki Lewen
Post-Apocalyptic/Dystopian Survival Thriller
🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊
Trigger Warnings: Gore, Rape, Cannibalism
The world we once knew no longer exists. First came the Tri-nami’s, then the earthquakes. The surface of the Earth no longer looks the same. The lakes and streams have dried up, forests and vegetation has died off and food is scarce. Humanity is turning on itself.
Sadie moved back to California before the devastation started. When the world changed it took not only Sadie’s home, but her family from her as well. Since that time Sadie has been living alone on what she believed to be what was left of California after the devastating earthquakes.
One fateful day, Sadie came across Caleb…..a man she knew from before the world changed. Caleb was battered and beaten and looked worse for wear. He had called her name in the woods and Sadie thought for just a moment it was all a trick on her mind. Little did Sadie know that Caleb was truly there and she was doing more than saving him that day.
Sadie takes Caleb back to her home and carefully tends to him brining him slowly back to health. Sadie has an internal struggle with how to handle the situation because she has been on her own for so long and no suddenly she has not only found another survivor but someone she knows from before. As Caleb heals Sadie find out other things about the “California” she thought she knew, and learns more about the rest of the world and the survivors from Caleb. Will Sadie make a choice that will alter her world for better or worse?
This book ends with quite the cliff-hanger that leaves us open right for the second book.
Post-Apocalyptic/Dystopian Survival Thriller
🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊
Trigger Warnings: Gore, Rape, Cannibalism
The world we once knew no longer exists. First came the Tri-nami’s, then the earthquakes. The surface of the Earth no longer looks the same. The lakes and streams have dried up, forests and vegetation has died off and food is scarce. Humanity is turning on itself.
Sadie moved back to California before the devastation started. When the world changed it took not only Sadie’s home, but her family from her as well. Since that time Sadie has been living alone on what she believed to be what was left of California after the devastating earthquakes.
One fateful day, Sadie came across Caleb…..a man she knew from before the world changed. Caleb was battered and beaten and looked worse for wear. He had called her name in the woods and Sadie thought for just a moment it was all a trick on her mind. Little did Sadie know that Caleb was truly there and she was doing more than saving him that day.
Sadie takes Caleb back to her home and carefully tends to him brining him slowly back to health. Sadie has an internal struggle with how to handle the situation because she has been on her own for so long and no suddenly she has not only found another survivor but someone she knows from before. As Caleb heals Sadie find out other things about the “California” she thought she knew, and learns more about the rest of the world and the survivors from Caleb. Will Sadie make a choice that will alter her world for better or worse?
This book ends with quite the cliff-hanger that leaves us open right for the second book.
August 14, 2022
I am not sure if I am going to be able to finish this book. First, the good news. The plot is excellent and engaging.
The bad news is the writing. The writing is not horrible but SO distracting.
First of all, the entire book is written in the present tense. I can live with that but a lot of time is spent on unnecessary minutia. I don't need to read abut the characters playing a board game or who washes the dishes. I do enjoy reading about survival techniques and that's the area where the book really shines.
The book refers alternative, often on the same page, to the females as ladies, girls, and women. Only one of the females is a girl. The males are similarly switched between men and boys. The young man could possibly be referred to as a boy.
The dropped g's are driving me nuts. I have never seen vernacular like this in a novel. Since this series takes place in an area formerly known as California among educated people, it's extremely out of place and every time I stumble across words like helpin' and burnin' instead of helping and burning in a conversation. It's jarring and, to be honest, it's distressing me. People in California don't speak like this. Nobody I know actually speaks like this.
So, I write very few reviews of books. Usually the book has to be very bad or very good for me to write a review. In this case, the book is not very bad or very good. I feel that the plot of this book has a lot of potential and that it deserves a rewrite with an excellent editor. Somebody please save this book. I probably won't finish the trilogy.
The bad news is the writing. The writing is not horrible but SO distracting.
First of all, the entire book is written in the present tense. I can live with that but a lot of time is spent on unnecessary minutia. I don't need to read abut the characters playing a board game or who washes the dishes. I do enjoy reading about survival techniques and that's the area where the book really shines.
The book refers alternative, often on the same page, to the females as ladies, girls, and women. Only one of the females is a girl. The males are similarly switched between men and boys. The young man could possibly be referred to as a boy.
The dropped g's are driving me nuts. I have never seen vernacular like this in a novel. Since this series takes place in an area formerly known as California among educated people, it's extremely out of place and every time I stumble across words like helpin' and burnin' instead of helping and burning in a conversation. It's jarring and, to be honest, it's distressing me. People in California don't speak like this. Nobody I know actually speaks like this.
So, I write very few reviews of books. Usually the book has to be very bad or very good for me to write a review. In this case, the book is not very bad or very good. I feel that the plot of this book has a lot of potential and that it deserves a rewrite with an excellent editor. Somebody please save this book. I probably won't finish the trilogy.
October 4, 2023
A tale of survival after a devastating tsunami and earthquake, this is the story of Sadie in a post-apocalyptic world.
I strayed out of my usual genres to give this book a shot, and I am so glad I did!
I did struggle to get into the book at first. There is a lot of world and character building which I wasn't sure I would enjoy, but after the first few chapters, it's evident how important the world is to the character development and vice-versa.
The world and landscape Nikki builds are breathtaking and surreal. Not because it isn't real, but because of how she is able to describe a familiar setting turned unfamiliar with so much depth and detail. I can picture Sadie's island in my mind because of Nikki's attention to detail.
And the characters...Oh wow. I love the crew. Every one of them. Each has such a story to tell, and they all play a vital role. When the main characters celebrate a victory, big or small, I celebrate with them. Nikki has done such a fantastic job developing their stories and narratives that I can't help but want to be part of their little family.
Those last few chapters were stunning in their action. My heart raced, praying Sadie and the others would be safe! And the conclusion is brilliant. One heck of a cliffhanger! I'm glad I've got the next book at the ready and I'm looking forward to continuing the adventure!
I strayed out of my usual genres to give this book a shot, and I am so glad I did!
I did struggle to get into the book at first. There is a lot of world and character building which I wasn't sure I would enjoy, but after the first few chapters, it's evident how important the world is to the character development and vice-versa.
The world and landscape Nikki builds are breathtaking and surreal. Not because it isn't real, but because of how she is able to describe a familiar setting turned unfamiliar with so much depth and detail. I can picture Sadie's island in my mind because of Nikki's attention to detail.
And the characters...Oh wow. I love the crew. Every one of them. Each has such a story to tell, and they all play a vital role. When the main characters celebrate a victory, big or small, I celebrate with them. Nikki has done such a fantastic job developing their stories and narratives that I can't help but want to be part of their little family.
Those last few chapters were stunning in their action. My heart raced, praying Sadie and the others would be safe! And the conclusion is brilliant. One heck of a cliffhanger! I'm glad I've got the next book at the ready and I'm looking forward to continuing the adventure!
October 29, 2025
Nikki Lewen’s Three Sisters: A Tale of Survival is an intense, cinematic experience that reads like it was made for the big screen. 🎬 The book immerses readers in a post-apocalyptic world where survival depends on wit, willpower, and sheer determination. Through the eyes of Sadie Larkin, a lone survivor navigating a landscape scarred by catastrophe, Lewen weaves a gripping narrative filled with danger, emotion, and heart. Every chapter builds tension, balancing raw humanity with breathtaking adventure.
Set against the haunting beauty of redwood forests and coastal wilderness, the story explores solitude, loyalty, and courage. Sadie’s discovery of a half-dead man from her past becomes the turning point that unravels shocking truths about the Splitter Nation and their devastating arrival. The novel’s world-building and character development are truly remarkable, echoing the survival grit of Tomb Raider and the emotional depth of The Road.
Lewen’s writing is sharp, visual, and deeply engaging — the kind that keeps you turning pages late into the night. 🌌 A must-read for fans of post-apocalyptic fiction, Three Sisters isn’t just a story of survival — it’s a testament to the human spirit. Highly recommended!
Set against the haunting beauty of redwood forests and coastal wilderness, the story explores solitude, loyalty, and courage. Sadie’s discovery of a half-dead man from her past becomes the turning point that unravels shocking truths about the Splitter Nation and their devastating arrival. The novel’s world-building and character development are truly remarkable, echoing the survival grit of Tomb Raider and the emotional depth of The Road.
Lewen’s writing is sharp, visual, and deeply engaging — the kind that keeps you turning pages late into the night. 🌌 A must-read for fans of post-apocalyptic fiction, Three Sisters isn’t just a story of survival — it’s a testament to the human spirit. Highly recommended!
September 4, 2024
What a journey
A tale of survival at its finest. Sadie, used to being alone and independent, is just fine as she is. While a bit lonely, her dad taught her all she needs to know to continue surviving in the new world after a string of catastrophic events leave her secluded on an island. Not expecting anything out of the ordinary on her patrol, she runs into trouble, and in the wake of danger, a familiar face appears. No longer alone, Sadie maneuvers life by taking care of herself and her companion. As she continues to patrol the land she grew up on, new faces appear.
This is a story of survival, hope, found family, and doing everything one can to survive while maintaining one's humanity. Lewen's storytelling will keep you on the edge of your seat as you go along with Sadie. You'll get warm fuzzies, root for characters, want to fight some, and the ending will leave you wanting more. Make sure you have book 2 ready and waiting. I can promise, you don't want to sit this one out. ;)
A tale of survival at its finest. Sadie, used to being alone and independent, is just fine as she is. While a bit lonely, her dad taught her all she needs to know to continue surviving in the new world after a string of catastrophic events leave her secluded on an island. Not expecting anything out of the ordinary on her patrol, she runs into trouble, and in the wake of danger, a familiar face appears. No longer alone, Sadie maneuvers life by taking care of herself and her companion. As she continues to patrol the land she grew up on, new faces appear.
This is a story of survival, hope, found family, and doing everything one can to survive while maintaining one's humanity. Lewen's storytelling will keep you on the edge of your seat as you go along with Sadie. You'll get warm fuzzies, root for characters, want to fight some, and the ending will leave you wanting more. Make sure you have book 2 ready and waiting. I can promise, you don't want to sit this one out. ;)
September 20, 2021
Okay, I'll be honest: this book surprised me. I went into it expecting just another dystopian book with a female heroine. For the first few chapters it was just that. But author Nikki Lewen masterfully told the backstory of the main character Sadie, her motivation and her character formation, so she isn't merely a super-powered Mary Sue. Rather, she's painfully realistic, she suffers and bleeds like everyone else.
The pacing of the book is pretty leisurely for my taste, but Ms Lewen builds all the characters she introduces into living, breathing people. I grew to love each of them. The pace picks up toward the end as the group of dystopian survivors meets another group and they enter into another level of adventure--just in time for book two.
My nitpicking involves some of the details of the dystopian apocalypse as somewhat unlikely, but I doubt few besides me would notice or care.
I give this a solid 4 stars and I will read the next one in the series as well.
The pacing of the book is pretty leisurely for my taste, but Ms Lewen builds all the characters she introduces into living, breathing people. I grew to love each of them. The pace picks up toward the end as the group of dystopian survivors meets another group and they enter into another level of adventure--just in time for book two.
My nitpicking involves some of the details of the dystopian apocalypse as somewhat unlikely, but I doubt few besides me would notice or care.
I give this a solid 4 stars and I will read the next one in the series as well.
August 23, 2020
Well written with all the weaknesses of the genre.
This is yet another example of Mary Sue faces the bad guys. It is however, well put together. Nice turns of phrase, clean content aside from bloody imagery that could quite easily been much more graphic and gratuitous.
On a much more negative side is the marketing that chose to make the first book available on Kindle Unlimited, chose to make the first installment a full length novel, and chose to make the second book an abbreviated novella almost a short story and charge full price for the privilege of learning the rest of the story. I can't be bothered. Author on my personal do not download list, not because of poor writing, but due to bad marketing. I don't like to be taken advantage of. Loss leader marketing usually makes me angry.
This is yet another example of Mary Sue faces the bad guys. It is however, well put together. Nice turns of phrase, clean content aside from bloody imagery that could quite easily been much more graphic and gratuitous.
On a much more negative side is the marketing that chose to make the first book available on Kindle Unlimited, chose to make the first installment a full length novel, and chose to make the second book an abbreviated novella almost a short story and charge full price for the privilege of learning the rest of the story. I can't be bothered. Author on my personal do not download list, not because of poor writing, but due to bad marketing. I don't like to be taken advantage of. Loss leader marketing usually makes me angry.
February 12, 2022
Great story but too long and detailed
The beginning of the novel started out great, but as you continue into the story, it starts becoming mundane. The book had way too many details of the protagonist's continual expeditions back and forth to the same places to hide her tracks. I thought she seemed to egotistical by doing way too much alone.
It would have been better to have said. "After two weeks, when Caleb was healed enough to travel...." Instead of all the return trips to hide the tracks.
The storyline was great, but with so much repetition of the same thing making taking away the gist of the story. I started to give a 3 star rating for just reading the book, but I gave a 4 star for going through all you did to finish the book.
The beginning of the novel started out great, but as you continue into the story, it starts becoming mundane. The book had way too many details of the protagonist's continual expeditions back and forth to the same places to hide her tracks. I thought she seemed to egotistical by doing way too much alone.
It would have been better to have said. "After two weeks, when Caleb was healed enough to travel...." Instead of all the return trips to hide the tracks.
The storyline was great, but with so much repetition of the same thing making taking away the gist of the story. I started to give a 3 star rating for just reading the book, but I gave a 4 star for going through all you did to finish the book.
December 4, 2021
A post apocalyptic world
The setting is in California. It has been broken into 3 islands by an earthquake and a triple sized tsunami. Sadie survives but her dad is killed. Her husband is killed by a faction of survivors who want complete control of the island by brutalLy killing and torturing the other survivors who have formed a colony. Sadie leads a group to eliminate the enemy. She has developed strategies to save the colony and rebuild a self sustaining society. This is a futuristic story that is believable. It is well written. I can't wait to read the second book in the trilogy.
The setting is in California. It has been broken into 3 islands by an earthquake and a triple sized tsunami. Sadie survives but her dad is killed. Her husband is killed by a faction of survivors who want complete control of the island by brutalLy killing and torturing the other survivors who have formed a colony. Sadie leads a group to eliminate the enemy. She has developed strategies to save the colony and rebuild a self sustaining society. This is a futuristic story that is believable. It is well written. I can't wait to read the second book in the trilogy.
April 24, 2025
Three Sisters completely pulled me in. Nikki Lewen writes with such emotional honesty—this book is raw, intense, and beautifully human. The characters felt so real, especially as they navigated trauma, love, and trust in the shadow of the mysterious Three Sisters mountains.
What I loved most was how the setting almost became a character itself—harsh, beautiful, and unforgiving, just like the journey these women go through. It’s a story about resilience, healing, and the bonds that keep us going even when everything falls apart.
If you’re into emotional reads with a touch of suspense and a whole lot of heart, this one’s for you.
What I loved most was how the setting almost became a character itself—harsh, beautiful, and unforgiving, just like the journey these women go through. It’s a story about resilience, healing, and the bonds that keep us going even when everything falls apart.
If you’re into emotional reads with a touch of suspense and a whole lot of heart, this one’s for you.
October 31, 2025
I just finished the book and I’m out of breath. It ended so abruptly that I need to start the second one.
This is a dystopian post environmental disaster where there were massive earthquakes and 3 tsunamis that destroyed the weather coast of the US. The book refers to this event as being global but the book focuses on an island where Sadie lives. Sadie lives alone and has for years. She’s trained in survival. She stumbles upon a nearly dead man named Caleb who was scouting the island. Pirates, called Splitters, attacked Caleb and killed his companion but Caleb was able to fight off his attackers. The story gets better and better as it goes along.
This is a dystopian post environmental disaster where there were massive earthquakes and 3 tsunamis that destroyed the weather coast of the US. The book refers to this event as being global but the book focuses on an island where Sadie lives. Sadie lives alone and has for years. She’s trained in survival. She stumbles upon a nearly dead man named Caleb who was scouting the island. Pirates, called Splitters, attacked Caleb and killed his companion but Caleb was able to fight off his attackers. The story gets better and better as it goes along.
May 30, 2019
Different apocalypse...
An apocalypse without zombies, no emps...just tsunamis & earthquakes which totally refigures death's surface. Most of California is gone. Parts broken off to form small islands. This is where we find our hero...Sadie. She's been alone for 10 years now with no contact from anyone.
And then there is...Caleb ( a long ago boyfriend) on her island. Where did he come from!?
Sadie finds other friends she can rescue. She is superwoman!
Very well written book . Love the characters, and the storyline follows thru.😇
An apocalypse without zombies, no emps...just tsunamis & earthquakes which totally refigures death's surface. Most of California is gone. Parts broken off to form small islands. This is where we find our hero...Sadie. She's been alone for 10 years now with no contact from anyone.
And then there is...Caleb ( a long ago boyfriend) on her island. Where did he come from!?
Sadie finds other friends she can rescue. She is superwoman!
Very well written book . Love the characters, and the storyline follows thru.😇
May 3, 2021
Good job!!
A very well written and imaginative book. It may foretell the future of mankind? If we don't stop polluting and destroying our natural world. And causing climate change. Which causes severe weather patterns. And evil may start overtaking the world in every aspect. I was educated in all the survival techniques. But I do think the physical description of the characters should have been included. And a table of contents included to enhance the reader's interest in reading the book. Good job!!
A very well written and imaginative book. It may foretell the future of mankind? If we don't stop polluting and destroying our natural world. And causing climate change. Which causes severe weather patterns. And evil may start overtaking the world in every aspect. I was educated in all the survival techniques. But I do think the physical description of the characters should have been included. And a table of contents included to enhance the reader's interest in reading the book. Good job!!
September 7, 2021
Three Sisters A Tale of Survival offers us a glimpse of what life could be like if we don't take climate change more serious. This dystopian story is eerily realistic in its description of what the world could look like one day. Sadie is strong female character that embodies bravery, self-preservation, and compassion.
Unclear as to where the story was going I continued to read out of curiosity. Once the pace picked up the pages were action packed. A must read for those who enjoy dystopia and action.
Unclear as to where the story was going I continued to read out of curiosity. Once the pace picked up the pages were action packed. A must read for those who enjoy dystopia and action.
December 17, 2021
A new world
Sadie is a self-sufficient young woman who has to navigate a world that has forever been changed by a catastrophic event and the group who call themselves Splitters. An organization that tries to take advantage of the survivors. Three Sisters: A Tale of Survival follows Sadie as she helps everyone she can in this new world, significantly impacting each of the lives she crosses. The characters are well written, and I could not help rooting for Caleb to make amends for past mistakes. Fans of the Dystopian genre will enjoy this delightful book.
Sadie is a self-sufficient young woman who has to navigate a world that has forever been changed by a catastrophic event and the group who call themselves Splitters. An organization that tries to take advantage of the survivors. Three Sisters: A Tale of Survival follows Sadie as she helps everyone she can in this new world, significantly impacting each of the lives she crosses. The characters are well written, and I could not help rooting for Caleb to make amends for past mistakes. Fans of the Dystopian genre will enjoy this delightful book.
August 17, 2023
A slow burner that has a brutal finale
Set in a dystopian future where a massive earthquake has decimated the world’s population a woman and some friends she meets along the way fight for survival. The world building is done in great detail and the story is largely character driven as we are introduced to them. That is why the story can be slow. But if you can wait it out it all builds to a brutal finale and ends on a shocking cliffhanger that promises an exciting sequel.
Set in a dystopian future where a massive earthquake has decimated the world’s population a woman and some friends she meets along the way fight for survival. The world building is done in great detail and the story is largely character driven as we are introduced to them. That is why the story can be slow. But if you can wait it out it all builds to a brutal finale and ends on a shocking cliffhanger that promises an exciting sequel.
June 8, 2024
Sisters formed in a dystopian post apotlicptic world. This book focuses mostly on world building explaining the great event that has led to years of trouble for the characters. The "sisters" meet in unique situations regarding new islands that once made up the continent following a devastating world ending earthquake. With the amount of world building the story is hard to follow at times but 100% worth it for the cliff hanger! Already downloaded book 2 and eager to see where the author takes these characters.
February 9, 2022
A slow burner that has a brutal finale
Set in a dystopian future where a massive earthquake has decimated the world’s population a woman and some friends she meets along the way fight for survival. The world building is done in great detail and the story is largely character driven as we are introduced to them. That is why the story can be slow. But if you can wait it out it all builds to a brutal finale and ends on a shocking cliffhanger that promises an exciting sequel.
Set in a dystopian future where a massive earthquake has decimated the world’s population a woman and some friends she meets along the way fight for survival. The world building is done in great detail and the story is largely character driven as we are introduced to them. That is why the story can be slow. But if you can wait it out it all builds to a brutal finale and ends on a shocking cliffhanger that promises an exciting sequel.
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