The Sisterhood
About
This is the Sisterhood, which won the International Firebird Award for Short Stories.
The Sisterhood is about four women's adventures through the centuries. We start with Sidonie in 1307, during the Knight Templar era. She is feisty and brave. She is a Daughter of Eve, and has a magical light energy gift which was passed down through the matriarchal line. It's been bestowed by God upon the Daughters of Eve to fight evil and eradicate it from the earth.
She has built a united group of women, the Sisterhood, where they all support each other financially and emotionally. She is the leader of the Sisterhood and the only one with the light energy gift. Sidonie saves a servant girl from death by a dark Satanic group, lead by Satan's demonic henchman, Azazel.
Next we meet Angelique in 1500s France. She is unaware she's a Daughter of Eve until the moment comes where she has to save her own life and that of her unborn child, discovering her magical gift. She later saves her young daughter from a dark entity to live a happy and fulfilled life.
We then encounter Gertrude, whose parents left her in America after escaping the potato famine in Ireland in the 1800s. She's subsequently brought up by a wealthy Aunt, but travels to Ireland to see why her parents returned and never came to collect her. She discovers that she has the gift, and manages to save some children from starvation.
Finally, we meet Siobhan. A mother of eight children. She lives in Ireland during the Second World War. Although Ireland is neutral, she believes in helping the British pilots who crash land in Ireland, also defeating a fifth columnist. She knows about her light energy gift, but is afraid to use it and never tells her children about her adventures.
These stories are about powerful women who face the challenges posed to them by the century they live in. It's a man's world, but they don't give up, and they utilise God's power to their full advantage to rid the world of evil which resides in men's hearts.
Inspirational and uplifting stories.
Praise for this book
Loved historical fiction 5*
I really enjoyed these four short stories giving us a great background read for the series. I specifically liked the explanation of the sisterhood, what the sisterhood stands for, and how they're all tied together in one way or another. As an avid fantasy reader, I'm always drawn to strong female protagonists, and these stories really did that justice. The connection through their daughters and religion, having to protect one another really resonated with me as a reader, especially with everything happening in today’s day and age.Throughout the short stories (as we get closer to present day) the descriptions of why doing something was against Catholicism or what the conditions were like around that time, really sets the scene. For example, the third short story being set in 1864, laws like the civil requisition offices for marriages in Ireland only opened that year, or due to the American civil war Philadelphia was a growing industrial economy – and I feel as though other authors wouldn’t go into as much detail about the history within their books, and lean more into the fictional aspect or just not talk about it at all. The historical depth adds a level of realism which is immersive and provides a deeper meaning to the time periods and characters motivations.
I’m excited for Guilt to come out in February, and see how these short stories connection with Nancy Flanagan’s story.
Four stories leaving me wanting more 5*
Loved these four short stories, a mixture of history and suspense with a supernatural twist. Can’t wait for the next book to come out to see what happens! Highly recommended.
Absorbing Stories of Exceptional Women from the Middle Ages to the 20th Century 5*
These are four fascinating short stories, giving us a glimpse into the lives of four different women over many centuries from the late middle ages to the 1940's. The strand that connects them is that each one has inherited a special power which they are able to utilise as a force for good.The stories will particularly appeal to anyone with an interest in history as each one includes historical details to inform the reader about the culture and society in which the story is set. There are tantalising references to Nancy Flanagan, the heroine of the author's next book, which I very much look forward to reading.
Thank you 4*
‘the sisterhood’ consists of 4 short stories in one novel standing as the prequel for the novel- ‘guilt’ part of the nancy flanagan chronicles!
the novels fall under the genre of historical fiction, touching on elements of faith & religion, satanic rituals & supernatural gifts which would’ve been frowned upon as witchcraft back in the age.the sisterhood are the daughters of eve who encounter ancient and powerful energy that has been passed down through ancestry and generations of history.
the gifts given are to rid the evil from the earth, to change the ways of those who have evil in their hearts. this novel gives us a taste of what’s yet to come further into the series, giving us an understanding of how life would’ve been for them, their encounters and purpose at different time frames throughout history.
this was quite an intriguing and interesting read- showing us how women were looked down upon and treated as possessions rather than equals in earlier years. understanding and knowing the importance of keeping things secret in order to protect and continue serving whilst not attracting harm to oneself. i thoroughly enjoyed the writing style and perspectives. the characters are powerful, independent women who won’t shy away from righting the wrongs.
if you’re into historical fiction with the element of magic then this read may be for you! catch a glimpse into the chronicles of nancy flanagan throughout the years🩶
The Sisterhood 5*
I would highly recommend this book as found it a great read with its supernatural twist. I cannot wait for her next one Guilt to be released in February.
Great Read 5*
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the Sisterhood and learning about the adventures of the four women’s journeys through the ages. It is an inspirational read and highly recommend it.