Welcome to Litsy!

I loved this novella! A retelling in the form of a fairy tale. Two sisters, who love (and like!) each other more than anything or anyone, torn apart by their neighbor‘s greed for their family‘s land, which borders the Faerie realm, refuse to accept their fates.

The magic system (“grammar”), the world building, the setting, the sisters—loved every minute I spent in Thistleford.

Borrowed from the library, but I‘ll definitely buy my own copy.

The stand-out read (listen) of April for me. Highly recommend the audiobook, the songs and music really add to the story and the experience. Loved the language, the story, the folklore. Love it when a highly anticipated book lives up to my anticipation.

Picture is not a river, just the storm management pond near us, but is the only water pic in my recent photos. I saw 3-4 turtles there last walk which makes my heart happy.

This is one of my favorite books so far this year!

How am I supposed to read this book when I keep getting distracted looking up the songs they‘re talking about? 😭

An absolutely stunning fairytale of love and loss and sisterhood. I'm so excited for folks to read this one!

This beautiful novella features harp and flute music recorded by El-Mohtar and her sister--especially appropriate since this is a story about sisters and sisterhood! Eleanor and Isabelle live alongside the river Lyss, their singing an integral part of keeping the magic of the trees alive. But Eleanor's love for one of the fae from nearby Arcadia complicates her determination to never leave her sister. Loved the concept of magic as "grammar."

5/5

The River Liss runs out of Faerie, full of magic, and two sisters grow up singing to the willows that soak up it's magic. This is such a beautiful and lyrical story about sisterhood, love, grief, and magic.

In the audiobook, the narrator sings all the songs, and I think that adds so much to an already incredible story. I really recommend listening to the audiobook.

#netgalley

This novella broke my heart and mended it, back & forth, to & fro. Language as vivid, poetic, and shimmering as the river itself. It‘s a fantasy based on a murder ballad, grounded in nature and the bond of two sisters. I don‘t like murder ballads, but I did love this.
Gem Carmella is a stunning narrator. Since this book is so much about music, audio is the way to go. However, you‘ll miss the illustrations.
Thanks to libro.fm for early access!

A new El-Mohtar book? A reworking of a 17th century murder ballad? A story of sisters? I am going to be insufferable about this. ❤️

#CoverReveal