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Supernatural Sisters #5
The Wailing Woman
Good girls don't talk back. Good girls don't cry. Good girls don't scream.
Sadie Burke has been forced to be a good girl her entire life. As a banshee, she's the bottom of the ladder when it comes to the supernatural hierarchy. Weak. Condemned. Powerless. Silent. That's what she and her six sisters have been told their entire lives, since their species was first banished from Ireland.
Yet when a figure from her childhood unexpectedly arrives on the scene, Sadie finds it harder than ever to toe the line.
Texas Contos is the son of their greatest oppressor. He's also someone she's inexplicably drawn to, and as they grow closer, Sadie begins to question what banshees have been told for centuries about their gifts.
But the truth comes at a cost. With Sadie and Tex forced to run for their lives, their journey leads them to new friends, old enemies, and finally to her true voice - one that could shatter the supernatural world forever.
Sadie Burke has been forced to be a good girl her entire life. As a banshee, she's the bottom of the ladder when it comes to the supernatural hierarchy. Weak. Condemned. Powerless. Silent. That's what she and her six sisters have been told their entire lives, since their species was first banished from Ireland.
Yet when a figure from her childhood unexpectedly arrives on the scene, Sadie finds it harder than ever to toe the line.
Texas Contos is the son of their greatest oppressor. He's also someone she's inexplicably drawn to, and as they grow closer, Sadie begins to question what banshees have been told for centuries about their gifts.
But the truth comes at a cost. With Sadie and Tex forced to run for their lives, their journey leads them to new friends, old enemies, and finally to her true voice - one that could shatter the supernatural world forever.
432 pages, Paperback
First published September 26, 2019
8 people are currently reading
453 people want to read
About the author
Maria Lewis
14 books323 followersMaria Lewis is a AWGIE Award-winning screenwriter, best-selling author, and pop culture etymologist from Australia. She’s the author of the internationally published Supernatural Sisters series of eight books, which includes the Aurealis Award-winning The Witch Who Courted Death, and titles for Marvel (Mockingbird: Strike Out), Assassin's Creed (Daughter Of No One) and forthcoming slasher The Graveyard Shift. As a screenwriter, she has worked across projects for AMC, Netflix, SBS, Ubisoft, ABC, DC Comics and many more. She's the presenter, writer and producer of audio documentaries - The Phantom Never Dies - about the world's first superhero - and Josie and the Podcats - about the 2001 cult film. In 2023, she made her directorial debut with The House That Hungers, based on the Aurealis and Ditmar Award-nominated horror short story of the same name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
November 18, 2019
Originally published on The Nerd Daily | Review by AB Endacott
Despite not having read any of the previous books in Maria Lewis’ Supernatural Sisters series, I’ve heard a great many positive things about them and it meant I came to The Wailing Woman excited and intrigued. I wasn’t let down.
Told from the perspectives of Tex, an Askari (a stazi-like policeman for the supernatural community), and Sadie, a banshee who is rendered mute by the Askari to silence her dangerous wail, the story reunites the two characters ten years after the act of violence removes Sadie’s voice. As they are irrevocably drawn to one another, the truth about the Askari, and the banshees, threatens everything they hold dear.
Although this is the fourth book in the series, it serves as a standalone. There were obvious moments when characters from previous books entered, but I didn’t feel enormously bereft of knowledge for having not read their backstories, and I was appreciative of that. In fact, all it really served to do was whet my appetite to go back and delve into their respective books.
Setting the supernatural world entirely alongside the human world is a clever way to ground the series, and Lewis does so with excellent clarity, providing the sense of a very real and very complete world, conveyed effectively. It’s worldbuilding at its finest, with the telling completely matter-of-fact, and thus the depth and extent of the world as it extends beyond the book being believable, and interesting.
The general theme of the subjugation of women by men who seek to conceal from women the extent of their own power was a really beautifully explored one, particularly because there were various male characters (such as Tex) who clearly weren’t part of that anachronistic patriarchal structure but were instead fighting for a better, more equal world. The symbolism of Sadie being muted can’t go unnoticed, given this. It’s an interesting take on discussions about female empowerment and finding your ‘voice’ or inner power, and Sadie’s discovery of the extent of her power both as a person and as a banshee reflects this in a clever way that managers to avoid being on the nose. Moreover, Lewis teases this out without any of the tropes that accompany the ‘sudden realisation of inner power’. The groundwork is laid early, the characters consistently reflect upon this, and then it comes to fruition. It’s great storytelling, and clever writing.
In fact, this is in keeping with much of the book – getting to the point with few associated clichés attaching themselves to the telling, or indeed, the point. Lewis keeps the story moving quickly, giving moments of drama or tension at frequent intervals. While this pulls the reader along, at times it arguably does so at the expense of offering certain aspects of backstory. For example, we never learn why Sadie’s sister, Sorcha, broke the Covenant (the rule which states banshees, who can foresee death, must not forewarn people of what they see), or what exactly happened with the ship from which she disappeared. The absence of any further explanation was frustrating, especially as the manner in which Sorcha’s disappearance was discussed suggested there was definitely more to the story. It may not have been strictly relevant to the plot, but it has continued to niggle at me even after finishing the book. I was actually very keen for that particular reveal, so to be denied was annoying.
It feels very much as though there will be a sequel to The Wailing Woman, as there is much left unfinished at the book’s conclusion. Yet the book ends in much the same way that it begins – complementing to the previously mentioned theme of female subjugation was to me, the book’s strongest aspect, the support women provide one another in an unconditional, loving manner. The book thus ends and begins in the same manner; by emphasising the power and incredible experience that comes when women support one another. The most laudable thing about the manner in which Lewis constructs this is that it doesn’t rub the reader’s face in this message, but instead gently and beautifully shows how wonderful it is.
It’s one of the reasons I’m very excited to read the rest of Lewis’ work.
Despite not having read any of the previous books in Maria Lewis’ Supernatural Sisters series, I’ve heard a great many positive things about them and it meant I came to The Wailing Woman excited and intrigued. I wasn’t let down.
Told from the perspectives of Tex, an Askari (a stazi-like policeman for the supernatural community), and Sadie, a banshee who is rendered mute by the Askari to silence her dangerous wail, the story reunites the two characters ten years after the act of violence removes Sadie’s voice. As they are irrevocably drawn to one another, the truth about the Askari, and the banshees, threatens everything they hold dear.
Although this is the fourth book in the series, it serves as a standalone. There were obvious moments when characters from previous books entered, but I didn’t feel enormously bereft of knowledge for having not read their backstories, and I was appreciative of that. In fact, all it really served to do was whet my appetite to go back and delve into their respective books.
Setting the supernatural world entirely alongside the human world is a clever way to ground the series, and Lewis does so with excellent clarity, providing the sense of a very real and very complete world, conveyed effectively. It’s worldbuilding at its finest, with the telling completely matter-of-fact, and thus the depth and extent of the world as it extends beyond the book being believable, and interesting.
The general theme of the subjugation of women by men who seek to conceal from women the extent of their own power was a really beautifully explored one, particularly because there were various male characters (such as Tex) who clearly weren’t part of that anachronistic patriarchal structure but were instead fighting for a better, more equal world. The symbolism of Sadie being muted can’t go unnoticed, given this. It’s an interesting take on discussions about female empowerment and finding your ‘voice’ or inner power, and Sadie’s discovery of the extent of her power both as a person and as a banshee reflects this in a clever way that managers to avoid being on the nose. Moreover, Lewis teases this out without any of the tropes that accompany the ‘sudden realisation of inner power’. The groundwork is laid early, the characters consistently reflect upon this, and then it comes to fruition. It’s great storytelling, and clever writing.
In fact, this is in keeping with much of the book – getting to the point with few associated clichés attaching themselves to the telling, or indeed, the point. Lewis keeps the story moving quickly, giving moments of drama or tension at frequent intervals. While this pulls the reader along, at times it arguably does so at the expense of offering certain aspects of backstory. For example, we never learn why Sadie’s sister, Sorcha, broke the Covenant (the rule which states banshees, who can foresee death, must not forewarn people of what they see), or what exactly happened with the ship from which she disappeared. The absence of any further explanation was frustrating, especially as the manner in which Sorcha’s disappearance was discussed suggested there was definitely more to the story. It may not have been strictly relevant to the plot, but it has continued to niggle at me even after finishing the book. I was actually very keen for that particular reveal, so to be denied was annoying.
It feels very much as though there will be a sequel to The Wailing Woman, as there is much left unfinished at the book’s conclusion. Yet the book ends in much the same way that it begins – complementing to the previously mentioned theme of female subjugation was to me, the book’s strongest aspect, the support women provide one another in an unconditional, loving manner. The book thus ends and begins in the same manner; by emphasising the power and incredible experience that comes when women support one another. The most laudable thing about the manner in which Lewis constructs this is that it doesn’t rub the reader’s face in this message, but instead gently and beautifully shows how wonderful it is.
It’s one of the reasons I’m very excited to read the rest of Lewis’ work.
May 25, 2020
Another excellent addition to Maria Lewis's urban fantasy world connected series- once more beautifully imagined with a rich history and some really quite marvellous characters.
The Wailing Woman focuses in on the Banshee legend - adapted by using a strong analogy to a woman's place in the world and sending the reader on an adventurous journey of action and romance, laced through with some thought provoking modern world themes.
Highly addictive, cleverly layered and utterly riveting throughout as Sadie seeks her lost voice, on the run from those that seek to keep her quiet and running into some old friends along the way. The plotting is pure and the writing is of a superb quality, something I've come to expect from Maria Lewis as I follow along with this terrific series of novels.
Highly recommended.
The Wailing Woman focuses in on the Banshee legend - adapted by using a strong analogy to a woman's place in the world and sending the reader on an adventurous journey of action and romance, laced through with some thought provoking modern world themes.
Highly addictive, cleverly layered and utterly riveting throughout as Sadie seeks her lost voice, on the run from those that seek to keep her quiet and running into some old friends along the way. The plotting is pure and the writing is of a superb quality, something I've come to expect from Maria Lewis as I follow along with this terrific series of novels.
Highly recommended.
December 2, 2019
***Thank you to Hachette Australia for sending me a copy of The Wailing Woman for review***
The Wailing Woman is one of my favourite reads this year! It's fierce and feministy and diverse and just a ready fun ride. Pick it up - even if you think you don't like fantasy! I think this would be a good read if you enjoyed Leigh Bardugo's Ninth House and are looking for more urban fantasy.
The Wailing Woman is one of my favourite reads this year! It's fierce and feministy and diverse and just a ready fun ride. Pick it up - even if you think you don't like fantasy! I think this would be a good read if you enjoyed Leigh Bardugo's Ninth House and are looking for more urban fantasy.
January 16, 2020
My first beef with this book: it's actually number four in a series. This isn't indicated anywhere within the blurb or on/inside the cover. In fact, I only cottoned on after I started the book and began to feel like I was missing things - as though there was a lot of assumed knowledge about the book's fictional universe that I just didn't have. I google the book/author and lo and behold.
This ploy, which publishers are increasingly trying to pull, never fails to gets my hackles up. In fact, my policy when I discover that I've been "tricked" in this manner is to return the book immediately and refuse to purchase any others in the series. If you feel you have to hoodwink me into buying your series, that immediately raises suspicions about its quality.
That said, in this instance I decided to give this book a pass for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it's by an Australian author. Support local talent, etc, etc. Secondly, though this book is set in a universe the author has spent three previous books building, and features characters from those books, ostensibly it is intended as a stand alone.
I resolved to persevere.
Oof. Mistake.
Magical realism is my schtick but sadly I just couldn't believe this work on any level.
Basic premise: there's a supernatural community operating alongside normal society. It has its own rules and regulations yadda yadda yadda. Banshees, who have been banished to Australia permanently, represent an oppressed subset of that community.
Unfortunately, I think the fact that this book is number four in an established universe actually matters quite a lot. The fairly complex world the author has built is delivered to new readers as a soulless infodump in the first chapter. It's reminiscent of the first few pages of every Harry Potter book, where Rowling would unnecessarily deliver a list-like rundown of the story to date. Orphaned boy, mean relatives, has magic, hates birthdays. Up to date? Cool. On with the story.
The result is that the world The Wailing Woman is set in struck me as hollow and cobbled-together. Maybe this would be different had I read the three other books but I haven't and now I'm not going to, so...
My other issues with this book: its prosaic, wordy writing style. I think the intention here is to make the supernatural seem realistic, but the result is that the supernatural merely seems mundane and dull, like a trip to get your car registered.
I was also put off by aspects of the story itself. The protagonists of this book clean up crime scenes for a living and there's a lot of very dull discussion of the types of chemicals they use, along with talk of the cost of scrubbing brushes and how bodily fluids from decomposing corpses soak into carpets and the pH of those bodily fluids and, like... gross? Again, I suspect this is intended to be gritty and realistic but I just found it icky. I also found myself side-eyeing the narrative justification for these characters having this simultaneously boring but yucky job. They're banshees, you see, and are therefore intimately connected to death and as such can't have normal careers, even though they want to, because they might predict the deaths of their workmates. Mmmmmmmm. Kayyyyyyyyyyy.
I could go on but I'll wrap this up. Basically, this one wasn't for me. If you're going to buy it just be super hyper aware that this is number four in a series.
This ploy, which publishers are increasingly trying to pull, never fails to gets my hackles up. In fact, my policy when I discover that I've been "tricked" in this manner is to return the book immediately and refuse to purchase any others in the series. If you feel you have to hoodwink me into buying your series, that immediately raises suspicions about its quality.
That said, in this instance I decided to give this book a pass for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it's by an Australian author. Support local talent, etc, etc. Secondly, though this book is set in a universe the author has spent three previous books building, and features characters from those books, ostensibly it is intended as a stand alone.
I resolved to persevere.
Oof. Mistake.
Magical realism is my schtick but sadly I just couldn't believe this work on any level.
Basic premise: there's a supernatural community operating alongside normal society. It has its own rules and regulations yadda yadda yadda. Banshees, who have been banished to Australia permanently, represent an oppressed subset of that community.
Unfortunately, I think the fact that this book is number four in an established universe actually matters quite a lot. The fairly complex world the author has built is delivered to new readers as a soulless infodump in the first chapter. It's reminiscent of the first few pages of every Harry Potter book, where Rowling would unnecessarily deliver a list-like rundown of the story to date. Orphaned boy, mean relatives, has magic, hates birthdays. Up to date? Cool. On with the story.
The result is that the world The Wailing Woman is set in struck me as hollow and cobbled-together. Maybe this would be different had I read the three other books but I haven't and now I'm not going to, so...
My other issues with this book: its prosaic, wordy writing style. I think the intention here is to make the supernatural seem realistic, but the result is that the supernatural merely seems mundane and dull, like a trip to get your car registered.
I was also put off by aspects of the story itself. The protagonists of this book clean up crime scenes for a living and there's a lot of very dull discussion of the types of chemicals they use, along with talk of the cost of scrubbing brushes and how bodily fluids from decomposing corpses soak into carpets and the pH of those bodily fluids and, like... gross? Again, I suspect this is intended to be gritty and realistic but I just found it icky. I also found myself side-eyeing the narrative justification for these characters having this simultaneously boring but yucky job. They're banshees, you see, and are therefore intimately connected to death and as such can't have normal careers, even though they want to, because they might predict the deaths of their workmates. Mmmmmmmm. Kayyyyyyyyyyy.
I could go on but I'll wrap this up. Basically, this one wasn't for me. If you're going to buy it just be super hyper aware that this is number four in a series.
February 6, 2021
Having been labelled as a standalone book that is also part of a greater world, I was a bit confused upon first picking up The Wailing Woman as it talks about a supernatural world filled with creatures living in our modern world. It turns out I've actually read the first two in the series, Who's Afraid and Who's Afraid Too, while The Wailing Woman features a whole set of different characters with some cameos and references to past events.
The Wailing Woman is a twist on the banshee tale, set alongside the modern Australian landscape with supernatural creatures living amongst us.
I really enjoyed the main character Sadie, who uses sign language (AUSLAN) to communicate based on not being able to speak due to a spell in the past. She's one of the banshee descendants and there hasn't been a devastating, dangerous banshee wail recorded for centuries. Sadie is on the run for the most part of the book, as she's chased by supernatural creatures and people that want her dead simply for who she is. It just so happens that she's accompanied by Tex, who is an Askari (police man for the supernatural community), who just so happens to be the son of the people who are against her.
So what you have is essentially an enemies to lovers - tentative getting to know you situation, which I really enjoyed. I felt like their romance, their situation and their getting to know each other felt really realistic, and I enjoyed the dynamic between them.
Although Sadie is unable to physically speak, she displays the strength of her personality in many ways throughout the book, including not bolting in the face of threats and also using everything at her disposal to defend against the people she loves. The representation of her speech impediment, along with the Maori supernatural tribes and characters are important diverse elements of the book.
The Wailing Woman is really easy to sink into once you get past the initial hurdle of getting to know the world, and I read the whole thing in two days. With some fascinating supernatural characters, Sydney and London landmarks and some brilliant characters, I really enjoyed this Australian fantasy book.
Check out Happy Indulgence Books for more reviews!
The Wailing Woman is a twist on the banshee tale, set alongside the modern Australian landscape with supernatural creatures living amongst us.
I really enjoyed the main character Sadie, who uses sign language (AUSLAN) to communicate based on not being able to speak due to a spell in the past. She's one of the banshee descendants and there hasn't been a devastating, dangerous banshee wail recorded for centuries. Sadie is on the run for the most part of the book, as she's chased by supernatural creatures and people that want her dead simply for who she is. It just so happens that she's accompanied by Tex, who is an Askari (police man for the supernatural community), who just so happens to be the son of the people who are against her.
So what you have is essentially an enemies to lovers - tentative getting to know you situation, which I really enjoyed. I felt like their romance, their situation and their getting to know each other felt really realistic, and I enjoyed the dynamic between them.
Although Sadie is unable to physically speak, she displays the strength of her personality in many ways throughout the book, including not bolting in the face of threats and also using everything at her disposal to defend against the people she loves. The representation of her speech impediment, along with the Maori supernatural tribes and characters are important diverse elements of the book.
The Wailing Woman is really easy to sink into once you get past the initial hurdle of getting to know the world, and I read the whole thing in two days. With some fascinating supernatural characters, Sydney and London landmarks and some brilliant characters, I really enjoyed this Australian fantasy book.
Check out Happy Indulgence Books for more reviews!
September 22, 2020
After reading other reviews, I had high hopes for this book. I'm a fan of Lewis' work on SBS's The Feed and was looking forward to reading my first Lewis novel.
Look, this book was engaging and easy to read. I genuinely wanted to find out what happened to Sadie and read through to the very last page. However engaging the novel is, it most certainly has its shortcomings.
Firstly, subtle it aint. While I acknowledge the central theme of women breaking free of centuries of male subjugation is an important and topical one, the trope of having the main character literally silenced through the physical actions of a male oppressor is a little ... gauche. And then to find her voice through sex? As I said, it's certainly not a sophisticated storyline.
Secondly, the number of sub plots that are left dangling is simply annoying. Examples include why or how Sorcha broke the Covenant and had to flee. That's a pretty massive, character-defining chunk to leave out. Similarly, the "lump of 4x2" subtlety of Sadie's mother being catatonic as a result of suppressing her powers, yet everyone else is emancipated but for her. Why? And the simple but biggie - why are Texas' family after him - we know why, but are they acting on their own, or are they acting on orders from hinted-at higher powers?
Fans of Stephanie Myers may really like this - that's the standard of writing I put this on a par with.
Look, this book was engaging and easy to read. I genuinely wanted to find out what happened to Sadie and read through to the very last page. However engaging the novel is, it most certainly has its shortcomings.
Firstly, subtle it aint. While I acknowledge the central theme of women breaking free of centuries of male subjugation is an important and topical one, the trope of having the main character literally silenced through the physical actions of a male oppressor is a little ... gauche. And then to find her voice through sex? As I said, it's certainly not a sophisticated storyline.
Secondly, the number of sub plots that are left dangling is simply annoying. Examples include why or how Sorcha broke the Covenant and had to flee. That's a pretty massive, character-defining chunk to leave out. Similarly, the "lump of 4x2" subtlety of Sadie's mother being catatonic as a result of suppressing her powers, yet everyone else is emancipated but for her. Why? And the simple but biggie - why are Texas' family after him - we know why, but are they acting on their own, or are they acting on orders from hinted-at higher powers?
Fans of Stephanie Myers may really like this - that's the standard of writing I put this on a par with.
November 12, 2019
GIVE ME MOREEEEEEEE (please and thank you)!! I love the MLU (Maria Lewis Universe) and want to see more of it! I loved how this book brought most of the previous characters together - whether through mention or actually seeing them.
August 23, 2022
I enjoyed this book quite a bit, overall and I am giving it four starts for overall enjoyment. It has a couple of issues, and honestly, probably is a three and a half star. Like most of the books by this author I have read, it starts strong and fascinating, sweeps you up in characters and events and I loved it up until about a third through. Then it (like most of the others) went into a serious slump that it only mostly/maybe recovered from. Then there was a real big issue at the end which is a That meant I found the ending disappointing and I am largely uninterested in what happens next.
We start in a ' ten years ago' phase when child Texas Contos is watching the Burke sisters play in his back yard (we never had any good explanation for this, btw, its not like the families were friends) and witnessed the youngest of the banshee sisters fall in the playground and she screamed, as any child would do.
Sadie Burke is not any child though, she comes from a family of Banshees, which are a despised group in the supernatural community (this fails to really gell, as they are allegedly considered weak and unimportant, but lots of human stuff does not gell, so, ok). When Sadie screams, Texas' father performs a ceremony in which her ability to use her Banshee's wail is removed from her - violently.
Ten years later, our story resumes with the grown up Sadie and Texas in Sydney. At first I loved this part, I loved the descriptions of Sadie's close knit family full of Banshee sisters. I loved the unique way they made their living - a crime scene cleaning business, and the way they used their talents to find jobs. I thought Texas' cold power hungry family were excellently done and I enjoyed the way these two slowly came together. Using Sydney for the initial backdrop also really worked well for me.
Again, I will not describe too much of the thriller, mystery plot, it is too much fun to read and I think that knowing too much about it in advance would spoil the fun of reading it. But there is something rotten within the power structure of the Askari, the organisation that helps run and regulate the magical world. This is no spoiler, because we already know this from previous books. And, here is the point to mention that I would strongly NOT recommend reading this one without having read previous books. In some ways it is a standalone story, so you don't have to remember the previous ones too much, but without that background structure I doubt if one could follow the political business and the ending would fall flat.
In the middle of the book, I kind of fell out of love with it, this lull seems to be characteristic of the author and seems to happen to me with all her books. Here it is a - probably - small thing that ruined Sadie as a character for me. It probably will not bother anyone else much
So there was plenty that was great about this book, Like I said I enjoyed Sydney as a setting, but I also enjoyed the travel to London, the nightclub there was an absolutely great setting! I enjoyed the way the society and hierarchy and the different supernatural denizens were written. There was all the vibrancy and colour to the written material that makes the author's books really pop crackle and zing while you read them. The things that bothered me will probably not bother too many other people reading it. I would love to hear what other people thought, especially of the parts that bthered me.
I might in time read the next one, but the middle bit and ending really have left a bitter taste in my mouth and I am certainly going to have to wait for it to fade. At least.
We start in a ' ten years ago' phase when child Texas Contos is watching the Burke sisters play in his back yard (we never had any good explanation for this, btw, its not like the families were friends) and witnessed the youngest of the banshee sisters fall in the playground and she screamed, as any child would do.
Sadie Burke is not any child though, she comes from a family of Banshees, which are a despised group in the supernatural community (this fails to really gell, as they are allegedly considered weak and unimportant, but lots of human stuff does not gell, so, ok). When Sadie screams, Texas' father performs a ceremony in which her ability to use her Banshee's wail is removed from her - violently.
Ten years later, our story resumes with the grown up Sadie and Texas in Sydney. At first I loved this part, I loved the descriptions of Sadie's close knit family full of Banshee sisters. I loved the unique way they made their living - a crime scene cleaning business, and the way they used their talents to find jobs. I thought Texas' cold power hungry family were excellently done and I enjoyed the way these two slowly came together. Using Sydney for the initial backdrop also really worked well for me.
Again, I will not describe too much of the thriller, mystery plot, it is too much fun to read and I think that knowing too much about it in advance would spoil the fun of reading it. But there is something rotten within the power structure of the Askari, the organisation that helps run and regulate the magical world. This is no spoiler, because we already know this from previous books. And, here is the point to mention that I would strongly NOT recommend reading this one without having read previous books. In some ways it is a standalone story, so you don't have to remember the previous ones too much, but without that background structure I doubt if one could follow the political business and the ending would fall flat.
In the middle of the book, I kind of fell out of love with it, this lull seems to be characteristic of the author and seems to happen to me with all her books. Here it is a - probably - small thing that ruined Sadie as a character for me. It probably will not bother anyone else much
So there was plenty that was great about this book, Like I said I enjoyed Sydney as a setting, but I also enjoyed the travel to London, the nightclub there was an absolutely great setting! I enjoyed the way the society and hierarchy and the different supernatural denizens were written. There was all the vibrancy and colour to the written material that makes the author's books really pop crackle and zing while you read them. The things that bothered me will probably not bother too many other people reading it. I would love to hear what other people thought, especially of the parts that bthered me.
I might in time read the next one, but the middle bit and ending really have left a bitter taste in my mouth and I am certainly going to have to wait for it to fade. At least.
January 24, 2022
Book 5, it would of been nice to have known this was a part of a series before reading. Cannot see any indication on or in book to say it is book 5 so part of a series. This is ANNOYING.
May 23, 2020
More like 2.5 stars. I liked the storyline but the writing was clumsy. Everything “seemed like” or “it was if...”
November 29, 2024
The only reason I finished this book was so that I could give it one star. I was really disappointed by this, as when I met the author, she was a really lovely person with a lot of really good writing advice. Her book was simply not for me.
I really really wanted to like this book, but the word 'smirk' appeared so many times I thought I was reading fanfiction (I counted 30 instances, but I'm sure I missed some). I also found the use of auslan in the book to be under-researched and lacking. There were several instances where the mc would lament how she wished she could incorporate tone into her signing- as though facial expressions aren't a key part of signing??? And then later on she would use tone in her signing as if she hadn't complained about not being able to do that exact thing.
"'Everything with them is a test,' she signed, wishing there was a way to add sarcastic inflection physically." p.77 (40 pages later, she is able to add inflection to her signing with no mention of her previous inability to do so. Not to mention that sarcastic inflection literally is physically possible and is a core component of auslan. It takes 30 seconds to google.)
This book is supposed to be set in Australia, so why is the main character leaving candles lit in her bedroom? The room we were just told is full of tapestries and flammables? Lewis constantly infodumps about Sydney in a way that wouldn't make sense from either character's perspective. This book reads as though it were made for an american audience, which is an odd decision to make when half of your marketing is about how it's an australian novel.
Sadie is established to be a virgin, but on page 144 she smirks and thinks about old hookups- only for the book to double back and claim she's a virgin all over again. If your plot hinges on a character's virginity (fucking wild btw), you should at least be able to remember whether or not she is one. Her entire romance with Tex developed based on him saving her from stuff, and all of the world building comes from clunky infodumps- Lewis tells us things, she does not show them. I also found that the writing was lacking, with a lot of unnecessary extra words thrown in to pad the book out. It read like fanfiction in more ways than one- from outfit descriptions that dragged on and on, to a weird focus on how attractive everyone in the book was or was not.
Furthermore, this book is the 4th book in a series. Nowhere on the cover or blurb is this indicated. If you have to trick me into reading your book series, I'm going to assume it isn't very good. If The Wailing Woman is representative of the rest of this series, I am more than comfortable in that assumption.
Finally, the characters just aren't likable. Sadie especially. She is annoying, self centred, hypocritical, and selfish- and worse than that, it doesn't seem like this was done on purpose. She gets angry at Tex for hiding something about herself from her, and literally just a couple chapters later, she deliberately doesn't tell him about a vision of his uncle killing someone. She is unfair to Texas and her sisters, and she is a genuinely frustrating character to read about. Your protagonist should at least be likeable. And that's just Sadie- by page 288 I still did not like Texas. I found him to be self important, rude, and just not a pleasant guy to read about.
I'm glad that so many people loved this book, but I simply did not. Perhaps if my mother was not hard of hearing, I could ignore the haphazard way Lewis throws things at the page in the hopes that something will stick. It seemed to me that Maria Lewis was more focused on the novelty of representation than she was on doing it well. This book had an awesome premise and a terrible execution. Lewis would benefit from a better editor- or perhaps a thesaurus. As long as she finds a word that isn't 'smirk'.
I really really wanted to like this book, but the word 'smirk' appeared so many times I thought I was reading fanfiction (I counted 30 instances, but I'm sure I missed some). I also found the use of auslan in the book to be under-researched and lacking. There were several instances where the mc would lament how she wished she could incorporate tone into her signing- as though facial expressions aren't a key part of signing??? And then later on she would use tone in her signing as if she hadn't complained about not being able to do that exact thing.
"'Everything with them is a test,' she signed, wishing there was a way to add sarcastic inflection physically." p.77 (40 pages later, she is able to add inflection to her signing with no mention of her previous inability to do so. Not to mention that sarcastic inflection literally is physically possible and is a core component of auslan. It takes 30 seconds to google.)
This book is supposed to be set in Australia, so why is the main character leaving candles lit in her bedroom? The room we were just told is full of tapestries and flammables? Lewis constantly infodumps about Sydney in a way that wouldn't make sense from either character's perspective. This book reads as though it were made for an american audience, which is an odd decision to make when half of your marketing is about how it's an australian novel.
Sadie is established to be a virgin, but on page 144 she smirks and thinks about old hookups- only for the book to double back and claim she's a virgin all over again. If your plot hinges on a character's virginity (fucking wild btw), you should at least be able to remember whether or not she is one. Her entire romance with Tex developed based on him saving her from stuff, and all of the world building comes from clunky infodumps- Lewis tells us things, she does not show them. I also found that the writing was lacking, with a lot of unnecessary extra words thrown in to pad the book out. It read like fanfiction in more ways than one- from outfit descriptions that dragged on and on, to a weird focus on how attractive everyone in the book was or was not.
Furthermore, this book is the 4th book in a series. Nowhere on the cover or blurb is this indicated. If you have to trick me into reading your book series, I'm going to assume it isn't very good. If The Wailing Woman is representative of the rest of this series, I am more than comfortable in that assumption.
Finally, the characters just aren't likable. Sadie especially. She is annoying, self centred, hypocritical, and selfish- and worse than that, it doesn't seem like this was done on purpose. She gets angry at Tex for hiding something about herself from her, and literally just a couple chapters later, she deliberately doesn't tell him about a vision of his uncle killing someone. She is unfair to Texas and her sisters, and she is a genuinely frustrating character to read about. Your protagonist should at least be likeable. And that's just Sadie- by page 288 I still did not like Texas. I found him to be self important, rude, and just not a pleasant guy to read about.
I'm glad that so many people loved this book, but I simply did not. Perhaps if my mother was not hard of hearing, I could ignore the haphazard way Lewis throws things at the page in the hopes that something will stick. It seemed to me that Maria Lewis was more focused on the novelty of representation than she was on doing it well. This book had an awesome premise and a terrible execution. Lewis would benefit from a better editor- or perhaps a thesaurus. As long as she finds a word that isn't 'smirk'.
May 6, 2020
I'm grateful to the publisher for a free advance copy of The Wailing Woman to consider for review.
In a further instalment of her shared-world urban fantasy sequence (following Who's Afraid?, Who's Afraid Too? and The Witch Who Courted Death) in The Wailing Woman, Maria Lewis looks at the banshee, the bean sidhe, the otherworld woman whose voice heralds death.
Dangerous women. Powerful women. Women who, perhaps regrettably, must be hushed - for the good of all, you understand.
There's, obviously, strong feminist potential in this and the point won't be lost on the reader but it is also - indeed primarily - a story of growing up, finding one's voice, of falling in love, doubting one's love, and of holding onto that love in a hostile world.
The story opens with a monstrous (I use the world deliberately) being done to nine year old Sadie Burke, youngest in a family of seven banshees living in Australia to which all of her people were exiled two hundred years ago. Forced ever since to abide by the "Covenant", which circumscribes their powers and keeps them weak and dependant, the banshees are almost outcast, forgotten by most of the supernaturals and only watched, it seems, by the Askari, the police of the supernatural world. It's one of the Askari - Andres Contos - who does Sadie that wrong and it's Andres's son, Texas, who comes back into her life years late, a fully fledged officer of the Askari, entering into all his power and privilege.
Can there be anything between them?
Can Sadie trust her feelings?
Can she trust Texas Contos?
This is a powerful book, but it's also great fun. We feel some familiar figures again, and learn more about Lewis's supernatural world. I loved the fact that there is opposition here to a brutally hierarchical setup rather than acceptance of it because of what might happen if the order is upset. I loved the fact this position is people - supernatural people of all types - rather than a side effect of some sort of external or diabolic plot. It's politics, it's the desire for freedom and justice, it's liberating.
It isn't the sort of read where what's happening is obscure and has to be pieced together from hints and clues, the broad lines are clear and it's only really detail that is filled in. So, yes, we learn that the banshees aren't what is generally believed - but all the same they are being held down and appressed, which is the main point.
It is the sort of read where the action can erupt into a no holds barred fight, with some gruesome consequences - this is not a safe world - as Sadie and Texas find their world upside down and have to save themselves. In calmer moments (well perhaps not so calm...) they discover a great deal about themselves and each other - but that basic issue of trust remains and Lewis makes Sadie's dilemma clear, faced with danger to herself and danger to those she loves, what is she to do?
A book I really enjoyed and clearly Lewis isn't done yet. This series goes from strength to strength.
And finally: I know you're not supposed to judge a book by the cover. But. LOOK AT THAT COVER!
In a further instalment of her shared-world urban fantasy sequence (following Who's Afraid?, Who's Afraid Too? and The Witch Who Courted Death) in The Wailing Woman, Maria Lewis looks at the banshee, the bean sidhe, the otherworld woman whose voice heralds death.
Dangerous women. Powerful women. Women who, perhaps regrettably, must be hushed - for the good of all, you understand.
There's, obviously, strong feminist potential in this and the point won't be lost on the reader but it is also - indeed primarily - a story of growing up, finding one's voice, of falling in love, doubting one's love, and of holding onto that love in a hostile world.
The story opens with a monstrous (I use the world deliberately) being done to nine year old Sadie Burke, youngest in a family of seven banshees living in Australia to which all of her people were exiled two hundred years ago. Forced ever since to abide by the "Covenant", which circumscribes their powers and keeps them weak and dependant, the banshees are almost outcast, forgotten by most of the supernaturals and only watched, it seems, by the Askari, the police of the supernatural world. It's one of the Askari - Andres Contos - who does Sadie that wrong and it's Andres's son, Texas, who comes back into her life years late, a fully fledged officer of the Askari, entering into all his power and privilege.
Can there be anything between them?
Can Sadie trust her feelings?
Can she trust Texas Contos?
This is a powerful book, but it's also great fun. We feel some familiar figures again, and learn more about Lewis's supernatural world. I loved the fact that there is opposition here to a brutally hierarchical setup rather than acceptance of it because of what might happen if the order is upset. I loved the fact this position is people - supernatural people of all types - rather than a side effect of some sort of external or diabolic plot. It's politics, it's the desire for freedom and justice, it's liberating.
It isn't the sort of read where what's happening is obscure and has to be pieced together from hints and clues, the broad lines are clear and it's only really detail that is filled in. So, yes, we learn that the banshees aren't what is generally believed - but all the same they are being held down and appressed, which is the main point.
It is the sort of read where the action can erupt into a no holds barred fight, with some gruesome consequences - this is not a safe world - as Sadie and Texas find their world upside down and have to save themselves. In calmer moments (well perhaps not so calm...) they discover a great deal about themselves and each other - but that basic issue of trust remains and Lewis makes Sadie's dilemma clear, faced with danger to herself and danger to those she loves, what is she to do?
A book I really enjoyed and clearly Lewis isn't done yet. This series goes from strength to strength.
And finally: I know you're not supposed to judge a book by the cover. But. LOOK AT THAT COVER!
October 30, 2020
Maria Lewis - HOW DARE YOU!
November 30, 2019
For someone who hasn’t read anything by Maria Lewis before, I was sucked into the wailing woman and finished it in two days.
We follow Sadie, who is a banshee, as she loses one of her powers at the hand of a man, and continue to follow her throughout the story as she fights to stay alive, fights for her family and fights to be who she really is.
I’ve never read anything like this before and it was so refreshing.
The world building was amazing and her writing style just made me want to keep reading. The bond that Sadie has with her sisters was beautiful and was a centre point for the story.
I loved that all the characters shined on their own in their own ways, and each of them stood out to me which I loved.
And what’s not to love about a kick ass female lead who isn’t afraid to stand up and be herself?
Honestly, if you haven’t read anything by Maria Lewis before, you need to, and the wailing woman is a great place to start.
Thank you @hachetteaus for sending me a copy of this amazing book!
We follow Sadie, who is a banshee, as she loses one of her powers at the hand of a man, and continue to follow her throughout the story as she fights to stay alive, fights for her family and fights to be who she really is.
I’ve never read anything like this before and it was so refreshing.
The world building was amazing and her writing style just made me want to keep reading. The bond that Sadie has with her sisters was beautiful and was a centre point for the story.
I loved that all the characters shined on their own in their own ways, and each of them stood out to me which I loved.
And what’s not to love about a kick ass female lead who isn’t afraid to stand up and be herself?
Honestly, if you haven’t read anything by Maria Lewis before, you need to, and the wailing woman is a great place to start.
Thank you @hachetteaus for sending me a copy of this amazing book!
November 6, 2019
I love the Maria Multiverse but I have to say this one is a personal favourite now. I really enjoyed how Maria develops both characters we follow: Sadie and Texas - how she demonstrates their strengths and flaws so well. I really found Banshees as a creatures in this story interesting as they are very different to other supernatural creatures I have read. Maria did so well in tying characters from her other books in this one, blending them into a new story and referencing their backstories too. I thoroughly enjoyed it, really couldn’t put the book down. Very easy to get into, great plot and great pace.. With special thanks to Hachette Publishers for sending me an Advance Review Copy (and manuscript) of this book. Really enjoyed it!
November 28, 2019
I
Um
Wow
Where to start.
A published book with a Shazza in it. Driving a Ute, iirc, and upset that her Barina doesn’t have enough grunt. (Apologies Maria if I have recalled incorrectly!!)
I loved this book, and love how it’s tied in a number of characters I loved from the earlier books.
My only problem now is that I need the next book, so I can learn the fate of these wondrous characters!!
If you have teen girls, please, please, PLEASE pass these books into their hands. Just maybe read them yourself first, to judge just when they are best placed to read them. These definitely aren’t YA books, but are soooo important for our young adults to read.
I’m hooked, and desperate for the next book!!!!!
Um
Wow
Where to start.
A published book with a Shazza in it. Driving a Ute, iirc, and upset that her Barina doesn’t have enough grunt. (Apologies Maria if I have recalled incorrectly!!)
I loved this book, and love how it’s tied in a number of characters I loved from the earlier books.
My only problem now is that I need the next book, so I can learn the fate of these wondrous characters!!
If you have teen girls, please, please, PLEASE pass these books into their hands. Just maybe read them yourself first, to judge just when they are best placed to read them. These definitely aren’t YA books, but are soooo important for our young adults to read.
I’m hooked, and desperate for the next book!!!!!
November 22, 2019
The Wailing Woman was my first Maria Lewis book after seeing her sassy tweets (I actually met her at Nova and got a copy signed before even reading it, so lots of faith here!), and it didn't disappoint! It was such a unique perspective, with such a varied cast (and lovin' the Aussie landscape in it). I actually went and picked up another book of hers yesterday right after finishing it because her writing style is so on brand.
November 17, 2019
Review to Come, but let me say that this was an amazing book. It was fun and emotional and, as an Irish Australian, exciting to read.
October 9, 2022
Following Sadie, a banshee whose voice is violently taken from her at a young age to protect those around her from the deadly-threat of the banshee wail, The Wailing Woman is a medium to fast-paced adventure rich in supernatural lore, action, familial-ties, and romance.
Technically, this is the fifth book in a series called "Supernatural Sisters", but I didn't know this until after I started reading it. I did need to pay more attention to world-building than I might when reading the first book in a series so I could catch on to the lore of this urban fantasy world, but this attention was easy to give.
The writing is solid and dependable. There are two primary (third-person) narrative perspectives that are well-defined and engaging, and the supernatural types Lewis has written in are as diverse as they are intriguing. Whilst the usual suspects appear - werewolves, demons, and the like - that this novel focuses on a banshee (and other banshees) is a refreshing take on the paranormal genre. In addition, how can you read the words "wombat shifter" and not need to read more?
And the supernatural diversity is one aspect; the story abounds with LGBTQIA+, POC, and disability representation, the likes of which I have rarely had the privilege of reading (this perhaps is partly a reflection on a need to expand my reading further, but it is also the nature of fiction/publishing which certainly favours particular types of representation over others). There's significant recognition of the culturally-diverse nature of Australia as a whole, and Sydney/New South Wales provides an excellent foundation for this, acting as the backdrop for a large portion of the narrative. I'm personally not particularly familiar with Sydney, having visited only on two occasions, but Lewis' descriptions painted a clear picture in my mind.
Whilst there are aspects of the story that I didn't gel with, I found the topics were dealt with in an even-handed manner that didn't feel pushy. And certainly, the fact that I already have the other books in the series in the mail from various sources is a pretty good indication that I have found a new favoured author, despite my - disagreement? disinterest? - in some aspects (spoilers below for those who are interested).
Full disclosure - I am Australian - so I might be slightly biased in that respect, but I have to say I really, really felt this one on a level I did not expect. The language, especially, was so perfectly Aussie that I often forgot that I was reading fantasy steeped in lore - it simply felt so familiar. It certainly isn't dense with jargon which other non-Australian's won't be familiar with, but there are turns of phrase which are quintessentially Australian that I loved to see in fantasy novels. This novel, as well as Lewis' others I suspect, should definitely be on your TBR if you're an urban fantasy fan.
-----
WARNING: Major spoilers below
Technically, this is the fifth book in a series called "Supernatural Sisters", but I didn't know this until after I started reading it. I did need to pay more attention to world-building than I might when reading the first book in a series so I could catch on to the lore of this urban fantasy world, but this attention was easy to give.
The writing is solid and dependable. There are two primary (third-person) narrative perspectives that are well-defined and engaging, and the supernatural types Lewis has written in are as diverse as they are intriguing. Whilst the usual suspects appear - werewolves, demons, and the like - that this novel focuses on a banshee (and other banshees) is a refreshing take on the paranormal genre. In addition, how can you read the words "wombat shifter" and not need to read more?
And the supernatural diversity is one aspect; the story abounds with LGBTQIA+, POC, and disability representation, the likes of which I have rarely had the privilege of reading (this perhaps is partly a reflection on a need to expand my reading further, but it is also the nature of fiction/publishing which certainly favours particular types of representation over others). There's significant recognition of the culturally-diverse nature of Australia as a whole, and Sydney/New South Wales provides an excellent foundation for this, acting as the backdrop for a large portion of the narrative. I'm personally not particularly familiar with Sydney, having visited only on two occasions, but Lewis' descriptions painted a clear picture in my mind.
Whilst there are aspects of the story that I didn't gel with, I found the topics were dealt with in an even-handed manner that didn't feel pushy. And certainly, the fact that I already have the other books in the series in the mail from various sources is a pretty good indication that I have found a new favoured author, despite my - disagreement? disinterest? - in some aspects (spoilers below for those who are interested).
Full disclosure - I am Australian - so I might be slightly biased in that respect, but I have to say I really, really felt this one on a level I did not expect. The language, especially, was so perfectly Aussie that I often forgot that I was reading fantasy steeped in lore - it simply felt so familiar. It certainly isn't dense with jargon which other non-Australian's won't be familiar with, but there are turns of phrase which are quintessentially Australian that I loved to see in fantasy novels. This novel, as well as Lewis' others I suspect, should definitely be on your TBR if you're an urban fantasy fan.
-----
WARNING: Major spoilers below
May 2, 2020
I picked this up as my April read, though very late in the month because isolation depression and executive dysfunction is a thing.
I'm reading this as my pick for the Australian YA Bloggers and Readers 2020 challenge so I'm just going to copy over the review from the group as well.
1) What book did you pick for this month’s read?
The Wailing Woman by Maria Lewis
2) Did you enjoy it?
Very, very much.
3) What rating would you give it out of five?
5/5
4) Was there anything in your book that touched you /resonated with you in some way?
Not really any touching/resonating, but I enjoyed the setting being Sydney and Newtown. Recognising things was fun
5) What was your favourite part of the book?
I enjoyed that as part of a series it was still a stand alone, as I hadn't realised it was part of a series when I picked it up as I did so as a "blind" pick up.
It was a little hard to get on board with the romance line of it because I felt like maybe there was some beginning to that in the other books that I was missing.
I love the inclusion of queer characters and that there was no questioning, it just was.
I'm loving the storyline and the way it's set up for more has me excited, so now I'll be hunting down the other books and stalking for the next one.
6) Who would you recommend read this book?
Fans of paranormal/supernatural fiction, people not after paranormal romance however
7) Try to sum up the book in one sentence.
You try to keep a banshee down and they will all come for you.
I'm reading this as my pick for the Australian YA Bloggers and Readers 2020 challenge so I'm just going to copy over the review from the group as well.
1) What book did you pick for this month’s read?
The Wailing Woman by Maria Lewis
2) Did you enjoy it?
Very, very much.
3) What rating would you give it out of five?
5/5
4) Was there anything in your book that touched you /resonated with you in some way?
Not really any touching/resonating, but I enjoyed the setting being Sydney and Newtown. Recognising things was fun
5) What was your favourite part of the book?
I enjoyed that as part of a series it was still a stand alone, as I hadn't realised it was part of a series when I picked it up as I did so as a "blind" pick up.
It was a little hard to get on board with the romance line of it because I felt like maybe there was some beginning to that in the other books that I was missing.
I love the inclusion of queer characters and that there was no questioning, it just was.
I'm loving the storyline and the way it's set up for more has me excited, so now I'll be hunting down the other books and stalking for the next one.
6) Who would you recommend read this book?
Fans of paranormal/supernatural fiction, people not after paranormal romance however
7) Try to sum up the book in one sentence.
You try to keep a banshee down and they will all come for you.
May 27, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was so good! This is my first urban fantasy world book and I will definitely be reading others in the future. This is technically the fifth book in the series but it can be read as a standalone and I found that I didn't feel like I was missing information.
The story features the Banshee legend while being set in modern Australia. At first it was so weird to be reading a fantasy book where I knew the majority of the places mentioned.
I adore the main character Sadie and she deserves the world. From having a spell cast on her making her mute for the majority of the story and communicating in Auslan to finding her voice again. I loved how close she was with her family and it made her having to leave and then the reunion so much more emotional.
At first I didn't overly like Tex but pretty quickly I grew to love him. The fact that he learned Auslan not knowing if he would ever see Sadie again honestly is the standard. The way he was willing to risk everything so that Sadie could be free was the sweetest and he didn't deserve the ending he got.
On that note the last 30 pages took me a good hour to read because I couldn't stop uncontrollably sobbing (we're not going to mention how I was going to give this 4 stars but books make me have a mental breakdown always get 5 stars).
I'm so glad I received this book at my writers' camp and decided to read it. I also got to meet Maria which was the most surreal moment of my life and I'm so grateful to have been able to.
This book was so good! This is my first urban fantasy world book and I will definitely be reading others in the future. This is technically the fifth book in the series but it can be read as a standalone and I found that I didn't feel like I was missing information.
The story features the Banshee legend while being set in modern Australia. At first it was so weird to be reading a fantasy book where I knew the majority of the places mentioned.
I adore the main character Sadie and she deserves the world. From having a spell cast on her making her mute for the majority of the story and communicating in Auslan to finding her voice again. I loved how close she was with her family and it made her having to leave and then the reunion so much more emotional.
At first I didn't overly like Tex but pretty quickly I grew to love him. The fact that he learned Auslan not knowing if he would ever see Sadie again honestly is the standard. The way he was willing to risk everything so that Sadie could be free was the sweetest and he didn't deserve the ending he got.
On that note the last 30 pages took me a good hour to read because I couldn't stop uncontrollably sobbing (we're not going to mention how I was going to give this 4 stars but books make me have a mental breakdown always get 5 stars).
I'm so glad I received this book at my writers' camp and decided to read it. I also got to meet Maria which was the most surreal moment of my life and I'm so grateful to have been able to.
January 20, 2021
Crushed my heart.
Initially going to be a 4 star as I was loving up until right before the end. Then a certain event ruined my enjoyment. But that is a totally personal preference on how I like my stories. I would not let that discourage you from reading it as it is well written and I suspect many will love it regardless. So what I liked:
Sadie & Tex – they were great both as individual characters and together. So young, and so painfully in love, a bit awkward, and sweet and so right for each other. I loved the relationship between Sadie and her sisters and their closeness. And how Tex’s childhood fascination with the sisters and affection for Sadie, coupled with his horror and guilt from what his father did left him open to questioning things. And then he learnt Auslan for her even though he was sent away at 12 and never even new if he would see her again (my heart!). I also enjoyed seeing Sadie come into her power after what was taken from her as a child too.
And it was great to check in with Casper, Kala, Sprinkle and Creeper.
Now for those of you that want to know what dropped it from a 4star to a 2 star
Initially going to be a 4 star as I was loving up until right before the end. Then a certain event ruined my enjoyment. But that is a totally personal preference on how I like my stories. I would not let that discourage you from reading it as it is well written and I suspect many will love it regardless. So what I liked:
Sadie & Tex – they were great both as individual characters and together. So young, and so painfully in love, a bit awkward, and sweet and so right for each other. I loved the relationship between Sadie and her sisters and their closeness. And how Tex’s childhood fascination with the sisters and affection for Sadie, coupled with his horror and guilt from what his father did left him open to questioning things. And then he learnt Auslan for her even though he was sent away at 12 and never even new if he would see her again (my heart!). I also enjoyed seeing Sadie come into her power after what was taken from her as a child too.
And it was great to check in with Casper, Kala, Sprinkle and Creeper.
Now for those of you that want to know what dropped it from a 4star to a 2 star
Read
June 9, 2020Sadie Burke comes from a long line of Banshees who were banished from Ireland to Australia over 150 years ago. When Sadie was nine her banshee wail was silenced by the Askari, foot soldiers of the Treize. An organisation tasked with keeping the supernatural world under control. Sadie and her six sisters have been taught all their lives that they are the weakest of all the super naturals.
Texas Contos her childhood friend who was sent away by his father to learn to be an Askari, has unexpectedly arrived back onto the scene. He is tasked with being the Burkes family’s new minder. Texas’s father is their greatest oppressor.
Texas and Sadie are inexplicably drawn to each other and as they grow closer, Sadie begins to question what Banshees have been told for centuries about their gifts. Sadie and Texas are forced to run for their lives and stay in hiding. They meet old acquaintances, new allies and old enemies. Sadie finally finds her true voice, but at what cost to her and all of the supernatural community.
This book would appeal to people who enjoy reading urban fantasy such as Patricia Briggs, Kelley Armstrong and Elliot James.
CT
Texas Contos her childhood friend who was sent away by his father to learn to be an Askari, has unexpectedly arrived back onto the scene. He is tasked with being the Burkes family’s new minder. Texas’s father is their greatest oppressor.
Texas and Sadie are inexplicably drawn to each other and as they grow closer, Sadie begins to question what Banshees have been told for centuries about their gifts. Sadie and Texas are forced to run for their lives and stay in hiding. They meet old acquaintances, new allies and old enemies. Sadie finally finds her true voice, but at what cost to her and all of the supernatural community.
This book would appeal to people who enjoy reading urban fantasy such as Patricia Briggs, Kelley Armstrong and Elliot James.
CT
October 6, 2024
Good girls don't talk back. Good girls don't cry. Good girls don't scream. Sadie Burke has been forced to be a good girl her entire life. As a banshee, she's the bottom of the ladder when it comes to the supernatural hierarchy. Weak. Condemned. Powerless. Silent. That's what she and her six sisters have been told their entire lives, since their species was first banished from Ireland. Yet when a figure from her childhood unexpectedly arrives on the scene, Sadie finds it harder than ever to toe the line. Texas Contos is the son of their greatest oppressor. He's also someone she's inexplicably drawn to, and as they grow closer, Sadie begins to question what banshees have been told for centuries about their gifts. But the truth comes at a cost. With Sadie and Tex forced to run for their lives, their journey leads them to new friends, old enemies, and finally to her true voice - one that could shatter the supernatural world forever.
March 25, 2020
How can I rate this book!!!
I would love to give the book 4* but somehow it doesn’t feel right, and I don’t know why!
I liked the book but not as much as I thought I would.
There were some parts that I enjoyed thoroughly while some others that didn’t get to me.
What I enjoyed:
I LOVED reading about banshees. They are such incredible creatures that not many know about. I also appreciated the research background in the story and how the elements were used to drive the plot. It made me go and read about several of the supernatural species mentioned in the book.
What I didn’t like:
My only complain is that at the end a lot happened in a rush which wasn’t the pace of the book!!!
I didn’t like that all these events were hurried to finish the book. That being said I loved Sadie and Tex’s adventures on the run.
I would def like to know what happens next, after this cliffhanger ending.
I would love to give the book 4* but somehow it doesn’t feel right, and I don’t know why!
I liked the book but not as much as I thought I would.
There were some parts that I enjoyed thoroughly while some others that didn’t get to me.
What I enjoyed:
I LOVED reading about banshees. They are such incredible creatures that not many know about. I also appreciated the research background in the story and how the elements were used to drive the plot. It made me go and read about several of the supernatural species mentioned in the book.
What I didn’t like:
My only complain is that at the end a lot happened in a rush which wasn’t the pace of the book!!!
I didn’t like that all these events were hurried to finish the book. That being said I loved Sadie and Tex’s adventures on the run.
I would def like to know what happens next, after this cliffhanger ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2020
4.5 Stars
An excellent read, I absolutely flew through it - I read it in two sittings. I loved the writing, the characters, the relationship, the references... a brilliant, easy to read, story.
This can be read as a stand alone. However, there are a few characters, cameos and big picture things that, personally, I was vaguely aware of but flew a bit over my head. I have no doubt that upon reread of the series my rating will be bumped up to 5 stars.
Side note: Maria Lewis is a rad lady who is super cool and I really admire. If you’re pondering picking up any of her books, please do! Not only are they excellent but they support a super awesome gal ;)
Most of this series is what I’d classify as New Adult, which I know some folks are specifically looking for, so there’s also that.
An excellent read, I absolutely flew through it - I read it in two sittings. I loved the writing, the characters, the relationship, the references... a brilliant, easy to read, story.
This can be read as a stand alone. However, there are a few characters, cameos and big picture things that, personally, I was vaguely aware of but flew a bit over my head. I have no doubt that upon reread of the series my rating will be bumped up to 5 stars.
Side note: Maria Lewis is a rad lady who is super cool and I really admire. If you’re pondering picking up any of her books, please do! Not only are they excellent but they support a super awesome gal ;)
Most of this series is what I’d classify as New Adult, which I know some folks are specifically looking for, so there’s also that.
March 24, 2020
This book is 100% in the "beautiful cover buy" pile, I love the art. And the story is intriguing, emotional and thought-provoking. I love the very real and potent theme of hegemonic masculinity that is shown throughout the story and how it's dealt with by the female protagonist. I read it cover to cover in no time. Although this book is part of a series it is very easily read as a standalone and I didn't feel I lacked understanding from not reading the others first, but now they have been added to my ever growing 'TBR' list! I give this book 5 stars. GO READ IT NOW!
Thank you Hachette Australia for this copy in return for my honest and independent review.
Side note: The author, Maria Lewis, is an absolute gem and her personality definitely shines through in her writing.
Thank you Hachette Australia for this copy in return for my honest and independent review.
Side note: The author, Maria Lewis, is an absolute gem and her personality definitely shines through in her writing.
November 16, 2020
I think I must have read a different book than the one getting all these positive reviews.
I really wanted to like this book. I heard about it on the radio and went out and bought it that day. I love mythology. But this was confused in tone and poorly written. I don't mind pulpy genre writing but it needs to have a strong sense of place, character and a cracking pace. This didn't.
The premise was clever but I could not connect with the characters at all. I didn't even bother to finish it
I gave it to a friend who loves urban fantasy and she had the same reaction.
I usually try not to write poor reviews, particularly for female genre writers but the number of positive reviews for this seemed super strange.
I really wanted to like this book. I heard about it on the radio and went out and bought it that day. I love mythology. But this was confused in tone and poorly written. I don't mind pulpy genre writing but it needs to have a strong sense of place, character and a cracking pace. This didn't.
The premise was clever but I could not connect with the characters at all. I didn't even bother to finish it
I gave it to a friend who loves urban fantasy and she had the same reaction.
I usually try not to write poor reviews, particularly for female genre writers but the number of positive reviews for this seemed super strange.
May 12, 2020
Australia set urban fantasy that combines all the lore and myths of the world as one would expect in diaspora and a character who signs Auslan?
YES PLEASE.
I did not know I needed this book in my life until I got it as book mail.
I loved the supernatural creatures and beings, the descriptions of this hidden world within ours and I adored Sadie. She was such a little cinnamon roll, albeit with teeth lol. [Texas was also adorable lol]
All the secondary characters were completely fabulous as well! I loved all of them and cannot wait to read more of this world to know more characters. There were witches, ghosts, banshees, wombat shifters, werewolves, demons, it was a plethora of amazingness.
I also loved that all of these supernatural beings were in one land. Lewis uses the diaspora of Australia to her advantage and it is a well-blended and diverse world because of this.
So
Pros:
-Loved the Writing Style
-Loved the characters
-Corruption in the government
-Diaspora of supernatural beings
-Amazing library run by a demon
-Auslan sign language getting Rep!
-Love story
-On the run and hiding scenes are amazing
-Well-paced
Cons:
-Love story felt a little rushed, but at the same time it didn’t feel unnatural so I wouldn’t say it was a huge issue.
-Ending is unsatisfactory, GIMME THE NEXT BOOK.
*Thank you to Piaktus for a copy of this which I’ve read in exchange for my honest review!*
YES PLEASE.
I did not know I needed this book in my life until I got it as book mail.
I loved the supernatural creatures and beings, the descriptions of this hidden world within ours and I adored Sadie. She was such a little cinnamon roll, albeit with teeth lol. [Texas was also adorable lol]
All the secondary characters were completely fabulous as well! I loved all of them and cannot wait to read more of this world to know more characters. There were witches, ghosts, banshees, wombat shifters, werewolves, demons, it was a plethora of amazingness.
I also loved that all of these supernatural beings were in one land. Lewis uses the diaspora of Australia to her advantage and it is a well-blended and diverse world because of this.
So
Pros:
-Loved the Writing Style
-Loved the characters
-Corruption in the government
-Diaspora of supernatural beings
-Amazing library run by a demon
-Auslan sign language getting Rep!
-Love story
-On the run and hiding scenes are amazing
-Well-paced
Cons:
-Love story felt a little rushed, but at the same time it didn’t feel unnatural so I wouldn’t say it was a huge issue.
-Ending is unsatisfactory, GIMME THE NEXT BOOK.
*Thank you to Piaktus for a copy of this which I’ve read in exchange for my honest review!*
August 12, 2021
A family of banshees, Maori werewolf packs, wombat shape-shifters, witches, a selky, a medium and her ghostly brother - this is a supernatural romp equal parts action, love and fantasy story. Lewis has brought in characters from her Supernatural Sisters series, but Sadie Burke is the centre of the plot. She is a banshee who had her vocal chords cut as a child to suppress her wail, and Lewis gets us all barracking for this to change. Based in Sydney and full of pop culture references, this is lively and full of fun.
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