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The First Sister Trilogy #3
The Last Hero
The flame of rebellion burns across the solar system in this dazzling conclusion to Linden A. Lewis’s stunning First Sister trilogy perfect for fans of Red Rising, The Handmaid’s Tale, and The Expanse.
Astrid is finally free of the Sisterhood, yet her name carries on. She’s called the Unchained by those she’s inspired and the Heretic by those who want her voiceless once more. Now Astrid uses knowledge of the Sisterhood’s inner workings against them, aiding the moonborn in raids against abbeys and Cathedrals, all the while exploring the mysteries of her forgotten past.
However, the Sisterhood thrives under the newly appointed Mother Lilian I, who’s engaged in high-stakes politics among the Warlords and the Aunts to rebuild the Sisterhood in her own image. But the evil of the Sisterhood can’t be purged with anything less than fire....
Meanwhile, Hiro val Akira is a rebel without an army, a Dagger without a Rapier. As protests rock the streets of Cytherea, Hiro moves in the shadows, driven by grief and vengeance, as they hunt the man responsible for all their their father....
Transformed by the Genekey virus, Luce navigates the growing schism within the Asters on Ceres. Hurting in her new body, she works to bridge two worlds seemingly intent on mutual destruction. All while mourning her fallen brother, though Lito sol Lucius’s memory may yet live on.
Yet Souji val Akira stands in judgment on them all, plotting the future for all of humanity, and running out of time before war erupts between the Icarii and Geans. But can even the greatest human intellect outwit the Synthetics?
The emotional First Sister trilogy comes to a sensational climax in this final installment, and is a must-read for science fiction fans everywhere.
Astrid is finally free of the Sisterhood, yet her name carries on. She’s called the Unchained by those she’s inspired and the Heretic by those who want her voiceless once more. Now Astrid uses knowledge of the Sisterhood’s inner workings against them, aiding the moonborn in raids against abbeys and Cathedrals, all the while exploring the mysteries of her forgotten past.
However, the Sisterhood thrives under the newly appointed Mother Lilian I, who’s engaged in high-stakes politics among the Warlords and the Aunts to rebuild the Sisterhood in her own image. But the evil of the Sisterhood can’t be purged with anything less than fire....
Meanwhile, Hiro val Akira is a rebel without an army, a Dagger without a Rapier. As protests rock the streets of Cytherea, Hiro moves in the shadows, driven by grief and vengeance, as they hunt the man responsible for all their their father....
Transformed by the Genekey virus, Luce navigates the growing schism within the Asters on Ceres. Hurting in her new body, she works to bridge two worlds seemingly intent on mutual destruction. All while mourning her fallen brother, though Lito sol Lucius’s memory may yet live on.
Yet Souji val Akira stands in judgment on them all, plotting the future for all of humanity, and running out of time before war erupts between the Icarii and Geans. But can even the greatest human intellect outwit the Synthetics?
The emotional First Sister trilogy comes to a sensational climax in this final installment, and is a must-read for science fiction fans everywhere.
623 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 8, 2022
About the author
Linden A. Lewis
5 books719 followersLinden A. Lewis (she/they) is a queer writer and world wanderer currently living in Madrid with a couple of American cats who have little kitty passports. Tall and tattooed, Linden exists only because society has stopped burning witches.
While there is a 95% chance Linden is a cryptid, they can often be spotted in the wild cosplaying or acting (yes, they appeared in an episode of The Walking Dead). Nowadays, they are most frequently found lurking on both Instagram and Twitter @lindenalewis.
PLEASE NOTE: Linden cannot accept friend requests on Goodreads, as this somehow keeps Amazon from posting certain reviews. Sorry!
While there is a 95% chance Linden is a cryptid, they can often be spotted in the wild cosplaying or acting (yes, they appeared in an episode of The Walking Dead). Nowadays, they are most frequently found lurking on both Instagram and Twitter @lindenalewis.
PLEASE NOTE: Linden cannot accept friend requests on Goodreads, as this somehow keeps Amazon from posting certain reviews. Sorry!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews
November 12, 2022
I wrote this, and I think it's pretty damn good. The majority of it was written with my cat on my lap during the lockdown of 2020. All of it was written during the pandemic. I truly hope you enjoy it!
December 20, 2021
The book isn't out yet, but people are already review bombing it. Probably because it has gay characters in it. I don't even really care why.
Soo here is a 5 star review just to compensate that stupid behavior a bit. Enjoy!
Soo here is a 5 star review just to compensate that stupid behavior a bit. Enjoy!
![Profile Image for laurel [the suspected bibliophile].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1645808644i/7494844._UX200_CR0,6,200,200_.jpg)
January 5, 2023
*incoherent screams*
THIS FUCKING TRILOGY!!!!!!!!!
OMG OMG OMFG
LINDEN LEWIS LANDED THIS SHIP. IT'S AMBITIOUS. IT'S QUEER AS HELL. AND THEY MILKED MY FUCKING HEARTSTRINGS SO HARD THAT THERE ARE NO MORE TEARS LEFT IN MY BODY AND I CAN ONLY WRITE IN ALL CAPS FOREVER BECAUSE I'M LOCKED IN AN ETERNAL SCREAM.
FUCK FUCK FUCK EVERYONE NEEDS TO READ THIS SERIES
I calmed down and received an ARC from Edelwiess and the publisher
THIS FUCKING TRILOGY!!!!!!!!!
OMG OMG OMFG
LINDEN LEWIS LANDED THIS SHIP. IT'S AMBITIOUS. IT'S QUEER AS HELL. AND THEY MILKED MY FUCKING HEARTSTRINGS SO HARD THAT THERE ARE NO MORE TEARS LEFT IN MY BODY AND I CAN ONLY WRITE IN ALL CAPS FOREVER BECAUSE I'M LOCKED IN AN ETERNAL SCREAM.
FUCK FUCK FUCK EVERYONE NEEDS TO READ THIS SERIES
I calmed down and received an ARC from Edelwiess and the publisher
December 22, 2022
Now that I've finished the series, I feel equally like I've accomplished something and glad it's over. Each novel was less interesting and harder to get through than the one before. In retrospect, I wanted to like this series more than I actually did.
December 19, 2022
I want to say first and foremost that I adore that a series like this exists, and I'm very happy I stumbled across it when The First Sister had just been released. I was just getting into sci-fi at the time, and this trilogy represents many of the things I love not just about the genre but about books in general. It's an incredibly cozy series that doesn't bite its tongue or subvert itself away from its core themes: radical queer acceptance, family, and confronting systemic injustice.
All that said, the only thing I could think the entire time I read The Last Hero was "this should've been two books." At LEAST two books. While The First Sister and The Second Rebel were also fast-paced, I really found the plotting in this book to be a detriment to how characters developed and how they resolved their arcs.
All of this added up to the point where, at certain narrative beats, I found myself questioning why I had loved The Second Rebel as much as I did. Because I enjoyed The First Sister enough/was interested enough in what it set up that I continued with the trilogy, but it was the second book that really hit things out of the park for me. I think what I keep coming back to is Hiro on Autarkeia. More specifically, Hiro's relationships with Dire and with Shinya. I think Hiro is the most authentically queer character I've come across, and it's not only because of how explicitly queer they're written, but also because of how they relate themself to other people, and how those people treat them in return. At the heart of these books, to me, is a kid who has to learn how to accept that other people love them and see them for who they are, because they were once made to feel unseen and unwanted. And while the sci-fi setting may augment this in some ways, the quiet moments in The Second Rebel where Hiro is struggling with their body or past, or the grief over the multitude of ways you can lose someone, is what I took away from that book. The Last Hero has that same heart, and while I got frustrated with how cramped everything felt, the pieces of what I love are still all here in spades. It's a flawed end, for me, but a meaningful one, and I can't complain about how any of these characters got to end their arcs. I just wish it had been a quartet instead of a trilogy, lol.
All that said, the only thing I could think the entire time I read The Last Hero was "this should've been two books." At LEAST two books. While The First Sister and The Second Rebel were also fast-paced, I really found the plotting in this book to be a detriment to how characters developed and how they resolved their arcs.
All of this added up to the point where, at certain narrative beats, I found myself questioning why I had loved The Second Rebel as much as I did. Because I enjoyed The First Sister enough/was interested enough in what it set up that I continued with the trilogy, but it was the second book that really hit things out of the park for me. I think what I keep coming back to is Hiro on Autarkeia. More specifically, Hiro's relationships with Dire and with Shinya. I think Hiro is the most authentically queer character I've come across, and it's not only because of how explicitly queer they're written, but also because of how they relate themself to other people, and how those people treat them in return. At the heart of these books, to me, is a kid who has to learn how to accept that other people love them and see them for who they are, because they were once made to feel unseen and unwanted. And while the sci-fi setting may augment this in some ways, the quiet moments in The Second Rebel where Hiro is struggling with their body or past, or the grief over the multitude of ways you can lose someone, is what I took away from that book. The Last Hero has that same heart, and while I got frustrated with how cramped everything felt, the pieces of what I love are still all here in spades. It's a flawed end, for me, but a meaningful one, and I can't complain about how any of these characters got to end their arcs. I just wish it had been a quartet instead of a trilogy, lol.
February 7, 2024
Former First Sister Astrid has crash-landed amongst the Moonborn.
Hiro is on a mission to kill his father who is set to be investigated by AEGIS for his dodgy dealings and research whilst protests ramp up and violence escalates.
Finally, new pov Lily is trying her best to manage her new position as Mother against the powerful and devious Aunt Marshae alongside her newly reunited twin, Castor.
This brought up questions of nature vs nurture and what makes us human, what precludes, evidences humanity.
”Humanity has already had their say. Their words were knives. Their cries were bullets."
This series brings up so many questions that we are set to face as a world in the future. The effects of climate change, the conservation of resources, new scientific inquiry, medical advancements.
Even though this seems like such a futuristic and sci fi world, it is pertinent to our world.
It helps the characters are extremely relatable at times.
I drop my face into my hands. I suppose you're not a real adult unless you've had a breakdown on a toilet.
Bookstagram
Hiro is on a mission to kill his father who is set to be investigated by AEGIS for his dodgy dealings and research whilst protests ramp up and violence escalates.
Finally, new pov Lily is trying her best to manage her new position as Mother against the powerful and devious Aunt Marshae alongside her newly reunited twin, Castor.
This brought up questions of nature vs nurture and what makes us human, what precludes, evidences humanity.
”Humanity has already had their say. Their words were knives. Their cries were bullets."
This series brings up so many questions that we are set to face as a world in the future. The effects of climate change, the conservation of resources, new scientific inquiry, medical advancements.
Even though this seems like such a futuristic and sci fi world, it is pertinent to our world.
It helps the characters are extremely relatable at times.
I drop my face into my hands. I suppose you're not a real adult unless you've had a breakdown on a toilet.
Bookstagram
November 7, 2022
I AM NOT OKAY 12/10
November 8, 2022
*The Last Hero* (out today) wraps up the First Sister trilogy, one of my favorite works of recent years. For those who have already read the first two volumes of this fantastic space opera: good news! Its ending did not disappoint. For those who have waited to start because they wanted the series to finish before they picked it up: dive in! For those who haven’t heard of this series, have I got a rec for you! For those who know of this series and have decided not to start/continue it: your opinions are bad and you should feel bad!
(Kidding, of course, but I really cannot say enough good things about this series.)
Lewis has continued to apply their trademark of “shocking twists that, while jaw dropping, actually make perfect sense in retrospect.” This time, though, we get them early on instead of at the climax. Our protagonists have expanded again: everyone you would expect from *The Second Rebel*, plus Castor. Other new editions include the not-unexpected Pollux and the entirely-unexpected [REDACTED]. The conflicts among the Icarii, the Gaens, and the Asters continue, as well as the internal conflicts within each faction. Looming over everything, though, is the Synthetics. We learn so much more about them, what they’re up to and what and why they want it. The nigh-omnipotent post-singularity AI isn’t a new trope in science fiction by any stretch, but this is a take on it I greatly enjoy.
One thing I particularly want to commend Linden on is their portrayal of the different kinds of loving relationships that are possible. Loving relationships in art are, in general, either romantic or familial, though there are plenty of deeply explored relationships that aren’t either. What’s very rare is for a relationship to be neither familial or romantic and still identity-defining. What I can honestly say I don’t think I’ve ever seen before is for a non-romantic relationship to be *passionate.* The love that Lito, Hiro, and Luce share among the three of them is exactly that, despite Lito and Luce being siblings and there never being even a hint of sexual tension with either of them and Hiro. It’s an impressive, and deeply affecting, thing.
I feel a little bit possessive of this series. I’d like to think that my pre-publication “ZOMG THIS IS AMAZING!” review of the first book, and my booking Linden to do an /r/Fantasy AMA, helped this series along at least a little bit. (Plus I am totally justified in indulging my inner hipster and boasting that I was into this series before it was cool.) I’m just delighted in how this ended, and can’t *wait* to see what the author is coming out with next.
My blog
(Kidding, of course, but I really cannot say enough good things about this series.)
Lewis has continued to apply their trademark of “shocking twists that, while jaw dropping, actually make perfect sense in retrospect.” This time, though, we get them early on instead of at the climax. Our protagonists have expanded again: everyone you would expect from *The Second Rebel*, plus Castor. Other new editions include the not-unexpected Pollux and the entirely-unexpected [REDACTED]. The conflicts among the Icarii, the Gaens, and the Asters continue, as well as the internal conflicts within each faction. Looming over everything, though, is the Synthetics. We learn so much more about them, what they’re up to and what and why they want it. The nigh-omnipotent post-singularity AI isn’t a new trope in science fiction by any stretch, but this is a take on it I greatly enjoy.
One thing I particularly want to commend Linden on is their portrayal of the different kinds of loving relationships that are possible. Loving relationships in art are, in general, either romantic or familial, though there are plenty of deeply explored relationships that aren’t either. What’s very rare is for a relationship to be neither familial or romantic and still identity-defining. What I can honestly say I don’t think I’ve ever seen before is for a non-romantic relationship to be *passionate.* The love that Lito, Hiro, and Luce share among the three of them is exactly that, despite Lito and Luce being siblings and there never being even a hint of sexual tension with either of them and Hiro. It’s an impressive, and deeply affecting, thing.
I feel a little bit possessive of this series. I’d like to think that my pre-publication “ZOMG THIS IS AMAZING!” review of the first book, and my booking Linden to do an /r/Fantasy AMA, helped this series along at least a little bit. (Plus I am totally justified in indulging my inner hipster and boasting that I was into this series before it was cool.) I’m just delighted in how this ended, and can’t *wait* to see what the author is coming out with next.
My blog
December 6, 2022
What a perfect ending this whole series has my entire heart and has crushed and rebuilt me over and over
Thanks to the publisher for sending me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
Thanks to the publisher for sending me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
May 22, 2024
The good news? This series is finished and so is any continued effort required on my part. It was also another great experience with the buddies along for the ride with me. The bad news? Unfortunately, things did not quite end on a bang for this series. Which isn’t to say there weren’t some big events and big-ish twists and betrayals but I was instead overwhelmed by how the majority of this (particularly the first two sections) felt like the book-one era slog I had to force myself to push through. And also because so many of the characters I had felt emotional connections to throughout the first two books, who helped to push me through some of the worst of what came before, just didn’t end up being who I thought they were. Either for reasons that I could rationalize (begrudgingly) but not agree with or because I just couldn’t find myself caring anymore.
Which isn’t to say there weren’t an emotional moment or two that did make me feel something but, at least in the case of one situation, said emotional beats felt.. cheated by how things played out in the end.
I’m sad we are ending on something of a low note but at least this didn’t start out as a huge love only to disappoint. It was pretty middle of the road all the way through. Though it has to be said : the good parts were good. It just continually felt overwhelmed by other parts that weren’t. There was a lot of interesting and thoughtful dialogue in this series, about so many things, and I would maybe try this author again. Maybe this just wasn’t the right fit for me.
2.5 stars
--
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
Which isn’t to say there weren’t an emotional moment or two that did make me feel something but, at least in the case of one situation, said emotional beats felt.. cheated by how things played out in the end.
I’m sad we are ending on something of a low note but at least this didn’t start out as a huge love only to disappoint. It was pretty middle of the road all the way through. Though it has to be said : the good parts were good. It just continually felt overwhelmed by other parts that weren’t. There was a lot of interesting and thoughtful dialogue in this series, about so many things, and I would maybe try this author again. Maybe this just wasn’t the right fit for me.
2.5 stars
--
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
July 10, 2023
Bittersweet ending.
February 2, 2023
Feeling a bit bittersweet about this series.
I loved these characters to death but this is one of those series where as it expands, I feel like I lose that initial interest I had in the book because what drew me in was the characters and the initial dynamic between the three of them. I lose that feeling as the plot grows thicker, the world grows larger, and they’re thrust into different situations. So while I loved this last installment I could feel that disconnect happening.
With that said, Linden knows what they’re doing. They created such an expansive and amazing world that I’ve enjoyed experiencing though their lenses, I think book 2 was the most exciting in that seeing Luce navigate the more mundane aspect of this world really contrasted everyone else, in this one she obviously is a lot more involved in the political aspect of it, which isn’t a bad thing, but I did miss that little detail.
Anywho, I love how intricate and exciting the political aspect of the book was and how it just amplified book 2. That coupled by the twist and turns we experience throughout this book really made for a good finale.
I will always cherish Lito, Astrid, Luce, and Hiro though, and despite not getting what I wanted out of (some of) them, I love where they ended up and I love that this series came to a solid close.
If you’re a Red Rising fan you’d definitely be interested in this one 😉.
I loved these characters to death but this is one of those series where as it expands, I feel like I lose that initial interest I had in the book because what drew me in was the characters and the initial dynamic between the three of them. I lose that feeling as the plot grows thicker, the world grows larger, and they’re thrust into different situations. So while I loved this last installment I could feel that disconnect happening.
With that said, Linden knows what they’re doing. They created such an expansive and amazing world that I’ve enjoyed experiencing though their lenses, I think book 2 was the most exciting in that seeing Luce navigate the more mundane aspect of this world really contrasted everyone else, in this one she obviously is a lot more involved in the political aspect of it, which isn’t a bad thing, but I did miss that little detail.
Anywho, I love how intricate and exciting the political aspect of the book was and how it just amplified book 2. That coupled by the twist and turns we experience throughout this book really made for a good finale.
I will always cherish Lito, Astrid, Luce, and Hiro though, and despite not getting what I wanted out of (some of) them, I love where they ended up and I love that this series came to a solid close.
If you’re a Red Rising fan you’d definitely be interested in this one 😉.
July 21, 2022
I adored this challenging but ultimately uplifting conclusion. The books really shine as a complete trilogy - each instalment grows upon the others. I particularly enjoyed watching the world widen in The Last Hero - where on first reading of The Second Rebel, I found the new POVs jarring, here seeing all the different perspectives really enriched the narrative. I was also impressed by the really solid worldbuilding. Although this arc is over, I can definitely see the space for more stories from this universe, and this is a trilogy I'll revisit regardless.
Thanks to Gallery Books and Edelweiss for the ARC.
Thanks to Gallery Books and Edelweiss for the ARC.
November 26, 2022
I was expecting a lot more from this book and I think the main problem is that this book is far too long. The plot really drags for a majority of the book and then once things do pick up everything is resolved too quickly for my personal taste. You spend all this time waiting for things to happen and then the entire conflict is resolved in two chapters, it was quite anticlimactic. The addition of new POVs only served to make the book longer, and I feel like there was not enough balance between them to warrant including essentially 6 different POVs.
Overall, this isn't a bad trilogy I just feel like I never really became fully invested in the world and the characters and would have liked to see more development on that end.
Overall, this isn't a bad trilogy I just feel like I never really became fully invested in the world and the characters and would have liked to see more development on that end.
May 22, 2024
I'll write more of a review when I find the time but I will say this conclusion had too much Astrid and thankfully a happy ending for my Lito & Hiro because I would have raged otherwise
November 25, 2022
Brilliant ending to one of the best trilogies out there 😍
June 22, 2023
This whole trilogy is incredible. I really mean that. Lewis has built an incredible future world with complex societies that mirror our own, embroiled in wars both external and internal. The characters change a lot over the course of the three books, in ways that make complete sense, and are narratively necessary. I'm truly in awe of the talent here, because I think this is what every science fiction author attempts to do, but doesn't always achieve.
I know that a lot of people are intimidated by the description of the first book, The First Sister (and some people are intimidated by the cover - Hi, Ashley XD), because it sounds VERY heavy and perhaps a bit too close to home, in the way that The Handmaid's Tale is close to home. All I can say is, I was also intimidated, but reading that one was absolutely worth it. Especially now that I've read all 3 and can see the scope. I wish I had read them all more closely in time to each other, and I may actually reread them in the future so I can try to see all of the details more clearly. While The First Sister (who later gives herself a real name) is the focus in the first book, the other main characters get plenty of screen time. By the time this book rolls around, all of them have been given arcs, and all of them are amazing.
I think the most important thing about this series is how it holds a mirror up to some very hot-button issues in our current society, without flinching, and with no apology. Racism (species-ism?) is one of these, and there is mention of how empire is built on the backs of the enslaved. Additionally, there are many queer and trans characters in the books, and they deal with the concepts of acceptance and found-family. In fact, the dedication page for book 3 reads, "To all the queer and trans kids: Live. Even if out of spite. Your very existence is heroic."
I think that's a good place to end this review. It says everything you need to know about what is contained within the pages of the trilogy. I hope everyone reads all three.
I know that a lot of people are intimidated by the description of the first book, The First Sister (and some people are intimidated by the cover - Hi, Ashley XD), because it sounds VERY heavy and perhaps a bit too close to home, in the way that The Handmaid's Tale is close to home. All I can say is, I was also intimidated, but reading that one was absolutely worth it. Especially now that I've read all 3 and can see the scope. I wish I had read them all more closely in time to each other, and I may actually reread them in the future so I can try to see all of the details more clearly. While The First Sister (who later gives herself a real name) is the focus in the first book, the other main characters get plenty of screen time. By the time this book rolls around, all of them have been given arcs, and all of them are amazing.
I think the most important thing about this series is how it holds a mirror up to some very hot-button issues in our current society, without flinching, and with no apology. Racism (species-ism?) is one of these, and there is mention of how empire is built on the backs of the enslaved. Additionally, there are many queer and trans characters in the books, and they deal with the concepts of acceptance and found-family. In fact, the dedication page for book 3 reads, "To all the queer and trans kids: Live. Even if out of spite. Your very existence is heroic."
I think that's a good place to end this review. It says everything you need to know about what is contained within the pages of the trilogy. I hope everyone reads all three.
July 31, 2023
3.5 stars
The Last Hero is the epic conclusion to the First Sister trilogy and I think the author 100% accomplished what they set out to do, but it unfortunately wasn’t the most satisfying finale for me.
The series started out as a fairly character-driven and grounded sci-fi story, which is exactly what drew me into the story in the first place. I loved the intimate and emotionally-driven storytelling through the eyes of the 3 main characters, but over the course of the series the world and cast of (POV) characters just kept expanding exponentially, which is why the story ultimately lost me a bit.
I still enjoyed following some of my original favourite characters and was very emotionally impacted by how some of their personal arcs came to a close, yet there were also a few characters that I just did not care for at all. The scope of the story just became so grand that I started to get overwhelmed and the fast pacing prevented me from getting attached to the newer characters that were introduced later on.
Also, while I am very grateful that a queer-positive sci-fi series like this exists, I do think that the themes and messages became a bit heavy-handed by the end. There were multiple moments where I was just rolling my eyes at the (melo-)drama of it all, even though I wholeheartedly agreed with the messages that were being conveyed.
All that said, this was still a very entertaining and bingeable story and I am very glad I finished out the series. The author somehow maintains a relatively wholesome quality in their storytelling, while also tackling really difficult themes and brutally killing off their darlings, which I really loved. The stakes are so high, both on a personal and a wider world level, so that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire way through.
And ultimately, I will always be here for a diverse story with a heavy emotional impact, and this definitely delivered on that! If you are looking for a fast-paced and character-driven space opera with complex character dynamics, poignant themes, brutal twists and turns, and all the emotional destruction, then I highly recommend The First Sister trilogy!
The Last Hero is the epic conclusion to the First Sister trilogy and I think the author 100% accomplished what they set out to do, but it unfortunately wasn’t the most satisfying finale for me.
The series started out as a fairly character-driven and grounded sci-fi story, which is exactly what drew me into the story in the first place. I loved the intimate and emotionally-driven storytelling through the eyes of the 3 main characters, but over the course of the series the world and cast of (POV) characters just kept expanding exponentially, which is why the story ultimately lost me a bit.
I still enjoyed following some of my original favourite characters and was very emotionally impacted by how some of their personal arcs came to a close, yet there were also a few characters that I just did not care for at all. The scope of the story just became so grand that I started to get overwhelmed and the fast pacing prevented me from getting attached to the newer characters that were introduced later on.
Also, while I am very grateful that a queer-positive sci-fi series like this exists, I do think that the themes and messages became a bit heavy-handed by the end. There were multiple moments where I was just rolling my eyes at the (melo-)drama of it all, even though I wholeheartedly agreed with the messages that were being conveyed.
All that said, this was still a very entertaining and bingeable story and I am very glad I finished out the series. The author somehow maintains a relatively wholesome quality in their storytelling, while also tackling really difficult themes and brutally killing off their darlings, which I really loved. The stakes are so high, both on a personal and a wider world level, so that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire way through.
And ultimately, I will always be here for a diverse story with a heavy emotional impact, and this definitely delivered on that! If you are looking for a fast-paced and character-driven space opera with complex character dynamics, poignant themes, brutal twists and turns, and all the emotional destruction, then I highly recommend The First Sister trilogy!
December 16, 2022
WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW.
Have you ever thought about writing a book before? I have. But reading a book like this... I could NEVER write anything that ever holds a candle to the absolute genius that went into this book.
If you read Ready Player Two, this book is everything that book aspired to be and more. I see that some reviews of this book are calling it overly politicized, but I encourage those reviewers to examine why they felt that way. Because an over politicized book is characterized by an extreme and unapologetic lack of plot. This book has a stunning amount of action from start to finish. I remember at many points in the book, so much was going on that I thought I surely must be at the climax, but there was still half, 1/3, 1/4 of the book left, and what further ways could I possibly be destroyed? And yet the author gave me more and more. I was at once desperate to finish and heartsick that this book would ever be over.
If I could jump through the screen, grab you by the shoulders, and shake you while growling "you must read this book immediately" with an absolutely unhinged look in my eyes, I would. I would do it. In fact, picture me doing that to you right now.
Now obviously, you have to read the first two books. And yes, they are excellent. BUT.
If the first two books are five star reads, this one is TEN. TEN STARS. SCREW YOUR GOODREADS FIVE STAR RATING SYSTEM. I am now depressed because I'll never read anything this good again. Nothing else will compare. I can never read this for the first time again. But you my friend, YOU CAN.
I cried 45 times. I laughed a thousand. The pieces of my heart are shattered and I need you to read this so that we can have an emotional breakdown together.
Have you ever thought about writing a book before? I have. But reading a book like this... I could NEVER write anything that ever holds a candle to the absolute genius that went into this book.
If you read Ready Player Two, this book is everything that book aspired to be and more. I see that some reviews of this book are calling it overly politicized, but I encourage those reviewers to examine why they felt that way. Because an over politicized book is characterized by an extreme and unapologetic lack of plot. This book has a stunning amount of action from start to finish. I remember at many points in the book, so much was going on that I thought I surely must be at the climax, but there was still half, 1/3, 1/4 of the book left, and what further ways could I possibly be destroyed? And yet the author gave me more and more. I was at once desperate to finish and heartsick that this book would ever be over.
If I could jump through the screen, grab you by the shoulders, and shake you while growling "you must read this book immediately" with an absolutely unhinged look in my eyes, I would. I would do it. In fact, picture me doing that to you right now.
Now obviously, you have to read the first two books. And yes, they are excellent. BUT.
If the first two books are five star reads, this one is TEN. TEN STARS. SCREW YOUR GOODREADS FIVE STAR RATING SYSTEM. I am now depressed because I'll never read anything this good again. Nothing else will compare. I can never read this for the first time again. But you my friend, YOU CAN.
I cried 45 times. I laughed a thousand. The pieces of my heart are shattered and I need you to read this so that we can have an emotional breakdown together.
January 16, 2023
I extended a bridge of trust to the previous books in this series, which had good qualities and bad ones. The Last Hero repaid my trust in spades, as Lewis brings it all home in an explosive conclusion. The forces of war and evil have never been stronger, as the worst elements among the Icarii, the Gaen theocracy, and the Aster underclass strive to land a final killing blow in their multisided war. Meanwhile, our heroes have to navigate their weaknesses, their separation, and their love for each and for peace to find a solution before the whole blows up.
This is a confident, assured finale that has grown into its own thing and understands how to use multiple points of view with aplomb. Bravo!
This is a confident, assured finale that has grown into its own thing and understands how to use multiple points of view with aplomb. Bravo!
September 6, 2024
⭐️ 5 ⭐️
Do not sleep on this trilogy. If someone asked me about the most underrated book series, it’s this one! It’s so so good! The story keeps you on your toes the whole time and the plot twists are just insane! One of the best sci-fi series I have ever read.
Highly recommend!!! (And the books get better with each one!)
Do not sleep on this trilogy. If someone asked me about the most underrated book series, it’s this one! It’s so so good! The story keeps you on your toes the whole time and the plot twists are just insane! One of the best sci-fi series I have ever read.
Highly recommend!!! (And the books get better with each one!)
April 12, 2023
I wanted this book so badly to be a 5 star read and it just fell flat. The begging middle and close to the end was 5 stars but the resolution of everything left it feeling very… unresolved. But I still love it!
July 12, 2023
4.5 stars
May 22, 2023
As someone who absolutely loved and adored The First Sister and then came around to enjoying The Second Rebel almost as much as the first, it's truly disappointing that I did not enjoy this final installment as a conclusion to the series. I went back and read my reviews for each of the previous books (I read these as they came out, so I am many years removed from having started this series), and the common theme of my adoration came from the characters-- which I felt was lacking in favor of plot in The Last Hero. SO MUCH happens in this book, and I feel like it could have easily been split into two books, or edited down for a less expansive plot -- which is ironic because that was my one complaint in the first book, I wanted MORE.
Lewis definitely delivers on the action and devastation that comes from oppressive governments, and I felt like the story started off very strong, but once the plots started merging together it seemed like a race to the finish that wasn't given enough time to breathe. Major plot points and character growth are given a page or sentence of attention and then quickly dropped for another shocking revelation and plot point. I still love the characters and the story, but I just wish the pacing and character motivations just made a bit more sense.
I would still recommend this series as a whole, due to the incredible queer rep and immersive story, but I just wish the various story lines were edited down a bit to give more room for the characters in the last installment.
Lewis definitely delivers on the action and devastation that comes from oppressive governments, and I felt like the story started off very strong, but once the plots started merging together it seemed like a race to the finish that wasn't given enough time to breathe. Major plot points and character growth are given a page or sentence of attention and then quickly dropped for another shocking revelation and plot point. I still love the characters and the story, but I just wish the pacing and character motivations just made a bit more sense.
I would still recommend this series as a whole, due to the incredible queer rep and immersive story, but I just wish the various story lines were edited down a bit to give more room for the characters in the last installment.
August 4, 2023
I'm giving this 3 stars mostly because some of the plotlines didn't get satisfactory conclusions. The book is still enjoyable but I feel like the even more expanded number of characters PoVs some of the characters whose stories I was excited to see conclude got reduced to mere plot points. For example, Sorrel who in the previous book had a complex personality was reduced to his violence and lacked any of the charisma that made it believable that so many people would follow him. And that's true of many other storylines and characters
The book also had some really good writing ££decisions - for example, events of violence and mass destruction are often told in one-off chapters detailing the perspective of the people who experience them. This helps emotionally ground those large-scale tragedies. Another element that the book tackled was the topic of love - I loved how the author framed Leto as Hiro's grand love, rather than Astrid or another romantic partner.
The book also had some really good writing ££decisions - for example, events of violence and mass destruction are often told in one-off chapters detailing the perspective of the people who experience them. This helps emotionally ground those large-scale tragedies. Another element that the book tackled was the topic of love - I loved how the author framed Leto as Hiro's grand love, rather than Astrid or another romantic partner.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2022
Character - 9
Atmosphere - 10
Writing - 10
Plot - 9
Intrigue - 9
Logic - 9
Enjoyment - 10
Rating: 9.43 / 5 stars
Atmosphere - 10
Writing - 10
Plot - 9
Intrigue - 9
Logic - 9
Enjoyment - 10
Rating: 9.43 / 5 stars
November 24, 2023
Now this? This is how you finish a series!!!
I read The First Sister in July of last year and fell in love at once. Linden A. Lewis writes stunning characters, vibrant worlds, and fascinating plots. But I was so scared to continue. What if book 2 wasn’t as good? What if the series flopped? How could I cope with a bad follow up?? These concerns were heightened by some of my other series continuation’s: I frequently found myself disappointed with the characterisations or the plot directions (and everything in between). I really should not have worried.
The Last Hero begins several months following the emotionally tense end to The Second Rebel. We face the turmoil Lewis left us in almost immediately with some early revelations that packed a big punch. From beginning to end, I found myself totally engaged. Lewis wrote such an investing story that didn’t falter and continued through to an alarmingly incredible conclusion.
As with all this series, I want to note early that some of the content may be disturbing or triggering.
CWs: death, violence, medical experimentation, torture (mostly off page), rape (mostly off page), invalidating of gender identity
Once again, a highlight of this world for me is the easy, unproblematic, unflinching inclusion of gender and sexual diversity. The acknowledgment of both trans and non-binary characters is subtle, seamless, and delightful. I also deeply enjoyed the way Lewis’s human characters were from diverse backgrounds - specifically Japanese and Hispanic - not only because we love to see BIPOC rep but also because we seldom do in sci-fi, humans-have-lived-in-space-for-ages stories. There’s often this pervasive concept of humanity as an amalgamation of cultures and that those racial and cultural differences and identities cease to have meaning once we live in space. Couldn’t picture anything further from the truth! Finally, and worthy of individual acknowledgment, the characters with a disability!!!!!!! I don’t think I appreciated it as much when I read The First Sister and so cannot speak to it in that book but both books 2 & 3 have this fantastic spectrum of disability rep (that isn’t magically cured) and a big conversation about what it is to exist with a disability in that world.
I think the thing I want to talk most about is the ending but I also don’t want to spoil it for anyone so am treading with care. This fucking rocked!!! Lewis perfectly built the tension and atmosphere - not to overlook the conflict - to a perfect boiling point by the last 150 pages of this book and it slapped so gd hard!! The final conflict was perfectly timed - both in length and pace - and the resolution was believable and well crafted. I found almost everything about those last few pages perfect (except one specific relationship but I’m just not a second chance girlie so that’s a personal preference) and I’m kind of devastated that I can never read this again for the first time.
Linden - I hope you protect your peace and never read reviews so you won’t see this but I have to say it anyway, just in case: thank you. You wrote a fucking incredible series that tackled immensely complex topics and you made it seem easy. Thank you for writing these characters who I would die and kill for. Thank you for your casual, intentional, beautiful representation. Thank you.
Should you read this book, this series? Fuck yes!!!
I read The First Sister in July of last year and fell in love at once. Linden A. Lewis writes stunning characters, vibrant worlds, and fascinating plots. But I was so scared to continue. What if book 2 wasn’t as good? What if the series flopped? How could I cope with a bad follow up?? These concerns were heightened by some of my other series continuation’s: I frequently found myself disappointed with the characterisations or the plot directions (and everything in between). I really should not have worried.
The Last Hero begins several months following the emotionally tense end to The Second Rebel. We face the turmoil Lewis left us in almost immediately with some early revelations that packed a big punch. From beginning to end, I found myself totally engaged. Lewis wrote such an investing story that didn’t falter and continued through to an alarmingly incredible conclusion.
As with all this series, I want to note early that some of the content may be disturbing or triggering.
CWs: death, violence, medical experimentation, torture (mostly off page), rape (mostly off page), invalidating of gender identity
Once again, a highlight of this world for me is the easy, unproblematic, unflinching inclusion of gender and sexual diversity. The acknowledgment of both trans and non-binary characters is subtle, seamless, and delightful. I also deeply enjoyed the way Lewis’s human characters were from diverse backgrounds - specifically Japanese and Hispanic - not only because we love to see BIPOC rep but also because we seldom do in sci-fi, humans-have-lived-in-space-for-ages stories. There’s often this pervasive concept of humanity as an amalgamation of cultures and that those racial and cultural differences and identities cease to have meaning once we live in space. Couldn’t picture anything further from the truth! Finally, and worthy of individual acknowledgment, the characters with a disability!!!!!!! I don’t think I appreciated it as much when I read The First Sister and so cannot speak to it in that book but both books 2 & 3 have this fantastic spectrum of disability rep (that isn’t magically cured) and a big conversation about what it is to exist with a disability in that world.
I think the thing I want to talk most about is the ending but I also don’t want to spoil it for anyone so am treading with care. This fucking rocked!!! Lewis perfectly built the tension and atmosphere - not to overlook the conflict - to a perfect boiling point by the last 150 pages of this book and it slapped so gd hard!! The final conflict was perfectly timed - both in length and pace - and the resolution was believable and well crafted. I found almost everything about those last few pages perfect (except one specific relationship but I’m just not a second chance girlie so that’s a personal preference) and I’m kind of devastated that I can never read this again for the first time.
Linden - I hope you protect your peace and never read reviews so you won’t see this but I have to say it anyway, just in case: thank you. You wrote a fucking incredible series that tackled immensely complex topics and you made it seem easy. Thank you for writing these characters who I would die and kill for. Thank you for your casual, intentional, beautiful representation. Thank you.
Should you read this book, this series? Fuck yes!!!
December 31, 2022
AAAHHHHH
The first ~85% of this book was absolute perfection. I was constantly on the edge of my seat, wondering WOW if all this has happened already, what will be the climax?, tearing up at all the beautiful characters… and then the book lost me 😩 I wrote in my review for The Second Rebel that Lewis really knows how to end a book, but now I’m thinking she’s better at cliffhanger endings than complete series endings.
It’s just… the antagonists suddenly all became so one-note and cartoonishly evil, which was so disappointing in a series that has discussed genocide, classism, oppression, and retaliation in such nuanced ways. Even more disappointing was that these antagonists easily changed their minds after the protagonists just… talked to them. I’m sorry, but what? It shouldn’t be that easy. It felt like the author couldn’t figure out how to resolve the issues they had been building up to for so long. The tone shift was so extreme that it felt like the book went from serious adult fiction to silly motivational self-help woo 😭
Now for the things I adored:
- Astrid is perfect. I loved her entire storyline, and her reclaiming control of her body and life really resonated with me, as I’m sure it will for a lot of other women.
- Hiro is also perfect, and I loved reading about their struggles with their family, and learning to love themself and their body.
- The familial relationships in this were so strong they actually resonated with me so much more than the romantic relationships. Most of my cry sessions were about them. Hemlock and Luce, Luce and Lito, Hiro and their sisters, Castor and Pollux… all so good with beautiful and interesting dynamics!
- I also really enjoyed the chapters from the POV of “normal people,” which showed how the actions of the main characters affected everyone else who weren’t involved. It made the story feel more real, with real stakes that affected real people who had no choice in the matter.
Things I both loved and wished would have improved:
- No other romance in the series lived up to Hiro/Saito Ren and Astrid’s for me, which is one big reason I think the first book is my favorite of the series.
- One part of Astrid’s storyline was frustrating…
- The Synthetics storyline was kind of disappointing to me. I think the book would have really benefited from more page time with them.
- I also wish we got more from Hiro’s past.
To summarize, I will always think of this series fondly, as I loved so many of the characters and their relationships, and the world building and plot were all so interesting and exciting. I can see what Lewis was going for with the ending, so I can still appreciate it, but I feel like it could have been so much better. Since this is her debut though, I feel like their work will only get stronger! So I’m a fan for life 🫱🏻🫲🏼🫶🏻
The first ~85% of this book was absolute perfection. I was constantly on the edge of my seat, wondering WOW if all this has happened already, what will be the climax?, tearing up at all the beautiful characters… and then the book lost me 😩 I wrote in my review for The Second Rebel that Lewis really knows how to end a book, but now I’m thinking she’s better at cliffhanger endings than complete series endings.
It’s just… the antagonists suddenly all became so one-note and cartoonishly evil, which was so disappointing in a series that has discussed genocide, classism, oppression, and retaliation in such nuanced ways. Even more disappointing was that these antagonists easily changed their minds after the protagonists just… talked to them. I’m sorry, but what? It shouldn’t be that easy. It felt like the author couldn’t figure out how to resolve the issues they had been building up to for so long. The tone shift was so extreme that it felt like the book went from serious adult fiction to silly motivational self-help woo 😭
Now for the things I adored:
- Astrid is perfect. I loved her entire storyline, and her reclaiming control of her body and life really resonated with me, as I’m sure it will for a lot of other women.
- Hiro is also perfect, and I loved reading about their struggles with their family, and learning to love themself and their body.
- The familial relationships in this were so strong they actually resonated with me so much more than the romantic relationships. Most of my cry sessions were about them. Hemlock and Luce, Luce and Lito, Hiro and their sisters, Castor and Pollux… all so good with beautiful and interesting dynamics!
- I also really enjoyed the chapters from the POV of “normal people,” which showed how the actions of the main characters affected everyone else who weren’t involved. It made the story feel more real, with real stakes that affected real people who had no choice in the matter.
Things I both loved and wished would have improved:
- No other romance in the series lived up to Hiro/Saito Ren and Astrid’s for me, which is one big reason I think the first book is my favorite of the series.
- One part of Astrid’s storyline was frustrating…
- The Synthetics storyline was kind of disappointing to me. I think the book would have really benefited from more page time with them.
- I also wish we got more from Hiro’s past.
To summarize, I will always think of this series fondly, as I loved so many of the characters and their relationships, and the world building and plot were all so interesting and exciting. I can see what Lewis was going for with the ending, so I can still appreciate it, but I feel like it could have been so much better. Since this is her debut though, I feel like their work will only get stronger! So I’m a fan for life 🫱🏻🫲🏼🫶🏻
December 20, 2022
This is the final book in the First Sister trilogy, and the first thing I noticed about it is how much the writer has improved from the first book to this. This book is far more complicated, both plot and character-wise, than either of the two books preceding it. There are a great deal of plot threads to wrap up, and new viewpoint characters to explore. Frankly, I don't think the author who wrote the first book could have managed it all. But they pull off this book with aplomb, and bring the series to a satisfying conclusion.
This series reminds me of James S.A. Corey's The Expanse, with its competing warring factions: the gene-modded Asters in the Belt, the technology-leaning Icarii of Mercury and Venus, the religious Geans of Earth and Mars, and the cyborg Synthetics, who have established their civilization from Jupiter through the rest of the solar system and beyond. All of these sides meet in a titanic clash that threatens to result in human annihilation, until our main characters manage to avert it.
All of the characters have good character development, in particular Astrid, the former First Sister (an euphemism for a space comfort woman forced into the life from an early age) who turns into an effective leader and the driver of nearly the entire plot. Astrid discovers who she is and where she came from, and makes up her mind that though she has been abandoned and betrayed by many people, she is going to reclaim her life going forward. (In fact, Astrid becomes quite the badass throughout this book.) One character who died in the last book is resurrected as a Synthetic and reunited with his lover, and all the characters (well, except for the villain, who definitely gets his deserved comeuppance) end up in a good place.
This last book was over 600 pages, but due to the twisty plot, I think it earned the added length. If you like complex space opera, I think you will enjoy this.
This series reminds me of James S.A. Corey's The Expanse, with its competing warring factions: the gene-modded Asters in the Belt, the technology-leaning Icarii of Mercury and Venus, the religious Geans of Earth and Mars, and the cyborg Synthetics, who have established their civilization from Jupiter through the rest of the solar system and beyond. All of these sides meet in a titanic clash that threatens to result in human annihilation, until our main characters manage to avert it.
All of the characters have good character development, in particular Astrid, the former First Sister (an euphemism for a space comfort woman forced into the life from an early age) who turns into an effective leader and the driver of nearly the entire plot. Astrid discovers who she is and where she came from, and makes up her mind that though she has been abandoned and betrayed by many people, she is going to reclaim her life going forward. (In fact, Astrid becomes quite the badass throughout this book.) One character who died in the last book is resurrected as a Synthetic and reunited with his lover, and all the characters (well, except for the villain, who definitely gets his deserved comeuppance) end up in a good place.
This last book was over 600 pages, but due to the twisty plot, I think it earned the added length. If you like complex space opera, I think you will enjoy this.
December 14, 2023
OH, MY LOVES can a gal get a hug?!
What a wonderful finale to the second series I've EVER given ALL FIVE STARS to!!!!!!!!!! (the other is Daevabad) I honestly can't believe it and if you know me or have followed my reviews, this is a BFD.
completely immersive and engaging, Lewis has crafted a space opera for the ages. truly one of the more underrated series I've had the pleasure of reading. well, let me recommend this to you with MY WHOLE CHEST.
here are some elements you can find in this sci-fi:
- dismantling a corrupt religious group known as the Sisterhood
- rebel armies
- genetic altering viruses
- an oppressed people rising up
and we DID stick the landing. I felt the conclusion was justified. each character's "ending" was true to the story and their character arc without being completely spelled out. there were some elements that were up for interpretation but, ultimately, a clear conclusion and finale to the conflict. I feel Lewis balanced this well and the payoff was tenfold!
I do these reviews NON-SPOILER. I started to write out some vague but strong feelings I have towards some characters, but I couldn't without giving things away. Basically, if you're still reading this review, read "The First Sister" so I can freak out with you??
One of the easiest 5 stars I'll give this year. Will be in my top 10.
What a wonderful finale to the second series I've EVER given ALL FIVE STARS to!!!!!!!!!! (the other is Daevabad) I honestly can't believe it and if you know me or have followed my reviews, this is a BFD.
completely immersive and engaging, Lewis has crafted a space opera for the ages. truly one of the more underrated series I've had the pleasure of reading. well, let me recommend this to you with MY WHOLE CHEST.
here are some elements you can find in this sci-fi:
- dismantling a corrupt religious group known as the Sisterhood
- rebel armies
- genetic altering viruses
- an oppressed people rising up
and we DID stick the landing. I felt the conclusion was justified. each character's "ending" was true to the story and their character arc without being completely spelled out. there were some elements that were up for interpretation but, ultimately, a clear conclusion and finale to the conflict. I feel Lewis balanced this well and the payoff was tenfold!
I do these reviews NON-SPOILER. I started to write out some vague but strong feelings I have towards some characters, but I couldn't without giving things away. Basically, if you're still reading this review, read "The First Sister" so I can freak out with you??
One of the easiest 5 stars I'll give this year. Will be in my top 10.
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