Dive into the chilling, thrilling world of the Book of the Ancestor, where a young girl transforms from a condemned orphan to a deadly assassin nun in a frozen fantasy realm! Mark Lawrence’s gripping trilogy blends dark fantasy with sci-fi undertones, delivering a saga of power, loyalty, and survival that keeps readers on edge. Set on the icy planet of Abeth, this series follows Nona Grey’s journey through the Convent of Sweet Mercy, where danger and destiny collide.
With its fierce heroine, intricate world-building, and heart-pounding twists, Book of the Ancestor is a must-read for fantasy fans craving something fresh and bold. Let’s explore how this series came to life, its core stories, and why it’s left a lasting mark.
How Book of the Ancestor Began
Mark Lawrence, known for his gritty Broken Empire trilogy, crafted Book of the Ancestor as a departure, inspired by reading Enid Blyton’s Malory Towers with his daughter. This sparked the idea of an all-female school setting, but with a twist: instead of typical schoolgirls, his characters are trained killers. Launched in 2017, the series was shaped by Lawrence’s love for fantasy classics like A Wizard of Earthsea and his knack for subverting tropes, creating a world both familiar and wholly unique.
Lawrence’s background in physics and AI research adds a layer of precision to his world-building, grounding Abeth’s magical and technological elements. The trilogy—Red Sister, Grey Sister, and Holy Sister—was published between 2017 and 2019, earning praise for its bold female protagonist and unpredictable narrative.
The Heart of Book of the Ancestor
The series kicks off with Red Sister, where nine-year-old Nona Grey, falsely accused of murder, is saved from execution by Abbess Glass and taken to the Convent of Sweet Mercy. Here, girls are trained in combat, magic, and assassination. Nona, gifted with rare ‘three-blood’ powers from ancient tribes, navigates friendships and betrayals while uncovering her destiny. Grey Sister deepens her training, introducing darker elements like poison and shadow-weaving, as political intrigue threatens the convent. Holy Sister concludes with an epic war, where Nona faces impossible choices to save her world.
Themes of friendship, power, and corruption weave through the series. Abeth, a planet gripped by an encroaching ice age, is a vivid backdrop—its narrow, livable Corridor lit by a man-made moon. Lawrence’s style blends gritty action with poetic prose, and Nona’s growth from a naive child to a fierce warrior resonates deeply. The series’ hopepunk vibe—dark yet uplifting—sets it apart, offering a refreshing take on grimdark fantasy.
The convent’s unique structure, with paths like Red Sister (combat) and Mystic Sister (magic), adds depth, while ancient relics like shiphearts amplify the stakes. Lawrence’s refusal to lean on ‘Chosen One’ tropes keeps the story grounded, focusing on Nona’s agency and moral struggles.
Why Book of the Ancestor Resonates
Book of the Ancestor has carved a niche in fantasy for its strong female cast and innovative world. Fans on platforms like Reddit praise its character-driven storytelling and emotional depth, with Nona’s bonds inspiring fierce loyalty. Red Sister earned a 2018 David Gemmell Award nomination, cementing Lawrence’s reputation. The series’ blend of magic, science, and sisterhood appeals to readers of authors like Anthony Ryan or Tamora Pierce.
Its lasting appeal lies in its balance of darkness and hope, challenging readers to question power and sacrifice. As fantasy evolves, Book of the Ancestor stands out for its bold narrative and unforgettable heroine, sparking discussions about resilience and community in a harsh world.
- Publication Years: 2017–2019
- Books: Red Sister, Grey Sister, Holy Sister, plus short story Bound
- Award: Red Sister nominated for 2018 David Gemmell Award
Ready to brave Abeth’s icy wastes? Grab Red Sister and dive into Nona Grey’s epic journey in the Book of the Ancestor trilogy!