Publishers Weekly
08/22/2022
Van Praag returns to the fairy tale–inspired world of The Sisters Grimm with an unevenly paced sequel that picks up three years after the events of the first book. After defeating their demonic father, half sisters Liyana, Scarlet, and Goldie lead mundane new lives: Liyana works to keep her ailing aunt alive, Scarlet deals with a relationship crisis, and Goldie grieves the death of her love, Leo. Then their fourth sister, Bea, now living as a raven, talks Goldie into a dangerous plan to resurrect Leo on Goldie’s birthday, when her magic is at her strongest. When Liyana learns of this plot, she knows she and Scarlet won’t be able to stop Goldie and Bea—so instead they offer to help, hoping to mitigate the risk. But the attempted resurrection comes at a hefty price that none anticipate. Magic and mystery make this rich fantasy world come alive, but unfortunately the plot is not as skillfully crafted as its setting. The conflict is disappointingly easy for the sisters to dispel, and, despite the low stakes, the story often feels rushed. Still, the complex sibling dynamic keeps the pages turning. For series fans, just reconnecting with these magical characters may be enough. Agent: Ginger Clark, Curtis Brown. (Oct.)
From the Publisher
"Van Praag braids mystery, magic, and a vicious hunt for power into a dark, delicious story of four estranged, supernatural sisters." — Publishers Weekly on The Sisters Grimm
“Vividly drawn, evocative and complex, The Sisters Grimm is both absorbing and beautiful—a great achievement.” — Bridget Collins, author of the international bestseller The Binding
"Van Praag’s character-driven, lush novel . . . is a story determined to exalt the powers of the feminine and of sisterhood.” — Library Journal on The Sisters Grimm
"Never less than spellbinding." — Starburst magazine on The Sisters Grimm
“For the reader who relishes fantasy-battle tales or otherworldly feminist epics, The Sisters Grimm is a dream book.” — The Goshen News
“Enchantingly written...perfect for those who enjoyed Morgenstern’s Night Circus or the Starless Sea, but want a slightly darker twist.” — The Nerd Daily on The Sisters Grimm
The Goshen News
For the reader who relishes fantasy-battle tales or otherworldly feminist epics, The Sisters Grimm is a dream book.”
The Nerd Daily on The Sisters Grimm
Enchantingly written...perfect for those who enjoyed Morgenstern’s Night Circus or the Starless Sea, but want a slightly darker twist.”
Starburst magazine on The Sisters Grimm
"Never less than spellbinding."
Bridget Collins
Vividly drawn, evocative and complex, The Sisters Grimm is both absorbing and beautiful—a great achievement.
Library Journal
09/01/2022
In book two of van Praag's duology, the story picks up three years after the events at the end of The Sisters Grimm. The 21st birthday of the three remaining sisters is quickly approaching, the moment when they will be at their most powerful. The three will come together in Everwhere and use their combined powers to do the impossible. With the narrative split between just three perspectives, this second volume has a faster pace and is easier to follow than the first book, which featured five perspectives. But even with this narrowing, the cast of characters in this series is wonderfully varied, with several races and sexualities portrayed. While not a direct fairy tale retelling, the book provides a similar nostalgic feeling to the one evoked by many folk tales and fairy tales. VERDICT Fans of the first "Sisters Grimm" book will enjoy returning to Everwhere and the poetic prose van Praag weaves. This series will appeal to anyone who enjoys finding magic in everyday life and wants to get lost in beautiful language.—Carleigh Obrochta
