Grey Sister: Book of the Ancestor, Book 2

In offering sometimes small insights into his characters’ inner lives, Lawrence elevates the second volume of his Ancestor epic fantasy series (after Red Sister) above similar books featuring a young woman who is separated from her family and taught to make the best use of her supernatural skills. Nona Grey, a peasant child who was sold into slavery, was found to have a rare combination of ancient talents including “manipulat[ing] the threads that are woven to create reality.” Her gifts have been nurtured by her teachers at the Convent of Sweet Mercy, who train girls to become assassins (called Red Sisters), but following Nona’s killing of a nobleman’s son, she is targeted for death by his father. Lawrence’s suspenseful account of Nona’s efforts to complete her training and gain control over her powers balances action and introspection, and will keep readers hooked. (Apr.)