Cover of Red Sister
Cover of Grey Sister
Cover of Holy Sister
Series

Book of the Ancestor

3 books

The Book of the Ancestor series by Mark Lawrence has 3 books. Start with Red Sister (2017), then read the rest in the order below.

Book of the Ancestor reading order

1
Cover of Red Sister

Red Sister

Mark Lawrence

Nona Grey is a child of nine, falsely accused of murder and stolen from the gallows, only to be delivered to the formidable halls of the Convent of the Sweet Mercy. For ten years, she will be trained as a Red Sister, an order of women bound by ancient vows and formidable power. Within these walls, Nona must navigate a treacherous path of academic rigor, brutal combat, and the complex politics of the sisterhood, all while grappling with the dark secrets of her own past and the burgeoning power within her. Mark Lawrence masterfully blends elements of a dark coming-of-age story with intricate world-building and a compelling narrative, creating a unique and unforgettable tale of survival, ambition, and the making of a warrior.

FantasyEpic FantasyAdventure Fiction
2
Cover of Grey Sister

Grey Sister

Mark Lawrence

At the Convent of Sweet Mercy, young girls are trained in the deadly arts, and Nona Grey is rapidly becoming one of its most formidable students. As she advances through her studies, she must navigate rivalries, shifting loyalties, and enemies determined to reach her through the institution meant to protect her. Set against a richly imagined world of ancient powers and looming conflict, the novel explores identity, friendship, discipline, and the cost of choosing one’s own path. Mark Lawrence combines fierce action, dark atmosphere, and sharp character work in this compelling continuation of Nona’s story.

FantasyDark FantasyEpic Fantasy
3
Cover of Holy Sister

Holy Sister

Mark Lawrence

As the icy world’s ancient defenses begin to fail, Nona Grey must confront enemies within and beyond the convent walls while preparing for a conflict that could determine the fate of humanity. Told across two interwoven timelines, the story follows Nona’s growth from gifted novice to formidable warrior as she reunites with allies, faces painful memories, and embraces both her strengths and imperfections. Blending fierce action, dark humor, political intrigue, and deep bonds of friendship, the novel explores identity, sacrifice, loyalty, and the making of a true leader. It delivers a powerful, emotionally charged conclusion to the Book of the Ancestor trilogy.

FantasyEpic FantasyHigh Fantasy