Sisterhood Above All: A Book Review

    Sisterhood Above All follows three young women whose emotional worlds are shaped by the intensity of early adulthood, the choices they make, and the perceptions they carry — all of which converge when the story’s central mystery begins to unfold. I’ll admit I went in a little wary because of the college‑sorority drama and the young adult perspectives we were witnessing it from, but the book ended up being far more grounded and emotionally aware than I anticipated. Once I settled into the characters’ world, I could see how real their stakes felt to them — their priorities may look small or chaotic from an adult vantage point, but inside their heads, everything is high‑stakes. The book captures that beautifully. I found myself reflecting often, not because the story is heavy, but because it’s anchored by something honest underneath.

    One of the things I appreciated most about this book is its sense of narrative integrity. The authors and the entire team behind Sisterhood Above All created a cohesive experience: the cover, title, and description set clear expectations, and the story stays true to them. It’s a sorority thriller about ambition, belonging, and the messy power dynamics between young women — and it never pretends to be anything else. The book feels secure in its own identity (which is perfect, considering it’s telling the story of characters who aren’t), and that consistency made the reading experience feel honest.

    The book is written in the first‑person perspective of each of the three young women, and the POV work is strong. The chapter headers carry the character names, but the writing is what truly carries the distinction. Shay, Madison, and Ava each have their own rhythms, emotional priorities, and internal vocabularies, so I could tell whose mind I was in from their voice alone. I also appreciated that none of them felt one‑note; each girl believes she’s doing the right thing, even when her choices are flawed or outright wrong, and the book lets us see where they’re coming from without treating those choices as excusable.

    The mystery itself was engaging in its simplicity. The book deals with dark events, but the reading experience isn’t emotionally heavy — it feels like a thriller you can cozy up to and follow with ease. The pacing is brisk and the tone accessible, and I found myself moving through the chapters smoothly without feeling ahead of the story. I had an idea of where it might end, but not how it would get there, and the twists felt like discoveries made alongside the characters. It was satisfying in a way that let me simply go with the flow.

    There was one minor reveal toward the end that felt a little sudden, as if it was missing the micro‑beat that lets a realization breathe before it hits. It doesn’t break the story, though; I just think an extra beat from Shay, or within her conversation with Myles, would have elevated the moment. Even so, the later chapters flow well, and the momentum carried me easily to the finish.

    Overall, Sisterhood Above All is more than meets the eye. It’s easy to read without being shallow, and it’s more reflective than its polished sorority veneer suggests. The thriller may not have been heart‑pounding for me, but it never lost its sense of excitement, intrigue, or urgency. The book doesn’t push or pretend. It knows what it is, and I admire how everyone involved — from the authors to the cover designer to the marketing team — supports that identity with clarity and intention. A solid, satisfying read.

4 ⭐

Thank you to St. Martin's Press (Saturday Books) and NetGalley for the advance reading copy of Sisterhood Above All by Kathleen Barber and Amayah Shaienne.

Rating Guide: My star ratings represent personal resonance, not universal value. I admire writers for the courage it takes to be seen and the discipline it takes to create. Thank you!

• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 — Deeply resonant, even when I can’t fully put it into words
• ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 — Compelling and well-written
• ⭐⭐⭐ 3 — Not quite my style, but still enjoyable
• ⭐⭐ 2 — Had promise but didn't quite land
• ⭐ 1 — Fell short of what I hoped for

https://www.goodreads.com/ladyravenclaw