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lauraward's review
adventurous
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
nevanemo's review
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
recordofabibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
I read this as a standalone and it still made perfect sense. I really enjoyed the book.
Some areas I struggled to keep focused on but overall it was a great read!
Some areas I struggled to keep focused on but overall it was a great read!
ekearle's review against another edition
5.0
The Wailing Woman was my first Maria Lewis book after seeing her sassy tweets (I actually met her at Nova and got a copy signed before even reading it, so lots of faith here!), and it didn't disappoint! It was such a unique perspective, with such a varied cast (and lovin' the Aussie landscape in it). I actually went and picked up another book of hers yesterday right after finishing it because her writing style is so on brand.
roksyreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Following Sadie, a banshee whose voice is violently taken from her at a young age to protect those around her from the deadly-threat of the banshee wail, The Wailing Woman is a medium to fast-paced adventure rich in supernatural lore, action, familial-ties, and romance.
Technically, this is the fifth book in a series called "Supernatural Sisters", but I didn't know this until after I started reading it. I did need to pay more attention to world-building than I might when reading the first book in a series so I could catch on to the lore of this urban fantasy world, but this attention was easy to give.
The writing is solid and dependable. There are two primary (third-person) narrative perspectives that are well-defined and engaging, and the supernatural types Lewis has written in are as diverse as they are intriguing. Whilst the usual suspects appear - werewolves, demons, and the like - that this novel focuses on a banshee (and other banshees) is a refreshing take on the paranormal genre. In addition, how can you read the words "wombat shifter" and not need to read more?
And the supernatural diversity is one aspect; the story abounds with LGBTQIA+, POC, and disability representation, the likes of which I have rarely had the privilege of reading (this perhaps is partly a reflection on a need to expand my reading further, but it is also the nature of fiction/publishing which certainly favours particular types of representation over others). There's significant recognition of the culturally-diverse nature of Australia as a whole, and Sydney/New South Wales provides an excellent foundation for this, acting as the backdrop for a large portion of the narrative. I'm personally not particularly familiar with Sydney, having visited only on two occasions, but Lewis' descriptions painted a clear picture in my mind.
Whilst there are aspects of the story that I didn't gel with, I found the topics were dealt with in an even-handed manner that didn't feel pushy. And certainly, the fact that I already have the other books in the series in the mail from various sources is a pretty good indication that I have found a new favoured author, despite my - disagreement? disinterest? - in some aspects (spoilers below for those who are interested).
Full disclosure - I am Australian - so I might be slightly biased in that respect, but I have to say I really, really felt this one on a level I did not expect. The language, especially, was so perfectly Aussie that I often forgot that I was reading fantasy steeped in lore - it simply felt so familiar. It certainly isn't dense with jargon which other non-Australian's won't be familiar with, but there are turns of phrase which are quintessentially Australian that I loved to see in fantasy novels. This novel, as well as Lewis' others I suspect, should definitely be on your TBR if you're an urban fantasy fan.
-----
WARNING: Major spoilers below
I am childfree. By this I mean I choose not to have children and have no interest in ever bearing or raising them (unlike those who are childless, i.e. who would like to have children but for various reasons cannot). I do not dislike children, but I am generally indifferent to them. As a general rule, I do not like pregnancy-related tropes, and this book does end with a surprise triplet pregnancy (due to not taking birth-control correctly during the course of the story). On top of that is the knowledge that Sadie will be a single-mother because of course Texas had to die for various reasons. From the broader narrative perspective, with this being but one book in a series, I see why the pregnancy is incorporated and the children themselves appear to be important for future developments. However, I did not connect with this part of the story on any level. I will emphasise that this is the only aspect of Sadie that I didn't connect with, even though it does make sense on a character and story level.
Technically, this is the fifth book in a series called "Supernatural Sisters", but I didn't know this until after I started reading it. I did need to pay more attention to world-building than I might when reading the first book in a series so I could catch on to the lore of this urban fantasy world, but this attention was easy to give.
The writing is solid and dependable. There are two primary (third-person) narrative perspectives that are well-defined and engaging, and the supernatural types Lewis has written in are as diverse as they are intriguing. Whilst the usual suspects appear - werewolves, demons, and the like - that this novel focuses on a banshee (and other banshees) is a refreshing take on the paranormal genre. In addition, how can you read the words "wombat shifter" and not need to read more?
And the supernatural diversity is one aspect; the story abounds with LGBTQIA+, POC, and disability representation, the likes of which I have rarely had the privilege of reading (this perhaps is partly a reflection on a need to expand my reading further, but it is also the nature of fiction/publishing which certainly favours particular types of representation over others). There's significant recognition of the culturally-diverse nature of Australia as a whole, and Sydney/New South Wales provides an excellent foundation for this, acting as the backdrop for a large portion of the narrative. I'm personally not particularly familiar with Sydney, having visited only on two occasions, but Lewis' descriptions painted a clear picture in my mind.
Whilst there are aspects of the story that I didn't gel with, I found the topics were dealt with in an even-handed manner that didn't feel pushy. And certainly, the fact that I already have the other books in the series in the mail from various sources is a pretty good indication that I have found a new favoured author, despite my - disagreement? disinterest? - in some aspects (spoilers below for those who are interested).
Full disclosure - I am Australian - so I might be slightly biased in that respect, but I have to say I really, really felt this one on a level I did not expect. The language, especially, was so perfectly Aussie that I often forgot that I was reading fantasy steeped in lore - it simply felt so familiar. It certainly isn't dense with jargon which other non-Australian's won't be familiar with, but there are turns of phrase which are quintessentially Australian that I loved to see in fantasy novels. This novel, as well as Lewis' others I suspect, should definitely be on your TBR if you're an urban fantasy fan.
-----
WARNING: Major spoilers below
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pregnancy and Death
azebrareads's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
slc333's review
2.0
Crushed my heart.
Initially going to be a 4 star as I was loving up until right before the end. Then a certain event ruined my enjoyment. But that is a totally personal preference on how I like my stories. I would not let that discourage you from reading it as it is well written and I suspect many will love it regardless. So what I liked:
Sadie & Tex – they were great both as individual characters and together. So young, and so painfully in love, a bit awkward, and sweet and so right for each other. I loved the relationship between Sadie and her sisters and their closeness. And how Tex’s childhood fascination with the sisters and affection for Sadie, coupled with his horror and guilt from what his father did left him open to questioning things. And then he learnt Auslan for her even though he was sent away at 12 and never even new if he would see her again (my heart!). I also enjoyed seeing Sadie come into her power after what was taken from her as a child too.
And it was great to check in with Casper, Kala, Sprinkle and Creeper.
Now for those of you that want to know what dropped it from a 4star to a 2 star
Initially going to be a 4 star as I was loving up until right before the end. Then a certain event ruined my enjoyment. But that is a totally personal preference on how I like my stories. I would not let that discourage you from reading it as it is well written and I suspect many will love it regardless. So what I liked:
Sadie & Tex – they were great both as individual characters and together. So young, and so painfully in love, a bit awkward, and sweet and so right for each other. I loved the relationship between Sadie and her sisters and their closeness. And how Tex’s childhood fascination with the sisters and affection for Sadie, coupled with his horror and guilt from what his father did left him open to questioning things. And then he learnt Auslan for her even though he was sent away at 12 and never even new if he would see her again (my heart!). I also enjoyed seeing Sadie come into her power after what was taken from her as a child too.
And it was great to check in with Casper, Kala, Sprinkle and Creeper.
Now for those of you that want to know what dropped it from a 4star to a 2 star
Spoiler
Tex is killed by ta stray bullet just as Sadie saves him from the bad guys. Noooo. I loved him and how much he loved Sadie. I want happy endings for my couples not death.Spoiler
gothiebiovenom's review
5.0
I picked this up as my April read, though very late in the month because isolation depression and executive dysfunction is a thing.
I'm reading this as my pick for the Australian YA Bloggers and Readers 2020 challenge so I'm just going to copy over the review from the group as well.
1) What book did you pick for this month’s read?
[b:The Wailing Woman|50798212|The Wailing Woman|Maria Lewis|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1561036809l/50798212._SX50_SY75_.jpg|71399466] by [a:Maria Lewis|14677901|Maria Lewis|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1453900064p2/14677901.jpg]
2) Did you enjoy it?
Very, very much.
3) What rating would you give it out of five?
5/5
4) Was there anything in your book that touched you /resonated with you in some way?
Not really any touching/resonating, but I enjoyed the setting being Sydney and Newtown. Recognising things was fun
5) What was your favourite part of the book?
I enjoyed that as part of a series it was still a stand alone, as I hadn't realised it was part of a series when I picked it up as I did so as a "blind" pick up.
It was a little hard to get on board with the romance line of it because I felt like maybe there was some beginning to that in the other books that I was missing.
I love the inclusion of queer characters and that there was no questioning, it just was.
I'm loving the storyline and the way it's set up for more has me excited, so now I'll be hunting down the other books and stalking for the next one.
6) Who would you recommend read this book?
Fans of paranormal/supernatural fiction, people not after paranormal romance however
7) Try to sum up the book in one sentence.
You try to keep a banshee down and they will all come for you.
I'm reading this as my pick for the Australian YA Bloggers and Readers 2020 challenge so I'm just going to copy over the review from the group as well.
1) What book did you pick for this month’s read?
[b:The Wailing Woman|50798212|The Wailing Woman|Maria Lewis|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1561036809l/50798212._SX50_SY75_.jpg|71399466] by [a:Maria Lewis|14677901|Maria Lewis|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1453900064p2/14677901.jpg]
2) Did you enjoy it?
Very, very much.
3) What rating would you give it out of five?
5/5
4) Was there anything in your book that touched you /resonated with you in some way?
Not really any touching/resonating, but I enjoyed the setting being Sydney and Newtown. Recognising things was fun
5) What was your favourite part of the book?
I enjoyed that as part of a series it was still a stand alone, as I hadn't realised it was part of a series when I picked it up as I did so as a "blind" pick up.
It was a little hard to get on board with the romance line of it because I felt like maybe there was some beginning to that in the other books that I was missing.
I love the inclusion of queer characters and that there was no questioning, it just was.
I'm loving the storyline and the way it's set up for more has me excited, so now I'll be hunting down the other books and stalking for the next one.
6) Who would you recommend read this book?
Fans of paranormal/supernatural fiction, people not after paranormal romance however
7) Try to sum up the book in one sentence.
You try to keep a banshee down and they will all come for you.
lizzreads's review
5.0
For someone who hasn’t read anything by Maria Lewis before, I was sucked into the wailing woman and finished it in two days.
We follow Sadie, who is a banshee, as she loses one of her powers at the hand of a man, and continue to follow her throughout the story as she fights to stay alive, fights for her family and fights to be who she really is.
I’ve never read anything like this before and it was so refreshing.
The world building was amazing and her writing style just made me want to keep reading. The bond that Sadie has with her sisters was beautiful and was a centre point for the story.
I loved that all the characters shined on their own in their own ways, and each of them stood out to me which I loved.
And what’s not to love about a kick ass female lead who isn’t afraid to stand up and be herself?
Honestly, if you haven’t read anything by Maria Lewis before, you need to, and the wailing woman is a great place to start.
Thank you @hachetteaus for sending me a copy of this amazing book!
We follow Sadie, who is a banshee, as she loses one of her powers at the hand of a man, and continue to follow her throughout the story as she fights to stay alive, fights for her family and fights to be who she really is.
I’ve never read anything like this before and it was so refreshing.
The world building was amazing and her writing style just made me want to keep reading. The bond that Sadie has with her sisters was beautiful and was a centre point for the story.
I loved that all the characters shined on their own in their own ways, and each of them stood out to me which I loved.
And what’s not to love about a kick ass female lead who isn’t afraid to stand up and be herself?
Honestly, if you haven’t read anything by Maria Lewis before, you need to, and the wailing woman is a great place to start.
Thank you @hachetteaus for sending me a copy of this amazing book!
rcsreads's review
4.0
I'd previously read The Witch Who Courted Death by Maria Lewis and really enjoyed it. I didn't realise it was part of a series until I started reading this one and discovered they were set in the same world. I'm definitely going to try and get the first two and read the start of the story because werewolves!
.
The Wailing Woman follows Sadie Burke, a voiceless banshee and Texas Contos, an Askari (kind of magic police). They're forced to go on the run, discover hidden secrets and team up with a really cool Selkie!
.
If you've read the previous books you'll enjoy meeting some familiar faces. I'd forgotten how much I love Barastin! If you haven't read the previous books you can totally pick up at this one and still follow the plot easily. Plus, there really aren't enough books about Banshees.
.
It's a lot of fun and a lot of violence! Definitely worth ordering from your favourite bookshop.
.
Thanks very much to the publisher Piatkus for sending me a copy.
.
The Wailing Woman follows Sadie Burke, a voiceless banshee and Texas Contos, an Askari (kind of magic police). They're forced to go on the run, discover hidden secrets and team up with a really cool Selkie!
.
If you've read the previous books you'll enjoy meeting some familiar faces. I'd forgotten how much I love Barastin! If you haven't read the previous books you can totally pick up at this one and still follow the plot easily. Plus, there really aren't enough books about Banshees.
.
It's a lot of fun and a lot of violence! Definitely worth ordering from your favourite bookshop.
.
Thanks very much to the publisher Piatkus for sending me a copy.