Kristi DeMeester has crafted a novel that doesn’t just ask what it means to break free, it demands it. And in doing so, she’s created a powerful testament to the fierce, unstoppable nature of women who refuse to be silenced.

The book played out its fascinating storyline with due praise and anticipation for the suspense that rolled out scene by scene, chapter by chapter. Dark Sisters kept me riveted to the very end and I was enthralled by the way each woman in the storyline faced and dealt with their conflicts. It aroused in me a feeling of compassion for the main characters and an appreciation of the joyous sisterhood portrayed in the novel. Camilla was a strong character who accomplished her goal of aligning her will with that of Florence/Anna’s though initially she had not realized that their blood coursed through her veins until later on when she discovered her father’s first edition Bible in his office with her family tree line within its pages.She took back for herself and for her ancestors what was stolen thus enabling her relatives to be put to rest at long last while reconciling their inherent magic to the all surrounding nature of beauty and abundance. This novel had a great ending and captured the main points of what the book attempted to relay to the readers: self-redemption and hope for the future.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author, for an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
"Dark Sisters" by Kristi DeMeester was one of the most unique, creepy, terrifying & interesting thrillers that I gave read in a long time.
This story is told in three different timelines which end up connecting all of the characters.
Great ending.
I would definitely read another book by this author.

Feminine rage, generational religious trauma, and tree that calls out to the women in Hawthorne Springs.
This book was amazing. The three povs from the different time periods flowed together perfectly, the suspense and mystery surrounding Dark Sisters was well done, and ending was so satisfying.

"Dark Sisters" is a masterpiece. Kristi DeMeester has crafted something extraordinary—a novel that's equal parts beautiful and terrifying, tender and brutal. Her prose is stunning, atmospheric, and deeply evocative. Every page drips with mood and intention.
The exploration of sisterhood, trauma, and the darkness we carry is handled with such care and ferocity. DeMeester doesn't flinch from the horror or the heartbreak, and that unflinching honesty makes this book devastatingly powerful. The characters are complex, raw, and achingly real—women shaped by violence and love in equal measure.
This is horror that cuts to the bone, that understands the weight of grief and rage and the bonds that tie us together even when they're forged in pain. DeMeester's voice is singular, her vision uncompromising.
A triumph. A book that will haunt you in the best possible way. If you love literary horror that dares to go deep and dark, this is essential reading. Absolutely brilliant.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

If you are a fan of books like Weyward (as I am) than you would definitely enjoy this. I was a bit worried it would be very scary/horror vibes which normally I don't love, but it was totally fine for me while still being unsettling.

This story is told in three different timelines, and is about a legacy of nature magic and malicious intentions across generations in Hawthorn Springs, and about women taking their power back from those who have hurt them.

We begin in the 1700s with Anne, a healer and someone who believes in the magic of nature and the power of the earth, being accused of witchcraft and fleeing with her daughter to a new homestead, but making a tragic sacrifice as part of their escape which eventually leads to the start of the Dark Sisters legend (no spoilers).

The second story takes place in the 1950s, and we follow Mary, a housewife in the Hawthorn Springs community which is home to a sort of cult-y religious following, The Path, who is repressing her sexuality and trying to be a good housewife and mother. She experiences some brief freedom in having her own job, where she meets Sharon, the love of her life, but of course things don't go well and this brings the Dark Sisters back.

The final piece takes place in the 2000s and follows Camilla, the daughter of the current leader of The Path and head figure in Hawthorn Springs, as she begins to become even more disillusioned with the Church and her mega-wealthy lifestyle and tries to figure out who the Dark Sisters are and what is happening to the women in her community who are continuously haunted by them.

Overall I really enjoyed this and read it in one day because it kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. If you enjoy time jumps and multiple narrators like me, then you would enjoy the structure of this story too. I also really appreciated the message of taking your power back and healing by accepting both the light and darkness within yourself. The nature magic stuff and the setting in the southern USA also really appealed to me. I would definitely recommend this one!

The author weaves different timelines and characters culminating in a satisfying climax of facing the "curse" that started in the past. We get from the different times (still relatable claustrophobic situations that women are forced into by society or patriarchal pressure) the different situations, how they try to cope and rebel against it, and to set themselves free. A mix of horror, historical fiction, with feminine rage, well written and intertwined.

First my thanks to St Martins Press and NetGalley for an ARC copy of this novel 🫶

Witches? Conservative religious cult? Feminine power AND rage? Sign me up.

This book is a great read if you’re looking for something to fill your horror bucket this fall (think more like folk/religious/witch horror and not like slasher horror).

The story is told from the POVs of 3 different women throughout history up to “today” times. Just when I thought I couldn’t feel more sadness and rage for each of the characters, something else happened and I felt even more.

The supernatural/witchy element is a major plot point for the story but I feel like the power of female rage that is so prevalent throughout, struck me as the bigger focal point. We see women supporting other women. And we see what happens when women turn on their fellow women as well.

All I can say is read it and feel the power of what women can do when they come together against oppression.

Historical horror has become one of my favorite subgenres lately. Dark Sisters by Kristi Demeester had me an emotional wreck at times. If you like dark witchy fiction do not pass on this book. This author was able to blend harrowing topics that we deal with today seamlessly into an intrepid story of feminism. Loved it. Get it.