Ronnie K. Stephens

Fifteen-year-old Quinn faces an impossible decision in this quest of sisterhood and self-sacrifice.

The Kaleidoscope Sisters

Paige Green

Disclaimer: I received this book via KidLitExchange and Kaylie Jones Books. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Rating: 4/5

Genre: YA Fantasy

Recommended Age: 13+ (lots of death)

Pages: 266

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Synopsis: The Kaleidoscope Sisters is the first novel in a young adult series hinging on the indomitable spirit of young women. It centers on fifteen-year-old Quinn and her younger sister, Riley, who is dying from a degenerative heart defect. As the novel opens, Riley is weeks away from her seventh birthday, and her decline is obvious. Years in and out of hospitals have left the family with no support system, but Quinn is determined to save her younger sister. In her quest, Quinn discovers a portal to another realm peppered with characters based in history, all of whom disappeared mysteriously. Aiding Quinn throughout her journey in the Other Realm is Meelie. Quinn learns that a new heart for Riley can be harvested in the Other Realm, but not without sacrifice. While Meelie helps Quinn come to terms with an impossible decision, Quinn uncovers the truth about Meelie’s disappearance and why she never returned home. The book chronicles Quinn’s journey, focusing on the inevitability of loss and the realization that no matter what Quinn decides, her mother must lose one of her daughters. 

I was instantly drawn to this book because it was purple. Just kidding. Mostly. Anyways, I thought it was an interesting concept so I decided to read it and I was BLOWN AWAY! I thought this story was just so breathtakingly beautiful from start to finish. I loved the true sister bond in this book and I loved how this was one of very few books that talk realistically about childhood illnesses and childhood death. I also love the symbolism in this and I thought the character development and pacing were very well done.

My only tiny issue is that the plot was kinda out there. It was sometimes a bit too fantastical for my liking. It almosts takes you out of the story itself. I kinda wish that the world wasn’t real but was in Quinn’s mind… but for what I got I really enjoyed.

Verdict: A mix of contemporary and fantasy that is sure to transport you to a water well.

The Kaleidoscope Sisters

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