Shriya, the main character and narrator of “Sisters of the Seventh Planet” by Teri Hoskins, tells us about how she turns from a young girl into a woman. She lives with her sister; both of them are healers who have a special gift but have to hide their talent because the local priest would execute anyone who practices what he calls witchcraft. Shriya doesn't really want the responsibilities her sister Gwenneth puts on her – from changing the direction of humankind in a positive way to marrying a man she doesn't love to produce a child which would continue the line of healers. After all, there is Parkin – Shriya's one true love through all ages and rebirths.

“Sisters of the Seventh Planet” by Teri Hoskins is a story with a familiar theme: people with special powers and insights into how the universe works but who are feared and even executed by the people who think their powers come from an evil source – in this novel this force is not the devil but an entity called the Gatekeeper. It reminds the reader a lot about how witches were treated in the past and how even innocent women were burnt at the stake. The various characters have clear motivations and are well-developed, so I did enjoy reading “Sisters of the Seventh Planet”. The story is interesting and you want to know what will happen and whether Parkin and Shriya have a chance even though it would be against all odds. I also wanted to know whether the priest would get away with his atrocities or would get what he deserves – but this is something you need to find out yourself. Teri Hoskins created an entertaining read and you will have to think about what you would do: would you be more like Gwenneth and put the survival of traditions first or would you be more like Shriya who simply wants to do what feels right? The book shows the contrast between people who truly believe in something and people who blindly follow a religious leader without questioning his actions.

The book begins in the mid-1500s, and is a tale of two sisters. The events are described by the younger sister Shriya. She and Gwenneth belong to a long line of healers who practice the sacred work, but since the rule of The Priest, they have been forced to heal the sick deep in the woods, or else they be punished by the Priest. On Shriya’s thirteenth year she is given a wand by her sister to help develop her inner sight. On her 16th year, she is given a crystal ball to let her see into the future. She is also told she must enter an arranged marriage to keep the bloodlines pure, but young Shriya is in love with a tribesman named Parkin. Gwenneth then struggles between her sister’s choice and the future of their lineage.

The book is fascinating in its own right. Although the author is highly influenced by Ramtha’s School of Enlightenment, it still sends a message that can be understood by all – belief in inner divinity that can take shape in many different forms because anyway, each individual on this earth is special. The bond between the sisters Gwenneth and Shriya is remarkable, and the two characters are easily likeable with the strength they show in their struggles against society, pride in their roots, and deep understanding of the people around them. In addition, the storyline is not hard to follow, but still highly engaging. This is only the first book in a trilogy, so readers can look forward to more exciting adventures that Shriya and Gwenneth will encounter. A very entertaining read!