Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Vesper Coven #1

Daughters of Sea and Storm

Rate this book
"And what is your destiny, Little Bird? Who will you be?"
Sixteen-year-old Wren Vesper is just like every other kid she trying to survive high school and figure out what she wants to do with her life. But when news of her grandmother's death reaches her, she discovers she is not like everyone else, and that question about what to do with her life may no longer be hers to answer. Wren and her mother return to Sedgwick Cove, the tiny coastal Maine town where her mother grew up, and there she learns the truth about the family she barely the Vespers aren't just a they're a coven.
Centuries ago, a bargain was struck and a powerful spell As long as three Vesper witches lived in Sedgwick Cove, the town would be safe from the dark forces that threatened its borders. Wren's mother reluctantly agrees to take her own mother's place as the third Vesper witch, but when she disappears under mysterious circumstances, it falls to Wren to navigate the dark and winding world of witchcraft she never knew existed.
Can Wren step into her own power before it's too late?

Daughters of Sea and The Vesper Coven Book 1 , is the first in a thrilling new series set in the World of the Gateway by E.E. Holmes.

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2023

1087 people are currently reading
1469 people want to read

About the author

E.E. Holmes

33 books1,047 followers
E.E. Holmes grew up near Boston, Massachusetts, where she spent the majority of her childhood reading books. She read them almost constantly, and as a result, perfected the art of walking and reading at the same time, a skill she can still perform to this day with remarkably few instances of falling on her face. She also wrote many books and poems in blank books and on the backs of legal pads her father brought home from the office. They remain some of her finest work.

She soon learned to love literature of the dramatic persuasion, and earned a B.A. in theater from the College of the Holy Cross. After graduation, she set out to prove that her degree was, in fact, not useless, and worked as a principal actor in a summer Shakespeare festival and as a theater teacher, directing over thirty productions and numerous workshops for youth and high school students. She spent several years as the theater director at Wakefield High School where she also taught English literature and public speaking. It was in her classroom that she discovered the horrible truth: a disturbingly large percentage of high school students hate to read. This revelation devastated and bewildered her. She decided she wanted to do something about it, and thus she started work on her first young adult novel, Spirit Legacy: Book 1 of the Gateway Trilogy, which has gone on to win awards from Chanticleer Book Reviews and Media and The Independent Publisher Book Awards. She is also the author of three one act plays, one of which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

E.E. Holmes lives in central Massachusetts with her husband, two children, and small, but surprisingly loud dog. When not writing, she enjoys watching unhealthy amounts of British television, procrastinating, and rediscovering her favorite books from her childhood all over again with her kids.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,195 (63%)
4 stars
506 (26%)
3 stars
164 (8%)
2 stars
15 (<1%)
1 star
10 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
Profile Image for Lilithya .
192 reviews2 followers
December 11, 2025
While I started liking this initially and eager to keep reading, I began to lose interest fairly quickly.

I didn't expect it to be so mundane, there wasn't much of a plot or any conflict that raised the stakes right until the very end.
49 reviews1 follower
November 2, 2023
When is Vesper Coven Book 2 coming out?

E. E. Holmes really knows how to create a delightfully creepy world! I can’t wait for the next book. I’m puzzled, though, as to how this is supposed to tie in with the Gateway World. Am I missing something, or will the connection be explained in the second book?
Profile Image for Hayley Freer.
6 reviews
February 1, 2026
Daughters of Sea and Storm pulled me in right away with its moody coastal vibe and the complicated sister dynamic at the center of the story. The magic and mystery unfold in a way that kept me curious without feeling overwhelming. A few parts moved a little slowly, but overall it was engaging, atmospheric, and left me wanting the next book. A strong start to the series.
Profile Image for Zinha69.
323 reviews40 followers
December 20, 2025
I was kind of surprised by this book was looking for a great witch book and I think I found one I love the characters. I love the storyline. I was really sad about the passing of one of the characters that we can’t all live forever anyways great great book. What a great little bird.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
485 reviews47 followers
January 17, 2026
This was the lamest book I read in 2026…so far. 🤦‍♀️ There was no depth to this story. I had no feelings for the characters, and there was nothing to this supposed Grey Man. I rolled my eyes through a lot of this story and forced myself to finish for book club, and because it was short.

I was looking at some other reviews and not sure we read the same story. 🤨
Profile Image for Kim Bekdernah.
61 reviews
November 3, 2023
Wonderful and exciting new series

Great new series from EE Holmes! Lots of excitement and mystery keeps you turning pages until you realize you have reached the end 😔. I have read all of her other series and was anxiously waiting for this new one and I was not disappointed. Thank you!
Profile Image for Teresa .
1,929 reviews4 followers
December 17, 2023
Meet the family

New series I am not new to this author but loved her other series that was original. So downloaded this without debate.
The overall is not original, 16 year old girl don't know she is a witch her mum ran with her when she was 3.but her gran dies so they have to visit the small town where secrets get unleashed.
The original is the mum is not dead but the author found a way to make 16 year old wren the leading lady of this series with help from New friends. (No spoilers) plus the evil bad guy is original and mysterious and very dark.
My only problem is I would of liked the kids to be 18 or 21. But I did like that there was no love interests of sparks after all you know 16. But not even oh look cute boy that 16 year olds would be thinking don't get me wrong I'm glad don't want to read that but if they are that age shouldn't they be thinking that? Which is why I wish they was a little older.
But that's me a good interesting read with room to grow, I look forward to sister banter in future books maybe ghost grandma to???? ( that's not a spoiler that me being hopeful)
Profile Image for Brenda.
101 reviews3 followers
March 22, 2025
Tantalizing talent

E .E. Holmes , has written the first book in a series that I have no doubt will enthrall you and enfold you into her marvelous world of witchcraft and fantasy. The Vespers will peak your curiosity like it did mine and make it impossible to stop reading their stories. I usually wait till I finish the author's entire body of work but this first tale was just too good to wait. So, go ahead and tuck in, a delightful word and story banquet awaits us both. Dig in!
Profile Image for Hannah Deverson.
59 reviews
December 22, 2024
Oh Wow! What an incredible start to the Vesper Coven series. I tried to read it slowly but the further I got into the book the more I wanted to learn more about Wren’s new journey with her mother, Kerridwen and her Aunts Persephone and Rhiannon.

I have read all of EE Holmes’s books and this one was just as wonderful.
8 reviews
May 24, 2024
This book was all about world building and the ending felt more like the beginning of a story. I love many of the books by this author but this one was a bit disappointing. The riftmagic saga is one of my favorite series and I really like the gateway series too. Would recommend both of those. Doubt I’ll read Any other books in this series though.
Profile Image for Corey Beth.
357 reviews4 followers
May 21, 2024
Loved it, another winner from the Awesome E. E. Holmes!

Every time I read a new book by E. E. Holmes, I think, wow, that's the best one yet! And then I read the next one, and it's even better! Daughters of Sea and Storm is the first book in a new series set in the same world as the Gateway Trilogy/Trackers series. And as I have come to find is the standard when reading E. E. Holmes, this story came alive in my imagination and swept me away.

The story is told from the 1st person POV of Wren Vesper, who is an ordinary high school student living a pretty ordinary life. But an unusual reoccurring dream/nightmare and her memories of her far-from-ordinary grandmother, Asteria, have created questions that her mother refuses to answer. When Wren turns sixteen she decides to take matters into her own hands, but before she can make her move, they learn that Asteria has died. Wren is devastated that she will never get the answers or have the relationship with her grandmother that she always longed for, but she can't help celebrating that Asteria's passing means her mom will finally take her back to the home they ran away from when Wren was a child, Sedgwick Cove.

As soon as they arrive, Wren is overcome with a feeling of belonging, and she knows that, somehow, this is HOME. But the return to Sedgwick Cove leaves her with more questions than answers, as she encounters one unusual person, place, or thing after another. I think that some people might find this book a little slow, because there is a lot of worldbuilding and character development, particularly in the first half, as Wren struggles to discover the answers to questions she never knew to ask. While the first half of the story is not action packed, it really gave me a sense of who Wren was. There was also a lot of information to unpack about the Cove itself, as there is so much history and backstory to explore.

The lack of action in the first half is made up for in the second half, as Wren learns the truth of who she is and deals with the fallout of Asteria's passing. This includes getting to know her two aunts and the other residents of the town. Honestly, the last quarter or so of the book— the climax and falling action— was in my opinion one of best endings Holmes has ever written (and that is really saying something, because I have read and loved everything she's written, most of it multiple times)! It was beautiful and exciting and powerful and wrapped the story up tight while still leaving so much possibility for future books in the series.

I could rave about Holmes's writing all day— and I have, since I've written glowing reviews for all of her books on Amazon & Goodreads. She has a way of writing such realistic, relatable characters; creating worlds that are filled with magic and the paranormal but still remain believable and feel possible; and exploring those worlds and characters through well thought out, expertly plotted prose. She is one of my favorite authors and I highly recommend not only Daughters of Sea and Storm, but also the World of the Gateway and the unrelated historical fantasy Riftmagic Saga. While the Gateway series takes place in the same universe as the Vesper Coven series, you don't have to read one to understand the other— though of course I suggest you read them anyway!

Bottom line, in case you haven't guessed, I adored this book. I am really looking forward to seeing what direction Wren's story takes from here on out. Another thing that is great about this book (and standard with Holmes's work) is that there is no cliffhanger! The story is wrapped up while leaving plenty of threads open to explore in upcoming books, which is something I wish more authors would do. The only issue I have with this book is that it's the first in an unfinished series and I have to wait to find out what happens next!

One last thing, I want to give a shout out because all of E. E. Holmes's books are available on Kindle Unlimited. KU is where I discovered her, though I promise she is an author whose work you will want to reread, so you might as well buy! Still, in my opinion she is one of the best authors on KU, and if you are on the fence about whether these books are for you, KU is a great way to find out! Happy reading! 😊
Profile Image for kathy.
1,484 reviews
February 5, 2025
I am a big fan of young adult novels. I went through a period with my granddaughter when we were reading a lot of dystopian novels together. Then we got into the fantasy/romantic themed novels. This book is a little different than what my granddaughter and I read together. It’s a novel based on witches in two different rival families.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Wren has no idea her mother is a witch, and her family are all witches! The thing that was fun about this book was there was some sort of mystery, but we didn’t know what it was. As the reader, we are in engaged completely trying to figure out what’s going on.

As layers are revealed, and Wren makes discoveries about her mother and her family it just keeps getting better and better.

I believe the author has a gift for storytelling. I truly was immersed and engaged throughout the whole book. I am looking forward to reading book number two. And by the way, I thought the ending was fantastic! It really left me wanting more!
429 reviews43 followers
December 26, 2025
There may be more to you than you know

Wren has always felt a little different but never knew why. Her grandmother's rare visits made her feel special, not odd but her mother was uneasy during those visits. By age ten Wren lost that connection when the visits stopped. She always dreamed of the day when she could drive herself to grandmother's home and reestablish and deepen that connection. Then word arrives of grandmother's death.

Wren and her mother return to her mother's ancestral home for the funeral and Wren's life is turned upside down. The secrets her mother has tried to protect Wren from must be revealed as the entire community enters into a battle of good verses evil. Imagine Wren's surprise when she finds herself in the thick of it.

With well drawn characters, an interesting community, questions of identity and more, this is an entertaining read.
Profile Image for Mikayla.
5 reviews
December 31, 2025
Typically, I am a lover and reader of romance and romantasy, but part of me was longing for a good old fashioned girlhood adventure. Who doesn't love girlhood that includes witches, magic, and a prophecy? If you loved Charmed, if you loved The Gilmore Girls, you will probably love this book.

This was an exceptionally well paced read! I was DEVOURING it page by page, and the story, in my opinion was perfectly formed, clear, and not overwhelming. Sometimes a book can overwhelm when it has a million side characters and far too many details thrown at you up front.

Our main character is a teenage girl and she is learning the world she has entered along with us, which makes this a fantastically easy world to get lost in alongside her. Part magical journey, part mystery.

What a great read, and I can't wait to jump into the next book!
155 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2024
Wren is a typical 16-year old, who lives with her single mum. Her mum is estranged from her family and Wren hasn’t seen her grandmother since her 10th birthday. When her grandmother dies, Wren and her mum must return to their hometown, and face up to the legacy they ran away from all those years ago.

I love E.E. Holmes’ works. I normally find her books unputdownable, but I struggled a bit to get into this one. I did enjoy it overall and will definitely keep going with the series. Young adult, as in clean, with menace but no violence.
3 reviews
May 18, 2025
Interesting read…

Akin to all epic stories, good triumphs over evil; light over darkness; good intentions over bad intentions, this story manages to set itself apart by bringing the age old drama into the 21st century. Although there are parallels that can be drawn to recent epic stories like Harry Potter, there are distinct differences. I anticipate more delicious fun in the next few books. Thanks for the momentary distraction from our own Darkness in reality. Now, if only I could channel some good magic…
93 reviews
December 2, 2023
Daughters of Sea and Storm is enthralling

If you, like me, devour tales of magic and good vs. evil, you will love this book, and the promise of more to come. The characters are very interesting, and promise to be even more so as they are developed in future books. The world is well thought out, a microcosm in our own world, and the hints of magic and power to come a delicious anticipation. Prepare to be pulled in!
Profile Image for Maria.
26 reviews
January 6, 2024
I love this author! Everything she writes is fantastic, and this new series is no exception. She creates such vivid worlds and mythology. You instantly fall in love w/ the characters. Towards the end, I was reading so fast because there was so much excitement! I was on the edge of my seat. You can see exactly what she’s writing - such wonderful descriptive language. Well done Holmes! I can’t wait for book 2 ;-)
Profile Image for Victoria.
475 reviews8 followers
January 17, 2024
Oh I cannot until the next book!

I really shouldn't have had any doubt that I would lobe this book as E.E. Holmes hasn't let me down yet. I love the way she sets a story, the way it so easily comes to life in your mind. That these new characters Wren, her family and friends don't feel new but like old friends you haven't seen for a while. The story the tell is consuming and riveting. You want to keep reading so you can find put what comes next.

I definitely can't wait until book 2!
Profile Image for Angela.
3,186 reviews12 followers
September 2, 2024
I've had this on my tbr for awhile now and as things have finally hit the fall months its time to break out the books with spooky or witchy stuff. It started off strong but by the ending I just wasn't all that invested in the characters or the story. I doubt I'll continue with the next book as this one just wasn't my type of story but the ratings are fairly strong so I'm in the minority of not liking it.
Profile Image for think for yourself.
1,738 reviews13 followers
December 17, 2024
1,5/5 ⭐️

I've meant to read this book for a while, and with winter finally here, I decided to pick it up. While the start was promising, I lost interest in the characters and plot towards the end. I'm not sure I'll read the sequel, as this one didn't resonate with me. However, it seems to be well-received by others.

notforme
Profile Image for KittySexy.
243 reviews
December 25, 2024
Muy buena la historia. Habia momentos que me desesperaba la madre de la protagonista por intentar que la protagonista no se enterara de nada aún después de saber que son una familia de brujas
Me gusta mucho el grupo de amigos de la chica y espero que ninguno de ellos se confule con la oscuridad
Ya sospechaba bueno era algo obvio que el Hombre Gris era la Oscuridad que tienen que luchar, también que la queria a ella y también que iba ser muy poderosa
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
82 reviews
November 5, 2023
Amazing read.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It only took me two days to read. They characters were brought to life beautifully. The story had many twists and turns as you were drawn into a world of magic and witchcraft. I am so hoping that there will be a follow up story to this. 10/10.
43 reviews
November 16, 2023
E. E. Holmes did it again!

I enjoyed this first book of the Vesper series just as much as Ms. Holmes' previous books. They are well written and well edited, easy to read and she brings the characters to life.
I like the different generations of characters and how they interact and her descriptions of places and people. I'm looking forward to more!!!
Profile Image for Teresa Lenihan.
179 reviews2 followers
November 18, 2023
Family secrets always come out no matter how far you run.

Wren is just living her life like any 16 year old. Totally unaware of her family history and the big secret her mother is keeping from her. It's not until they return to her mother's home town that Wren soon discovers all is not as it seems. I loved the start of this new series and cannot wait for it to continue.
4 reviews
November 26, 2023
Can’t wait for Book 2!

Really enjoyed this new series from one of my favorite authors! Thoroughly enjoyed the development of the characters, including the town, lol, which seems to be a character as well. By the end of the story I felt I had just gotten to know everyone and now I will be missing them until Book 2 is released!
Profile Image for Thompson615.
551 reviews5 followers
November 29, 2023
Soooo good!

This book was great! Wren and her mom live in Maine. Every year Wren’s grandmother comes for her birthday until after her 10th, her grandmother doesn’t come back. Wren & her mom go back to her childhood home, and Wren finds out there’s way more to her family than she could ever have imagined. I can’t wait to read more of the Vesper’s books!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.