The Crown of Rowan

Blood and Gold #0.5

by Kim Wilkins

There are seven kings in Thrysland. My father is one of them, and my husband is another. In my belly, perhaps, I carry a third.

Rose is the beautiful unhappily married daughter of a king and she has a secret to keep, not just from her husband but from her sisters, fierce warrior Bluebell, and Ash, a seer in possession of great but unknown powers. But larger events are afoot in Thrysland. The country is plunged into war with merciless raiders; religious zealots are at work on Rose’s husband, King Wengest, and more than that, there is a dark and deep magic at work throughout the land that threatens them all…

Genres: Fantasy, Novella

103 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Also writes under the name of Kimberley Freeman.

Reviews

[Lee at ReadWriteWish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantasy isn't my usual thing but I needed a fantasy book written by an Aussie author for a challenge and I started reading Kim Wilkins's Daughters of the Storm. During the first few chapters, I felt there was a lot of background story I was missing, so did a quick search if there was some sort of prequel books. This is when I discovered this book which is, I'm happy to report, available for free on the ebook retailers.

In Daughters of the Storm, the first full length book of the series, we follow the story of five sisters, all daughters of the king. In this prequel, the focus is on one sister, Rose.

For political and diplomatic reasons Rose is married to a neighbouring king. This arranged marriage might have worked but for Rose falling in love with her husband's nephew. The Crown of Rowan is mostly a sweet romance featuring Rose and her secret lover.

Despite my limited exposure to the fantasy genre, I am enjoying Daughters of the Storm. The Crown of Rowan is a nice extra but I must admit, it's not essential that you read it to understand the first book in the series. Luckily, the book's free so I don't have any difficulties in recommending it.

If I'd bought this book, I might have wanted a bit more of a definite ending but, as it is, it's a great little introduction to the Blood and Gold world.

4 out of 5

[Ari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting start to this series, very well written.

I was honestly (for shame!) not expecting this to be a world with as much depth and detail as this one seems to have, but I love it.

I can’t wait to start the first official book.

[Once Upon A Hobby · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good start to the series, which focuses on Rose, one of the five daughters. The book gives a bit of a background on the five sisters and more information regarding Rose and her situation.
So far, I recommend this book for those wanting to begin fantasy books and want a novella to see whether they like the genre.
Interested to see how the story goes for the five sisters.

2 🌶️[Closed Door Romance]

[Katharine (Ventureadlaxre) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally read in Legends of Australian Fantasy edited by Jack Dann anthology

[Nicola · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written and engaging novella but a little too short to fully deliver. 3.5 stars.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important part of the story, I recommend everyone read it before they read Daughters of the Storm!

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this introduction into DOTS so excited to read it :)

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great preview of what is an amazing series so far. Reels you in!