What do you think?
Rate this book
Blood and Gold #1
Daughters of the Storm
Five very different sisters team up against their stepbrother to save their kingdom in this Norse-flavored fantasy epic--the start of a new series in the tradition of Naomi Novik, Peter V. Brett, and Robin Hobb.
FIVE ROYAL SISTERS. ONE CROWN.
They are the daughters of a king. Though they share the same royal blood, they could not be more different. Bluebell is a proud warrior, stronger than any man and with an ironclad heart to match. Rose's heart is all too passionate: She is the queen of a neighboring kingdom, who is risking everything for a forbidden love. The twins: vain Ivy, who lives for admiration, and zealous Willow, who lives for the gods. And Ash, who is discovering a dangerous talent for magic that might be a gift--or a curse.
But when their father is stricken by a mysterious ailment, they must come together on a desperate journey to save him and prevent their treacherous stepbrother from seizing the throne. Their mission: find the powerful witch who can cure the king. But to succeed on their quest, they must overcome their differences, and hope that the secrets they hide from one another and the world are never brought to light. Because if this royal family breaks, it could destroy the kingdom.
FIVE ROYAL SISTERS. ONE CROWN.
They are the daughters of a king. Though they share the same royal blood, they could not be more different. Bluebell is a proud warrior, stronger than any man and with an ironclad heart to match. Rose's heart is all too passionate: She is the queen of a neighboring kingdom, who is risking everything for a forbidden love. The twins: vain Ivy, who lives for admiration, and zealous Willow, who lives for the gods. And Ash, who is discovering a dangerous talent for magic that might be a gift--or a curse.
But when their father is stricken by a mysterious ailment, they must come together on a desperate journey to save him and prevent their treacherous stepbrother from seizing the throne. Their mission: find the powerful witch who can cure the king. But to succeed on their quest, they must overcome their differences, and hope that the secrets they hide from one another and the world are never brought to light. Because if this royal family breaks, it could destroy the kingdom.
437 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2014
191 people are currently reading
8324 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 374 reviews
July 1, 2017
Caveat: I received this book for free from my publisher. I read it as an Advance Reading Copy. I don't think this affects my feelings about the book, but I like to be transparent.
As always, I try to make my reviews spoiler free.
This is the first of a trilogy. It has a very satisfying wrap up, but some readers will want more immediately. I think it stood very well alone.
Strong female characters with 'agency'. (I really don't like using that word that way! But it has become the nomenclature.) This book has five really diverse female characters, the 'daughters' mentioned in the title. They each have and wield their own kind of power, sometimes without realizing how much power they truly possess. Some have some wisdom; others are ruled by lust and impulsiveness. None of them are endearing, cozy characters. They have varying degrees of fondness and loyalty to their father, the king. When he falls into a coma, some suspect evil magic. Each reacts in a unique way, influenced by rivalry and loyalty to their sisters.
In many ways, this is a book about how these women wield power, from physical violence to subtle undercurrent to treachery.
These are not Disney princesses.
As always, I try to make my reviews spoiler free.
This is the first of a trilogy. It has a very satisfying wrap up, but some readers will want more immediately. I think it stood very well alone.
Strong female characters with 'agency'. (I really don't like using that word that way! But it has become the nomenclature.) This book has five really diverse female characters, the 'daughters' mentioned in the title. They each have and wield their own kind of power, sometimes without realizing how much power they truly possess. Some have some wisdom; others are ruled by lust and impulsiveness. None of them are endearing, cozy characters. They have varying degrees of fondness and loyalty to their father, the king. When he falls into a coma, some suspect evil magic. Each reacts in a unique way, influenced by rivalry and loyalty to their sisters.
In many ways, this is a book about how these women wield power, from physical violence to subtle undercurrent to treachery.
These are not Disney princesses.
March 5, 2018
Daughters of the Storm by Kim Wilkins is the first book of the Blood and Gold series. I’ve seen this one marked as a young adult fantasy but my first warning would be there is sexual content along with of course some violence to make this one more for mature readers. The story does have a bit of a historical feel to it too taking place in a time where one traveled but horse and kings ruled the lands.
The story is of course told from multiple points of view with so many characters being involved. It begins with the King being extremely ill and his wife desperately wanting someone there with her sends for her son instead of the King’s own daughters but all come to find out of the illness and come together. Wanting to save their father the adventure begins to find a way.
Now of course as I said I was bit surprised to actually find this one being more adult than I was expecting. To me the book seemed a bit like a historical read with bits of magic added in to bring a fantasy element to it but also a bit of a drama read with some of the situations with relationships going on within.
I found myself for the most part enjoying the book and where the story headed but I will admit there were times I thought perhaps it was a bit much with so many characters headed in different directions. Some of the things going on with different characters would stand out more than others making it drag a bit waiting to get back to the parts that I found more interesting. But overall this wasn’t a bad start to a series with a bit of a cliffhanger type of ending to leave open for more to come leaving me to rate this one at 3.5 stars.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
The story is of course told from multiple points of view with so many characters being involved. It begins with the King being extremely ill and his wife desperately wanting someone there with her sends for her son instead of the King’s own daughters but all come to find out of the illness and come together. Wanting to save their father the adventure begins to find a way.
Now of course as I said I was bit surprised to actually find this one being more adult than I was expecting. To me the book seemed a bit like a historical read with bits of magic added in to bring a fantasy element to it but also a bit of a drama read with some of the situations with relationships going on within.
I found myself for the most part enjoying the book and where the story headed but I will admit there were times I thought perhaps it was a bit much with so many characters headed in different directions. Some of the things going on with different characters would stand out more than others making it drag a bit waiting to get back to the parts that I found more interesting. But overall this wasn’t a bad start to a series with a bit of a cliffhanger type of ending to leave open for more to come leaving me to rate this one at 3.5 stars.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
November 17, 2017
3.5 stars
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I am not a huge fantasy reader. I don't have anything against it, I just prefer other genres. But the description sounded good and I figured why not!?!
Five very different sisters (Bluebell, Ash, Rose, Willow, Ivy) set off on a journey to save their father who just so happens to be King of Thyrsland. He is very ill, in a coma-like state on the brink of death. It is determined that he is elf-shot. Someone has poisoned him and he needs magic to cure him. Bluebell is leading the journey to find the cure for their father. Her sisters are not as "excited" as she is to go on this journey but they all agree to go along. The five sisters are attempting to reach their aunt who is a practitioner of undermagic. They believe she is the one who can heal their father. Along the way we see their individual differences as well as their similarities (childish/immature and selfish). Finding the cure for their father is not their only issue, they also have a step-brother, Wylm, who wants the throne. But is he the only threat to the kingdom? On their journey the ladies/sisters learn that they all have secrets that could hurt themselves, the kingdom and Bluebell getting the throne.
Breakdown of sisters:
Bluebell - oldest. She is a warrior who will one day inherit the throne. She is pretty kick ass but often acts without thinking
Ash - the mythical one. She has a gift for magic. She has visions and has even seen her own "becoming". But is her gift really a gift or is it is curse?
Rose - married to a King of a neighboring kingdom but in love with another man who has fathered her young daughter.
Willow - who is very devoted to her religion. She views her sister as being heathens. *Ivy's twin
Ivy - who lives for adoration and the attention of men and is quite active in that department. *Willow's twin
I found this book to be beautifully written but at times did seem to drag a little. There are various POV sections throughout this book as each sister has a part to tell in this book. Through their individual POV parts we learn their thoughts, motivations, secrets and fears. Thankfully, each sister had her own distinct personality that helped the POV parts from being confusing. There are some twists and turns, some treachery, secrets, and secret agendas. As I stated there were some slow parts and I think the book would be better with a little more editing. Some may be turned off by the constant swearing. The characters are flawed. Good people do bad things and bad people do good things in this book. This is more of a fun read than an earth shattering one. I think this is a good book for that plane ride, day at the beach or hanging out inside on a snowy day. You wont walk away feeling as if you read great literature, but it is a good entertaining read. Don't we all deserve a book like that once in awhile?
This is the first book in a trilogy.
Thank you to Random House Publishing - Ballantine and NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I am not a huge fantasy reader. I don't have anything against it, I just prefer other genres. But the description sounded good and I figured why not!?!
Five very different sisters (Bluebell, Ash, Rose, Willow, Ivy) set off on a journey to save their father who just so happens to be King of Thyrsland. He is very ill, in a coma-like state on the brink of death. It is determined that he is elf-shot. Someone has poisoned him and he needs magic to cure him. Bluebell is leading the journey to find the cure for their father. Her sisters are not as "excited" as she is to go on this journey but they all agree to go along. The five sisters are attempting to reach their aunt who is a practitioner of undermagic. They believe she is the one who can heal their father. Along the way we see their individual differences as well as their similarities (childish/immature and selfish). Finding the cure for their father is not their only issue, they also have a step-brother, Wylm, who wants the throne. But is he the only threat to the kingdom? On their journey the ladies/sisters learn that they all have secrets that could hurt themselves, the kingdom and Bluebell getting the throne.
Breakdown of sisters:
Bluebell - oldest. She is a warrior who will one day inherit the throne. She is pretty kick ass but often acts without thinking
Ash - the mythical one. She has a gift for magic. She has visions and has even seen her own "becoming". But is her gift really a gift or is it is curse?
Rose - married to a King of a neighboring kingdom but in love with another man who has fathered her young daughter.
Willow - who is very devoted to her religion. She views her sister as being heathens. *Ivy's twin
Ivy - who lives for adoration and the attention of men and is quite active in that department. *Willow's twin
I found this book to be beautifully written but at times did seem to drag a little. There are various POV sections throughout this book as each sister has a part to tell in this book. Through their individual POV parts we learn their thoughts, motivations, secrets and fears. Thankfully, each sister had her own distinct personality that helped the POV parts from being confusing. There are some twists and turns, some treachery, secrets, and secret agendas. As I stated there were some slow parts and I think the book would be better with a little more editing. Some may be turned off by the constant swearing. The characters are flawed. Good people do bad things and bad people do good things in this book. This is more of a fun read than an earth shattering one. I think this is a good book for that plane ride, day at the beach or hanging out inside on a snowy day. You wont walk away feeling as if you read great literature, but it is a good entertaining read. Don't we all deserve a book like that once in awhile?
This is the first book in a trilogy.
Thank you to Random House Publishing - Ballantine and NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
January 14, 2019
Something is wrong with the king. His five daughters rush home from various parts of the world to try to figure out what is going on. No one likes a power vacuum.
Meanwhile, there's problems in the marriage of one of the sisters, whose alliance with the kingdom next door helps keep war to a minimum. Also, there's raiders who have a mysterious crow-shaped tattoo accosting people on the roads. So, there's a lot going on.
And that doesn't even take into account everything that is happening to the twins, the sister whose magic is awakening and the eldest, who stands to inherit the throne if her father dies.
"Bluebell wasn't a child. She knew one day her father would die and she would take his place. She had prepared her whole life for the moment, but it had always been abstract, like a story." pgs 17-18 ebook
The number of characters in this book may seem daunting at first, but Kim Wilkins introduces them slowly. It makes it easy to keep track of who is who.
"Her father was dying — and her father was the king of Almissia, the largest and most powerful kingdom in Thyrsland. And when he was dead... Well, what would they say? They could not caution her if she was grieving. A counselor's first law was that compassion comes before all else." pg 34, ebook.
That being said, the characters are rather flat. As for the sisters, we have the violent one, amorous one, magical one, religious one and promiscuous one. The "bad guys" feel rather the same too — fixated on achieving their goals at any cost, killing indiscriminately. There is very little gray area or layered meaning in this tale. (With one notable exception, but no spoilers!)
"Now everything had been twisted out of shape, the threads of his destiny balled in a hopeless knot. It would be a measure of the kind of man he was if he could smooth things out, take charge of his future, shape the world to his will." pg 191
Despite the simplistic characters, I would not classify this read as young adult. There's some violent and sexual situation that younger readers may find confusing. Also, one of the characters, when she can't think of anything else to say, just uses the f-word, which was disappointing. There are so many different ways to express frustration...
Honestly, I wanted more action in this story and better dialogue. I wanted more magic and less brooding angst. I wanted the sisters to band together and rage across the land like avenging Valkyries. I guess we don't always get what we want.
"Rose was silent, sulking. Bluebell responded by pretending she didn't notice. Ash lost herself in thoughts about her power, her Becoming, and how she was to try to make a future for herself." pg 203
The description of Daughters of the Storm says this book is "Norse-like" but I felt like it was more generic fantasy. I think the author was leaning towards a tale of warriors and gods, but we never quite got there. It was more of a promise unfulfilled.
For what it is though, it is engaging. Readers who like fantasy, large casts of characters and broad story lines may enjoy this book. As an added bonus, the second entry in the series, Sisters of the Fire came out this month, so you don't have to wait to read what happens next.
Meanwhile, there's problems in the marriage of one of the sisters, whose alliance with the kingdom next door helps keep war to a minimum. Also, there's raiders who have a mysterious crow-shaped tattoo accosting people on the roads. So, there's a lot going on.
And that doesn't even take into account everything that is happening to the twins, the sister whose magic is awakening and the eldest, who stands to inherit the throne if her father dies.
"Bluebell wasn't a child. She knew one day her father would die and she would take his place. She had prepared her whole life for the moment, but it had always been abstract, like a story." pgs 17-18 ebook
The number of characters in this book may seem daunting at first, but Kim Wilkins introduces them slowly. It makes it easy to keep track of who is who.
"Her father was dying — and her father was the king of Almissia, the largest and most powerful kingdom in Thyrsland. And when he was dead... Well, what would they say? They could not caution her if she was grieving. A counselor's first law was that compassion comes before all else." pg 34, ebook.
That being said, the characters are rather flat. As for the sisters, we have the violent one, amorous one, magical one, religious one and promiscuous one. The "bad guys" feel rather the same too — fixated on achieving their goals at any cost, killing indiscriminately. There is very little gray area or layered meaning in this tale. (With one notable exception, but no spoilers!)
"Now everything had been twisted out of shape, the threads of his destiny balled in a hopeless knot. It would be a measure of the kind of man he was if he could smooth things out, take charge of his future, shape the world to his will." pg 191
Despite the simplistic characters, I would not classify this read as young adult. There's some violent and sexual situation that younger readers may find confusing. Also, one of the characters, when she can't think of anything else to say, just uses the f-word, which was disappointing. There are so many different ways to express frustration...
Honestly, I wanted more action in this story and better dialogue. I wanted more magic and less brooding angst. I wanted the sisters to band together and rage across the land like avenging Valkyries. I guess we don't always get what we want.
"Rose was silent, sulking. Bluebell responded by pretending she didn't notice. Ash lost herself in thoughts about her power, her Becoming, and how she was to try to make a future for herself." pg 203
The description of Daughters of the Storm says this book is "Norse-like" but I felt like it was more generic fantasy. I think the author was leaning towards a tale of warriors and gods, but we never quite got there. It was more of a promise unfulfilled.
For what it is though, it is engaging. Readers who like fantasy, large casts of characters and broad story lines may enjoy this book. As an added bonus, the second entry in the series, Sisters of the Fire came out this month, so you don't have to wait to read what happens next.
March 6, 2018
The king is on the brink of death and his five daughters are on a mission to save him by finding a mysterious and powerful witch, the only person who can reverse the magic that is stealing his life. They must first learn to trust in one another, forget old rivalries and embrace the magic that is family. Only then will they be ready to find the witch and understand that familial discord and history has been repeating itself.
They share the same blood, but they are as different as five strangers can be, can the warrior, the queen who risks all for forbidden love, the vain princess, the religious zealot or the budding magic user save their kingdom and the crown? Treachery abounds as their stepbrother eyes the precious crown he does not deserve.
Kim Wilkins’ DAUGHTERS OF THE STORM is a tale of desperation, mistrust, and acceptance of others in the name of family and the good of the kingdom. Five powerful women, each with their own secrets, weaknesses and insecurities will be exposed at their best and their worst. How will they deal with each other? Will they learn to respect each other in spite of their flaws?
Epic fantasies are meant to journeys of discovery and this one is no exception. Told through different POVs we witness the turmoil beneath the surface of the tenuous relationships between these sisters who must learn to stand together against both the known and unknown evil that threatens them.
Filled with detail, this is definitely not a quick read as the threads entangle us into the unfolding drama. The author does not ask us to like the characters, but to accept what makes them “tick” and wonder if they are up to the challenges that lay before them. I am an epic fantasy fan, I enjoy all of the threads that entwine each layer, but there were times I felt bogged down, but as the first book of a trilogy, the stage has been set, the characters and their dynamic relationships revealed and their journey has truly just begun. I'm thinking the action is yet to come!
I received a complimentary copy from Del Rey!
Trilogy: Blood and Gold - Book 1
Publisher: Del Rey (March 6, 2018)
Publication Date: March 6, 2018
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Print Length: 434 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
They share the same blood, but they are as different as five strangers can be, can the warrior, the queen who risks all for forbidden love, the vain princess, the religious zealot or the budding magic user save their kingdom and the crown? Treachery abounds as their stepbrother eyes the precious crown he does not deserve.
Kim Wilkins’ DAUGHTERS OF THE STORM is a tale of desperation, mistrust, and acceptance of others in the name of family and the good of the kingdom. Five powerful women, each with their own secrets, weaknesses and insecurities will be exposed at their best and their worst. How will they deal with each other? Will they learn to respect each other in spite of their flaws?
Epic fantasies are meant to journeys of discovery and this one is no exception. Told through different POVs we witness the turmoil beneath the surface of the tenuous relationships between these sisters who must learn to stand together against both the known and unknown evil that threatens them.
Filled with detail, this is definitely not a quick read as the threads entangle us into the unfolding drama. The author does not ask us to like the characters, but to accept what makes them “tick” and wonder if they are up to the challenges that lay before them. I am an epic fantasy fan, I enjoy all of the threads that entwine each layer, but there were times I felt bogged down, but as the first book of a trilogy, the stage has been set, the characters and their dynamic relationships revealed and their journey has truly just begun. I'm thinking the action is yet to come!
I received a complimentary copy from Del Rey!
Trilogy: Blood and Gold - Book 1
Publisher: Del Rey (March 6, 2018)
Publication Date: March 6, 2018
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Print Length: 434 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
February 25, 2016
This is an extraordinary novel that once I started reading it, found it hard to tear myself away from. I didn’t read this book - I devoured it - greedily. In Daughters of the Storm, Kim Wilkins, a masterful storyteller, presents us with a rich and detailed historical fantasy featuring a poisoned king, his five very different daughters, and a land in existential and leadership crisis.
Drawing on her vast knowledge and love of Anglo-Saxon England, Wilkins gives us a vivid and diverse world where faith, magic and individuals collide and geographical borders are only as strong as the leader enforcing them. When the King of Thyrsland lapses into a magic-induced sleep, suspicion turns not so much outwards as one would expect, but inwards towards his family. His eldest daughter, the formidable warrior, the wonderfully named Bluebell, determines to rescue her father from this grave enchantment – not only because she loves him dearly and blindly, but also for the sake of the kingdom she will one day inherit. Recognising the power that keeps him comatose is the wild “undermagic” and the only one who can help them is someone of their own blood, Bluebell employs her sisters’ help. Along with her mostly unwilling siblings, she embarks on a journey to find a cure and in doing so bring the kingdom back from the brink of war. Tall, scarred, strong, capable and tattooed, Bluebell inspires loyalty and loathing in equal measure, and not just from her men or the enemies she encounters but, as she’s to learn, from those closest to her as well.
What Bluebell doesn’t bargain on is her sisters and the terrible secrets they hide, secrets that have the potential to not only undo her intentions, but tear the family apart as well.
While this is at one level a quest novel, the journey the main characters undertake is not simply physical, but psychological and emotional. So it is with Bluebell and her sisters who are also forced to examine the past and their own choices, in relation to the present and, indeed, the future. Mostly estranged from each other, they’re presented to the reader as three-dimensional characters with their flaws, foibles and strengths on display. Whether it’s the unhappily married mother, Rose, the mystic Ash, or the twins, the sanctimonious Willow and hormone-charged Ivy (both of whom you often want to slap in the face), they feel real and whole and thus you can appreciate the choices they make, even when you wince or wonder why. Complicated, and passionate, the shifting viewpoint in the novel allows us to get to know each of them over the course of the story and you find yourself allying with one then another, or despairing at what you know the outcome will be… only, in typical Wilkins’ fashion, you don’t know. They are not always likeable either, and I love that Wilkins has taken such a risk as making her major characters unattractive at times – just like real life. You may not always like them, but you do understand them – this is clever writing that doesn’t condescend to readers.
This is also where Wilkins excels as a novelist, in her ability to present readers not only with a terrific tale, but with complex, fascinating characters with their own rationale for action, gently exposing the deep motivations that drive them, even if they take a little while to be revealed. But it’s not only the women who are represented this way either. Daughters of the Storm also has some wonderful and imperfect male characters as well – from the slumbering king, to the bitter Wylm, the brutish Raven King, Hakon, the lonely undermagician, and the love-lorn Heath.
With a kicker-twist at the end, this is a marvellous book and my only disappointment is that I have to wait for part two of what is a simply brilliant addition to one of my favourite genres and from one of my favourite writers.
Drawing on her vast knowledge and love of Anglo-Saxon England, Wilkins gives us a vivid and diverse world where faith, magic and individuals collide and geographical borders are only as strong as the leader enforcing them. When the King of Thyrsland lapses into a magic-induced sleep, suspicion turns not so much outwards as one would expect, but inwards towards his family. His eldest daughter, the formidable warrior, the wonderfully named Bluebell, determines to rescue her father from this grave enchantment – not only because she loves him dearly and blindly, but also for the sake of the kingdom she will one day inherit. Recognising the power that keeps him comatose is the wild “undermagic” and the only one who can help them is someone of their own blood, Bluebell employs her sisters’ help. Along with her mostly unwilling siblings, she embarks on a journey to find a cure and in doing so bring the kingdom back from the brink of war. Tall, scarred, strong, capable and tattooed, Bluebell inspires loyalty and loathing in equal measure, and not just from her men or the enemies she encounters but, as she’s to learn, from those closest to her as well.
What Bluebell doesn’t bargain on is her sisters and the terrible secrets they hide, secrets that have the potential to not only undo her intentions, but tear the family apart as well.
While this is at one level a quest novel, the journey the main characters undertake is not simply physical, but psychological and emotional. So it is with Bluebell and her sisters who are also forced to examine the past and their own choices, in relation to the present and, indeed, the future. Mostly estranged from each other, they’re presented to the reader as three-dimensional characters with their flaws, foibles and strengths on display. Whether it’s the unhappily married mother, Rose, the mystic Ash, or the twins, the sanctimonious Willow and hormone-charged Ivy (both of whom you often want to slap in the face), they feel real and whole and thus you can appreciate the choices they make, even when you wince or wonder why. Complicated, and passionate, the shifting viewpoint in the novel allows us to get to know each of them over the course of the story and you find yourself allying with one then another, or despairing at what you know the outcome will be… only, in typical Wilkins’ fashion, you don’t know. They are not always likeable either, and I love that Wilkins has taken such a risk as making her major characters unattractive at times – just like real life. You may not always like them, but you do understand them – this is clever writing that doesn’t condescend to readers.
This is also where Wilkins excels as a novelist, in her ability to present readers not only with a terrific tale, but with complex, fascinating characters with their own rationale for action, gently exposing the deep motivations that drive them, even if they take a little while to be revealed. But it’s not only the women who are represented this way either. Daughters of the Storm also has some wonderful and imperfect male characters as well – from the slumbering king, to the bitter Wylm, the brutish Raven King, Hakon, the lonely undermagician, and the love-lorn Heath.
With a kicker-twist at the end, this is a marvellous book and my only disappointment is that I have to wait for part two of what is a simply brilliant addition to one of my favourite genres and from one of my favourite writers.
March 6, 2018
Ahoy there me mateys! I received this fantasy eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. So here be me honest musings . . .
I wanted to love this book, I really did. The publisher offered me an e-arc of this book because I adored the bear and the nightingale. And honestly it should have been an awesome read.
The story involves five daughters of a king. A king who happens to have fallen into a deep coma-like slumber. So all of the daughters are drawn to their father’s side to say their goodbyes. But what if it is not illness but a magical spell that holds the king in slumber? The sisters must find out quickly before the kingdom’s peace is torn apart.
I did enjoy the sisters for the most part. They are all named after plants –
- Bluebell – a warrior who is set to be the next king
- Rose – a mother whose unhappy marriage was the price for peace
- Ash – a student of magic who may possess magic she never asked for
- Ivy – a young girl who just wants admiration from everyone
- Willow – a zealot of a new religion who wants the world to convert
So I had two problems with this book. The first is that the plot was just plodding at parts. It took me forever to get into this book and I didn’t really get engrossed in the story until after the 60% mark. It could have been trimmed. There was too much time where nothing interesting happened and the characters were waiting around.
Which leads to the second problem. While the characters were waiting around, all of them were confused, upset, and could be annoying. The sisters seemed to never use their intelligence and instead made extremely rash choices that were a) stupid, b) completely emotionally based, and c) the worst possible choice. I thought it was ridiculous that all of them couldn’t seem to use logic and reasoning. I could sort-of accept it for Willow due to her particular set of problems but not for the others. Ultimately I didn’t totally like any of the sisters and found it hard to wish for success for any of them.
The one really fun note for me was the bad guy, Wylm. He is a step-brother by marriage. While his bad-guy motivation was rather lame (having the throne for the sake of being important) I did like that the author had him make some choices that took me completely by surprise. While most of his actions are caused by his cowardice and need to stay alive, he did have others that led to excellent plot lines and he actually used his brain. He could be crafty even if his underlying reasons were illogical. I also enjoyed how his portion of the story resolved in the first book.
Ultimately I would consider this an okay read. I found Bluebell and Ash’s sections to be very engaging at times. I did enjoy the magical system and would like to see that explored further. I am not adverse to reading the next book but I think I would wait for reviews from me crew before making the choice to continue the series.
So lastly . . .
Thank you Random House!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordp...
I wanted to love this book, I really did. The publisher offered me an e-arc of this book because I adored the bear and the nightingale. And honestly it should have been an awesome read.
The story involves five daughters of a king. A king who happens to have fallen into a deep coma-like slumber. So all of the daughters are drawn to their father’s side to say their goodbyes. But what if it is not illness but a magical spell that holds the king in slumber? The sisters must find out quickly before the kingdom’s peace is torn apart.
I did enjoy the sisters for the most part. They are all named after plants –
- Bluebell – a warrior who is set to be the next king
- Rose – a mother whose unhappy marriage was the price for peace
- Ash – a student of magic who may possess magic she never asked for
- Ivy – a young girl who just wants admiration from everyone
- Willow – a zealot of a new religion who wants the world to convert
So I had two problems with this book. The first is that the plot was just plodding at parts. It took me forever to get into this book and I didn’t really get engrossed in the story until after the 60% mark. It could have been trimmed. There was too much time where nothing interesting happened and the characters were waiting around.
Which leads to the second problem. While the characters were waiting around, all of them were confused, upset, and could be annoying. The sisters seemed to never use their intelligence and instead made extremely rash choices that were a) stupid, b) completely emotionally based, and c) the worst possible choice. I thought it was ridiculous that all of them couldn’t seem to use logic and reasoning. I could sort-of accept it for Willow due to her particular set of problems but not for the others. Ultimately I didn’t totally like any of the sisters and found it hard to wish for success for any of them.
The one really fun note for me was the bad guy, Wylm. He is a step-brother by marriage. While his bad-guy motivation was rather lame (having the throne for the sake of being important) I did like that the author had him make some choices that took me completely by surprise. While most of his actions are caused by his cowardice and need to stay alive, he did have others that led to excellent plot lines and he actually used his brain. He could be crafty even if his underlying reasons were illogical. I also enjoyed how his portion of the story resolved in the first book.
Ultimately I would consider this an okay read. I found Bluebell and Ash’s sections to be very engaging at times. I did enjoy the magical system and would like to see that explored further. I am not adverse to reading the next book but I think I would wait for reviews from me crew before making the choice to continue the series.
So lastly . . .
Thank you Random House!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordp...
February 28, 2018
Review from Tenacious Reader: http://www.tenaciousreader.com/2018/0...
Daughters of the Storm just grabbed me from the very beginning. I found the story to be fun and well paced, and the range of characters kept it interesting. There are five sisters, all daughters of the King, who is declining in health. Each of these women are incredibly different and each interesting in their own way.
The oldest sister, Bluebell, is a fighter that has pretty much shunned any marital or remotely feminine expectations of her. She is an amazing (and well known) warrior that has a very strong personality. I have to admit, I enjoyed her fierceness quite a bit. Rose is a sister that has been married off to help secure peace with a neighboring kingdom. She is a Queen, but she wants something different for her life. She feels trapped and would obviously prefer to flee if given the choice. Ash is interesting as she is quite powerful with magical abilities. She is way more powerful than anyone says she can be, so she keeps some of it to herself. And then there are twins, Ivy who kind of reminded me a bit of Sansa in the early Game of Thrones books (a bit eager for attention from boys that catch her eye and, well, maybe a bit vapid), and Willow who is obsessed with a forbidden religion.
One thing I enjoyed, and that found took me by surprise a bit, was how getting the perspective from one sister altered my opinion of another after getting their opinions and experiences with the character. It was different, and really helped to second guess the reliability of the narrators, not that they are being intentionally deceitful, but they are unreliable because of how they percieve themselves and the situations they find themselves in is a different experience from how another character will perceive them. This can be true of any narrator, but getting the viewpoints of different characters really helped.
Each of these women is driven, though each is driven in a completely different way from the others. And honestly, some are driven by motivations that are not ideal or really anything all that admirable, but to me that’s life. Some people are driven by motivations that seem a bit more shallow (and naive) and some people have trouble thinking beyond themselves and that’s the case with some of the sisters. Yes, there are a couple that I think might drive me a bit batty if they had a book dedicated to them and their views, but I felt like it balanced well overall.
An important thing to note about this book is much of the conflict is all drama with the sisters. I am not saying that as a bad thing, but I do know some readers prefer stories that focus more on conflicts with the grander scheme of the world, and less on interpersonal relationships. For me the relationships and personalities of the sisters was actually a bit addictive, wanting to know what would happen next. To be honest, there were a couple of times that made me a bit thankful I have no sisters.
I think an important lesson in this family is to trust no one. I loved the pace of the story and the personalities of the sisters. I am really looking forward to the next in the series.
Daughters of the Storm just grabbed me from the very beginning. I found the story to be fun and well paced, and the range of characters kept it interesting. There are five sisters, all daughters of the King, who is declining in health. Each of these women are incredibly different and each interesting in their own way.
The oldest sister, Bluebell, is a fighter that has pretty much shunned any marital or remotely feminine expectations of her. She is an amazing (and well known) warrior that has a very strong personality. I have to admit, I enjoyed her fierceness quite a bit. Rose is a sister that has been married off to help secure peace with a neighboring kingdom. She is a Queen, but she wants something different for her life. She feels trapped and would obviously prefer to flee if given the choice. Ash is interesting as she is quite powerful with magical abilities. She is way more powerful than anyone says she can be, so she keeps some of it to herself. And then there are twins, Ivy who kind of reminded me a bit of Sansa in the early Game of Thrones books (a bit eager for attention from boys that catch her eye and, well, maybe a bit vapid), and Willow who is obsessed with a forbidden religion.
One thing I enjoyed, and that found took me by surprise a bit, was how getting the perspective from one sister altered my opinion of another after getting their opinions and experiences with the character. It was different, and really helped to second guess the reliability of the narrators, not that they are being intentionally deceitful, but they are unreliable because of how they percieve themselves and the situations they find themselves in is a different experience from how another character will perceive them. This can be true of any narrator, but getting the viewpoints of different characters really helped.
Each of these women is driven, though each is driven in a completely different way from the others. And honestly, some are driven by motivations that are not ideal or really anything all that admirable, but to me that’s life. Some people are driven by motivations that seem a bit more shallow (and naive) and some people have trouble thinking beyond themselves and that’s the case with some of the sisters. Yes, there are a couple that I think might drive me a bit batty if they had a book dedicated to them and their views, but I felt like it balanced well overall.
An important thing to note about this book is much of the conflict is all drama with the sisters. I am not saying that as a bad thing, but I do know some readers prefer stories that focus more on conflicts with the grander scheme of the world, and less on interpersonal relationships. For me the relationships and personalities of the sisters was actually a bit addictive, wanting to know what would happen next. To be honest, there were a couple of times that made me a bit thankful I have no sisters.
I think an important lesson in this family is to trust no one. I loved the pace of the story and the personalities of the sisters. I am really looking forward to the next in the series.
August 23, 2014
Five daughters, compelled by fate, duty, and familial bonds, must journey to find a cure for the illness that consumes their father.
The warrior King of Thyrsland – the Storm Bearer – is deathly ill and smothered by wild fits of madness.
Bluebell, the oldest of the sisters and next in line for the throne, is determined to find the undermagician in their bloodline – the one who possesses the power to cure her father.
As the five sisters – Bluebell, Ash, Rose, Willow and Ivy –journey to find their powerful relative, their battles are not limited to violent raiders or dark magic on the road. Secrets, lies, and emerging rivalries threaten their relationships, safety, and the stability of their kingdom.
Wilkins’ prose fills your senses and connects you with this alternate version of Anglo-Saxon England, where the relentless pursuit of power and an innate sense of duty influence the lives of the characters. Legends of ancient battles, dragons, and giants stain the memory of its inhabitants, as old ways clash with new religion, magic coats the vivid landscapes, and new conflicts emerge.
Once again, Wilkins weaves magic and fantasy around our own histories, revealing the harrowing and heartening nature of human experience.
The only solace as I neared the final chapters of ‘Daughters of the Storm’ was the knowledge that this was only the beginning – the first book in a brand new series from Kim Wilkins.
For long-standing Wilkins' fans, this work will continue to impress. We are completely immersed, from cover to cover, in the world first introduced to us in the novella, ‘Crown of Rowan’.
For those who've never read her work before, I recommend you get your hands on this new novel due out in November.
It’s gold. Pure gold.
The warrior King of Thyrsland – the Storm Bearer – is deathly ill and smothered by wild fits of madness.
Bluebell, the oldest of the sisters and next in line for the throne, is determined to find the undermagician in their bloodline – the one who possesses the power to cure her father.
As the five sisters – Bluebell, Ash, Rose, Willow and Ivy –journey to find their powerful relative, their battles are not limited to violent raiders or dark magic on the road. Secrets, lies, and emerging rivalries threaten their relationships, safety, and the stability of their kingdom.
Wilkins’ prose fills your senses and connects you with this alternate version of Anglo-Saxon England, where the relentless pursuit of power and an innate sense of duty influence the lives of the characters. Legends of ancient battles, dragons, and giants stain the memory of its inhabitants, as old ways clash with new religion, magic coats the vivid landscapes, and new conflicts emerge.
Once again, Wilkins weaves magic and fantasy around our own histories, revealing the harrowing and heartening nature of human experience.
The only solace as I neared the final chapters of ‘Daughters of the Storm’ was the knowledge that this was only the beginning – the first book in a brand new series from Kim Wilkins.
For long-standing Wilkins' fans, this work will continue to impress. We are completely immersed, from cover to cover, in the world first introduced to us in the novella, ‘Crown of Rowan’.
For those who've never read her work before, I recommend you get your hands on this new novel due out in November.
It’s gold. Pure gold.
July 9, 2019
I absolutely loved the novella "Crown of Rowan: A Tale of Thyrsland", set in this world, which appeared in Legends of Australian Fantasy back in 2010, and have been eagerly awaiting the series since then. It was worth the wait – this is one of the best books I've read in ages! The worldbuilding is beautifully done – Wilkins has avoided the trap of overburdening the reader with too much information, but cleverly seeds details throughout the book, which increased the richness of the reading experience overall. The plot itself is actually quite contained, essentially distilling to the story of Bluebell's efforts to save her father, with other elements woven into and branching out from this task, but it works very well over the course of the novel.
And Bluebell! Bluebell is such a fantastic character – her strength and formidable personality are wonderful, but that's not even the most interesting thing about her. Bluebell's love and loyalty to her family take what could easily be a woman warrior cutout and give her so much more depth. Wonderful! Although I have to say, I think Ash is my favourite character, and Rose, despite her self-centred nature, is also thoroughly interesting – seeing the women grow and change (Ivy and Willow too, and even the character of Yldra, to an extent), is probably my favourite aspect of the book.
The ending is definitely worth a mention too – I know this book is intended to be a series, though it's not jacketed as such, and I was impressed by the way Wilkins manages to both draw everything together to create a hugely satisfying, self-contained story, while at the same time giving play to enough threads that a very fine sequel could be woven from them. I can't wait to see what that looks like!
And Bluebell! Bluebell is such a fantastic character – her strength and formidable personality are wonderful, but that's not even the most interesting thing about her. Bluebell's love and loyalty to her family take what could easily be a woman warrior cutout and give her so much more depth. Wonderful! Although I have to say, I think Ash is my favourite character, and Rose, despite her self-centred nature, is also thoroughly interesting – seeing the women grow and change (Ivy and Willow too, and even the character of Yldra, to an extent), is probably my favourite aspect of the book.
The ending is definitely worth a mention too – I know this book is intended to be a series, though it's not jacketed as such, and I was impressed by the way Wilkins manages to both draw everything together to create a hugely satisfying, self-contained story, while at the same time giving play to enough threads that a very fine sequel could be woven from them. I can't wait to see what that looks like!
July 26, 2019
WHERE CAN I FIND THE NEXT BOOK PLEASE?
Daughters of the Storm was highly entertaining. Throughout the book I couldn't quite decide which bad ass sister was my favorite.. but maybe with the ending I'm leaning more towards Willow. I mean.. come on? Is it even a competition at this point? Don't get me wrong Bluebell is a bad ass all on her own but that ending guys! I'm still freaking out!!
This book started off really well in my opinion. The King is ill and the Queen wants someone to be with him - little did she know by only telling one kid.. all show up. The daughters of these two weren't quite happy to find out that they were never told about their father's illness and now they want to do everything they can to make him better or to ease his pain. Turns out that someone has poisoned him and everyone is kind of pointing fingers - cough cough I'm look at the aunt right now.
Other than that, I really liked the dynamic between all the girls in this book. They talk and banter like real siblings do but ya know.. they also can throw axes for fun too. The one thing that did throw me off was the whole stepbrother thing and the thing at the ending as well. Again, it was good don't get me wrong but now that I think about it - I'm also cringing a bit. THEN again.. times were different and I'm sure this was a pretty common thing. Maybe? IDK READ THE BOOK.
Overall, I loved this book and I seriously can't wait to dive into the second one!
Daughters of the Storm was highly entertaining. Throughout the book I couldn't quite decide which bad ass sister was my favorite.. but maybe with the ending I'm leaning more towards Willow. I mean.. come on? Is it even a competition at this point? Don't get me wrong Bluebell is a bad ass all on her own but that ending guys! I'm still freaking out!!
This book started off really well in my opinion. The King is ill and the Queen wants someone to be with him - little did she know by only telling one kid.. all show up. The daughters of these two weren't quite happy to find out that they were never told about their father's illness and now they want to do everything they can to make him better or to ease his pain. Turns out that someone has poisoned him and everyone is kind of pointing fingers - cough cough I'm look at the aunt right now.
Other than that, I really liked the dynamic between all the girls in this book. They talk and banter like real siblings do but ya know.. they also can throw axes for fun too. The one thing that did throw me off was the whole stepbrother thing and the thing at the ending as well. Again, it was good don't get me wrong but now that I think about it - I'm also cringing a bit. THEN again.. times were different and I'm sure this was a pretty common thing. Maybe? IDK READ THE BOOK.
Overall, I loved this book and I seriously can't wait to dive into the second one!
March 7, 2018
This was a book that I was dying to read, so I am so disappointed that I didn't love this book as much as I was hoping I would.
I loved the author's writing style and the world she created, but the reason I couldn't love this book was because of the characters. I just could not get myself to connect to or care for any of the characters in this story. I genuinely COULD NOT STAND any of the characters.
None of the daughters were characters I ever wanted to root for. They were narcissistic, frustrating, dumb, and just so annoying. I get everyone has flaws, but I felt like they had no strengths that made up for their flaws. I also just couldn't understand their motivations. It was just so hard to relate to any of the daughters or even care about what they were going through.
I think this series has a lot of potential to be epic and mesmerizing, but the characters need a lot of development. I am crossing my fingers that the next book in this series will focus on that!
2 / 5 Fangs
*This ebook was given to me in exchange for an honest review. *
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
Facebook
Twitter
I loved the author's writing style and the world she created, but the reason I couldn't love this book was because of the characters. I just could not get myself to connect to or care for any of the characters in this story. I genuinely COULD NOT STAND any of the characters.
None of the daughters were characters I ever wanted to root for. They were narcissistic, frustrating, dumb, and just so annoying. I get everyone has flaws, but I felt like they had no strengths that made up for their flaws. I also just couldn't understand their motivations. It was just so hard to relate to any of the daughters or even care about what they were going through.
I think this series has a lot of potential to be epic and mesmerizing, but the characters need a lot of development. I am crossing my fingers that the next book in this series will focus on that!
2 / 5 Fangs
*This ebook was given to me in exchange for an honest review. *
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
July 23, 2016
One star lost because a dog died. Otherwise, an amazing read and I look forward to Sisters of the Fire.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2017
I was offered an ARC of this book and after reading the blurb fir it I thought it might be something I enjoy and I mostly did.
However there also were a few things that I didn’t like as much but overall it was a good book that you will enjoy if you like fantasy.
For me the story was a bit slow-paced, but I couldn’t figure out if it was the story line or if it was just me. The entire book is very descriptive, which is always nice but sometimes can slow one down.
I definitely enjoyed the story and the idea behind it. I couldn’t wait to see what will happen next. We get a little bit of everything in this book, action, romance, thrill, betrayal and a humor and of course plenty of suspense.
Now to the part I couldn’t enjoy as much. The Characters, and not just one but all of the sisters and other people you encounter in the book. For some reason I sadly had a very hard time to connect to any of the characters. While all five sisters were very different from each other they all were equally flat to me. They just came over as very 2 dimensional and I couldn’t connect or relate to any of them. Which made it seem long and sometimes boring.
Overall, like I said I enjoyed the story, just not the characters telling it so much. I might read the second book to see if it gets better and to see what happens next.
I rate the book 3 ★
However there also were a few things that I didn’t like as much but overall it was a good book that you will enjoy if you like fantasy.
For me the story was a bit slow-paced, but I couldn’t figure out if it was the story line or if it was just me. The entire book is very descriptive, which is always nice but sometimes can slow one down.
I definitely enjoyed the story and the idea behind it. I couldn’t wait to see what will happen next. We get a little bit of everything in this book, action, romance, thrill, betrayal and a humor and of course plenty of suspense.
Now to the part I couldn’t enjoy as much. The Characters, and not just one but all of the sisters and other people you encounter in the book. For some reason I sadly had a very hard time to connect to any of the characters. While all five sisters were very different from each other they all were equally flat to me. They just came over as very 2 dimensional and I couldn’t connect or relate to any of them. Which made it seem long and sometimes boring.
Overall, like I said I enjoyed the story, just not the characters telling it so much. I might read the second book to see if it gets better and to see what happens next.
I rate the book 3 ★
December 12, 2018
This is a book I'm going to need to read again to fully appreciate it. I wasn't feeling it 100% but still pushed through, wanting to move on in my TBR pile. I will definitely give it another go when I feel more into it.
I do want to note that I had been really excited about this one. It seemed to channel a lot of elements of books I know I already enjoy--roots in fantasy, medieval period, family coming together to overcome some challenge, budding sisterhood, strong women, the list could go on--so I went into this with high hopes.
Positives
-The writing style and the world. I really enjoyed how the author brought the world to life through language that was clear and direct. I seemed to breeze through parts of it simply because I enjoyed the writing, even if I wasn't fully invested in the characters and the unfolding story.
-That betrayal was solid and I didn't see it coming. Once I realized what was happening, I had to stop for a moment and recall the trail of crumbs that hinted at what was to come. It was really well done. I also want to reread this simply to see if there are other crumbs I can pick up on.
Negatives
-I love fantasy, and fantasy tends to have many POVs, but this book had A LOT of them and it was sometimes difficult to keep track. It probably took half the book for that to settle for me, but that is a long time to hang in there and be able to distinguish who is who.
-There were quite a few large chunks of the story that dragged for me, and in those moments I found the sisters somewhat annoying. Nothing seemed to be happening, the drive was lost, and I had to push through.
Overall, this series has some great potential and I'm hoping to see in the next book some serious growth for the sisters. I suggest giving this book a shot despite my meh/neutral feelings on it, because who knows! Maybe you end up loving it!
Also, before I forget: I received free books from Penguin Random House in exchange for this review. Gotta keep up with the disclaimers. :)
I do want to note that I had been really excited about this one. It seemed to channel a lot of elements of books I know I already enjoy--roots in fantasy, medieval period, family coming together to overcome some challenge, budding sisterhood, strong women, the list could go on--so I went into this with high hopes.
Positives
-The writing style and the world. I really enjoyed how the author brought the world to life through language that was clear and direct. I seemed to breeze through parts of it simply because I enjoyed the writing, even if I wasn't fully invested in the characters and the unfolding story.
-That betrayal was solid and I didn't see it coming. Once I realized what was happening, I had to stop for a moment and recall the trail of crumbs that hinted at what was to come. It was really well done. I also want to reread this simply to see if there are other crumbs I can pick up on.
Negatives
-I love fantasy, and fantasy tends to have many POVs, but this book had A LOT of them and it was sometimes difficult to keep track. It probably took half the book for that to settle for me, but that is a long time to hang in there and be able to distinguish who is who.
-There were quite a few large chunks of the story that dragged for me, and in those moments I found the sisters somewhat annoying. Nothing seemed to be happening, the drive was lost, and I had to push through.
Overall, this series has some great potential and I'm hoping to see in the next book some serious growth for the sisters. I suggest giving this book a shot despite my meh/neutral feelings on it, because who knows! Maybe you end up loving it!
Also, before I forget: I received free books from Penguin Random House in exchange for this review. Gotta keep up with the disclaimers. :)
August 11, 2019
I received Queens of the Sea via Netgalley and, instead of jumping in with that third book in the series, I decided to go back and start with Daughters of the Storm, the first.
I can’t remember reading anything in the fantasy realm since I was very very young, so I don’t have a lot to compare it to but, I must say, I really enjoyed this book.
This is the story of five sisters, daughters of the king, and I thought Wilkins did a pretty good job at giving them all equal time throughout. I do think, however, that Bluebell and Ash are the standouts and therefore, they naturally became the leads/heroines.
When their father, the king, becomes ill, the sisters band together to find a way to cure him, including searching for his [unknown and unspoken of previously] magician sister.
Bluebell is the eldest and, as such, the next in line to rule. She’s a real warrior, bloodthirsty and feared throughout the lands. Rarely does she show any softness and only those very close to her know she has a heart at all.
Ash, like her aunt, is also a magician. During the book she comes to the gradual realisation that her powers are much stronger than anyone, including herself, ever believed. Her storyline was definitely my favourite.
The other three sisters, Rose and Ivy and Willow, are all unlikeable at times but then, at other times, I really cheered them on. My feelings wavering like this made them seem more human and again, I thought Wilkins struck a nice balance.
Rose’s issues surround her forbidden love affair; Ivy’s her vanity, greed and jealousy; and Willow's her religious fanaticism.
Wilkins writes action really well. I had no problem imagining what was happening from her descriptive passages. She has plenty of opportunities to include these scenes too, given the adventure feel of the book as the sisters journey to the northern extremes of their kingdom and beyond.
I also enjoyed the strong theme of political intrigue spiced with just the right balance of feminism throughout the book. The main issue with Willow’s religion, for example, is that it doesn’t recognise women as rulers and relegates them to the traditional weaker sex. The fact that most of the males in line for the throne suddenly find this religion appealing is a little suspicious, to say the least.
Another thing I thought Wilkins did well was give this book a resolution whilst still hooking the reader with enough of a cliffhanger to make them want to read on.
I listened to the audio version and the narration by Lucy Price-Lewis was excellent. Although there were five female leads, it was always easy to discern whose dialogue was being read.
If I had one whinge about the book it would be the occasional needless swearing. I have a complete potty mouth but it seemed a little out of place in this universe and therefore, jarring. It’s only a minor gripe though.
As I said, I’m no fantasy expert but I would highly recommend this book and look forward to the second in the series.
4 ½ out of 5
I can’t remember reading anything in the fantasy realm since I was very very young, so I don’t have a lot to compare it to but, I must say, I really enjoyed this book.
This is the story of five sisters, daughters of the king, and I thought Wilkins did a pretty good job at giving them all equal time throughout. I do think, however, that Bluebell and Ash are the standouts and therefore, they naturally became the leads/heroines.
When their father, the king, becomes ill, the sisters band together to find a way to cure him, including searching for his [unknown and unspoken of previously] magician sister.
Bluebell is the eldest and, as such, the next in line to rule. She’s a real warrior, bloodthirsty and feared throughout the lands. Rarely does she show any softness and only those very close to her know she has a heart at all.
Ash, like her aunt, is also a magician. During the book she comes to the gradual realisation that her powers are much stronger than anyone, including herself, ever believed. Her storyline was definitely my favourite.
The other three sisters, Rose and Ivy and Willow, are all unlikeable at times but then, at other times, I really cheered them on. My feelings wavering like this made them seem more human and again, I thought Wilkins struck a nice balance.
Rose’s issues surround her forbidden love affair; Ivy’s her vanity, greed and jealousy; and Willow's her religious fanaticism.
Wilkins writes action really well. I had no problem imagining what was happening from her descriptive passages. She has plenty of opportunities to include these scenes too, given the adventure feel of the book as the sisters journey to the northern extremes of their kingdom and beyond.
I also enjoyed the strong theme of political intrigue spiced with just the right balance of feminism throughout the book. The main issue with Willow’s religion, for example, is that it doesn’t recognise women as rulers and relegates them to the traditional weaker sex. The fact that most of the males in line for the throne suddenly find this religion appealing is a little suspicious, to say the least.
Another thing I thought Wilkins did well was give this book a resolution whilst still hooking the reader with enough of a cliffhanger to make them want to read on.
I listened to the audio version and the narration by Lucy Price-Lewis was excellent. Although there were five female leads, it was always easy to discern whose dialogue was being read.
If I had one whinge about the book it would be the occasional needless swearing. I have a complete potty mouth but it seemed a little out of place in this universe and therefore, jarring. It’s only a minor gripe though.
As I said, I’m no fantasy expert but I would highly recommend this book and look forward to the second in the series.
4 ½ out of 5
October 28, 2016
Not a bad read, but I had a lot of trouble caring about any of these characters, to be honest. I'm afraid I won't be continuing the series.
March 11, 2018
I legitimately can't figure out if I liked this book or not. Some characters are so fucking stupid and annoying but I really liked some other characters and the writing was decent... 🤔🤔🤔 Have to figure this out before Sunday's video
December 30, 2017
This book was a first Kim Wilkins for me. And I was pleasantly surprised with her writing style.
However the characters left much to be desired in my opinion.
I understand that good characters should have strengths and weaknesses, virtues and flaws.
But all of these characters, these sisters. Drove me crazy. They all appear to be just as bad as each other. The only mildly interesting character whose opinions, thoughts and actions didn't drive me to shake my book in frustration, was the mystical Ash.
Bluebell I believe was supposed to come across as an incredible warrior princess, instead came across as a foolish and bullheaded idiot. With no strategic sense, that a trained warrior would have. Her actions were in my opinion not those of a true warrior.
Rose, Ivy and Willow were all incredibly narcissistic. And beyond irritating!
I ended not caring what happened to these sisters or family.
There was hardly anything appealing about these characters and I struggled to believe in their motivations. Even though I know people are selfish in reality, when characters are through and through selfish it makes it tough reading. I couldn't relate to them.
I wanted so much to love this book, but I just didn't.
It was recommended to me, but at this stage I don't think I will continue with the next one.
However the characters left much to be desired in my opinion.
I understand that good characters should have strengths and weaknesses, virtues and flaws.
But all of these characters, these sisters. Drove me crazy. They all appear to be just as bad as each other. The only mildly interesting character whose opinions, thoughts and actions didn't drive me to shake my book in frustration, was the mystical Ash.
Bluebell I believe was supposed to come across as an incredible warrior princess, instead came across as a foolish and bullheaded idiot. With no strategic sense, that a trained warrior would have. Her actions were in my opinion not those of a true warrior.
Rose, Ivy and Willow were all incredibly narcissistic. And beyond irritating!
I ended not caring what happened to these sisters or family.
There was hardly anything appealing about these characters and I struggled to believe in their motivations. Even though I know people are selfish in reality, when characters are through and through selfish it makes it tough reading. I couldn't relate to them.
I wanted so much to love this book, but I just didn't.
It was recommended to me, but at this stage I don't think I will continue with the next one.
July 8, 2018
This fantasy epic is set in a world like the Norse - Celtic - early Christian world. Violence, strong language and mature themes from the start. The story follows five adult sisters and a brother by marriage, who are possibles to inherit the throne as the current king lies very ill. If the new (thinly disguised Christian) religion is accepted by the king, his people cannot demur, and nor can they put a woman on the throne. One particularly dim sister has devoted herself to this religion, but the others are getting on with life, as a swordswoman, a mother and so on while acknowledging the old pantheon of gods.
The descriptions are good and life is quite hard and harsh with much regional turbulence. I didn't love that the author is clearly setting up for a marathon so doesn't try to move along smartly nor to have resolutions. However if you are in the mood for a long fantasy series you may enjoy this one.
I was sent an e-ARC through Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
The descriptions are good and life is quite hard and harsh with much regional turbulence. I didn't love that the author is clearly setting up for a marathon so doesn't try to move along smartly nor to have resolutions. However if you are in the mood for a long fantasy series you may enjoy this one.
I was sent an e-ARC through Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
January 8, 2018
I liked it and will read any sequels, but I felt it was a little cliched—think the Bennet sisters thrust into King Lear and with Elizabeth being played by Brienne of Tarth. There's an evil, grasping stepmother with a sleazy, slimy son; a mysterious magical illness that can only be cured with the help of a long-lost, estranged witchy sister; a mysterious mentoring magician in the woods; and, well, you get the idea. It was well done, but it didn't feel terribly new or fresh or revelatory.
March 22, 2022
4.5 stars. Loved this story. Hate most of the characters but the character development was great. So excited to continue the series.
August 6, 2017
Kim Wilkins is Queen. This book was first described to me back in 2014 as Game of Thrones with chicks and that is a really good snapshot. The world is expertly formed and all of the characters are realistic and well developed. I read the short story collection which gave me an insight into the time before Daughters of the Storm and the Rose/Heath sub-plot.
I found the dynamic between the sisters to be really interesting. Bluebell, Ash and Ivy are tight-knit even though they live so far apart but Ivy and Willow are disconnected due to their far off upbringing. The story is well paced and the end definitely left me wanting more.
I listened to the audiobook while driving through New Zealand which was fantastic, I can't wait to read the sequel.
I found the dynamic between the sisters to be really interesting. Bluebell, Ash and Ivy are tight-knit even though they live so far apart but Ivy and Willow are disconnected due to their far off upbringing. The story is well paced and the end definitely left me wanting more.
I listened to the audiobook while driving through New Zealand which was fantastic, I can't wait to read the sequel.
July 5, 2015
Kim Wilkins is on of my favorite Aussie authors, and Daughters of the Storm has only increased this conviction.
It's a strong story, beautifully written and full of surprises. I love the heart in it, and the deeply human quality to all the characters. Their loves and their flaws bring this story to life. Wilkins' world-building is seamless, evocative and engaging. Brilliant fantasy. What's not to love?
I'm hanging out for the next in the series!
It's a strong story, beautifully written and full of surprises. I love the heart in it, and the deeply human quality to all the characters. Their loves and their flaws bring this story to life. Wilkins' world-building is seamless, evocative and engaging. Brilliant fantasy. What's not to love?
I'm hanging out for the next in the series!
June 25, 2019
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed this Norse-inspired feminist fantasy! I was invested in the fate of five sisters who are left fending for themselves after their father, the King falls into a coma. Often with fantasy it takes me a while to get into it, but this was just so readable that I ended up devouring multiple chapters at a time.
Bluebell was definitely my favourite, as the headstrong Commander who is next in line for the throne. She is a really strong, masculine warrior and I loved how she was equally parts practical and empathetic. Loyal to the throne and her father, she investigates his coma to see if it was caused or an actual ailment.
Each of the sisters were also very different from one another:
-you've got the Queen Rose whose infidelity to her husband may spark a war between nations
- the twins Willow and Ivy - one who has found Maava (religion) and the other a taste in men
- Ash, who has the ability to see the future through premonitions that come true
I was very invested in each of the sister's stories, and seeing where they all ended up. Some of them are closer to Bluebell than others, and some are definitely more selfish than others, choosing their own heart and desires over loyalty to the throne. After a while though, I found Rose, Willow and Ivy to be kind of annoying as they were ruled by their heart over logic which made things very frustrating for Bluebell.
Trigger warning - queerphobia, animal death
Obviously this being a book that was published in 2014, I'm reading this with a current social lens. Bluebell reads as a character who identifies as a male - she prefers to be called a King, she is strong and masculine and practical about her desires. Some of the other characters did make a few queerphobic comments in disgust at her, while referring to her body which I wanted to flag (eg. does she even have breasts.)
Check out Happy Indulgence Books for more reviews!
I really enjoyed this Norse-inspired feminist fantasy! I was invested in the fate of five sisters who are left fending for themselves after their father, the King falls into a coma. Often with fantasy it takes me a while to get into it, but this was just so readable that I ended up devouring multiple chapters at a time.
Bluebell was definitely my favourite, as the headstrong Commander who is next in line for the throne. She is a really strong, masculine warrior and I loved how she was equally parts practical and empathetic. Loyal to the throne and her father, she investigates his coma to see if it was caused or an actual ailment.
Each of the sisters were also very different from one another:
-you've got the Queen Rose whose infidelity to her husband may spark a war between nations
- the twins Willow and Ivy - one who has found Maava (religion) and the other a taste in men
- Ash, who has the ability to see the future through premonitions that come true
I was very invested in each of the sister's stories, and seeing where they all ended up. Some of them are closer to Bluebell than others, and some are definitely more selfish than others, choosing their own heart and desires over loyalty to the throne. After a while though, I found Rose, Willow and Ivy to be kind of annoying as they were ruled by their heart over logic which made things very frustrating for Bluebell.
Trigger warning - queerphobia, animal death
Obviously this being a book that was published in 2014, I'm reading this with a current social lens. Bluebell reads as a character who identifies as a male - she prefers to be called a King, she is strong and masculine and practical about her desires. Some of the other characters did make a few queerphobic comments in disgust at her, while referring to her body which I wanted to flag (eg. does she even have breasts.)
Check out Happy Indulgence Books for more reviews!
March 3, 2018
This was so much fun to read, and I absolutely loved it! It's a great fantasy story that hooks you in right from the start, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series to find out what happens. The sisters are each so different, and I like how the story switches back and forth between them. The fantasy elements are so neat and imaginative. I loved being in this world, and I hate that I have to wait so long for book two.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me a free copy of this in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me a free copy of this in exchange for an honest review!
March 8, 2018
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.I liked this beginning to the Blood and Gold series. I enjoyed learning about the five sisters. However, it was not easy to like all the sisters. Good grief, sometimes they are SO selfish! The attitudes border on mean and petty at times. These are new adults in their late teens to middle 20s, I think. They have not always spent their time together, so some of them don't know each other well. I hope for more maturity as they grow.
The historical aspect means some things happen very slowly with the travel on foot or horseback. The sisters don't know about some events until they are days or weeks past. The magic of the world is interesting and I hope we will learn more. I didn't find the world-building to be too slow or tedious; it was well-paced and engaging. This era of history is full of battles and raids, so parts are very dark and grim. Plus, women do not generally have much power or control over their lives. This is not a feel good book; overall I felt worried and apprehensive.
The primary plot is the illness of their father, the King. The daughters all have duties and plans in this situation. In addition to the sisters growing up and taking their roles in life, the kingdoms are going through changes and skirmishes. The ending is not a cliffhanger, but there is much more to follow. Each sister has started on something and the next book, Sisters of the Fire, will take us on the next part of their journeys. It was published in Australia in 2016 so hopefully we will have it available soon. Book 3 is projected for summer of 2019.
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.I liked this beginning to the Blood and Gold series. I enjoyed learning about the five sisters. However, it was not easy to like all the sisters. Good grief, sometimes they are SO selfish! The attitudes border on mean and petty at times. These are new adults in their late teens to middle 20s, I think. They have not always spent their time together, so some of them don't know each other well. I hope for more maturity as they grow.
The historical aspect means some things happen very slowly with the travel on foot or horseback. The sisters don't know about some events until they are days or weeks past. The magic of the world is interesting and I hope we will learn more. I didn't find the world-building to be too slow or tedious; it was well-paced and engaging. This era of history is full of battles and raids, so parts are very dark and grim. Plus, women do not generally have much power or control over their lives. This is not a feel good book; overall I felt worried and apprehensive.
The primary plot is the illness of their father, the King. The daughters all have duties and plans in this situation. In addition to the sisters growing up and taking their roles in life, the kingdoms are going through changes and skirmishes. The ending is not a cliffhanger, but there is much more to follow. Each sister has started on something and the next book, Sisters of the Fire, will take us on the next part of their journeys. It was published in Australia in 2016 so hopefully we will have it available soon. Book 3 is projected for summer of 2019.
October 12, 2014
After reading the short story Crown of Rowan a few years ago I was excited to see what would happen in this new series. I hadn't read any Kim Wilkins before and was really keen to give her a go.
It is beautifully written with descriptive imagery that just pulls you in. I think the main issue I had with the book was the characters. I did really enjoy the rotating POV between the siblings and it was fascinating to read how the opinions of the sisters were different to how they saw themselves. However I did think the characters themselves were a little stereotyped. You have the warrior, the mother, the seer, the lover and the priestess. It kind of reads like a tarot deck. Maybe it was deliberately done, but it seemed a little heavy handed. And they were all so self-involved! I really hope here is some personal development later on down the track.
That being said once I started reading it was hard to put down and I had to read how it was all going to play out. Every decision made by the sisters seemed to be the wrong one and you can see how it is slowly leading them towards their doom. I can't wait to see how it ends.
Thanks to Harlequin for the arc.
It is beautifully written with descriptive imagery that just pulls you in. I think the main issue I had with the book was the characters. I did really enjoy the rotating POV between the siblings and it was fascinating to read how the opinions of the sisters were different to how they saw themselves. However I did think the characters themselves were a little stereotyped. You have the warrior, the mother, the seer, the lover and the priestess. It kind of reads like a tarot deck. Maybe it was deliberately done, but it seemed a little heavy handed. And they were all so self-involved! I really hope here is some personal development later on down the track.
That being said once I started reading it was hard to put down and I had to read how it was all going to play out. Every decision made by the sisters seemed to be the wrong one and you can see how it is slowly leading them towards their doom. I can't wait to see how it ends.
Thanks to Harlequin for the arc.
November 16, 2017
When the king is spelled to sleep and nearing death, Lord Bluebell gathers her sisters from every corner of the land to bring their father to safety until vengeance can be extracted from the unknown assailant. Daughters of the Storm introduces elements of Norse mythology to set the stage, political power plays are in full swing from all sides, and prophecy and sisterhood bring it all together to a heart pounding climax. These women are so true to their individual natures and full of faults that I couldn't help but admire and believe in all of them. Five sisters, radically different, all discover their roles in the fate of Almissia. Their every move is a defiance to break the patriarchal chains of their world.
June 11, 2015
After a hiatus of some years Australian fantasy writer Kim Wilkins is back with a interesting tale of magic in an imaginative land full of myth and mystery. But what I really enjoyed was the way she wrote each of the five "Daughters of the Storm" as real flesh and blood sisters with their strengths and weaknesses and a complex relationship of hate and love like real sisters often do.
Looking forward to reading further instalments of this well written and evocative trilogy.
Looking forward to reading further instalments of this well written and evocative trilogy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 374 reviews