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Supernatural Sisters #7
The Rose Daughter
She never meant to be a hero...
In fact, Dreckly Jones has made a point her whole life to be exactly not that. The daughter of a forbidden union between an earth elemental and a selkie, her rare powers have meant she has always had a target on her back.
So Dreckly - a 40-something oyster shucker according to her fake documents, 140-something sprite if you're going to get all nit-picky about it - has become an expert at many things. Chief amongst them: hiding.
When she meets a determined group of rebels who desperately need her help, she finds herself wanting to stick her neck out for the first time in a long while. Yet is she ready to be noticed? Is Dreckly willing to use her powers to stand up when it could cost her everything?
In fact, Dreckly Jones has made a point her whole life to be exactly not that. The daughter of a forbidden union between an earth elemental and a selkie, her rare powers have meant she has always had a target on her back.
So Dreckly - a 40-something oyster shucker according to her fake documents, 140-something sprite if you're going to get all nit-picky about it - has become an expert at many things. Chief amongst them: hiding.
When she meets a determined group of rebels who desperately need her help, she finds herself wanting to stick her neck out for the first time in a long while. Yet is she ready to be noticed? Is Dreckly willing to use her powers to stand up when it could cost her everything?
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2021
7 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Maria Lewis
14 books323 followersMaria Lewis is a AWGIE Award-winning screenwriter, best-selling author, and pop culture etymologist from Australia. She’s the author of the internationally published Supernatural Sisters series of eight books, which includes the Aurealis Award-winning The Witch Who Courted Death, and titles for Marvel (Mockingbird: Strike Out), Assassin's Creed (Daughter Of No One) and forthcoming slasher The Graveyard Shift. As a screenwriter, she has worked across projects for AMC, Netflix, SBS, Ubisoft, ABC, DC Comics and many more. She's the presenter, writer and producer of audio documentaries - The Phantom Never Dies - about the world's first superhero - and Josie and the Podcats - about the 2001 cult film. In 2023, she made her directorial debut with The House That Hungers, based on the Aurealis and Ditmar Award-nominated horror short story of the same name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 22, 2021
The Rose Daughter is the seventh book in the Supernatural Sisters urban fantasy series from award-winning Australian author, Maria Lewis, but don’t be afraid to jump right in, it works perfectly well as a stand-alone. Just be prepared as you’ll want to add the rest of the series on your TBR list as I did.
The daughter of a forbidden union between an earth elemental and a selkie, Dreckly Jones was born the prisoner of the Trieze, raised by her father in a cell buried under a hill in Scotland. Since her escape she has largely heeded her father’s advice -to be careful; to hide who she is; to not be a hero. For the last eight years or so, she has made her home on a boat in Sydney Harbour, shucking oysters at the Fish Markets when she’s not putting her artistic skills to work forging identification papers for those in need.
Though she looks as if she is in her early 40’s, Dreckly is more than a century older, and the narrative alternates between her past and present. Dreckly is an appealing, well-crafted character. I liked her wit, and found her to be smart and resourceful, though not without her flaws. As a sprite, her ability gives her powerful control over air which she wields in unusual ways.
I was intrigued by her backstory, which has Dreckly travelling the world from Scotland to Hollywood, from behind enemy lines in wartime France to Africa, where she finds family, adventure and love. The ‘past’ narrative skilfully builds Dreckly’s character so that the decisions she makes in the present, make sense.
In the present, there are rumours that the Trieze, who govern the supernatural world, are abducting other supernaturals. Mindful of her past experiences, and her promises to her father, Dreckly battles with her conscience when she is asked for her help. Lewis builds the tension as the Trieze’s nefarious plans are revealed, and provides exciting action when the supernaturals take a stand.
I liked the world in which the story is set with an interesting mix of supernaturals who live alongside, but hidden, from most of humanity. Lewis succinctly explains the history and politics, and while it’s obvious there are links to story and characters from previous books, they don’t have any notable impact on this story.
Offering interesting characters, exciting action, and romance, I found The Rose Daughter to be an entertaining read. I’m delighted to have discovered Maria Lewis and I hope to be introduced to the other ‘sisters’ before the next book in the series is released.
The daughter of a forbidden union between an earth elemental and a selkie, Dreckly Jones was born the prisoner of the Trieze, raised by her father in a cell buried under a hill in Scotland. Since her escape she has largely heeded her father’s advice -to be careful; to hide who she is; to not be a hero. For the last eight years or so, she has made her home on a boat in Sydney Harbour, shucking oysters at the Fish Markets when she’s not putting her artistic skills to work forging identification papers for those in need.
Though she looks as if she is in her early 40’s, Dreckly is more than a century older, and the narrative alternates between her past and present. Dreckly is an appealing, well-crafted character. I liked her wit, and found her to be smart and resourceful, though not without her flaws. As a sprite, her ability gives her powerful control over air which she wields in unusual ways.
I was intrigued by her backstory, which has Dreckly travelling the world from Scotland to Hollywood, from behind enemy lines in wartime France to Africa, where she finds family, adventure and love. The ‘past’ narrative skilfully builds Dreckly’s character so that the decisions she makes in the present, make sense.
In the present, there are rumours that the Trieze, who govern the supernatural world, are abducting other supernaturals. Mindful of her past experiences, and her promises to her father, Dreckly battles with her conscience when she is asked for her help. Lewis builds the tension as the Trieze’s nefarious plans are revealed, and provides exciting action when the supernaturals take a stand.
I liked the world in which the story is set with an interesting mix of supernaturals who live alongside, but hidden, from most of humanity. Lewis succinctly explains the history and politics, and while it’s obvious there are links to story and characters from previous books, they don’t have any notable impact on this story.
Offering interesting characters, exciting action, and romance, I found The Rose Daughter to be an entertaining read. I’m delighted to have discovered Maria Lewis and I hope to be introduced to the other ‘sisters’ before the next book in the series is released.
October 26, 2021
I love the Supernatural Sisters series , every passing book adds something to this beautifully imaginative world and The Rose Daughter is no different.
I devoured it in short order, I love the intricate nature of the connections and I fall in love with all the characters every time.
Adventure abounds and I hope for more very soon
I highly recommend the whole series.
I devoured it in short order, I love the intricate nature of the connections and I fall in love with all the characters every time.
Adventure abounds and I hope for more very soon
I highly recommend the whole series.
February 17, 2022
All right, stick with me for a slightly out there review.
So, I love needlework, I love patchwork quilts. I learned quilting when I was about 23. When you plan out a quilt you are pulling together bits and pieces, little elements, sometimes literally scraps and trying to create something beautiful from it all. Sometimes the pieces that you have look like they’ll never go together. Sometimes you’ll create whole blocks that just don’t work and have to throw them away no matter how much you love them. Sometimes a block may seem colourless and simple compared to others. BUT you can’t forget the Importance of your borders.
The right framework takes everything and makes it one. Bringing things together in a way that makes them all shine. A curve, or flash of colour finding its echo over and over. Dreckly is the way in which all of the Supernatural Sisters finally seem to fit together perfectly. Past and future, linking things together in a way that I didn’t realise I needed. Past Lo, Shazam the wombat shifter, even Amos and Kaia get the love that they deserve.
Plus I now see how everything is coming together for a grand showdown.
I feel like Rose Daughter somehow doubled the entire world of Supernatural Sisters
Also includes all your favourite Maria Lewis pop culture references: Clara Bow and classic Hollywood, why the Hays Code sucked, the importance of potatoes, tattoos are fun, 44 is sexy af, don’t discount the danger of roses and women with knives, fix what you can’t live with, friendship makes you stronger, and did I mention potatoes?
With the exception of the time it took to make coffee and a ham sandwich, read in one sitting.
So, I love needlework, I love patchwork quilts. I learned quilting when I was about 23. When you plan out a quilt you are pulling together bits and pieces, little elements, sometimes literally scraps and trying to create something beautiful from it all. Sometimes the pieces that you have look like they’ll never go together. Sometimes you’ll create whole blocks that just don’t work and have to throw them away no matter how much you love them. Sometimes a block may seem colourless and simple compared to others. BUT you can’t forget the Importance of your borders.
The right framework takes everything and makes it one. Bringing things together in a way that makes them all shine. A curve, or flash of colour finding its echo over and over. Dreckly is the way in which all of the Supernatural Sisters finally seem to fit together perfectly. Past and future, linking things together in a way that I didn’t realise I needed. Past Lo, Shazam the wombat shifter, even Amos and Kaia get the love that they deserve.
Plus I now see how everything is coming together for a grand showdown.
I feel like Rose Daughter somehow doubled the entire world of Supernatural Sisters
Also includes all your favourite Maria Lewis pop culture references: Clara Bow and classic Hollywood, why the Hays Code sucked, the importance of potatoes, tattoos are fun, 44 is sexy af, don’t discount the danger of roses and women with knives, fix what you can’t live with, friendship makes you stronger, and did I mention potatoes?
With the exception of the time it took to make coffee and a ham sandwich, read in one sitting.
October 3, 2021
When I read the blurb for this book I was really excited about the premise, I thought there was a lot of scope for the story and different directions that such an interesting plot could take.
The book consists of two main storylines: one happens in present day and the other is flashbacks that tell the story of what has happened to Dreckly during her life. I have to be honest I wasn’t that bothered about the present day timeline, I found it too modern and jarring but I did like that the story is set in our current world but whilst there are supernatural creatures in it our history is the same. But I found the flashbacks the most interesting and I would rather have had the whole book be about Dreckly getting to modern day and then the other story happening in a later book.
I found the spy/thriller part of the story far more interesting than her getting ready for a date or randomly starting a fling.
Whilst I liked the book I just found myself less engaged in the modern day rebellion and I don’t think that was was the author intended. Maybe it is my fault for jumping in where I did but I found that a lot of the world and the big villains were not explored or explained, they were just there.
The book consists of two main storylines: one happens in present day and the other is flashbacks that tell the story of what has happened to Dreckly during her life. I have to be honest I wasn’t that bothered about the present day timeline, I found it too modern and jarring but I did like that the story is set in our current world but whilst there are supernatural creatures in it our history is the same. But I found the flashbacks the most interesting and I would rather have had the whole book be about Dreckly getting to modern day and then the other story happening in a later book.
I found the spy/thriller part of the story far more interesting than her getting ready for a date or randomly starting a fling.
Whilst I liked the book I just found myself less engaged in the modern day rebellion and I don’t think that was was the author intended. Maybe it is my fault for jumping in where I did but I found that a lot of the world and the big villains were not explored or explained, they were just there.
April 6, 2021
Absolutely loved this next installement of the Supernatural Sisters...Thank you to @hachetteaus for sending me a copy of @maria___lewis latest book. I finished this one over the weekend and loved it so much. I love the world that Maria has created and the characters that live within the world. Maria has a way with intertwining all her stories into one, as we get a new book we learn more about different characters and what is happening next in the Supernatural sisters world. In The Rose Daughter we meet Dreckly and learn more about who she is, what she stands for and what she is willing to do for others. I loved how the story alternated from Drecklys past and present so we really got a sense of who she is. There was defintely a few emotions felt reading this one. Some characters came into the story from the other books and we are getting close to the final showdown that will decide the fate of the Supernatural world Maria has lovingly created. If you love Supernatural beings, badass females and a bit of Aussie humour thrown in then the Supernatural sisters books are the books for you.
July 7, 2021
This was my first book by Maria Lewis, and wow I loved it. Already ordered the first few books in this series, I cannot wait for them to arrive!
April 27, 2021
Ever since I read an unpublished copy of Who’s Afraid? I’ve been a Maria Lewis fan. Her books are feisty, with strong women, fantastical other-worldly beings, all living in iconic cities around the world such as Berlin and Sydney. The Rose Daughter does not disappoint. In fact, it could be one of my favourites.
What I love about Lewis’s books is the meticulous detail to world-building. How she keeps track of all the worlds and the ties that bind them is nothing short of spectacular to me. Dreckly Jones slots in perfectly, and as a book heroine, she has to be right up there. What I love about The Rose Daughter is that no only do you get to dive into a fantasy world of werewolves, selkies and sprites, but you also get to travel right back in time too. As a Sydney-sider, I also loved reading about other-worldly drama going down right on my doorstep. Following Dreckly through bars, Sydney streets which are my stomping ground and the iconic (with a slightly sketchy undertone) Sydney Fish Markets.
If you love Maria Lewis books, you will adore The Rose Daughter. However, if you love adult fantasy novels with a contemporary, feminist vibe, then I strongly suggest you dip your toe into the world of Dreckly Jones.
What I love about Lewis’s books is the meticulous detail to world-building. How she keeps track of all the worlds and the ties that bind them is nothing short of spectacular to me. Dreckly Jones slots in perfectly, and as a book heroine, she has to be right up there. What I love about The Rose Daughter is that no only do you get to dive into a fantasy world of werewolves, selkies and sprites, but you also get to travel right back in time too. As a Sydney-sider, I also loved reading about other-worldly drama going down right on my doorstep. Following Dreckly through bars, Sydney streets which are my stomping ground and the iconic (with a slightly sketchy undertone) Sydney Fish Markets.
If you love Maria Lewis books, you will adore The Rose Daughter. However, if you love adult fantasy novels with a contemporary, feminist vibe, then I strongly suggest you dip your toe into the world of Dreckly Jones.
March 1, 2024
This book isn't revolutionary but it's a bit of fun. Found out half way through its book 7 of a series I haven't read but I didn't feel like I was missing anything except some name dropping. We'll see if I read any others.
The concept of water + earth = air is a lil dumb but if you roll with it it's still fun.
The modern day romance was lacklustre. Lot of weight for very little time together and there's almost nothing developed on or off the page but apparently it developed somehow.
I'm not a fan of alternating chapters between past and present and I enjoyed the present more than past. The past was fine though, perfectly enjoyable.
Really enjoyed that the protagonist is a forty four/hundred odd year old woman who isn't ashamed of her sexuality and takes zero shits. It was also great to see wombat shifters and Aboriginal witches with a special shout put for the two pages a banshee character was there.
Extra points for naming her boat the Titanic II.
Negative points for the werewolf finishing sex with a bark.
Devoured this book in 1 day and put off uni work. No regrets.
The concept of water + earth = air is a lil dumb but if you roll with it it's still fun.
The modern day romance was lacklustre. Lot of weight for very little time together and there's almost nothing developed on or off the page but apparently it developed somehow.
I'm not a fan of alternating chapters between past and present and I enjoyed the present more than past. The past was fine though, perfectly enjoyable.
Really enjoyed that the protagonist is a forty four/hundred odd year old woman who isn't ashamed of her sexuality and takes zero shits. It was also great to see wombat shifters and Aboriginal witches with a special shout put for the two pages a banshee character was there.
Extra points for naming her boat the Titanic II.
Negative points for the werewolf finishing sex with a bark.
Devoured this book in 1 day and put off uni work. No regrets.
August 1, 2021
The Rose Daughter is the 7th installment of The Supernatural Sisters, I read this as a standalone as I haven't read all the others and I had no problems understanding this one. HOWEVER I loved it and will be reading the others ASAP!
Our MC Dreckly is the child of a forbidden love between an Earth Elemental and a Selkie, she also escaped one of the most high security magical prisons. Day to day she flys under the radar, working at a local fish market, but on the side she forges high quality legal documents for supernaturals.
There are rumors surfacing of supernatural beings being abducted and never seen again, with her past in the back of her mind Dreckly is thrown into uncertainty when she is approached to help with the situation.
I loved that it flashed between past and present tense as we got to learn so much about Dreckly's backstory. I also really enjoyed that the story is a mix of the supernatural but in a real world setting.
If you love a supernatural story and a strong female heroine then I definitely recommend picking this series up! Thank you so much Hachette Aus for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review :)
Our MC Dreckly is the child of a forbidden love between an Earth Elemental and a Selkie, she also escaped one of the most high security magical prisons. Day to day she flys under the radar, working at a local fish market, but on the side she forges high quality legal documents for supernaturals.
There are rumors surfacing of supernatural beings being abducted and never seen again, with her past in the back of her mind Dreckly is thrown into uncertainty when she is approached to help with the situation.
I loved that it flashed between past and present tense as we got to learn so much about Dreckly's backstory. I also really enjoyed that the story is a mix of the supernatural but in a real world setting.
If you love a supernatural story and a strong female heroine then I definitely recommend picking this series up! Thank you so much Hachette Aus for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review :)
May 28, 2021
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Thank you Hachette for this book in exchange for an honest review
We always talk about home grown inspiration woman… ohh like Maria Lewis!
Rose Daughter is the seventh book in the Supernatural Sisters aussie fantasy series, and it is fantastic. And I say that without having read the complete series. So don’t be afraid to read this book as a standalone or as part of the series!
Dreckly is the child of a forbidden romance between an earth elemental and a selkie, who fled a prison in Scotland to Sydney Australia. While she spends most of her days shucking oysters at the local fish market, she spends her free time forging identification papers for those in need. I do love the boldness that is Dreckly and despite her flaws, she is a witty and power character, with or without her ability to control wind.
I adore books that mix supernatural powers amongst normal everyday life, it must be one of my favourite things about Lewis’ books! That and her bold, beautiful, complex, and daring female characters are just to die for. If you have not read a Maria book – than you are missing the hell out!
Bookstagram
Website
Thank you Hachette for this book in exchange for an honest review
We always talk about home grown inspiration woman… ohh like Maria Lewis!
Rose Daughter is the seventh book in the Supernatural Sisters aussie fantasy series, and it is fantastic. And I say that without having read the complete series. So don’t be afraid to read this book as a standalone or as part of the series!
Dreckly is the child of a forbidden romance between an earth elemental and a selkie, who fled a prison in Scotland to Sydney Australia. While she spends most of her days shucking oysters at the local fish market, she spends her free time forging identification papers for those in need. I do love the boldness that is Dreckly and despite her flaws, she is a witty and power character, with or without her ability to control wind.
I adore books that mix supernatural powers amongst normal everyday life, it must be one of my favourite things about Lewis’ books! That and her bold, beautiful, complex, and daring female characters are just to die for. If you have not read a Maria book – than you are missing the hell out!
February 24, 2022
OMG
This was a fast paced book overlapping slightly with the previous book and giving greater insight to Dreckly Jones… bit of a convoluted name…
This showed her past as well as present, but given that she is 130 years old there was a lot of past experiences and people that she had met.. including her mothers family that had shaped her talents into what she does today.
Her present coincides with our present day and I had to chuckle at the part that had them blowing up part of Barangaroo.. as my daughter worked on the restoration of the site from wharves back to original shore line..
Thoroughly enjoyed it… even the bits not based in Sydney!
Just joking!
I have reserved the next available book from the library
This was a fast paced book overlapping slightly with the previous book and giving greater insight to Dreckly Jones… bit of a convoluted name…
This showed her past as well as present, but given that she is 130 years old there was a lot of past experiences and people that she had met.. including her mothers family that had shaped her talents into what she does today.
Her present coincides with our present day and I had to chuckle at the part that had them blowing up part of Barangaroo.. as my daughter worked on the restoration of the site from wharves back to original shore line..
Thoroughly enjoyed it… even the bits not based in Sydney!
Just joking!
I have reserved the next available book from the library
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2025
She never meant to be a hero...
In fact, Dreckly Jones has made a point her whole life to be exactly not that. The daughter of a forbidden union between an earth elemental and a selkie, her rare powers have meant she has always had a target on her back.
So Dreckly - a 40-something oyster shucker according to her fake documents, 140-something sprite if you're going to get all nit-picky about it - has become an expert at many things. Chief amongst them: hiding.
When she meets a determined group of rebels who desperately need her help, she finds herself wanting to stick her neck out for the first time in a long while. Yet is she ready to be noticed? Is Dreckly willing to use her powers to stand up when it could cost her everything?
In fact, Dreckly Jones has made a point her whole life to be exactly not that. The daughter of a forbidden union between an earth elemental and a selkie, her rare powers have meant she has always had a target on her back.
So Dreckly - a 40-something oyster shucker according to her fake documents, 140-something sprite if you're going to get all nit-picky about it - has become an expert at many things. Chief amongst them: hiding.
When she meets a determined group of rebels who desperately need her help, she finds herself wanting to stick her neck out for the first time in a long while. Yet is she ready to be noticed? Is Dreckly willing to use her powers to stand up when it could cost her everything?
May 3, 2021
Maria Lewis masterfully weaves a story of past and present into one. Two adventures in seperatre times, each adding to the depth of the other. Selkies, sprites, werewolves, immortals...all in Sydney in modern times. Knowing the places and spaces the story takes place only adds to the experience when reading as you can picture things so vividly. Love this author, love this series. Brilliant.
June 8, 2021
This tale takes place in the present and the past, several pasts as we learn about Dreckly and what has bought her to the present. Her father to,d her not to be a hero and for years she obeyed. But things are changing.
I enjoyed this book, but hated the fact that it ended just as a major confrontation was being planned.
I enjoyed this book, but hated the fact that it ended just as a major confrontation was being planned.
August 10, 2021
A wonderful, adventurous story where the author, Maria Lewis crafts a superb narrative about the unique Dreckly Jones.
I loved the dual time line narrative and the expansive world she has created.
Ultimately, Dreckly has always been a hero, but this is the story where she learns to accept that's who she has always been.
I loved the dual time line narrative and the expansive world she has created.
Ultimately, Dreckly has always been a hero, but this is the story where she learns to accept that's who she has always been.
March 2, 2023
This is a story of Dreckly Jones, a type of sprite, with supernatural powers. After escaping capture with the help of her father, she keeps a low profile in order to stay alive. She is challenged to rethink her involvement and whether she should be a hero or not.
I didn't love or hate this book, it was an easy read but did not invest enough in the characters or the plot.
I didn't love or hate this book, it was an easy read but did not invest enough in the characters or the plot.
May 28, 2021
Enjoyed this. Full review here. https://www.readplus.com.au/reviews/t...
September 19, 2021
I just found out this is book 7 in a series,so now I have to find the rest. Mixing past and present, myths and fairytales. Awesome story
January 18, 2022
Came late to this author and these stories, but an impressive world and characters make it all the worthwhile no matter where you start.
January 27, 2022
Ripper of a read!
October 20, 2022
Interesting life of the supernaturals but sorta bad ish
January 19, 2023
The storyline was good, but i found it a little slow paced for my taste and a bit ‘dirty’ at times.
July 3, 2023
A spine-tingling story that'll go to your shelf. The story would be good if there were no cursing words.
October 2, 2023
Dreckly is awesome, I enjoyed seeing how her story came together. Film set stories with Dorothy Arzner and Clara Bow were cool too
November 10, 2021
It's good to be back in Maria Lewis's shared supernatural universe, which began with werewolves in Who's Afraid? and has progressed through other magical peoples including witches, ghost, banshees and now, sprites.
Or rather, a sprite. As Dreckly Jones makes clear in this narrative, split between the present day when she is lying low in Sydney and an account of her life up to that point, a sprite is a very rare thing indeed. Offspring of a selfie and an earth elemental, her kind are outlawed by the Treize (why?) the self-appointed government of all supernatural creatures. So Dreckly's life began in prison, locked up by the Treize with her father.
Now, a century later, she's off their radar, and determined to stay that way.
I was entranced by the way Lewis uses the story of Dreckly's life to explore the 20th century from below. Stowing away for the New World, she gets involved in the movie business, drifting into espionage as the times darken. Lewis has her witness some significant moments for the history of women: a period of brief and precious freedom and self-expression for women and minorities in the Hollywood of the 20s and 30s which gives way before a growing climate of moral censure and then the chaos of violence and loss that is the Second World War. Lewis has done her research, introducing us to some fascinating characters who provide the perfect milieu for a misfit like Dreckly. Throughout, though, Dreckly remembers her father's advice that she shouldn't try to be a hero. Though she sometimes disregards it.
The Rose Daughter seemed slightly different to some of the other episodes in this extended story of supernatural creatures, as a large part of the narrative is distanced from the immediate conflict with the Treize which has been developing throughout the series. That reality - of their desperation and willingness to commit atrocities growing - has to break in eventually, though, with Dreckly's hard won safety (hard won both in terms of what she's given up, and the guilt she feels for keeping her head down) inevitably threatened. First, though, Lewis explores what makes Dreckly, Dreckly - who she has loved, what and who she has lost in her long life, and what regrets she has. All of that lies behind her desire to stay out of sight, stay safe, not play the hero. It also illustrates what a competent and ruthless soldier she's capable of being when she has to be - one who will I'm sure reappear in future instalments of this fascinating saga.
A gloriously page-turnery novel that sheds new light on the revolution boiling up against the Treize, meshes nicely with the earlier books (even including some earlier scenes them a different perspective) and introduces a bold and distinctive new character. What else? Well, of course we have handsome, smouldering werewolves, some energetic sex, and plenty of peril. And signs of a team-up that should make the Treize very, very scared indeed.
I'd strongly recommend for fans of paranormal fiction, lovers of a good, exciting story and anyone interested in some of the less well known corners of 20th century history.
Or rather, a sprite. As Dreckly Jones makes clear in this narrative, split between the present day when she is lying low in Sydney and an account of her life up to that point, a sprite is a very rare thing indeed. Offspring of a selfie and an earth elemental, her kind are outlawed by the Treize (why?) the self-appointed government of all supernatural creatures. So Dreckly's life began in prison, locked up by the Treize with her father.
Now, a century later, she's off their radar, and determined to stay that way.
I was entranced by the way Lewis uses the story of Dreckly's life to explore the 20th century from below. Stowing away for the New World, she gets involved in the movie business, drifting into espionage as the times darken. Lewis has her witness some significant moments for the history of women: a period of brief and precious freedom and self-expression for women and minorities in the Hollywood of the 20s and 30s which gives way before a growing climate of moral censure and then the chaos of violence and loss that is the Second World War. Lewis has done her research, introducing us to some fascinating characters who provide the perfect milieu for a misfit like Dreckly. Throughout, though, Dreckly remembers her father's advice that she shouldn't try to be a hero. Though she sometimes disregards it.
The Rose Daughter seemed slightly different to some of the other episodes in this extended story of supernatural creatures, as a large part of the narrative is distanced from the immediate conflict with the Treize which has been developing throughout the series. That reality - of their desperation and willingness to commit atrocities growing - has to break in eventually, though, with Dreckly's hard won safety (hard won both in terms of what she's given up, and the guilt she feels for keeping her head down) inevitably threatened. First, though, Lewis explores what makes Dreckly, Dreckly - who she has loved, what and who she has lost in her long life, and what regrets she has. All of that lies behind her desire to stay out of sight, stay safe, not play the hero. It also illustrates what a competent and ruthless soldier she's capable of being when she has to be - one who will I'm sure reappear in future instalments of this fascinating saga.
A gloriously page-turnery novel that sheds new light on the revolution boiling up against the Treize, meshes nicely with the earlier books (even including some earlier scenes them a different perspective) and introduces a bold and distinctive new character. What else? Well, of course we have handsome, smouldering werewolves, some energetic sex, and plenty of peril. And signs of a team-up that should make the Treize very, very scared indeed.
I'd strongly recommend for fans of paranormal fiction, lovers of a good, exciting story and anyone interested in some of the less well known corners of 20th century history.
April 28, 2024
Firstly, thank you to Platkus for providing a copy of this via NetGalley – views remain my own.
This one, I admit, took me too long to get to. I think partially because I was expecting something a little more YA (not in a bad way!), if I’d known a bit more about it I would have read it sooner. I devoured this. It’s book 7 of the Supernatural Sisters series, but in can definitely be read as a standalone. I, however, am hoping to go back to the first book of the series and read them up to this one. Even as a standalone, there’s enough that gestures towards the larger story, and even a brief glance over the first 6 books reveals how they tie in, and with the way we’re given brief glimpses of these characters and stories in The Rose Daughter, it makes me really keen to read their tales in full.
Okay, focusing on the book at hand. Dreckly Jones has avoided heroics her whole life, taught by her father that the most important thing is to survive. However, when she’s approached (depending on how you look at it) by a group and told about other supernatural creatures going missing, it takes a lot of effort to walk away from them. Oh yeah, and Dreckly is a sprite, the result of a forbidden union between an earth elemental and a selkie.
Firstly, I think some writers are tempted to make the supernatural creatures in stories like this appear more in their late teens/early twenties, but here Lewis has thought out the rules around aging and we get a woman who presents as more middle aged, though in reality she’s 140-something. I loved that aspect, especially as the love interest is younger, and it feels like a dynamic we don’t get as often between immortal and not-immortal.
There’s a nice balance between the present and the past, too, with the chapters alternating and giving us Dreckly’s life story in one half and the present-day events in the other. The flashback chapters give us a strong sense of why Dreckly is, well, Dreckly, and makes for a really great blend of Historical and Urban Fantasy.
I loved the magic here, too, and the different paranormal creatures that inhabit this world. And the world building really is great, even jumping in at this point it’s easy to get a sense of the world and the history. It makes for a book that does exactly, I think, what an author would want a book like this do – serve perfectly as a standalone, but give just enough tantalizing crumbs to make the reader want to go back and read the rest of the series.
Dreckly forms friendships and alliances throughout, with shifters, demons, and more, and we get to see her go from someone who seems to keep to themselves, too scared of detection to form actual relationships, to someone who realises she can’t keep herself shut off from everyone. Like everything else in this book, it works really well.
If you want a bit of a different Urban Fantasy, one that contains plenty of present-day action as well as a more Historical setting alongside it, I definitely recommend this one. A really enjoyable read, and I can’t wait to dive back into this world.
This one, I admit, took me too long to get to. I think partially because I was expecting something a little more YA (not in a bad way!), if I’d known a bit more about it I would have read it sooner. I devoured this. It’s book 7 of the Supernatural Sisters series, but in can definitely be read as a standalone. I, however, am hoping to go back to the first book of the series and read them up to this one. Even as a standalone, there’s enough that gestures towards the larger story, and even a brief glance over the first 6 books reveals how they tie in, and with the way we’re given brief glimpses of these characters and stories in The Rose Daughter, it makes me really keen to read their tales in full.
Okay, focusing on the book at hand. Dreckly Jones has avoided heroics her whole life, taught by her father that the most important thing is to survive. However, when she’s approached (depending on how you look at it) by a group and told about other supernatural creatures going missing, it takes a lot of effort to walk away from them. Oh yeah, and Dreckly is a sprite, the result of a forbidden union between an earth elemental and a selkie.
Firstly, I think some writers are tempted to make the supernatural creatures in stories like this appear more in their late teens/early twenties, but here Lewis has thought out the rules around aging and we get a woman who presents as more middle aged, though in reality she’s 140-something. I loved that aspect, especially as the love interest is younger, and it feels like a dynamic we don’t get as often between immortal and not-immortal.
There’s a nice balance between the present and the past, too, with the chapters alternating and giving us Dreckly’s life story in one half and the present-day events in the other. The flashback chapters give us a strong sense of why Dreckly is, well, Dreckly, and makes for a really great blend of Historical and Urban Fantasy.
I loved the magic here, too, and the different paranormal creatures that inhabit this world. And the world building really is great, even jumping in at this point it’s easy to get a sense of the world and the history. It makes for a book that does exactly, I think, what an author would want a book like this do – serve perfectly as a standalone, but give just enough tantalizing crumbs to make the reader want to go back and read the rest of the series.
Dreckly forms friendships and alliances throughout, with shifters, demons, and more, and we get to see her go from someone who seems to keep to themselves, too scared of detection to form actual relationships, to someone who realises she can’t keep herself shut off from everyone. Like everything else in this book, it works really well.
If you want a bit of a different Urban Fantasy, one that contains plenty of present-day action as well as a more Historical setting alongside it, I definitely recommend this one. A really enjoyable read, and I can’t wait to dive back into this world.
January 1, 2022
A big thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me a chance to read The Rose Daughter - apologies for being late!
I had no idea The Rose Daughter was the seventh installment, but I think I may have to go back and read them from the start. Saying that the book works really well as a standalone and I didn't find myself confused about what was happening.
We have Dreckly Jones, a sprite who is perfectly content to live her life in peace and never interact with anyone if she can help it. She works from her boat helping people to escape Sydney by creating perfect forgeries - passports, cards, documents - you name it, she can do it. She doesn't just help anyone, however. She helps supernatural creatures from werewolves, to banshees, to shifters. She's been around a while and she understands the need to have freedom, to be able to live your life without the fear of being kidnapped by the Treize and their Praetorian Guards. Dreckly is confident that they won't find her, not after all of these years, until she's drawn back fully into the supernatural world and they come knocking on her door. Now she has to decide - will she help, or will she follow her father's advice don't be a hero.
I really enjoyed Dreckly's character and I especially liked how the chapters alternated between first and third person. I'm interested to see where her story will take us next and whether her budding romance with Ben will continue to blossom.
I had no idea The Rose Daughter was the seventh installment, but I think I may have to go back and read them from the start. Saying that the book works really well as a standalone and I didn't find myself confused about what was happening.
We have Dreckly Jones, a sprite who is perfectly content to live her life in peace and never interact with anyone if she can help it. She works from her boat helping people to escape Sydney by creating perfect forgeries - passports, cards, documents - you name it, she can do it. She doesn't just help anyone, however. She helps supernatural creatures from werewolves, to banshees, to shifters. She's been around a while and she understands the need to have freedom, to be able to live your life without the fear of being kidnapped by the Treize and their Praetorian Guards. Dreckly is confident that they won't find her, not after all of these years, until she's drawn back fully into the supernatural world and they come knocking on her door. Now she has to decide - will she help, or will she follow her father's advice don't be a hero.
I really enjoyed Dreckly's character and I especially liked how the chapters alternated between first and third person. I'm interested to see where her story will take us next and whether her budding romance with Ben will continue to blossom.
March 14, 2023
I've not read any of the other books in the overall series or shared universe, but The Rose Daughter still worked really well as a standalone. I did feel like there were some background elements that could have been explored further, but this may have been covered in other books.
Overall, I loved how the two timelines were beautifully split and twined together, and explored different elements of Dreckly's life and love. I enjoyed the parts with the supernatural creatures, though I've never been into the whole werewolf alpha thing, and especially liked the strong early Hollywood era characters.
The plot was pretty engrossing, with a few spicy scenes (that I'm not a fan of but know a lot of people are) with nothing too graphic or excessive, and an interesting developing relationship. I liked how Dreckly developed over the story.
I think I'd be interested in reading the wider novels, and would like to know what Dreckly's future holds!
Overall, I loved how the two timelines were beautifully split and twined together, and explored different elements of Dreckly's life and love. I enjoyed the parts with the supernatural creatures, though I've never been into the whole werewolf alpha thing, and especially liked the strong early Hollywood era characters.
The plot was pretty engrossing, with a few spicy scenes (that I'm not a fan of but know a lot of people are) with nothing too graphic or excessive, and an interesting developing relationship. I liked how Dreckly developed over the story.
I think I'd be interested in reading the wider novels, and would like to know what Dreckly's future holds!
April 2, 2024
Amazinnnng!!!
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