Daughters Of The Storm

By Kim Wilkins

The first passionate, magical book in a compelling new series from award-winning author Kim Wilkins.

Lying in a magic-induced coma, the King of Thyrsland is on the brink of death: if his enemies knew, chaos would reign. In fear for his life and his kingdom, his five daughters set out on a perilous journey to try to save him, their only hope an aunt they have yet to meet, a shadowy practitioner of undermagic who lives on the wild northern borders.

No-one can stand before the fierce tattooed soldier and eldest daughter Bluebell, an army commander who is rumoured to be unkillable, but her sisters, the loyal and mystical Ash, beautiful but unhappily married Rose, pious Willow and uncertain Ivy all have their own secrets to keep from her — the kind of secrets that if revealed could bring disaster down upon not only them, but the entire kingdom.

Waiting in the wings is stepbrother Wylm whose dealings with Bluebell's greatest enemy, Hakon the Raven King, would end Bluebell's dreams of revenge on his mother and propel his own desperate grasp for power.

Daughters of the Storm is a richly drawn historical fantasy full of passion, magic and fire, an intimate epic that traces the lives of five complex women as they pursue a quest upon which the fate of a kingdom — as well as their own destinies — rests.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Australia
• Release date: Nov 1, 2014
• ISBN: 9781488742651

Kim Wilkins

Kim Wilkins published her first novel, a supernatural thriller, in 1997. Since then she has successfully maintained a busy writing career, as well as earning a PhD and holding down a job as an associate professor in writing and publishing at the University of Queensland. Under her pseudonym, Kimberley Freeman, she has published seven novels of epic women's fiction. She is published in twenty-one languages and has written for adults, young adults and children. She remains obsessed with misty English landscapes, Led Zeppelin, and chihuahuas.   Photo credit: Craig Peihopa

Reviews for Daughters Of The Storm

[heatherlinc · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was an action-packed historical fantasy. I quite enjoyed it, but didn't particularly like any of the characters. They were all self-centred in their own way, except Ash who was the gentlest and most compassionate of the five sisters. What really annoyed me was the frequent swearing, especially the use of the f-word. There is usually a lack of bad language in this genre, so every time it was used it grated, and was absolutely unnecessary.

[velmeran · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Daughters of the Storm is an attempt at creating powerful female characters in a male dominated world. The oldest daughter has shaped herself into the role of a man, behaving as much like her father, a man she admires, as she can. The next daughter was sold off in marriage to cement peace for her country, and is discontent with her lot in life and the lack of love and affection. Another daughter is struggling against her magical abilities because she has been told that she should not have them. The final two daughters are even more out of place having been shunted off to a relative from a young age. One only desires sexuality with males she finds desirable, whether they want it or not, and the last has adopted a religion which appears to completely dismiss women into second class status. None of these women is likeable or sympathetic, nor are any of the other characters [other than ones who are killed].

[patriciau-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

New fantasy series get started all the time; some are better than others. This one, my friends, is going to be EPIC! There is nothing here not to love, from the gorgeous cover to the big, fat, luscious story that features women in non-traditional roles (well, at least one of them!) The power held by the women in this story is remarkable, even if some of the characters aren’t always likable. Bluebell is a character to remember. Is there anyone like her in literature today (I haven’t read Game of Thrones, so maybe there is…). Even so, she is the alpha and omega here, the male and female, hero and antihero, and oh, how I love her! Highly recommended.

[billiebook · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

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.

[sapphireddragon · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I first discovered author Kim Wilkins books after listening to her speak in a panel at a local writing festival in 2004. At the time I then systematically went through and read all of her books to that date loving all of them and knowing this was an author I would also want to read more of.

Whilst it has been taken me a long while to finally pick up this book, having now finished it I don't know why I waited so long because I think I enjoyed this one more than all the others combined.

This is the perfect start to what looks to be an enthralling and exciting new series up there Game of thrones or Throne of Glass. Bluebell is heir to the throne, warrior and soldier for her Kingdom and her family. Everything she does and every decision she makes is for her Kingdom, her father or her four sisters. When her father is taken sick by magic, Bluebell is determined to do whatever it takes to save him, no matter the cost.

From the moment I started this book, I literally could not put it down, the writing flows and threads are weaved beautifully to give a seamless, compelling read. Even when you could see where some of the threads might lead, you could not help but be glued to the pages following every word and line.

Ms Wilkins world building is incredible and her characters captivating. The story is told from the point of view of the five sisters and Wylm their step brother. Each sister ( and their step brother) has their own path to follow in the story and each of these path's both kept me riveted whilst moving the story along.

Ms Wilkins writing really helped me connect with all the characters and get into their head and see their points of view. Whether I agreed with the view or not, it really added to my reading experience each character is so well created that you cannot help but invest yourself in each and every thread.

As the first book in the series, where series set up is so important, the story of this book by itself is also extremely strong and in itself sets the pieces in play for what is to come.

I very much enjoyed this read and am truly excited about picking up book 2 and continuing this series.

One of the best first book in a series I have read in a long time and I give this book 5 stars!

Sapphired Dragon xx

[libstaff2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A historical fantasy novel in which the characters are interwoven into a political and cold world of rulers, servants, and magicians. The story alternates from the 5 sisters' POV as well as the other prevalent characters. The maneuvering of characters reminds me of a chessboard. There are a few slow points in the story, but overall, it's interesting with a steady pace. I didn't particularly warm to any of the MCs, but the story arc makes this book difficult to put down. This is book 1 in a series, so even though the ending was well-written, I look forward to continuing. Some similarities with the Game of Thrones books. For fantasy and historical fantasy readers.Net Galley Feedback

[kimfalconer · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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!

[verkruissen · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I received this ARC of Kim William's book Daughters of the Storm, the first in the Blood and Gold Series in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. I had never read any of Kim William's books but the story line was intriguing and the protagonists of the story are all sisters seemed interesting since they were all so different. The story seems to be set in medieval times and the eldest daughter, The story begins with the discovery that the King is dying and that it is possibly due to magic.Blueberry, is a knight in her father's army and heir to the throne. Blueberry is told since she is the heir and she immediately suspects her father's new wife. The sisters join together to get their father out of the castle to a place where they hope to find a cure for his illness. Ash, another one of the sisters, is training to be a caregiver of sorts and she has magic that is quickly becoming to large for her to handle. She fears that she is becoming an undermagician and her path will take her away from everyone she loves. Rose, Ivy and Willow are the other three sisters. They also have dilemmas in their lives involving men, religion and the struggles of being a woman. I was drawn in immediately to the story and had no trouble keeping interested in the story line. The only issue I had was that when the story switched to another sister there was no gap, it felt like sometimes it should be the next chapter. Not just the next paragraph. I felt like the sudden switches made me wonder if I missed something along the way. But it was not a major hindrance in the flow of the story. Overall I definitely would recommend this book.