Title: Daughters of the Storm (Blood and Gold #1)
Author: Kim Wilkins
Published: 1st November 2014
Publisher: Harlequin Mira
Source: Harlequin Mira via Netgalley in return for an honest review
Reviewed: Sapphired Dragon
Rating: *****
My Review:
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
About The Book
Daughters of the Storm (Blood and Gold #1) by 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.
