In the next chapter of a fantasy series featuring five unforgettable sisters—the warrior, the magician, the lover, the zealot, and the gossip—an insidious threat jeopardizes a fragile peace. Four years have passed since the five royal sisters—daughters of the king—worked together to restore their father to health and to the throne while fracturing the bonds among themselves almost irreparably. … almost irreparably. Only Bluebell remains at home, dutifully serving as heir to her father’s kingdom. Rose has been cast aside by her former husband and hides in exile with her aunt, separated forever from her beloved daughter, Rowan. Ash wanders the distant wastes with her teacher, learning magic and hunting dragons, determined that the dread fate she has foreseen for herself and her loved ones never comes to pass. Ivy rules over a prosperous seaport, married to an aged husband she hates yet finding delight in her two young sons and a handsome captain of the guard. And as for Willow, she hides the most dangerous secret of all—one that could destroy all that the sisters once sought to save.
The saga begins in . . .
DAUGHTERS OF THE STORM
“Five stubborn royal sisters continue to pursue their intersecting and often conflicting destinies in this follow-up to the Viking-inspired epic fantasy Daughters of the Storm. . . . The story gathers more depth and originality in this solidly action-packed middle volume, with the promise of more plot development—and probably a hefty dose of tragedy—to come.”—Kirkus Reviews
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Since I chose my reading by serendipity, I read this book first, even though it’s second in a series. It stands alone just fine. Set in a fantasy landscape loosely based on the time of the Vikings in Britain, it follows the intertwined lives of five sisters, daughters of a local king. These are no conventional princesses: they include a warrior, a prophet, a zealot, a schemer, and an exile. Wilkins’ universe is not only plausible but intensely pleasurable in its richness of sensual detail. And while none of the characters are lovable, the twists and turns of the story make you eager—and surprised—to find out what they’re going to do next. Now I’m looking forward to the first book!
Dragon Quest
Massive and complex as the story is, I found the threads carefully woven to include references to previous events so one can get by starting with this tale–but the saga is, like most, best read in order for the fullest enjoyment and understanding. The mindset of the people is far removed from modern sensibilities, and thought processes can be frustrating because one wants to shake the characters into our own understanding, forgetting we have the advantage of oversight of the many strands and the education of centuries of peace and warfare. As in the previous volume, the instant action is resolved and the active weft tied off–with enticing silken and woolen flutters of ongoing lives and potential for more saga-building tapestries as the next generation moves to the forefront. Should I talk more about the plot? The blurb does a good job. I’ll just say that if you enjoy dark ages fantasy with a gritty edge, read on!
Sisters of the Fire is book two in the Blood and Gold series and a fantastic read! I have to admit I haven’t read the first book but the author explained the background so I wasn’t lost. I still plan on buying book one so I can reread this series again. The main characters are complex and so different but together they helped their father regain his health and his throne. Four years have past and the sisters have gone their separate ways. This book has so much going on and I loved every twist along the way. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series to find out what happens next.
Sisters of the Fire takes place 4 years after the ending of Daughters of the Storm. Each of the princesses has gone to different lives. Bluebell hasn’t changed much from the last book. She is charged with protecting the kingdom and she takes that seriously. After a battle that ends with a randerman raider held captive, Bluebell learns something interesting. She learns that one of her sisters has possession of a sword that can kill her. But which one hates her that much that they want her dead? Is it Rose? Who’s actions caused her to be separated from her daughter Rowan and live in isolation with her undermagician aunt. Or is it Ash? Ash has kept herself isolated from her sisters. She fears that the prophecy she saw in a vision will not only kill her but her sisters. Plus, she has a dragon to kill and a vision that she is determined not to come true. How about Ivy? Ivy who was the reason Rose was sent away from her daughter. Ivy, who’s scheming will end up costing her more than she thought it would. And then Willow. Meek, mousey Willow whose outer appearance doesn’t hint at the fanatic inside. Willow, who is willing to do anything to bring Maava to her father’s kingdom. Which sister will betray her?
I enjoyed reading Sisters of the Fire but it did take me a while to get into the book. The book got off to a slow start. The author had to give the background on 6 separate storylines before the book could get off the ground. She had to explain what happened to the sisters and Rowan in those 4 years. I would say that the first 30% of the book crept by for me. But, when Bluebell met with Rose, then I saw the book pick up steam. After that, the book flew. I couldn’t put it down.
If I had to have a sister that I disliked the most, it would have to be Willow. I knew that her mind wasn’t well during the first book. I mean, she heard flipping angels for crying out loud. What she morphed into in this book frightened me. She was what I call an uber fantastic. I felt so bad for her child. Look at what she put the poor thing through. She cut off eyelashes, gave the kid a bath and used a wire brush and refused to let the kid act like a child. But, what shocked me the most, was what Willow did. Even though she was bat poop crazy, I wasn’t expecting her to do what she did. I was saddened and surprised by it.
If I had to have a favorite character, it would have to be Rowan. For a small child, she was very wise. She saw what people were like. She also suffered from Rose not being there. Snowy was a good father figure but it wasn’t enough. She needed her mother. I thought her hearing the singing tree was interesting. Even more interesting was her connection to the First Folk. I wish more time had been spent explaining her time with the First Folk.
I can’t even get into all the storylines. If I did, this review would be way too long. Let me say that I thought they were amazing. I also thought that the author did a fantastic job at merging all them.
There was even a bit of romance in the book. I wasn’t expecting who the characters were (took me by surprise) but I thought it was sweet. I can’t wait to see if that romance will survive the next book.
The end of the book was good. I liked how the author took each sister and left their storyline open. The epilogue fascinated me. It left more questions than anything.