Book Review: Daughters of the Storm by Kim Wilkins
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Daughters of the Storm by Kim Wilkins
Mogsy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Book 1 of Blood and Gold
Publisher: Del Rey (March 6, 2018)
Length: 448 pages
Author Information: Website | Twitter
Combining magical fantasy and family drama, Daughters of the Storm follows the lives of five royal sisters who could not be any more different—unless you count each of them struggling with a bevy of personal problems as something in common. Bluebell, the eldest, is a fierce warrior, who has her sights on becoming the first ruling queen. Next is Ash, whose mystical abilities are developing much faster than she can handle. Then there’s Rose, trapped in an unhappy marriage to a king in a neighboring land, when in fact her heart belongs to her husband’s nephew, who also secretly fathered her child. The youngest are the twins, Ivy and Willow, who are both inexperienced and naïve in their own ways. The former is a self-obsessed girl whose only source of happiness lies in what others think about her, and the latter has secretly become a passionate convert of a religion that her family disapproves of.
Growing up, the sisters have not been particularly close, following their own individual paths. But when news arrives that their father is dying, the five of them must reunite again and figure out what to do. Bluebell, who has always worshipped her father, is convinced that his illness is caused by dark magic and suspects her stepmother of being the one to curse him. To Bluebell’s further chagrin, her stepbrother has also arrived at the news of the king’s impending death, and she fears that he may be working with his mother to seize the throne.
Daughters of the Storm felt like it was written for fantasy fans who enjoy complex family sagas and reading about the ups and downs of strained sibling relationships. It felt like there was little conflict in the story otherwise, as the truth behind the king’s mysterious illness became revealed shortly after the introduction, not to mention we also found out the antagonist’s endgame just as early. While there was a smattering of action and intrigue thrown in here and there, this was definitely more of a family drama, though let me be clear: I don’t want anyone to think I’m using this description disparagingly. After all, family dramas can be wildly entertaining and addictive, if the characters are written well and the author succeeds in making me care about them. And considering how quickly I devoured this book, I’d say Kim Wilkins might be on to something here.
If Daughters of the Storm had a main protagonist, the closest would be Bluebell. As the oldest of the sisters, she is also the most accomplished (at least in my eyes). A warrior princess who has won many battles, she strikes fear into the hearts of men and even kings tremble at the sound of her name. Bluebell was also my favorite character, though I admit this might have something to do with the fact that all the other sisters were so unlikable. Not that Bluebell herself was perfect, but she did strike me as having a good grip on her life and knowing her priorities, which is more than I could say for Rose, Ash, Willow, or Ivy. The twins were the worst; just about everything they said or did evoked a powerful desire in me to slap or throttle them, and of course, this only increased my sympathy for Bluebell, the person whom everyone turned to when they needed help. Bluebell, who already had her hands full trying to keep her father’s kingdom from tearing itself apart, was always the one expected to fix things for her little sisters, and despite her harsh demeanor, her love for her family meant that most of the time she would try and do her best, even when the sheer stupidity or selfishness of her siblings threated to bring all her hard work tumbling down.
Still, my dislike of most of the characters notwithstanding, I did have a good time with this book. It would be more accurate to say I “loved to hate” many of the younger sisters, who were all infuriating in their own way, but that didn’t mean I didn’t have fun following their antics. The best characters are those who refuse to play by the rules—who do what they want, when they want—and you could indeed make the case that each of the sisters were unscrupulous and incredibly self-serving to some degree. What truly impressed me was how the author turned this aspect into the story’s greatest strength, since many of her dubious characters were also those who received some of the best characterization and development. Their stories were just as entertaining to follow, and I can’t say I ever grew tired of reading about what happened with them. In other words, cheering on the good guys is well and good, but sometimes, watching unlikable characters dig themselves deeper or get their comeuppance can be just as satisfying.
If this trend continues, I could probably be convinced to read the sequel. After all, I like my stories to focus on characters above anything else, and it certainly doesn’t get any more character-driven than this. Daughters of the Storm will not be for everyone—especially if you prefer action-oriented fantasy or are looking for something with a little more political intrigue—but if you are drawn to the irresistible call of tangled relationships and fascinating family dynamics, then this is the book for you.
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This one doesn’t really appeal to me – I don’t know why. It sounds okay, and I don’t mind the idea of a family saga, although I’ve read some mixed reviews already, but, I’m being a bit more cautious about review books so I’ll stay firm I think.
Hope you enjoy the sequel if you decide to give it a go.
Lynn 😀
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Yeah, there’s definitely a “soap opera” feel to this…I know it’s not for everyone!
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Martin Chuzzlewit is a family drama that I liked.
But this, it didn’t really sound appealing.
Since you stated you might give a sequel a chance, does this shape up to be a long series, or just a duology? Or is it impossible to tell?
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This was actually a re-issue, so book two is already out, and from some of the reviews of it, it seems there is at least a third book on the way. Beyond that, I have no idea
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Ahhh, thanks.
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This has really been getting mixed reviews. It doesn’t seem like something I’d really like, although I’m certainly not against family dramas. I think I’d have to be in the right mood.
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I agree, and I think you are right – this book definitely requires a certain mood. It’s very soap opera-ish in certain parts.
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I like the cover, but I will wait until you read book 2 one day 😉
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Probably a good idea to wait!
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Sounds like an bit of an odd one with your mixed review; reading it quickly seems like it was well written enough to keep turning the pages, but the lack of conflict aside from the familial side of things and characters you disliked don’t sound too appeal. Not sure it’s one for me but it was interesting reading your review of it! Caz x
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Yeah, it took a while for me to peg what was missing. I really think it’s the lack of an overall mystery or conflict. It’s all in the family drama, so readers who don’t like that stuff are out of luck.
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This one sounds like the characters would drive me mad. Unless I see it at the library and grab it on a whim, I can see myself skipping it!
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OMG, there are some characters here you REALLY want to smack upside the head. They are so annoying!
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Complicated family dynamics are indeed an appealing element in any story, but it seems to me that there are too few shades of grey in this particular family dynamic, considering that only the main character comes across as likable, while the others seem to be there only to make her life hard. Nonetheless, I will keep an eye out for your review on the sequel to see if there are interesting developments: who knows? I might even give it a try, then… 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
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Yes, I think the author overdid it with the unlikable aspects of a couple of the little sisters, because they couldn’t seem to do anything right. The oldest had her issues too, but she seemed to have her life together at least!
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It’s good that you liked it in spite of the characters!
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Yes, I could go for a family drama!
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I think this is one I’d swerve! It does sound like it has an interesting premise but the thought of reading a whole book about a family drama really doesn’t sound appealing! Very fair review though! 😀
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Yeah, family drama, and not to mention some of the characters are just so annoying!
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I think I’ll still give it a chance. Characters’ personalities can be a very subjective thing sometimes; some readers might love a character, and others can’t stand the same one. Plus, Lisa @ Tenacious Reader gave it a positive rating as well, and I trust the both of you. 😉
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Very true! I know a lot of bloggers who just didn’t like this one at all, but I honestly it was okay despite the drama. Soap opera-ish storylines are my guilty pleasure though, so I’m not surprised this one worked for me on some level 😀
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People seem to be pretty divided on this one so far! Normally all the mixed reviews might scare me away but I can’t resist a magical family saga featuring sisters. Add in a character-driven story and I’m here for it, even if some of the characters are really frustrating!
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I think you might enjoy this, if you like family sagas especially those featuring relationships between sisters! That’s what this is mostly about, so I wish you luck with it! 😀
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Ahoy there matey! I just finished and reviewed this one. It goes live tomorrow. It was just an okay read for me and while I am not sad I read it, I was just expecting more. Rose and Ivy drove me insane. Those two need to use their brains! Actually all of them do. Fun review.
x The Captain
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Yeah, I enjoyed it too, but like you, I didn’t feel it was anything too special. And I couldn’t agree more with you about Rose and Ivy. Holy crap, they were so selfish and they only had themselves to blame for everything that happened to them!
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