Daughters of the Storm by Kim Wilkins
Series: Blood and Gold #1
Published by: Del Rey Books
Pub Date: March 6, 2018
Pages: 437
Format: hardcover | Source: purchased
Genres: adult, fantasy
Rating: 

Five very different sisters team up against their stepbrother to save their kingdom in this Norse-flavored fantasy epic–the start of a new series in the tradition of Naomi Novik, Peter V. Brett, and Robin Hobb.

FIVE ROYAL SISTERS. ONE CROWN.

They are the daughters of a king. Though they share the same royal blood, they could not be more different. Bluebell is a proud warrior, stronger than any man and with an ironclad heart to match. Rose’s heart is all too passionate: She is the queen of a neighboring kingdom, who is risking everything for a forbidden love. The twins: vain Ivy, who lives for admiration, and zealous Willow, who lives for the gods. And Ash, who is discovering a dangerous talent for magic that might be a gift–or a curse.

But when their father is stricken by a mysterious ailment, they must come together on a desperate journey to save him and prevent their treacherous stepbrother from seizing the throne. Their mission: find the powerful witch who can cure the king. But to succeed on their quest, they must overcome their differences, and hope that the secrets they hide from one another and the world are never brought to light. Because if this royal family breaks, it could destroy the kingdom.

Fun story: I’ve wanted to read Daughters of the Storm for about five years. I read a historical fiction book under the author’s pen name, but when I went to look for this it was only available in Australia and much too expensive for me to purchase. I was thrilled when I found out Del Ray was publishing it in the US and I’m even more excited to say it exceed expectations. It was an excellent adult fantasy novel! Easy to get into but distinctive- I loved how different the sisters were, the vaguely Norse feel of their kingdom, and the magic and treachery. Bluebell and Rose were my favorites but each sister brought something important to the story.  There were plenty of surprises mixed in with well-executed fantasy cliches and I’m really looking forward to the sequel.
      

Do you prefer adult or YA fantasy? Is Daughters of the Storm on your TBR? Let me know what you think of it!