If I had to pick, epic fantasy is my favorite genre, so I started DAUGHTERS OF THE STORM with excitement. The synopsis of the first book in author Kim Wilkins' Blood and Gold series hinted at intrigue, magic, conflict and tragedy. And it delivered in many ways. Wilkins introduces readers to the five girls and one stepbrother early on, and we get to know them better as we learn their father, King Athelric, is dying. How the sisters relate to their father's magically-induced illness and to each other gives us great insight. There is Bluebell, a warrior and heir to the crown; Ash, a mage with growing powers; Rose, the most passionate of them all; Willow, a religious zealot; and Ivy, the selfish, envious one.

Bluebell blames her father's second wife, Gudrun, for their father's disease, but the other sisters aren't so sure. And, none of the other sisters or their stepbrother, Wylm, share her commitment to crown and family. Rose wants her love; Ash fears her growing powers; Willow spends her time in prayer; and Ivy seems to resent the world. Wylm wants the throne and his mother's innocence.

I had two main issues with the book: I didn't like any of the characters. Liking the characters isn't a prerequisite for enjoying a book, but it helps if one can rally behind at least one of them. These characters did things without heeding the consequences, and it got frustrating. Ash, with her self-awareness and some consideration of what's to come, has the most potential. My second issue had more to do with world building. First books in series normally spend a great deal of time on character development and laying out the world in which the story takes place, but this book didn't have the twists, turns and surprises that normally can give balance.

That said, much of Wilkins' writing is strong, and a curiosity to know how things play out will likely have me reading the second book, SISTERS OF FIRE. A lot can happen from here on out, and I hope to find more twists and surprises in the next book.