This historical fantasy tale has the feel of Norse versus
Celt or Briton, so be prepared for no doubt appropriate
violence and strong language. The king of Almissia, the
largest and most powerful kingdom in Thyrsland, is dying,
and Athelrick's wife Gudrun sends for her son and the
king's daughters. Turmoil is about to strike an already
troubled land.
DAUGHTERS OF THE STORM explains that the girls have gone
their ways and made homes for themselves. Bluebell, whose
sword is called the Widowsmith, is the equal of any
fighting man and rides her horse with the men hunting
raiders. Other daughters like Rose have taken up womanly
habits and raise children. But they must all come together
now, for when their father dies the land will be imperiled
by greedy raiders.
Change is under way already; the local horseman religions
are being supplanted by the Trimartyrs who teach that king's
rule by divine appointment, sure to be popular with the
rulers. This worship of Maava relegates women to
servanthood and celebrates death, unlike the older Earth
Mother customs. If a ruler decides to convert, all his
people are bound by his decision.
Ash, Ivy, and Willow are the other princesses. Willow has
dedicated herself to the Trimartyr faith. If King Athelrick
converts before he dies, that would mean Princess Bluebell,
eldest, could not inherit. The throne would have to be
taken by a man. Like Gudrun's son, Wylm, perhaps, although
he didn't ask for this and isn't Athelrick's son. The weave
grows more tangled as the characters come together and
share their parts in the tale.
With witches, magicks, and treachery, this is a rich
narrative. Equally the tale is packed with bad roads, dirt,
hard journeys, basic food, and goods. No sprung carriages
and magic wands here, though there is a seamstress who
makes princely garb. The adventure involves an adult
romance.
Author Kim Wilkins was born in England and now lives in
Australia, where she teaches at the University of
Queensland. Long-running fantasy series are popular right
now so it's a good time to get in on the start of this
series, Daughters
of the Storm. The next two books will be called
SISTERS OF THE FIRE and QUEEN OF THE SEA. I like seeing
women in the forefront of fantasy stories so I enjoyed
DAUGHTERS OF THE STORM. At times it did read a little
slowly, but now the crucial elements have been introduced
the next books will probably be faster paced.
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. Ash is discovering a dangerous talent for
magic that might be a gift—or a curse. And then there are
the twins—vain Ivy, who lives for admiration, and zealous
Willow, who lives for the gods.
But when their
father is stricken by a mysterious ailment, these five
sisters must embark 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.
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