Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Sisters of the Fire by Kim Wilkins Series: Blood and Gold #2
Published by Del Rey Books on February 5, 2019
Genres: New Adult, Fantasy
Pages: 464
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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Four years have passed since the five sisters--daughters of the ruling king--worked together to restore their father to health and to the throne, while fracturing the bonds between themselves almost irreparably. Only Bluebell is still 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 the 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!
I read Daughters of the Storm last year which started the Blood and Gold series and wanted the next book so much. I loved the characters and the Norse fantasy themes. I got this book early, way back in August but the New Release challenge has me trying to read current year rather than future years. Then I had trouble starting to read, not actually reading, but picking up the book. Because I was afraid.
Once I started reading I was engrossed immediately, but worried for my beloved characters. This is a story of 5 sisters, the daughters of a long time King. They are all very different but I liked Bluebell and Ash best, Rose was silly but okay, Ivy was selfish but without malice, and Willow is a religious nut and I hate her. I was glad to see Rose and Ivy have matured and are better people as parents, but nothing seems to improve Willow.
There are many battles with swords and some magic. There are dragons. It is an exciting story but I was scared all the time my favorites or the children would be hurt or killed. Life, even when people are greedy or religious fanatics, was rough in this time. There is constant action, and unending, urgent emotions of fear, love, pride, lust and disgust while reading these stories. Ivy and Willow had me rolling my eyes a few times, too.
While this is a satisfying ending point, there is much more to the overall story here. I keep thinking because there are five sisters, the series would have five books, but it isn’t how it is. Each book has them all and various developments of them and their families. The next book, Queen of the Seas is projected for 2019 and I’m ready.
About Kim Wilkins
Kim Wilkins was born in London, and grew up at the seaside north of Brisbane, Australia. She is an Associate Professor of writing and book culture at University of Queensland. She writes a lot, usually by ignoring unimportant things like cooking and washing her children’s clothes. She has enduring obsessions with Viking-age England, misty landscapes, pagan mythology, Led Zeppelin, and really really small dogs.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2019 Releases
- COYER WINTER
Norse fantasy sounds really interesting, Anne! I enjoyed your review.
I really am enjoying these. They are not typical. The story of 5 sisters, all very different, the Norse Mythology, I like it a lot. Thank you.
I remember the name because she had in french the most amazing cover
https://culturellementvotre.fr/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/les-soeurs-du-feu-kim-wilkins-bragelonne.jpg
Thanks for sharing – it is an amazing cover! I’m really enjoying the series and now waiting to see what happens next.
I hadn’t heard of this series, Anne, but you have me curious. Particularly because of the Norse element. 🙂 I’m happy you liked this installment even if it kept you knotted in fear. Lovely review.
Thank you. I’m less afraid but more excited for the next one. It’s fantasy. There is romance but it is secondary.
You sound like me where you read to a plan. LOL, I’ve been chicken to start a book I think something awful is going to happen, but then on the other hand, I can’t NOT read it. 😉
I like that these have some Norse mythology involved.
Exactly!! I have to know but it’s hard to start it. It turns out I like many fairy tales, Russian also. But really old ones more than the modern ones.
I love that cover! This one sounds up my alley as well since I’ve been looking for New Adult books that aren’t in the contemporary genre. I get what you mean, though – I’m always scared of entering the sequel at the risk that I may be disappointed.
I like fantasy more than I used to like it. This focuses on 5 women, sisters, which I really enjoy. They are very different and I don’t like them all.
This series is on my radar. Glad you are enjoying it and hopefully it isn’t too long of a wait for the next book.
If you like fantasy, it’s a great choice. I favor stories which feature women.
Oh, wow, Anne, I don’t think I’ve read any Norse fantasy. I’m definitely intrigued and what a stunning cover!
I don’t know much of any mythology so I can’t claim anything about accuracy. But I enjoy the stories. I’ve read some with Russian and Greek also.
I haven’t read the first book from this series but I do remember seeing a few reviews for it. I am glad that you liked this one as much as you did. It sounds like I have another series to add to my tbr pile. Great review!
Thank you! It’s a series I have really enjoyed. It’s fascinating with 5 main characters, all women. But we get the other characters thoughts also at times.
I don’t recall hearing or seeing anything about this series, but it sounds really good. Thanks for sharing!
It is really good. I don’t remember how I got on to the first one exactly but I didn’t see it around much. I loved it so of course I got this second one.