I received this ARC of Kim Wilkin's book Sister's of the Fire, the second book in the Blood and Gold Series in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.
I have to say, as much as I enjoyed the first book I LOVED the 2nd one! The story seems to flow effortlessly between two of the sisters, Ash and Bluebell. The other sisters have parts to play but the story seems to focus more on these than the other sisters. Bluebell has placed Rose's daughter, Rowan, from an illicit relationship with her lover, Snowy, who lives a remote life in the woods caring for the king's lands. We find out that Rowan has her own magic and the First Folk want to claim her as their own queen. Ash has been traveling for years with an undermagician who relies on her blood to transform into other creatures to look for their elusive prize, a dragon. This is the dragon that Ash fears will bring on her unbecoming.
Everyone's stories converge as an army of raiders led by Bluebell's nemisis and her sister Willow attack the city and the fates of everyone rest on the shoulders of Bluebell and Ash and the decisions they make. ( )

I received this novel as an advanced copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Firstly, I began reading this book without knowing that it was part of a series. When I realized this, I tried to hunt down the first novel but unfortunately was unable to find it or order a copy of it. I continued reading this novel in spite of that, and I am SO GLAD that I did! Here is my review:

Five sisters, each unique, and each destined for something that they could never imagine...One is a gifted magician named Ash, who has set off on a journey to find a dragon that could destroy those she holds dear. The beautiful, unhappy Rose longs for her daughter, Rowan, and decides to go on a harrowing mission to get her back. Ivy, married for the sake of an alliance, sets her sight on becoming the Duchess of Seacaster. Willow, a fanatic of the religious order Maava, has decided to dedicate her life and that of her child's to ridding the kingdom of all those who do not believe in her faith. And Bluebell, the battle-scarred warrior princess and heir to the throne, hears rumors of a sword that was wrought to kill her and must now face a foe who once was her friend.

From one journey to the next, the story follows these five sisters. The choices they make along the way can either hold their kingdom together, or land it in utter chaos.

This book is fantastic! The personalities and behaviours of each sister are vastly different, which makes it so fun to read! The story line connects well and the author has clearly developed the plot in a way where everything works. The fantasy aspects are interesting to read. I was hooked from page one. It didn't matter that I hadn't read the previous novel in the story; I was able to follow along and enjoy the ride all the same! This novel is fast-paced, well-written, and so exciting that I simply could not put it down! I cannot wait until the next book in the series. If you love fantasy and strong female leads, then this is the novel to try! ( )

First Posted on Realm of the Sapphired Dragon on Wednesday 24th August 2016

ARC received from HarlequinAustralia/Mira in return for an honest review:

I do believe I liked Sisters of the fire even more than Daughters of the Storm. And I adored Daughters of the storm. This book takes up the story 4 years after the end of book 1. All 5 sisters and their offspring are spread across Thrysland and Bluebell hears that one of her sisters has the trollblade that can kill her and she is determined to her her hands on the sword before it gets her.

Again, from page one I fell headlong in to the story. Each sisters thread was spell binding as the next and drew me ever deeper into the story. the way the threads are pulled and weaved is genius with each on pulling the reader ever towards the end.

I love Ms Wilkins storytelling. She manages to weave this extremely intricate yet seemless story that with characters that are so well drawn they leap off the page in all their flawed brilliance. I was invested in each and every one of them in one way or another and they really added and extra layer to an already riveting story.

This book is full of secrets from beginning to end, the sisters and other characters have secrets from each other and from those around them, even from their selves and they way ms Wilkins slowly reveals these secrets and the consequences of their revealing is nothing short of perfection. This book really advances the series whilst still leaving the reader with a sense of satisfaction with the end of this book.

This book is a perfect mix of action, romance and fantasy with well developed characters and a story that will keep you glued to the pages from beginning to end.

This is Australian fantasy writing at its finest and I give this book 5 stars!


Sapphired Dragon xx ( )