Reviews

The Storm Sister by Lucinda Riley

cwe's review

reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

2.5

theresagoers's review against another edition

5.0

Again, a book that enthralled me! Even though I was convinced that Riley, until today one of my favourite authors, would write yet another heart-warming, frustrating and thrilling book, there was a bit of nervousness. My experience taught me, that the follow-up books of a series turn out less exciting, but as this book is a story on its own my worries were unfounded.
This book included everything, tragedy, love, passion, grief and boldness. Reading Ally’s story made me feel more confident and helped me to tackle my own challenges.

ialaydi's review against another edition

emotional hopeful informative relaxing sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

agnebru's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

mariac33's review against another edition

adventurous emotional lighthearted mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

justinenoon82's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Riley's masterful blend of historical and contemporary narratives creates an engrossing read. The vivid descriptions of Norway and the world of music add depth to the story. While some plot points felt predictable, the overall journey of self-discovery and family history is captivating.

---

Content Warnings

Minor: Sexual content, Grief, and Death

The book follows Ally D'Aplièse, one of seven adopted sisters, as she embarks on a journey to discover her roots following her adoptive father's death. The story alternates between Ally's present-day narrative and the historical story of her ancestor in 19th century Norway.

Ally's journey takes her from a sailing competition in Greece to the fjords of Norway, where she uncovers her connection to a young woman named Anna Landvik, who lived in the late 1800s. Anna's story involves her journey from a small mountain farm to becoming a singer in Christiania (now Oslo), where she encounters the famous composer Edvard Grieg.

The book delves into themes of identity, family bonds, and the power of music. It explores Norwegian culture and history, particularly the period of romantic nationalism in the late 19th century. Riley's writing style is descriptive and immersive, painting vivid pictures of both modern-day settings and historical Norway. The narrative weaves together elements of romance, historical fiction, and family saga.

While uncovering her family history, Ally also deals with personal challenges and romantic entanglements in the present day, adding depth to her character arc.

This book is part of a larger series, but it can be read as a standalone novel. However, readers familiar with the first book in the series may have a deeper understanding of some background elements.

rviegasvega's review against another edition

4.0

Debo confesar que me resultó difícil decidirme a leerlo porque es muy largo, tiene casi 600 páginas con una letra muy pequeña. Qué suerte que eso no me disuadió.
Al principio me resultó un poco lento, y sentía que no arrancaba la historia, pero cuando comencé a leer la parte "histórica" ya no lo pude soltar más. La mitad del libro lo leí de un tirón, pasaban las páginas y me emocionaba cada vez más. Si bien no soy muy aficionada al romance, esta novela me conmovió. Además de que me permitió viajar a Noruega y conocer lugares nuevos, historias, costumbres, la verdad es que estoy feliz de haberlo leído!

moncoinlecture's review against another edition

2.0

2.5 Une grosse partie du roman m'a agacée (toutes les histoires d'amour en fait... ouais, je suis incorrigible) mais la partie dans le passé, avec Grieg et Ibsen m'a intéressée.

Et pourquoi, POURQUOI mentionne-t-on aussi souvent la richesse de la famille et la beauté des filles? C'est bon, après 10 fois, j'ai compris! Encore une fois... moi et mes pet peeves! Mais rencontrer des personnages historiques, c'est cool!

mellmell's review

adventurous emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

chaneoosthuizen's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional inspiring mysterious sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Alcoholism, Pregnancy, Death, Antisemitism, Miscarriage, War, Suicide, Child death, and Alcohol

Minor: Mass/school shootings, Colonisation, and Infidelity

Honestly I find it hard to think of something that didn't happen in the book, almost to the point where it's unrealistic.