I appreciate the publisher allowing me to read this book. I found the subject matter really interesting. The book was well written and easy to understand. I highly recommend this book.

I really tried to get into it because it was a retelling of an Arthurian legend. However, it was really hard to get into. This is because the story moved at a slow pace. I also did not like the reincarnation plot and that could have been eliminated. Still, I recommend this for fans of Barbara Erskine, Susanna Kearsley, and Melanie Karsak!

this was a really unique take on a historical fiction and Arthur legend. I thought this was a great start to the series and look forward to more in this universe.

I really wanted to like this story but I didn’t. It took me weeks to get through 25% of the book where I determined I just couldn’t go on. I wanted to love this story but the author is so verbose and stretched everything out that I couldn’t stick with it. I’m sure this writing style appeals to some readers but it was not for me. I’m disappointed because the premise of this story was really intriguing but it fell short.

I'm afraid I just couldn't get into this book; I think many people will love it, but there's a mismatch between me and the narrative style that meant I struggled to connect. The narrative is extraordinarily detailed, with every scene full of minute observations and many adjectives, so it moves incredibly slowly and there's so much to take in. Added to this are hints that the main character is unreliable, and it was all too much for me to really sink into. This just isn't going to be one for me.

DNF at 10%.

Kingfisher By D. K. Marley {The Kingfisher Series, Book One}

This tale begins with an assignation. Vola and her identical twin sister Isla
twenty-eighth birthday celebration was the same day that the Archduke Ferdinand, and his wife Sophia were assassinated. That fated day June 28th, 1914, set about a series of events that led to The Great War.
Vala father thin

Vola enjoys escaping into books and fanciful play acting. She has a vivid imagination, along with vibrant recurring dreams since childhood. These dreams seems more like memories and she feels that there are more to her mother’s childhood lavish tales of King Arthur.

Abergavenny Wales, Vala Penrys and her four sister try to adjust to the changing time. As the world as they know it is turned inside out. As countries take sides, their father Ian leaves to fulfill his duty to the Crown. Vala being oldest, is left in charge of the running of the household and the care of her ailing, slightly unhinged mother, Isobe. The oldest of the Penrys girls boarder on spinsterhood, after a few seasons in London without acquiring suitable husbands. Isla and Vola along with the rest of the Penrys, and servants make up a close knit family that depend on each other for comfort and friendship as War rages on. Their mother’s condition worsens, along with Isobe’s cryptic secrets at Tyalwyn. What could they mean?

After Vala meets a captivating young Welsh Lieutenant, Taliesin Wren. She seems drawn to. The oldest girls decide to do what they can to help the war effort by making their home available to those soldiers in need. New acquaintances help to piece together family secrets, that have been buried. As reality and myth become blended.

D. K. Marley has written a stunning historical fiction, mixed with magical realism.
Set to the backdrop of the beginning of the First World War, and Avalon. The author blends mystery, family dynamics and time travel.

I enjoyed the overall premise of the book. The quick pace kept me engaged from the very beginning and all the way through. There is slight tension that slowly builds as you the flip through the pages and storyline unfolds. The characters are well developed and completely fleshed out. Richly detailed, the writers voice is fluid and captivating, making for an excellent reading experience.

Historical fiction with magical realism is one of my all time favorite genre.
D. K. Marley exceptional writing is spellbinding I found myself completely immersed within these pages.

Excited for the next installment in this highly addictive book series ,

Quotes:

I gripped her hand and return. “Now is the perfect time. How else can we braved the day ahead of us then to fall down rabbit holes?”

“I see the conflict in your eyes Vala, but do not worry. We are of this time, but another, as well. I am a gentleman. All things will take place in time.”

Wow. I was totally engrossed in this novel's plot and characters. Five spinster sisters all with secrets of their own, at the start of the Great War in Wales, travel in convoy with the oldest sister Vala as she strives for peace in their land, while solving her family's mysteries and uncovering their secrets.
The narrative was exquisite and rich in details of the period, including historical characters that the author imagined into her story.
I am left waiting for the other sisters' stories, as I am sure this novel is the first in a much-anticipated series.

This takes place way back in 1914 right before the war,four sisters with secrets! D.K.Marley did a fantastic job on not only having the characters come alive for you but places you right into the story as it you are right there. Adventures,secrets and love what more do you need in a story? Follow these sisters and see what happens to them where they are going and will they get there or will their lives change forever ? I really enjoyed this story and wonder if there will be more?

In 1914 as War looms Vala and her 4 sisters are left to care for their mother when their father heads off to war. Vala has always been intrigued by tales of King Arthur, her mother starts acting strangely and Vala's dreams become more real. She falls in love with Lieutenant Wren who seems mysterious. When Vala finds a crystal it transports her through a portal to Avalon.
A good read with very good dialogue. For fans of time travel and Arthurian legends
Many thanks to Netgalley and publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own

Though the story is written in first-person, the narration is sweeping and inclusive. The dialogue is period appropriate. There are casual references to throw-away historical details that a depth to the narration. Overall, the narrative is enveloping and takes readers along on a enjoyable journey,.