Daughter of the Forest

I must admit that I bought the book simply because of my interest in how authors of today handle the retelling of myths and fairytales - I'm SO glad I did! The tale this is based on (The Six Swans) has been one of my favourites since I was a girl because of the elements of transformation magic and the power of love & loyalty. Marillier handles these elements admirably, drawing you into a believable Celtic world where people struggle against people, the old world magic struggles with a new age of religion and a girl-woman journeys determindly through the terrifying obstacles to discover the truth and power of sacrifice, loyalty, family and finally love.

My only negative comment (I wish my rating could be 4 1/2 stars instead of just 4) would be that the author tends to digress at times into a narrative of descriptive thought and reflection that, while mostly interesting, do tend to interrupt the flow of story. I felt the adventure and suspense suffered a little as a result.

Nevertheless, the youngest sister, Sorcha, whose point of view the story is told from, is a strongly real person in the midst of a compelling fantasy setting. At times, I found the writing drew me in so well I felt I should be as silent as she had to be.

Being written less about the magic and more about the people, I happily followed the characters beyond the end of the fairytale to continue their story. Because my initial interest was in the treatment of the fairytale itself, I did not expect to want to read more than the first book. Instead I will be adding the sequel to my bookshelf as soon as it appears. All in all, this book was worth every cent and also happens to be one of the best 'firsts' I have ever read. If this is only her first novel then we are in for some wonderful books in the future!

Congratulations, Juliet. For anyone out there who is interested in Celtic folklore, strong female characters or fabulous love stories, this is a wonderful novel to put on your "to read" list. Marillier has created Sorcha, a heroine who is strong, determined and steadfast. She suffers a great deal throughout this novel, and reading of her trials and disappointments is not for the weak of heart. I found myself crying often throughout the book, in outrage, sadness and in joy. The novel lacks some polish in its language at points, and there is little suspense, but its strengh is in the reader's strong identification with Sorcha throughout. She is condemned to silence throughout most of the book and the power of her story is such that the reader feels the need to be silent also, so as to help carry her burden. I can't wait until the next book in this series is published.

I have been reading the reviews for Ms. Marillier's book and I am astounded by the number of people who have made criticisms about the lack of historicity and adherence to mythology. The author doesn't claim to be writing an historical work or recounting the narrative of a familiar myth; Ms. Marillier is writing a new story in which she borrows elements of history and myth in order to give her readers something new and exciting. And I think she has delivered this, with great success. I began the book with great expectations which were fulfilled and satisfied and surpassed in every way. (Actually, I lie. I was extremely disappointed when reaching the end, sometime around 5am in the morning, to discover that Lady Oonagh did not get her just desserts. I wrote to Ms. Marillier immediately and she informed me I would have to wait until the third instalment for that particular satisfaction.) I would like to congratulate Ms. Marillier on an entertaining, enthralling, imaginative and captivating novel. I am eagerly anticipating the 2nd instalment, which to my joy, I discovered is only a few weeks away now. Its been a long and agonising wait.

****SPOILER WARNING****

I bought the paperback version of this book on the advice of a clerk at Barnes & Noble a few weeks ago. Upon just finishing this story after a few tense days of suspenseful reading, I feel compelled to write a review.

While not the most ground-breaking of novels, this tale has a quiet sort of solidity to it that leaves you with a good, satiated feeling when all is said and done. Admittedly, Ms. Marillier took her sweet time during the first chapter as she introduced the characters and setting, but from about the second or third chapter on I found that I simply could NOT put this book down. Just when you think things are finally beginning to go well for the narrator, she lets on that something awful is about to happen and you will mentally (or as in my case literally) balk at the suggestion. I almost could not bring myself to continue reading at times for fear of what would happen next, making for a very engrossing read.

Personally, I am not well-versed in Celtic lore and so had never heard the tale of the swans before--perhaps it was my ignorance in this that made my experience with this book more satisfying than those who were familiar with it. To me this premise and plot rang sweetly as an interesting bit of folklore brought to life, and I appreciate the efforts the authoress went through to put me into that world and into that predicament with Sorcha.

Apparently I am in the minority with this, but my favorite parts of the book were the early chapters during and up to the time of Sorcha's solitude in the forest with Linn, before everything changed. I admire the way time was showed to pass and the steady progress made through Sorcha's administrations to Simon and to her shirts. I certainly found the later parts of the book interesting and could not put the novel down in my need to know what would happen next, but as the novel sped to a close it turned into a more typical story of budding romance and slight political intrigue--I found myself longing at times for the dark mystery that the earlier chapters had held.

My main gripes about this book are that at times it seemed the author gave little reason for the characters to act as they did. On the one hand we were told that so-and-so acted a certain way because of this or that, but then a good deal later in the book said person would turn around and do something out of character with no explanation given at all. Or if there was an explanation, it was a very contrived one that didn't seem to have much thought to back it up. There were also times when Sorcha and her brothers seemed a little too conveniently knowledgeable or well-spoken when I could see no real reason due to their age and inexperience for them to be so. It also appeared to me that the heroine went from the extremes of being strong and able to fend for herself to needing the protection (or affection) of some male figure to help her along. It also kind of irked me that she was often put on a pedestal of being some kind of object that men everywhere secretly desired or longed to protect no matter who it was or what the circumstances. I did however think that the rape scene and the effect it had on her was handled very well--who would want to be touched by even one's own brothers after that?

Then there was the ending. It was so sudden and abrupt and wrapped up so neatly that I felt almost cheated. The overtones of perseverance and the importance of family that had built up for the entire story disintegrated into a miniature whirlwind of idealistic romance that seemed to make Sorcha's love life the focus of every character in the novel and ultimately watered-down everything that made this book so gripping. Had her reunion and reconciliation with Red been more private and made less a spectacle of I would have found the entire episode much more touching and realistic than the drawn-out blindfolded story telling. If it were possible to give half a star I would certainly award this book 3

Since my childhood, I have always loved a good fairy tale and this Celtic-themed fantasy is a real winner - for both teens and adults alike. Juliet Marillier's "Daughter of the Forest" is loosely based on versions of Hans Christian Andersen's, (and the Brothers' Grimm), tale of six brothers who are placed under an evil spell and transformed into wild birds, and their sister who, under great hardship, must save them.

Lovely Sorcha should have been born the seventh son of a seventh son. But she was born a daughter, with six older brothers. Sorcha's mother died at her birth, leaving behind words of love for all her children. Lord Colum of Sevenwaters, the children's father, lost much of his joyous spirit with his wife's death and changed drastically in the ensuing years. He focused his energies on war rather than family and kept his emotions in tight rein. Colum spent much of his time patrolling his extensive landholdings to protect his forest properties and Ireland's borders from outsiders - the Britons, Picts and Vikings. He also spent time planning for war against the British, his primary enemy. The British had stolen three sacred Isles, holy to the Old Religion and central to its practice. At any and all cost, the islands must be won back. Colum's oldest sons, Liam, Diarmid, Cormack and Padriac were trained in arms and fighting and accompanied their father on his missions and strategy sessions. Conor, Cormack's twin was plainly not destined to be a warrior. He was a scholar, interested in Druid teachings, and took on the duties of the house steward. Finbar, to his father's despair, was not a fighter either - he was a man of peace. And young Sorcha, who her sire paid little attention to, was allowed to run wild, but was tutored in reading, writing, Gaelic and the British language by a Catholic priest, Father Brian, who lived nearby. Like her mother before her, Sorcha had The Sight and was an excellent healer. The good father furthered her education in the healing arts also.

Into this relatively peaceful setting came two strangers who were to significantly alter everyone's lives. Simon of Harrowfield, a young Briton of a noble house, was captured on Colum's land. He was called a spy and brutally tortured. In the dead of night Sorcha and Finbar took him to Father Brian's in hopes of healing him and getting him back to his own people. Connor gave them his blessing. All three youths risked their father's wrath and perhaps, even death, if they would be discovered. Then Colum returned from a trip with Lady Oonagh, his new bride-to-be - the second stranger. All the children sensed something terribly evil in her, especially Conor, Finbar and Sorcha. In order to gain total power over Colum and reduce his children's power, she seduced one son and began to make trouble for the others. Her vicious acts came to a head one day when she found the seven siblings all together and bewitched the boys. She turned them into wild swans, who would be able to return to their human forms only twice a year for a twenty-four hour period. Sorcha was left alone and bereft. The ancient Lady of the Forest came to her and explained how she could break the spell which bound her brothers. She told how difficult the task would be and how much strength she would need in order to complete her work. Sorcha eagerly accepted the job and left home, where she remained in danger from her stepmother, to begin her work and unravel the terrible spell.

This is a beautiful tale of familial devotion, self-sacrifice, steadfastness, adventure, travel - and yes, of love and romance - with a hero who is worthy of the exceptional young woman Sorcha is. Although the plot and subplots are very strong this novel is definitely character driven. And Ms. Marillier develops her cast of characters and gives them great depth. Much of what happens to Sorcha and her brothers is beyond their control but they recognize the root of their problems and wisely set about doing what they can to resolve them. The intelligent choices they make shape the narrative. As with all fairy tales, there is magic at work here, just the right amount to awe but not to disturb reality too much or take away from the characters' independence and ability to choose.

"Daughter of the Forest" is the first part of a trilogy but stands very well on its own and is an excellent novel and a delightful read. Highly recommended!
JANA

I'm a sucker for retellings of fairytales, and this one is of the highest quality! This is based on the tale of the six brothers whose wicked stepmother turns them into swans; in order for the curse to be lifted, their sister must weave six shirts of nettles, and may never speak a word the whole time. Sorcha Sevenwaters is the witty, insightful narrator of this story. The seventh child of Lord Colum of Sevenwaters, Sorcha is a healer, even at the young age of twelve. Her mother died giving birth to Sorcha, and Colum's heart was broken. When he remarries, it comes as a shock to all of his children, and as the evil nature of his new wife becomes apparent, they plan to spirit Sorcha away from her. She foils their plans, however, by laying a curse that turns them all into swans. Deirdre, the Forest Goddess, tells Sorcha that she can lift the curse, but that the path will be long and hard...and she's right. Her task will bring her pain, force her from her beloved Ireland, and endanger her life again and again. But she swears she will have the strength to save her brothers.

I'm pretty well-versed in Irish mythology, and at many points I felt a sort of deja-vu. Juliet Marillier has done a masterful (or mistressful?) job of creating an engaging heroine whose years of self-sacrifice may be for nothing. The years of outward silence for Sorcha are brilliantly narrated. The descriptions and storylines are sweeping, yet the characters are very human.

This is the first book in the Sevenwaters Trilogy; though it stands quite well on its own, I was left aching for more about these characters.

Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier is a wonderfully crafted book containing brilliant images of wild and magical celtic Ireland. The backgound is set in the first millennium when the turbulent struggle between the Irish with their ancient druidic faith and the English, seeking to promote Christianity was prevalent. The tragic lead character - a young celtic lass named Sorcha - is courageous and determined - attributes she needs in abundance when her wicked step mother uses a changeling spell to transform all 6 of her brothers into swans. Only Sorcha, who has some magical attributes herself, can break the spell and to do so she must suffer horrendous burdens such as rape, kidnap and hatred, all the time remaining utterly silent. So powerfully written are the scenes where she silently tries to communicate that I often caught myself miming Sorcha's words aswell. Sorcha's determination is remarkable, and her suffering almost unbearable - at times you feel that you must step in to help - then you remember it is just a book! When finally Sorcha meets someone willing to help her and protect her it is ironic that her past treatment at the hands of others will not allow her to believe in her benefactor's generosity and good-faith. Sorcha may lose her one chance at success and true happiness if she cannot regain her trust in others.

I bought Mariller's book "Daughter of the Forest" reluctantly, when I was snowed in and desperatly needed a book to read in the hotel room. I was reluctant, because I had read a few too many new takes on old fairy tales and wasn't willing to subject myself to any more.

WELL! Suprise, suprise! This woman can write! Daughter of the Forest is a book of depth, with a wonderful, mystical, adventurous and emotionally charged plot line. Sorcha, the daughter of a great Irish chief, is sister to 6 brothers, who through the curse of a villainous sorceress, are turned into swans. OK, we all know the fairy tale. But, JM puts flesh on the bones of that tale, so you can forget you're reading a cover of some stale old thing, and completely immerse yourself in something fresh and unusual. JM has a deft touch with magic, managing to present it side by side with everyday life in a completely believable manner. The very trees breathe with magic in this book, and you are swept away. Expect a very strong heroine, a fascinating journey, a not-too-idealized view of feudal life, a compelling love story, a very appealing love interest, and lots of fun. You can also expect at least one more thing....a great sequel in "Son of the Shadows." Enjoy!

It takes an extremely good book in order to coax a full five-star rating from me. However, in this case I feel that full marks are justified. So many times throughout the story I forgot the book in my hands and was able to get completely lost in the world that the author created - the mark of a true storyteller. It also remains, to date, the one book that has made me cry.
Each character is fully developed, each scene is intricately described and the writing is the best I have encountered for a very long time. No emotion is left unexplored as Juliet Marillier takes the reader on a roller coaster of a journey throughout mediaeval Ireland and Britain, through the land of the faeries and the land of the mortal. The conflict between the old pagan traditions and the new Christian religion is delicately handled, as is the conflict between the Irish and the Britons.
Sorcha is a strong heroine, although clearly a young woman of her time. All too often in period books, "strong heroines" are simply 21st century women, unbelievable as females who were brought up in earlier times. Marillier, however, makes sure that Sorcha is clearly a strong character without losing any of the book's authenticity.
Simply stunning - I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Juliet Marillier has likely done the best job of story-telling that I've ever come across in any of my readings. I have many favorites, but this makes it on my top five.

Daughter of the Forest is the re-told fairy tale of the six brothers who are turned into birds of flight by an evil sorceress. Sorcha, the youngest sibling and the only girl, loves them so much, she'd do anything to bring them back into their human form. The Queen of the Fairies takes pity on Sorcha and tells her that should she be brave there is a way to save them. Sorcha must spin six shirts for her brothers out of starwort (a bristles and thorny plant that will make the process more than painful) and place it over their necks. But the catch is no one can help her make the shirts and she is bidden to say not one word or there is no hope of saving her brothers. So, she cannot speak, can communicate only through hand motions and may not tell any part of her struggling tale to anyone.

The story is told in first person, through Sorcha's eyes, and the tone is as if she's looking back to the days of her hardships, reliving them to tell readers of her story. Marillier, the author herself, delved deeply into the heart of folklore and fairy tales, into the beautiful culture of Ireland of ancient times and brought forth the most emotional and lyrical read of the year and that will stand against time as one of the generation's best picks. While I read this book, I was brought to tears by the feelings Marillier exposed in her characters and it has been a long time since I've been enthralled like that in reading. If a book can induce such emotions with fictitious people, then that shows how much talent this author has.

Characters are defined and constructed wonderfully to stand out in this outstanding piece. And the writing itself is flawless and as poetic as the timeless tale it takes after. Sorcha, her home, her brothers, and everyone around her is brought brilliantly to life. If this book could have been give more than 5 stars, it proved itself worthy of it page after page.

My Recommendations are McKinley's "Beast" for another good re-telling of a known fairy tale, it's a teen book. McKinley's Deerskin, a reading appropriate for adults, Perrault's French fairy tale. And the teen book, The Raging Quiet by Sheryl Jordan, the only other book that made me get teary.

I'm a decades long fantasy genre fan and history buff, so this series sounded like a good bet. I confess it took me a while to get into this first book, but about half way through, I got hooked and sped through to the end. Very intriguing twist on traditional lore, some history and a good deal of 'magic'. The romance part is a little stilted, but fun too. It's the best of the three books in the series, in my opinion, though I think they're all worth the read for light entertainment. (Great on an airplane).

Set in ancient Ireland and Nurthumbria, this novel tell the story of the youngest child of Lord Colum of Sevenwaters and her struggle to free her brothers from a curse. The story is loosely based on an early Irish legend of a sorceress who transformed the children of a king to swans. While at first glance it appears to be a fantasy with a romantic subplot, it can probably be seen more accurately as a romance with a fantasy setting.

The strength of the story is good writing and a strong setting. Marillier has researched her setting enough to bring it to life well, and she handles descriptive detail very well, giving enough to set and enhance the scenes without dragging down the plot.

The hero and heroine are attractive, but too lacking in human flaws. A few weakneses would have made them more believable.

The villains aren't as interesting as the heroes. The sorceress Lady Oonagh is a bit over the top and no real motivation for her actions is ever given. (She's left alive at the end, so we may learn more about her in one of the sequels.) Since this is ancient Briton, I suspect that the other villain, Lord Richard, is to be understood as the distant ancestor of the family that ultimately spawned all the Bond villains; when he has the heroine helpless instead of killing her he helpfully explains all his plots to her, with a confidence, naturally misplaced, that she will die before she can repeat what he has told her.

Overall not the very best fantasy out there but certainly better than most, with the strengths definitely outweighing the weaknesses.

Of the seven Irish siblings, only Sorcha, the youngest and only female, does not remember their deceased mother. Her older six brothers have fond memories of their mother, that is until, their malevolent stepmother Oonagh bewitched their father and changed the males into swans. Sorcha is the solo hope of rescuing her family.

Sorcha enters the forest only to be raped. She manages to escape with the help of English nobleman Hugh of Harrowfield. Due to her vow, Sorcha hides her mission from Hugh. However, they marry and travel to England where Sorcha continues her quest to transform her siblings back into humans even as she becomes the focus of a deadly power struggle between Hugh and his enemies.

DAUGHTER OF THE FOREST is an entertaining romantic fantasy that retells the legendary Celtic fairy tale of the swans. The story line is fast-paced, filled with action, and loaded with romance yet brimming with magical elements that seem real. The lead charcaters are warm, compassionate, and share a sense of family loyalty that adds to the adventure. Though her debut novel, Juliet Marillier shows the talent of a folk tale teller that will send fantasy fans and romance readers delightfully desiring similar set stories.

My uncle (a librarian) gave me this book for my birthday because it received admirable reveiews from Anne McCaffrey, my favorite author, and I cannot be more pleased. I must have read it in almost a single setting - the tragic tail of Sorcha, a young girl who undergoes a horrible and painful test of strength and courage to break the spell her evil stepmother places on her 6 brothers. During her ordeal, she is forbidden to make a sound. So engrossed and enthralled was I with this book, that when interrupted, it took me a moment to realize that I was allowed to speak myself. Marillier's writing allowed me to identify with the character and brought me to both laughter and tears; I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good novel - and strongly suggest that all fantasy fans make room for a new author on their shelves.

As a reader of good folklore and fairy tales, I found this a watered down, somewhat soap opera version of a very beautiful story. I'm not sure what all the hype is about; this isn't a bad tale, but it's nothing to write home about. I might read her next book, but only in paperback or from the library.

This began as a beautiful telling of an old tale. It is vibrant, alive, descriptive, and so unpredictable that I was fascinated- the first book I had read in a long time that I couldn't put down. It was hard to read all the terrible things the main character went through. I think storytellers, be it through film or in books make the disappointing conclusion that one female or another must endure a brutal, descriptive rape, in order to demonstrate a woman's fragility in such a time period. I accepted this part of the book as a choice by the author to make her main character a more powerful heroine, and to demonstrate the protectiveness, albeit too lately administered, by her brothers. What I really did not like was the romance that came 2/3rds or later in the book, quite unexpected, and for me, unbelievably. I think you can ruin a good book with an ill-timed romance. The heroine somehow decides she is in love within the last twenty pages, and I simply was not convinced. There is an expectation that is alluded to in the beginning of another romance, one which has endured much and one which would have made a better tale.

WARNING:: Major end spoiler

OK, instead of repeating over and over what others have already perfectly described before me, I'll do it the other way round and tell you something that I found negative about this fairytale.

Sorcha should have been with Simon. I dont care what anyone says or thinks, Red is bland compared to Simon. Doesn't anyone out there agree with me? Simon, although terribly neglected in my opinion by the author, was potentially a much more complex character, while we never get an insight into Red - he does not have the passion, the fire of life within him to make him interesting, and that is perhaps why I really dislike him.

Apart from that minor nuance, this is amazingly enthralling story that will make you cry with the characters and live through all their pain and suffering. YOu will not laugh with them, however, as this story is no walk in the park, it is deep, heart-renching and cruel. It wonderfully displays human folly, and you read between the lines the message of the author.

Highly recommended, as Marillier really cleverly connects the reader with Sorcha, and the first-person narrative become your second personality. A work of art.

Tip: dim the lights, turn on a slow, sad, relaxing melody and make yourself comfortable as you step into the world of magic, myth and tale.

I love retellings of classic fairytales and, although that's the reason I bought this book in the first place, I soon realized that it is so much more than that. This book is an intense read...that's the only way to describe it.

Sorcha is the seventh child of a powerful Irish Lord. Her mother died giving birth to her and her father, Lord Colum, grew cold and distant and busied himself with war against his country's fierce enemies. Sorcha was raised by her six brothers and they grew up inseparable and free in the mystical forest that protects their estate.

But as the siblings reach adulthood, they begin to take different paths in life. Sorcha hates the change and longs for them all to be as they were before. But still more change is at hand. Lord Colum has brought home a bride...

The Lady Oonaugh is a beautiful and mysterious woman who seems to have Lord Colum at her beck and call. And, after the wedding, strange things begin to happen...sinister things. Sorcha and her brothers begin to have their doubts and fears of what the estate has become since their stepmother's arrival. They decide to take matters in their own hands and summon the Queen of the Fairies to help them. But their stepmother learns of their plans and uses her dark sorcery to keep them from contacting the Lady of the Forest and also places an evil enchantment on the siblings that changes them into wild beasts...with the exception of one.

Sorcha manages to escape from her stepmother, but with nowhere to go and no one to help she is in despair. But the Lady of the Forest heard their cry for help and appears to Sorcha, giving her a cruel task that, if strictly kept to, would release her brothers. But time is limited.

Sorcha soon realizes how horrible her task is, but she sticks with it out of love for her brothers. And then everything is turned upside down again when Sorcha falls into the hands of the Britions, her people's sworn enemies. Can Sorcha save her brothers as a captive in a foreign land?

This is one good book. I recommend it to everyone who likes epic fantasy and unique fairytale retellings. And if that doesn't pull you in, try it for the love story, which was sentimental, sweet, painful, dangerous, forbidden, and oh so wonderful...

I was at the book store searching for something new to read, and I came across Daughter of the Forest. The story seemed interesting so I brought it home. I read the entire thing in two days. This book is amazing because the characters seem so real, and the places feel like you could just walk into them. Juliet Marillier did a wonderful job writing the story based on the old celtic myth and making it come to life. Sorcha, the main character, needs to save her brothers from an evil sorceress's curse: they have been turned into swans. The only way Sorcha can acheive this is by weaving a shirt of a painful starwort plant for each brother. And while she does this she must remain silent. When Sorcha is captured by a briton lord and taken over to his country, the impossible happens, and Sorcha is faced with the decision to save her family or save the love of her life.

For only seven dollars, believe me, Daughter of the Forest is worth every penny.

I've always loved Celtic mythology, strong heroines, and tales of love and this book is a gorgeous combination of all three. Marillier does an extemely good job of taking an old legend and making the characters real and personal without losing any element of mystery or fantasy. Sorcha, although she is a young girl when the book begins, takes on an enormous load to break a curse set on her brothers and suffers grief and hardship with nothing to sustain her but her love for her brothers. Along the way, she meets a man who saves her life and ends up being the enemy that her father and oldest brothers have been fighting against to preserve their land. He takes her to his home, where she is recieved with grudging hospitality only because the man who brought her is the lord of the land, but she withstands the whispers and suspicious looks as it seems to be the only way she will complete her task and live. At the end, when her brothers are freed, you expect her to go home and live happily ever after, but she can't be completely content because of the strong ties with other people who helped her through her suffering. But in the end, love finds a way, as you knew it would.

The Sevenwaters series is Marillier's best work, so start with this book if you have never read her before. This book led me to read all her other stuff.

You fall in love with the amazing characters, especially the female protagonist, and when the book ends you miss them. People face tough decisions that have to do with love, duty, family, sacrifice, and Marillier describes these emotions so powerfully that you feel and admire the characters' struggles. For Sorcha to have to endure so much punishment and mistrust because of her forced silence, when she treats those who abuse her with kindness, you grow to love and admire her devotion to her brothers, to herself, to her community. The effect is more powerful in that she can only narrate these feelings to you, the reader, while the rest of the community has no idea what drives her. Many of Marillier's characters carry pain and secrets that color their lives. That's part of why Marillier's people and worlds are so real: every place and person has a history, a hint of having their own story that no one can fully learn. Even the villains feel their pain and anger so deeply you can't help but understand and fear them. As each book passes, you feel you know the characters like old friends and welcome their return.

Due to her wonderful characters, the love story never fails to move me to tears. For Marillier's characters, love is about sacrifice, courage, and hope. The love she describes is so strong and grows in such a complex world that it always comes with pain. The amazing thing is she doesn't get graphic or have many scenes between the lovers for you to feel it. Her ability to get you to invest in the emotions really pays off here: a glance or a kiss takes your breath away because you understand what it took for this love to grow and endure, for these people to even be able to meet again.

Marillier is a gifted storyteller who knows how to get into the daily life of each character without it seeming mundane. This approach makes the story so much more real, and Marillier can sketch a complex scene with efficiency. In just a few pages you feel every month Sorcha spends stitching those shirts, all the days she spends healing the soldier; she sucks you into the world by describing even the painful passing years, but her lyrical language (which matches well with the historical fantasy), her descriptions, and the emotions prevent it from being boring. Few writers so skillfully deal with the passage of time, so fully imagine another person in another world and so beautifully show their lives.

The world she builds is alive, mysterious, and filled with natural beauty. I also love Ireland and gain pleasure from her inclusion of old Irish lore. I am eagerly awaiting her next book and my next trip to Ireland!

---Warning: Spoilers included---

--I never knew the fairy tale of the Six Swans, which it was based on, so with reading _Daughter of the Forest_, I had no prior expectations on how this book should be written. I wasn't expecting a fairy-tale retelling or historical accuracy, so I enjoyed reading it very much.

--My first impressions of _Daughter of the Forest_ was that I really enjoyed the close-knit relationship between Sorcha (the main heroine) and her six brothers.

The novel started with Sorcha as a twelve year old girl and the baby sister of the family. She was raised in a family of full of men, a widower father and six older brothers. She was given the education that very few women of her time received. Her hobbies included gardening, storytelling, spending time with her big brothers and healing people with herbs and tonics. As expected from a girl raised with no feminine role model, she pretty much like a tomboy. She's quite knowledgeable and smart for her young age, but she was very innocent and naive. Her life, growing up in Sevenwaters was sheltered the dark and nasty side of life.

One day Lord Colum, her father marries an evil stepmother, Lady Oonagh. She turns everyone's life upside down and attempts to cause division among the brothers. But, of course, this close knit group of siblings weren't going to sit back and take it. They decided to ask for the Fair Folk (Queen of the Fairies) for help and Lady Oonagh intercepted and turned Sorcha's six brothers into swans instead. The Lady of the Forest (Queen of the Fairies)gives Sorcha an chance to break the spell, but she has to remain silent and mute while spinning, weaving and sewing six shirts made of thorny plants. The only times her brothers would regain their human form temporarily is every midsummer or mid-autumn night.

Some people on Amazon complained about the rape scene and the sex scene in this novel. But let me CLARIFY. It's not at all graphic and this book is NOT any bodice ripper or anything remotely resembling a Harlequin Romance novel. Who ever said that is probably not mature enough to read this novel. I thought Juliet Marillier handled these scenes very appropriately and I understood her reasons for including them in the novel. It was done with consideration and thought! It IS necessary for the story and character. When I read up to the rape scene, I was shocked and dismayed that it could happen to a main heroine, BUT I quickly understood the author's reasons for letting it happen to a main heroine. Clearly, Daughter of the Forest is NOT some childish fairy tale written by Disney. It's written by Marillier. It was refreshing to see that main characters are not clichely protected from true danger and physical violations. I thought it was realistic and purposely done.

Let me spell it out to some people who don't understand the inclusion of the rape. Sorcha lived 12 years of her sheltered life in the protection of her six older brothers. She never knew the ugly side of life until Simon came along and told her about the ugly things that happen in times of war and etc. The Lady of the Forest gave her a difficult challenge that TESTED her strong will. She had to lose her innocence. Granted, I hate to see something like rape happen to any woman and especially the main heroine of the novel. However, Marillier handled this situation realistically, while not describing it in extremely graphic ways. She was subtle but effective with her words. We felt Sorcha's pain and suffering, and we know she could never be the same. The aftermath was realistic, it wasn't watered down. It was believeable that she would shy away from any man's touch. I felt the rape was appropriate to show that she was not only tested on her physical comfort (her hands), but she also tested emotionally and mentally. She had to get over the physical pains, loneliness and solitude (without her brother's protection) to become a stronger woman. It also tested how well she could keep silent. If she didn't love her brothers, she wouldn't have endured and sacrifaced so much to accomplish such difficult tasks.

Another issue that a few people complained is the romance. Complaints about it coming so late in the novel. Well, Sorcha's main concern is making the 6 shirts to save her 6 brothers, I doubt she'd focus on anything else, like love. She always believed that Red protected her because of the Fair Folk's enchantment. She had to mature and come to a gradual realizing on her own, that she has fallen in love with Red. It's possible that she never gave much thought of falling in love with anyone, because she was a victim of rape. You can't expect her to fall in love with Red or any other man instantaneously like Bella fell for Edward (in Twilight). It just doesn't happen that way. Another reason why Daughter of the Forest is not some simple fairy tale.

More than anything Sorcha and Red were good friends who understood each other well (enough). Though I am a bit doubtful with how Red can understand Sorcha's hand-motions and gestures while she was mute. But I'll let that slide. Marillier has a way with description and making this story flow very well. Though Sorcha is left vulnerable to harm's way many times, she NEVER really gave up her mission to complete the six shirts. I hardly call her a weak or dimwitted heroine. She did what she could and endured all the prejudice and discrimination of the people in Red's household. Though Red and his men, and her brothers does come to her rescue, she is not a weak damsel in distress. She is a strong heroine to me. If anyone of us were given such a hard task of making shirts from stratch and had to endure all the misunderstanding and physical violations, I doubt any of us would have the will to keep silent all through it. I don't understand why any of those 1-star or 2-star reviewers could mistake Sorcha for a weak girl. She's quite strong.

I must admit, Red and Sorcha's reunion could've been more private, instead of kissing passionately in public like that. I would rather have Sorcha untie Red and take him out to the courtyard with no audience and kiss. Aside from that, it was a good story. Marillier had a way with words and making the characters belieable. When I read this book, I could almost picture it all in my mind like a movie. It was that good! I hated Lady Oonagh and Richard of Northwoods (the villains). Richard was the scum of the earth. He gave Sorcha such a difficult time. I am happy he got his just desserts.

Yes, there were a lot curious things and I do believe it would later be addressed in the 2nd and third novels of this trilogy. I will continuue reading. But after reading 544 pages, I think I need a break before going back to the Sevenwaters world.

I'd recommend this book and this trilogy to someone who's mature enough to appreciate the sensitive scenes and enjoy the story for what it really is. Family love, coming of age heroine, sacriface, loyalty and etc.

P.S. about the sex scene, Sorcha's 16 at the end of the book. Understand that a sixteen yrs old girl of her time would've been married and having kids already when compared to 16 yr old girls of this day and age. Times have changed and we no longer have people marrying so young. Sorcha's era and our era is different. The sex scene is hardly graphical, Marillier isn't writing a harlequin romance novels. I'd say it's pretty PG-13.

If you're a parent and considering whether or not you should let your daughter read this book, I'd suggest someone who's mature enough (age doesn't determine maturity). It's safe to read this novel, though that Uncle Richard is a foul mouth, there's nothing a teen hasn't heard from the TV or PG-13 movies.

I'm giving this novel a 4-star rating. It's well-written, the prose flows so well and made me want to read non-stop. I can't wait to read the sequels.

I have read many celtic fantasy novels, but none capture the heart of the characters involved so well as Marillier's poetic writing style. I have read this book many times over, and find it flawless. The whole Sevenwaters trilogy is brilliant, but in my opinion none of Marillier's later novels, (within Sevenwaters or her later series) can truly match this one. If you love fantasy, romance, history, Ireland, and deep tales of noble hearts, then I heartily reccommend this masterpiece

Juliet Marillier is my new favorite author--for me she ranks right up there with Jane Austen, J.K. Rowling, and Stephanie Pearl-McPhee. Daughter of the Forest is lyrical, engaging, and gripping. I don't normally read fantasy, but I do love fairy tales and historical novels--I think Juliet's books are marvelous blend of both. In Daughter of the Forest there is an underlying story about accepting the other--people who we believe are different from ourselves and finding the humanity in them. I found this very powerful. She also writes about strong women and being tested in love and loyalty by forces that beyond anything normal. Through out all of her books is a pervasive love and respect for nature. The pace of Daughter of the Forest builds until I couldn't put it down. Juliet was true to the fairytale, but because of her powerful storytelling skills I never felt like I knew what was going to happen next even though I know the fairy tale backward and forward.

Daughter of the Forest

This is a wonderful book by a very skilled writer. The second and third in the series are likely publisher-driven, for they follow theme and pattern of the first, and really don?t need to be read, though they too are enjoyable.

The author offers a tale based on a myth of European origin. It is a story of the girl/woman who is born seventh to the king, bonded to her six brothers by love and more. She laments that the seventh son of the seventh son lacks magical powers normally expected in such a son, simply because she was born a girl. In her youth, she joins with her brothers in most of their activities in the lands which are protected from the outside world by the forest. The forest is a twilight zone area, wherein magical mythic beings guard against humans who might forever destroy the magic of elder races with simple greed and lack of belief.

We are given a solid feel for the bonds in the family and the individuality of the characters before the six brothers are turned into swans and our heroine is assigned the task of breaking the spell with an impossible task. Along the way she finds love and grows into a steadiness and strength we admire. Characters are not painted black or white in this book, but given a wide range of behaviors, making them all the more real. That very reality is powerful enough to stab the reader?s heart with a twist of the plot. I wept at least six times.

The author has great skill in keeping us involved, presenting one impossible dilemma after another, none of them seeming to have an acceptable solution. Yet every dilemma is solved in such a way as to release from the reader a sigh of satisfaction. The story abounds in archetypes, yet the characters are presented in fresh ways and within a storyline so intense that we hardly know they are archetypes until we put the book down at three in the morning and try to tell the story to someone the next day.

A fabulous book, and one you will insist your friends read too.

Juliet Marillier writes an excellent and captivating tale of a girl and her older brothers, their struggles, and adventures in the land of Sevenwaters. The story telling is heart felt and it will draw you into it. For me, it meant two sleepless nights so that I could finish reading it just to find out what would happen next. The main character "Sorcha" tells the story from her point of view. She enjoys a unique relationship with her brothers. The settings are described perfectly. You can imagine you are there. The characters are presented artfully and most have mystical qualities. I had never heard of the Celtic "Swans" myth until reading this wonderful story on which it was based. I am anxious to read more from this talented author. Certainly I wish to know if there is more to the tale of this family.

Marillier here presents an exceedingly well-executed retelling, one that in hands less skilled would have failed miserably. To write a book that manages to be suspenseful and intriguing while the main character cannot utter a word is a rare accomplishment. Rarer still is the author's ability to make the reader truly care about the characters. Sorcha's experiences of loss and heartbreak are keenly felt, as are the various tragedies that befall the characters over the course of the story. This is by no means a light read, but its tight plot and economical prose make it impossible to put down.

There are drawbacks, however, which keep it from being great as opposed to just good. One of the lesser drawbacks is the one-dimensionality of the evil Lady Oonagh. As soon as she comes, somehow everyone instantly knows and accepts the idea that she is evil. Although the characters are supposed to have intuitive powers that would make this believable, it still fails to be convincing. It would have made greater impact to show why the Lady Oonagh is evil (which does happen eventually) *before* all the characters leap into defensive positions. As it is, their reaction to her arrival seems over-dramatized (calling her engagement to their father a "tragedy") given their limited knowledge of her.

Another limitation of the story is its tendency to make a martyr of the main character. While one cannot help but admire Sorcha's strength through all her trials, sometimes that admiration becomes annoyance and one begins to wonder: Does she have any flaws? Sorcha's unimpeachable actions from start to finish in the face of her universal rejection sometimes make her too much the stereotypical angel in the house. In much the same way, Red is so perfect as to be almost ridiculous.

The last drawback is purely subjective: I dislike romance novels, and the book is wrapped up in such a way that it turns the entire story, in retrospect, into a romance. I had liked the romantic relationship in the story when I thought it was incidental to the plot; once it became the main point, it quickly went sour for me--the whole story then was stood on its head and became a conventional love story. In fact, that is why I gave "Daughter of the Forest" three stars instead of four--the ending changed my entire perspective of the book. But for those who enjoy romance, this should not be a problem.

On the whole, this is a well-written, fast-paced and vividly characterized story. In addition to all this, it evokes images that are haunting and poetic, contains themes of love and sorrow that echo through it like a melody. Despite the drawbacks enumerated above, "Daughter of the Forest" is an exceptional debut novel and well worth reading.

The Daughter of the Forest is a wonderous fantasy novel. Through reading the book I found myself addicted to the adventure filled plot, and heart warming characters.

The story, I am told, is based upon a Irish legend. In which a young girl is forced to flee into the mystic forest of her home land. With a goal to restore her beloved six brothers to there home. They had a horrid spell but apon them by their stepmother, an evil sorsoress. With the help of the fair folk, the Bright One and the Lady of the Forest, the beings of the forest and of the other realm. She soon finds her self under the protection of a foreign man and a great enemy of her own for centuries.

Not only was this story full of danger, intrige, magic, love and adventure, this novel provided the strongest and heart warming characters, as well as the most viel and evil. Allowing the reader to be intensly drawn into the lives of the charcters. I found myself pounding the floor with anger, filled with love, and crying along with the characters. It seems I was drawn right into the mystical story of the greatest lost and greatest love there could be.

First off, it was a great book that I enjoyed reading. The plot was done wonderfully, and it was a faerie tale that I loved since I was little. I have to disagree with the reviewers who write it off as a shody romance, or a bodice-ripper. Yes, there is a very graphic rape scene, and people might find that hard to deal with. I really loved most of the characters, and really cared about what happened to them. Sorcha especially comes off to me as very strong, powerful young woman/girl.
The only two characters that I really couldn't deal with were Red and Richard. Marillier wrote that Red (the love interest) hid his emotions, but over-did it a tad. Richard's (the evil character)actions and speeches were so full of arrogance and so hateful that it got overwhelming and you are forced to wonder how anyone at all could stand or possibly agree with him. Again, he was a over done. Other than that, it was a wonderful read, and I love the other two as well.

This book was amazing... i absolutely loved reading it. The author is wonderful at making you care about the characters... the main plot deals with a young girl's strength and love for her family, and follows her across "ireland" and "britain" in her struggles through sorcerous treachery and the workings of older, greater powers of a tragically beautiful, magical land. However, Marillier works an enchanting thread of love into the story which does not detract from the heroine's original purpose. I liked that the main character worked through her issues without relying on the man... the two plots seemed to compliment each other without bleeding over each other's importance, a true feat in the genre. A marvellous book I would reccomend to any new or experienced fantasy reader.

I couldn't put it down. This book is profoundly moving. It brought me to tears to read of Sorcha's misfotunes. She never knowing her mother, her father's negligence and her loving brothers transformed into swans. She is then cast out to live her life in the forest until she can break the spell put upon her brothers by the evil scorceress her father marries. Sorcha's love and determination to bring her brothers back wills her to finish the task set upon her. She is then kidnapped by the enemy a british lord named Red, to his estate where she can complete her task in safety. She is perscuted by the Britians from their own fears and ignorance against her people.While Red tries to sheild her from their hate. Sorcha so engulfed in her work never notices how Red falls in love with her. In the end after her many other near life death experience she's saved by Red and she saves her brothers. She leaves Red before realizing how much she loves him too. At the very end he comes for her leaving all he cares about behind to live in a place of foreigners to be with her. The story was heart warming and the characters realistic. You can't help but feel for them. It was a bit tiresome to read all those pages of Sorcha's sorrows, but overall it was an extrordinary book. I've reread it atleast a dozen times and its still as enchanting as the first. A book full of myths, magic and love I give it five stars. The second book ,Son of the Shadows,will capture you into the story. It's even more enticing than the first. The third, Child of the Prophecy is lacking in the female heroism. The lead female character seems to struggle more with her own self than anyone. Overall the Sevenwaters Trilogy is worth a read.

As a 16 year old avid reader, I happened to have picked up this book after reading the wonderful Green Rider (as I was searching for books more like it). So, I bought this book and was absolutely captivated by the tale of young lovely girl named Sorcha and her 6 brothers that love and protect her. Then the plot twist somewhat and Sorcha becomes the herione that I was looking for. Her "evil" step-mother bestows a curse on her brothers and it is up to Sorcha alone to free her brothers from this (she can't free them unless she is totally silent). Meanwhile, she becomes captured by her family's enemy and during this time not only does she need to free herself but her own brothers as well. This is when a man named Red, a sworn enemy of her family starts to build a relationship of a sort with Sorcha. In the end, Sorcha faces her own battles and does it all in the name of love. I found this story to be one of the best well written herione stories of all time and with it's compassion, adventure, heroism, magic, family loyalty, and romance, it has definately won a permanent place on my bookshelf as one of my top favorites. Read it and become facinated by Sorcha's captivating tale!

Taken in basic form from a centuries old faerie tale, Juliet Marillier creates a beautiful story of the first water, with characters who make your heart weep and rejoice, with language that sings to you, with a plot that gets down to your very soul and uplifts you... I loved this story. I can read it again, and again, and always, I find a new reason to be glad.... My words cannot express the joy, the tears, the laughter and grief I've found in these pages.

This book drew me in at the beginning with its lush poetic imagery that allows one to believe in the possibility of the world of fairy tales. Marillier spends a lot of time establishing her settings and characters, and she does it with relentless beauty. And yes, as some readers have pointed out, this is often at the expense of the plot. However, the slow pace is worth it, as it generates both greater believability and empathy for the characters. The first third or so of the book is the best; it is tightly written and powerful. At about the time of the Lady Oonagh's curse, however, I began to feel that the author was switching genres; the story morphs from the panoramic retelling of a legend to having all the conventions of a historical romance novel, replete with new-age oversimplifications and a few anachronisms, as well. However, no matter what genre the author is writing in at the moment, and a few queasy political-correctnesses aside, the whole book is very thorough and well-written. It is hard to put down, although I went from feeling like I was learning something (at the beginning) to making frequently accurate predictions as to what was going to happen next. One thing I did notice as being curiously absent from the narrative was any plan being made on the parts of any of the seven siblings as to how to deal with Lady Oonagh when the spell was finally broken. Surely that would have been a concern for anyone. Were they just thinking they would go home and tell on her, and everything would be all right? Was she at one moment a powerful sorceress who could change people into swans, and the next moment weak-willed and impotent? What was to prevent the Lady Oonagh from changing everyone into pink flamingoes the moment they reappeared? It was strange that no one thought to worry about that. I also found myself wondering what exactly had happened to Lord Richard of Northwoods. We never do get to find out. Even within a trilogy context, this is sloppy and unexcusable. After reading about his overdone-but-amusing Snidely Whiplash villainy for this long, we want to know where he is at this point in time, at the close of the story. I know this is very petty, and I don't hold it against the author, but there are also lots of typos in this book. So why did I give it four stars? I believed in the characters, the story was engrossing and the evocative atmosphere the author managed to conjure up was bewitching.

This is one of the best books I have ever read. My 14 year old daughter loved it too. The characters are loveable, they are caring and inspiring. I recommend this series to all lovers of fantasy. I would also recommend this series for teens. It is a higher reading level but not full of sex and violance.

First of all, I would like to clarify Spartan Soul's claim that Sorcha (the heroine) is only 12-13 years old. For the majority of the story and for all of the romantic plot line, she ranges from 15 to 16 years old. While this may not be a large difference, it doesn't smack of pedolphilia quite as much as it would were she only 12 yrs old and involved with 20 yr old Red (her romantic interest in the book).
Now that that's clear, I can continue with my review. I'm not going to go into the events of this story because the various reviews above have already covered it more than sufficiently. I simply want to say that for its genre (romantic fantasy), this is one of the best books I've ever read. The blending of intelligent, artful writing and an engaging yet romantic plot line seems singular to this writer. Too often the action or the romance will dominate the story in this type of novel, but Marillier is creates a refreshing medium between the two. As for the complaint in some Spotlight Reviews that she consistently uses the same literary devices again and again: all I have to say is that I've read it five or six times and I haven't found it bothersome in the least. This a wonderful book, and though it is categorized as a romance, it should in no way be associated with the "dirty novels" which make up the bulk of this genre. It is an uplifting read and deserves more recognition than it has received. If you read and enjoy this story, you will most likely enjoy the sequels to this book.
As an end note, Marillier works wonders with this type of material (human stories infused with mystical fairytale type magic), and she sticks to her strengths. As far as I know, she has not lent her genius to a work that has strayed from this general topic, which can make her other novels (Ex: Wolfskin) seem a bit like repeats.

This trilogy consists of the three best books i've ever read. Each and every one has something special to offer, and Julier Marillier doesn't lost her touch with the first sequel. If you love fantasy, tolerate fantasy, or have ever entertained any thought of possibly one day checking out fantasy, read this book. It's seriously amazing - you won't regret it.

It has been a while since I read any fantasy, but after reading the synopsis for this book I couldn't resist. It was worth the purchase. I couldn't put it down and am looking forward to the next book in the trilogy.

Daughter of the Forest was recommended to me at least a dozen times before I picked it up. I don't run across a whole lot of books - especially books that aren't new releases - that generate that kind of vocal love and support, so I knew from the beginning that this one would be special. I'd say I regret having put it off for so long, but, truth be told, I'm glad I waited for the right moment - Daughter of the Forest is one of those luminous, aching, bittersweet books that will come to the rescue when you're in a terrible funk and all the other books you own look dull as dirt.

I don't want to dwell on the plot too much, both because it's been summarized elsewhere and because the process of discovery is such a pleasure. Daughter of the Forest is based on one of Grimm's fairy tales, called The Six Swans, but set in Ireland and mixed with fairy magic and Celtic lore about the Lady of the Lake. Marillier has taken all the elements present in the original fairy tale - the witchy stepmother who curses her husband's six sons, but lets the daughter escape; the transformation of the sons into swans, and the revelation that the daughter can end the curse through a vow of silence and a difficult, nearly impossible task that will cause her great pain and take six years to complete; her hard life in the wilderness, and her eventual capture/salvation at the hands of a foreign king, who recognizes her good character though she cannot speak.

The Grimm fairy tale is only a few pages long and the whole text is available online, and it's worth reading it to see how Marillier breathes life into the characters of the fable. The Grimm story, for example, contains two evil step-mothers - the witch who curses the seven sons, and the mother of the foreign king who falls in love with the daughter. Marillier re-creates both women, but in her story only one is truly evil; the other is simply misguided by tradition and small-mindedness. She evokes the pain of the daughter's task so vividly, and the horror of the sons' transformation into swans just as well. And the love story between the daughter and the foreign king - Sorcha and Red, in Mariller's retelling - will melt your heart.

Marillier places front-and-center how Sorcha's task consists of women's work in a medieval tale - she's sewing a set of shirts - and requires virtues that are traditionally feminine, like patience and devotion to her family, but elevates them to a truly heroic level. In order to save her brothers through her women's work, Sorcha must also be brave, stoic, steadfast, determined, iron-willed and impossibly focused. At one point, the villain of the novel claims that no woman could do what Sorcha does - I don't think I would have realized exactly how larger-than-life, how appropriate to a fairy tale, Sorcha's task was unless it had been spelled out to me this way.

Anyhow, Daughter of the Forest is wonderful and if you have any interest in re-worked fairy tales, pick this one up - at the right moment. It will hit the spot.

Aye, it's a well spun yarn, in the old traditions of the Celts and many other cultures. I had to hold my book with both hands to protect my fingernails. I enjoyed the language, the strength of the young girl (Sorcha) at the center of the tale, the villains, the slights, the cruelties, the redemptions (whether everything gets redeemed is a different matter - if I told you that, I'd be spoiling things), and the ending.

The sequel, with Sorcha's daughter, is really good too. The final book in the trilogy, with Sorcha's granddaughter, is either adequate or creatively surprising, I couldn't decide which.

This book uses the German fairy tale The Six Swans, collected by the Brothers Grimm, and sets it in an ancient Celtic setting. The myth seemed to fit really well into the historical and cultural background that the author conceived. The mystical aspects of the plot were quite believeable within this context, making it s good choice for the fantasy genre.
Before I read this book, I was not familiar with the Grimm fairy tale. Since the first portion of the book is mainly to build the world the fiary tale takes place in, I had a difficult time gaining momentum in my reading. I recall attempting to read a novel by Juliet Marillier sometime last year and having the same problem with that book. I am glad I stuck with it, though, because once the six brothers actually became the legendary swans, I found I could not put the book down. The six brothers are all very distinct in personality and Sorcha's battle to save them is both heartbreaking and inspiring. If Sorcha can withstand this torture to her hands day in and day out for over three years, then I certainly can handle washing another dish!
Marillier's style of writing reminds me somewhat of Marian Zimmer Bradley's Avalon series, which happens to be one of my all-time favorites. It is at times flowery and poetic, very much heavy on the introspection, and possessing a reverential awe for the otherworldly.
Not all of the loose ends were accounted for at the end of the novel, but that came at no surprise to me as I know that this is only the first book in a trilogy. I look forward to the next two books, even though I'm sure I will struggle through the beginning just like this one.

This came highly recommended by a friend, and I read it on the heels of Wildwood Dancing, which I loved, so I was looking forward to this. And then I started reading it and wanted to shake the friend and Marillier. The first 30 pages or so of this was just painful to me: there is just way too much information, much of it unnecessary and awkwardly placed. And then it was like something clicked over, and the story picked up tremendously. I ended up becoming so engrossed by this, completely captivated by the characters and the struggle. The tension was fabulous, and other than a few "convenient" spots that irritated me toward the end, I was sort of panting for more. I have yet to read the rest of the series, and I've heard they may let me down compared to this one, but this book can stand on its own, I think.
Definitely worthwhile.

Juliet Marillier's Seven Waters Trilogy has been a companion of mine for several years. Even though the book seems and sounds to be written for young adults, I find it to be beyond age category. This trilogy is poetry. A poetry of love, hope, faith, and strength. All three heroines make one think of the inner strength that love and belief can provoke. This trilogy can be a lifetime companion, a companion that reminds us magic is more real than the so-called reality. Juliet Marillier's knowledge of herbs and the connection that one can have with an animal is very rich. Her understanding of a wounded soul and body is so profound. If you are a poet and you are seeking inspiration, If you are in the midst of a challenge, If you are doubting your inner strength, If you are looking for beauty that blooms in the midst of thorns, a beauty that makes you gallop to the unknown world with a gift of believing and trust, read this trilogy.

This book is a love-note for adults who still dream about fairy tales. It is also a romance novel... but not in a narrow, genre-driven sense. I loved it, and I am definitely not in the target demographic for romance novels.

If you think you might enjoy a sophisticated, grown-up retelling of a classic fairy tale -- a story about family, love, coming-of-age and perseverance -- then this book is a must-read for you.

(BTW, I've also read Marrion Zimmer Bradley's The Mists of Avalon. In my view, there's no comparison. Marillier's book speaks to the heart, while Bradley's is a technical variation in retelling the Arthurian cycle -- interesting, but not nearly as moving to me.)

I have normally avoided fantasy novels with Celtic highland-esque looking covers and have characters with such names as Seamus and McFarland. It's nothing against the Celtic people but normally these novels are frankly boring knock-offs of Arthurian legend. I have to admit, "Mists of Avalon" is my favorite book, because it was such a pleasure to read. And "Daughter of the Forest" is another exception as well.

This was a retelling of the tale of "The Six Wild Swans." What I liked that it was well-elaborated and detailed more throughly than the original tale. Here was intrigue and a test of character, that on the part of Sorcha of course. Marillier is very capable of capturing feeling very well. You do feel what the other characters feel and I loved the very much. The characters are mostly likeable, especially Conor and Finbar. And the language was wonderfully poetic as well.

With that said, I had a major problem with the relationship between Red and Sorcha. I did think that they suited each other very well. I understand that Marillier has a penchant for bringing unlike characters together in a relationship but it made no sense. She should have been with Simon. Another thing that I dislikedwas the romantic angle as well. Why is it that in fantasies, for the most part, the female character has to fall in love to feel completed? You would have thinked that having her brothers return to her would have been what she had truly wanted, since that was what she had worked for and been put through hell for. Lastly, a more technical thing is that I believe that the chapters should have been made a little more shorter or varied in their lengths. At times it felt like endurance reading but that is just me.

This was a pretty good novel, not my normal cup of tea but I am definately reading the next in the series.

The only and youngest daughter of seven childern of Lord Colum, Sorcha is an incrediblly strong young woman who proves her courage over and over again. She's loved by all in her family, but when her new evil-stepmother comes into her life, Sorcha's old life is gone. When her brothers are turned into swans by the her stepmother, Sorcha goes on a quest, trying to save her brothers with the help of the English noble, the lord of Harrowfield.
Based on the fairytale The Six Swans by Brothers Grim, this story is one of the best retelling fairytale books around. The chacters are warm and ones you'll love. A great book filled with suspense, love, and magic.

This embellished Celtic fairy tale was full of delightful surprises, as I had just picked it up on a whim and didn't expect much.
It is an inspiring heroic saga with true archtypal figures. As in all good hero tales, there are journeys where characters leave the safe areas for growth and trials, and find the road leads to what is true to the heart. There are tests and tempering of the metal of spirit in the firey choices of life. There are the sacrifices or the giving up of selfishness for greater true gains.
The characters are soundly developed. The reader easily cares about the unfolding drama and the interconnections between the families, the teachers, nature, and the various loves. The imagery is lush and inviting, leaving lasting mindscapes of the pictoral surroundings. This reworking of an old fairy tale was endearing and absorbing. I never realized how like the capricious gods of Olympus are the faery folk.
The ending seemed a bit contrived and rushed slightly for my taste. I would give it a 4 and half stars if I could. But as I am interested in the further parts of this trilogy, I prefer rating it with 5 stars than settling for 4.
I'll be eagerly seeking the further installments, though this first volume is complete in itself.

In the poetic prose of Newcomer Juliet Marillier comes the story of a brave girl, a tragic spell, an evil temptress, a voyage of discovery, the tragedy of ignorance and the triumph of love eternal. This skillfully woven tale has many interlaced storylines and plots that come full circle in parallel with Druidic storytelling. The colorful relationships and cacophany of emotions keep the reader interested and addicted. This is a perfect tale of the seven children of a seventh son and the spell cast upon them that blankets the scenery as you are lured in to their chaotic existence and are helpless but to watch the tale unfold. Young Sorcha is the only hope for her six brothers when an evil sorceress, who has captured the heart of their father, casts a spell upon them and turns them into swans. Now Sorcha alone can save them; the task put before her seems impossible and helpless. But for the love of each other and their homeland "Sevenwaters" Sorcha would never have been set to the task before her. As it sweeps through the lush groves of Olde Ireland, to the high seas of the British Isles and into a strange land, this classic tale of good vs. evil is a shining example of classic fairy tale writing given a face lift.

Coming from a person who has not read much "fantasy", this book was wonderful. Even though the tale doesn't end the happiest, the book was written well. The historical references made the book! I have read all three of her books in this series, and I have to say that I will read all the rest of her books as well.