Customer Reviews

Daughter of the Forest

5 star:		(242)
4 star:		(45)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(15)
1 star:		(15)

 

 

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 ½, but it is this ending that keeps it from the fourth star. I appreciate what the author was trying to get at with the scene, but having read and witnessed Ms. Marillier's lovely wielding of words I know she could have handled the conclusion with more finesse than she did.

More than anything though I found myself wanting *desperately* to know more about the secondary characters in the novel and to hear their stories; but in this I think the fault was more to the first person perspective of the story than fault of the author. Still, most every one of these characters, major or minor, intrigued me and I would not be adverse to a lengthy account of their own journeys; what became of the six brothers after their return specifically. I will be picking up the second (and possibly third, depending on how the reading of the second goes) novel in the hopes that their stories are revealed to me and in order to see what lose ends left with this book are tied up with the second.

All in all, this was a good story and an enjoyable light read, though I would recommend it for someone looking for an interesting way to burn time than for someone looking for a deep, compelling fantasy. The book will leave you thinking on the characters and plot, though the ending may leave a slightly stale taste in your mouth. Despite its shortcomings it is a great first book and worth reading.

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.

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.

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!

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).