Daughter of the Forest (The Sevenwaters Trilogy, Book 1) [Turtleback]

Juliet Marillier (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2002 | Series: The Sevenwaters Trilogy, Book 1 (Book 1)

A magnificent saga set in the Celtic twilight of 10th century Ireland, when myth was law and magic was a power of nature, brilliantly brought to life: the legendary story of an evil stepmother opposed by a seventh child. A wicked woman, an evil curse, and a love that must triumph over impossible odds Set in the Celtic twilight of ancient Ireland, when myth was law and magic a force of nature, this is the tale of Sorcha, seventh child of a seventh son, the forbidding Lord Colum, and of her six beloved brothers. The keep at Sevenwaters is a remote, strange, quiet place, guarded by silent men who slip through the woodlands clothed in grey, and keep their weapons sharp. For there are invaders outside the forest; raiders from across the seas, Britons and Vikings bent on destruction. But now there is also an invader inside the keep: the Lady Oonagh, a sorceress as fair as day, but with a heart as black as night. Oonagh captivates Lord Colum with her sensual wiles; but she cannot enchant the wary Sorcha. Frustrated in her attempts to destroy the family, Oonagh binds the brothers with a spell that only Sorcha can lift. If she fails, they will die. Then the raiders come, and Sorcha is taken captive. Soon she will find herself torn between her duty to break the curse, and a growing, forbidden love for the warlord who is her captor. Like Marion Zimmer Bradley's MISTS OF AVALON or Jean Auel's CLAN OF THE CAVE BEAR, this is first-rate historical fantasy that can have the widest possible appeal, taking in also the readership of historical fiction writers like Mary Stewart , Mary Renault and Anya Seton.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

At the heart of this surprisingly accomplished first novel, first book of the Sevenwaters trilogy, is a retelling of an ancient Celtic legend. Marillier's story, however, is much more than a slightly disguised fairy tale. Young Sorcha is the seventh child and only daughter of Irish Lord Colum of Sevenwaters, a domain well protected from invading Saxons and Britons by dense forest where, legend says, fey Deirdre, the Lady of the Forest, walks the woodland paths at night. Colum is first and foremost a warrior, bent on maintaining his lands against all outsiders. Not all of his sons are so bound to the old ways, and that family friction leads to outright disobedience when Sorcha and her brother Finbar help a Briton captive escape from Colum's dungeon. Soon after, Colum brings home a new wife who ensorcels everyone she can't otherwise manipulate. By her spell Sorcha's brothers are cursed to become swans. Only Sorcha, hiding deep in the forest, can break the spell by painfully weaving shirts of starwort nettle--but then Sorcha is captured by Britons and taken away across the sea. Determined to break the curse despite her captivity, Sorcha continues to work, little expecting that ultimately she will have to chose between saving her brothers and protecting the Briton lord who has defended her throughout her trials. Marillier's writing is deft and heartfelt, bypassing the usual bombast of fantasy fireworks for a rich, magical story of loyalty and love. --Charlene Brusso --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

As the only daughter and youngest child of Lord Colum of Sevenwaters, Sorcha grows up protected and pampered by her six older brothers. When a sorceress's evil magic ensorcels Colum's sons, transforming them into swans, only Sorcha's efforts can break the curse. Marillier's first novel uses a familiar Celtic legend to tell the story of a young woman's sacrifice for the sake of those she loves and her own discovery of unexpected joy in the midst of sorrow. The author's keen understanding of Celtic paganism and early Irish Christianity adds texture to a rich and vibrant novel that belongs in most fantasy collections.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Turtleback: 411 pages
• Publisher: Demco Media (April 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0606246177
• ISBN-13: 978-0606246170
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (327 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,303,868 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

55 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful debut, May 19, 2000

By 

Gypsy Thornton "InkGypsy" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Daughter of the Forest (The Sevenwaters Trilogy, Book 1) (Hardcover)

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!

44 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bravo, April 24, 2000

By 

Lisa (Saint Louis, MO, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Daughter of the Forest (The Sevenwaters Trilogy, Book 1) (Hardcover)

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.

39 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't people just read for enjoyment any more?, August 13, 2000

By 

Lisa Elliott - See all my reviews

This review is from: Daughter of the Forest (The Sevenwaters Trilogy, Book 1) (Hardcover)

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.