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40 of 41 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Different, intense, excellent, November 7, 2009
This review is from: Heart's Blood (Hardcover)
I'm a big fan of Juliet Marillier; counting this one I've now read eight of her books. Quality-wise, I'd say Heart's Blood is nearly on par with the Sevenwaters books (generally regarded as her best), although it's certainly different.
The story is part fairy-tale-retelling, with some obvious "Beauty and the Beast" parallels--although it has little in common with the Disney movie; on the most basic level, the male lead isn't giant and furry, and there are no talking candelabra--and I've seen the author call it part ghost story as well. I hesitate to agree: I don't do horror at all, and still loved this book. There are a lot of undead characters wandering around, but it's still squarely in the realm of fantasy rather than horror. This book also has a stronger mystery component than I've seen from this author before; most of the "secrets" revealed early on are quite obvious, but some actual surprises are held back until the end. And of course there's the romance element--to my mind, Marillier can't go wrong writing romance, so that was good as always.
Heart's Blood is set in 12th century Ireland, and I got more of a feel for the actual, historical place than I have in previous books from this author; while a good portion of the action of the book takes place in the uncanny fortress of Whistling Tor, we also get to see some of the regular, outside world through the eyes of a middle-class girl. The characters are in the same mold as Marillier's characters usually are: strong, independent (perhaps anachronistically so, but I'm not complaining) heroine; hero who's her dream man but needs her help working through personal issues.... but there are plot-related reasons for all of this, so it didn't feel to me like a mere recycling of a formula. There's a crowd of interesting secondary characters and a couple of strong subplots.
Speaking of the plot, it felt more intense than many of the other books I've read from this author. (Helps to have a mysterious, malevolent force lurking about I suppose...) Still, readers should know that while the beginning is interesting and the last 150 pages kept me up far later than I'd planned, it does sag in the middle, where the characters don't do much, the heroine gives a lot of speeches on the importance of hope and people exchange many wordy declarations of devotion, loyalty, etc. So my advice is... don't give up hope! The plot regains its pace and more than makes up for the lag. And the last 50-100 pages are pretty spectacular, with several climactic moments.
Overall, let's just say I'm no longer miffed about Marillier putting off the next Sevenwaters book to write this one. I'm glad to have added it to my collection and would recommend to anyone who likes a good, dark historical-fantasy-romance.
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful tale that does not disappoint!, November 8, 2009
This review is from: Heart's Blood (Hardcover)
I love Juliet Marillier and when I read the the excerpt for 'Heart's Blood', I couldn't wait to read it! It is rare for me to write a review, but I feel a need to write one and will try to do the book justice.
If you've read the excerpt (or if you haven't - you should!), the reader gets a sense of the atmosphere of the book. Even though it is based in Ireland (like the Sevenwaters books) there is an air of mystery while reading. Right from the start the heroine, Caitrin, encounters two men while walking to the nearest village. But before she enters the village, the greeting is not welcoming and notices the men are no longer with her. She is hesitantly allowed in and while staying at the inn, they tell her tales of Whistling Tor: the whispering voices, the massive dog, and the chieftain who is under a curse and no one from the village stays at his keep for long because of fear. But Caitrin cares not for these tales, for she is running away from something more realistic and frightening that ghost stories. She has ran away from home and is need to find a safe place to stay and employment - Caitrin is a craftswoman, a scribe, taught by her father. She overhears the next morning that the chieftain is looking for a scribe and she grabs her chance. They are surprised she would want to work they and warn against it. Through her eyes we see her introduction to Whistling Tor, its inhabitants and its mystery.
Juliet Marillier is a master of creating (or recreating) world's that one can practically smell the dusty library, damp walls, and homey kitchen. I was constantly wondering about the mystery behind the curse and how it would be broken. If you are used to the extensive lore and history from the Sevenwaters books, you will find 'Heart's Blood' lighter. Though that does not mean that one is not swept in. And also, lighter does not mean light on subject matter for it does talk of dark moments. She also has a talent for creating characters that you grow to love and don't want to see go. I loved the characters and didn't want the book to finish (yet also wanted it to know how it would all be resolved!).
That is not to say the book is without fault. It did take some getting used to the strangeness in the beginning. I was actually annoyed with the mirrors at times, but got used to the strangeness. Also, just as one reviewer stated, there are a few wordy speeches of hope and love, and a few scenes lagged. I do wish there had been more interaction and dialogue between the two protagonists, as well as more scenes between all those of Whistling Tor. Some of the mysteries were not surprising, but it was still enjoyable reading the revelations. The ending seemed kind of rushed,though I will admit I was surprised by one aspect of the ending.
'Heart's Blood' was number one on my "Upcoming Books" list and I was definitely Not disappointed! It reminded me of 'Daughter of the Forest' in being innovativeness, without depressing me in the heroines trails. I can read it over and over again and feel what I love to read in a book. It is a story of overcoming fears, discovering oneself, devotion, loyalty, and above all - love.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good, April 23, 2010
This review is from: Heart's Blood (Hardcover)
As soon as I heard that Juliet Marillier had written her own version of Beauty and the Beast I knew I had to read it. I admit I've had this one checked out from the library for quite awhile waiting for the right mood before I began. I think Marillier has a very unique way of writing; she is able to create a lot of atmosphere in her novels. She does go into a lot of detail and spends a lot of time on world building and character development. I think that is why I have to be in the right mood before reading one of her books.
While the book certainly reminded me of Beauty and the Beast, it also reminded me a lot of Jane Eyre. There are a lot of similarities to both stories, yet Marillier truly created a unique story that I think stood on its own. While the plot was somewhat similar to Jane Eyre, Marillier really creates her own magic and unusual characters. Caitrin was a unique heroine. I liked her, for the most part. I was of course sad by the physical abuse she suffered by her aunt and cousin, but she found the courage within herself to leave and find a better life. At times though, she seemed almost too hopeful, when something went wrong she would feel bad, but then quickly be hopeful and positive again. Which I guess isn't a bad thing; at times I would have liked a little more anger or something. Anyway, as for Anluan. I did like him, I understand why he was negative and hard on himself. I liked to see the growth that he went through and the changes he made. To be honest though, I didn't feel that much chemistry between the two. At times it felt more like good friends then romance. It seemed like the two were falling in love, but neither really showed it to the other. But, in the end I was happy with how everything turned out and felt they were right for each other. I admit I did a little self editing where his description was involved (I mean bright red hair and snow white skin...yikes!).
Overall, I enjoyed the story. I wouldn't say it was my favorite Marillier book, but I still enjoyed it.
Content Warning: Caitrin has suffered emotional and physical abuse from her aunt and cousin and there is sexual content.
www.bookwormnation.blogspot.com
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