Who Would Like This Book:
Wildwood Dancing is a lush, magical read that skillfully blends classic fairy tales like The Twelve Dancing Princesses and The Frog Prince with rich Romanian folklore. You’ll be swept away by the atmospheric setting, the close-knit sisterhood, and Marillier’s knack for weaving myth and enchantment into an empowering coming-of-age story. Jena is a relatable, intelligent heroine, and the sibling dynamics, magical creatures (especially the charming frog Gogu), and real family challenges will resonate with both younger and older readers. Perfect for anyone who loves fairy tale retellings, strong female leads, and a story where both magic and real-world challenges intertwine.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers found the pace a bit slow, especially in the middle, or felt that certain plot twists were predictable if you’re familiar with fairy tales. A few wished the secondary characters and romances had more depth, or that the ending avoided some classic fairy tale clichés. If you prefer action-driven plots over introspective or character-focused stories, or if you’re looking for highly original storytelling without familiar archetypes, you might not connect as much with this one.
About:
In "Wildwood Dancing" by Juliet Marillier, the story follows Jena and her four sisters who have a secret portal to the Other Kingdom, where they dance with magical creatures every full moon. Set in Transylvania, the girls face challenges as their father's illness forces them to navigate a power struggle with their cousin Cezar, while also dealing with love, betrayal, and the mysteries of the Other Kingdom. The novel blends elements of fairy tales like The Twelve Dancing Princesses and The Frog Prince with Transylvanian myths, creating a rich and enchanting world that captivates readers through its suspenseful plot and well-developed characters.
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Has Romance?
There is a moderate level of romance, particularly revolving around themes of young love and emotional conflicts.
From The Publisher:
High in the Transylvanian woods, at the castle Piscul Draculi, live five daughters and their doting father. It's an idyllic life for Jena, the second eldest, who spends her time exploring the mysterious forest with her constant companion, a most unusual frog. But best by far is the castle's hidden portal, known only to the sisters. Every Full Moon, they alone can pass through it into the enchanted world of the Other Kingdom. There they dance through the night with the fey creatures of this magical realm.
But their peace is shattered when Father falls ill and must go to the southern parts to recover, for that is when cousin Cezar arrives. Though he's there to help the girls survive the brutal winter, Jena suspects he has darker motives in store. Meanwhile, Jena's sister has fallen in love with a dangerous creature of the Other Kingdom-an impossible union it's up to Jena to stop.
When Cezar's grip of power begins to tighten, at stake is everything Jena loves: her home, her family, and the Other Kingdom she has come to cherish. To save her world, Jena will be tested in ways she can't imagine-tests of trust, strength, and true love.
Ratings (33)
Incredible (6) | |
Loved It (13) | |
Liked It (8) | |
It Was OK (3) | |
Did Not Like (3) |
Reader Stats (91):
Read It (36) | |
Want To Read (47) | |
Did Not Finish (1) | |
Not Interested (7) |
4 comment(s)
The “true love above all else” sentiment ruined this for me. I was hate reading by the end.
I know this book is supposed to have fairy tale vibes, but it was a little too much for me. I felt that certain characters got flak for doing things that made sense. For example, when Draguta berates Jena for not believing her frog is actually her cousin that drowned years ago. I think that's a pretty valid thing to doubt... and yeah, the book addresses it later but it just kinda annoyed me. 3.5 stars rounded up !
Wildwood Dancing is Marillier working on a young adult level. The story has the same feel as her adult work, but lacks the grittiness of Sevenwaters or Bridei's Court. I don't mind that; I understand that young adult fiction is in its own category for a reason. However, the book felt dashed-off to me on some level, not quite as strongly plotted as some of her other work. There is also the issue of Tatiana, the sister who nearly wastes away for love - that is not the behavior of a typical Marillier heroine (not that Tatiana is the heroine of this book, but she is a major character), and seems an odd choice for a book so clearly geared towards young women, especially from a writer whose feminist leanings are so clear. In the end, though, a not-so-great book by Marillier is a great book by most standards.
The only reason this book gets two stars, is because of Gogu (AKA Costi).
What can you read after
Wildwood Dancing?
About the Author:
Juliet Marillier was born in Dunedin, New Zealand, a town with strong Scottish roots. She graduated from the University of Otago with degrees in languages and music, and has had a varied career that includes teaching and performing music as…
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