Daughter of the Forest

Juliet Marillier

Book 1 in the series:Sevenwaters

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magical landscape

ancient ireland

retelling of fairy tale

family and faith

cursed brothers

immersive writing style

emotional highs and lows

complex relationships

determined heroine

blending folklore with trials

slow to gripping narrative

historical fantasy elements

overcoming arduous tasks

'Daughter of the Forest' by Juliet Marillier is a retelling of the fairy tale 'The Six Swans' set in 12th century Ireland. The story follows Sorcha of Sevenwaters, the seventh child of a seventh son and the only daughter, as she embarks on a journey filled with family, faith, and a touch of magic. Sorcha must overcome arduous tasks and remain silent to save her cursed brothers, all while navigating complex relationships and battling against evil forces.

Characters:

The characters are richly developed, with Sorcha standing out as a determined and relatable heroine, supported by complex relationships.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is beautiful and immersive, enhancing the emotional and fantastical elements of the story.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot follows Sorcha's quest to break a family's curse, blending folklore with her trials and triumphs.

Setting:

The setting of ancient Ireland is vividly described, incorporating elements of folklore and a magical landscape.

Pacing:

Initially slow-paced, the story accelerates into a gripping narrative filled with emotional highs and lows.

Three children lay on the rocks at the water’s edge. A dark-haired little girl. Two boys, slightly older. This image is caught forever in my memory, like some fragile creature preserved in amber. Myse...

Notes:

Daughter of the Forest is a retelling of the Brothers Grimm tale The Six Swans.

The protagonist, Sorcha, is the seventh child and only daughter in her family.

Sorcha's journey involves a curse that turns her brothers into swans, and she must remain silent while she weaves shirts to save them.

The narrative blends elements of Celtic folklore with historical fiction set in medieval Ireland.

The book deals with themes of familial love, sacrifice, and perseverance under adversity.

It features a strong female lead who faces numerous trials, including a graphic depiction of sexual assault that affects her character development.

The fantasy elements are woven seamlessly with realistic portrayals of the struggles of the characters, creating a rich, immersive experience.

Sorcha's character demonstrates both resilience and vulnerability throughout her quest.

The writing style is lyrical and evocative, praised for its emotional depth and descriptive quality.

Readers have noted that the book may not appeal to all due to its slow pacing and dark themes, but find it rewarding overall.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Contains a graphic rape scene and discussions of trauma, which may be distressing to some readers.

Has Romance?

The romance unfolds gradually, intertwined with the main plot.

From The Publisher:

Daughter of the Forest, the first book in Juliet Marillier's award-winning Sevenwaters Trilogy.

Lovely Sorcha is the seventh child and only daughter of Lord Colum of Sevenwaters. Bereft of a mother, she is comforted by her six brothers who love and protect her. Sorcha is the light in their lives, they are determined that she know only contentment.

But Sorcha's joy is shattered when her father is bewitched by his new wife, an evil enchantress who binds her brothers with a terrible spell, a spell which only Sorcha can lift-by staying silent. If she speaks before she completes the quest set to her by the Fair Folk and their queen, the Lady of the Forest, she will lose her brothers forever.

When Sorcha is kidnapped by the enemies of Sevenwaters and taken to a foreign land, she is torn between the desire to save her beloved brothers, and a love that comes only once. Sorcha despairs at ever being able to complete her task, but the magic of the Fair Folk knows no boundaries, and love is the strongest magic of them all...

Ratings (71)

Incredible (15)
Loved It (34)
Liked It (13)
It Was OK (4)
Did Not Like (3)
Hated It (2)

Reader Stats (209):

Read It (72)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (111)
Did Not Finish (3)
Not Interested (22)

1 comment(s)

shebephoebe

2 months

DNF'd inside the first chapter.

The story wasn't really grabbing me, the pacing felt off, and I belatedly checked the content warnings and decided to go with my instincts. Some skimming and checking the more neutral reviews confirmed that pacing is an issue; reviews also mentioned Sorcha doesn't really drive the story, and that the ending is either open or incomplete.

And even if the content I have an issue with is only limited to one scene...I don't care? I take issue with any author who decides to include it in any level of graphic description, even if "it's not gratuitous" or "it serves the plot". I don't think I'll check out any more of Marillier's writing.

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About the Author:

Juliet Marillier achieved international recognition with the publication of the first two award-winning novels in the Sevenwaters Trilogy, a historical fantasy set in Ireland and Britain in the ninth century, and loosely based on the fairy tale "The Six Swans". Her other historical fantasy series include the Viking-inspired Light Isles duology and the Bridei Chronicles set in north Britain in the time of the Picts.

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