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

This entire 6 book series has been favourite reading of mine for years. Every now and then I start another read through of all - it's an old tale and ageless.Don't expect a fast moving read, these novels are based on old story telling style, small details have their places too, and everything builds slowly together.These are books to relax into and let the weave of the story and the magic build for you. You'll get to know this special family and their love for their wonderful Sevenwaters.I do envy new readers. Start your journey on your right foot (you'll find that later on!) and enjoy yourselves.

'Satisfying' is the word I'd use - every part of the book is rich, immersive and entertaining, and part of a well structured plot. It walks a path well trodden in terms of genre, but does so with incredible quality and some little flourishes which do make it a very special read; if ever you need a diversion from the world this is a great book to find it in.The book is a tale centred on the daughter of Colum, Lord of a tuath (polity), whose life is thrown into disarray when an evil sorceress curses her brothers. Given a task by the Fairy folk to recover them she ends up in the lands of the Britons, her family's sworn enemies, and under the protection of their nemesis. All sorts of twists and turns take place until... well... you'll just have to find out won't you!For a long book it rarely felt long; the plot naturally carries you away and several times I found myself reading until it was long past a sensible bedtime. The characters are believable and well painted, the lands and situations also believable, and altogether it's a very well put together book. It can be the tendency of long books to drawl or for details to be forgotten but not in this case. The descriptions of environment and emotion are so satisfying that I don't think there is ever a point where there isn't something to admire.Although the protagonist is driven through many believably difficult, confusing, scary or hopeless situations the book never felt 'heavy' to read nor 'dark'; it only hints at violence in a way which mirrors the protagonists pacifism; likewise though they feel hurt they do not dwell on it - this means that unlike other more insane or disturbing books I didn't have to take a break at any point!Very nice book; would recommend to anybody who likes a good fantasy and wants to try something a more character driven.

I love Ireland, her history, her folklore and the complicated relationship she has with Britain. This story delves into the ancient past to explore just that. However it is written in a rather pedestrian style, with corny characters (the heroine is a real 'Mary Sue') and a predictable ending. I enjoyed it enough to read it to the end, but not enough to want to read more in the series.

Loved this book, enjoy an immersive escape into ancient more natural worlds and ways of living.I ordered this from a recommendation by a friend, when it came I showed my sister & she told me she had it - in fact she'd lent it to me and it was sitting beside me as I ordered it, beneath another book. I didn't mind, this was an amazing story to read.I prefer the Celtic traditions & ways of life portrayed in this book than in The Dark Mirror (but I love that one too).

What a treasure of books. I really like the Avalon-books by Marion Zimmer Bradley. I love celtic style, fairy tales and a good book. And I totally got it all in this book. It tells the tale of a family, closely bound together, a tad more than normal siblings. The story took me right in by the first sentences, and it kept me in its thrall through the whole book. Often I found myself just thinking of the characters and looking forward to next time I could pick up the book, and continue to read. After finishing, I just held the book to my face, and enjoyed the feeling of having read something so lovely and touching. A couple of fun twists here and there made the story exciting and cool to read. I will recommend this to others, and surely read the two others in the trilogy as well (even if I've read so and so recommendations of those). A good meeting with, for me, a new author

This is now one of my favorite books!I have no idea where to start when it comes to expressing how much I love this book. The Essence of the book is truly amazing. The whole atmosphere and spirit of the novel is remarkable. The world Juliet Marillier has created doesn’t just invite you in, but instead grabs you and completely immerses you in it, I felt like I was actually there in the book walking with Sorcha on her journey.The characters, the story, the tone of it all, perfect!Daughter of the Forest provokes so many emotions that I often found myself with tears streaming down my face.

Marillier has never written anything short of perfection and this book is my favourite book of all time. In fact, the Sevenwaters series is perhaps one of the best series I have ever had the pleasure of reading. The characters and their world truly transport you to the ancient and magical world of Ireland. I've laughed and cried at this series more than all my other books put together. If you haven't read this series yet then please do! Marillier's works deserve space on any avid readers bookshelf.

I must have read this story as a child but this book gives you the same story but about real people. I did and did not like that the story ended with some sadness but I suppose that is better than all ends tying up. Too many people clamouring for an HEA while most fairy stories do not have these and life is not like that either.