Juliet Marillier
Daughter of the Forest (2000)
Author: Juliet Marillier
Genre: Fantasy
Plot Summary:
Sorcha and her six older brothers have grown up living a blessed life in the woods around their home, Sevenwaters. But all that changes when their father brings home is new wife. Suddenly, the magic that used to fill everyones' lives is missing and darkness enters the land. When her brothers are placed under a curse, Sorcha learns she is the only one who can save them. But there are strict rules she must follow and she will have to make many painful sacrifices. Sorcha's task is made more difficult when she is kidnapped by enemies of Sevenwaters and transported to a strange land. Even though Sorcha is surrounded by people who hate and fear her, she has one staunch ally who will protect her from all who seek to harm her. When Sorcha's task is completed which life will she choose, her old one with her brothers or her new one with the enemy she loves?
Geographical Setting: Ireland (Erin) and England (Britain)
Time Period: Sometime in the past, spans 3 years
Series: Book One of the Sevenwaters Trilogy
Appeal Characteristics:
Strong female lead who keeps interest and narrates the story through first person; fast paced action for most of the book once the world and characters are described and established, helps keep the story moving and commands interest in what is going to happen next; detailed mythical world full of magic and legends; strong Celtic folklore connections like the Fair Folk and the Lady of the Forest; creative and informative style keeps readers interested throughout the book.
Read-alikes: The Black Jewels Trilogy by Anne Bishop also has a female lead that is greatly tested and features a storytelling quality; Marion Zimmer Bradley's books have similar plots using Celtic and Britain folklore to make a story; Son of the Shadows by Juliet Marillier is an obvious choice as it is the second book in the trilogy and continues the story with the next generation; Druids by Morgan Llywenlyn features the same kind of magical elements like Druids and the Fair Folk; Lady of the Glen by Jennifer Roberson has a similar plot but focuses on a Higland folktale and it also uses landmarks and people to authenticate the story.
Red Flags: rape and war
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