Daughter of the Forest

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful, but disappointing.
Review: This began as a beautiful telling of an old tale. It is vibrant, alive, descriptive, and so unpredictable that I was fascinated- the first book I had read in a long time that I couldn't put down. It was hard to read all the terrible things the main character went through. I think storytellers, be it through film or in books make the disappointing conclusion that one female or another must endure a brutal, descriptive rape, in order to demonstrate a woman's fragility in such a time period. I accepted this part of the book as a choice by the author to make her main character a more powerful heroine, and to demonstrate the protectiveness, albeit too lately administered, by her brothers. What I really did not like was the romance that came 2/3rds or later in the book, quite unexpected, and for me, unbelievably. I think you can ruin a good book with an ill-timed romance. The heroine somehow decides she is in love within the last twenty pages, and I simply was not convinced. There is an expectation that is alluded to in the beginning of another romance, one which has endured much and one which would have made a better tale.

Rating:
Summary: A Review: Daughter of the Forest
Review: I loved this book! I couldn't put it down! It was such a great book, the best I've ever read, and it was so sad! I was bawling my eyes out at the end. I think that Juliet Marillier is a great writer. All of the characters in the book were so distinctive, and the changes in each character throughout the story were really great, even if they weren't exactly "for the best". The book was so realistic, the result of all Sorcha's brothers finding their destinies was the family growing apart, and it was sad, but very, very true.I think that Sorcha was a great and determined heroine, perfect for the story, and I really liked her character. Actually the only things I didn't like in the book were some of the events that happened when Sorcha was living on her own and the fact that you didn't find out exactly what happened to Simon at the end, [....] At the end of the book the first thing I thought was "okay, I need the sequel". I would certainly recommend this book, and already have.

Rating:
Summary: A must read
Review: Loosely based on the Children of Lir legend of Gaelic folklore, this book was astounding. Sorcha is a heronie who finds herself in a situation that would test the strongest and find them lacking. She discovers within herself a strength unknown and a resolve that could lose her the one she is destined to be with. She comes to the discovery that while blood binds, love strikes like lightning. You will say to yourself 'how beautiful' when you finally put it down [this is one you can't put down until you finish]. Ms Marillier has burst onto the Fantasy genre with pens blazing, and a skill to capture the reader that I rarely find.

Rating:
Summary: Great book ! i could not put it down!
Review: I absolutly loved this book ! it was fantastic! And so well written.It's hard to find a really good book, and well i think I have found one! don't let it pass you by this book is great!It kept me interested the entire time, I wanted to just keep reading to find out what would happen next in Sorcha's hecktic life.I loved it!

Rating:
Summary: Beautifully Written
Review: Daughter of the Forest is about a Celtic girl named Sorcha. She is the youngest of seven and is the only daughter of Lord Colum of Sevenwaters. Sorcha's mother died giving birth to her and so Sorcha's father distanced himself from the world. As a result, Sorcha was raised by her six brothers and spent her childhood running wild in the forest. Suddenly, everything changes when their father takes a new wife who is out to destroy them all.... This is a beautiful retelling of the Six Swans legend. It is a perfect balancing of tragady and joy. I could hardly put it down. It is one of the best fantasy books I have ever read.

Rating:
Summary: Put down easily
Review: The comparison to Gabaldan is appropriate. This book is equally light and emphasizes themes more often found in Harlequin romance novels.

Rating:
Summary: I couldn't put this book down!!!
Review: Not since Diana Gabaldon have I read a book that keeps me up well past a decent bedtime! This was such an easy read, unlike some books in the science fiction/fantasy genre. A strong female character, and different senarios keep the story moving and interesting all the time. I've already pre-ordered the next book in the trilogy, and hope she is now at work on the third. This would be a great book for any girl to read!!!!

Rating:
Summary: I couldn't put this one down!
Review: Readers of fantasy who like a touch of mythology as well as magic, mystery, and strong characterizations should give this book (and the rest of the books in the series) a try. The characterization and voice was excellent, and the author's descriptions made the story live and breathe for me. I won't go into details about the plot since I hate ruining things for others (and you can read the basics in the main editorial review), but it was very engaging and well-paced. The trials that the heroine suffered kept drawing me back into the book. The author's skill at pacing the story so that I kept turning pages makes me envious. In short, if you're looking for a book that takes a Celtic myth and breathes life into it with strong characters (Sorcha, her family, and more!) and a good plot, you should certainly read this book. (For those picking books for younger readers, I'd advise you to pre-read it.)

Rating:
Summary: Elegant and Enchanting
Review: I was enchanted by Ms. Marillier's style and captivated by her wonderful character development. Already familiar with the fairy tale that gives this novel it's skeletal frame, I was afraid the heroine's vow of silence would make for tedious reading. Absolutely not! Sacha is never more eloquent than when communicating from her muted prison. The rape scene is brutal, I hated it - you are supposed to. But I believe it is used as a writer's tool, to further isolate this Daughter of the Forest who is so strong and loyal to those she loves. The author uses this wedge to test the depths of Sacha's soul and create a complex conflict which can be overcome only by surrendering what Sacha protects most. This is a story to be savored. Although more novels are promised in this series, the main storyline here is complete. Another rare and gratifying element in this day of never-ending plots with numerous novels. Please Enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: a lyric masterpiece!!
Review: Juliet Marillier really knows how to tell a story! I was a bit skeptical at first, but soon I fell in love with her glorious writing style, as well as with the characters. Juliet makes each of Sorcha's brothers unique. You have to love Liam, the strong, responsible eldest son and wise Conor and solitary Finbar and earnest, funny Cormack, Diarmid, who falters, but is still brave and longs to right his wrong, and Padriac, with his inquisitive mind and compassionate heart. It's true the rape scene does go into detail, I skipped most of it, but it still affected me. So be warned! I would far rather that the scene had not been in there. As the book goes on, though, Sorcha finds healing and I also felt the healing. Red is one of the greatest characters I have ever encountered!! And I was very happy with the ending. I was so afraid it would be sad, after all the trials the characters went through. I couldn't put the book down! I love the myths mixed in with the narrative. I didn't notice any breaks in the music of the writing. I was interested the strong characters, good and bad, and liked knowing how they felt (the good ones, that is, I don't think I want to know how the bad ones felt!). I loved the way this book portrayed the love between Sorcha and her brothers. Not many books dwell on that and I thought that Juliet Marillier handled it very well.