Rating: 
Summary: Horrible!!
Review: I don't think this book even deserves a star. Yes it was good and the story was interesting, but she gets raped at one point, in detail!! I do not think that we need to lower ourselves by mentioning every detail of something like this. It is not totally necessary to the story at all. I am writing this because I wish there had been a review that I had read warning me about this. I want to warn anyone who wants to read this what is in here. If you feel like you can read this even with that scene in there, then go ahead. But I hope that this will protect someone who does not want to read anything like that. I just read this because I still love Fairy Tales and I wanted to read one about this particular one, which is one of my favorites. But that just ruined it for me and ruined alot of things for me. AND I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ANYTHING ABOUT ME BEING A CHRISTIAN!!
Rating: 
Summary: Lovely!
Review: I have heard the myth of the swans before, and although this story isn't "step by step" the myth of the swans, one must keep in mind, it isn't meant to be. It's meant to bring in this myth and incorporate it, but don't look for the exact story, you'll be disappointed. I found the character of Sorcha to be extremely complex and amazing, her sadness is evident, but she is also very strong. I absolutely loved the ending, although it was a bit sad, the happiness was something I needed, I've read far to many sad books recently. Quite happy with this beautiful story! :)
Rating: 
Summary: Beautifully Written
Review: This story is more than a satisfying read. Beautifully written, this story has a strong protagonist, as well as antagonist(s), and if only all girls were as strong and clever as Sorcha. Throughout the story, she stands on her own and bears the sadness and pain she must endure in order to save her beloved brothers. The book is bitter sweet with,yes, "strong-hero men",but Sorcha does not rely on them unlike some other opinions. Sorcha tells the story with details and at times a little humor and without any trace of bitterness or regret. She is a wonderful role-model to all girls, and the book is interesting and full of unique and amazing characters. I recommend this fascinating book to anyone and everyone, especially teenage girls and young women. This is my favorite book of all time!!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Didn't hold my interest
Review: I love Celtic myth, and am very familiar with the Swan tales in all their incarnations. I don't think this one improved on the story, and in facr may have done some serious damage. The original tale did not have the soap-opera strong but mushy inside heroine, which did nothing to enhance the message; that devotion and love of family is worth any sacrifice. When relating fairy tales, it takes some of the mythic nature out to make it into the heroine's viewpoint only. I feel strongly that this book is overrated. It has a pretty cover, but the inside is not that good.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing.
Review: It's incredibly sad and moving, and at one point I literally sobbed in empathy for the poor Sorcha, who is so strong, but in so much pain. I have always loved the story of the Wild Swans - and this book captures so beautifully the spirit of ancient Ireland, with all the richness of the culture before it was diluted, that I now find it impossible to envision the legend being set anywhere else. Each character is so fully drawn, with Sorcha a heroine who does not simply yield to her fate, but actually embraces it - her strength and courage, even when she is bitter and angry, are an inspiration. I will definitely be giving this book to my daughters and my niece, even though there are parts which are heart-rending. I would recommend this book to everyone, man or woman, and I am awaiting it's sequel with stomach tensed in anticipation. This is the best book I have read - ever.
Rating:
Summary: Touching and beautiful
Review: I've always loved Celtic mythology, strong heroines, and tales of love and this book is a gorgeous combination of all three. Marillier does an extemely good job of taking an old legend and making the characters real and personal without losing any element of mystery or fantasy. Sorcha, although she is a young girl when the book begins, takes on an enormous load to break a curse set on her brothers and suffers grief and hardship with nothing to sustain her but her love for her brothers. Along the way, she meets a man who saves her life and ends up being the enemy that her father and oldest brothers have been fighting against to preserve their land. He takes her to his home, where she is recieved with grudging hospitality only because the man who brought her is the lord of the land, but she withstands the whispers and suspicious looks as it seems to be the only way she will complete her task and live. At the end, when her brothers are freed, you expect her to go home and live happily ever after, but she can't be completely content because of the strong ties with other people who helped her through her suffering. But in the end, love finds a way, as you knew it would.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful and Masterful!
Review: I was stunned that this was Ms. Marillier's first novel. She writes with ease and skill, her prose is graceful and beautiful. Sorcha and her brothers come to life on the page and their story, a magical retelling of the legend of "The Wild Swans," captures the reader's imagination from the start. I can't wait to read the forthcoming books in this trilogy.
Rating:
Summary: Mesmerizing!
Review: I could not put this book down! An amazing interpretation and re-telling of folklore. Being familiar with the story, I was first drawn to the book to see what could possibly be improved upon. I was immediately drawn in to the story and was kept there until the very end. I was quite disappointed when the story ended - I wanted more!
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic start to a series
Review: I picked up this book because I love most any book about Celtic folklore/mythology, and after having read just a few pages, I couldn't put the book down. This book went with me everywhere until I had devoured every word! This is one series where I won't be able to wait for the next book to come out in paperback before buying it. Its a wonderful retelling of one of my favorite legends of the "Swans." Great femine heroine, love, sorrow, this book has it all.
Rating:
Summary: A Most Captivating Tale
Review: Juliet Marillier writes an excellent and captivating tale of a girl and her older brothers, their struggles, and adventures in the land of Sevenwaters. The story telling is heart felt and it will draw you into it. For me, it meant two sleepless nights so that I could finish reading it just to find out what would happen next. The main character "Sorcha" tells the story from her point of view. She enjoys a unique relationship with her brothers. The settings are described perfectly. You can imagine you are there. The characters are presented artfully and most have mystical qualities. I had never heard of the Celtic "Swans" myth until reading this wonderful story on which it was based. I am anxious to read more from this talented author. Certainly I wish to know if there is more to the tale of this family.
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