Rating: 
Summary: Wonderful debut
Review: I must admit that I bought the book simply because of my interest in how authors of today handle the retelling of myths and fairytales - I'm SO glad I did! The tale this is based on (The Six Swans) has been one of my favourites since I was a girl because of the elements of transformation magic and the power of love & loyalty. Marillier handles these elements admirably, drawing you into a believable Celtic world where people struggle against people, the old world magic struggles with a new age of religion and a girl-woman journeys determindly through the terrifying obstacles to discover the truth and power of sacrifice, loyalty, family and finally love.My only negative comment (I wish my rating could be 4 1/2 stars instead of just 4) would be that the author tends to digress at times into a narrative of descriptive thought and reflection that, while mostly interesting, do tend to interrupt the flow of story. I felt the adventure and suspense suffered a little as a result. Nevertheless, the youngest sister, Sorcha, whose point of view the story is told from, is a strongly real person in the midst of a compelling fantasy setting. At times, I found the writing drew me in so well I felt I should be as silent as she had to be. Being written less about the magic and more about the people, I happily followed the characters beyond the end of the fairytale to continue their story. Because my initial interest was in the treatment of the fairytale itself, I did not expect to want to read more than the first book. Instead I will be adding the sequel to my bookshelf as soon as it appears. All in all, this book was worth every cent and also happens to be one of the best 'firsts' I have ever read. If this is only her first novel then we are in for some wonderful books in the future!
Rating: 
Summary: Engaging Tale That On Occasion Stumbles
Review: At times I wish it were possible to award partial stars: this book is certainly deserving of more than three, yet I am hesitant to award it four, compared to other books I have granted that accolade. That said, this is a very engaging tale, and I look forward to the next book in the series. The author handles the lyrical interweaving of Celtic legend into her story very well, and her descriptive depictions of the natural world and the magic that exists just beyond our knowledge draw the reader into the world she has created, reflecting not only the author's obvious knowledge of her subject, but an admirable rendering as well. In a broad way I agree with much that has been said by many of the previous reviewers, some of whom have given much of the story away. The comparison with "Mists of Avalon" is also apt, as the narrative contains much of the tone found in this earlier work, and I would therefore assume find a ready audience with those who enjoyed the former book. However, I cannot concur with the degree of praise so far extended by previous commentators. I find the author repeatedly returning to a stylistic device of presaging the action of her story through the use of narratorial asides, which, though I understand the reasoning behind their inclusion, and the momentary suspense this adds through foreshadowing, over time becomes repetitive and tiring. Further, the author at times displays the bad habit of telling rather than showing the reader what is taking place, or the significance of an action or event, thus diminishing its impact. And, on occasion, things take place---a case in point is a purported pledge to a dying man---that seems contrived or unsubtantiated in the way in which the reader is asked to believe in their crediblilty. Nonetheless, this is good first effort by a new author, which, should she abandon some of the more obvious artifices of her writing, can only continue to build upon the not insubstantial strengths of this initial work.
Rating: 
Summary: A Must-Read
Review: My uncle (a librarian) gave me this book for my birthday because it received admirable reveiews from Anne McCaffrey, my favorite author, and I cannot be more pleased. I must have read it in almost a single setting - the tragic tail of Sorcha, a young girl who undergoes a horrible and painful test of strength and courage to break the spell her evil stepmother places on her 6 brothers. During her ordeal, she is forbidden to make a sound. So engrossed and enthralled was I with this book, that when interrupted, it took me a moment to realize that I was allowed to speak myself. Marillier's writing allowed me to identify with the character and brought me to both laughter and tears; I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good novel - and strongly suggest that all fantasy fans make room for a new author on their shelves.
Rating:
Summary: Daughter of the Forest
Review: Couldn't put this book down. I read the entire thing in 2 days. I felt like I knew the characters by the time I was finished and I didn't want to let them go. Ms. Marillier does a wonderful job with words.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent romantic fantasy
Review: Of the seven Irish siblings, only Sorcha, the youngest and only female, does not remember their deceased mother. Her older six brothers have fond memories of their mother, that is until, their malevolent stepmother Oonagh bewitched their father and changed the males into swans. Sorcha is the solo hope of rescuing her family. Sorcha enters the forest only to be raped. She manages to escape with the help of English nobleman Hugh of Harrowfield. Due to her vow, Sorcha hides her mission from Hugh. However, they marry and travel to England where Sorcha continues her quest to transform her siblings back into humans even as she becomes the focus of a deadly power struggle between Hugh and his enemies. DAUGHTER OF THE FOREST is an entertaining romantic fantasy that retells the legendary Celtic fairy tale of the swans. The story line is fast-paced, filled with action, and loaded with romance yet brimming with magical elements that seem real. The lead charcaters are warm, compassionate, and share a sense of family loyalty that adds to the adventure. Though her debut novel, Juliet Marillier shows the talent of a folk tale teller that will send fantasy fans and romance readers delightfully desiring similar set stories.
Rating:
Summary: Daughter of the Forest - a mystical celtic journey
Review: Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier is a wonderfully crafted book containing brilliant images of wild and magical celtic Ireland. The backgound is set in the first millennium when the turbulent struggle between the Irish with their ancient druidic faith and the English, seeking to promote Christianity was prevalent. The tragic lead character - a young celtic lass named Sorcha - is courageous and determined - attributes she needs in abundance when her wicked step mother uses a changeling spell to transform all 6 of her brothers into swans. Only Sorcha, who has some magical attributes herself, can break the spell and to do so she must suffer horrendous burdens such as rape, kidnap and hatred, all the time remaining utterly silent. So powerfully written are the scenes where she silently tries to communicate that I often caught myself miming Sorcha's words aswell. Sorcha's determination is remarkable, and her suffering almost unbearable - at times you feel that you must step in to help - then you remember it is just a book! When finally Sorcha meets someone willing to help her and protect her it is ironic that her past treatment at the hands of others will not allow her to believe in her benefactor's generosity and good-faith. Sorcha may lose her one chance at success and true happiness if she cannot regain her trust in others.
Rating:
Summary: Bravo
Review: Congratulations, Juliet. For anyone out there who is interested in Celtic folklore, strong female characters or fabulous love stories, this is a wonderful novel to put on your "to read" list. Marillier has created Sorcha, a heroine who is strong, determined and steadfast. She suffers a great deal throughout this novel, and reading of her trials and disappointments is not for the weak of heart. I found myself crying often throughout the book, in outrage, sadness and in joy. The novel lacks some polish in its language at points, and there is little suspense, but its strengh is in the reader's strong identification with Sorcha throughout. She is condemned to silence throughout most of the book and the power of her story is such that the reader feels the need to be silent also, so as to help carry her burden. I can't wait until the next book in this series is published.
Rating:
Summary: Exceptional read
Review: A wonderful story about the early Irish. Centred around Sorcha (Sorra), the youngest child of an Irish 'king' and her 6 brothers, the tale captures your imagination from the early pages. Full of facinating information regarding the Druids, the Fair Folk and the most mystical Irish beliefs, this tale is a delight of one person's triumph over impossible odds to save her brothers from an evil enchantment. I was engrossed from beginning to end. Definitely a must for lovers of Barbara Eskine, Sharon Penman et al.
Rating:
Summary: Great Irish Legend
Review: I pulled this book off a shelf because it's cover art resembled that of Marion Zimmer Bradley's Mists of Avalon series, which I have read. I bought the book on a whim and am glad I did. If you like Irish legend or Medieval fantasy, I think you'd like this book. I could hardly put it down. The characters are as real and fleshed out as any I've read before, and the story intriguing. I'm eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
Rating:
Summary: Sevenwaters Trilogy is the Best
Review: Juliet Marillier truly does capture the spirit of a fictional Ireland in the Dark Ages. I admire her as a writer, because she is not afraid to write about subjects that have been overlooked by most authors. I thoroughly enjoyed the books because Marillier brings back the paganistic culture of ancient Ireland so many of us have forgotten here in The States. It is extremely important that we do NOT forget our past, be it paganistic or Christian, because our past made us who we are today. I fear that if we forget our past completely, it will only bring ruin upon ourselves.
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