Jade L. (winterk423) reviewed Daughter of the Forest (The Sevenwaters Trilogy, Bk 1) on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
Excellent book. The story telling could be slow at times, but it's all for a greater purpose that you learn to appreciate later. Many things tie with each other, making it well thought out, though sometimes predictable. Although it is a romance, it is not so heavily based on it so that one would feel suffocated with reading all the lovey-dovey stuff.
This was the first book in which I've actually cried on, tears, sniffles, and all. I really enjoyed this book.
This was the first book in which I've actually cried on, tears, sniffles, and all. I really enjoyed this book.
Stephanie S. (skywriter319) -
Helpful Score: 3
I was one of those kids (Im sure youve known a few of us) who read our Complete Grimm Brothers Fairy Tales cover to cover until the book was in tatters. Among the hundreds of extraordinaryand, admittedly, some not-so-extraordinarytales, however, the one about the girl who must endure great travails to free her six older brothers who have been turned into swans has always been one of my favorites, because its just so emotional, and the girl is so admirable. Happily, Juliet Marillier keeps my favorite aspects of the original fairy tale, and dresses it up in an astounding world of Irish historical culture and intricate political relationships.
Unlike other retellings that may push aside the original for the sake of setting, DAUGHTER OF THE FOREST stays true to the tale at its core. Sorcha endures almost unimaginable sufferings in her quest to free her brothers, gets unwillingly pulled into social politics, and is wrongly accused of things that were not her intention. She is a strong protagonist not because shes very active, but simply because she endures. The first 150 pages or so feel a little slow, but once the book moves into the frameworks of the original tale, I couldnt put it down.
This is a book I wouldve loved to death back when I first started reading fantasy in middle school, alongside lifetime favorites Robin McKinley and other admirable fantasies by authors like Garth Nix. As it is, DAUGHTER OF THE FOREST is still an incredible book, full of the richness of my favorite kind of high fantasy. Im glad I chose this one as my first Marillier book, and look forward to reading her other books in the future.
Unlike other retellings that may push aside the original for the sake of setting, DAUGHTER OF THE FOREST stays true to the tale at its core. Sorcha endures almost unimaginable sufferings in her quest to free her brothers, gets unwillingly pulled into social politics, and is wrongly accused of things that were not her intention. She is a strong protagonist not because shes very active, but simply because she endures. The first 150 pages or so feel a little slow, but once the book moves into the frameworks of the original tale, I couldnt put it down.
This is a book I wouldve loved to death back when I first started reading fantasy in middle school, alongside lifetime favorites Robin McKinley and other admirable fantasies by authors like Garth Nix. As it is, DAUGHTER OF THE FOREST is still an incredible book, full of the richness of my favorite kind of high fantasy. Im glad I chose this one as my first Marillier book, and look forward to reading her other books in the future.
Helpful Score: 2
This book is like finding a precious stone in the midst of pretty rocks. The text is poetic and flows, the tension is strung tight throughout, making it hard to put it down without finding out what is on the next page. There are a lot of "good" books. I rate this one as "exquisite."
Jamie R. (mysterymagic) reviewed Daughter of the Forest (The Sevenwaters Trilogy, Bk 1) on + 16 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Excellent combination of a strong woman heroine, adventure, sci-fi & a bit of romance. My first Juliet Marillier book - this made me a big fan. Difficult to put down once you start.
Helpful Score: 1
Great book! Dark magic, well rounded characters, a plot that twists and turns. Juliette Marillier is a fantastic storyteller. A keeper!
Sarah K. (sarahbeth8585) reviewed Daughter of the Forest (The Sevenwaters Trilogy, Bk 1) on + 15 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent. Wonderfully detailed. Great story.
Tiffany R. reviewed Daughter of the Forest (The Sevenwaters Trilogy, Bk 1) on + 22 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A classic child's fairy tale is brought to life in this well written fantasy. It's fast pace and every aspect of the story has a deeper meaning behind it. An excellent beginning to a wonderful Trilogy.
Helpful Score: 1
A compelling retelling of a classic fairy tale.
Jennifer W. (RainbowsEnd) reviewed Daughter of the Forest (The Sevenwaters Trilogy, Bk 1) on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is absolutely hands down the best book I have ever read. I read it over four years ago and it still haunts me. Incredible book!
Tamara C. (onejump) reviewed Daughter of the Forest (The Sevenwaters Trilogy, Bk 1) on + 101 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Like everyone else who has read this series by Marillier, I loved it! I love the magic elements and the depth of Sorcha as a character.
Alison H. (Alison-H) -
Helpful Score: 1
Loved this book. It drew me in completely. A stunning retelling of a classic tale.
Barbara M. (WingedLady) reviewed Daughter of the Forest (The Sevenwaters Trilogy, Bk 1) on + 46 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Very good retelling of the Seven Swans
Karen P. (Sabriel) reviewed Daughter of the Forest (The Sevenwaters Trilogy, Bk 1) on + 14 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is one of my favorite books of all time, enduring. Amazing simply amazing.
I loved the story! The connection between this family continues through all threee books. Her Childrens books are very good too!
Erin M. (elm278) reviewed Daughter of the Forest (The Sevenwaters Trilogy, Bk 1) on + 17 more book reviews
i loved this book! Sorcha is so strong and her love for her brothers and everyone around her just adds to it. Juliet Marillier's writing is absolutely beautiful - i've already started book 2 right on the heels of this one!
This Book has made me a fan of the Author, Amazing, carefully constructed for easy reading. Sorcha is such a strong character, and there is just enough of the hint of romance to keep you interested. There is a fourth book out now with this trilogy Heir to Sevenwaters.
Trish B. (tbecker) reviewed Daughter of the Forest (The Sevenwaters Trilogy, Bk 1) on + 34 more book reviews
Ms. Marillier did an amazing job on this novel. I am in love with this tale. I was very surprised to be as caught up in this magical world the characters live in, and the words brought out to describe such a delightful and enchanting story to the readers.
This is the novel of brave Sorcha, a strong-willed and determined young girl, who must face a long trial of a curse put on her family. She is given a task from the Fair Folk that she must finish alone. She is to venture off by herself, and endure the long and weary seasons to complete the task with no help. It is a beautiful story of courage and love.
This is the novel of brave Sorcha, a strong-willed and determined young girl, who must face a long trial of a curse put on her family. She is given a task from the Fair Folk that she must finish alone. She is to venture off by herself, and endure the long and weary seasons to complete the task with no help. It is a beautiful story of courage and love.
This is absolutely the best book i have ever read. I have read it over and over and it is still as powerful as the first read. Beautiful writing, the characters are strong the plot is really developed. I would recommend it to anyone.
Debra K. (deber) reviewed Daughter of the Forest (The Sevenwaters Trilogy, Bk 1) on + 32 more book reviews
I usually don't read fantasy but this book was recommended to me by a friend, I loved it and have requested the next book in the series. Good read
Based on the tale of the brothers turned to swans and the beloved sisters task to return them to their human form. This story is told beautifully. A full range of emotion is crossed in the telling of this story. Loved, Loved, Loved it. Highly recommend.
I really loved this book. The writing is very detailed and beautiful.
Susan Z. (ZeeRN) reviewed Daughter of the Forest (The Sevenwaters Trilogy, Bk 1) on + 83 more book reviews
One of my all time favorite fantasy novels, borders on historical fiction. Loved "Son of the Shadows" too.
Laura W. (Pharmtoxgirl) reviewed Daughter of the Forest (The Sevenwaters Trilogy, Bk 1) on + 52 more book reviews
A great read. Nice to have a female as the central character in a fantasy book
Jennifer K. (jenkap) reviewed Daughter of the Forest (The Sevenwaters Trilogy, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
Very enjoyable, good depth of characters and engaging story.
I loved it!
How far would you go to save your family? Would you cooperate with the enemy? Become the enemy? That is Sorcha's dilemma in this excellent introduction to the Sevenwaters series.
Camille L. (StealthBunny) reviewed Daughter of the Forest (The Sevenwaters Trilogy, Bk 1) on + 32 more book reviews
Excellent book! Sorcha must save her brothers from an evil curse with the horrifying task of making a shirt for each one out of the most painful substances to work with... and must not make any spoken sound. These tasks take years and eventually leads her to the land of her enemies as a prisoner. One of the best love stories I've read, strong mythology, and simply beautiful writing. Don't miss this one!
Cassandra B. (kala) reviewed Daughter of the Forest (The Sevenwaters Trilogy, Bk 1) on + 13 more book reviews
This book has long been one of my favorites. The writing and story are superb. One of my very favorite books by far, I always find myself wanting to reread it. It just gets better with multiple readings.
Deborah H. reviewed Daughter of the Forest (The Sevenwaters Trilogy, Bk 1) on + 35 more book reviews
If you love Diana Gabaldon and Terry Goodkind books, you will love this.
I can't understand all the good reviews for this book. This is one of the most depressing books I have ever read. It features the rape of a twelve year old virgin who is a mute (I hesitate to say by choice)--can you imagine the psychological damage this could do to a young girl, she can't even verbalize what happened? Also featured is the torture of a teen boy. Though it never spells it out, it infers (in my opinion, I don't know if anyone concurs) that the boy was also castrated during his torture. He is so damaged by this that he is suicidal and eschews human contact. Add in a couple of companion animal murders and you get a nice melting pot of hopelessness and misery.
The main characters end up with a tiny window of happiness that cannot in anyway shape or form makeup for the travesties of all their lives. No one really gets any happiness or peace(certainly not the six brothers). Besides the depressing subject matter, I found the folktales in the book boring and would skim them or skip them. It was not a fun read for me. I don't expect all sunshine and rainbows in what I read, but nothing in the story made it worth reading over the dismal subject matter. And as a further kick in the who-haw you find out that all the characters' pain and terror is caused by the whims and machination of capricious fairies. Wtf?!
The main characters end up with a tiny window of happiness that cannot in anyway shape or form makeup for the travesties of all their lives. No one really gets any happiness or peace(certainly not the six brothers). Besides the depressing subject matter, I found the folktales in the book boring and would skim them or skip them. It was not a fun read for me. I don't expect all sunshine and rainbows in what I read, but nothing in the story made it worth reading over the dismal subject matter. And as a further kick in the who-haw you find out that all the characters' pain and terror is caused by the whims and machination of capricious fairies. Wtf?!
Kathleen T. (keska) reviewed Daughter of the Forest (The Sevenwaters Trilogy, Bk 1) on + 204 more book reviews
I just couldn't get into it.
Constance T. (shadowtheleopard) reviewed Daughter of the Forest (The Sevenwaters Trilogy, Bk 1) on + 11 more book reviews
I LOVED this book. I loved going back in time and hearing a first hand account of an imaginary experience in the folklore time of Old Ireland. It was well written and not full of pointless sex and yearning like in romance novels. Lots of action and heroics. Could barely put it down. Can't wait for the next one in the trilogy.
