Award-winning author Juliet Marillier “weaves magic, mythology, and folklore into every sentence on the page” (The Book Smugglers). Now she presents the first novel in an enchanting series that will transport readers to a magical vision of ancient Ireland…. In exchange for help escaping her long and wrongful imprisonment, embittered magical healer Blackthorn has vowed to set aside her bid for … aside her bid for vengeance against the man who destroyed all that she once held dear. Followed by a former prison mate, a silent hulk of a man named Grim, she travels north to Dalriada. There she’ll live on the fringe of a mysterious forest, duty bound for seven years to assist anyone who asks for her help.
Oran, crown prince of Dalriada, has waited anxiously for the arrival of his future bride, Lady Flidais. He knows her only from a portrait and sweetly poetic correspondence that have convinced him Flidais is his destined true love. But Oran discovers letters can lie. For although his intended exactly resembles her portrait, her brutality upon arrival proves she is nothing like the sensitive woman of the letters.
With the strategic marriage imminent, Oran sees no way out of his dilemma. Word has spread that Blackthorn possesses a remarkable gift for solving knotty problems, so the prince asks her for help. To save Oran from his treacherous nuptials, Blackthorn and Grim will need all their resources: courage, ingenuity, leaps of deduction, and more than a little magic.
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What a fun read! Marillier created a wonderful cast of engaging & diverse characters. The story followed multiple “couples”/plot lines and I loved each of them. Enjoyable world-building while still bringing across the emotional aspects of the story and I definitely did not see the twist coming at the end. Highly recommend!
Like many good yarns, this story started out a bit slow. As the first book in a series, there was quite a bit to set up for the reader. The pace picked up a lot about halfway through. The author writes richly textured versions of old Irish tales, which I love, and has a lovely way with romance. The result is a true-blue fantasy (as we used to call them). The relationship between Blackthorn and Grim is very promising with its many layers and the baggage each carry in their hearts. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
While this book can be very dark at times, it was an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
The book kept me interested even though I figured out what had happened.
I enjoyed the characters and I want to know what’s next.
Love Blackthorn and Grim. Looking forward to what they figure out next
I love the characters and stories in this series. You have magic, romance, friendship, plot twists, the works.
This review is also available on my blog: Wine Cellar Library
Beginning a new Juliet Marillier series is always an exciting endeavor. Having read all but one of her previously published series, I know that I am about to embark on an immersive and magical adventure.
We are introduced to Blackthorn and Grim, who have suffered inconceivable torture at the hands of Mathuin of Laois. Sprung from the lockup by a fey nobleman named Conmael, who forbids Blackthorn from exacting her revenge, the two embark on a journey to Dalraida. The publisher’s synopsis on the back cover gives a rather uninteresting description of events. I much prefer the author’s synopsis from her website.
Blackthorn has faced so much pain, both emotional and physical, that she struggles to let anyone get too close. Having grudgingly accepted the fact that Grim will be her companion, and despite the fact that Grim was witness to much of her abuse, she keeps him at a distance. Throughout the book, her stubbornness tends to get exhausting, but, given her experiences, I cannot blame her.
Grim has his own dark past, but his history is not revealed in this book. Having Blackthorn close allows him to begin to heal, even if she is frustratingly resistant to his friendship. Grim may be cast as a simpleton, but he has an innate gift for seeing what others may overlook.
As for the task at hand, it becomes quickly apparent that something has changed Prince Oran’s betrothed into someone that he, and even her own dog Bramble, does not recognize. Marillier always gives the reader just enough insight in measured doses throughout the book and expertly keeps the reader intrigued.
Having completed the entire series prior to writing this review, I can say with confidence that the world that Marillier has constructed in the Blackthorn & Grim series is one that will engulf you from beginning to end.
I have not read one of this author’s books since reading the Seven Waters Trilogy, Daughter of the Forest and Son of Shadows, years ago. I saw this and had to get it. Thanks for reminding me why I like historical fantasy and Juliet Marillier so much
Enthralling and beautifully crafted.
A magical story with characters you can help but love and root for.