Annotation 3: Fantasy--Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier

~Seven Waters Trilogy, Book 1~

Daughter of the Forest

by Juliet Marillier

Setting: Ireland and England

Time Period: Ancient/Medieval

Genre: Historical/Dark Fantasy, Fairytale (Re-telling)

Tone/Mood: Bleak, Strong sense of place

Writing Style: Engaging, Character-driven

Summary:

The youngest of seven and the only girl in her family, Sorcha is a great story-teller and well-versed in herb lore, making her a fantastic healer. When a new stepmother, the Lady Oonagh, arrives on the scene everyone but Colum, Sorcha’s father, and one of her brothers sees how evil she really is. Shortly after Oonagh's arrival Sorcha finds herself in a fairytale. Sorcha discovers just how frightening and uncomfortable enchantments and tasks given by the Fair Folk can be. Loosely based on the Grimm Fairytale The Six Swans, Sorcha’s six brothers are transformed into swans and she must weave a shirt for each made from Starwart, a prickly and painful plant, in order to change them back.

As a retelling of a classic fairytale this story could also qualify as high fantasy for the following reasons (which could also be appeals):

• Hero/Herione's Quest, returning home
• Magic
• Mythical creatures
• Good vs. Evil

Daughter of the Forest is a good choice for anyone interested in Ancient Ireland, Paganism, Druids, Fairytales, or the idea that love conquers all.

Marillier, J. (2000). The Sevenwaters Trilogy: Daughter of the forest (1st US ed.). New York, NY: Tom Doherty Associates.

Other titles in this series:

• Son of the Shadows (2001)
• Child of the Prophecy (2002)
• Heir to Sevenwaters* (2008)
• Seer of Sevenwaters* (2010)

*has expanded beyond trilogy status

Other titles by this author:

• Heart's Blood (2009)
• Wildwood Dancing (2006)
• The Dark Mirror (2004)
• Wolfskin (2002)

Read-alikes:

• Hallowed Isle by Diana L. Paxson
• Tir Alainn Trilogy by Anne Bishop
• Tamir Trilogy by Lynn Flewelling
• Grimm’s Fairy Stories