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10th out of 920 books
—
5,229 voters
Daughter of the Forest (Sevenwaters #1)
by
Juliet Marillier (Goodreads Author)
Lovely Sorcha is the seventh child and only daughter of Lord Colum of Sevenwaters. Bereft of a mother, she is comforted by her six brothers who love and protect her. Sorcha is the light in their lives, they are determined that she know only contentment.
But Sorcha's joy is shattered when her father is bewitched by his new wife, an evil enchantress who binds her brothers wit...more
But Sorcha's joy is shattered when her father is bewitched by his new wife, an evil enchantress who binds her brothers wit...more
Paperback, 554 pages
Published
February 18th 2002
by Tor Books
(first published April 1st 1999)
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***Warning**** Mention of rape and discussion of such follows.
I gave this book four stars so obviously I did enjoy it. There are actually many, many enjoyable elements to this book and I promise to get to them in a moment...
I had rather sad conversation with a very good friend of mine a while back. She had the rather unfortunate (formal word that neglects so much) experience of being brutally raped twice in different situations by different people. She then swore off sex and love and life. So a...more
I gave this book four stars so obviously I did enjoy it. There are actually many, many enjoyable elements to this book and I promise to get to them in a moment...
I had rather sad conversation with a very good friend of mine a while back. She had the rather unfortunate (formal word that neglects so much) experience of being brutally raped twice in different situations by different people. She then swore off sex and love and life. So a...more
May 28, 2010
Tatiana
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
all fantasy/fairy tale retellings fans
Recommended to Tatiana by:
Harper Bell
4.7 stars
Aside from a couple of minor qualms, Daughter of the Forest is pretty much an example of an almost perfect debut novel.
This book is a beautiful retelling of the Celtic "Swans" myth, which has been familiar to me since childhood through the Hans Christian Andersen's version - The Wild Swans. Sorcha is the seventh child and the only daughter of Lord Colum of Sevenwaters. When Colum remarries after being widowed for almost 13 years, the evil stepmother (and witch) puts a dreadful spell on...more
Aside from a couple of minor qualms, Daughter of the Forest is pretty much an example of an almost perfect debut novel.
This book is a beautiful retelling of the Celtic "Swans" myth, which has been familiar to me since childhood through the Hans Christian Andersen's version - The Wild Swans. Sorcha is the seventh child and the only daughter of Lord Colum of Sevenwaters. When Colum remarries after being widowed for almost 13 years, the evil stepmother (and witch) puts a dreadful spell on...more
49 likes · like · see review
Such a gem to read and have on your bookshelf, full of magic and mysticism, love and romance. One the most beautifully crafted books I've read in a long time, the story line is very simple and has been written about in other reviews ,what makes it extra special is the voice of the narrator Sorcha (sor-ca), she tells her story with such a simple yet very emotive voice that can bring the reader to tears in just a few beautifully put together words. Altho this is a hefty book it didn't seem to matt...more
20 likes · like · see review
Jan 12, 2012
AH
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Shelves:
chubby-chunkster,
druid,
fae,
fantasy,
favorites,
first-in-series,
historical,
romance,
zzread-feb2011,
babr-reviews
What a breathtakingly beautiful book!
It’s hard to describe Daughter of the Forest. It is a fantasy, a historical, and a romance. It reads like a fable or a fairy tale. It has all the elements of a fairy tale – the evil stepmother, a fairy godmother (sort of), an enchantment, an impossible task to accomplish, a prince charming, and a happily ever after.
This has to be my all time favorite book now. I was captivated by the story, mesmerized by the voice of Sorcha, our heroine. I did not put this b...more
It’s hard to describe Daughter of the Forest. It is a fantasy, a historical, and a romance. It reads like a fable or a fairy tale. It has all the elements of a fairy tale – the evil stepmother, a fairy godmother (sort of), an enchantment, an impossible task to accomplish, a prince charming, and a happily ever after.
This has to be my all time favorite book now. I was captivated by the story, mesmerized by the voice of Sorcha, our heroine. I did not put this b...more
29 likes · like · see review
Incredible. I know I've said I've been speechless when reading books before, but this time, I genuinely don't have the words to express what a masterpiece this novel is. I actually finished this novel early today morning, at around 1:30, but it was only at 2:30-ish that I actually got up to go to sleep. I couldn't get this story out of my head; I simply kept thinking about it. If Juliet Marillier hadn't already made a fan out of me with Heart's Blood, then I'd be tripping over myself to fall at...more
22 likes · like · see review
Part of me wanted desperately to give Daughter of the Forest four stars. Perhaps if I hadn't read six or eight additional books during the time it took me to finish this one.
Sorcha is the seventh child (she has six older brothers) of the household of Seven Waters in Erin. Her mother died bearing her and her father seemingly can't interact with his daughter because she reminds him of his beloved wife. He throws himself wholeheartedly and ruthless into the defense of Seven Waters.
This is a re-te...more
Sorcha is the seventh child (she has six older brothers) of the household of Seven Waters in Erin. Her mother died bearing her and her father seemingly can't interact with his daughter because she reminds him of his beloved wife. He throws himself wholeheartedly and ruthless into the defense of Seven Waters.
This is a re-te...more
3.5 stars. Wondrously evocative and lyrical. Enthralling. Suspenseful. Redundant. Too redundant. This is an extremely popular romantic fairy tale for YAs (yet I question that classification, as explained below).
Summary, with big spoilers hidden and italicized comments:
Daughter of the Forest is an über-extended take on The Six Swans, set in medieval Ireland, when Druidic and Christian cultures first started to overlap.
Sorcha of Sevenwaters is about 16 years old when the story ENDS. She is deep...more
Summary, with big spoilers hidden and italicized comments:
Daughter of the Forest is an über-extended take on The Six Swans, set in medieval Ireland, when Druidic and Christian cultures first started to overlap.
Sorcha of Sevenwaters is about 16 years old when the story ENDS. She is deep...more
8 likes · like · see review
I just want to say that I have very mixed feelings about this book. It is one of my favorite love stories of all time. It is not some mere trite story. It is meaningful and deep.
However be warned, it does have what I have referred to before as "content". There is a part near the beginning where she is abused. Skip it. There is a part at the very end after they are married. There you go. So if you read it, and want to come away unscathed, be careful. Start at the part where Red finds her(maybe s...more
However be warned, it does have what I have referred to before as "content". There is a part near the beginning where she is abused. Skip it. There is a part at the very end after they are married. There you go. So if you read it, and want to come away unscathed, be careful. Start at the part where Red finds her(maybe s...more
23 likes · like · see review
Jan 10, 2013
Misty
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommended to Misty by:
Ashley
What can I say, I saved the best for last. Daughter of the Forest is my favorite fairy tale retelling of all time. (So far. Let me know your faves and try to prove me wrong!) I did a mini-review of this once before, but I want to expand on that now, and get a little gushy fangirly.
I read this for the first time after having just finished Wildwood Dancing (also by Marillier). It came highly recommended by a friend, so I was pretty gung-ho. But the first 30 pages almost made me put it down. It's n...more
I read this for the first time after having just finished Wildwood Dancing (also by Marillier). It came highly recommended by a friend, so I was pretty gung-ho. But the first 30 pages almost made me put it down. It's n...more
7 likes · like · see review
Daughter of the Forest is an absorbing, heart-breaking story. It's a retelling of the classic fairytale of the Wild Swans, and it doesn't gloss over the darker implications. Wallowing in the misery of them is more like it.
In Ireland in the time of the Druids, Sorcha is a healer and a true child of the forest. Each of her six brothers is distinctly drawn, and the bonds of love and loyalty between them are firmly established - tangible, almost. As everything falls apart, their closeness makes the...more
In Ireland in the time of the Druids, Sorcha is a healer and a true child of the forest. Each of her six brothers is distinctly drawn, and the bonds of love and loyalty between them are firmly established - tangible, almost. As everything falls apart, their closeness makes the...more
6 likes · like · see review
I judge books by their cover, I admit it, so in all honesty I would have never picked up this book on it's own. It looks too science fictiony/fantasy for me, and I can never get into those books. Also, the way the girl is on the cover kinda reminded me of
(which I still need to finish - I will Chachic!). At any rate, I saw that most of my Goodreads friends had read it and they all seemed to enjoy it... which is surprising because usually we're all across the board.
Atnywho, I picked it up and s...more
(which I still need to finish - I will Chachic!). At any rate, I saw that most of my Goodreads friends had read it and they all seemed to enjoy it... which is surprising because usually we're all across the board.Atnywho, I picked it up and s...more
6 likes · like · see review
Aug 03, 2008
Emily
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
fantasy lovers, fans of Robin McKinley, people who love folktales and Celtic folklore
Recommended to Emily by:
I saw it on the shelf at my brother and sister-in-law's appartme
Shelves:
all-time-favorites-i-will-read-ag
If you are looking for a review that is more about the plot and characters, you'll have to look elsewhere. However, these are my thoughts on my experience of reading this book:
This is now one of my favorite books. It was amazing. There are several reasons I loved this book but there is one that explains all the others - somehow I really identified with the protagonists even though on the surface I am nothing like her. However, I must have found something in her to identify with because I actuall...more
This is now one of my favorite books. It was amazing. There are several reasons I loved this book but there is one that explains all the others - somehow I really identified with the protagonists even though on the surface I am nothing like her. However, I must have found something in her to identify with because I actuall...more
14 likes · like · see review
I would not recommend it, especially to young adults. The story was beautifully woven and the writing is very engrossing, but there is graphic description of abuse that did not strengthen the book and was very unnecessary. It pretty much ruined the book for me.
11 likes · like · see review
I first read this incredible book in March of 2010. Before I had finished it I had ordered all the books in the Sevenwaters series. Before I finished the series I had purchased every book Juliet Marillier had written. She is a storyteller like no other.
A friend of mine is reading Daughter of the Forest now, so I decided it was time to re-read it. I can not tell how much I enjoyed this re-read, and I felt I had to re-write my review. Daughter of the Forest takes place in about the 5th century in...more
A friend of mine is reading Daughter of the Forest now, so I decided it was time to re-read it. I can not tell how much I enjoyed this re-read, and I felt I had to re-write my review. Daughter of the Forest takes place in about the 5th century in...more
6 likes · like · see review
Reread parts of this for Seven Days for Sevenwaters.
2010 review: Originally posted here.
I have mentioned Daughter of the Forest several times here on my blog because I've heard so many good things about it. Book blogger and Goodreads friends have told me that this novel is one of their favorites and because it's a retelling of the fairy tale The Six Swans, makes it more than interesting for me. This was my Want Books? pick just last week and luckily, Fully Booked had one copy left. Sure it was...more
2010 review: Originally posted here.
I have mentioned Daughter of the Forest several times here on my blog because I've heard so many good things about it. Book blogger and Goodreads friends have told me that this novel is one of their favorites and because it's a retelling of the fairy tale The Six Swans, makes it more than interesting for me. This was my Want Books? pick just last week and luckily, Fully Booked had one copy left. Sure it was...more
5 likes · like · see review
Five stars doesn't seem to be enough. In fact, I want to go back and give all of my five star books four stars because they just can't compare. These characters will be in my heart forever, and this book has forever changed what books I choose to read.
My only regret is that I chose this book when I had to actually DO things, like work and SLEEP.
My only regret is that I chose this book when I had to actually DO things, like work and SLEEP.
8 likes · like · see review
Originalmente visto aqui
Sevenwaters é uma região que faz parte de Erin, antiga Irlanda. É uma região algo misteriosa, com os seus costumes encantadores, tradições seculares e lendas maravilhosas. Quem governa este domínio é Lord Colum, que vive aqui com os seus sete filhos. Seis rapazes e uma menina, Sorcha. A sua mulher morreu já há alguns anos, deixando a Lord Colum e aos filhos o trabalho de proteger a única filha dos males deste mundo. Lord Colum, sempre ocupado em campanhas militares, na g...more
Sevenwaters é uma região que faz parte de Erin, antiga Irlanda. É uma região algo misteriosa, com os seus costumes encantadores, tradições seculares e lendas maravilhosas. Quem governa este domínio é Lord Colum, que vive aqui com os seus sete filhos. Seis rapazes e uma menina, Sorcha. A sua mulher morreu já há alguns anos, deixando a Lord Colum e aos filhos o trabalho de proteger a única filha dos males deste mundo. Lord Colum, sempre ocupado em campanhas militares, na g...more
2 likes · like · see review
A similar review can also be found at http://www.loveisnotatriangle.com/201...
Daughter of the Forest is a beautiful painful fairytale retelling about the lengths that one young girl will take to save her brothers. Although I did not know the story of the six swans before I began it, it has since become one of my favorites.
This is the path. Straight ahead, Sorcha. You knew it would be hard. It will become harder still.
Sorcha lives with her father Lord Colum and her 6 older brothers in a place cal...more
Daughter of the Forest is a beautiful painful fairytale retelling about the lengths that one young girl will take to save her brothers. Although I did not know the story of the six swans before I began it, it has since become one of my favorites.
This is the path. Straight ahead, Sorcha. You knew it would be hard. It will become harder still.
Sorcha lives with her father Lord Colum and her 6 older brothers in a place cal...more
I went from
to this,
to this,
to this,
There are books that you take little sips from then are those you devour… this a little bit of both. It’s intricately told with a cast of characters each as nuanced as the other that I couldn’t help but get drawn in. That it’s lengthy is of no issue, in fact, I loved that aspect of it. Particularly since it allowed the reveal of who was close to whom and which sibling had what role. But this is mainly about Sorcha though, youngest of the seven among whom...more
5 likes · like · see review
What a wonderful storyteller Juliet Marillier is. I absolutely loved this book It was so deep and full of emotions. The retelling of the seven swans was done wonderfully. I thought at the beginning I was going to have a hard time reading this, but the author has a way of telling a story that makes you want to listen and yearn for more.
Sorcha the sister of seven brothers that were put under a spell, had to endure a lot to break the curse the evil witch that also married their father and enchanted...more
Sorcha the sister of seven brothers that were put under a spell, had to endure a lot to break the curse the evil witch that also married their father and enchanted...more
2 likes · like · see review
"Daughter of the Forest" by Juliet Marillier is based on "The Six Swans" a German fairy tale collected by the Brothers Grimm.
This fantasy is the story of Sorcha; she is the sister to six brothers who are turned into swans by their malevolent stepmother. The brothers can take on their human form at the seasonal equinoxes. Sorcha is left with the task to liberate her brothers from the curse by never uttering a sound and by weaving six shirts made from starwort. Construction of the shirts is a horr...more
This fantasy is the story of Sorcha; she is the sister to six brothers who are turned into swans by their malevolent stepmother. The brothers can take on their human form at the seasonal equinoxes. Sorcha is left with the task to liberate her brothers from the curse by never uttering a sound and by weaving six shirts made from starwort. Construction of the shirts is a horr...more
First book in the Sevenwaters trilogy.
Marillier has crafted a gorgeous retelling of a Celtic fairytale. Lord Colum, an Irish widower, with six sons and a daughter, buries his grief at his beloved wife's death by throwing himself into fortifying his stronghold in order to withstand the endless attacks of the Britons.
Finbar believes that his father is too harsh and decides to help a wounded Briton escape from Colum's dungeon. He asks his young sister Sorcha, a gifted healer, to save the man's li...more
Marillier has crafted a gorgeous retelling of a Celtic fairytale. Lord Colum, an Irish widower, with six sons and a daughter, buries his grief at his beloved wife's death by throwing himself into fortifying his stronghold in order to withstand the endless attacks of the Britons.
Finbar believes that his father is too harsh and decides to help a wounded Briton escape from Colum's dungeon. He asks his young sister Sorcha, a gifted healer, to save the man's li...more
This book is absolutely the gold standard in fairy tale reimaginings/retellings. It's based on "The Six Swans," which is anyway one of my favorite tales, for its psychological complexity, suffering, and mysterious, almost baffling love story. Marillier's version captured me from the first page. It's detailed and passionate and emotionally convincing, and the writing is gorgeous without being overblown. I loved the world Marrillier creates. And what a heroine is Sorcha; what a hero is Red; and GO...more
All words fail me when trying to describe how AMAZING Daughter of the Forest is. I found myself drawn deep into a fantasy world, filled with unyeilding love, promise, torment, and devotion like no other. The trials that Sorcha and her six brothers withstand are unbelievable. The people Sorcha comes into contact with on her journey and how deeply she affects their lives are breathtaking. I've never read anything like Daughter of the Forest and cannot wait to get lost in this beautiful world again...more
2 likes · like · see review
I loved this book...so 4 1/2 stars may be more appropriate. I imagine the females in my family will now accept me. They have held this series in high regard for at least a few years. My sister finally gave me her copy of the book with one (less than 2 page) part I would not care for marked. I thankfully skipped that section and still shed tears for Sorcha. A beautifully told story!
2 likes · like · see review
The story is set in Britain and Ireland before the time of Christianity. The framework for Daughter of The Forest is a Germanic tale, The Six Swans, a wonderful story from the collection of the Grimm Brothers. Daughter of the Forest is a beautiful and tearful tale, and I find myself crying in many parts of the story.
Sorcha (pronounced: Sor-ra) is the youngest child and the only daughter of Lord Colum of Sevenwaters. After her mother’s death, Sorcha and her six elder brothers live freely. Quiet a...more
Sorcha (pronounced: Sor-ra) is the youngest child and the only daughter of Lord Colum of Sevenwaters. After her mother’s death, Sorcha and her six elder brothers live freely. Quiet a...more
Mar 16, 2008
Jackie "the Librarian"
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
female fantasy readers ages 15 and up
Superb retelling of the Seven Swans folktale, set in medieval Ireland, with the added complication of British soldiers invading and capturing Sorcha, who may not speak if she is to have any hope of breaking the enchantment on her brothers. Some intense content make this inappropriate for young teens. Highly recommended.
3 likes · like · see review
Thanks Terry for this tip. I started Tithe and this one today and so far love this one but I do not like the other one at all. (maybe I need to give it more pages but the language already gets on my nerves) from this one: "From then on I knew what starwort was, and I began to teach myself about other plants that could hurt or heal. A child tha grows up half-wild in the forest learns the secrets that grow there simply through common sense. Mushroom and toadstool. Lichen, moss, and creeper. Leaf,...more
2 likes · like · see review
Three chapters in.
When I picked up this book all the reviews seemed to focus on its being based on a fairy tale. Currently I'm just really enjoying the setting and the characters and have almost completely forgotten this fairy tale basis.
Having finished the book
Things I liked:
The setting: psudo-historical setting made me happy and sad thinking of a magical past world that is now gone (and in the context of the story must inevitably come to an end).
The first person perspective: I liked the...more
When I picked up this book all the reviews seemed to focus on its being based on a fairy tale. Currently I'm just really enjoying the setting and the characters and have almost completely forgotten this fairy tale basis.
Having finished the book
Things I liked:
The setting: psudo-historical setting made me happy and sad thinking of a magical past world that is now gone (and in the context of the story must inevitably come to an end).
The first person perspective: I liked the...more
This is a beautiful retelling of an ancient Celtic legend. Sorcha is the seventh child and only daughter of Lord Colum of Sevenwaters. One day her father brings home a new wife who is an evil sorceress. She casts a spell over her beloved brothers. Sorcha learns from the fey folk of the huge personal sacrifices that might free her brothers. This is far more than a fairytale retelling, it is a touching story of love and loyalty.
As a side note... there are sequels to this book, but they are each en...more
As a side note... there are sequels to this book, but they are each en...more
1 like · like · see review
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Admirers of Julie...: Daughter of the Forest | 30 | 54 | May 10, 2013 12:14pm | |
| Simon vs Red | 22 | 204 | Apr 22, 2013 07:28pm | |
| Why is the family left broken? | 24 | 193 | Mar 25, 2013 10:07am | |
| Ireland | 5 | 49 | Feb 25, 2013 02:27pm | |
| What's The Name o...: Book based on fairy tale [s] | 9 | 170 | Dec 28, 2012 03:38pm |
Juliet Marillier was born July 27, 1948 in Dunedin, New Zealand and grew up surrounded by Celtic music and stories. Her own Celtic-Gaelic roots inspired her to write her first series, the Sevenwaters Trilogy. Marillier was educated at the University of Otago, where she majored in music and languages, graduating BA and a B Mus (Hons). She has said in an interview that this academic training strengt...more
More about Juliet Marillier...
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“He would have told her - he would have said, it matters not if you are here or there, for I see you before me every moment. I see you in the light of the water, in the swaying of the young trees in the spring wind. I see you in the shadows of the great oaks, I hear your voice in the cry of the owl at night. You are the blood in my veins, and the beating of my heart. You are my first waking thought, and my last sigh before sleeping. You are - you are bone of my bone, and breath of my breath.”
—
331 people liked it
“Perhaps this is what the stories meant when they called somebody heartsick. Your heart and your stomach and your whole insides felt hollow and empty and aching.”
—
149 people liked it
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