book data
626 ratings,
4.04
average rating, 50 reviews
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published
May 1st 2007
by Tor Books
(first published 2005)
details
Paperback, 496 pages
isbn
0765309998
(isbn13: 9780765309990)
description
Five Winters have passed since young king Bridei ascended the throne of Fortriu. Five years, in which the people have felt a contentment unknown for g…more
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 922)
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5 stars (211)
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1 star (4)
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avg 4.04
editions: all | this edition
editions: all | this edition
Read in August, 2007
recommends it for:
Those who have read The Dark Mirror
I like this book as it focused on two relatively minor characters in the first book. None of the previously developed characters were forgotten and neglected. The fleshing out of Ana and Faolan were well-done.
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Read in February, 2010
It's been five years since Bridei became king and he's anxious to banish the Christian Gaels from Fortriu's western shores. Success depends upon many carefully planned and executed offenses such as false intelligence, surprise, and an alliance or at least a vow of neutrality from the wild Caitt. The only way to do so seems through a strategic marriage between the princess of the Light Isles and the Caitt chieftain Alpin. Although Ana's been a royal hostage most of her life, she is loyal to Br...more
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Read in July, 2009
recommends it for:
fantasy readers, history fans
In this second book of the Bridei Chronicles, Juliet Marillier picks up the story five years after The Dark Mirror concludes. Bridei is king, has built his new “castle,” and is married to Tuala (the Fey girl) who has given birth to his son. While this book gives hints and glimpses of the toddler’s (Derelei) special gifts, and develops the reader’s interest in the elderly druid Broichan’s health and obsession with Derelei, this plotline is obviously meant for a future novel. The story l...more
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Read in September, 2009
The story had me compelled to keep reading, but I thought this book was more violent than the first of this series (and significantly more violent than any of her other books that I've read), and it was over my comfort level.
That, plus the "s/he's my sun and moon and breath itself.... hang obligations and societal mores, I LOVE him/her" brand of infatuation is not to my liking.
So, that I heartily enjoyed this book *despite* those two detractors means it was pr...more
That, plus the "s/he's my sun and moon and breath itself.... hang obligations and societal mores, I LOVE him/her" brand of infatuation is not to my liking.
So, that I heartily enjoyed this book *despite* those two detractors means it was pr...more
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Read in February, 2010
Book two of the Bridei Chronicles starts with war looming over King Bridei's court, wanting to drive out the Gaels in the West. To strengthen his chances at victory, King Bridei offers hostage and Princess of the Light Isles, Ana, to the Caitt Chieftain Alpin as a bride.
Bridei's right hand man Faolan is assigned to escort Ana on her long journey to Briar Wood; their journey is perilous, with their group lost to a flooded river, Ana saving Faolan's life. Upon arrival at Briar Wood Ana...more
Bridei's right hand man Faolan is assigned to escort Ana on her long journey to Briar Wood; their journey is perilous, with their group lost to a flooded river, Ana saving Faolan's life. Upon arrival at Briar Wood Ana...more
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Read in May, 2008
I don't know if it's me or Juliet Marillier who had changed. Either way, I was really disappointed in this book, the sequel to The Dark Mirror, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The narrative was completely weighed down by melodrama and clunky exposition.
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Neste segundo volume a leitura tornou-se mais agradável e fluida.
Como personagens principais neste volume temos: Faolon, espião e amigo do rei Bridei, e Ana, uma jovem que é refém desde os seus 10 anos.
Apesar de refém, Ana é também amiga de Bridei e Tuala, no entanto, de modo a tentar formar uma aliança, que lhe será estratégica, Bridei decide envia-la como noiva real, pedido ao seu amigo Faolan para liderar o grupo de escolta.
Esta viagem não corre da melhor forma, c...more
Como personagens principais neste volume temos: Faolon, espião e amigo do rei Bridei, e Ana, uma jovem que é refém desde os seus 10 anos.
Apesar de refém, Ana é também amiga de Bridei e Tuala, no entanto, de modo a tentar formar uma aliança, que lhe será estratégica, Bridei decide envia-la como noiva real, pedido ao seu amigo Faolan para liderar o grupo de escolta.
Esta viagem não corre da melhor forma, c...more
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Read in December, 2009
WOW what an adventure! King Bridei embarks on a campaign to rid Fortriu of the Christian Gael's. This is a major undertaking involving all the chieftains of Fortriu. One of his ploys for success is to get the chieftain of Briar Wood (Alpin) and his huge fighting force to stand against the Gael's. To do this he offers marraige to his ward (hostage), Ana. The journey to Briar Wood is a major focus of the book. Ana and Faolan (King's assassin) set off with a guard in hopes of a treaty which wo...more
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2 comments
I was disappointed by this book. Like most of Marillier's work, I felt like it moved much too slowly--she does her research so beautifully that it's a shame that her historical accuracy gets bogged down by a slow-paced story.
I did really like the female protagonist, Ana. I thought she was very interesting, and a nice strong character, but I hated how easily everything worked out for her. This book made me decide to stop reading Marillier's work, because while it's well done, it'...more
I did really like the female protagonist, Ana. I thought she was very interesting, and a nice strong character, but I hated how easily everything worked out for her. This book made me decide to stop reading Marillier's work, because while it's well done, it'...more
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Read in April, 2009
I really enjoyed this 2nd book. Somehow JM’s sequels always surpass the first book. What I loved was the further development of Faolan. I was shocked in parts to how the story progressed and book ended but after starting book 3 I understood her choice in events. I’ve trusted Marillier so far and she hasn’t let me down. The Bridei Chronicles aren’t quite as emotionally engaging as the Sevenwaters Trilogy, but in its own right, still a beautiful series. I was glad I had The Well of S...more
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Read in January, 2009
A good sequel to the first book in the series. Again, the author plays against expectations. But I found the resolution slightly disturbing towards the end. I think perhaps the author tried too hard to not let us stereotype her characters, and veered into uncomfortable territory this time. Hopefully will be resolved in the last book though. I still love the mix of history and "real" magic.
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Read in February, 2006
Second book in the Bridei Chronicles. Focuses on Ana (the royal hostage) and Faolan (Bridei's bodyguard). As usual, somebody dies gruesomely, somebody's heart gets broken. There is a rather startling relevation at the end regarding Tuala and Broichan - I hope she settles it one way or the other in the next book.
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Read in January, 2010
If I had one issue with Juliet Marillier is that she repeats herself over and over again. Yes, Ana is pining for Drustan, I got it the first two times you wrote it. Yes, Foalan likes Ana, got it the first five times. This is why they created editors. Tighten up the writing, please. (or are authors getting paid by the word again? I'm thinking Dickens, here.)
Nevertheless, the story and the characters are compelling and enjoyable enough to keep reading. I'll finish the series, but I thi...more
Nevertheless, the story and the characters are compelling and enjoyable enough to keep reading. I'll finish the series, but I thi...more
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Read in December, 2009
I didnt really like this one as much as the first book. I don't know why. The writing is just the same quality as in The Dark Mirror, but that book seemed to have more depth and more heart than this. I always get sad when Main Characters from the 1st book are pushed to the back to make room for New Characters in book 2. I wished for more Bridei-Tuala interaction, as they were the most important characters in the first story (I mean, come on: it's called the BRIDEI Chronicles...)
Faolan and...more
Faolan and...more
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Read in September, 2008
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This book was significantly better than the first, though the author did something I hate. This book is told more from Faolan and Ana's point of view. The first was told from Bridei and Tuala's. Howard Fast did that in the Immigrants series, as well. I prefer that a series stay with the same point of view throughout, but this was an exception for me. I hope the third one is as good as this one!
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Read in January, 2009
Another compelling read by Juliet Marillier! I love how she weaves together historical cultures/peoples with a fascinating storyline. I also liked seeing the development of Ana and Faolan, and some new favorites along the way! I look forward to reading more about Tuala's parentage, hopefully in Book #3!
Read in January, 2010
Marillier's second installment in the Bridei Chronicles is far stronger than her first. In book one, Tuala reacts to other characters' manipulations. In book two, Ana acts in response to more powerful characters who want to control her entire life. She grows and changes on the inside and the outside, as do the other major characters in the book. I wasn't entirely convinced by the romance, but I think Marillier has set up her book three hero beautifully.
Tuala moves into the subplo...more
Tuala moves into the subplo...more
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This book has an awful cover, look at her medieval flip flops! But it turned out to be my favorite book by Marillier yet. A great villain, lots of tension and 2 love interests instead of the usual 1 inevitable true love. I really enjoyed it.
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Read in March, 2009
Juliet Marillier is a master when it comes to weaving a tale so well that it seems real. Her characters are so well developed. Her writing is something you can really sink your teeth into! Loved it!
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