Heir to Sevenwaters (Sevenwaters, #4)

Nov 04, 2008

Angie rated it

Shelves: belovedbookshelf, girls-who-do-things

I couldn't believe it when I heard that Juliet Marillier was writing another Sevenwaters book. It's been eight years since Daughter of the Forest was first published and six since Child of the Prophecy and I honestly thought that ship had sailed. I had accustomed myself to the notion that all I would ever have would be the original trilogy to keep me warm on those cold nights when only the Sevenwaters magic will do. And then the unbelievable happened and she announced a fourth volume. And ins...moreI couldn't believe it when I heard that Juliet Marillier was writing another Sevenwaters book. It's been eight years since Daughter of the Forest was first published and six since Child of the Prophecy and I honestly thought that ship had sailed. I had accustomed myself to the notion that all I would ever have would be the original trilogy to keep me warm on those cold nights when only the Sevenwaters magic will do. And then the unbelievable happened and she announced a fourth volume. And instead of following its predecessors and taking place a generation after the previous book, Heir to Sevenwaters would be set just three years after the events of Child of the Prophecy.

The story follows Clodagh, the third of Sean and Aisling's six daughters, and the one the entire household looks to in times of strain and dissension. Known for her exceptional domestic skills and attention to detail, Clodagh is forced to take the reins as her mother approaches the delivery of her final child--the long-awaited son and possible heir. At the same time her father is preparing to host a council of warring chieftains and dealing with the possibility that his son-in-law is plotting against the alliance. When her new baby brother is stolen from his nursery while in Clodagh's care, everything changes, and Clodagh finds herself completely outside her realm of experience, on a journey to reclaim her kidnapped brother from the realm of the Fair Folk and prove not only her own innocence, but that of the unusual young warrior Cathal who is also under suspicion. Together, Clodagh and Cathal risk everything as they face the Lord of the Oak and bargain for their lives.

I don't know what it is about the world of Sevenwaters, but it has some kind of hold over me. And it was so good to be back. Clodagh is a different kind of heroine from her aunt Liadan and her grandmother Sorcha. Though, like those two women, she finds her life drifting radically from the path she was sure it would follow. She also displays a large quantity of courage when called for.

The book stands out to me because of the beautiful, even writing and because of the likability of its two main characters. Clodagh is an ordinary young woman who, when thrust into extraordinary circumstances, finds resources she didn't realize she had. The courage to risk her life for her brother, but also the courage to try to be friends with a lonely young man who is not interested in being her friend, who goes out of his way to be prickly and unpleasant, who fights himself at every turn, and who no one believes in. Including himself. I loved this story. I loved its glimpses of old friends and its hints of future possibilities. As only the best ones do, it surprised and delighted me and made me long for more.(less)

like 11 likes

· see review

Nov 25, 2008

Sidhe1 rated it

Shelves: fantasy, historical-fiction, irish, medievalism, paganism

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. As far as Juliet Marillier's books go, this was fairly sub-standard. While the previous three Sevenwaters books had a similar trait--the sheltered young woman leaves home for various reasons and falls in love with a young man who would otherwise be completely unacceptable were it not for his honor/loyalty/save something at the last minute--this one was too formulaic. I think Marillier can do much better. That said, this was still a wonderful book and Marillier is a better writer than many out th...moreAs far as Juliet Marillier's books go, this was fairly sub-standard. While the previous three Sevenwaters books had a similar trait--the sheltered young woman leaves home for various reasons and falls in love with a young man who would otherwise be completely unacceptable were it not for his honor/loyalty/save something at the last minute--this one was too formulaic. I think Marillier can do much better. That said, this was still a wonderful book and Marillier is a better writer than many out there.

I did like that this one was more "Otherworldly" than the others. The others all had elements of the Otherworld, this one was largely set in the land of Faerie. It was a much darker book than many of Marillier's usual, which I really liked, actually. Yes, the lovers still end up married happily, but there is a shadow hanging over them. There is ample room for another Sevenwaters book, and I do hope that it Marillier's intent. I still enjoy her writing immensely, even when I think she could do better, as here.

Anyway, I also liked that Clodagh was not a typical heroine. In fact, she was nothing more than a girl who was more than capable of running a large household, not much more, as was noted more than once throughout the book. But she overcomes her fears and self doubt to save her lover at great personal risk. In that regard, she is typical of the female hero. But she didn't have the same sense of confidence that the three previous women had. Even Fainne, in Child of the Prophecy had a bit more confidence. Clodagh knew what she had to do and didn't hesitate to do it, but she had fears the whole time. In that regard, she was probably more realistic than any of the others, including Fainne.

At the end of the day, this was a book about selfless love, many, many different kinds. It would be good book for younger readers as well as adults. It can stand alone from the other Sevenwaters books, which is nice. Everything that is mentioned from the other books is easily explained in a way that's not annoying for those who've read the previous books but is sufficient for those who haven't to understand what's happening.

Overall, this is still a very good book, and I would recommend it to fantasy fans. (less)

like 3 likes

· see review

Jul 20, 2010

Chachic rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: actual-books-owned, favorites, would-love-to-reread

Orinally posted here.

Another excellent installment in what has become one of my favorite series: the Sevenwaters books by Juliet Marillier. I'm so happy that Ms. Marillier decided to write more books in this series! Like I said, I had a pretty lukewarm reaction to Child of the Prophecy but that's okay because I knew that I could look forward to more adventures in the Sevenwaters world with this one and Seer of Sevenwaters, due out later this year. This one is different from the rest ...moreOrinally posted here.

Another excellent installment in what has become one of my favorite series: the Sevenwaters books by Juliet Marillier. I'm so happy that Ms. Marillier decided to write more books in this series! Like I said, I had a pretty lukewarm reaction to Child of the Prophecy but that's okay because I knew that I could look forward to more adventures in the Sevenwaters world with this one and Seer of Sevenwaters, due out later this year. This one is different from the rest because it occurs only a couple of years after Child of the Prophecy, unlike the other Sevenwaters books which occur one generation after the one before it.

As always, the main character of this book is a daughter of Sevenwaters, Clodagh. What I like about Clodagh is she doesn't have special powers like the other Sevenwaters heroines. She's not the healer nor the seer in her generation. At the start of the book, it is even emphasized that Clodagh's main skills lie in managing the household and she'll become a nice little wife some day. However, Clodagh shows an exceptional capacity to love, which I think comes from her upbringing. The Sevenwaters clan is a close-knit one and the children of this remarkable family all exhibit their warmth and inner strength each in their own way. I love that even though Clodagh was terrified to journey to the Otherworld, she knows she must do it to get her brother back.

I know that the main characters in the Sevenwaters books are females but since all of them have their respective romantic interests, I thought I'd take a moment to praise Ms. Marillier's heroes because they are just as amazing as their female counterparts. Red, Bran, Cathal. Very strong men and convinced of what they want in life until they meet our heroines and they become conflicted because they know that nothing will ever be the same. *sigh* I love these men! I love that they're all so different too. In Cathal's case, he was rude and arrogant because he wanted to push Clodagh away. He believed that she'll be in danger if she comes near him but at the same time, he's drawn to her like a moth to a flame.

As always, beautiful writing in a lush and vivid world that's a blend of historical fiction and fantasy involving the fey. However, the Lady of the Forest and her flame-haired lord, those who personally watched over generations of the Sevenwaters family have moved on and a different breed took their place in the forest. Mac Dara and his kind are the fey that are common in the books that I've seen around - they're tricksters and do not understand human emotions such as love so they're bound to be cruel. These characters present a different kind of problem from the previous books because the prophecy has already been fulfilled. I like that there's something unique in this book to keep things lively. I keep saying this but if you guys haven't realized, I highly recommend this series and I look forward to more of Ms. Marillier's work. :)(less)

like 1 like

· see review

Oct 30, 2008

Autumn Doughton rated it

Finding this book at Books-A-Million two weeks before the US release date was one of the more thrilling moments in my life (sad, I know)!
Marillier is one of my favorite authors and specifically the Sevenwaters trilogy is one of her best. This fourth novel in the series recaptured the magic of the family that I felt was lost in book 3. I also liked that it followed only 4 years after book 3 instead of an entire generation later, which is the precedent set in the other books. Another depa...more

like 1 like

· see review

Nov 10, 2008

Sabine rated it

I was so excited to get this book and it was not a let down! For those familiar with the books, this one is about Sean's daughter and one of Johnny's warriors. The characters are great, the word is amazing. This one goes deeper into the world of the Fair Folk. There is only one thing she did that bugged me, a brief mentioning of something that I felt was out of place for the time (although I am no scholar so I could be wrong), but it was not enough to stop me from reading late into the night to ...more

like 2 likes

· see review

Jan 26, 2009

Liz rated it

AHHHHHH......another sevenwaters book.....I don't think many things in life have made me so happy. If I could I'd give the whole series 6 stars. Anyway, the only thing that was weird was that Johnny turned out to be gay, but it does tie up loose ends rather neatly with the whole heir thing and I was very glad the whole gay thing was just a passing comment and not in any way part of the story. Once again, I loved the characters....old and new. I'm not sure how she has managed so many differen...more

like 2 likes

· see review

Jan 04, 2009

Kristen rated it

Shelves: fantasy, own

Upon a reread of the Sevenwaters trilogy two years ago, I wrote to the author, asking if there would ever be a sort of prequel or sequel... basically, will there ever be another Sevenwaters book? She wrote back, which thrilled me to no end, saying that a lot of people ask for that, who knows what the future might bring, etc. She was very nice. Fast forward to this past autumn, and out comes this book.

Clodagh is Sorcha's granddaughter, and throughout the book, there are little mention...more

like

· see review

Dec 11, 2008

Carey rated it

"It was best to keep on the good side of the Fair Folk, whatever one's opinion of them. The forest of Sevenwaters was as much their home as it was ours. Long ago, our family had been entrusted with the task of keeping the place safe for them. This was one of the last refuges of the ancient races anywhere in Erin, for the great forests were being felled for grazing and the Christian religion had spread widely, displacing druids and wise women. The old faith was practiced only in the most pro...more"It was best to keep on the good side of the Fair Folk, whatever one's opinion of them. The forest of Sevenwaters was as much their home as it was ours. Long ago, our family had been entrusted with the task of keeping the place safe for them. This was one of the last refuges of the ancient races anywhere in Erin, for the great forests were being felled for grazing and the Christian religion had spread widely, displacing druids and wise women. The old faith was practiced only in the most protected and secret pockets of the land. Sevenwaters was one of those."

In ancient Ireland there came a time when the fairy folk, the Old Ones, could no longer inhabit the land. Clodagh's family have protected the forest of Sevenwaters for generations, it is one of the last refuges for the Fair Folk and there has always been an fragile peace. Clodagh is one of six daughters and at long, long last the baby boy that has been so hoped for is born to her parents.

Baby Finbar is only a few days old when he disappears and a doll made of twigs is left in his place. To Clodagh's dismay, she can see that the twig-baby is alive. She can see it breathe and move and hear its hungry cries. No one else can see this, only Clodagh, and she cannot bear to see the little stick baby die. It seems to her that the Fair Folk must want an exchange. While her father and his men search for a missing man that they suspect in the kidnapping, she packs a bag and the twig-baby and sets out to find her tiny brother.

Before long Clodagh meets the fugitive that her farther is looking for, Cathal, in the forest. He claims not to know anything about the baby's disappearance and Clodagh desperately wants to trust him. He becomes her companion in a quest that will require every ounce of their strength and courage if they are going to venture into the fairy realm and return home once again.

Juliet Marillier is one of my favorite authors. She takes ancient folklore tales from Ireland and Britain and breathes life into them. Her books are full of complex and interesting characters who always have a quest or task to complete or a mission to fulfill. The old landscapes and fairy realms are vividly described. This one is no exception. I'm always anxiously awaiting her latest book and have never been disappointed, they are wonderful.

This is the fourth book she has written about Sevenwaters but it is not necessary to have read the others before reading this one. Earlier characters do occur, but only peripherally, and this story stands easily on its own. If you like historical fiction with a little bit of magic thrown in, give these a try!
(less)

like

· see review

Dec 03, 2011

Clee rated it

· review of another edition

Normalerweise bin ich immer skeptisch bei Reihen, von denen man keinen weiteren Band erwartet hat und dann plötzlich doch etwas nachkommt – bei Marillier jedoch war ich von dieser Aussicht begeistert und das sogar noch, nachdem ich das Buch beendet hatte!
Ich kann es nicht anders ausdrücken: Ich liebe die „Sevenwaters“-Reihe.

In „Die Erben von „Sevenwaters“ hat sich die Autorin die Protagonistin mal nicht aus der nachfolgenden Generation gepickt, sondern eine der Töchter der dritten...moreNormalerweise bin ich immer skeptisch bei Reihen, von denen man keinen weiteren Band erwartet hat und dann plötzlich doch etwas nachkommt – bei Marillier jedoch war ich von dieser Aussicht begeistert und das sogar noch, nachdem ich das Buch beendet hatte!
Ich kann es nicht anders ausdrücken: Ich liebe die „Sevenwaters“-Reihe.

In „Die Erben von „Sevenwaters“ hat sich die Autorin die Protagonistin mal nicht aus der nachfolgenden Generation gepickt, sondern eine der Töchter der dritten Generation, genauso wie es beim dritten Teil „Das Kind der Stürme“ der Fall war, und die Handlung nur wenige Jahre nach diesem angesiedelt.
Ebenso hat Marillier es ihren Leser ermöglicht, endlich einen Blick in die sagenumwobene Anderswelt zu werfen – ja, sogar einen Fuß nach dort zu setzten und alles ganz genau zu erforschen.

Zum Glück hat sie dabei auf das gängige Klischee der kunterbunten „Friedefreudeeierkuchen-Märchenwelt“ verzichtet und das Feenreich zu einem gefährlichen Ort gemacht, dessen Schönheit verlockend ist, aber dadurch nur von der dort herrschenden Grausam- und Zwielichtigkeit ablenkt.
Vor allem dessen Bewohner sind ein hinterhältiger Haufen, den man lieber meiden sollte. Dass genau das für unsere beiden Helden Clodagh und Cathal zu einem Akt der Unmöglichkeit wird, liegt daran, dass der Feenprinz ein Auge auf sie geworfen und seine ganz eigenen Pläne für sie gemacht hat. Sie hatten nicht wenige Probleme damit, Gut und Böse zu unterscheiden oder die Wahrheit von der Lüge unterscheiden zu können und dem Leser damit einiges Kopfzerbrechen und den einen oder anderen Herzinfarkt verursacht.

Clodagh ist wieder mehr der etwas selbstloseren Frauenliga Marilliers zuzuordnen, wie Sorcha und Liadan, auch wenn sie darauf verzichtet, den Märtyrer zu spielen. Hingegen füllen Cathals Füße die Schuhe des undurchsichtigen, schwer einschätzbaren und eigensinnigen „Fremden“ aus. Seine unbekannte Herkunft verleiht ihm zudem auch den geheimnisumwobenen Touch, den viele an den von Autoren gerne gewählten, männlichen Protagonisten mögen – mich mit eingeschlossen.
Zwar habe ich schon geahnt, was es damit auf sich hat, doch das hat der Spannung keinen Abbruch getan.

Die einzigen „negativen“ Kritikpunkt fand ich in dem ein wenig langatmigeren Anfang, der sich durch die genaue politische und familiäre Situationsbeschreibung der vorkommenden Personen zog, doch wurde im Verlaufe des Buches deutlich, dass keines der erwähnten Details zu viel war. Ebenso wie in der Übersetzung, die dieses Mal von einer anderen Übersetzerin vorgenommen wurde. Den Unterschied merkt man durchaus, da dieses Buch eine Spur weniger gefühlsintensiv und eindringlich in seinen Beschreibungen erscheint. Allerdings ist das nicht so auffällig, dass es über die Maßen gestört hätte.

Nicht einmal die offen gebliebenen Fragen am Ende des Buches konnten mein Lesevergnügen mindern, da ich den fünften Band bereits neben mir liegen habe, um gleich wieder weiter zu schmökern.
Was nun aber wirklich als tragisch zu bezeichnen ist, ist die Tatsache, dass die Reihe ab dem vierten Teil in Deutschland nicht mehr von Knaur weitergeführt wird. Offenbar fand sie nicht die nötige Leserschaft, was ich ja gar nicht nachvollziehen kann bei so wunderschönen Romanen, aber gut – so ist es nun einmal. Deswegen werde ich von jetzt an auf Englisch lesen, was kein Problem darstellen dürfte, da ich – bei einem ersten Blick ins Buch – feststellen konnte, dass Marilliers Schreibstil erstaunlich gut verständlich ist.
Eines steht für mich auf jeden Fall fest – ich werde nicht ruhen, ehe ich nicht alle ihre Werke in meinem Regal haben werde. Und die Autorin sollte lieber ein langes Leben genießen, da ich noch viele, viele mehr erwarte!
(less)

like

· see review

Jul 26, 2011

Vd rated it

I love this series and 'Heir to Sevenwaters' lives up to my expectations. Clodagh's task is reminiscent of that of Sorcha. And Cathal is very attractive as the hero, perhaps my favorite till now. He reminds me of Bran but whereas Bran has a kind of feral intensity, Cathal is more of a tragic, brooding character, with much more to conceal. His choices are directed or compelled by larger forces. In that way, he resembles Ciaran. Cathal's introduction is a little jarring but he grows on the reader,...more

like

· see review

May 17, 2011

Dorri rated it

Recommends it for: No one

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I AM SO DISAPPOINTED!!!! After the majesty and grace of the previous books in the Sevenwaters cycle, I hold Juliet Marillier to a much higher culpability than any other author I have ever read. I expect her to produce the same perfection in her latest books as she has in books past--the perfection that puts lesser writers who rant about "dark pasts" and "brooding boys" all the rage these days to shame.

This book was the first time I have ever felt that Marillier di...moreI AM SO DISAPPOINTED!!!! After the majesty and grace of the previous books in the Sevenwaters cycle, I hold Juliet Marillier to a much higher culpability than any other author I have ever read. I expect her to produce the same perfection in her latest books as she has in books past--the perfection that puts lesser writers who rant about "dark pasts" and "brooding boys" all the rage these days to shame.

This book was the first time I have ever felt that Marillier didn't live up to my expectations. At all.

Instead, she copied the "brooding boy" archetype of Edward Cullen and pasted him into a castle. WHY???? And her female lead? Petty. SO petty. She gives a guy a the cold shoulder (not even a convincing cold shoulder, it was so wussy) because his father betrothed him to someone else years before this guy ever met her.

Listen, Skank, you don't even know him. He visited once last summer and you already have eyes for someone else. Get over it! If you love him so much, why is it that when you find out he's dead, you're already kissing all over a new man? Shut up!

Relationships are discarded and then trampled in the most disgusting way, all on the perception of events that turn out in the end to be completely false. None of them are true.

Why did I waste time reading this whole thing just to be lied to?

I shouldn't have bought this book. I never liked Aisling, after all (she is Eamon's sister, lest we forget); what made me think I would like her daughter? Not to mention the fact that Aisling saw a LOT of screen time for being this old bag way past her expiration date yet still popping out children (insert Michelle Duggar here), for criticizing her daughter despite the fact that Clodagh ran herself ragged to do everything Aisling asked, for refusing to so much as look at Clodagh after Finbar was kidnapped even though it was OBVIOUSLY not Clodagh's fault. I mean, how many teen girls can make a baby vanish in mid-air and then carve a new one out of wood in under five seconds? There goes Aisling being annoying again, this time suspending her duty to mother her own daughter until Clodagh returns with the baby and practically bartered her life to do it.

Listen, don't buy this book. I hate that I did. Use the money to buy and ship Juliet Marillier some of her previous work to remind her of the great writing she used to do.

(less)

like 1 like

· see review

Apr 06, 2011

Emma rated it

Shelves: 4-stars, historical-fantasy, ireland, romance, fantasy

My thoughts on this book have changed quite a bit since I first read it more than two years ago. Heir to Sevenwaters is a fun book, and on the first couple of reads I loved it and considered it just as good as the original Sevenwaters books, mostly because the romance is fantastic. But while this book has its strengths, compared to the original trilogy it's still a bit shallow (and things have only gotten worse with the latest installment, Seer of Sevenwaters).

Heir to Sevenwaters is...moreMy thoughts on this book have changed quite a bit since I first read it more than two years ago. Heir to Sevenwaters is a fun book, and on the first couple of reads I loved it and considered it just as good as the original Sevenwaters books, mostly because the romance is fantastic. But while this book has its strengths, compared to the original trilogy it's still a bit shallow (and things have only gotten worse with the latest installment, Seer of Sevenwaters).

Heir to Sevenwaters is much less dark than previous installments. The heroine goes on a quest to recover her missing baby brother, taking up the bulk of the book. Less is at stake than in the original books, and the villain is neither sadistic nor holding a murderous grudge against Sevenwaters (instead, he comes across as merely confused and megalomaniacal). Also, whereas previous heroines had to deal with most of their problems on their own and keep secrets from people they loved, Clodagh has help for most of the book and doesn't have one of the agonizing internal conflicts characteristic of the previous books. And the "quest" setup makes this one structurally different as well. Both the page count and the time period covered are much shorter than previous books.

I still think this is a decent book, with a fast-paced plot and endearing characters. Marillier's dialogue has gotten much crisper since the original trilogy, which is great, but I do feel that she's lost something with the shift in her writing style: it seems less lush, less poetic, the emotions more trite.

Honestly, at this point I'm not sure whether I would recommend this book. It's fun, and especially for younger readers it's probably worth the time (it's a quick read). But the more Sevenwaters-sequels I read, the more I doubt that the trilogy should have been continued. As for those who haven't tried Marillier's books before: while this book can be read as a standalone, Daughter of the Forest is still the ideal introduction to her work. (less)

like

· see review

Feb 23, 2011

Andrea rated it

It's probably redundant to call a fantasy novel magical, but Heir to Sevenwaters feels more magical than most. I wish I hadn't read it yet, so that the pleasure of discovering it was still to come.

In this book, Sevenwaters middle daughter Clodagh loses her place in the family as the trusted, dependable one when the Chieftain's baby son--and heir--disappears from his crib when she is on watch. The disappearance of her brother thrusts Clodagh into a trip to the Otherworld to regain him...more

like

· see review

Nov 14, 2010

Jarrah rated it

Shelves: changelings, faeries, author-julietmarillier, country-ireland, genre-adultspeculativefiction, genre-historicalfantasy, historical-earlybritain, series-sevenwaters, setting-secretworld

Historical fantasy. Sequel to the Sevenwaters Trilogy. Clodagh is the practical sister at Sevenwaters. She's not the seer or the adventurer or the vibrant young bride, she's the dependable daughter who can take care of the household during her mother's dangerous late-life pregnancy. Then a horrifying event rocks the household at Sevenwaters, and somehow only Clodagh can see it for what it truly is. She must travel into the Otherworld with a man she's not sure she trusts, to make a bargain she's ...more

like

· see review

Sep 28, 2010

Adriana rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: sci-fi-fantasy

The Heir of Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier is the fourth book in the Sevenwater’s trilogy, taking place not too long after the 3rd book ends. It tells the story of Sorcha’s granddaughter Clodagh, daughter of Sean, the lord of Sevenwaters. At the opening of the book, Clodagh is helping with preparations of her twin sister’s marriage as well as running the household now that her mother is with child late in life. Along with the wedding arrives Clodagh’s warrior cousin, Johnny, and his band of ...moreThe Heir of Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier is the fourth book in the Sevenwater’s trilogy, taking place not too long after the 3rd book ends. It tells the story of Sorcha’s granddaughter Clodagh, daughter of Sean, the lord of Sevenwaters. At the opening of the book, Clodagh is helping with preparations of her twin sister’s marriage as well as running the household now that her mother is with child late in life. Along with the wedding arrives Clodagh’s warrior cousin, Johnny, and his band of guards, among which are the handsome musician Aidan and the rude and secretive Cathal. While Clodagh juggles her family obligations with her new attention-seeking male companions, the future of Sevenwaters begins to seen less stable as a series of unfortunate and possibly otherworldly events transpire. Clodagh must brace an adventure that she never dreamt possible. The outcome may prove to be as rapturous as it is perilous.

It’s been at least 4 years since I read the 3rd book of the Sevenwaters trilogy. I had no idea that there was another book (obviously since it came out in 2008). So when I saw it at the library, my interest was piqued. The Seven waters trilogy was my first real attempt at getting into fantasy. I had mixed feeling about the books. The first one seemed the most original and yet it had some annoying parts. The second was incredibly boring with the more uninteresting romantic couple I have ever read. The third book had an unusual heroine, the inbred daughter of Niamh and Cierran, who was both magical and ostracized.

In the fourth book, Clodagh’s character is relatively unremarkable and could have suffered the same fate as Liaden from the second book. However, she seemed less mature and less stoic, so maybe that is why she appealed to me more. Her story is ultimately a journey, though it gets a late start in the book. A more careful reader may find the hints to the plot more obvious, this making the book less enjoyable to read. However, there were elements that I found less certain than others and the uncertainty kept me from getting bored. The biggest disappointment for me was that there wasn’t any sex in a cave, but Marillier’s books aren’t strictly romance, so it was probably pointless to hope for it in the first place. While the ending is happy, it definitely seems like this series will be continued one way or another. It’s just a matter of which family member will pick up the story next.
(less)

like

· see review

Jul 22, 2010

Oracleofdoom rated it

I was so excited to stumble across this book. I had thought I'd seen the last of the Sevenwaters books, which I consider favorites and recommend to friends at every possible opportunity. This did not disappoint.

I felt like I'd returned home to all my old friends the instant I began this. I was immediately drawn in, which is not something I can say for every book. I found Clodagh very easy to like, and like the other reviewers, I found it refreshing to have a heroine who had no specia...more

like

· see review

Jul 19, 2010

Elfdart rated it

In this book we return to the world Marillier created with her Sevenwaters Trilogy, an ancient Celtic world where we see heroines undergo some sort of quest involving supernatural beings, otherwise known as faeries. The heroines come from within the same family and in the actual trilogy itself a generation separates each story. Heir to Sevenwaters takes place within the same generation as the last book in the trilogy and the heroine of this novel is the cousin of the heroine in the last book. I ...moreIn this book we return to the world Marillier created with her Sevenwaters Trilogy, an ancient Celtic world where we see heroines undergo some sort of quest involving supernatural beings, otherwise known as faeries. The heroines come from within the same family and in the actual trilogy itself a generation separates each story. Heir to Sevenwaters takes place within the same generation as the last book in the trilogy and the heroine of this novel is the cousin of the heroine in the last book. I really enjoyed the trilogy, and while I do not think this book is as good as the first book, it still brings forth the author’s talented story telling.
Clodagh is the third of six daughters born to Sean and Aisling, the current residents of a household buried deep within the forests of Ireland. She has a twin who she can communicate with telepathically (as all twins could in the original trilogy). Clodagh is the practical sister, the ‘boring’ sister. Of all of her sisters, Clodagh would be the most likely to stay at home and look after household affairs, and she does exactly this when her elderly mother becomes pregnant with a seventh child. This child is very important to the family because he will become the heir to Sevenwaters, a boy who will be able to take his father’s place and inherit the land. The child is finally born and many people come to celebrate the birth. Characters from previous novels, such as Conner and Johnny make an appearance at this time, along with some new characters like Cathal, one of Johnny’s men. All seems to be going smoothly until one night when the baby is stolen away in the night, when Clodagh is with him of course, and in its place dirt, leaves and twigs are left. The pile acts just as a human baby would, it cries and eats, but only Clodagh can hear it and see it move. She feels guilt for being there when her brother was taken, and her family seems to be blaming her for it. Also, her twin sister is getting married to a foreigner and is cutting herself off from Clodagh, leaving her feeling more alone than she’s ever been. Clodagh believes that the child is a changeling and her brother was taken away by the good people. Fearing that her own family will kill the faery baby and fearing that her brother is already far beyond her reach, Clodagh takes the changeling child and takes it upon herself to find her brother’s kidnappers and bring him back on her own.
Clodagh, like all of heroines in this series, is reserved and practical. She’s surrounded by whimsy and fantasy but she herself is always firmly planted on the ground. Despite this she shows courage and bravery and undergoes her quest with perseverance. Well written, as one will come to expect with this author, and a fast paced plot.(less)

like

· see review

Feb 21, 2010

Cindy rated it

· review of another edition

Recommends it for: anybody that like fantasy,and fantasy based on cletic myth

Recommended to Cindy by: the first 3 in the series

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Heir to Sevenwaters Julliet Marillier

This installment in the Sevenwaters saga, takes place a generation after Son of the Shadows. It follows the children of Lord Sean, the current protector lord of Sevenwaters, and the forest surrounding them, for the Tautha De Danann the fey of the Otherworld.

Clodagh's world is about to be turned upside down, when her mother takes a turn for the worse during a late in life pregnancy. Her mother insisted on daring despite her age, to gi...moreHeir to Sevenwaters Julliet Marillier

This installment in the Sevenwaters saga, takes place a generation after Son of the Shadows. It follows the children of Lord Sean, the current protector lord of Sevenwaters, and the forest surrounding them, for the Tautha De Danann the fey of the Otherworld.

Clodagh's world is about to be turned upside down, when her mother takes a turn for the worse during a late in life pregnancy. Her mother insisted on daring despite her age, to give Lord Sean the male heir to Sevenwaters. Although, Clodagh has her doubts to her mother's decision and chances of both her and the son she is sure she is bearing, surviving the risky birth. Also, her twin sister is preparing to be married and moving away, leaving Clodagh the burden of running the day to day life at Sevenwaters.

Also, her love interest comes to her sister's wedding, the handsome and talented Aidan. Aidan, the second son of a Chieftain may be a suitable suitor, but he has flaws that his less desirable friend has no problem pointing out. This mysterious and contentious character, repulses and intrigues Clodagh. When her baby brother is kidnapped and changeling (that only she can see) is left in his place and Cathal disappears, suspicion is on Cathal. Clodagh, knows that this isn't so, she knows it has more to do with the Fair Folk that they protect the land for. That she must protect and return the changeling, in exchange for her baby brother. While running away from home to find the portal to the otherworld she runs in to Cathal, and they are nearly caught and returned.

In order to save her brother, family and lover, Clodagh must break the spell of the Fairy King Mac Dara. Mac Dara, being a not so friendly member of the Fair Folk, one responsible for a rash of incidents that are creating divisions between the Fey and Humans. On her great quest she realizes she loves not Aidan, but Cathal, and she dooms him to stay in the Otherworld, she realizes she will not be happy, nor will her family be safe unless she is able to save him.

Out of the four books this one is by far the best in the series, and I think it is because the characters are more well written. They are more relatable, and not so distant, as the characters in the other books. Plus there is tons of action and adventure, that will have you at the edge of your seat. I am looking forward the next book in this series, as the ending is set up to lead to another.(less)

like

· see review

Nov 14, 2009

Jill Myles rated it

I went in to this one a little wary - Marillier has broken my heart before, especially in Book 3 of the Sevenwaters trilogy. But, I should have trusted her! HEIR TO SEVENWATERS is a beautiful, gorgeous, romantic return to the Sevenwaters setting and I devoured the book in one sitting.

Clodagh is the boring twin, left behind at home to care for her splintering family while turmoil attacks the Sevenwaters lands. Also at home are two soldiers - Aidan and Cathal. One charming, and one rud...more

like 2 likes

· see review

Aug 23, 2009

Debbie rated it

Shelves: fantasy-scifi

This book features Clodagh, cousin of Fainne (Child of the Prophecy The Sevenwaters Trilogy Book 3), niece of Liadan (Son of the Shadows The Sevenwaters Trilogy Book 2), granddaughter of Sorcha (Daughter of the Forest Sevenwaters Trilogy Book 1). (One of my favorite things about Juliet Marillier's books is the names.) Clodagh's father is the chieftain of Sevenwaters and trying to maintain the tenuous peace among the neighboring clans, but the important politics in this book are Otherworldly, not...more

like

· see review

Aug 04, 2009

Larissa rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: own

Many things are about to change at Sevenwaters. For years now Lord Sean, chieftain of Sevenwaters has held the peace between the tribes to the north and south of his lands. There has been a strong bond of friendship between the family of Sevenwaters and the Fair Folk that dwell within the protected forests of Sevenwaters. But all this peace is about to be undone, and Clodagh, daughter of Lord Sean, is to see her life turned upside down.

When a series of events brings tragedy after trage...moreMany things are about to change at Sevenwaters. For years now Lord Sean, chieftain of Sevenwaters has held the peace between the tribes to the north and south of his lands. There has been a strong bond of friendship between the family of Sevenwaters and the Fair Folk that dwell within the protected forests of Sevenwaters. But all this peace is about to be undone, and Clodagh, daughter of Lord Sean, is to see her life turned upside down.

When a series of events brings tragedy after tragedy down upon Clodagh's family no one is above suspicion, setting sister against sister, father against daughter, uncle against nephew, and ultimately father against son. As the dust begins to settle all fingers point to a warrior, once welcomed into the home of Sevenwaters now finding himself on the run. But there are other forces at work set to tear Clodagh's family apart.

Is Clodagh losing her wits as her father would have her believe, and the unrest in her home is all the work of the strange and questionable warrior? Or is she the only one at Sevenwaters able to see the truth in what has happened, and that the answer to all their troubles lies with the Fair Folk? Despite their goodwill in the past, Clodagh cannot be dissuaded from her belief of the Fair Folk's involvement, but can not think of what has changed to set them against her family?

All of a sudden Clodagh finds herself a stranger in her own home, someone with whom her family can no longer trust, and like it or not her only ally is the warrior who she neither trusts nor likes. Against her family, but also out of a sense of duty and love to them, Clodagh travels to the Otherworld to seek the truth that her family refuse to see. But what starts out as a quest of duty to her family develops into a fight for life and survival. Her only weapons, her great capacity for compassion, a talisman, some unlikely friends, and a selfless act of love.

A story that draws you in from the first and holds you captive till its very end. Its history, detail and characters are all vividly and beautifully brought to life in this tale of adventure, danger and love. I have spent the past few days wrapped up in this book and I have loved every minute of it. A must read for any lover of fantasy and fiction.(less)

like 1 like

· see review

Jul 12, 2009

Michelle rated it

Recommends it for: sevenwaters groupies

Shelves: 2009, fantasy

Picking up this last (or most recent) book in Juliet Marillier's fantastic Sevenwaters series, I was totally geared up for a much desired in-depth look at Laiden and Bran's son (from Son of the Shadows), Johnny. As I started reading and found out, no this is his cousin's Clodagh story, I sorta scratched my head and felt a little cheated. Boy howdy, was I ever wrong about being disappointed. (Of course) Clodagh's story was sublime, beautiful and probably my favorite so far. I should simply be gr...morePicking up this last (or most recent) book in Juliet Marillier's fantastic Sevenwaters series, I was totally geared up for a much desired in-depth look at Laiden and Bran's son (from Son of the Shadows), Johnny. As I started reading and found out, no this is his cousin's Clodagh story, I sorta scratched my head and felt a little cheated. Boy howdy, was I ever wrong about being disappointed. (Of course) Clodagh's story was sublime, beautiful and probably my favorite so far. I should simply be grateful for any story Marillier tells and stop having expectations becuase frankly, any story she writes comes out magic.

In the midst of her six sisters, Clodagh is happy to be known as the 'domestic' one, usually to be found helping her mother organize and run the Sevenwaters household. So it's natural that she fills this role as her mother becomes ill with an unexpected pregnancy late in life. Her mother, Aisling, is convinced she carries the long awaited male heir she has previously failed to deliver. Clodagh and her family are anxious for their mother's health but when the baby is born and is taken suddenly from their home while Clodagh was keeping watch, suspicion and hurt abound as everyone is devastated by his disappearance. Clodagh alone is convinced that the baby was not stolen by a rival clansmen for political gain but by the Fair Folk and so she sets off on a perilous journey to bring him back. Not alone, Clodagh is accompanied by the prickly Cathal, one of Johnny's painted men, who she is stumped as to why he would 1) not only believe her tale but 2) be willing to help her accomplish her goal as he has been nothing but rude to her. Cathal has his own secrets (more than your average painted man's) and it quickly becomes apparent to Clodagh that she can't succeed without his help.

Clodagh and Cathal's story was exactly what I wanted even though I wasn't expecting it. Clodagh is resourceful, stubbornly loyal, and so compassionate I couldn't help but love her as she faced impossible challenges. At one point even her own family distrusts her and she never stops loving or trusting them even though their coldness has devastated her. After reading this unexpected book I find myself hoping Marillier has plans to revisit Sevenwaters again. In the near future, that is. Please hurry.(less)

like 1 like

· see review

Apr 20, 2009

Allison rated it

Shelves: teen-reads, grown-up-books

Marillier, Juliet Heir to Sevenwaters pgs.395 Roc Hardcover Language~PG; Sexual Content~PG-13; Violence~PG

Fans of Juliet Marillier’s Sevenwater’s Triliogy will thrill at this new novel bringing new life to characters so well loved. Clodaugh (Kloh-da), number 3 of 6 sisters has her hands full. Her twin sister is to be married in the next few days and her mother has recently and unexpectedly conceived. Her mother is no longer young and a pregnancy at such an age means danger for b...more

like

· see review

Jul 23, 2011

Sammy rated it

· review of another edition

Gerade gelesen: Juliet Marillier - Die Erben von Sevenwaters.
Wer die Sevenwaters-Triologie wie ich geliebt hat und von den weiteren Büchern von ihr (diese unsägliche Wolkeninsel sowie die laaaaangweilige Bridei-Reihe) genauso enttäuscht war, der wird ebenfalls entzückt gewesen sein zu hören, dass sie nun offensichtlich eine weitere Sevenwaters-Triologie im Anschluss an die vorige schreibt. Die ersten beiden Teile (Heir und Seer) sind bereits auf englisch erschienen. Jetzt nun also Heir in d...more

like

· see review

Mar 03, 2010

H.I. Al-Muhairi rated it

Recommends it for: just about everybody

Shelves: fantasy, 2010, favorites, ya

In every review I gush about Marillier's books (like I didn't notice -_-) but it's only because I love the series. It's one of my favorites.

Back to the point: I was caught from the first page when Aidan and Cathal show up. Perfect and promising beginning.

Aidan is a bard and a player of the harp, and also a warrior--he really likes Clodagh (the narrator). Cathal is a warrior that seems to have all those witty and rude comebacks for Clodagh and he seems to hate her and see...more

like

· see review

Nov 24, 2010

F. rated it

After the third "Sevenwaters" trilogy, I didn't think new installments in this series could continue to hold my interest. After all, let's face it -- the first two books are beyond exceptional, and book 3 just couldn't measure up. Still, I love Marillier's writing, and I optimistically and nostalgically gave this latest story a go. And I'm very happy that I did.

No, this isn't as good as "Daughter of the Forest" or "Son of the Shadows" -- two very difficult...more

like

· see review

Oct 23, 2009

Holly rated it

Shelves: fantasy

I was ecstatic to get my hands on this book since both the recently discovered Sevenwaters trilogy and its author Juliet Marillier have quickly become favorites of mine. Though much different than the previous three books, Heir to Sevenwaters will not disappoint fanatics like myself and may even attract new fans.

While only three years have passed since Erin's victory in the great war of the Islands, there is unrest in the Sevenwaters household and a sketchy future for the keep. Ais...moreI was ecstatic to get my hands on this book since both the recently discovered Sevenwaters trilogy and its author Juliet Marillier have quickly become favorites of mine. Though much different than the previous three books, Heir to Sevenwaters will not disappoint fanatics like myself and may even attract new fans.

While only three years have passed since Erin's victory in the great war of the Islands, there is unrest in the Sevenwaters household and a sketchy future for the keep. Aisling, chieftain Sean's wife, is pregnant again in her late child-bearing years. The alliance of Sevenwaters with the southern tribes is uneasy at best; any small affront could send the chieftains into war. At home the life of Sean's third daughter Clodagh is not untouched by her ailing mother and the political unrest. Her cousin and heir to Sevenwaters Johnny and a band of his Painted Men have come from Inis Eala to keep watch and aid in negotiations. Of Johnny's warriors Clodagh is happy to see Aidan again while feeling quite the opposite to meet his vexing friend Cathal. The last thing she needs is to be criticized and threatened when she is struggling with the stress of managing the household and her fear for her mother's life. Slowly however Clodagh's heart begins to thaw as Cathal offers her both unexpected kindnesses and thoughtful warnings. But no sooner is the long-awaited son finally born into the family posing the problem of the heir before he's snatched away on Clodagh's watch. This unfortunate event compounded by Cathal's sudden and timely disappearance when Clodagh was the last person to see him put her actions into question. She'll realize quickly that only she can rescue her brother before he's trapped forever in the world of the Fair Folk.

I enjoyed this fourth trip into the land of Sevenwaters immensely, if a little less so than the first three. It was considerably different than the original trilogy, and I felt it at times. Afterall it has been six years since Child of the Prophecy was published. The writing was smooth and sharp but immediately and noticeably less rich. The story is also more of a standalone novel and less epic. Whereas the overall story arc of reclaiming the Islands seemed equal to the individual quest of each main character in the trilogy, the political subplot played a smaller role in this book. Consequently it was significantly shorter in length, and I'd come to relish the accustomed 600+ pages. This did allow room for more romance than usual, which was unexpectedly welcome, as well as providing the perfect set-up for Sevenwaters politics in future books. Supposedly (I'd never noticed before) it's not uncommon for Marillier's endings to be drawn-out, though for their usual length it's appropriate. But there was a moment after the main plot point ended where it did feel drawn-out and slightly anti-climatic. It passed quickly, however, and I loved the open-ended conclusion which remained, since two(!) more books for the series have been contracted.

That said, many of the changes were for the best and this book stands out from the rest of the series in a positive way. I loved Clodagh, Cathal, and glimpsing more of the Otherworld (the Old Ones and the Fair Folk). In our world of gender role reversal the surprisingly atypical homemaker Clodagh worked as a heroine and was quite refreshing. Clodagh had more fears (or voiced them more often) than Sorcha or Liadan but always found the courage when it mattered. The rescuing going on between she and Cathal was not one-sided, which I found realistic and no less empowering. At the same time I liked Aidan too and he was always at the back of my mind, which was a new position for me to have while reading a Sevenwaters book. My pity for him however was sometimes distracting. For how much I immediately liked Aidan I loathed Cathal just as much as Clodagh at first. I should've seen it coming but Cathal's character turned out to be an unexpected treat. Overall, Heir to Sevenwaters caught me off guard in it's dissimilarities from the original trilogy but was the perfect transitional book for the series.
(less)

like

· see review

Jun 27, 2011

Catherine Thompson rated it

A welcome return to Sevenwaters for this reader. Clodagh, the daughter of Lord Sean of Sevenwaters, must journey into the Otherworld to rescue her newborn baby brother Finbar. Who has stolen the child and left a changeling made of sticks and mud, she doesn't know, but she does know that she is the only one who can do this. Along the way she finds true love and learns that there is more to being the "boring" sister than she'd ever thought.

I knew what to expect going in to this...more

like

· see review

Mar 01, 2009

Mindy rated it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

like 2 likes

· see review

Jul 24, 2009

Tannie rated it

I love this author. There is something about her writing that really gets to me. I feel like the characters are in peril all the time and I can't help but read on to find out what it is going to happen. This is a companion novel to a Triology she wrote (the Sevenwaters Triology) but I smell a triology in and of itself (at least a sequel) - the end was tied up but at the same time it left some open ends for another novel. I like reading these because I feel like I know the characters and I am...more

like

· see review

title link	preview: Heir to Sevenwaters
avg rating	preview: Heir to Sevenwaters Goodreads rating: 4.16 (2880 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2917816-heir-to-sevenwaters?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1255637210m/2917816.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2917816-heir-to-sevenwaters?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Heir to Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier[/url]

Heir to Sevenwaters (Sevenwaters #4)

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (14)

Genres

Readers Also Enjoyed

About Juliet Marillier

Books by Juliet Marillier

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Heir to Sevenwaters

Quotes from Heir to Sevenwaters

Groups That Shelved Heir to Sevenwaters