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Seer of Sevenwaters (Sevenwaters #5)

by Juliet Marillier (Goodreads Author)

4.0 of 5 stars 4.00 · rating details · 3,522 ratings · 315 reviews

Get swept away in the romantic fantasy of this national bestselling author's world of Sevenwaters
The young seer Sibeal is visiting an island of elite warriors, prior to making her final pledge as a druid. It's there she finds Felix, a survivor of a Viking shipwreck, who's lost his memory. The scholarly Felix and Sibeal form a natural bond. He could even be her soul mate,...more

Hardcover, 432 pages

Published December 7th 2010 by Roc Hardcover (first published December 1st 2010)

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Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier

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Feb 24, 2011 Ariel rated it 5 of 5 stars

Before :
Holy fuck there is going to be a fifth one ?! Well obviously there is , but yeah now I am superr crazy happy ! This is one of my very favorite series , I hope it's more like the first two .. and not the other ones .

After:
I was in no way disappointed in this , it was beyond amazing !! Sibeal got annoying at times , especially towards the end when she was actually going to give Felix up .. But it didn't take away from my love of it in any way ! Lmao . It was great seeing all the characters...more

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Jul 07, 2011 Adrienne rated it 3 of 5 stars

I literally just screamed in delight. It being 2:30, my parents are less then amused. I can't help it though. Her books are amazing; I will never tire of them. But December! How can I stand it!
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Looking back on this comment makes me wish I could go back and just forever fantasize about this book. After reading it, I was left a bit stunned. It wasn't that this book was bad..it just wasn't what I expected from the author of Daughter of the Forest and Wildwood Dancing. The series was intended t...more

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Dec 14, 2010 Anna rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own, fantasy

About a year ago I pre-ordered this book, and with everything but patience, I waited. Marillier, my favorite author of all time, had written a new book. A Sevenwaters book nonetheless! After reading the story, I searched for a word meaning ‘not quite disappointed but less than satisfied.’ Seer of Sevenwaters was a good book. I mean it. The characters were strong, the imagery was stunning, and the language was delightful. Unfortunately I was left wanting. Seer of Sevenwaters had a Marillier feel...more

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Apr 07, 2011 Trissa White rated it 4 of 5 stars

I loved all 418 pages. I like that it alternated between Felix and Sebeil's point of view. This book did not have the same heart wrenching sacrifice and suffering as some of the other books however it contained plenty of challenge, courage, loyalty, honor, family and love. I did not have it figured out until the author chose to reveal the mysteries. It was great to read about other characters in past books and follow up on their stories. This book left plenty of room for additional Sevenwaters n...more

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Dec 20, 2010 Carla *Jen7waters* rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone

Shelves: read-in-2010, favorite-books, favorite-heroines, nerdy-heroine, favorite-authors

**english review**
And Marillier does it again. Writes to sweep her readers off their feet, and crave for more. (Moooore. Moooooore.) Seer was a lovely comeback to Sevenwaters, or shall I say, to its characters, because this time the Sevenwaters forest will be present only in Sibeal’s thoughts and tales to help Felix get better. Does the story loses its magic because of it? Not at all. It is my deepest belief Juliet could send any of these characters to the most exotic places and the Sevenwaters...more **english review**
And Marillier does it again. Writes to sweep her readers off their feet, and crave for more. (Moooore. Moooooore.) Seer was a lovely comeback to Sevenwaters, or shall I say, to its characters, because this time the Sevenwaters forest will be present only in Sibeal’s thoughts and tales to help Felix get better. Does the story loses its magic because of it? Not at all. It is my deepest belief Juliet could send any of these characters to the most exotic places and the Sevenwaters magic would still be there, because it lives in them, in the love that clearly shows when a character thinks or speaks of the forest, tells the story of the brothers turned into swans, or that one about the girl who saved the Painted Man (and so on). But Sibeal doesn’t even go that far, and Inis Eala with Johnny, Clodagh, Muirrin, Cathal, Gull, and so many others, can surely be called home.

Seer’s tale starts in the island, with Sibeal managing between her druid’s tasks, and –to the reader’s rejoice– helping Felix restore his health; but later there’s a rescue mission that requires a group to get on a ship, sail through unknown waters, reach an unknown place, home of a legendary seamonster, and save a few of Felix’s comrades. I won’t say the boat trip was my favorite part (because my favorite part was the WHOLE book), but it was the one that kept me reading all night, until morning. I loved Juliet’s take on the seamonster myth (I can’t say more or I’ll spoil it, and I don’t want to) and how she portrayed the creature. Sometimes I seem to forget that it’s so like her to make the reader see the other side of a story, a character, and even of a terrifying, men-eating beast.

Prior to my reading, with only the synopsis for support –Sibeal+Viking shipwreck– I often thought Seer sounded like a cross between Sevenwaters and The Light Isles. Now if someone asks me, I’ll probably be a little more specific and say it’s kind of a cross between Son of the Shadows and Wolfskin, first because there is a man in need of rescue from a dark place, this time called loss of memory/physical limitations/feeling guilty/am I brave enough?/can I do this?; second, because besides the fact that for obvious reasons the couple kept reminding me of Nessa and Eyvind -when he’s sick and she takes care of him, Sibeal also sent me the Nessa vibe when she goes through a inner war to make the choice between her religious call and her heart. But that’s not all, I also think Seer has a very mysterious storyline, from beginning to end, which at times, reminded me of some thrilling (chilling *scary*) Wolfskin moments.

Still about the couple: as always, it was delicious (really, this is the word for it) to witness their relationship grow, slowly, tenderly, and this particular set amused me greatly because they are the “nerdiest” of Juliet’s couples until date, with Sibeal being a druid, and Felix a scholar (and a poet!) – and don’t I love nerds and geeks so. (I really do :D )

About everyone else: it was delightful to meet those beloved characters from previous books again, but I’ll admit some reencounters were quite, quite painful; on the other hand, almost everyone provided me with laughing out loud scenes, being Gull, Cathal and Clodagh clearly in the leadership – I wasn’t expecting for them to be so active in this one, so it was a good surprise.

I say this all the time, and I’ll say it again: I’ll never be capable to put into words just how much I love this author and every single sentence she writes. Never. No praise is or will ever seem enough, simply because she’s beyond it. Her stories and writing go further than everything I have in high esteem. Her books, to me, are prized treasures I keep both on my bookshelf and in my heart. I do believe she knows, and at the same time doesn’t (fully), the precious gift she presents me -and I presume, all of the other fans- with, when a new book comes out, and everytime I look at my Marillier collection I immediately feel the need to somehow tell her thank you, thank you, THANK YOU. So, to finish, and as I gaze upon my Seer, I’ll just say this: thank you master storyteller, thank you queen of historical fantasy, thank you beautiful, kind, and much cherished lady, thank you for sharing your wisdom, your craft and your heart, once again, with all of us.

Review also at Cuidado com o Dálmata - Seer of Sevenwaters (less)

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Jun 18, 2012 Emily rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Marillier fans, historical fiction/fantasy-romance lovers

Shelves: reviewed

Another great Sevenwaters book, and I'm sad to be done with it. However, despite that and my 4-star rating, this was definitely my least favorite in the Sevenwater series so far.

Pros: Great plot and imagery. Definitely a good adventure story; just when I thought I had reached the climax of the book I found that there was still a whole journey ahead. A lot of past characters still present. I enjoyed the new characters, Svala especially. Typical Marillier awesomeness.

Cons: The romance portion of...more Another great Sevenwaters book, and I'm sad to be done with it. However, despite that and my 4-star rating, this was definitely my least favorite in the Sevenwater series so far.

Pros: Great plot and imagery. Definitely a good adventure story; just when I thought I had reached the climax of the book I found that there was still a whole journey ahead. A lot of past characters still present. I enjoyed the new characters, Svala especially. Typical Marillier awesomeness.

Cons: The romance portion of this story felt really forced to me. I found Sibeal considerably more unlikable than the past characters this series has followed. The ongoing feud between Cathal and his father Mac Dara was there... but it wasn't. (view spoiler)

I didn't really get into Sibeal and Felix's relationship as I did with the romances of the past books, but then again I saw this coming. Each consecutive book has been a little less enthralling than the previous one.

This book, in particular, featured shifting POVs between Sibeal and Felix, giving the reader the thoughts, feelings, and opinions of both main characters. An interesting diversion from the style of the past books, but I think this is why I didn't get into the romance. It eliminated the mystery and excitement. It took the focus away from the true main character.

Ultimately I saw their relationship as what they tried so hard to tell everyone it wasn't: a summer fling between two kids. Also, with Sibeal being a Druid-in-training, there wasn't really any of the hot-and-heavy stuff (I'm not just talking about sex, though). I sometimes wonder if Marillier has intentionally been straying away from that as the series goes on after the backlash from readers due to the rape scene in Book 1.

No matter, I am looking forward to the next book. I hope it is an improvement from this one, but as long as it is no worse I'm sure I'll enjoy it.(less)

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Sep 10, 2011 Analisa rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Readers who enjoy a well-crafted fantasy with a strong female lead.

Shelves: library-book

I didn't realize when I first picked up this book that it was part of a series. Nevertheless, I did not find it difficult to pick up on the characters and the thread of the storyline. It is likely that if I had read the books in order, I may have had a little bit more insight into the characters and their background (especially Sibeal's intense devotion to her druidic calling), but I enjoyed this book immensely even without that background.

It is a beautifully-written, lyrical fantasy book that f...more

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Aug 26, 2011 Thoraiya rated it 5 of 5 stars

4.5 stars (you know I can't quite fall as hard for an installment as I can for a standalone!) for this beautiful story. Marillier's evocative powers are second to none. The lure of the runes and Cathal's cry of "Oh, for some certainty, Sibeal" had a particular potency for me yesterday (a day of self-indulgent rejectomancy).

Before I could get too gloomy, though, I was out of my own body again..."in its starkness, its myriad shades of grey on grey, the place was beautiful. Here, sky met sea as if...more

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Jun 28, 2011 Elizabeth rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

Nostalgia for her earlier work keeps me reading Juliet Marillier's new novels, but I'm always disappointed. This particular work reads like a weird mishmash of psychotherapy, New Age silliness, and young (I mean young) adult fantasy/romance. Although this is book is supposed to be set in medieval Ireland, I felt like I was being transported to a Montessori classroom or a therapy session. Almost nothing really happens (in contrast to her earlier novels, which were strongly and successfully plot-d...more

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Apr 05, 2011 Emma rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fantasy, ireland, fantasy, 1-star-and-a-half

Like many others, I am a huge fan of the original Sevenwaters trilogy. I've re-read each of those first three books many times, loving the touching romances, the strong heroines, the atmosphere, the way the whole Sevenwaters family came to life--basically everything. I was even delighted with Heir to Sevenwaters on the first couple of reads, and while nothing else Marillier has written quite stands up to the original Sevenwaters trilogy, I've found several of her other books to be enjoyable and...more Like many others, I am a huge fan of the original Sevenwaters trilogy. I've re-read each of those first three books many times, loving the touching romances, the strong heroines, the atmosphere, the way the whole Sevenwaters family came to life--basically everything. I was even delighted with Heir to Sevenwaters on the first couple of reads, and while nothing else Marillier has written quite stands up to the original Sevenwaters trilogy, I've found several of her other books to be enjoyable and wonderfully romantic. So I'm disappointed with this book, although Marillier's writing has been headed this way for some time; I noticed re-reading Heir to Sevenwaters, and later with Heart's Blood, that there was something missing. Here though, it really comes to a head.

To start with the plot: Sibeal (the child seer from Child of the Prophecy and Heir to Sevenwaters) is now 16, and is visiting her family on the island of Inis Eala before taking her final vows as a druid. She meets a young man, and things progress exactly the way you think they do. That's part of the problem: that this book is so predictable. The leads and their relationship are very similar to previous leads and relationships. Sibeal even has a narrative voice virtually identical to that of her sister Clodagh in the previous book--although the two are supposed to be polar opposites. This book is narrated alternately by Sibeal and her love interest, Felix, and I'm not convinced this was a good choice; his voice isn't distinct either, and to be honest he doesn't sound much like a man.

Which brings me to another point: all the characters in this book are ridiculously sensitive. When strangers die in a shipwreck nearby, everyone speaks in hushed voices and loses their appetites for days; there's a constantly voiced concern about whether people are "ready" to talk about traumatic events; characters are forever telling each other how wonderful or brave they are, and showing open admiration for anyone who does anything remotely challenging. Wait a minute. We're talking about a warrior-based community in 9th century Ireland here. Few people in real life are anywhere near as sensitive or thoughtful as every single "good" character in this book. It didn't ring true to me at all. And this was before the inhabitants of Inis Eala decided to take an extremely perilous voyage to parts unknown to save three strangers--almost without discussion, because this seemed to them the obvious choice. Marillier's writing has always been idealized in at least some aspects, and I've enjoyed it, but here the selflessness was taken to such extremes that I didn't feel like I was reading about real people.

Add the problem that far too little is at stake in this book. Previous books featured serious threats to the main characters and everything they held dear. There's nothing of that sort here. Instead there's a random, voluntary escapade to save some strangers; but it's a one-off unrelated to anything in the larger series, and it never really feels dangerous despite its perils. Problems are quickly solved and the leads remain confident of their success throughout. The only real challenge Sibeal faces is the conflict between her goal to become a druid and her feelings for Felix, and even that is easily and predictably resolved. (Oh, and the insistence that no woman can possibly be happy without a husband and children and freely showing all her emotions has gotten gratuitous. It's one thing for many of the characters to believe it, but another when the author utterly changes the heroine to fit that mold and then calls it "growing up.") Stripped of genuine suspense or loss, but left with lots of recycled sentiments and metaphor-heavy speeches (is it really necessary for Sibeal to explain to all of her relatives individually that she loves Felix like a tree loves the sun, and so on? Maybe she could simply say she loves him, especially since she's meant to be reserved?), the book felt rather sterile.

I can see why the reviewers so far have liked the book: it's cool to see beloved characters again, and it entertains well enough. It's not terribly written, and I also liked the subplot dealing with the shipwrecked woman Svala, which was clever. Ultimately my reaction might be as much as result of my tastes changing as of the changes in her style. But at this point I would suggest to new readers that they read the original trilogy and leave it at that. (less)

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Mar 29, 2011 Karen Brooks rated it 4 of 5 stars

Yet again, Juliet Marillier has created another beautiful story set in the pagan world she first created in Daughter of the Forest. This novel, which follows one summer that Sibeal, the young seer with enormous talent we met in the last book, spends on her cousin, Johnny's island, prior to taking her final vows. When a ship is destroyed off the coast and the strange survivors washed ashore, all Sibeal's beliefs and abilities are put to the test in a way not even her gifts could have foretold.

Thi...more Yet again, Juliet Marillier has created another beautiful story set in the pagan world she first created in Daughter of the Forest. This novel, which follows one summer that Sibeal, the young seer with enormous talent we met in the last book, spends on her cousin, Johnny's island, prior to taking her final vows. When a ship is destroyed off the coast and the strange survivors washed ashore, all Sibeal's beliefs and abilities are put to the test in a way not even her gifts could have foretold.

This is a languidly-paced tale, that unfolds gently. Told from two points of view: Sibeal's and one of the survivor's, Felix, it is a story of awakening - spiritual, emotional and physical. Deeply moving and at all times gripping, Marillier keeps her readers in the moment and allows us privileged and insightful access to the principal characters. We feel what they do, understand their motivations and self-doubts and, in doing so, relate to them in a way that is very personal and assures we remain with them till the final moments. But the story also allows opportunities for reflection. I found myself pausing, and considering a character's words or actions in a way I don't very often. I think this is something to do with the knowledge of druids and pagan times Marillier pours into her stories. An awareness of the inner life that resonates from the story. The historical accuracy and faithful recreation of druidic practices and beliefs, never mind those of healers and warriors as well as those with other roles in the tight-knit community, is fascinating and adds layers to the story and the characters as well as situating the tale firmly in a time all too-soon forgotten.

When Sibeal and Felix undertake a dangerous mission, we're plunged into an alternative and wonderful belief system that is teering on the brink of extinction. Will Sibeal and Felix be in time to save it or is their journey doomed to fail? And what is it that one of the survivor's is hiding? Can they unearth the truth before it's too late?

Many of the characters we've come to know and love reappear and we discover more of their lives and ambitions and walk with them as their futures unfold.

There is something so deeply satisfying about a Marillier book. After reading her, I feel a sense of peace that not many books provide. It's as if, like Sibeal, you want to find a dark pool, or peaceful space and just contemplate quietly for a while. Reach into your self, your past to understand the future.

I have no doubt that there will be another in this series soon and I will look forward to it with the same eagerness as I have the others. (less)

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Mar 11, 2011 Gem rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read2011, adultfiction

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

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Jan 31, 2011 Obsidian rated it 2 of 5 stars

Seer of Sevenwaters did not capture me as the previous Sevenwaters books did. I didn't feel swept away; caught up in the story. There was no overwhelming emotion. My heart did not pound of excitement or fear. I found that Sibeal reminded me of previous characters, with bits and pieces of traits taken from others. The plot was fine, however I did not find myself drawn to the book. I also felt that the romance between Felix and Sibeal a bit lack luster. It was unbelievable how quickly Felix fell i...more

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Jan 08, 2011 Prue rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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

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Dec 22, 2010 Holly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

Sibeal, the latest druid-in-training from the Sevenwaters family, does not understand why her tutor Ciaran has sent her to the remote, warrior training island of Inis Eala for the summer. Since she turned twelve her entire life has been dedicated to learning the spiritual ways of the nemetons; in fact at sixteen she already hears the voices of the gods. Surely she is ready to take the druidic pledge of lifelong service and celibacy now. So why the delay? Surprisingly it would only take one day b...more Sibeal, the latest druid-in-training from the Sevenwaters family, does not understand why her tutor Ciaran has sent her to the remote, warrior training island of Inis Eala for the summer. Since she turned twelve her entire life has been dedicated to learning the spiritual ways of the nemetons; in fact at sixteen she already hears the voices of the gods. Surely she is ready to take the druidic pledge of lifelong service and celibacy now. So why the delay? Surprisingly it would only take one day before what looked to be a quiet, uneventful summer spent with her married sisters Muirrin and Clodagh would turn into quite the opposite. When a ship wrecks not far from Sibeal’s view on the rocky shore, she’s off to help the survivors in any way she can in what will be a summer of mystery, adventure and discovery. Blond-haired, expert Norse fighter Knut and terrified, mute and beautiful Svala are an enigma in themselves, especially when Sibeal senses a third survivor – a young man barely older than herself – come in with the tide, clinging to life. When he finally comes to, Felix has no memory of his past but Sibeal knows he survived by the very will of the gods. Furthermore a runic divination tells her that both Sibeal and Felix are to be part of a future seafaring mission, but to accomplish what, she knows not. As Sibeal’s singular attachment to him grows, the inner conflict between her feelings and her duty worsens. All comes to a head when she faces not only the perilous physical danger of their mission but the impossible choice between Felix and her very soul.

To say that I didn’t have high expectations for this book would be denial. SEER OF SEVENWATERS is the latest addition in one of my favorite series, written by my favorite author, and a book I’ve been anxiously awaiting all year long. Juliet Marillier just has some hold over me I suppose. In every book of hers I’ve read, the writing is consistently pure magic and the storytelling divine. Even though I’ve read and loved all of her other series written for adults, Sevenwaters is where it all started and takes the cake. So it was with a mixed sigh of relief, comfort, and delight that I sat down to read Seer after my copy arrived in the mail.

While Marillier’s later, standalone Sevenwaters novels are by nature different than the original trilogy, I was held spellbound by Seer from the beginning. The remote, stormy, and ominous setting of Inis Eala set a sublime, mysterious tone befitting any Sevenwaters book. Although it’s hard not to miss the lake and forest of Sevenwaters, the focus on sea folklore was just as beautifully written as well as being new and refreshing. Perhaps more importantly deeply spiritual, intuitive Sibeal is the kind of character to whom I connected immediately. I initially attributed this to having deeply rooted spiritual beliefs and an introspective, pondering personality but the core of her internal struggles – the battle between heart and mind – is universal. The other half of the book’s POV is Felix, who by himself is an interesting character. His philosophical personality is a welcome addition to Marillier’s usual fighter, farmer, or merchant male protagonists. Felix complements Sibeal well as he sees past her cold exterior to a young woman with warm feelings and strong passions. The obstacles Sibeal and Felix must overcome may seem less grave than what was heaped upon Red and Sorcha or Bran and Liadan but their relationship felt just as hard-won and heartfelt nonetheless. On top of it all there’s promising ground laid for an inevitable Cathal/Mac Dara showdown in future books and a glimpse of Painted Man Gull from SON OF THE SHADOWS which are sure to please. Overall SEER OF SEVENWATERS is a very worthy and satisfying installment to the series which continues the impossibly high standard Marillier has set for historical fantasy.(less)

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Apr 12, 2011 Pauline added it

Shelves: paranormal-ya-romance

Unlike most of the REALLY fun to read YA paranormal romance I've been reading lately, this is a wonderful thoughtful book with well drawn charecters that provides a charming mix of the practical and mythological during the time of the Vikings.

GOOD READS SYNOPSIS: Quiet, intuitive Sibeal has always known she was destined to become a druid. Just when she is on the verge of completing her training, however, her mentor Ciaran bids her spend a summer on Inis Eala, where two of her sisters live and w...more

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Feb 03, 2011 Brandy *Ahviel* rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, fatasy

I love Juliet Mariller, but for me I felt as though the emotion was left out. I know she wrote this book while going under chemo and I applaud her for that. However with all the Sevenwaters book there has been an emotional toll that I felt as a reader I have taken with each character, Sorcha, Red, Liadian, Chief and so on, even some of the non main characters found a place in my heart. Now I don't know if it because she choose a different writing style for this book. First we are in Felix's mind...more

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Feb 18, 2011 Afton Nelson rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult

I love Juliet Marillier and I loved Seer of Sevenwaters. Her books have characters I feel like I know; I root for them, I care about them, I ache with them, I love them. Well, some characters I hate, but it's the passion that her characters elicit. That is what I love about her books. And the stories are amazing too. Lots of tension and adventure and love. Did I mention love? Oh yes, there is love. I think it must be the way she works in personal and emotional sacrifice that makes the love in he...more

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Jan 28, 2011 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Adult Women, who like fairy tales and a good love story.

Recommended to Melissa by: amazon

Shelves: clean-romances

Wow it is always hard to write a review of one of Juliet's books. They are so complex and Beautiful. This one was more like her young adult writing which I prefer and enjoy. It did have some very adult themes and not recommended for younger teen readers. The love story was beautiful and so strong and sweet. I was so worried about the ending for these two all throughout the book. The feelings of her characters are always written so well. I just loved the way she told this story. More of a fairy t...more

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Aug 30, 2012 Michelle rated it 3 of 5 stars

Sibeal, a druid seer, is visiting her sisters on an island of warriors before pledging herself as a druid. A uncanny storm causes a Viking ship to become wrecked on their shores. There are only three survivors, Felix, who has lost his memory, Knut and Svala, who cannot speak. It soon becomes obvious that there is more to the wreck then is first apparent and Sibeal uses her seer abilities to discover the truth. After Felix regains his memory Sibeal's runic divinations show that they must undertak...more

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Feb 18, 2011 Phoebe rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Deborah, Nanci, Valerie

Another rich romantic fantasy from this talented author, featuring Sibeal, young druid in training sent to the remote island of Inis Eala for the summer. The action begins fairly rapidly with a shipwreck and Sibeal's dramatic rescue of one of the passengers, who is nearly dead and suffers from amnesia. Two others are also rescued, a crewman and a woman of extraordinary beauty whom the crewman claims is his wife. As Sibeal helps care for her amnesiac, she begins to fall in love with him, but suff...more

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Mar 21, 2012 Megan rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. For the most part, the book wasn't bad. I generally like everything Juliet Marillier--she can write prose like no other!-- and I especially love the Sevenwaters series. Even now reading the books brings me back to the first time I read Daughter of the Forest and fell in love with all her characters. I still nearly cry every time they talk about Finbar and I am terrified of the reading the eventual book where Conor dies.

With all that said, her last two books haven't really been all that great. Y...more For the most part, the book wasn't bad. I generally like everything Juliet Marillier--she can write prose like no other!-- and I especially love the Sevenwaters series. Even now reading the books brings me back to the first time I read Daughter of the Forest and fell in love with all her characters. I still nearly cry every time they talk about Finbar and I am terrified of the reading the eventual book where Conor dies.

With all that said, her last two books haven't really been all that great. Yes, they were good. Yes, they were well written. Yes, they certainly had all the twists and turns and magic and gods and romance that is to be expected in the Marillier's books...But something wasn't quite there.

I won't go into much about Heir to Sevenwaters, but that book foretold my worries about this one. It wasn't as compelling as I expected it to be. Yet, perhaps they were things I could ignore?

In Seer of Sevenwaters I felt there were some major issues that couldn't be glossed over.

First of all, I didn't really like Sibeal. She wasn't terrible character, just not terribly complex. Plus, her foresight was a little tedious as was the emotional sympathy she had with other characters. It was a little too forced, a little too fortunate that she just happened to have this gift and that there just happened to be a character who could only communicate through her. And that she just happened to sense things at all the right times. It got a little tedious.

Also, I feel like there is a major flaw in the book in that Sibeal (and others) feels a woman MUST have a husband and children to live a complete life. I don't agree with that and I am certain that there are many women who have chosen not to get married--for religious reason, as it was here, or not--that don't feel as if they have only lived half a life. Or that they missed out on something major. A husband and children is not the be all end all of a woman's world.

Which made me sad that this showed up in Marillier's book. She normally portrays women is such a positive light. They get married and have children, yes, but it isn't as if they did so for fear of missing out on life. They were strong-- Sorcha, Liadan, Fianne. They were strong women who did amazing things and just happened to find love along the way.

Also, while I like the romance in her books, I truly wish that she could get away from making every book about one female character falling in love. The male characters are growing increasingly too predictable as the "soulmate" and it would be more interesting to run across the book where the female character doesn't (gasp!) get married.

Overall, not a bad book. It had some interesting parts to it, and the prose was still lovely. But it could have been stronger, with stronger characters and a stronger plot-line. (less)

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Dec 14, 2010 Oracleofdoom rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I love Juliet Marillier, and I love her Sevenwaters books. But this one, it just wasn't as strong as her others. I didn't really feel the love story, or particularly care about it, and I usually do in her books. I was very interested in the story with one of the supporting characters, Svala, however.

I thought it took a long time for the main character to figure out things I thought were obvious. Like that Knut was a lying bastard and that Svala was not his wife, but clearly someone he'd abducte...more

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Dec 23, 2012 Surin rated it 1 of 5 stars

Wow I don't even know where to begin with this one... First of all I'm really sorry to have rate a Marillier book a 1 star. I didn't think it was possible but Seer definitely changed my mind on this so much so I'm not looking forward to the last Sevenwaters book and instead am more excited for her other series Shadowfell.

First of all the premise Seer of Sevenwaters isn't exactly very interesting. I know Marillier has a tendency to start her books very slow but seriously the quest that Felix and...more Wow I don't even know where to begin with this one... First of all I'm really sorry to have rate a Marillier book a 1 star. I didn't think it was possible but Seer definitely changed my mind on this so much so I'm not looking forward to the last Sevenwaters book and instead am more excited for her other series Shadowfell.

First of all the premise Seer of Sevenwaters isn't exactly very interesting. I know Marillier has a tendency to start her books very slow but seriously the quest that Felix and her embark on only starts in the last 1/4 of the book. Most of the time the entire book is set in Inis Eala with Sibeal taking care of Felix and that's where the next problem lies, the romance between Sibeal and Felix is very strange, abrupt and not believable. I like reading Marillier's romance so I was very disappointed to see how she developed their romance. It's almost insta-love on Felix's part while I just couldn't understand what exactly Sibeal saw in Felix to fall in love with him to the point that she questioned her vocation. The interactions in between the two just didn't make this believable (he was comatose half the time!) which lead me to the other problem was the two POV's were so similar that I couldn't tell whether it was Felix or Sibeal. It's very tricky writing different first person POVs and trying to make them different people. Also while Sibeal as a character is interesting enough to hold her own book, Felix on the other hand is just boring. Unlike Darragh who was missing a great deal from the 3rd book but charming personality and ferocious tenacity made him a strong enough character despite having lack of scenes, Felix on the other hand is just not strong enough to be a romantic lead at all. Absolutely forgettable.

Seer is overall a very disappointing sequel to the Sevenwaters series. In fact my favorite parts of the book involved seeing Cathal (who plays a fairly large role) and also seeing the old characters. If you love Cathal and Clodagh (well mostly Cathal), you may want to read Seer because it features him pretty heavily.

This book should have been re-named the book of Cathal emoing about his heritage with some romance between Sibeal and Felix somewhere out there.(less)

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Apr 16, 2012 Kerry Hennigan rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Unlike many fans of Juliet Marillier's Sevenwaters novels, I came to the Seer of Sevenwaters as a newcomer, so this is the only volume by which I can judge the five books in the series.

Sadly, while I was keenly interested in the setting and subject matter - i.e. Celtic Ireland, Druidism, Norse seafarers, Selkies etc the novel itself was so ponderously written and the action so drawn-out in its exposition that I was thoroughly bored with it less than half way through its nearly 400 pages.

My enthu...more

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Jan 05, 2012 Jennykatz rated it 4 of 5 stars

I love Juliet Marillier's writing style, but I didn't feel nearly the same connection with Sibael as I did with other members of the Sevenwaters family. I never got a strong sense of Sibael's personality, at least as compared to main characters in her other Sevenwaters books. I, as always, loved seeing the characters repeated from older books; I will be very sad when the last Sevenwaters book is written and I have to bid goodbye to the family forever. That being said, I really felt like this one...more

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Dec 13, 2011 Amanda rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy-other

After reading several of the earlier books in the Sevenwaters series, I had high expectations of this book. I was left disappointed throughout most of the book. It started slow and it seemed like nothing interesting happened until a little over halfway through the story, and even then it barely held my attention.
My main problem other than the very slow pace was Sibeal's character. She was supposed to be a druid, months away from taking vows, but I couldn't believe it of her. For someone who was...more

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Jan 09, 2011 Terry (Ter05 TwiMoms/ MundieMoms) rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: everyone who has read the previous books

Recommended to Terry (Ter05 TwiMoms/ MundieMoms) by: The previous Sevenwaters books!

Shelves: epic-series, fantasy, historical, romance

Another great book by an author who has become a favorite. In 2010 I discovered Juliet Marillier and after reading the first book of the Sevenwater series, I not only bought them all, but have bought every book she has written, and consider her perhaps the best storyteller I have read. The writing is just beautiful in every one and they are not the kind of book you can just put down and forget about. This is the newest and fifth book of the Sevenwaters series that started with Daughter of the Fo...more Another great book by an author who has become a favorite. In 2010 I discovered Juliet Marillier and after reading the first book of the Sevenwater series, I not only bought them all, but have bought every book she has written, and consider her perhaps the best storyteller I have read. The writing is just beautiful in every one and they are not the kind of book you can just put down and forget about. This is the newest and fifth book of the Sevenwaters series that started with Daughter of the Forest. They are not a continuation of one character but rather the stories of different members of a family in 4th century Ireland, Britain, and the surrounding areas. This is the time of the fey, touches of supernatural, the Old Religion, but with Christianity coming to the land.

Seer of Sevenwaters is the story of Sibeal who has been trained as a Druid but has not taken her final vows. She is sent by her mentor to Inis Eala for the summer, which is an island where elite warriors are trained. Many of her family members live here including two of her sisters. Here she is witness to a freak storm and shipwreck and rescues one of the men who was aboard the ship. He is close to death and suffers from memory loss, and Sibeal is one of those who takes part in his care.

This is the story of a girl with a great deal of self doubt along with strength and strong convictions. As she falls in love with Felix, the man she rescued, she has to make many life altering decisions. For me personally the book was kind of slow in the first half, and then the second half has a great deal of challenge for these characters, a quest that delves deeply into the supernatural, and a very dangerous and nerve wracking rescue by sea.

This was not my favorite of the Sevenwaters series, perhaps because I was not as attracted to the hero of the story as much as the warriors and supernaturals in some of the others. That said, I read this book in two days and pretty much did not put it down. I was definitely glued to the story which says a lot! The whole Sevenwaters series is one I will read over and over again.(less)

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Nov 23, 2011 Sara rated it 4 of 5 stars

I'm really enjoying this one. Returning to the familiar world Marillier has created is a comfort,and that, with the excitement of new material and fresh characters make the ultimate combination for me.

I find myself reading slowly - definitely not as my usual pace for a highly anticipated new release. I think I'm savouring the fifth of what was intended to be a trilogy (thanks heavens :).

Also, I miss the forest!

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Jun 05, 2011 Loralee rated it 3 of 5 stars

I don't suppose anybody would stick with this book unless they were fans of the author, or unless they got an outside tip from somebody else. It starts well, with a shipwreck, and three strange characters washing ashore on an island used by a fighting school. The next 200 pages could have been condensed into 40, filled with much too much backstory and meandering from the main character, a girl who is determined to become a druid even though everybody keeps warning her she'll miss out on romance...more

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About Juliet Marillier

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

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Daughter of the Forest (Sevenwaters, #1)

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Quotes from Seer of Sevenwaters

“I had grown up. I had learned that being a woman was knowing when to stand firm and when to compromise. I had learned to laugh and weep; I had learned that I was weak as well as strong. I had learned to love. I was no longer a rigid, upright tree that would not flex and bow, even though the gale threatened to snap it in two; I was the willow that bends and shivers and sways, and yet remains strong.” — 46 people liked it

“We cannot know the future. All we can do is face it bravely. We should take heed of those we love and respect. But in the end, we make every decision alone.” — 26 people liked it

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Seer of Sevenwaters (Sevenwaters #5)

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