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Dreamer's Pool

(Blackthorn & Grim #1)

Juliet Marillier (Goodreads Author)

3.95 · Rating details · 10,771 ratings · 1,345 reviews

Award-winning author Juliet Marillier "weaves magic, mythology, and folklore into every sentence on the page" (The Book Smugglers). Now she begins an all-new and enchanting series that will transport readers to a magical vision of ancient Ireland...

In exchange for help escaping her long and wrongful imprisonment, embittered magical healer Blackthorn has vowed to set aside ...more

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Hardcover, 434 pages

Published November 4th 2014 by Roc

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Apr 05, 2014 Jessica ❁ ➳ Silverbow ➳ ❁ Rabid Reads-no-more rated it really liked it

Shelves: some-kinda-magic, cover-whore, favorite-secondary-characters, rabid-reads-reviews, creeptastic, fae, fantasy, fairy-tales

3/21/18 - ON SALE for $2.99:

http://amzn.to/2fArrPi

Reviewed by: Rabid Reads

I know I mentioned that I'm a longtime fan of Juliet Marillier in the not too distant past. How I kept reading Shadowfell despite it's lackluster beginning, and how Raven Flight renewed my faith in her abilities.

There are many reasons for that faith, but the simplest way to explain it is that in fantasy there is a not-quite-stock character that I'm going to call the Storyteller (original, I know). This character is ...more

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Nov 28, 2014 Alienor ✘ French Frowner ✘ rated it did not like it

Shelves: slut-shaming, what-is-your-point, you-ve-got-to-be-kidding-me, 2016-reads, fantasy, buddy-read, alternative-pov, in-a-minority-here, yes-i-m-disappointed

Let me put it bluntly, okay? Sometimes we must face the facts, as unpleasant as they are : Nothing in Dreamer's Pool brought me enjoyment. Nothing. That's why, no matter how skilled Juliet Marillier might be with her words, I cannot rate this book anything else than 1 star.

Yet it all started so promisingly. Indeed the first two chapters (out of 41) awoke my interest : Blackthorn and Grim, prisoners and driven with vengeance, touched me with their hopelessness and I couldn't wait to know what ...more

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Oct 27, 2018 Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥ Martin rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: own, fantasy-all, paperback

I happily enjoyed this book!

I love this author too!

Happy Reading!

Mel ...more

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Jan 29, 2013 Carla *Jen7waters* rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorite-authors, 2014-published, covergasm, favorite-heroes, fairytale-retelling, feels, fantasy, goose-girl, favorite-heroines, adult

I've been trying to write a review for Dreamer's Pool for a long time now, but it's so hard because I never know exactly how to express my love for JM's stories and characters. Let it be known that she's my favorite author of all time, and she can do no wrong.

That said, Dreamer's Pool is one of those freakishly unputdownable books, you know, when you can only make yourself stop reading when you desperately need food, a bathroom break, or when, sadly, it's so late that your eyes just give out. I've been trying to write a review for Dreamer's Pool for a long time now, but it's so hard because I never know exactly how to express my love for JM's stories and characters. Let it be known that she's my favorite author of all time, and she can do no wrong.

That said, Dreamer's Pool is one of those freakishly unputdownable books, you know, when you can only make yourself stop reading when you desperately need food, a bathroom break, or when, sadly, it's so late that your eyes just give out. The thing is, there's always something happening in the story, something that makes you want to keep reading because you have to know what's going to happen next, and, in my case: I just couldn't abandon the characters, because that's what it felt like every time I had to stop reading, "Oh great, now Blackthorn is all alone in the dark, cold, scary forest, I'm the worst!!"

Speaking of Blackthorn, she is a legend, truly one of those characters that I know will stay with me forever. Once upon a time everything was horribly taken away from her, and that turned her into this combination of extremes: 1. angry, badass, unstoppable force of nature, and I believe that there are tornados, and thunderstorms, and earthquakes, and hurricanes, and great floods all alive and kicking inside of her--they're what keep her going, that and an unyielding need for justice and revenge; and 2. lonely, self-destructive, fragile, hurt, and broken, so broken, and really just a touch away to shatter completely, because after all she's human (until JM tells us otherwise), and there's no way a person can go through what she endured and still be whole.

It’s because Blackthorn is such an intense character that her unlikely pairing with big, gentle, awkward Grim is so appealing—he’s the only person that she’ll listen to (BARELY), the only person capable of actually reaching her when she’s at the limits of pain and self-destruction, blinded by the need for justice. Somehow, among all the turmoil, Grim can bring her back, he can bring her back from the dark places inside her mind, and make her see things clearly again--and all this just by saying a few words, or by staying as close to her as she’ll allow him, and it’s both heartwarming and heartbreaking.

And did I mention that they are just friends? Yep, there’s no romance between these two, at least not yet, but who knows what Tower of Thorns will bring. (To be honest, I don’t even care, I like their relationship the way it is, and would love if they eventually became a couple, but if they don’t, I’ll still be content, because their friendship, the way it is, is something truly special.)

I’m not even going to say much about the plot--this way I won’t spoil it--just that it’s a mystery involving a princess, and that it reminded me a lot of the fairy tale The Goose Girl (I don’t know if it’s actually inspired by the tale), tangled with Blackthorn and Grim’s own stories, and their story together. I especially loved Grim’s POV chapters, because he’s so sincere, genuine, unpretentious, and just... raw, and I’d always miss him so much when someone else’s POV was up. Of course I also loved Blackthorn’s chapters with a passion, believe it or not but she’s hilarious, hysterical, really. (Spirit animal!)

A remarkable story, with extraordinary, unforgettable characters. Go read it!

...more

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Dec 25, 2015 ✘✘ Sarah ✘✘ (former Nefarious Breeder of Murderous Crustaceans) rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: br-2016, fantasy, cure-for-insomnia, boredom-fest, 1st-in-series, dnf-graveyard, 2016, tbr-shelf-says-thank-you

BR with my MacHalo Freaks starting January 1, 2016.

DNF at 41%

My first DNF of the year!!! Get the maracas out of storage, people, this calls for a celebration!!!

I'm sure this is the first of many, many DNFs to come, I'm so excited right now! And Ange picked this book for us, which means I get to choose a penance read to punish her for putting me through this, too! Oh, I think 2016 is going to be a great year!

Okay. Let's do this quickly, shall we? Things to do, places to go, potential DNFs to ...more

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Feb 21, 2018 Em Lost In Books rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010-19, 2018, br-with-buddy, 3-star

I had my eyes on this book since forever, so when i saw that one of my friends is doing a BR, I joined.

this book has three plot-lines. While Blackthorn and Grim's has been woven together from the start of the book, Oran met them somewhere just before the halfway. Blackthorn is a healer and has been given a chance to live a quite life in exchange of giving up her vengeance mission. She accepts and was freed from the prison. Her fellow prisoner, Grim, joins her. She decides to stay in the forest ...more

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Dec 22, 2015 Sh3lly rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: buddy-read, maybe-its-just-me, read-2016, romance, gurrrl-power, 3-stars, fantasy-fae-and-fairies, fantasy

Writing = B
Fantasy = B-
Action = C
Plot = C
Angst/Drama = F
Blackthorn and Grim = A+
Oran and Flindais = F! FFFFFFFFF-FAIL

When I started this book, I thought, "Wow, this is pretty good. A 'straight' fantasy I'm actually going to finish - and like!" Blackthorn and Grim were stuck unfairly in a rank and nasty prison where they were abused and severely neglected. Blackthorn is approached by one of the fey named Conmael, and given a proposition (I never was sure why she was chosen, but whatever, it's ...more

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Dec 15, 2013 Mogsy (MMOGC) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: review-copy, arcs-and-galleys, fantasy, magic, favorites, fae

5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum http://bibliosanctum.com/2014/10/27/b...

“Spellbinding” is the only word to describe Dreamer’s Pool. Reading it was like walking into a gorgeous, living fairy tale. I just loved this book, it’s probably one of the best I’ve read all year…and I’ve read A LOT of books this year.

This is the first in an adult series by Juliet Marillier, called Blackthorn and Grim. Blackthorn is a woman we meet at the beginning of the novel, imprisoned for speaking out against a 5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum http://bibliosanctum.com/2014/10/27/b...

“Spellbinding” is the only word to describe Dreamer’s Pool. Reading it was like walking into a gorgeous, living fairy tale. I just loved this book, it’s probably one of the best I’ve read all year…and I’ve read A LOT of books this year.

This is the first in an adult series by Juliet Marillier, called Blackthorn and Grim. Blackthorn is a woman we meet at the beginning of the novel, imprisoned for speaking out against a wicked and corrupt chieftain. Hours before she is to be executed, she is visited by the fey, who offers her a chance to escape in exchange for her promise to set aside her desire for vengeance. Reluctantly, Blackthorn agrees and makes her way north to Dalriada to start her new life. She is trailed by her fellow prisoner and escapee Grim, a hulking man of few words. Unable to turn away anyone who asks her for help, Blackthorn also recognizes Grim’s potential as an ally, and the two of them strike up a tentative partnership.

Meanwhile in Dalriada, Prince Oran prepares to wed. He has never met his future bride the Lady Flidais, though he has seen her portrait and they have written extensively to each other. However, the crown prince is convinced that the sweet, compassionate and intelligent woman he has come to know through her letters is his perfect match, which is why he is dismayed when the Flidais who arrives at his castle is nothing like the Flidais he thought he knew. Had he been taken for a fool, merely blinded by youthful naiveté? Or is there something stranger, more mystical afoot? Perhaps the newly arrived wise woman and her big strong helper could be of some assistance in this mystery.

This is a tale of magic, set in a world where one imagines myths and legends can come to life, but it also feels surprisingly grounded at the same time, almost like a fairy tale infused with a bit of realism. These elements gave the world more depth and kept it from feeling too simplistic, but they were also muted enough not to be overbearing or risk completely obliterating the magical nuances. Marillier tackles the craft of world-building meticulously and flawlessly, striking the perfect tone. I’m beyond impressed.

Dreamer’s Pool is told through the perspectives of Blackthorn, Grim and Oran. These three characters made this book a joy to read, and there’s no hemming and hawing about it – I loved them all equally. They’re very different people, and the way they’re written by Marillier, you would never mistake any one of them for another. Each person’s voice feels unique and extraordinarily real and powerful. The reader perceives the world and various events through a character’s eyes, at the same time watching him or her develop along with the story. We’re with Oran as he grows from a young, carefree man into a thoughtful and worldly leader. We’re in Blackthorn’s head even as she is blinded by her own personal biases and unaware of her flaws. And Grim is just Grim. He’s simply an amazing and special man and there can be no other like him.

This book made me wonder why I waited so long to pick up something by Juliet Marillier. She writes so beautifully, with every word like an enchantment or spell drawing the reader deeper into the story. There’s a mystery here I couldn’t wait to get to the bottom of, and then as we drew closer to the conclusion I didn’t want this story to end!

Alas, it did. But I’m also glad this is going to be a series because I can’t wait until we can return to the world of Blackthorn and Grim. Until then, I’ve bought other books by Marillier because I just can’t get enough of her writing. Dreamer’s Pool gave me a taste, and now I’m hooked. ...more

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Aug 31, 2015 Tadiana ✩Night Owl☽ rated it liked it

Shelves: library-has, fantasy, fairy-tale

Dreamer's Pool, the first in the Blackthorn & Grim series by talented author Juliet Marillier, is a solid medieval magical fantasy/mystery. It was also, truthfully, a little too slow-paced for me; I got bored and did a fair amount of skimming in the last half. In fact, I was bored enough that I wrote half of this review two years ago, set it aside and never finished it. But I'm trying to remedy that now.

A woman who (a little later) calls herself Blackthorn has been in the local despotic Dreamer's Pool, the first in the Blackthorn & Grim series by talented author Juliet Marillier, is a solid medieval magical fantasy/mystery. It was also, truthfully, a little too slow-paced for me; I got bored and did a fair amount of skimming in the last half. In fact, I was bored enough that I wrote half of this review two years ago, set it aside and never finished it. But I'm trying to remedy that now.

A woman who (a little later) calls herself Blackthorn has been in the local despotic lord's dungeon for a year, falsely accused by him of a crime to hide his own habit of raping any of the local women he chooses. It's a horrendous experience that has broken her in most ways, other than the desire for revenge. She's looking forward to one thing: the day she gets a hearing in court, scheduled for the day after the story begins. So it's a bitter pill indeed when she learns that he plans to have her killed before the hearing.

An elf lord appears, deus ex machine-like, and offers her a choice: he'll break her out of prison if she will agree, for a period of seven years, to (1) go live in a place of his choosing and exercise her healer craft, (2) help anyone who asks her for help, with or without expressly saying so, and (3) completely abandon her plan for revenge. It's the last condition that almost kills her. But with no alternative, she agrees.

The prison duly falls apart, a few prisoners escape, and Blackthorn heads north with Grim, one of her fellow former prisoners. There she comes into the realm of a prince named Oran, who has a problem that he brings to Blackthorn: He's been corresponding with his promised bride, Flidais, who he's never met. But from all their letters he's certain she is a sweet, sensitive, honorable lady.

Now she's finally traveled to his kingdom to meet and marry him ... and she's not what Oran expected. AT ALL. She acts in a uncultured, promiscuous, lowborn manner. Oran can't break off the wedding, but he can't help but think something's very wrong here. Perhaps Blackthorn can investigate and help him? Blackthorn rather reluctantly agrees (binding elf lord promise kicks in).

It was, in fact, an interesting mystery with an unexpected resolution; it just took a little too long for it to get there. I didn't feel like it justified all 400+ pages. There are some disturbing themes explored here - rape, abuse, damaged souls - and perhaps I was just mentally veering away from those dark waters. Marillier also spends time developing Blackthorn and her companion Grim, and they're well-rounded characters, if very rough around the edges. They just weren't quite appealing enough to me to want to spend more time with them. ...more

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Sep 30, 2015 Bradley rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2016-shelf, fantasy

This was a gentle Fantasy with all the traditional, read archetypal, side-characters, but it's real strength is in being a great character-driven novel.

I consider Orlan and Flidais to be side characters in this story, with Blackthorn and Grim being the true gift from the author. With Blackthorn and Grim, this shouldn't be much of a stretch to see, despite Orlan's PoV time, because that guy was just too idealistic and good-natured and romantic a prince to make it as anything other than the ...more

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Oct 08, 2014 Chantal (Every Word A Doorway) rated it it was ok

Shelves: fantasy, listened-on-audio, young-adult

About a year ago I read Juliet Marillier’s debut novel Daughter of the Forest and fell in love. The beauty of her writing, the complexity of the characters, the slow-burn romance and the atmosphere created was incredible and I knew immediately that I wanted to read other books by her. There is something unique about Marillier’s style, she has a very distinctive storyteller voice and the way she uses fairy tales, myths and lore in her stories is wonderful to read. She makes you feel like you’re ...more

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Jan 26, 2016 Frances rated it really liked it

Her name is ‘Blackthorn’, a skilled magical healer falsely imprisoned and chained to a wall. Nearby in another dank filthy dungeon is Grim, who watches her intently fearing she may soon be taken away and hung. Having barely survived the year, Blackthorn is ready to give testimony to the counsel in the morning which she believes will finally set her free. As the evening falls, one of the guards appears and taunts her with his knowledge that she will never face the counsel, but only a quick blade ...more

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Aug 15, 2018 Robin (Bridge Four) rated it really liked it

Shelves: bb-b-2018, fae-ness, beautifully-broken-bastards, book-boyfriend-material, awesome-audio, witches-warlocks-and-magic, fantastic-fantasy, 2018-reads, 4-5-stars, buddy-read

What if you were slated to die but someone gave you a chance to live? The bargain…give up your quest vengeance/justice for seven years and help people. Do this and they will save you now from death tomorrow. Help anyone who asks, go to a different land and set up a life as a healer. Do this and you live, break your word and you are right back in prison and one step closer to death.

“The day before you died was the longest, slowest day ever. It gave you more time than you could possibly want to

“The day before you died was the longest, slowest day ever. It gave you more time than you could possibly want to contemplate all the things you’d got wrong, the chances you’d missed, the errors you’d made. It was long enough to convince the most hopeful person that there was no point in anything.”

You might think this an easy choice, but when the need for justice and vengeance for the wrongs committed not just against you but those you love is so high it is hard to think of anything else. Blackthorn might have made the deal but it is a hard one to keep and it is even harder to be among people after all her time in the dark cruel prison of her enemy

“Part of me has turned wild, and another part’s turned dark as endless night, and I’m not going to change back just because someone says I must.”

Dreamers Pool is told in three PoVs. Blackthorn who has a tragic past and has had more taken from her than many could survive is a bit harsh and curt to those around her. She doesn’t really know how to be among people anymore but must learn and quickly or time will be added to her already long sentence of service.

Grim is a broken man who sometimes seems half crazy. He is a bit of a gentle giant and finds himself the protector of Blackthorn even if she doesn’t really want one. They seem to make an unlikely pair but they spent a year across from one another in a hell hole and seen each other through in their own way. So were Blackthorn goes, Grim follows. I adore Grim! He has a past himself, but he understands people in a way most don’t and for some reason he has made it his mission to protect not only Blackthorn but others that are weak and defenseless.

Together Grim and Blackthorn go to a new place, that seems a bit magical and has a touch the Fae in it, to set up a life and while there is no romance happening between them, I’m hopeful that is a temporary thing and eventually the friendship they have builds into something more.

The mystery of this story is like an old tale and happening mainly in the third PoV of the prince. He has written letters to his potential fiancé for a while hoping to build a bond as he sillily hopes for a marriage not just of convenience but of love.

“Letters tell the truths a person will not speak. They contain the deepest of feelings, the wisest of stories. Letters are powerful. They contain messages of hope, love, change.”

Certain that she is the one for him the plans for marriage progress and she comes to his land. But when she arrives the girl in front of him seems nothing like the woman from the letters. The prince is confused but hopes that it just the journey that her tired. But as time goes on he is more convinced that something strange has happened and the Prince asks Blackthorn and Grim to look into his bride to be since he is sure something is off and he must find out soon or he will be married to this woman who is not at all like the one he fell in love with through letters.

I love the way this is a slow rolling story with small things divvied out over time. It is definitely character driven as we get to know Blackthorn and Grim better. My favorite thing in this was their building strange friendship and how well they take care of each other. The mystery was interesting and not overly magical. I like that there are old magics and tales in this that give the world more depth and make me think of it as a fairytale land, not quite of the Disney variety but also not quite as harsh as Grim’s Fairytales either.

I look forward to more stories of Blackthorn and Grim. ...more

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Nov 10, 2014 Nathan rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-2014, author-female, high-fantasy, rated-5-star

Fantasy Review Barn

Once upon a time Juliet Marillier wrote a fairy tale and it was wonderful. She didn’t revamp an old classic with a new twist. She didn’t write something like a fairy tale that twists all the tropes around. She didn’t even write a fantasy book with a fairy tale feel to it. She wrote an honest to goodness fairy tale; slightly dark, slightly magical, and completely wonderful.

It starts with a bargain. Blackthorn, who had another name in another time under different circumstances, Fantasy Review Barn

Once upon a time Juliet Marillier wrote a fairy tale and it was wonderful. She didn’t revamp an old classic with a new twist. She didn’t write something like a fairy tale that twists all the tropes around. She didn’t even write a fantasy book with a fairy tale feel to it. She wrote an honest to goodness fairy tale; slightly dark, slightly magical, and completely wonderful.

It starts with a bargain. Blackthorn, who had another name in another time under different circumstances, strikes a deal with a fae; seven years of services for escape from certain death. But the service is not to the fae himself but rather to the service to a community Followed by a man called Grim, or more often Bonehead in the jail they shared, she is to take on her old role of healer and wise women in a new location far from any home she has ever known.

Or maybe it starts with a tragedy. A prince eagerly awaiting his unseen soul mate first sees her in the worst of situations; right after the drowning death of one of her handmaidens in a mysterious pond on the princes’ lands. Where ever it starts these three very different people are now tied together in this fairy game – Grim, Blackthorn and the Prince Oran.

Let’s talk Blackthorn first as it is her story. A redemption tale? Perhaps, we first meet her in jail awaiting her time. A revenge story? Certainly not, as much as she wishes otherwise. The very nature of her bargain keeps her from the vengeance she desires for unknown past crimes. Worse, it forces her to help any who seek it despite her lack of desire to do much for anyone. But she is good at what she does, earns respect quickly and becomes an valuable member of her new community. She is that rare middle aged women who never seems to show in fantasy; the young see her as a crone already but she knows she has a ways to go before she hits that label.

Now Grim. Silent giant, thought to be touched in the head. A violent past implied. Destined to be either a gentle giant or a thug…in another story. But here is just a very human character. He has anger issues but controls them, makes friends in some places and not others, follows Blackthorn like a guard dog but doesn’t hover or attempt to control.

Finally Oran. Idealist. Dreamer. But more practical than he at first seems. He cares for his subjects, rules fairly, and plans his marriage for love around the needs of the kingdom. So it is with surprise and confusion that he tries to understand his betrothed. She isn’t the sweet, intelligent girl he has been writing to. There is a cold side, an aggressive side that doesn’t make sense. Confusion becomes suspicion and eventually he turns to several women he can trust to help him figure it all out.

Recognizing the fairy tale that was being wove I started trying to out think it. All the clues were there. Look how smart I am putting them all together! Aha you think you are so clever but I have figured out the mystery at the half way point. I am enjoying this so keep on writing but…oh wow. Didn’t see that coming. Should have, those clues were there too but I sat there distracted by the more obvious ones. Well then Marillier, this round goes to you.

Nothing fancy here, just great characters and a wonderful story. The only truly evil villains are minor players (though a few others make a run at the title at times) and the fae influence seems to be an easy way to set up the story rather than anything with lasting influence. Those who can’t take some fairy tale conveniences in plot set up may be disappointed but once the pieces are in play there is very little to pick at.

Recommended with full enthusiasm. One of the best books I have read this year.

5 Stars ...more

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Oct 30, 2015 Dino-Jess ✮ The Book Eating Dinosaur ✮ rated it really liked it

Recommended to Dino-Jess ✮ The Book Eating Dinosaur ✮ by: Angela

Shelves: witches-wizards-magic-sorcery, man-pasture, buddy-read, my-precious, fantasy, i-love-my-library, machalo

WHAT A WAY TO START OFF MY 2016 READING YEAR

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE

Firstly, lets just get this out of the way. Everybody back the hell away from Grim. I want to marry him and have his babies. He's the new leading man in my life. Sorry Terrible . Grim has stolen my heart. LOVE HIM.

This was a wonderful story. Yes, I knew where it was going 100 pages in. Yes Blackthorn lives up to her name, being prickly at times, she's quick to anger, slow to trust and sometimes is downright unlikeable. But she ...more

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Sep 15, 2015 Althea Ann rated it liked it

After being unfairly imprisoned by a cruel lord, the healer/wise woman Blackthorn is freed by an enigmatic fey and charged with his rule: for seven years she may not seek revenge for the wrongs done to her and hers; instead she must take up residence in the kingdom of Dalriada and must provide aid to anyone who asks her for help.

Although reluctant, Blackthorn does as she is bid, and sets out for Dalriada, accompanied by her former fellow prisoner, Grim, a giant of a man whose feelings for After being unfairly imprisoned by a cruel lord, the healer/wise woman Blackthorn is freed by an enigmatic fey and charged with his rule: for seven years she may not seek revenge for the wrongs done to her and hers; instead she must take up residence in the kingdom of Dalriada and must provide aid to anyone who asks her for help.

Although reluctant, Blackthorn does as she is bid, and sets out for Dalriada, accompanied by her former fellow prisoner, Grim, a giant of a man whose feelings for Blackthorn hover somewhere in the realm between courtly love and devoted worship.

Arriving in Dalriada, the pair stumble into a scenario that will be extremely familiar to any reader familiar with the fairytale, 'The Goose Girl.' The local lord, Prince Oran, has been betrothed to a woman he's never seen. However, through extensive and intimate correspondence, he's fallen in love with Lady Flidais in absentia. However, the woman who arrives, although she physically matches the portrait of Flidais, seems to have an utterly different personality from that which he came to expect through the letters he's treasured. Is the change caused by shyness? Trauma due to the death of Flidais' maidservant during the journey? Or were the letters written by an artful scribe, not Flidais herself? All of Oran's associates pretty much tell him to suck it up - but eventually, he'll request Blackthorn's help, which she is honor-bound to give.

I liked a lot about this book. The writing is lovely, and the story is a nice mesh of original and traditional fairytale elements. Characters' actions spring naturally from their personalities and past experiences; and I liked that on occasion, it's shown that conclusions based on past experiences can be the result of fallibility. However, there was also a lot I didn't like about the book, especially as it went on. Throughout the entire story (including the subplots), there was a persistent thread of the idea that "good girls don't." (And 'nice' men don't either, or if they do, it's a moral failing.) Certainly, rape and abuse is a horrible thing, and certainly there are women who use sex as a tool of manipulation. But what's portrayed here goes past that, and into the realm of "enjoying sex is a sign of a bad character." I'm not on board with that message.
Moreover, (view spoiler)

My other criticism is that, if we regard this book as a stand-alone, the fey exists solely as a deus ex machina. His motivations are never revealed. I assume that more will come out in the sequel(s), but taking this book on its own, it feels like a structural flaw.

I've only read one other book by Marillier so far, and liked it very much - so I'm definitely going to continue on with the sequel to this one. ...more

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Nov 12, 2016 Milda Page Runner rated it really liked it

Shelves: magic, fairytale-fantasy, mystery, dark-fantasy

Morrigan’s britches! This is quite a tale. And I’m still not sure how to classify it.

Dark, dreamy and magical story that is part fairytale part mystery solving/investigation. Two unlikely partners pushed to work together by ever-meddling fey to unravel mysteries that seemed to have stepped straight from the myths. There is a prince looking for one true love, strange personality changes, a misbehaving dog, an ancient wood and a pool of dark magic, disappeared village girl and mysterious death.

...more

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Aug 17, 2019 Melissa (Mel’s Bookshelf) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: audiobooks, fantasy, best-of-2019

4.5 Stars

First off I want to comment on the absolutely BEAUTIFUL cover! OMG I ADORE THIS COVER! Even though I have no idea who it is meant to depict, as the main character in this series has bright red hair, I DON’T CARE! It’s bloody gorgeous!

This story follows Blackthorn and Grim, they escape an awful prison and with some magical help, they find their way to a kingdom run by crown Prince Oran, who is having some lady troubles. Blackthorn soon becomes the town healer and Oran calls upon her for ...more

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Jul 06, 2014 Choko rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy

*** 4.25 ***

A buddy read with my friends at MacHalo group, where fantasy is our life!

Dreamer's Pool is a fairy-tale fantasy of the kind that seems familiar, but is new, and haunting, and beautifully written... It draws you in, cocoons you with comfort and mystery, and keeps you there with the debt of characters and promises of a feast at the end of the road.

This is the first Juliet Marillier book I have ever read and am here to declare that it is not going to be the last!!! She writes in a *** 4.25 ***

A buddy read with my friends at MacHalo group, where fantasy is our life!

Dreamer's Pool is a fairy-tale fantasy of the kind that seems familiar, but is new, and haunting, and beautifully written... It draws you in, cocoons you with comfort and mystery, and keeps you there with the debt of characters and promises of a feast at the end of the road.

This is the first Juliet Marillier book I have ever read and am here to declare that it is not going to be the last!!! She writes in a quiet, but beautiful way, without overwhelming the reader with any extra distractions, using a deliberate style to lead you through the riddles of the plot, and delivers a satisfying, if well foreshadowed conclusion. The last is never a problem for me - we all know how certain stories end, but what makes them special is the way we get there.

The books' main heroes are Blackthorn, a tortured soul with tragic past, which has rendered her spirit and left her with nothing else to live for but revenge, and Grim, a quiet giant with "a face only mother could love", and a temper, which loss of control has landed him in many of bad situations, leaving him with the belief that he is unworthy of love or human caring. Time has left deep scars in their souls, their bodies are older beyond their ages, their faith in all good and pure lost long ago.... After long term incarceration in a filthy prison where they meet, circumstances conspire to bring them together on an adventure to a foreign land. Blackthorn is bound by a promise she has made to a Fae for the next seven years and Grim feels he has to protect and take care of her, despite of Blackthorns' resistance to the idea and her prickliness. Enter the prince and his betrothed, making a mess of our guys' plans to live quietly and intrigue free.

The prince and his girl are paragons of virtue and can get too over the top with their holier-than-thou personas, but it worked OK for the fairy-tale it is. There is somewhat of a menage going on at one point with a servant and a dog, but that will make sense once you guys get to reading it!!! I liked the way other secondary characters had just as much debt as their importance required and no needles "fat" in the setting and world building, despite of the many possible occasions where that might have been a temptation.

I am a sucker for fairy-tales and have to admit that this might influence my rating, but to those who enjoy such, I heartily recommend this book and hopefully, the series. This book would be appropriate for all ages, I think, maybe PG 13, not exactly sure - kids nowadays grow up fast. There is no gratuitous violence and as all such stories, we root for the good guys:)

Thanks once again to the MacHalos and especially Casey for picking this one for the monthly read! I thoroughly enjoyed it!!!

...more

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Feb 26, 2018 Mayim de Vries rated it liked it

“It’s hard, sometimes, not to make things your business.”

What is the key to writing a successful novel? That is an easy question. A great main protagonist. And the best characters are those built on a conflict where opposites attract and merge. Like, a firefighter non-stop playing with fire (both figuratively, e.g. having an affair, and in reality, e.g. all the time fiddling with his old-school gasoline lighter). Like a mercenary with a charitable heart and a penchant for embroidery. Like a ...more

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Sep 20, 2015 Stacey is Sassy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, para-fantasy-series

From prison to wise woman…with a little help from Grim.

I read Dreamer’s Pool in book form…as in paper. I haven’t read a book with paper in years and I admit, I tapped a few times before I remembered to turn the page. I also kept looking to the top of the page to check the time. Who’d have thought that the act of turning pages in a book would become unfamiliar? By halfway I’d stopped tapping luckily and was fully engrossed in this wonderful tale full of adventure, mystery, magic and romance.

When ...more

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Oct 18, 2014 Alyssa rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2014-releases

***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***

Dreamer's Pool by Juliet Marillier
Book One of the Blackthorn and Grim series
Publisher: ROC Hardcover
Publication Date: November 4, 2014
Rating: 5 stars
Source: Review copy sent by the publisher

Summary (from Goodreads):

In exchange for help escaping her long and wrongful imprisonment, embittered magical healer Blackthorn has vowed to set aside her bid for vengeance against the man who destroyed all that she once held dear. Followed by a former prison ...more

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Nov 20, 2014 Magirosa rated it liked it

Recommends it for: Lori

Shelves: own, fantasy

Overall:

Sigh. Big Sigh. I am disappointed in this book for the strangely harsh treatment of female sexuality. However, I must also say, that I love the Blackthorn and Grim characters and would love to read more of their emergence into this strange new life to which they have committed themselves. I also have such a longstanding respect for Ms. Marillier that I will chalk this one up to an unfortunate derailment.

Elements I like:

Friendship as a central theme: I love how Ms. Marillier introduces ...more

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Mar 07, 2013 Jo rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle, fantasy-sci-fi

November 3-5, 2015
So I was just going to read the first part of this book to remember the characters and such, but the story just drew me in and I found myself reading it again and enjoying it very much!

November 4-8, 2014
I am so glad I splurged and bought this book the day it was released. It was truly a great book, and it ranks right up there with my two other favorite Marilliers - Heart's Blood and Daughter of the Forest. Blackthorn and Grim are some of the most flawed yet perfect characters I ...more

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Jun 10, 2013 Angela rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, kindle, 2016-read

The first Juliet Marillier book I read was Shadowfell, and I adored it. I adored that whole series. I've been anxious, ever since, to pick up another book/series by her for a long time.

Finally, I was able to squeeze this start to a new fantasy series in. Dreamer's Pool is the first book in the Blackthorn and Grim series. And the two title characters, I absolutely adore.

We first meet them both in a prison. Blackthorn thinks tomorrow is to be her "day in court," so to speak. Unfortunately, the The first Juliet Marillier book I read was Shadowfell, and I adored it. I adored that whole series. I've been anxious, ever since, to pick up another book/series by her for a long time.

Finally, I was able to squeeze this start to a new fantasy series in. Dreamer's Pool is the first book in the Blackthorn and Grim series. And the two title characters, I absolutely adore.

We first meet them both in a prison. Blackthorn thinks tomorrow is to be her "day in court," so to speak. Unfortunately, the powers that be have different plans - ones that will result in Blackthorn never seeing the light of day. Grim has the cell across from her. His only thought is of her safety, even when he knows what is to happen.

That night, a mysterious visitor appears offering a deal that's too good to be true. Yet, what choice does Blackthorn have but to accept it. This delays her vengeance and justice for seven long years, but the alternative - no justice at all - is unbearable. So Blackthorn accepts, and makes the long journey north as bid....with Grim following along behind.

This is told in multiple first-person points-of-view. There's Blackthorn, Grim, and the prince of Dalraida - Oren. I really enjoyed all of their voices, even though Grim's stuttered way of thinking did take me a bit to get used to. I appreciated how different their voices truly were, how unique they were to themselves. And I can't help but want to know more - especially about Grim's past.

The story itself meanders a bit to get to the point. For a good deal of the book I know what happened, even if I can't figure out how. So it was slightly frustrating that it took so long for everyone else to figure out. Granted, we had everyone's point-of-view, and they only had their own, but still, that's one of the disadvantages of this kind of storytelling.

All the same, I did enjoy the pace and the world. This is a beginning, a fairy-tale-like set-up to this new world. We get bits and pieces, and just the barest mention of magic. I'm dying to see what Conmael is up to (and who he actually is to Blackthorn). I already mentioned wanting more of Grim's past. And I'm eager to see Blackthron settle more into herself - though I know (and am glad) that her thirst for justice/vengeance will not wait for eternity....maybe just long enough to see it done.

Dreamer's Pool didn't grab me quite as completely as Shadowfell did, but I am definitely happy I read it, and excited to go on in the series.

3.5 Stars. ...more

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May 11, 2016 Chelsea ❤Peril Please❤ marked it as to-read

Recommended to Chelsea ❤Peril Please❤ by: Jessica ❁ ➳ Silverbow ➳ ❁ Rabid Reads-no-more

Shelves: buddy-read

To steal the words from my lovely Anna: Buddy Read with the Snake to my Badger....

EEPSSS!!! I CANNOT WAIT....COME OOOOOOONNNN NEW BBF!!!! GRIM!

Oh and yes...there WILL be fangirling. Much much fangirling...but you are all used to that...right?! :P

Anna used the original art from Emma Ehrling to create her pic (AND SHE ROCKS HEHE). ...more

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May 07, 2016 Emma rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical-fantasy

4.5 stars. My first Juliet Marillier and I picked a good one! I liked our world weary and flawed main characters Blackthorn and Grim. Loved the dreamy fairy tale quality to the story, it seemed timeless and magical. I will definitely read the next in this series.
I am still not sure if the rest of Juliet Marillier's books will be for me, despite how much I loved this one. I often see the word 'romantic' used to describe her work and I'm quite picky about what romance I can tolerate! So if anyone ...more

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Dec 30, 2015 Cathryn rated it it was ok

DNF at 40%. I fell asleep trying to read this. At 9:45. When I usually stay up until 11 or 12. I'm indifferent to this book. I don't care what happens next. Moving on.

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Oct 27, 2014 Lisa rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy

Review from Tenacious Reader: http://www.tenaciousreader.com/2015/0...

Dreamer’s Pool is a truly captivating fairy tale, but keep in mind, many fairy tales are really quite dark. One of the first things to surprise me is how incredibly dark the beginning of this book is. I see the pretty cover, start reading and was just really quite taken by the grimness. But this is because two of our three POVs start this story together in a really, really dark place. As they move past that place, the story Review from Tenacious Reader: http://www.tenaciousreader.com/2015/0...

Dreamer’s Pool is a truly captivating fairy tale, but keep in mind, many fairy tales are really quite dark. One of the first things to surprise me is how incredibly dark the beginning of this book is. I see the pretty cover, start reading and was just really quite taken by the grimness. But this is because two of our three POVs start this story together in a really, really dark place. As they move past that place, the story becomes less dark, but that experience never leaves characters, there is always some darkness shadowing over them, especially Blackthorn.

Blackthorn and Grim (the two POVs I mentioned starting in a dark place), meet in a prison, but one that is much darker and less humane that what you might imagine. Really, it’s just plain horrific, the type of place that makes people wonder if death is potentially a better option. Blackthorn is an incredibly strong women who has gone through hell. Perhaps going through and surviving hell is what made her strong. She describes losing her sense of humanity and self in that place, being reduced to a ‘thing’ that just kept living. This book is not out for shock value, the story just starts incredibly grim.

That brings me to our next character, who actually goes by the name Grim. You can immediately tell something is just a bit different with Grim. He sometimes refers to himself as slow, but honestly, reading his POV, I think others may perceive him as slow, but he is certainly not completely lacking intelligence. I think he is just not astute in the typical ways. And he is incredibly devoted to helping and protecting Blackthorn.

We don’t know much about the history of these two characters, especially in the beginning. But that is part of the fun, wondering and hoping to get bits of information, and honestly just getting to know both Blackthorn and Grim. They both have a history that placed them in that prison where they met and you can’t help but to want to know what they were like before landing there, as well as why they were in there.

Blackthorn is made an offer that she is not in a position to turn down, regardless of how skeptical she may be of the person offering it. Part of this offer requires her to travel to Winterfalls, the place where we meet our third POV.

Prince Oran has been pressured by his mother to settle down and get married. To start providing the throne with future heirs. He is a poetic soul, that is taken by the idea of romance, so he has been quite reluctant. Until his latest match. You can’t help but like Prince Oran. He is a romantic, and his is also a people’s leader, a royal who actually meets with the people and listens to them. He is interested in making them happy, not just exerting power. He thinks he has finally found love (in an arranged marriage to a women he has yet to meet in person).

The story really takes an interesting turn as Prince Oran’s fiancee’s party meets tragedy on their way to Winterfall. There is definitely a mystery to figure out, something not quite right, and you can’t help but suspect fae interference, but you don’t know how or why. You just have to keep turning pages, reading until you learn more and more about the story and the characters.

I feel like no words of mine can do justice to this story. It is a truly magical journey of words that captivates the reader from beginning to end. ...more

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Dec 01, 2015 Jen Davis rated it really liked it

It seems I am a little late to the party on this introduction to the Blackthorn and Grim series… and I’m even further behind when you consider that this is my first book by Juliet Marillier. For the most part, I enjoyed it. I think that has a lot to do with the three empathetic characters who lead the story.

Let’s start with Blackthorn. As the book begins, she has been in prison for a year –and not just the kind of prison where you miss good food and freedom. This is a pit, where she is abused It seems I am a little late to the party on this introduction to the Blackthorn and Grim series… and I’m even further behind when you consider that this is my first book by Juliet Marillier. For the most part, I enjoyed it. I think that has a lot to do with the three empathetic characters who lead the story.

Let’s start with Blackthorn. As the book begins, she has been in prison for a year –and not just the kind of prison where you miss good food and freedom. This is a pit, where she is abused and broken in every way. She lives only for the possibility of vengeance, but it looks like that, too, will be taken from her. Just before she is to be killed, a stranger –an elf– shows up and offers her a choice. He will get her out if she moves north, leaving her vengeance behind. For the next seven years she must return to her calling as a healer, turning down no one who needs help. Begrudgingly, she accepts.

Grim is the gentle giant who Blackthorn somewhat befriended in prison. We know very little about him, save for one thing: his utter devotion to his Lady, Blackthorn. When she leaves, he goes with her, determined to protect her and help her. But it’s just as much for himself, because she is the only thing that gives him any peace or comfort. Theirs is not a romantic relationship. Especially at the beginning, it’s barely a friendship, but these two survive together and that counts for something.

Our third main character is Oran, prince of the land where Blackthorn must move to. At first, his story seems unrelated to Blackthorn and Grim, but they all eventually come together. The book alternates POVs among the three of them, which didn’t bother me, but I mention it in case jumping POVs aren’t your thing.

Anyway, Oran is about to get married but there is something very wrong with his betrothed. It feels like Blackthorn was put in his life to be the one who figures out what has happened. As a reader, I felt like answer was a little too obvious, at least in the general sense. It didn’t take much to figure out when the change happened or what caused it. There were a couple of particulars that gave it a little twist, but I would have liked a puzzle where I didn’t feel like I was waiting for the other characters to catch up.

On the plus side, I felt Marillier crafted a solid and engaging world. I understood the basic politics and positions of the time. And as I said, I liked the characters. Oran may have been a little too good to be true at times. But Blackthorn was just the right combination of prickly, principled, tragic and heroic. I love how she never sugarcoats anything. That she is so genuine. That she endures and survives. And deep down, I believe she will have that vengeance she is due.

Then there is Grim. I like the mystery there. I feel like we’re going to be shocked when we learn his backstory, because of how likeable he is here. My only niggle is that I don’t really understand why he is so fixated on Blackthorn. Maybe she was just a lifeline when he needed one. But I would have liked a firmer basis for his unwavering devotion.

This story has a definite ending, but there is still so much we don’t know. Especially when it comes to why Blackthorn was freed in the first place. I will surely read the next book, looking for some answers.

Rating: B ...more

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topics	posts	views	last activity
What's the Name o...: SOLVED. Fantasy/ Adult/ Female lead helps princess who falls in a lake and body swaps with her pet dog [s]	3	340	Oct 21, 2018 09:05PM
What's the Name o...: SOLVED. Fantasy: Female protagonist is imprisoned for years. The night before she finally gets to plead her case she finds out she'll be killed by a guard who tormented her for years. [s]	3	32	Jul 11, 2018 11:18AM
Fantasy Buddy Reads: Dreamer's Pool [Feb 17, 2018]	79	56	Mar 18, 2018 04:14AM

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About Juliet Marillier

Juliet Marillier

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Juliet Marillier was born 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. Juliet was educated at the University of Otago, where she majored in music and languages, graduating BA and Bachelor of Music (Hons). Her lifelong interest in history, folklore and mythology has had a ...more