Julianna
Julianna asked Juliet Marillier:

I first read Son of the Shadows back in middle school, and adored it. Then I found out it was the second book and devoured DotF. CotP was hard for me to get through, taking a decade for me to finally finish it. After I did, I found out the trilogy had expanded. I'm shy to try the rest due to my disconnect CotP and not being originally planned. What inspired you to change Sevenwaters from a trilogy to a longer series?

Juliet Marillier Hi Juliana,
I extended the Sevenwaters series at my publisher's request. It was originally intended to be just the three books. The later three (Heir to Sevenwaters, Seer of Sevenwaters and Flame of Sevenwaters) work quite well as stand-alone stories though the family story does continue right through the series. Those books have daughters of Sean and Aisling as the narrators (Clodagh, Sibeal, Maeve.)

If you're wary of Sevenwaters because you didn't enjoy COTP, maybe try one of my other books instead - there are lots. Heart's Blood is completely stand-alone and is loosely based on Beauty and the Beast. Wildwood Dancing works as a stand-alone - it is for young adult readers but has been very much enjoyed by adult readers who liked the Sevenwaters series.

Sorry you didn't like COTP. Fainne is a harder protagonist to warm to than Sorcha or Liadan. :)

all the best, Juliet

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