Title: Flame of Sevenwaters
Author: Juliet Marillier
First published November 6, 2012
432 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780451414878 (ISBN10: 045141487X)
Rating: 4.16
Overview
Flame of Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier is a heart-wrenching tale of a woman, Maeve, who has returned to her home after a decade of being away. Though her scars have healed, her spirit remains fragile as she battles the shadows of her past.
The land of Sevenwaters is in chaos as the fey prince Mac Dara, determined to see his son wed to Maeve’s sister, wreaks havoc by causing travelers to disappear and leaving their murdered bodies in plain sight. When Maeve discovers a body in the woods, she and her brother Finbar set out to put an end to Mac Dara’s reign of terror.
Can they succeed, or will they meet the same fate as those before them? The Flame of Sevenwaters is a riveting story of bravery, love, and sacrifice that will keep you turning the pages until the very end.
About the Author
Juliet Marillier, a New Zealand native, grew up surrounded by Celtic tales and music, which inspired her to write her first series, the Sevenwaters Trilogy. She attended the University of Otago, where she studied music and languages, graduating with a BA and Bachelor of Music (Hons).
Juliet’s passion for history, folklore, and mythology has heavily influenced her writing.
Juliet has authored twenty-one historical fantasy novels, catering to both adults and young adults, along with a collection of short stories. Her novels and short stories have won numerous awards.
She currently resides in Perth, Western Australia, in a 110-year-old cottage located in a riverside suburb. In her free time, Juliet cares for her small pack of rescue dogs.
She is also a proud mother of four adult children and eight grandchildren. Juliet is an active member of the druid order OBOD (the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids).
Editoral Review
In Flame of Sevenwaters, Juliet Marillier continues her masterful storytelling of the Sevenwaters world with an intriguing and emotional tale of magic, love, and sacrifice. Marillier has proven time and again that she is a master of the historical fantasy genre, and in Flame of Sevenwaters, she once again delivers an engaging and immersive read.
The novel takes place several years after the events of Seer of Sevenwaters, and follows Maeve, daughter of Sean and Aisling of Sevenwaters, as she navigates the challenges of love and duty. Maeve discovers that she has a rare and powerful gift for flame-craft, and this talent puts her in danger when she is targeted by those who seek to use her abilities for their own gain.
Meanwhile, Maeve must navigate her romantic feelings for the mysterious and enigmatic Aodhan, all while struggling to balance her duties to her family and her own desires. As always, Marillier’s prose is rich and evocative, bringing the world of Sevenwaters to life with vivid detail.
The landscape of the novel is lush and immersive, and Marillier’s descriptions of the woods, lakes, and rivers are so vivid that readers will feel like they are walking alongside Maeve as she journeys through the countryside. Marillier’s characters are equally compelling, with Maeve and Aodhan standing out in particular as complex and multifaceted individuals.
Maeve’s struggles to balance duty and desire will resonate with many readers, just as Aodhan’s tragic past will tug at their heartstrings. In terms of themes, Flame of Sevenwaters touches on many of the same ideas that Marillier has explored in her previous novels.
The importance of family, the power of love, and the role of magic in our lives are all prominent, and Marillier handles these topics with skill and sensitivity. The novel also touches on more timely issues, such as the dangers of greed and the importance of protecting those who are vulnerable.
Overall, Flame of Sevenwaters is a worthy addition to Juliet Marillier’s already impressive body of work. Fans of historical fantasy and those who have followed the Sevenwaters series since its inception will not be disappointed.
With its lush prose, complex characters, and timeless themes, Flame of Sevenwaters is a book that is sure to captivate readers from beginning to end. If the novel has any flaws, it is perhaps that it can be slow-paced at times, particularly in the middle sections.
Some readers may also find the romantic aspects of the novel to be overly melodramatic. However, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise impressive novel.
In conclusion, Flame of Sevenwaters is a must-read for fans of historical fantasy and anyone who loves a good, character-driven story. With its immersive world-building, engaging characters, and timely themes, Flame of Sevenwaters is a novel that is sure to resonate with readers long after they have turned the final page.
The Washington Post rates it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
