Title: Heart’s Blood
Author: Juliet Marillier
First published October 2, 2009
405 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780230017917 (ISBN10: 0230017916)
Rating: 4.09
Overview
In the midst of a land full of secrets lies the ancient castle of the powerful and feared Lord Gideon. The once great fortress now stands in ruins and is surrounded by a curse that has haunted Gideon’s family for generations.
Only whispers of the curse are spoken, for fear of what it may bring. But for young healer Aisling, the abandoned castle is a refuge from the dangers of the world.
As she begins to unravel the mysteries of the castle and the curse that plagues it, Aisling realizes that only she can break the curse and bring peace to Lord Gideon and his people. But with danger lurking around every corner, Aisling must rely on her wit and determination to bring an end to the curse and save those she has come to love.
About the Author
Born in Dunedin, New Zealand, Juliet Marillier spent her formative years surrounded by Celtic music and tales, which fueled her passion for writing the Sevenwaters Trilogy. At the University of Otago, she studied music and languages, earning a BA and a Bachelor of Music (Hons).
Her love for history, folklore, and mythology has been a significant influence on her writing, leading her to publish twenty-one historical fantasy novels for both adults and young adults. She has also written a book of short fiction, all of which have earned numerous accolades.
Currently, Juliet resides in a quaint 110-year-old cottage located in a riverside suburb of Perth, Western Australia. When she’s not busy writing, she takes care of her pack of rescue dogs.
She also enjoys spending time with her four adult children and eight grandchildren. Juliet is a proud member of the druid order OBOD (the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids).
Editoral Review
Heart’s Blood by Juliet Marillier: A Tale of Love, Loss, and Sacrifice
A masterful storyteller, Juliet Marillier’s Heart’s Blood presents a vivid tale of supernatural romance set against a backdrop of historical Ireland. First published in 2009, this novel of epic proportions weaves together elements of folklore, fantasy, and history to create a rich tapestry of emotion and adventure.
Marillier’s signature style is evident throughout the book, as she expertly combines elements of magic and mythology with historical events and intricate character development. Her use of setting and language is particularly noteworthy, as she evokes a sense of time and place that is both authentic and immersive.
The story follows the journey of Caitrin, a young woman who flees a traumatic past and seeks refuge in a remote castle as a scribe. There she meets the enigmatic Anluan, the lord of the castle, who is plagued by a mysterious curse that threatens his existence.
Together they unravel the dark secrets of the castle and ultimately find redemption and love. The main characters are well crafted, with depth and nuance that make them relatable and compelling.
Caitrin is a strong and resilient heroine, who is determined to overcome the trauma of her past and find a new beginning. Anluan, tortured by his own past, is a complex figure who struggles to reconcile his duty and his desire for freedom.
The supporting cast is equally well drawn, adding layers of intrigue and personality to the plot. The pacing of the plot is excellent, with a careful balance of action and introspection that keeps the reader engaged.
The story flows smoothly, building tension and suspense as it unfolds. The plot structure is sound, with a satisfying resolution that ties up all loose ends.
The themes of the novel are powerful and resonant, exploring the complexity of love, loss, and sacrifice. Marillier deftly explores the human condition, illuminating the struggles and triumphs of the human spirit.
The novel also touches on issues of class, gender, and power, adding depth and relevance to the story. One minor flaw of the book is that some of the plot twists and conflicts are predictable, and the resolution of the curse is somewhat anticlimactic.
However, this is a minor quibble in the context of the overall quality of the novel. In comparison to Marillier’s other works, Heart’s Blood is a standout masterpiece.
It is similar in style and tone to her other novels, but stands out for its strong plot and memorable characters. Overall, Heart’s Blood is a brilliant and captivating work of fiction that will appeal to fans of historical romance, fantasy, and mythology.
It is a must-read for anyone who loves a good story with relatable characters and meaningful themes. I give it a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.