Wolfskin

The Light Isles

By: Juliet Marillier

Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld

Length: 23 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

All young Eyvind ever wanted was to become a great Viking warrior - a Wolfskin - and perform honorable deeds out in the name of his War fathergod, Thor. He can think of no future more glorious. And the chance to make it happen is his when his older brother Ulf is brought the tale of a magical land across the sea, a place where men with courage could go to conquer a land and bring glory to themselves. They set out to find this fabled land and discover a windswept and barren place, but one filled with unexpected beauty and hidden treasures...and a people who are willing to share their bounty.

Ulf's new settlement begins in harmony with the natives of the isles led by the gentle king Engus. And Eyvind finds a treasure of his own in the young Nessa, niece of the king, seer, and princess. His life will change forever as she claims his heart for her own.

But someone has come along to this new land who is not what he seems. Eyvind's heartfriend, Somerled, the strange and lonely boy Eyvind befriended so long ago has a secret - and his own plans for the future. The blood oath that they swore in childhood binds them in lifelong loyalty, and Somerled is calling in the debt of honor. What he asks might just doom Evyind to kill the only thing that he has ever truly loved.

Will the price of honor create the destruction of all that Eyvind holds dear?

Critically acclaimed fantasist Juliet Marillier returns with the start of a new fantasy saga, a wonderful love story set amidst high adventure. Wolfskin, the first book in The Light Isles series, is a lush tale of the clash between the warlike Norsemen and the mysterious and magical people who live at the top of the world in the land that will become Scotland - and it is the story of the man and woman who forge a bond that will remake their world.

©2002 Juliet Marillier (P)2018 Recorded Books

Good reading

I struggled in the beginning of this book thinking I wasn't going to make it through it. But as always Juliet Marillier drew me in and hooked me. It is a tragic tale but yet shines with hope.

Hooray for dialogue!

This is a gripping novel that leans less on fantastical creations in favor of strong character development.

So often I’m frustrated by authors who keep the storyline in suspense by preventing their characters from revealing vital and relevant information. I’m always taken out of the story when a character fails to simply speak their mind or share an important detail. It’s not logical and it’s not what human beings do; rather it’s more so a lazy device to keep the plot going without having to create layers within the story line.

Juliette Marillier does not fail us here. Every time a character spoke during a pivotal scene (and there were many) I could physically feel my shoulders drop in relief. All the characters’ thoughts and words mirrored my perception of what people would naturally be feeling in such a moment.

I applaud this author, not just for her imaginative and engaging story, but for her complex characters and intelligent dialogue. However, I didn’t enjoy the Disney Princess conclusion which felt very much like an airport romance novel. But that’s just me, of course, and perhaps some readers really loved that.

Great narration as well! I’m blown away by Saskia’s ability to interpret so many personalities with just one voice.

Gorgeous and Heartbreaking

Juliet Marillier is a masterful storyteller. Her characters are round and complex. Her worlds lush and real. Her plots enthralling and sometimes soul crushing. Excellent narration added to this epic story and made it an incredible listen.

Marillier is the best!!

I love her books and have been waiting for Wolfskin! She didn't disappoint, this book is great and I'm looking forward to the next in this series!

I've read this and love it

the narrator is amazing and does a fantastic job with accents. I'm going to look for more narrated by her!

JM doesn’t disappoint.

I don’t usually listen to this long of audio books but love this author so gave it a chance and am glad I did.
Well thought out, exciting, suitable complex, satisfying book.

Highly Recommended!

I enjoyed this story immensely! The narration was very well done and the story well worth the listen. The was my first experience listening to a book by this author. I'll definitely listen to book 2 and watch for other books by this author.

A story you never want to end!!

This story was so well written and read that I couldn't wait for the next chance I had to listen to it again, even if it was only 5 min. The narrator's ability to play the part of so many roles and so many voices and change of accents only added to the depth of the story. I cant wait to hear the next book in the series!

Really great story and character development.

Good characters, good story, a little too long but all in all a good listen.

Ms. Marillier does it again!

Her books are just great! More, more, more. another of hers I love! These books transport to another time and place.. one full of mystery and magic. I am sad when each one ends as I enjoy the realm she creates so much. Thanks!