Daughter of the Forest

Sevenwaters, Book 1

By: Juliet Marillier

Narrated by: Terry Donnelly

Length: 26 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's Summary

Lovely Sorcha is the seventh child and only daughter of Lord Colum of Sevenwaters. Bereft of a mother, she is comforted by her six brothers who love and protect her. Sorcha is the light in their lives and they are determined that she know only contentment. But Sorcha's joy is shattered when her father is bewitched by his new wife, an evil enchantress who binds her brothers with a terrible spell, a spell which only Sorcha can lift - by staying silent.

If she speaks before she completes the quest set to her by the Fair Folk and their queen, the Lady of the Forest, she will lose her brothers forever. When Sorcha is kidnapped by the enemies of Sevenwaters and taken to a foreign land, she is torn between the desire to save her beloved brothers, and a love that comes only once. Sorcha despairs that she will never able to complete her task, but the magic of the Fair Folk knows no boundaries, and love is the strongest magic of them all....

©2000 Juliet Marillier (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Ridiculous and depressing, even for fantasty

***This review includes spoilers and a trigger warning***

I often read fantasy series, but this book was a huge letdown. I did listen to the book in its entirety, but will not be reading any further. Although the story is depressing and not historically accurate, those are not the things that caused me to disregard finishing the series. The main character is in her early teens and, for no reason at all, the author describes in detail her gang rape. It had nothing to do with the storyline and makes no difference overall. I find it very unacceptable that authors continue to have female characters raped as if this is necessary for their growth as a person/character, especially when it has nothing at all to do with the story. In addition, the end of the story has a very quick turn of events into a "happily ever after", which also made no sense; this "happy" ending provides no relief for the depressing story and completely disregards all the suffering. The characters are told that all the suffering was for the sole purpose of ensuring two characters marry and love each other (with the female character being just 16 years old), and very few details are provided to explain what happens to all the brothers. It is beyond unbelievable, even for a fantasy series, that this very long story full of death and suffering for so many characters was all just to ensure a 16 year old girl could find love and marry, and then toss all these other characters and subplots aside. I regret having spent so much time listening to this book and wish I would have skipped it.

One of my All-Time Favorites

This was a re-read of one of my all-time favorite fantasy books and I have to tell you I loved it just as much the second time through as I did the first and listening to the audio version only enhanced my love of it.

I still loved the characters of Sorcha & Red, this whole story is so beautifully written, Juliet Marillier is such a fabulous writer!

I thoroughly enjoyed this fairytale re-telling (The Wild Swans by, Hans Christian Andersen), this is not a story for the faint of heart, just a warning there is a rape scene, and this love story which to me is so secondary to Sorcha’s quest is chaste and doesn’t overpower the book at all. Sorcha’s quest will break your heart and it amazed me still even on re-reading/listening what a great strong woman she was.

I enjoyed the “magical” elements the Fair Folk and the Druids it all seems so normal and everyday that you totally believe these people truly lived in this time.


This was my first time listening to Terry Donnelly as a narrator at first I wasn’t sure about her because I was expecting more of an Irish accent from the characters at Sevenwaters but she really grew on me and I was enrapt with the book by the end and was very happy with her narration, I thought she put just the right amount of venom in the Uncle Richard’s voice. I see she narrates another one later in the series and I look forward to it and would definitely listen to this narrator again.

As I said I love Juliet Marillier’s writing she knows how to weave a tale so well that you believe every word. If you are a fan of the quest type fantasy give this series a try.

Still 5 Stars

Couldn't turn it off

Read the reviews, checked out the sample of narration, and dove in. I found this book unpredictable and suspenseful. I devoured it in 4 days.

A couple of other reviews criticized the narrator's pace, which I had no issue with. It was as though she were telling the story to me, rather than just reading it. I found her pace seductive rather than a source of irritation. Her characters, male and female alike, were pitch perfect. Her accents were also authentic. ( You'll know what I mean if you ever get stuck in a book with an American narrator trying to "do" English/Irish accents and succeeding not at all. This is not one of those narrators). Highly recommend this book.

Glad I didn't give up on this book

I almost stopped listening after the first couple hours. The narrator is way too gusty and melodramatic, and pacing overall is slow. Then I checked the reviews and saw a few people recommending 1.25x and 1.5x speed. Unfortunately 1.5x was too garbled for me to understand (I think it was the rougher accents that got clipped), but 1.25x brought it up to a normal speaking pace, which was bearable.

To add to that advice, you should be liberal with the 30 second skip button. When the main character starts dreaming of her home or her family, she can go on and on and on and on, and we've heard it all before. Skip skip skip.

My rating is actually more like a 3.5 given my manual intervention, but I have to be honest - I got hooked somewhere in the middle, so I'm rounding up to a 4. Just don't be afraid to skip ahead a minute or two (especially during the antagonist's diatribes)!

Compelling story--but only at 1.5x

Trust me when I say that if you don't listen to this book via the Audible app so that you can speed it up to 1.5 (and 2.0 when the villain gives a creepy lecture), you'll either give up quickly or else want to tear your hair out before long. The narrator's dragging, snoozey pace and melodramatic, drawn-out wail will make you want to throw things.

HOWEVER: If you speed it up, she'll sound quite normal! Before I did so, I was hitting myself for not just buying the paper book. But after a few chapters of misery, I thought I'd try out the various speeds and settled with 1.5x...and then suddenly, I was listening to an honestly compelling story.

This is an elaborate retelling of an old fairytale made painfully, intricately human and present. It's no lighthearted fare, and far from a YA tone or style. Sadly, it probably won't attract as many male readers as it should since the main character is a young woman--even though her six brothers factor strongly into the story as characters you come to know well, and even though this is *hardly* a soppy romance (it's anything but that). It's brutal enough--and emotionally complex enough that instead, I wouldn't suggest this if you want a light fantasy adventure for your commute. It's character-driven by far and nothing comes tied up in bows. Hard times and more hard times. No easy answers and no easy justice.

My main criticism would be that it's overlong with its explication and is at times redundant, but that's why I'd say it's a good choice for an audiobook. If you listen at the speed I Forcefully Recommend, you'll probably only have brief moments when you wish she'd move forward, whereas I imagine otherwise skimming long paragraphs in a book while feeling you're missing something.

Overall, this is a very thoughtful, well-told story that gripped me on many levels. Not sure if I'll continue with the series, but there's goodness in that too, especially in the context of today's publishing world of cheaply-plotted, hurriedly dashed-off first-draft trilogies that make you buy at least three books to get any resolution. This is a stand-alone book that doesn't leave you empty or require you to soldier on to find a satisfying conclusion. Recommended for anyone who knows what they're getting into!

Daughter of the Forest

I put off buying this book because I thought it would just be another fairy tale retold. I bought it in an Audible Sale and it is nice to know I was wrong. The series is wonderful. Magic, twists and turns. Very well done. The narrator is very good! I plan to listen to the remainder of the series.

Magic and Misery

Nearly 27 hours of magic and misery, mostly misery. I kept listening, hoping for redemption and joy but it never came. Though the happy end is completely predictable; it lacks the detailed description of the dark side of this tale. The author doesn't need foreshadowing: each time there's a chance for something good to happen, it turns out that something terrible and cruel ensues. The pattern is repeated ad infinitum. Except for the fact that this is a series, I half expected her to kill off her protagonist instead of saving her from the pyre. No more Marillier for me.

i am addicted!

wasn't sure if i was going to be able to get into this book...only because of the cadence of the narrator. there was a long pause between thoughts, or sentences that was quite distracting through almost all of the first part. but it seems by the second part she gained her stride and the story started flowing well as it should.
now, i am sooo glad i persevered, because i LOVED this story !!! the narrators voice has such depth, and emotion that it brought the story to life. i am now ready for the second book, and excited to get more of this story under way.

Disappointed

I recently finished the Bridei Chronicles and loved them. I was hesitant about reading them, and didn’t have high hopes about a series by Marillier. I had attempted listening to Hearts Blood, which I couldn’t finish because it was such a slog. Since people rave about Marillier and the Seven Waters series I decided to give it a try. I’m sad to say that I found Daughter of the Forest a slog as well. The book lacks character development. I never found myself invested in any of the characters. Neither does she bring the settings to life. In a book of this length it means willing your way through long hours hoping it will take off soon. It never does.
The narrator does a very poor job. The simpering weeny-whiney voice used for our heroine in the book is contrary to the character and made it hard to keep listening. A different narrator might have made all the difference for this story.

Overly-detailed but good

This book could have been much shorter and it would not have lost anything. I'd say around 20% shorter. There is way too much detail about her early life.

Having said that, Juliet Marillier is a great writer and weaves her tale deftly, if a little too verbosely. I did very much like the characters and her prose is almost poetic at times. That fits because the book is really a sort of extended fairy tale and that, in this case, is a good thing.

Terry Donnelly is a great reader for all of the characters and is especially good when portraying the evil ones. I always appreciate when female readers can portray male characters without making them sound like teenage boys. She does a great job here, no problem.

But now that I found out that the sequel is not about her and her immediate family but really more about her son, I'm less interested in getting the sequel. I grew to like these characters and wanted to experience more of their lives.

Spellbinding! I highly recommend this book

What did you like most about Daughter of the Forest?

I read the book years ago and loved it and the audio book brought it all back to life again. I can't wait to start on the second book in the series. The characters are true and life like, the story is gripping and the narration did the book justice in every way.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I don't have a favourite character. I liked them all for different reasons.

Have you listened to any of Terry Donnelly’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No. But I will look for other books narrated by Terry Donnelly

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

If I was on a long flight it would be perfect! Unfortunately I don't have enough spare time to listen for so long but if I could, I would.

Daughter of my heart

Would you listen to Daughter of the Forest again? Why?

Yes, most definitely. I absolutely loved this book. It was beautifully written. Not my usual genre but I was captivated from start to finish and found myself wholly invested in the characters. It's a long book but I still wanted more.

What other book might you compare Daughter of the Forest to, and why?

I haven't read a book like this before.

What about Terry Donnelly’s performance did you like?

The narrator was very good and I would listen to her again.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed, cried, and basically lived on my nerves throughout this book I was that invested in the characters.

Any additional comments?

Absolutely loved this book and was looking forward to the second book in the series, but having listened to the preview of the second book, I won't be able to as I didn't like the narrator.

A vivid and beautiful take on a classic fairy tale

The books is written beautifully with a lyrical and dreamy tone. It makes you believe that the magic under the sprawling moss-covered depths of the oak forests is real and tangible, inextricably woven into the fabric of the life of those who have eyes to see it. If you love a book for the beauty of its language and enjoy a good fairy tale, this is the read for you.
Juliet Marillier remains faithful to the story, without resorting to horrid modern crudeness. Instead the myth is made real by a beautiful love story, realistic historical background, masterly infusion of magic, unyielding sibling love and loyalty and a couple of utterly hateful villains.
I will be following this series further to discover what lies behind the couple of unresolved loose ends.

As captivating as I remember it.....

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would definitely recommend this series of books to anyone you likes a fantasy novel. There is plots and conspiracy written in a wonderful way which will keep you captivated!

What did you like best about this story?

I couldn't choose a favourite piece in the book as I really thoroughly enjoy it from beginning to end. Sorcha has is a character that you can follow with ease as she works through the turmoils set upon her by the Lady Oognah and Fairy Folk of the Forest in a quest to save her 6 brothers.

Which character – as performed by Terry Donnelly – was your favourite?

Terry Donnelly does take some getting used to. I must admit to begin with she wasn't the easiest listening voice but as the story progressed you certainly get into it and relax into her style of reading.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The whole story is a quite a moving one in different ways. You'll find yourself annoyed and saddened by events, relief and happiness as some tasks are met and achieved,

Any additional comments?

I really looking forward to listening to the rest if the series. Each book has a different narrator so we'll see if that works or not.....

Female character squashed by overbearing men

I enjoyed this book, it's well written and the narrator is perfect. However, I found myself disappointed that such an engaging main character, who was frequently described as strong and fearless was entirely subject to the male characters. The difficulties she faced and overcame seemed to count for nothing and she shrank back to nothing in the face of her overbearing and controlling brothers. A good story with a disappointing and unbelievable ending.

Old tale retold.

The plot is a story I knew but at no point did I feel it was pointless to continue listening. The settings are vividly described and the characters come to life, drawing you into their world.

Adversity and trials, grief and stress...

Hmmm- I seem to be in a minority here in that I'm not swooning with delight over this. The whole thing is a recounting of events, so has things like (I paraphrase here) "Little did we know this was to be our last happy day." , or "Three tradegies were to occur before the moon next rose" or somesuch, so you're constantly waiting for the next awful thing to happen. And boy oh boy, do they happen. Awfulness and pain and crushing burdens are heaped onto our poor young heroine, while she eats one of the most unsustainable diets imaginable, mostly bread, fruit, the odd smidgeon of cheese, a bit of barley broth, oh and bean curd (sounds a bit tofu'ish to me - did they have tofu in 1st millenium Ireland and England?).
There are the occasional lightenings of the mood, but they are brief and you know all too well that the next horror is just around the corner. There are times when I longed for a bit of editing - Richard's gloating towards the end seemed to go on for an eternity, and generally it could have been pruned without losing any of the lyricism. But I did hang on in there to the surprisingly romantic and, dare I say it, almost Mills & Boon type ending.
This is well read, with the narrator inhabiting characters from a naive 12 year old girl to seasoned warriors, I thought she read Red particularly well.
So, overall this is a not bad version of an old tale, with a stonkingly determined in the face of overwhelming adversity heroine, a stone faced, tormented and very decent hero, a two quite nasty baddies and an assorted cast of supporters. But be prepared for endless trials and tribulations - and while there is an ending to the main part of the tale, other parts are left very unfinished for the other two parts of the trilogy to deal with.

Fantasy does rape...again

This book got off to a decent start and then came the rape scene. Why do authors think traumatising women with rape improves the story? Clearly they have never experienced this for themselves. Lazy writing, from a substandard author.

Amazing Story and Narrator

I loved the story and couldn't wait to always listen to the next chapter! The narrator really gives life to each character and you can feel the emotions and imagine each scene.

Folk tales reconstructed

This unique tale held aspects of old Irish folk tales, traditions and history and was captivating in its story telling.
I had to keep reminding myself of how young the story's main character Sorcha is, as even as an adult there would not be many who could persevere though her trials. I empathised with her greatly and felt great love for her brothers. I also enjoyed the characters from both sides of the water and the way the author gave honest representation of both without favouring one over the other. I'm look forward to the next in the series.