The Well of Shades

Bridei Chronicles, Book 3

By: Juliet Marillier

Narrated by: Michael Page

Length: 21 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

Juliet Marillier continues the epic fantasy begun with The Dark Mirror, which Interzone called: "A fascinating evocation of life in Pictish England and an emotional roller coaster of a story." King Bridei is a man with a mission. His wish to unite his kingdom seems almost within his grasp but there are forces working to undo his dream. He sends Faolan, his most trusted advisor (who is also a master assassin and spymaster) out into the world to ferret out the truth of who is friend and who is foe. Along the way Faolan will uncover many truths. Some may hold the key to Bridei's future. But more important, they may unlock the secrets that Faolan has held deep within his soul for decades. And offer him the chance of redemption.

©2006 Juliet Marillier (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Another great book in Marillier's vast collection

I've grown to enjoy well over a dozen of Marillier's books and have enjoyed each one. This one is no different in that regard. I always find mixed feelings at the end of her series, since I enjoy them and always wish there were more to continue. This author has the ability to draw you in to the story and become vested in it's characters.

In regard to the performance, my only small criticism is the voice of Ella didn't seem to match her age in my mind, though the other female characters were much better. Other than that, I have nothing I'd point out and it doesn't take away from my overall enjoyment of the performance. The male voices were well done and distinct., which I did enjoy.

Overall, I'd recommend this entire series, as I have with numerous by Marillier. They are well worth your time.

Wash there was a 4th in this series!

Wonderful historical fantasy. Main characters are so nicely developed that it’s a pleasure to hear and leaves me wanting to learn more about the culture and more about the fictional characters!

Magical

Beautifully told. Marillier is a master storyteller. I love everything she does. Narrated well. Loved it.

Ending is a little disappointing

I was engaged with this story until the end. The villain is a complete idiot and is not believable and something occurs to Ella that makes no sense and isn't likely to have happened at all except it's obvious the author included it to make the climax more tense. It's not good when climax becomes a bore to the reader and they no longer really care what happens. This ending had that effect on me. I ignored this book for days in middle of climax and finally decided to just finish it so I could start something else. Ending was so neat and unrealistic that it took a great story and knocked it to a mediocre one. I love happy endings but they need to be reasonably realistic to be believable and the villain has to be smart or they suck as a villain. 2nd book is best of the series in my opinion.

Magic

Juliet Marillier is magical, as always. I hope she never ever stops writing. Each book/series is absolutely enthralling and I cannot wait to start the next one, like right now

Best of the series.

I enjoyed all three of the books but think that this was definitely the best one.
As in the case of the seven waters series I am very sad to see this one come to an end.
Wish there were more.

a very good story well read and performed

a good story of the rewards and trials of keeping faith, of love. This the third and final book of the series, end wells. Overall a very good and entertaining read. would recommend the whole trilogy.

Book 2 was my favorite

This story was long winded. I loved Faolan in book 2 but he and Ella began to bore me mid way through book 2. Overall it was a good story but became predictable and repetitive.

Juliet Marillier, fast becoming a favorite author

really enjoyed this trilogy! very well written story, and Michael Page did a wonderful job narrating.

Best of the series

I was enthralled throughout. My heart broke and was mended and was melted through the different relationships in The Well of Shades. This book is by far the best of the Bridei Chronicles and I wish there was more to look forward to. Highly recommended!