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

damn that was good

I am usually too lazy to bother doing this, yet here I am doing it

Really interesting!

What if the Vikings were complicated humans rather like we are? What if there was a psychopath in their midst as well as real multidimensional women who are different from each other? What if the characters were in a really grim situation that was more than the usual conflict? The historical detail is very good and there’re is philosophy as well as magic. Very thoughtful, thorough and complex.

Getting A Little Too Old For Her Books...

This was just like any of her other books. Clever/dark haired seedy character who's intent is extremely apparent, righteous/seemingly simple/muscular fellow who is more than he appears, smart/spiritual/slight leading lady who is beautiful and prefers being a tom boy vs. being a proper lady, and (!!spoiler alert!!) everyone ends up well off/royal.

Now to that point, it was enjoyable. The narrator did an excellent job with all of the accents and especially narrating a story from a male's point of view.

Juliet has a beautiful talent for describing landscapes and painting a scene. Her writing is skilled and very pleasing to hear. She really knows how to build up tension and give a gratifying ending. However, her storytelling ability is a bit lacking in diversity (Which is ironic since being a good storyteller is another common character aspect you'll find in her books).

With all that being said, I believe this is going to be the last book I read of hers. These books just don't captivate me like they used to. I think I'm just getting too old. I'll probably reread a few once my daughter is old enough to introduce these books to.

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.

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!

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!

Loved the book!

Juliet Marillier does it again. The tale transports you to the time of the Vikings. It opened a doorway into their motives and lives. The narrator was amazing.

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.

A wonderful fantasy adventure from one of the very best.

If you’ve read Juliet Marillier before, I need only say that this is another really wonderful storyline which she treats with her familiar mastery.
If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of discovering her; just believe me when I say she’s one of the very best writers of fantasy ever. If you love fantasy, you’re going to love this book. And afterwards I highly recommend the, Blackthorn and Grim, Bridei, and Sevenwaters series.
Since first discovering her, I’ve devoured nearly every book she’s written, so I’m biased in the sense that this is one of my all time favorite writers. Still, I think my reasons are sound.
This is is really good fantasy.

A bore fest

I muscled through this book because of the credit. I wanted to like this book. 20 hours in I figured I may as well finish it. The narrator was amazing and this books only saving grace.

Thoroughly recommended if u enjoy historic fantasy

Excellent read & good narration. Reminiscent of modern-day GA Henty with slightly less epic parameters so far. Looking forward to the next installment which I hope & anticipate will expand upon the foundations of this 1st Bk.

Enjoyable historical fantasy

A reread of a book I have read before. I love Juliet Mariller so I have pretty much read everything of hers. I only remembered bits of this story apart from the "bad guy" Somerled - strange how that happens isn't it?
As usual there is peril and romance but I'd forgotten how sad this is too as a culture is invaded and altered forever by another culture. Although you know there will be a "happy" ending of sorts, as a listener you also know there is no going back either.
I liked the reader but had to speed it up slightly - but I pretty much always do that so it's not a criticism.

I am very much looking forward to listening to the sequel as I know that I absolutely loved it when I read it first.

Mesmerising and complex

A wonderful story, so full, complex, mystical and involving. Brilliant characters, finely drawn, and unexpected twists and turns. Ultimately a satisfying ending too.

'total immersion in another world' therapy.

had read the book several years ago. couldn't remember much of it. loved hearing it and really enjoyed the reader.

Gripping tale of bravery, betrayal & love

This story is so good! Definitely one of the best Juliet Marillier novel's to date. Rich characters, an intricately woven story brought to life with excellent narration from Saskia Maarleveld.