Blade of Fortriu (original 2006; edition 2005)

Book Two of The Bridei Chronicles (Bridei Trilogy): This book carries on the story of young king Bridei who has held the throne of Fortriu for five years now. His preparations for war include Ana; the captive princess of the Light Isles who has been held hostage at the court of Fortriu for many years. Bridei strategically plans to wed Ana in an effort to forge alliances. Ana will travel north to marry Alpin of Briar Wood who Bridei hopes with aid him in his effort to rid Fortriu of the Gaelic invaders.

Escorting Ana on her journey is Bridei's assassin and spy, Faolan. Their ill-fated journey includes a terrible flash flood, death, a mysterious prisoner as well as a future husband who is not what he seems to be.

A great read. ( )

Book 2 of a Trilogy. This fantasy is set in Britain, but revolves more around the Picts, the pre-Celtics inhabitants of part of the Isles. The romance is more pronounced, and better handled, than in some of her earlier work. ( )

Five years, and a life time, have gone into this, and now after all this time King Bridei is ready to march into battle to unite his people, to drive out the invaders, to save the gods he loves. As with every war there are uncertainties, and for Bridei the north holds one of these; Alpin of Briar Wood.

As a hostage and princess of Fortriu Ana's duty compels her to agree to an arranged marriage to a man of unknown character but of fearful reputation. For Bidei's sake, and that of Fortriu, Faolan, Ana and a small party set out northward in the hopes of securing an alliance for the King. However no one could have predicted the horrors of what awaited them.

Lives are about to change through war, imprisonment, freedom, truth, love and death. Bridie faces an uncertain future where death seems the only outcome. Ana follows duty to a fault until she learns there are more important things in life. Faolan is a man unmoved by emotions but will find new strength in his weaknesses. A secret prisoner is held by bonds of blood and guilt and one very big cage until love sets him free.

The Blade Of Fortriu is a symbol of hope and courage to a people who's lives, land and religion are under threat from invaders. However the Blade of Fortriu is much more then a symbol or an idea, it is a man, the one man fated to unite a land. As people are change, loves are found, hearts are broken and lives are taken, this story, part history, part myth, part fantasy, will capture your imagination as well as your heart. ( )

I didnt really like this one as much as the first book. I don't know why. The writing is just the same quality as in The Dark Mirror, but that book seemed to have more depth and more heart than this. I always get sad when Main Characters from the 1st book are pushed to the back to make room for New Characters in book 2. I wished for more Bridei-Tuala interaction, as they were the most important characters in the first story (I mean, come on: it's called the BRIDEI Chronicles...) Faolan and Ana were interesting, but they didnt hold my interest. I kept asking, "Why are Bridei and Tuala suddenly 'Boring?'" So anyway. I dont really have much else to say, except that the story was alright, but not as deep or heart-felt as its predecessor. ( )

I loved this story. Here, Marillier continues her wonderful use of history and magic to create a unique tale that you remember long after you have read it. Ana's plight is heartwrenching, and against all odds I actually found myself falling a little bit in love with Faolan. I loved seeing Bridei and Tuala still happy after the first book, and I cannot wait to see where the future takes little Derelei ( )