The Well Of Shades (Bridei Trilogy) (2006)

I just love Juliet Marillier's books and could hardly put this one down. This is the third book of The Bridei Chronicles. Faolan is Bridei's trusted advisor (master assassin and spymaster), and also a Gael. He takes the central role in this book, being sent by Bridei to his homeland. There he must keep his promises made to Ana in the last book to return to his home and see what has become of his family. In Erin he gains three travelling companions, an angry young woman called Eile, along with her small daughter and a dog.

Running alongside the story of Faolan is Bridei's rule of Fortriu which is fraught with difficulty. Tuala learns who her father is and Ana's younger sister Breda, princess of the Light Isles, pays a visit to court. Unlike Ana, Breda is jealous and restless and when she executes a plan to have things they way she would like it, chaos results.

Another fantastic tale from one of my favourite authors. ( )

Faolan is a man unmoved by sentiment, a man with no room in his life for friends and no thought given to love. Or at least that is the man he was before Briar Wood and all the tragedies that befell there. Now Faolan is on a new mission, one he hopes that will close the wounds torn open in his past journey to the north. Faolan is returning to Ireland to fulfil a Kings mission, to fulfil a dying wish and to fulfil a promise.

After delivering heartbreaking news, hiding a fugitive, being captured, facing his demons and accepting new responsibilities, Faolan is finally able to concentrate on the Kings mission but he does not do it alone. Once again Faolan is travelling in the company of a woman, only this time she is no princess and she is carrying a lot of baggage, both emotionally and in the form of a small child.

Back in Fortriu King Bridei is facing trials of his own with family going missing, threats from within his kingdom and within his home, Christian travellers making demands that will upset the gods, once allies and friends plotting against him, and secrets and lies filling the court and endangering those he loves. It is a dangerous and volatile time for Kings and Queens, assassins, maidens, chieftains and children alike.

The Well Of Shades is a journey into the past where darkness lurks within and hope is ever present. The final chapter in this engrossing trilogy is a masterpiece in which myth, history and fantasy blend seamlessly together to create a tale of a people whose lives, challenges and loves are as sincere in their depictions as they are in their genuine ability to affect us. A truly precious story that I loved. ( )

Cuidado com o Dálmata - The Well of Shades ( )

This is the story of Faolan and Eile coming to terms with their lives and learning to love. The character here are absolutely fascinating, and while the beginning of the book starts out slow, I still couldnt put it down. This is a love story, but it is also one of redemption, forgiveness, and courage to go on even when you believe you cant. Faolan is an intriguing figure and Eile is the kind of heroine all readers will understand and wish to know in person. I truly hope there is a continuing of the series, especially one that includes the future lives of Derelei and Saraid. Amazing and addictive. Marillier has a gift for storytelling that draws in a reader until there is no escape. ( )

After The Blade of Fortriu, we pick up with Faolan's story. As is usually the case with Juliet Marillier's work, the ending is not a surprise, but the way that she takes us there keeps the reader guessing all the way. ( )