The Well of Shades

Oh, wow. Oh really, really wow. Finally, Faolan's thoughts begin to turn back towards the light, and the history of his life becomes the forefront of this book. Oh, and remember Drustan's guard from Blade of Fortriu? Well, now we learn more, much more about him.

This is a dark book, as the principle female character, Eile, is a victim of childhood rape by her stepfather and has a three-year-old daughter. Her dealing with the world is right on, and while her healing may be a little fast for reality, it does fit in with the pace of the story.

And then you have more character development with Tuala (yes, really), and Ana's younger sister who is just a spoiled, chaotic young girl whose havoc adds much of the plot twists in this excellent show more telling of the tale. Really, really liked it. show less

Of the three books in the series, this was by far my favourite. The main character was interesting and his story-line kept me reading. Because the book had a few storylines, I was always dissapointed when it would transition over to a sub-plot, and away from Faolan's story. Its been a while since I stayed up until 2am reading, and not finish the book - this is one of those books. Juliet Marillier is a great author who puts so much into her stories and characters that it is always sad when they are over.

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 show more 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. show less

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. show more 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. show less

There are books that make you forget the real world and wish you were in the story. There are books that mess into reality in a way you don't remember who or where you are the instant you stop reading. Juliet Marillier can write books like these. The Bridei Chronicles has some of the best characters ever. Human, passionate, real. It's impossible not to fall in love with them.

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.

I could barely put this down. I lost much sleep. I'm thrilled to know there are more titles in this series forthcoming. Also thrilled to know she has several other series to explore down the road. I love a good historical fiction with substance, and the fantasy and the locale and period are the icing on the cake for me.