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Prickle Moon
Prickle Moon is a collection of Juliet Marillier’s best short fiction. It contains eleven previously published stories and five new ones. Included are the Sevenwaters novella, "’Twixt Firelight and Water", the epic Nordic story, "Otherling", and "In Coed Celyddon", a tale of the young man who would one day become King Arthur.
The title story, especially written for the collection, concerns an old Scottish wise woman facing an impossible moral dilemma.
Other new stories in the book include "By Bone-Light", a contemporary retelling of the Russian fairy tale "Vasilissa the Wise", and "The Angel of Death", a dark story about a puppy mill rescue.
The title story, especially written for the collection, concerns an old Scottish wise woman facing an impossible moral dilemma.
Other new stories in the book include "By Bone-Light", a contemporary retelling of the Russian fairy tale "Vasilissa the Wise", and "The Angel of Death", a dark story about a puppy mill rescue.
242 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2013
55 people are currently reading
2135 people want to read
About the author
Juliet Marillier
76 books12.1k followersJuliet Marillier was born in Dunedin, New Zealand and grew up surrounded by Celtic music and stories. Her own Celtic-Gaelic roots inspired her to write her first series, the Sevenwaters Trilogy. Juliet was educated at the University of Otago, where she majored in music and languages, graduating BA and Bachelor of Music (Hons). Her lifelong interest in history, folklore and mythology has had a major influence on her writing.
Juliet is the author of twenty-one historical fantasy novels for adults and young adults, as well as a book of short fiction. Juliet's novels and short stories have won many awards.
Juliet lives in a 110 year old cottage in a riverside suburb of Perth, Western Australia. When not writing, she tends to her small pack of rescue dogs. She also has four adult children and eight grandchildren. Juliet is a member of the druid order OBOD (the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids.)
Juliet is the author of twenty-one historical fantasy novels for adults and young adults, as well as a book of short fiction. Juliet's novels and short stories have won many awards.
Juliet lives in a 110 year old cottage in a riverside suburb of Perth, Western Australia. When not writing, she tends to her small pack of rescue dogs. She also has four adult children and eight grandchildren. Juliet is a member of the druid order OBOD (the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
November 19, 2017
(review in English below)
Quem me conhece sabe que não sou fã de contos. No entanto, sendo a Juliet Marillier uma das minhas autoras favoritas e com uma capa destas, foi impossível resistir.
Nesta coleção de 16 contos, a maioria é bastante olvidável. Apesar disso, houve alguns pelos quais valeu a pena ler este livro:
'Twitxt Firelight and Water conta parte da história de um personagem da saga Sevenwaters e eu teria gostado muito que essa história tivesse continuação.
Tough Love 3001 foi uma surpresa, pois não estava nada à espera de encontrar ficção científica num livro desta autora. A história envolve viagens no tempo, um curso sobre escrita criativa e crítica literária e inclui uma referência a Saramago, que achei deliciosa.
Wraith, level one foi outro dos meus favoritos, a fazer-me lembrar o filme Stand By Me (baseado no conto de Stephen King The Body). Uma história triste mas ao mesmo tempo cheia de humor.
Enfim, nada de extraordinário, recomendado apenas a fãs da Juliet Marillier e apreciadores de contos - o que já não é dizer pouco... e eu conheço pelo menos uma!
Those who know me also know that I don't like short stories. However, Juliet Marillier is one of my favourite authors and this cover is truly irresistible.
Most of the short stories in this collection of 16 are quite forgettable. Nevertheless, some of them made this reading worth while:
'Twitxt Firelight and Water tells part of the story of a Sevenwaters character and I would've loved that this story wouldn't stop here.
Tough Love 3001 was surprising, as I didn't expect to find science fiction on a book from this author. The story includes time travel, a course on creative writing and literary critique and also a delightful reference to José Saramago.
Wraith, level one was another favourite, reminding me of Stand By Me (based upon Stephen King's short story The Body). A sad and, at the same time, humorous story.
So, nothing too extraordinary, recommended only to Juliet Marillier's and short stories fans - surely a substantial group of people... and I know at least one of them!
Quem me conhece sabe que não sou fã de contos. No entanto, sendo a Juliet Marillier uma das minhas autoras favoritas e com uma capa destas, foi impossível resistir.
Nesta coleção de 16 contos, a maioria é bastante olvidável. Apesar disso, houve alguns pelos quais valeu a pena ler este livro:
'Twitxt Firelight and Water conta parte da história de um personagem da saga Sevenwaters e eu teria gostado muito que essa história tivesse continuação.
Tough Love 3001 foi uma surpresa, pois não estava nada à espera de encontrar ficção científica num livro desta autora. A história envolve viagens no tempo, um curso sobre escrita criativa e crítica literária e inclui uma referência a Saramago, que achei deliciosa.
Wraith, level one foi outro dos meus favoritos, a fazer-me lembrar o filme Stand By Me (baseado no conto de Stephen King The Body). Uma história triste mas ao mesmo tempo cheia de humor.
Enfim, nada de extraordinário, recomendado apenas a fãs da Juliet Marillier e apreciadores de contos - o que já não é dizer pouco... e eu conheço pelo menos uma!
Those who know me also know that I don't like short stories. However, Juliet Marillier is one of my favourite authors and this cover is truly irresistible.
Most of the short stories in this collection of 16 are quite forgettable. Nevertheless, some of them made this reading worth while:
'Twitxt Firelight and Water tells part of the story of a Sevenwaters character and I would've loved that this story wouldn't stop here.
Tough Love 3001 was surprising, as I didn't expect to find science fiction on a book from this author. The story includes time travel, a course on creative writing and literary critique and also a delightful reference to José Saramago.
Wraith, level one was another favourite, reminding me of Stand By Me (based upon Stephen King's short story The Body). A sad and, at the same time, humorous story.
So, nothing too extraordinary, recommended only to Juliet Marillier's and short stories fans - surely a substantial group of people... and I know at least one of them!
April 4, 2013
“Prickle Moon” was a real pleasure to read, but an uneven collection in that the target audiences for the different stories varied so much. While some of them made me shiver with delight and think – this one is aimed at me! – others made me smile wryly and acknowledge – that one was aimed at others!
The first two stories, “Prickle Moon” and “Otherling” are firmly in the former camp, aimed directly at me, nurturing nature-based magics while also managing to stare death directly in the face. They have a wounding beauty. I loved them. The next group of stories, I felt, were aimed at younger readers, and some were familiar to me, having already read The Road To Camelot and Tales for Canterbury. Sevenwaters story, “Twixt Firelight and Water,” I’d also already read, but enjoyed a second time around.
Next came a series of short romance stories that weren’t for me (I’m too cynical; is love ever quite that easy?) followed by humorous science fiction and a ghost story which, while appealing, once again seemed aimed at younger readers.
Oh, my, and then lightning struck. I think “Back and Beyond” is my favourite Juliet Marillier story ever. Huge call, I know, but the thing happened. The thing where you don’t even see the words because you are inside the story, all the hair lifted on the back of your neck and your heart in your mouth because it’s you in the moonlight searching for the path. That thing happened.
In contrast, “The Angel of Death” didn’t hit me as hard as everybody said that it would. Perhaps because none of the horrors here are surprising to me. In fact, I have seen worse. But I hope that it is shocking to others. It should be.
“By Bone-Light” was a gentle and terrible conclusion to the collection, closing the circle, speaking to the opening story, “Prickle Moon”, but bringing its own sweetness and pain.
Recommended!
The first two stories, “Prickle Moon” and “Otherling” are firmly in the former camp, aimed directly at me, nurturing nature-based magics while also managing to stare death directly in the face. They have a wounding beauty. I loved them. The next group of stories, I felt, were aimed at younger readers, and some were familiar to me, having already read The Road To Camelot and Tales for Canterbury. Sevenwaters story, “Twixt Firelight and Water,” I’d also already read, but enjoyed a second time around.
Next came a series of short romance stories that weren’t for me (I’m too cynical; is love ever quite that easy?) followed by humorous science fiction and a ghost story which, while appealing, once again seemed aimed at younger readers.
Oh, my, and then lightning struck. I think “Back and Beyond” is my favourite Juliet Marillier story ever. Huge call, I know, but the thing happened. The thing where you don’t even see the words because you are inside the story, all the hair lifted on the back of your neck and your heart in your mouth because it’s you in the moonlight searching for the path. That thing happened.
In contrast, “The Angel of Death” didn’t hit me as hard as everybody said that it would. Perhaps because none of the horrors here are surprising to me. In fact, I have seen worse. But I hope that it is shocking to others. It should be.
“By Bone-Light” was a gentle and terrible conclusion to the collection, closing the circle, speaking to the opening story, “Prickle Moon”, but bringing its own sweetness and pain.
Recommended!
February 11, 2015
Prickle Moon is a collection of short stories, most of them previously published but five of them new, and I knew I’d have to pick the book up someday because of that hedgehog on the cover. I love hedgehogs; just yesterday we rescued one from our garden which seemed too small to be out, and sent her off to a carer to spend the winter. Last winter we did that with a couple of hedgehogs; one of them died, but the second lived and was even strong enough to make a break for it. He tunnelled out with some friends and is now living under someone’s decking!
So mostly I got this for the title story, Prickle Moon, because I love my hedgehogs. Like most of the stories in this collection, it’s bittersweet; woven with loss and hope, awful tasks and finding your way through them. Some of the stories are fairytale retellings — Rapunzel, Baba Yaga — and some are new stories very much styled as fairytales, with very familiar motifs. Some of the stories are oddly modern, which jars against the more traditional and more fantastical ones. Marillier’s good at putting her characters into awful situations which require compromise with their morality, and then making it work out so that it isn’t so bad after all. She’s good at grief, and especially healed grief — the kind of grief you learn to live with and live in.
The collection also includes a Sevenwaters story. I haven’t read that series, so it took me a little while to get into it and pick up everything that was going on, but the joy in the ending, the hope, is not something you need to have read Daughter of the Forest and the other books to understand. Though, right now, I’m definitely in the mood to read more of Marillier’s work.
So mostly I got this for the title story, Prickle Moon, because I love my hedgehogs. Like most of the stories in this collection, it’s bittersweet; woven with loss and hope, awful tasks and finding your way through them. Some of the stories are fairytale retellings — Rapunzel, Baba Yaga — and some are new stories very much styled as fairytales, with very familiar motifs. Some of the stories are oddly modern, which jars against the more traditional and more fantastical ones. Marillier’s good at putting her characters into awful situations which require compromise with their morality, and then making it work out so that it isn’t so bad after all. She’s good at grief, and especially healed grief — the kind of grief you learn to live with and live in.
The collection also includes a Sevenwaters story. I haven’t read that series, so it took me a little while to get into it and pick up everything that was going on, but the joy in the ending, the hope, is not something you need to have read Daughter of the Forest and the other books to understand. Though, right now, I’m definitely in the mood to read more of Marillier’s work.
April 15, 2013
Note: I happily purchased the signed limited edition hardcover of "Prickle Moon". For one, Marillier is one of my favourite authors, and an instant-buy. And for two, the cover was illustrated by my friend Pia Ravenari, and is just utterly gorgeous. So, yes, I have a bias for this book. But even without that bias, I always feel that Ticonderoga limited edition copies are always worth the outlay - they are beautiful objects, and "Prickle Moon" is no different.
Marillier is an author who clearly prefers to write novels instead of short stories, and this does show a little in this collection. There are a few amazing stories included (which are well worth the cover price of any version), but some of the others are a little uneven. There is, however, true beauty and wonder in all of them, even in some of the most wrenching ones to read.
The titular story, "Prickle Moon", begins the collection and is new in print. The voice in this piece is just amazing, and you can feel the love that Marillier has for her subject matter in every line. "Otherling" is a reprint, but pairs well with "Prickle Moon", with both heavily featuring nature and nature magic, with a good dose of historical feel.
Some pure fairy tale follows, with "Let Down Your Hair", a gorgeous retelling of Rapunzel, and "Poppy Seeds". There is Arthurian mythos in "In Coed Cellydon", and a story of hope in "Juggling Silver".
The longest story in the book is "'Twixt Firelight and Water", which fills in part of Marillier's epic historical Sevenwaters series. Like the Sevenwaters books, this draws on myth and magic and history to create something amazing.
The next stories that follow are where some of the unevenness of the collection shows. It's not that any of the stories are bad - and reading through Marillier's afterward which explains the target of some of these stories, it's understandable that they don't fit quite perfectly into the magic of the other stories in the collection. Overall, they feel more like they were written for a specific publication, and didn't spark from some deep magic, as the other tales do.
At the end of the collection, however, come some of the best stories. "Back and Beyond" perhaps filters some of Marillier's own experiences with cancer, and is beautiful and hopeful and heart-wrenching at the same time. "Angel of Death" takes place in a puppy mill, and Marillier's love of animals (and for her own rescue dogs) shines clear.
For me, the best story in "Prickle Moon" is the last, "By Bone-Light", a retelling of Vasilissa the Fair, complete with Baba Yaga lurking in the basement of an apartment building. Everything in this story lives and breathes pure magic, and highlights Marillier at her mythic best. This story is original to the collection.
Overall, "Prickle Moon" is highly recommended, if you're a fan of Marillier in general, if you love fairy tales, if you love myth and truly amazing storytelling. And if you haven't read Marillier before, then this is a great place to start before diving into her larger books.
Marillier is an author who clearly prefers to write novels instead of short stories, and this does show a little in this collection. There are a few amazing stories included (which are well worth the cover price of any version), but some of the others are a little uneven. There is, however, true beauty and wonder in all of them, even in some of the most wrenching ones to read.
The titular story, "Prickle Moon", begins the collection and is new in print. The voice in this piece is just amazing, and you can feel the love that Marillier has for her subject matter in every line. "Otherling" is a reprint, but pairs well with "Prickle Moon", with both heavily featuring nature and nature magic, with a good dose of historical feel.
Some pure fairy tale follows, with "Let Down Your Hair", a gorgeous retelling of Rapunzel, and "Poppy Seeds". There is Arthurian mythos in "In Coed Cellydon", and a story of hope in "Juggling Silver".
The longest story in the book is "'Twixt Firelight and Water", which fills in part of Marillier's epic historical Sevenwaters series. Like the Sevenwaters books, this draws on myth and magic and history to create something amazing.
The next stories that follow are where some of the unevenness of the collection shows. It's not that any of the stories are bad - and reading through Marillier's afterward which explains the target of some of these stories, it's understandable that they don't fit quite perfectly into the magic of the other stories in the collection. Overall, they feel more like they were written for a specific publication, and didn't spark from some deep magic, as the other tales do.
At the end of the collection, however, come some of the best stories. "Back and Beyond" perhaps filters some of Marillier's own experiences with cancer, and is beautiful and hopeful and heart-wrenching at the same time. "Angel of Death" takes place in a puppy mill, and Marillier's love of animals (and for her own rescue dogs) shines clear.
For me, the best story in "Prickle Moon" is the last, "By Bone-Light", a retelling of Vasilissa the Fair, complete with Baba Yaga lurking in the basement of an apartment building. Everything in this story lives and breathes pure magic, and highlights Marillier at her mythic best. This story is original to the collection.
Overall, "Prickle Moon" is highly recommended, if you're a fan of Marillier in general, if you love fairy tales, if you love myth and truly amazing storytelling. And if you haven't read Marillier before, then this is a great place to start before diving into her larger books.
November 23, 2012
I was lucky enough to read an ARC of this wonderful book, which really showcases Juliet Marillier's wide range and depth of talent. Don't want to say too much till it's published; but make sure you order a copy, it's not to be missed!
November 24, 2017
Prickle moon - ...
Otherling - 4*
Let down your hair - 3*
Poppy seeds - 4,5*
In coed celyddon - 3*
Juggling silver - 3*
Twixt Fireligth and water - 5*
Gift of hope - 4*
Letters for Robert - 3*
Jack's day - 3*
Far horizons - 3*
Tough love 3001 - 2*
Waith, level one - 4*
Back and beyond - 3*
The angel of death - 3*
By bone-light - 4*
Otherling - 4*
Let down your hair - 3*
Poppy seeds - 4,5*
In coed celyddon - 3*
Juggling silver - 3*
Twixt Fireligth and water - 5*
Gift of hope - 4*
Letters for Robert - 3*
Jack's day - 3*
Far horizons - 3*
Tough love 3001 - 2*
Waith, level one - 4*
Back and beyond - 3*
The angel of death - 3*
By bone-light - 4*
June 9, 2019
What can I say, just loved it mostly because is a different kind of work of my favorite writer but also because it gave me the same thrill her first books always gave me and it was soo good to return to the Sevenwaters world, and I never thought that this tale of Sevenwaters could surprise me, enchanted me, and satisfied me as it did. Thanks, again Juliet and you did it once more
July 31, 2022
Some stories I loved, some I loved a bit less, but overall a wonderful collection. The title story, Poppy Seeds, Otherling and 'Twixt Firelight and Water were my favourites!
January 2, 2023
I actually started this book a year ago but the styling of the first story out me off a lot
I came across it again and was already onto the next story so actually didn't realise it was the same book until the end 😂
Which is actually the reason I read it.
My favourite story of course is the longest one from the sevenwaters series which Im now interested in reading or rereading.. memory is gone!
Overall a decent bunch of stories
Another one that caught my eye was the modern one which seemed to be a mix of early Cinderella and baba yaga.
I came across it again and was already onto the next story so actually didn't realise it was the same book until the end 😂
Which is actually the reason I read it.
My favourite story of course is the longest one from the sevenwaters series which Im now interested in reading or rereading.. memory is gone!
Overall a decent bunch of stories
Another one that caught my eye was the modern one which seemed to be a mix of early Cinderella and baba yaga.
December 10, 2017
I don't usually write reviews, but I just had to. The author was new to me, and the main reason for reading this book just now was that I needed a book with a hedgehog on the cover for a challenge. Well, it was on my TBR, but I probably would not have gotten to it now without the challenge.
Although I enjoyed some stories more than others, the book as a whole was superb. The book, the stories in it, made me laugh, they made me cry, they made me believe in magic. What more can you want?
Although I enjoyed some stories more than others, the book as a whole was superb. The book, the stories in it, made me laugh, they made me cry, they made me believe in magic. What more can you want?
January 13, 2017
If you liked this book, you might also enjoy:
✱ The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Other Stories
✱ The Bread We Eat in Dreams
✱ The Willful Princess and the Piebald Prince
If you liked "Back and Beyond" you might also enjoy the November and December entries from A Calendar of Tales in Trigger Warning: Short Fictions and Disturbances
★★★★★ Prickle Moon
★★★★☆ Otherling
★★☆☆☆ Let Down Your Hair
★★★★☆ Poppy Seeds
★★★☆☆ In Coed Celyddon
★★★☆☆ Juggling Silver
★★★★☆ ’Twixt Firelight and Water (a Tale of Sevenwaters)
★★★★☆ Gift of Hope
★★☆☆☆ Letters From Robert
★★★☆☆ Jack’s Day
★★★☆☆ Far Horizons
★★★★☆ Tough Love 3001
★★★★☆ Wraith, Level One
★★★☆☆ Back and Beyond
★★★★★ The Angel of Death
★★★★★ By Bone-Light
✱ The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Other Stories
✱ The Bread We Eat in Dreams
✱ The Willful Princess and the Piebald Prince
If you liked "Back and Beyond" you might also enjoy the November and December entries from A Calendar of Tales in Trigger Warning: Short Fictions and Disturbances
★★★★★ Prickle Moon
★★★★☆ Otherling
★★☆☆☆ Let Down Your Hair
★★★★☆ Poppy Seeds
★★★☆☆ In Coed Celyddon
★★★☆☆ Juggling Silver
★★★★☆ ’Twixt Firelight and Water (a Tale of Sevenwaters)
★★★★☆ Gift of Hope
★★☆☆☆ Letters From Robert
★★★☆☆ Jack’s Day
★★★☆☆ Far Horizons
★★★★☆ Tough Love 3001
★★★★☆ Wraith, Level One
★★★☆☆ Back and Beyond
★★★★★ The Angel of Death
★★★★★ By Bone-Light
August 16, 2022
This was a pretty mixed batch of short stories, but the ones that were good were great so it deserves the four stars.
I'm a big fan of the Sevenwaters series, so "Twixt Firelight and Water" was by far my favorite. Marillier really flourishes with fantasy stories set in ancient/medieval times (and even her Wildwood series had that feeling even though they were more contemporary!), ones with the feel of an old tale. And while I appreciate her trying something new with the more modern stories, they just really didn't have the same feeling.
I'm a big fan of the Sevenwaters series, so "Twixt Firelight and Water" was by far my favorite. Marillier really flourishes with fantasy stories set in ancient/medieval times (and even her Wildwood series had that feeling even though they were more contemporary!), ones with the feel of an old tale. And while I appreciate her trying something new with the more modern stories, they just really didn't have the same feeling.
July 28, 2013
I actually can't stand short stories, and didn't realise these were short stories when I reserved it - but, for one of my favourite authors I was hoping to be persuaded. Unfortunately, I wasn't. I was really forcing myself to read quite a few of them, I don't know, I just read ripped off when it comes to short stories. There's nothing to sink my teeth into and it's all over before I can get invested in the characters or plot. Just not my thing.
July 28, 2020
Juliet Marillier puede escribir lo que sea y me va a parecer siempre increíble xD Estas historias cortas tienen toda la magia de sus novelas.
March 19, 2024
Juliet Marillier is one of my all-time favourite authors and this book had been on my wishlist for a long time. However, it was originally published by a small Australian press and is notoriously hard to find in print - which is why I was thrilled to find it on my ebook service!
The book is organized into two halves, the first being the luminous historically based epic fantasy Marillier is most known for and the second being contemporary stories set in the modern day. The last story, By Bone-Light, would be an intriguing basis for an Urban Fantasy novel!
But by far, my favourite is 'Twixt Firelight and Water, a novella set in Marillier's Sevenwaters universe, which finally gives us the tragic backstory of one of my favourite characters, Fiacha the Raven. I would like a print copy of this book for my collection for that story alone.
It's been many years since I read the original Sevenwaters trilogy but this novella made me want to reread them, and it was so much like visiting old friends that I immediately bought the second trilogy in the series which I hadn't read. Really looking forward to catching up with the Sevenwaters world again!
Epic Fantasy stories:
Prickle Moon - strange, affecting title story that stays with you, 5 stars
Otherling - 5 stars
Let Down Your Hair - 5 stars Rapunzel retelling
Poppy Seeds - 4 stars
In Coed Celyddon - Arthurian Tale. 4 stars.
Juggling Silver - 4 stars, would have loved it to be longer
'Twixt Firelight and Water (Sevenwaters novella) - 5 stars
Gift of Hope (short and sweet) - 4 stars
Letters from Robert - 4 stars
Contemporary stories:
Jack's Day - military veteran - 4 stars
Far Horizons - 2nd chance romance - 3 stars
Tough Love 3001 - alien writer's workshop, tribute to Neil Gaiman. In joke-y. 2 stars
Wraith, Level One - ghost of young boy learns to haunt. 3 stars.
Back and Beyond - an old woman with cancer sets off on a quest. Mentions Granny Weatherwax from Terry Pratchett's Discworld! 5 stars.
The Angel of Death - a paramedic who volunteers to clear out a horrific puppy mill reckons with his ghosts. Grisly with a point, heartbreaking. 4 stars.
By Bone-Light - Urban Fantasy. Baba Yaga retelling, startling and strange. 5 stars.
The book is organized into two halves, the first being the luminous historically based epic fantasy Marillier is most known for and the second being contemporary stories set in the modern day. The last story, By Bone-Light, would be an intriguing basis for an Urban Fantasy novel!
But by far, my favourite is 'Twixt Firelight and Water, a novella set in Marillier's Sevenwaters universe, which finally gives us the tragic backstory of one of my favourite characters, Fiacha the Raven. I would like a print copy of this book for my collection for that story alone.
It's been many years since I read the original Sevenwaters trilogy but this novella made me want to reread them, and it was so much like visiting old friends that I immediately bought the second trilogy in the series which I hadn't read. Really looking forward to catching up with the Sevenwaters world again!
Epic Fantasy stories:
Prickle Moon - strange, affecting title story that stays with you, 5 stars
Otherling - 5 stars
Let Down Your Hair - 5 stars Rapunzel retelling
Poppy Seeds - 4 stars
In Coed Celyddon - Arthurian Tale. 4 stars.
Juggling Silver - 4 stars, would have loved it to be longer
'Twixt Firelight and Water (Sevenwaters novella) - 5 stars
Gift of Hope (short and sweet) - 4 stars
Letters from Robert - 4 stars
Contemporary stories:
Jack's Day - military veteran - 4 stars
Far Horizons - 2nd chance romance - 3 stars
Tough Love 3001 - alien writer's workshop, tribute to Neil Gaiman. In joke-y. 2 stars
Wraith, Level One - ghost of young boy learns to haunt. 3 stars.
Back and Beyond - an old woman with cancer sets off on a quest. Mentions Granny Weatherwax from Terry Pratchett's Discworld! 5 stars.
The Angel of Death - a paramedic who volunteers to clear out a horrific puppy mill reckons with his ghosts. Grisly with a point, heartbreaking. 4 stars.
By Bone-Light - Urban Fantasy. Baba Yaga retelling, startling and strange. 5 stars.
June 5, 2025
I've never read any of Juliet Marillier's short stories, only her full length novels, so all of these short stories and novellas were new to me.
The short story set in the Sevenwaters world was the definite highlight - I didn't think I was going to be so surprised by it, but it was linked really strongly to the first Sevenwaters trilogy in an unexpected way. All of Marillier's books are special to me, but that original Sevenwaters trilogy is particularly special. It was the first of her work that I read as a young teenager and it's stuck with me (and has been reread countless times) over the years. So this short story was a delight as it made me see all the details in a new light. When I next do my reread of the whole Sevenwaters series, it will be with new context because of this short story!
The titular short story, Prickle Moon wasn't my favourite, but there were some others apart from the Sevenwaters one that really shone and stood out. The stories spanned different time periods and different locations so there was lots of variety. Some are only a few pages, while others reach 59 pages. The one dedicated to Neil Gaiman and referencing his stories within it hasn't really aged well, but this book was published back in 2013.
Rating a collection of short stories is always difficult because some will work for every reader generally, while others won't. The ones that worked for me were fantastic though.
The short story set in the Sevenwaters world was the definite highlight - I didn't think I was going to be so surprised by it, but it was linked really strongly to the first Sevenwaters trilogy in an unexpected way. All of Marillier's books are special to me, but that original Sevenwaters trilogy is particularly special. It was the first of her work that I read as a young teenager and it's stuck with me (and has been reread countless times) over the years. So this short story was a delight as it made me see all the details in a new light. When I next do my reread of the whole Sevenwaters series, it will be with new context because of this short story!
The titular short story, Prickle Moon wasn't my favourite, but there were some others apart from the Sevenwaters one that really shone and stood out. The stories spanned different time periods and different locations so there was lots of variety. Some are only a few pages, while others reach 59 pages. The one dedicated to Neil Gaiman and referencing his stories within it hasn't really aged well, but this book was published back in 2013.
Rating a collection of short stories is always difficult because some will work for every reader generally, while others won't. The ones that worked for me were fantastic though.
May 18, 2021
I have long enjoyed the works of Celtic fantasy author Juliet Marillier, author of "Heart’s Blood" (one of my favorite books). So the main reason I purchased "Prickle Moon" was because it featured a tale connected to her Sevenwaters series (also amazing). "Prickle Moon," however, instead of being a full-length novel, is actually an anthology of short stories. And what stunning stories they are! I remember vividly reading this collection aloud to my husband during one of our many road trips to visit family – the last story, based on the Russian folk tale Vasilissa the Fair and her encounter with the witch Baba Yaga, had us so distracted that we got lost while driving! There’s another one in this set that actually brought me to tears, which is a rare accomplishment for a story O_o. Titled “Back and Beyond,” it’s actually a fantastical, romanticized telling of a woman overdosing herself to escape terminal cancer. But the story is so clever that you don’t realize that’s what happening until almost the very end.
I have more to say on this book (and others!) in my blog! Check it out here:
http://www.lynnwallaceauthor.com/blog...
February 19, 2020
A long time fan of Marillier, I was surprised to find out she had created a book of short stories. As expected they were full of magical and fantastical tales. However, fantasy was not the only genre included in this anthology, and I was pleased to encounter several stories of various alternate genres. I had never read anything other than fantasy by her and so this was a pleasant surprise.
Every story was wonderful and heart touching in some way. Whether it was an assortment of hedgehog critters that warmed my chilly insides, or the tale of a woman coming to terms with her dying, I was swept away. Additionally, for those who love her Sevenwaters series, there is a tale that adds a bit more to the story.
All of these narratives were well crafted and complete. I never wanted more because they were the perfect size to tell the story.
Every story was wonderful and heart touching in some way. Whether it was an assortment of hedgehog critters that warmed my chilly insides, or the tale of a woman coming to terms with her dying, I was swept away. Additionally, for those who love her Sevenwaters series, there is a tale that adds a bit more to the story.
All of these narratives were well crafted and complete. I never wanted more because they were the perfect size to tell the story.
November 11, 2020
Marillier is one of my very favorite authors. I loved this anthology of her varied short stories. The fantasy stories were my favorite, but I did enjoy her contemporary and romance stories as well. Many of these made me quite emotional. I did not read the Sevenwaters story, as I haven’t read the series yet. I anticipate that I will really enjoy it when o get to it! TWs for animal cruelty in several stories. Also, TWs for issues of military families, child abuse, and cancer diagnoses in several stories.
December 12, 2024
Loved this collection. My favorites:
1. Twixt Firelight and Water (a tale of Sevenwaters... Of course I am drawn to this one. Makes me want to reread those books).
2. Prickle Moon
3. Otherling
4. Let Down Your Hair
5. Far Horizons
6. Poppy Seeds
...You can see the ones that hit me hardest have her magical, fairy like elements in them... The rest I enjoyed as well, though. It was interesting to read some stories that had a very different flair than the Marillier I am accustomed to, like Tough Love 3001, and Wraith, Level One.
Marillier's writing warms my soul. I love her!
1. Twixt Firelight and Water (a tale of Sevenwaters... Of course I am drawn to this one. Makes me want to reread those books).
2. Prickle Moon
3. Otherling
4. Let Down Your Hair
5. Far Horizons
6. Poppy Seeds
...You can see the ones that hit me hardest have her magical, fairy like elements in them... The rest I enjoyed as well, though. It was interesting to read some stories that had a very different flair than the Marillier I am accustomed to, like Tough Love 3001, and Wraith, Level One.
Marillier's writing warms my soul. I love her!
August 13, 2023
juliet marillier is a fine author, one of my absolute favorites. of the short stories in this collection, i was especially impressed by “otherling” “the angel of death” and “poppy seeds.” “twixt firelight and water” was a story i’ve read before and, as a diehard sevenwaters fan, i loved it and am grateful to own it in some form. the other stories in the collection were okay, some better than others but nothing truly noteworthy.
June 14, 2018
I am a Marillier fan and this book of shorts did not disappoint. It was a fun read over a holiday weekend camping, easily picked up and put down when your attention is called away by family. Marillier does not disappoint providing her classic folk style tales along side more modern even futuristic stories - all great!
March 13, 2020
Some beautiful stories in here, particularly the title story, and "Twixt Firelight and Water," a lovely revisit to the Sevenwaters world. A couple of the more modern stories were just ok, one a serious eyeroll by the end. I really could have used a content warning for the puppy mill story ("The Angel of Death") - so consider this yours!
February 25, 2021
I really loved reading this collection of short stories. It showed beautiful and scary parts of life in whimsical and fantastic settings. I was impressed with the author's range and thrilled to have a glimpse back into Sevenwaters in one of the stories. So many others felt like they'd be told around the campfire in one of her novels too. Inspiring.
August 27, 2025
Worth the read
I like the first 62% of the book. After the seven waters story, it was not so much for my interest. Worth the read. 3/5 Stars because it's the same amount of what I liked. I've completed the entire Juliet Marilliar bibliography and own all her books. This was the last of it. I pray she has another work of wonder. She is a great story teller. God bless her
I like the first 62% of the book. After the seven waters story, it was not so much for my interest. Worth the read. 3/5 Stars because it's the same amount of what I liked. I've completed the entire Juliet Marilliar bibliography and own all her books. This was the last of it. I pray she has another work of wonder. She is a great story teller. God bless her
May 4, 2019
Give me a 900 page novel over a short story collection any day, but I finally tracked down this collection by one of my favorite authors. And yep, she delivers. If you like Juliet Marillier, this is worth reading. (And I mean, there's a Sevenwaters story in here, so how can you not read it?)
June 28, 2019
Short stories are not my thing at all and i try to avoid them, but Juliet Marillier being the gem she is, I just needed a Juliet hit to keep me going until her next book comes out. Powerful stories of fantasy, fae folk and love, this enchanting set of short stories is a must for any Juliet fan.
July 20, 2020
Confession: i skimmed/skipped a few stories. I want to say that i love all Marillier's work, but her novels are much stronger than her short stories. The Sevenwaters novella in this collection was excellent
October 15, 2019
Wonderful collection
An absolute delight! The introduction says it all. I cannot say it any better. Each story is mesmerizingly real with characters to cheer, cry and smile over.
An absolute delight! The introduction says it all. I cannot say it any better. Each story is mesmerizingly real with characters to cheer, cry and smile over.
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