The Hidden Way: Heartwood, Book 2

Heartwood #2

by Juliet Marillier, Emma Drysdale (Narrator)

Stasya and her companions have made a remarkable journey to find the true heir to the Rulership, Markus, believed dead as a child. Now they must bring him back to court for the Grand Council, where he will reveal himself. Until then his survival must be kept secret, for not only is he at risk, but the Ruler's guards will be hunting for the fugitives.

The dangerous journey brings shipwreck, armed attack, and monsters both human and unearthly. As they travel, the team learns just how much damage the Ruler's desperate quest for amber is inflicting on her people, and how much stronger they can be when they stand together.

Much hangs in the balance, and all fear the final confrontation. In the end, could storytelling be the key?

Genres: Fantasy, Audiobook

Audible Audio

Published March 31, 2026

About the author

Juliet 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.)

Reviews

[Gwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the first 3/4 of the book as much as I loved The Amber Owl. The ending felt a little too neat, and perhaps emotionally distant, which made it feel rushed. Maybe I just wasn’t ready to part with the characters yet!

I was left mulling over what my takeaway from The Hidden Way was:
- love can make one desperate?
- love can make one do terrible things?
- duty before love?
- self fulfillment before love?

I might be missing some of the *love somehow triumphs all* feelings from the Sevenwaters series (even when there’s tragedy, or duty) which was why this one felt a bit lacklustre to me. This just might not have been the right read for what I was hoping for.

What I did appreciate:
- the POV of the secondary characters
- exploring different realities of women and their livelihoods
- the magic from Flip and the Forest Folk

3.5 stars rounded up to 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Naomi Chen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still a heartwarming story though I kind of feel the plot is too slow and ended up skimmed the middle part a lot. Quite enjoyed "the twist" on the back and some quotes from the conversation. I am glad that an INFP can be an interesting main heroine. Thought I am bit questioning the ending - and sad because Lukas does not appear at all anymore in the second book.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a huge chunk of this I was having a great time. It was lovely to catch up with Stasya and Aleksis especially when the stakes are so high. Their journey was fascinating, and my heart was in my mouth for a lot of this. But the ending felt very rushed and abrupt and that knocked a few stars off for me. Ot just sort of.. ended with no fanfare which disappointed me

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

After their remarkable journey in #1, Stasya and her companions need to establish Markus, the heir to the throne, in his rightful place. this requires the companions to regroup and go in different directions to get back to the capital in time for the annual Grand Council. Both Aleksis and his team and Staysa with her two friends and Flip, face dangerous and life threatening challenges as Markus is schooled in ruling a country.

Much hangs in the balance, with only minimal hope that they will survive the the final confrontation.
Actions during the journey, particularly those of Staysa, a key to how the drama plays out. This aspect is adequately explored but the ending is just a little too neat and tidy and comes to a conclusion to rapidly after such a long journey.

The multiple perspectives are strongly presented in the excellent audio performance.

[Amy apple · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5
Marginally better than the first book, this picked right up from book one. There was a small recap at the start which I always appreciate.

I found the momentum started well but then pacing again started to slow to an anticlimactic finish that wrapped up waaaaaaay too neatly. A quiet finish where I wanted a bit more. It felt too easy and somewhat not really earned.

The writing was again whimsical and easy to read, but like the first book I just didn’t feel like I was the right audience and that it was written more for YA/middle graders.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book I read slowly. Very thought provoking ending and romance.