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Warrior Bards #2
Dança com o Destino
A jovem bardo e guerreira, Liobhan, regressa para pagar as suas dívidas e acertar todas as contas no segundo volume da saga bardos guerreiros, a emocionante fantasia histórica da autora de sevenwaters.
Com a perda do irmão para o Outro Mundo, Liobhan está mais determinada do que nunca a ganhar um lugar como guerreira de elite. Regressa então à Ilha dos Cisnes para prosseguir com o seu treino. No entanto, o seu companheiro Dau perde a visão durante uma luta. Acusada pela família do amigo de ser a culpada pelo incidente, Liobhan aceita tornar-se serva da família de Dau durante um ano.
Liobhan depressa descobre que Oakhill é um lugar de segredos obscuros. O Povo Corvo ainda ameaça os dois mundos e Dau, lutando contra o demónio do desespero, não é um homem fácil de ajudar.
Liobhan e Dau envolvem-se numa aventura perigosa, ao tentarem desvendar todos os mistérios que assolam Oakhill. Os dois são obrigados a uma verdadeira dança com o destino para fugir a um poderoso inimigo que não vai parar até conseguir o que quer.
Mais do que nunca, vão precisar de todas as habilidades de um verdadeiro guerreiro da Ilha dos Cisnes, e até de um toque de sobrenatural, para sobreviverem...
Com a perda do irmão para o Outro Mundo, Liobhan está mais determinada do que nunca a ganhar um lugar como guerreira de elite. Regressa então à Ilha dos Cisnes para prosseguir com o seu treino. No entanto, o seu companheiro Dau perde a visão durante uma luta. Acusada pela família do amigo de ser a culpada pelo incidente, Liobhan aceita tornar-se serva da família de Dau durante um ano.
Liobhan depressa descobre que Oakhill é um lugar de segredos obscuros. O Povo Corvo ainda ameaça os dois mundos e Dau, lutando contra o demónio do desespero, não é um homem fácil de ajudar.
Liobhan e Dau envolvem-se numa aventura perigosa, ao tentarem desvendar todos os mistérios que assolam Oakhill. Os dois são obrigados a uma verdadeira dança com o destino para fugir a um poderoso inimigo que não vai parar até conseguir o que quer.
Mais do que nunca, vão precisar de todas as habilidades de um verdadeiro guerreiro da Ilha dos Cisnes, e até de um toque de sobrenatural, para sobreviverem...
480 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2020
180 people are currently reading
2705 people want to read
About the author
Juliet Marillier
78 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 395 reviews
September 1, 2020
Available on Amazon today 9/1/20 My Amazon Review Below
https://www.amazon.com/review/R3ROSOB...
4.5 stars
This second book was sooo good!! I mean I generally love Juliet Marillier books anyway so there’s that. There were a few animals things as y’all know I don’t condone, hence the 4.5 stars.
The story is told in the three POV’s of Liobhan, Dau and Brocc and a few chapters with the POV of Eirne.
One day during a practice, Dau gets hurt and loses his eyesight. The powers that be on the island had no idea not to contact Dau’s father. Poor Dau had a horrific childhood and ran away. BUT, his family is coming for him and ultimately bring him back home. Liobhan goes with him for reasons. Turns out it’s still horrific because of a certain family member. That person is beyond cruel and I so wanted this persons slow death, but I digress.
Liobhan and Dau find out things are worse then they thought and with the help of Brocc and the crow people, justice will be done or they will die trying!
I love these characters so much and I felt the book didn’t suffer from second book syndrome. If you enjoyed the first book then you should enjoy this book as well!
**Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for a digital copy of this book.
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
BLOG: https://melissa413readsalot.blogspot....
https://www.amazon.com/review/R3ROSOB...
4.5 stars
This second book was sooo good!! I mean I generally love Juliet Marillier books anyway so there’s that. There were a few animals things as y’all know I don’t condone, hence the 4.5 stars.
The story is told in the three POV’s of Liobhan, Dau and Brocc and a few chapters with the POV of Eirne.
One day during a practice, Dau gets hurt and loses his eyesight. The powers that be on the island had no idea not to contact Dau’s father. Poor Dau had a horrific childhood and ran away. BUT, his family is coming for him and ultimately bring him back home. Liobhan goes with him for reasons. Turns out it’s still horrific because of a certain family member. That person is beyond cruel and I so wanted this persons slow death, but I digress.
Liobhan and Dau find out things are worse then they thought and with the help of Brocc and the crow people, justice will be done or they will die trying!
I love these characters so much and I felt the book didn’t suffer from second book syndrome. If you enjoyed the first book then you should enjoy this book as well!
**Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for a digital copy of this book.
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
BLOG: https://melissa413readsalot.blogspot....
September 1, 2020
Release Day!!!
A Dance with Fate is the second book of the Warrior Bards series. This is a spin off from the Blackthorn and Grim (B&G) series and includes two of their children Liobhan and Brock along with the Swan Island warriors introduced in the B&G series.
Our tale picks up about a year after the events of The Harp of Kings. Liobhan has already gone back to tell her family of Brocks decision to go live in Faery and she and Dau are the top students in the class, always pushing each other. When an accident in the training yard leaves Dau blinded, both of their lives take a turn for the unexpected and they end up with Dau’s family. Dau as an invalid and Liobhan as a bond servant for a year to pay for her part in his injury.
Together they try to work out the mysteries of Dau’s family and wait for the inevitable attack from Dau’s cruel brother Seanan, who tormented him all through childhood and is the reason Dau ran away and later joined the warriors at Swan island.
Some of this book was hard as Dau’s struggle with his blindness left him depressed and angry. I do like that Liobhan never let him push her away like he wanted to even though she carried some guilt over her part in the accident. They are truly loyal to each other and the blossoming of the feelings between them is subtle and feels natural. It will be interesting to see the life they chose to have and what kind of relationship it will allow them to have.
Brock living in a Fae realm is interesting. The bargains the Fae make are cruel and everything has a price of some kind. Brock’s journey and eventual bargain was very interesting. I’m hoping that he is correct and the Crow people can be treated with instead of just fought and destroyed. I’ve very curious to see how the tales plays out.
The story is slowly paced and there is a good build to the end when it feels like everything happens in a matter of fifty or so pages. There were some deaths that made me incredibly sad and I’m glad that Dau got to face the demons of his past literally.
Interesting modern day faery story.
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC of Dance with Fate
A Dance with Fate is the second book of the Warrior Bards series. This is a spin off from the Blackthorn and Grim (B&G) series and includes two of their children Liobhan and Brock along with the Swan Island warriors introduced in the B&G series.
Our tale picks up about a year after the events of The Harp of Kings. Liobhan has already gone back to tell her family of Brocks decision to go live in Faery and she and Dau are the top students in the class, always pushing each other. When an accident in the training yard leaves Dau blinded, both of their lives take a turn for the unexpected and they end up with Dau’s family. Dau as an invalid and Liobhan as a bond servant for a year to pay for her part in his injury.
”How do you do it? Where do you find that relentless hope?”
“I can’t tell you that. Just that it’s always seemed like the right way. The only way. Part of trying to be brave, I suppose.”
Together they try to work out the mysteries of Dau’s family and wait for the inevitable attack from Dau’s cruel brother Seanan, who tormented him all through childhood and is the reason Dau ran away and later joined the warriors at Swan island.
Some of this book was hard as Dau’s struggle with his blindness left him depressed and angry. I do like that Liobhan never let him push her away like he wanted to even though she carried some guilt over her part in the accident. They are truly loyal to each other and the blossoming of the feelings between them is subtle and feels natural. It will be interesting to see the life they chose to have and what kind of relationship it will allow them to have.
Brock living in a Fae realm is interesting. The bargains the Fae make are cruel and everything has a price of some kind. Brock’s journey and eventual bargain was very interesting. I’m hoping that he is correct and the Crow people can be treated with instead of just fought and destroyed. I’ve very curious to see how the tales plays out.
The story is slowly paced and there is a good build to the end when it feels like everything happens in a matter of fifty or so pages. There were some deaths that made me incredibly sad and I’m glad that Dau got to face the demons of his past literally.
Interesting modern day faery story.
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC of Dance with Fate
August 20, 2020
SHE DID IT AGAIN!!! Juliet Marillier has written another BRILLIANT original fantasy novel with endearing characters, brilliant atmosphere and a superb plot. I cannot understate how much I love her writing. OH THE FEELS!!!
Just as the Swan Island warriors are about to complete their training, a freak accident fighting Liobhan leaves Dau without his sight and on his way back to his family and the ill-treatment of his despicable brother. Liobhan is indentured as a bond-servant for a year as punishment. There they must outwit Dau’s family and solve a compelling mystery. Meanwhile, in the otherworld with his new wife, Brocc discovers that there is more to the Crow Folk than originally thought when he finds one injured.
The synopsis doesn’t do this book justice. It is even better than the first one. I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN!!!
I absolutely loved Dau in this one! The exploration of Dau, his family, and his developing relationship with Liobhan was just amazing. Marillier is known for her slow-burning romance (cough * Blackthorn and Grim *cough) and this was no different. The long and lingering romance may be frustrating when you have to wait for the conclusion, but my goodness! It’s worth it!
And Brocc’s side story was just awesome and I loved how it intertwined with Liobhans! I am so excited to see what adventures await him in the otherworld!
Do I recommend A Dance with Fate?
YES! An amazing book. Read the first one before this or you may be a bit lost. And if you want more, this is a spin off of the Blackthorn and Grim series! But honestly, anything by Marillier is AMAZING!
A fantastic story with an extremely satisfying ending. She could not have written a better sequel to The Harp of Kings. But all is not over, she leaves more than enough to continue on with a third novel and I will be waiting with bated breath!
Lots of thanks to Pan Macmillan Australia for a copy of A Dance with Fate to read and review!
***
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Just as the Swan Island warriors are about to complete their training, a freak accident fighting Liobhan leaves Dau without his sight and on his way back to his family and the ill-treatment of his despicable brother. Liobhan is indentured as a bond-servant for a year as punishment. There they must outwit Dau’s family and solve a compelling mystery. Meanwhile, in the otherworld with his new wife, Brocc discovers that there is more to the Crow Folk than originally thought when he finds one injured.
The synopsis doesn’t do this book justice. It is even better than the first one. I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN!!!
I absolutely loved Dau in this one! The exploration of Dau, his family, and his developing relationship with Liobhan was just amazing. Marillier is known for her slow-burning romance (cough * Blackthorn and Grim *cough) and this was no different. The long and lingering romance may be frustrating when you have to wait for the conclusion, but my goodness! It’s worth it!
And Brocc’s side story was just awesome and I loved how it intertwined with Liobhans! I am so excited to see what adventures await him in the otherworld!
Do I recommend A Dance with Fate?
YES! An amazing book. Read the first one before this or you may be a bit lost. And if you want more, this is a spin off of the Blackthorn and Grim series! But honestly, anything by Marillier is AMAZING!
A fantastic story with an extremely satisfying ending. She could not have written a better sequel to The Harp of Kings. But all is not over, she leaves more than enough to continue on with a third novel and I will be waiting with bated breath!
Lots of thanks to Pan Macmillan Australia for a copy of A Dance with Fate to read and review!
***
For more reviews check out my:
Blog
July 24, 2020
I liked this one a lot better than the first book! 3.5 stars, rounded up.
WARNING: This review may contain spoilers for the first novel in the series, The Harp of Kings.
Without further ado, let me present the plot:
In an awkward fight accident Dau is blinded and as a consequence is sent back to the childhood home that still haunts him. Liobhan, blamed for the accident but also aware of Dau's traumatic past, agrees to accompany him as a bond servant for a year. This is not a fun time for them. Meanwhile, due to events in the last book, Brocc is off with the fairies again.
This one definitely seemed to have a lot more going on but, lord have mercy, this woman tells her stories slower than Treebeard. We're given so many unimportant details, and I can't tell you how much I loathe stories that feel the need to describe what items of clothing everyone is wearing at all times. Plus, this book includes a couple of boondocks law proceedings and these were a bit of a yawn-fest. But aside from all the boring, superfluous details, I really enjoyed the plot of it.
One of my biggest issues with the first book is that we were given this fiery, female lead with so much spirit and panache, but she was forced to conform to the role of a timid, respectable lady and it was just super frustrating. Whereas now her spirit is free and even though she's not in the best circumstances she doesn't have to pretend to be meek. She works hard, she fights for what's right, and she has no problem taking down sexism in all its forms. She's a total weapon, but she's still cheerful and full of light and the relationship between her and Dau is totally sweet. I love how fierce she is, while still amicable and charismatic. She finds loyalty so easily and rewards that loyalty with a fierce protectiveness. Still, there's no coddling, and while she spends a lot of this book caring for Dau she never babies him and she doesn't take his crap. She's a great character. Kinda glad her (literal) whistle-blowing was toned down, though. The music obsession in this book is such a main theme but it just makes me feel awkward for some reason (More on that later).
Dau is not in a good place right now. Poor kid is blinded in an accident in early days and doesn't take it too well. Plus, he's now having to face the reality of returning to the home he ran away from. This is some deep psychological trauma we are dealing with, and it doesn't go away easily. Dau is (rightfully) pretty messed up from being tortured by his siblings, so seeing them again leads to some pretty negative thoughts that layer this novel with a very real darkness. For a fantasy novel it's pretty confronting, and for that reason I think it's probably a little lighter on than it could have been. It deals with the issue quite respectfully, but thankfully isn't too 'doom and gloom' about it. Kind of ... wrong place, wrong time for that, I think. I appreciate that it isn't totally glanced over or repaired instantly, but I'm also glad it isn't dwelt on too heavily. I much prefer Dau when he's sassy and argumentative and giving Liobhan grief.
Brocc doesn't get too much screen time, which worked for me because as much as I love fairyland, I just cannot get on board with all the singing. I get that music and singing is actually kind of the big theme of this entire series but WOW. Allow me to bring up Tolkien again to allude to just how many songs we have to suffer through (If you're an unfortunate soul who has yet to read The Lord of the Rings, my point is that there is a lot of singing). Brocc is such a floaty kinda guy with only one thing on his mind - music. He's so soft-hearted and naiive and I'm really glad he has that open, loving soul, but at the same time his character just seems a bit weak. It's all singing and feeling sorry for everyone. BORING! (Sorry, Brocc.)
I do, however, LOVE the Crow-Folk, and I'm eagerly waiting the book when they get their big feature. This book was all about the monstrousness of Dau's family aka humans, so I'm hanging out to meet some real monsters and experience more animal attacks. I want more mayhem, more full-frontal assault, instead of all the spying and lying. I want savagery, and the crow-folk are my glimpse at that.
Not that this series is particularly savage. It's very PG.
Overall, even with it's slowness I enjoyed this book much more than the first, and devoured it easily. It had a few weaknesses with the plot and the storytelling, but it has some great characters and the promise of epic things to come.
With thanks to Macmillan for an ARC to read and review
WARNING: This review may contain spoilers for the first novel in the series, The Harp of Kings.
Without further ado, let me present the plot:
In an awkward fight accident Dau is blinded and as a consequence is sent back to the childhood home that still haunts him. Liobhan, blamed for the accident but also aware of Dau's traumatic past, agrees to accompany him as a bond servant for a year. This is not a fun time for them. Meanwhile, due to events in the last book, Brocc is off with the fairies again.
This one definitely seemed to have a lot more going on but, lord have mercy, this woman tells her stories slower than Treebeard. We're given so many unimportant details, and I can't tell you how much I loathe stories that feel the need to describe what items of clothing everyone is wearing at all times. Plus, this book includes a couple of boondocks law proceedings and these were a bit of a yawn-fest. But aside from all the boring, superfluous details, I really enjoyed the plot of it.
One of my biggest issues with the first book is that we were given this fiery, female lead with so much spirit and panache, but she was forced to conform to the role of a timid, respectable lady and it was just super frustrating. Whereas now her spirit is free and even though she's not in the best circumstances she doesn't have to pretend to be meek. She works hard, she fights for what's right, and she has no problem taking down sexism in all its forms. She's a total weapon, but she's still cheerful and full of light and the relationship between her and Dau is totally sweet. I love how fierce she is, while still amicable and charismatic. She finds loyalty so easily and rewards that loyalty with a fierce protectiveness. Still, there's no coddling, and while she spends a lot of this book caring for Dau she never babies him and she doesn't take his crap. She's a great character. Kinda glad her (literal) whistle-blowing was toned down, though. The music obsession in this book is such a main theme but it just makes me feel awkward for some reason (More on that later).
Dau is not in a good place right now. Poor kid is blinded in an accident in early days and doesn't take it too well. Plus, he's now having to face the reality of returning to the home he ran away from. This is some deep psychological trauma we are dealing with, and it doesn't go away easily. Dau is (rightfully) pretty messed up from being tortured by his siblings, so seeing them again leads to some pretty negative thoughts that layer this novel with a very real darkness. For a fantasy novel it's pretty confronting, and for that reason I think it's probably a little lighter on than it could have been. It deals with the issue quite respectfully, but thankfully isn't too 'doom and gloom' about it. Kind of ... wrong place, wrong time for that, I think. I appreciate that it isn't totally glanced over or repaired instantly, but I'm also glad it isn't dwelt on too heavily. I much prefer Dau when he's sassy and argumentative and giving Liobhan grief.
Brocc doesn't get too much screen time, which worked for me because as much as I love fairyland, I just cannot get on board with all the singing. I get that music and singing is actually kind of the big theme of this entire series but WOW. Allow me to bring up Tolkien again to allude to just how many songs we have to suffer through (If you're an unfortunate soul who has yet to read The Lord of the Rings, my point is that there is a lot of singing). Brocc is such a floaty kinda guy with only one thing on his mind - music. He's so soft-hearted and naiive and I'm really glad he has that open, loving soul, but at the same time his character just seems a bit weak. It's all singing and feeling sorry for everyone. BORING! (Sorry, Brocc.)
I do, however, LOVE the Crow-Folk, and I'm eagerly waiting the book when they get their big feature. This book was all about the monstrousness of Dau's family aka humans, so I'm hanging out to meet some real monsters and experience more animal attacks. I want more mayhem, more full-frontal assault, instead of all the spying and lying. I want savagery, and the crow-folk are my glimpse at that.
Not that this series is particularly savage. It's very PG.
Overall, even with it's slowness I enjoyed this book much more than the first, and devoured it easily. It had a few weaknesses with the plot and the storytelling, but it has some great characters and the promise of epic things to come.
With thanks to Macmillan for an ARC to read and review
December 30, 2020
I absolutely loved this, even more than the predecessor, The Harp of Kings. It is definitely one of my favourite reads of 2020.
Liobhan and Dau are forced to return to Dau's family home, the place Dau fled as a child to escape his sadistic brother Seanan. If anything, in the intervening years Seanan has only matured into his cruelty and increased his level of control over the household, creating a dangerous and seemingly inescapable situation for Liobhan and Dau. Meanwhile, Brocc has his own troubles as the Crow Folk continue to threaten the safety of Eirne's realm.
As usual, Marillier has written a tensely wrought and emotional story that had me riveted. The characters are all so likeable and competent, without being overly perfect or seeming contrived. The result is a relatability that keeps the reader hoping relentlessly for the best possible outcome.
As always, I am left longing for the next book in this fantastic series.
Liobhan and Dau are forced to return to Dau's family home, the place Dau fled as a child to escape his sadistic brother Seanan. If anything, in the intervening years Seanan has only matured into his cruelty and increased his level of control over the household, creating a dangerous and seemingly inescapable situation for Liobhan and Dau. Meanwhile, Brocc has his own troubles as the Crow Folk continue to threaten the safety of Eirne's realm.
As usual, Marillier has written a tensely wrought and emotional story that had me riveted. The characters are all so likeable and competent, without being overly perfect or seeming contrived. The result is a relatability that keeps the reader hoping relentlessly for the best possible outcome.
As always, I am left longing for the next book in this fantastic series.
September 9, 2020
I feel like I need to preface my review with this: I am a diehard Marillier fan. She has written my all time favorite books. Her work can take you to the depths of despair and then bring you back with the brightest hope. Her stories are quests of the heart. Journeys made to change lives, save families, and make you believe in magic. I’ve laughed, I’ve cried. I’ve felt my heart squeeze in agony and longing. Juliet has a chemistry in her writing and relationships that is irresistible and consuming.
I’m afraid I can’t say the same for Harp of Kings or A Dance with Fate. Maybe I’m in the minority, but I have had a difficult time feeling in any way connected to the storyline or characters. Dance with Fate had a better story, and I enjoyed seeing Dau’s story arc, but otherwise I was left wanting. Is this series written for YA? I have come to understand that publishers have more authority than they deserve when it comes to writers like our beloved Marillier. They say that readers can’t handle what she really would want to publish and that’s absolute nonsense. I need more world building! I need more character development! Next to Bridei or Wolfskin, The Warrior Bards seem like children’s books.
Dau is the best character. I found myself wanting to skip ahead in the book just to get to his parts. Liobhan just feels flat. I don’t like or dislike her. Where is our Sorcha?! Where is our Blackthorn?! And poor Brocc... I’m over his story already. I usually love reading the parts where our characters are in the otherworld, but I found myself skimming to get on with the next POV.
For me, this series lacks depth. It pains me to say it, but there is something deeply intrinsic missing from the heart of the story. One of Juliet’s greatest gifts is her ability to weave a passionate tale of unselfish love. Maybe love stories are unfashionable now. Maybe fiction is deemed less “literary” when romance is involved. Whatever has happened, it’s sorely missing from the story. What could have been considered a slow-burn, just... fizzled out. The timing felt off and anticlimactic. I love it when Juliet takes my heart between the pages, squeezes it till there’s nothing left, and I’m bereft in my agony of all consuming, self-sacrificing love. I still you Juliet. I’m just disappointed that didn’t happen.
I’m afraid I can’t say the same for Harp of Kings or A Dance with Fate. Maybe I’m in the minority, but I have had a difficult time feeling in any way connected to the storyline or characters. Dance with Fate had a better story, and I enjoyed seeing Dau’s story arc, but otherwise I was left wanting. Is this series written for YA? I have come to understand that publishers have more authority than they deserve when it comes to writers like our beloved Marillier. They say that readers can’t handle what she really would want to publish and that’s absolute nonsense. I need more world building! I need more character development! Next to Bridei or Wolfskin, The Warrior Bards seem like children’s books.
Dau is the best character. I found myself wanting to skip ahead in the book just to get to his parts. Liobhan just feels flat. I don’t like or dislike her. Where is our Sorcha?! Where is our Blackthorn?! And poor Brocc... I’m over his story already. I usually love reading the parts where our characters are in the otherworld, but I found myself skimming to get on with the next POV.
For me, this series lacks depth. It pains me to say it, but there is something deeply intrinsic missing from the heart of the story. One of Juliet’s greatest gifts is her ability to weave a passionate tale of unselfish love. Maybe love stories are unfashionable now. Maybe fiction is deemed less “literary” when romance is involved. Whatever has happened, it’s sorely missing from the story. What could have been considered a slow-burn, just... fizzled out. The timing felt off and anticlimactic. I love it when Juliet takes my heart between the pages, squeezes it till there’s nothing left, and I’m bereft in my agony of all consuming, self-sacrificing love. I still you Juliet. I’m just disappointed that didn’t happen.
September 14, 2020
Juliet Marillier is fantasy's eternal queen. Love her, loved this book. Loving this series. How long until the next one? :(
January 16, 2021
"And when we get there we'll make the impossible happen. Isn't that what Swan Island warriors do?" 🧡
~
Il secondo volume di questa saga mi ha catturata tanto quanto il primo. Le vicende di Liobhan, Dau e Brocc, mi hanno portata a seguire un nuovo viaggio, fatto di avventura, amore, magia, ma anche e soprattutto malvagità, dolore, traumi. La Marillier è sempre grandiosa nel realizzare non solo mondi e protagonisti incredibili, ma anche antagonisti così spietatamente crudeli nei loro terribili atti. Tutto questo riuscendo a toccare ogni corda emotiva e legando il lettore, tanto alle scene di bellezza quanto a quelle terribili. Ho amato particolarmente l'evoluzione e il lavoro legato alla costruzione del personaggio di Dau, che rimane il mio preferito, la sua particolare storia e l'approfondimento e indirizzamento del suo trauma. L'autrice dedica questo volume "a tutti i cani che ha amato e perso" e quell'amore, quel legame speciale che vivo anche io e unisce una persona al proprio cane (che solo chi ha vissuto e vive può comprendere a pieno) è presente in una maniera che mi ha fatto versare lacrime per intere scene. Non vedo l'ora che esca il terzo volume, non vedo l'ora di vedere dove il viaggio di questi tre personaggi mi porterà ancora una volta!
~
Il secondo volume di questa saga mi ha catturata tanto quanto il primo. Le vicende di Liobhan, Dau e Brocc, mi hanno portata a seguire un nuovo viaggio, fatto di avventura, amore, magia, ma anche e soprattutto malvagità, dolore, traumi. La Marillier è sempre grandiosa nel realizzare non solo mondi e protagonisti incredibili, ma anche antagonisti così spietatamente crudeli nei loro terribili atti. Tutto questo riuscendo a toccare ogni corda emotiva e legando il lettore, tanto alle scene di bellezza quanto a quelle terribili. Ho amato particolarmente l'evoluzione e il lavoro legato alla costruzione del personaggio di Dau, che rimane il mio preferito, la sua particolare storia e l'approfondimento e indirizzamento del suo trauma. L'autrice dedica questo volume "a tutti i cani che ha amato e perso" e quell'amore, quel legame speciale che vivo anche io e unisce una persona al proprio cane (che solo chi ha vissuto e vive può comprendere a pieno) è presente in una maniera che mi ha fatto versare lacrime per intere scene. Non vedo l'ora che esca il terzo volume, non vedo l'ora di vedere dove il viaggio di questi tre personaggi mi porterà ancora una volta!
August 14, 2024
Estes Bardos saíram-me mais juvenis do que o meu gosto actual admite, no entanto, há que admirar Juliet Marillier pela criatividade do enredo que me põe a ler de forma compulsiva, ainda que o desfecho dos vários episódios seja previsível a maior parte do tempo.
August 29, 2020
4.5 stars (release date 9-1-2020)
You can read all of my reviews at NerdGirlLovesBooks.
This is the second book in the exciting "Warrior Bards" book series. There is plenty of action, intrigue and suspense in this riveting book. I couldn't put it down, and even though it's 512 pages, I read it in 3 days. I cannot WAIT to see what happens next!
The story begins as Liobhan and Dau are about to finish their Swan Island training. Part of the celebration includes exhibition fights between the trainees. Liobhan and Dau's bout is hand-to-hand combat, best 2 out of 3 wins. Each wins a bout, and during the third fight Dau stumbles backward and strikes his head hard on the ground. He's immediately knocked out and seriously injured. When he finally awakes, he is blind and suffers from severe headaches.
Dau's family is notified of his injury while he's still incapacitated. Liobhan knows that Dau would not want his estranged family notified and would never want to return to the dysfunctional and dangerous home. The leaders of Swan Island do not listen to Liobhan and his family travels to Dau. A member of the contingent is Dau's older brother, and chief tormentor, Seanan. An informal trial is held and although all of the witness insist that Dau's injury was an accident, his family demands compensation. Swan Island pays a large sum to Dau's family for his injury, and Liobhan agrees to serve one year in Dau's household as a bond servant. Dau is distraught and it takes all of Liobhan's training to talk him off the ledge.
Once at Dau's home, they discover that Seanan has not changed and continues to torment both Dau and Liobhan. As the duo get familiar with the household, and the people in it, they discover there are some strange, and possibly deadly, things going on. As the days pass by, Dau and Liobhan have no choice but to find out what is going on at the homestead. This, of course, puts both their lives in danger.
Meanwhile, Brocc is not adjusting to life in the Otherworld as well as he thought he would. His wife, and queen, is acting cold and distant, and her clan are still plagued with attacks by the Crow Folk. There are definitely some mysterious activities going on in the Otherworld. The author gives us just enough background information that it seems she is setting us up for a larger storyline in perhaps the next book.
I loved this book. The story is gripping and will certainly have you reading well past your bedtime. The author's writing style is so good that reading her books is effortless. You feel like your listening to a master storyteller weaving an epic tale. Even though there was plenty of worldbuilding in the first book, the author expertly sneaks in additional worldbuilding throughout this book that adds even more depth to the story.
I was able to really feel Dau's frustration and despair as he contemplates a life without sight. I fretted along with Liobhan as she watches her strong, determined friend tortured by his injuries and limitations. Dau's menacing brother Seanan appears only sporadically in the book, which only serves to increase tension. He was a fun villain to hate.
If you haven't read any of Marillier's books, what's wrong with you?! You need to start right away! This is a great series to start with that doesn't require you to have read any of her previous series to understand everything that is going on. And while you're waiting for book 3, you can go back and read all of the authors other books. :-)
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.
You can read all of my reviews at NerdGirlLovesBooks.
This is the second book in the exciting "Warrior Bards" book series. There is plenty of action, intrigue and suspense in this riveting book. I couldn't put it down, and even though it's 512 pages, I read it in 3 days. I cannot WAIT to see what happens next!
The story begins as Liobhan and Dau are about to finish their Swan Island training. Part of the celebration includes exhibition fights between the trainees. Liobhan and Dau's bout is hand-to-hand combat, best 2 out of 3 wins. Each wins a bout, and during the third fight Dau stumbles backward and strikes his head hard on the ground. He's immediately knocked out and seriously injured. When he finally awakes, he is blind and suffers from severe headaches.
Dau's family is notified of his injury while he's still incapacitated. Liobhan knows that Dau would not want his estranged family notified and would never want to return to the dysfunctional and dangerous home. The leaders of Swan Island do not listen to Liobhan and his family travels to Dau. A member of the contingent is Dau's older brother, and chief tormentor, Seanan. An informal trial is held and although all of the witness insist that Dau's injury was an accident, his family demands compensation. Swan Island pays a large sum to Dau's family for his injury, and Liobhan agrees to serve one year in Dau's household as a bond servant. Dau is distraught and it takes all of Liobhan's training to talk him off the ledge.
Once at Dau's home, they discover that Seanan has not changed and continues to torment both Dau and Liobhan. As the duo get familiar with the household, and the people in it, they discover there are some strange, and possibly deadly, things going on. As the days pass by, Dau and Liobhan have no choice but to find out what is going on at the homestead. This, of course, puts both their lives in danger.
Meanwhile, Brocc is not adjusting to life in the Otherworld as well as he thought he would. His wife, and queen, is acting cold and distant, and her clan are still plagued with attacks by the Crow Folk. There are definitely some mysterious activities going on in the Otherworld. The author gives us just enough background information that it seems she is setting us up for a larger storyline in perhaps the next book.
I loved this book. The story is gripping and will certainly have you reading well past your bedtime. The author's writing style is so good that reading her books is effortless. You feel like your listening to a master storyteller weaving an epic tale. Even though there was plenty of worldbuilding in the first book, the author expertly sneaks in additional worldbuilding throughout this book that adds even more depth to the story.
I was able to really feel Dau's frustration and despair as he contemplates a life without sight. I fretted along with Liobhan as she watches her strong, determined friend tortured by his injuries and limitations. Dau's menacing brother Seanan appears only sporadically in the book, which only serves to increase tension. He was a fun villain to hate.
If you haven't read any of Marillier's books, what's wrong with you?! You need to start right away! This is a great series to start with that doesn't require you to have read any of her previous series to understand everything that is going on. And while you're waiting for book 3, you can go back and read all of the authors other books. :-)
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2020
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
It hurts to give my queen, Juliet Marillier, anything less than five stars. Marillier is a master in her wheelhouse - healer heroine/slow burn romance/being tested by Fae Folk - which is probably why Warrior Bards isn't as strong.
Liobhan breaks the mold as a warrior, which is cool. However, as a character she's straddling what Marillier presumably wants her to be and what she's comfortable writing. The outcome is a character who is an amazing warrior, musician, and a healer to boot. This is a problem for me for four reasons.
1. Reading about characters who are good at everything never makes for good drama.
2. It doesn't make much sense why Liobhan is a bard to begin with? Her brother, Brocc, is a super, magical bard. When he uses his music, it's an intrinsic part of the plot. With Liobhan it's more like a nice party trick.
3. Outside of some training scenes, Liobhan rarely uses her fighting skills. Each book centers on one mission, and in each one Liobhan is required to not show her strength. It's just odd to write about a warrior and then weaken her in each book.
4. Liobhan is a fair healer, and Marillier loves a healer. Maybe it was brought to her attention that warrior teenagers make for more popular characters these days. Maybe she just wanted to try something different. However, Marillier's books have always been so strong because she's avoided the YA Tough Girl Who Fights Good + Big Bad formula. The Warrior Bards series feels a bit too much like mainstream YA fantasy, and it's stifling the series as a result.
The plot for this book was more interesting than The Harp of Kings, and I still plan on reading the next. Dau's chapters were my favorite, and he had the strongest arc. It's just a bummer reading a so-so book by the most capable of authors.
It hurts to give my queen, Juliet Marillier, anything less than five stars. Marillier is a master in her wheelhouse - healer heroine/slow burn romance/being tested by Fae Folk - which is probably why Warrior Bards isn't as strong.
Liobhan breaks the mold as a warrior, which is cool. However, as a character she's straddling what Marillier presumably wants her to be and what she's comfortable writing. The outcome is a character who is an amazing warrior, musician, and a healer to boot. This is a problem for me for four reasons.
1. Reading about characters who are good at everything never makes for good drama.
2. It doesn't make much sense why Liobhan is a bard to begin with? Her brother, Brocc, is a super, magical bard. When he uses his music, it's an intrinsic part of the plot. With Liobhan it's more like a nice party trick.
3. Outside of some training scenes, Liobhan rarely uses her fighting skills. Each book centers on one mission, and in each one Liobhan is required to not show her strength. It's just odd to write about a warrior and then weaken her in each book.
4. Liobhan is a fair healer, and Marillier loves a healer. Maybe it was brought to her attention that warrior teenagers make for more popular characters these days. Maybe she just wanted to try something different. However, Marillier's books have always been so strong because she's avoided the YA Tough Girl Who Fights Good + Big Bad formula. The Warrior Bards series feels a bit too much like mainstream YA fantasy, and it's stifling the series as a result.
The plot for this book was more interesting than The Harp of Kings, and I still plan on reading the next. Dau's chapters were my favorite, and he had the strongest arc. It's just a bummer reading a so-so book by the most capable of authors.
November 21, 2025
More Marillier Magic. All the stars!!!
August 16, 2022
4.5⭐️ Shock nelle lande? Nossignore. Anche questa volta la Marillier ha fatto centro.
Secondo libro della Warrior Bards Trilogy, che segue le avventure di Liobhan, Dau e Brocc, tre ragazzi addestrati a diventare guerrieri, a svelare misteri e a svolgere missioni sotto copertura.
Sarò sincera, all’inizio pensavo che questo libro mi sarebbe piaciuto di meno del secondo. Questo perché, quasi fin da subito, si capisce che in questo caso non avremo particolari misteri e rompicapi da risolvere, ma ci concentreremo completamente sulla crescita di uno dei nostri tre protagonisti.
I libri della Marillier sono sempre molto incentrati sulla crescita, sulla guarigione e la speranza, ma questo in particolar modo. Ho adorato il percorso di questo personaggio (che non nominerò per non fare particolari spoiler), che compie un percorso di guarigione sia fisico che spirituale. E ho adorato anche lo svilupparsi dei legami tra diversi personaggi. Come al solito sono rapporti di fiducia che si costruiscono mano a mano, ben sviluppati e sempre molto profondi. Se amate le storie character-driven, dove la trama è secondaria rispetto ai personaggi e al loro sviluppo, allora la Marillier è un’autrice che dovete assolutamente recuperare.
Atmosfere fiabesche e immerse nella natura come sempre al top, così come appunto le tematiche della rinascita, degli abusi, i traumi, l’accettazione di se stessi. Non sarà un’autrice per tutti, ma se ti tocca, ti tocca davvero nel profondo.
Ovviamente mi butto subito sul terzo e ultimo libro, per poi affondare la mia disperazione nella nutella, penso. O nel Fuzetea pesca con tocco di rosa. O entrambi.
Secondo libro della Warrior Bards Trilogy, che segue le avventure di Liobhan, Dau e Brocc, tre ragazzi addestrati a diventare guerrieri, a svelare misteri e a svolgere missioni sotto copertura.
Sarò sincera, all’inizio pensavo che questo libro mi sarebbe piaciuto di meno del secondo. Questo perché, quasi fin da subito, si capisce che in questo caso non avremo particolari misteri e rompicapi da risolvere, ma ci concentreremo completamente sulla crescita di uno dei nostri tre protagonisti.
I libri della Marillier sono sempre molto incentrati sulla crescita, sulla guarigione e la speranza, ma questo in particolar modo. Ho adorato il percorso di questo personaggio (che non nominerò per non fare particolari spoiler), che compie un percorso di guarigione sia fisico che spirituale. E ho adorato anche lo svilupparsi dei legami tra diversi personaggi. Come al solito sono rapporti di fiducia che si costruiscono mano a mano, ben sviluppati e sempre molto profondi. Se amate le storie character-driven, dove la trama è secondaria rispetto ai personaggi e al loro sviluppo, allora la Marillier è un’autrice che dovete assolutamente recuperare.
Atmosfere fiabesche e immerse nella natura come sempre al top, così come appunto le tematiche della rinascita, degli abusi, i traumi, l’accettazione di se stessi. Non sarà un’autrice per tutti, ma se ti tocca, ti tocca davvero nel profondo.
Ovviamente mi butto subito sul terzo e ultimo libro, per poi affondare la mia disperazione nella nutella, penso. O nel Fuzetea pesca con tocco di rosa. O entrambi.
August 13, 2020
This and more reviews at superstardrifter.com
Liobhan, Brocc, and Dau are back. Well… I mean Brocc is in the Otherworld, because of things that happened in the last book, which I won’t spoil. Things happened… in and around and slightly adjacent to the Otherworld.
Liobhan and Dau are still on Swan Island training as warriors. One day, in a display fight against Liobhan, Dau is injured accidentally, costing him his vision. His family blames Liobhan for the injury, and so she agrees to go back to his family home with him as a bond servant for a year. Luckily, Liobhan has some experience with nursing, since her mother is a healer/wisewoman.
Meanwhile Brocc is living his best life in the Otherworld, where the Crow Folk have been attacking his people. He’s found a few mutilated remains of Crow Folk in the forest surrounding his home, and is very curious what is attacking the folk that his people are so frightened of.
I loved this book, definitely more than the first, but good gods it jostled my feels. I’ve come to really care for these characters, most specifically Liobhan and Dau, and they do not really have a good time at Dau’s ancestral home. Dau’s brother Seanan spent most of their childhood being beyond awful, and as comes with zero surprise at all, he’s still awful as an adult. He makes Dau and Liobhan’s lives as difficult as he can. Seanan is one of those antagonists that you just… hate. There are just no redeeming qualities. You spend the entire book hoping that he will get his comeuppance in as many ways as possible.
Even with the emotional rollercoaster this book put me on, I absolutely could not put it down. I had to know what happened next. I read this book until 4am one night, because I needed to know what happened. We see this story mainly from three POVs (with one or two exceptions) – that of Liobhan, Dau, and Brocc. They’re told in first person, and so we get to see this action with their eyes, and that served to make my attachment to these characters even stronger. I remember not liking Dau at all in book one. Welp, that’s changed.
There is a bit of romance in this one, and it is simmery slow, and quite sweet. The thing I loved most about it is that they both sort of just… fall in love. There’s no real confession of love or anything. They both realize they’re in love with each other and that it’s a thing that they need to probably talk about at some point, but with so much going on… well, things just move forward as usual until there comes a time when they can have that talk. Liobhan is very much like her mother in that respect. Blackthorn and Grim only took like… two and a half books to have that talk, and that was one of the things that kept me reading that series until the wee hours. 😀
So, all told, if you liked the first book in the series, you are almost certain to like this one as well, as it is largely more of the same. If you liked Blackthorn and Grim, you’d probably like this. If you liked Sevenwaters, you’d probably like this. Another win from Juliet Marillier!
Thanks to the author, as well as Ace via NetGalley for the review copy!
Liobhan, Brocc, and Dau are back. Well… I mean Brocc is in the Otherworld, because of things that happened in the last book, which I won’t spoil. Things happened… in and around and slightly adjacent to the Otherworld.
Liobhan and Dau are still on Swan Island training as warriors. One day, in a display fight against Liobhan, Dau is injured accidentally, costing him his vision. His family blames Liobhan for the injury, and so she agrees to go back to his family home with him as a bond servant for a year. Luckily, Liobhan has some experience with nursing, since her mother is a healer/wisewoman.
Meanwhile Brocc is living his best life in the Otherworld, where the Crow Folk have been attacking his people. He’s found a few mutilated remains of Crow Folk in the forest surrounding his home, and is very curious what is attacking the folk that his people are so frightened of.
I loved this book, definitely more than the first, but good gods it jostled my feels. I’ve come to really care for these characters, most specifically Liobhan and Dau, and they do not really have a good time at Dau’s ancestral home. Dau’s brother Seanan spent most of their childhood being beyond awful, and as comes with zero surprise at all, he’s still awful as an adult. He makes Dau and Liobhan’s lives as difficult as he can. Seanan is one of those antagonists that you just… hate. There are just no redeeming qualities. You spend the entire book hoping that he will get his comeuppance in as many ways as possible.
Even with the emotional rollercoaster this book put me on, I absolutely could not put it down. I had to know what happened next. I read this book until 4am one night, because I needed to know what happened. We see this story mainly from three POVs (with one or two exceptions) – that of Liobhan, Dau, and Brocc. They’re told in first person, and so we get to see this action with their eyes, and that served to make my attachment to these characters even stronger. I remember not liking Dau at all in book one. Welp, that’s changed.
There is a bit of romance in this one, and it is simmery slow, and quite sweet. The thing I loved most about it is that they both sort of just… fall in love. There’s no real confession of love or anything. They both realize they’re in love with each other and that it’s a thing that they need to probably talk about at some point, but with so much going on… well, things just move forward as usual until there comes a time when they can have that talk. Liobhan is very much like her mother in that respect. Blackthorn and Grim only took like… two and a half books to have that talk, and that was one of the things that kept me reading that series until the wee hours. 😀
So, all told, if you liked the first book in the series, you are almost certain to like this one as well, as it is largely more of the same. If you liked Blackthorn and Grim, you’d probably like this. If you liked Sevenwaters, you’d probably like this. Another win from Juliet Marillier!
Thanks to the author, as well as Ace via NetGalley for the review copy!
September 18, 2020
'He fought with remarkable bravery and skill, blind man or no. But all the time he would have been cursing the moment fate dealt in that blow. He would have known, as I did, that if he'd been his old self, if I hadn't still been feeling the effects of the draft, we could have accounted for those men without Brocc's help, we could have protected Corb. Dau's allowed a moment of snarling unpleasantness - but only one. If he speaks to me like that again, I'll slap him.'
4.5* A lovely story and even better than its prequel.
Celebrating their acceptance into Swan Island, Dau is hurt in a ceremonial bout with Liobhan and loses his sight. Forced to return home to the family that abused him as a child, Dau contemplates suicide until Liobhan swears herself into debt bondage to the family for a year in recompense for the injury. Initially separated by Dau's sadistic elder brother, Seanan (pronounced like Sha-NON), they must fight to live, to protect each other, and to come to terms with their new realities.
Liobhan shines in this book. At last, we see her true strength, not as a warrior swinging a sword, but as a woman whose unfailing optimism and strength of character can't help but spread to those around her. Meanwhile, we begin to understand Dau and the struggles he's overcome, and watch as he puts his traumas behind him and grows into his potential. I appreciated that the two weren't coy about their growing feelings for each other and discussed them, if only briefly. I have my fingers crossed that we'll see more of this budding romance in the next book.
Brocc, now living in the other world with Eirne, his wife, has a number of chapters to himself. I didn't particularly enjoy these and the book lost 1/2 a star because of them. Part of the problem, unfortunately, is that I don't like his narrator, Alex Wyndham, whose odd inflections left me grinding my teeth. The other part is that I just don't like Eirne and can't understand why Brocc left the human world to live with her. We're told there have been tender moments between them but we're not shown these, only the growing tension and distance. I have a horrible feeling that the last book is going to focus on them and I'm not particularly looking forward to it.
That aside, the book was beautifully written and, like most of Marillier's books, set in the rich environment of a medieval Irish country manor. The plot kicked off almost immediately and, because the story was closer to the protagonists' hearts, I found myself far more invested in it than I had been in the first book.
One thing Marillier is not good at is foreshadowing, tending to give the game away earlier than absolutely necessary. However, given the nature of her books, and her focus on character development over action and investigation, I don't think this detracts overly from the story.
All in all a wonderful story and one I struggled to put down at times, even when I really needed to sleep. Hopefully, we'll see a lot more of Dau and Lionhan in the next instalment!
For recommendations on what to read next, check out my blog, Off-Planet Books.
December 1, 2024
4,5 comme pour le tome 1, totalement différent de celui ci, nette évolution des personnages, toujours aussi touchants. Avis prochainement.
Avis Lecture 🧐 📖 "A Danse with Fate", Warrior Bards tome 2, Juliet Marillier 🇮🇪
Fantasy irlandaise
C'est avec plaisir que j'ai plongé dans ce second volume et une fois encore, la plume de Marillier et son don pour magnifier les personnages, font mouche ! 🤩
Dans le tome 1, j'avais beaucoup aimé Liobhan ainsi que Dau qui a une belle évolution... Mais mon préféré était Brocc, frère de Liobhan, avec son âme musicale et si sensitive.
Mais ici, dans ce second volume, le personnage de Dau se révèle totalement. C'était déjà un personnage bien travaillé dans le 1er volume mais là, le guerrier se retrouve dans une mauvaise posture dès le début du récit, et ces événements pourraient avoir des conséquences désastreuses sur son destin de guerrier.
A son chevet, sa rivale et amie Liobhan. Le lien entre ces deux personnage est vraiment très beau et Dau se retrouve dans une posture contradictoire - à l'image de ses sentiments pour la jeune femme. Si leur rivalité est l'élément boost entre eux, des liens plus étroits se sont tissés à la fin du tome 1. Aujourd'hui, Liobhan est la seule à connaître les secrets du jeune homme.
Quelque part dans l'Autre Monde, au sein du peuple des Fae, Brocc ressent le manque de sa sœur. Son intrigue se développe plus légèrement ici jusqu'au final.
Je reste malgré tout très fan de ce personnage 🤩
Là encore, ne vous attendez pas à un roman d'action Fantasy. Marillier sait prendre le temps de poser psychologiquement ses personnages. C'est ce qui fait, je pense, que l'on observe à chacun des volumes, une nette évolution chez nos 3 heros. Ici les tourments sont humains, l'amour, le manque, le handicap et la dépression sont au cœur du roman, mais tout en gardant toujours une note d'espoir ✨
Avis Lecture 🧐 📖 "A Danse with Fate", Warrior Bards tome 2, Juliet Marillier 🇮🇪
Fantasy irlandaise
C'est avec plaisir que j'ai plongé dans ce second volume et une fois encore, la plume de Marillier et son don pour magnifier les personnages, font mouche ! 🤩
Dans le tome 1, j'avais beaucoup aimé Liobhan ainsi que Dau qui a une belle évolution... Mais mon préféré était Brocc, frère de Liobhan, avec son âme musicale et si sensitive.
Mais ici, dans ce second volume, le personnage de Dau se révèle totalement. C'était déjà un personnage bien travaillé dans le 1er volume mais là, le guerrier se retrouve dans une mauvaise posture dès le début du récit, et ces événements pourraient avoir des conséquences désastreuses sur son destin de guerrier.
A son chevet, sa rivale et amie Liobhan. Le lien entre ces deux personnage est vraiment très beau et Dau se retrouve dans une posture contradictoire - à l'image de ses sentiments pour la jeune femme. Si leur rivalité est l'élément boost entre eux, des liens plus étroits se sont tissés à la fin du tome 1. Aujourd'hui, Liobhan est la seule à connaître les secrets du jeune homme.
Quelque part dans l'Autre Monde, au sein du peuple des Fae, Brocc ressent le manque de sa sœur. Son intrigue se développe plus légèrement ici jusqu'au final.
Je reste malgré tout très fan de ce personnage 🤩
Là encore, ne vous attendez pas à un roman d'action Fantasy. Marillier sait prendre le temps de poser psychologiquement ses personnages. C'est ce qui fait, je pense, que l'on observe à chacun des volumes, une nette évolution chez nos 3 heros. Ici les tourments sont humains, l'amour, le manque, le handicap et la dépression sont au cœur du roman, mais tout en gardant toujours une note d'espoir ✨
September 10, 2020
Usually I absolutely love Juliet Marillier's books, and Daughter of the Forest remains one of my favorites, but this series has not been up to her usual (incredibly high) standards. Still, on the whole, it was still mostly enjoyable. It is a Marillier book, after all.
It was kind of a chore to get through Brocc's chapters, unfortunately, because they just weren't all that interesting. I would gladly have had Brocc not be in the book at all, with more room given over for some more character development and psychological warfare with Seanan. The vast majority of Seanan's misdeeds are in the past, so we learn about them only through being told that they happened, and any sense of urgency suffers badly from "telling, not showing." For most of the book, Seanan simply ignores and neglects Dau rather than actually doing anything, and as a result, we don't know if our heroes are in any actual danger. It's also really hard to get a bead on Seanan's character and/or motivation. Is he just doing stuff "for the evulz"? Which makes the ending kind of unbelievable.
"What do we do with this dangerous psychopathic serial killer?"
"Oh, just banish him."
"Doesn't that seem like a bad idea? Best case scenario he finds some other people to prey on and murder. Worst case scenario he turns up unexpectedly seeking revenge."
"Yeah, but we need him to be in the next book."
"Oh, ok then."
It was kind of a chore to get through Brocc's chapters, unfortunately, because they just weren't all that interesting. I would gladly have had Brocc not be in the book at all, with more room given over for some more character development and psychological warfare with Seanan. The vast majority of Seanan's misdeeds are in the past, so we learn about them only through being told that they happened, and any sense of urgency suffers badly from "telling, not showing." For most of the book, Seanan simply ignores and neglects Dau rather than actually doing anything, and as a result, we don't know if our heroes are in any actual danger. It's also really hard to get a bead on Seanan's character and/or motivation. Is he just doing stuff "for the evulz"? Which makes the ending kind of unbelievable.
"What do we do with this dangerous psychopathic serial killer?"
"Oh, just banish him."
"Doesn't that seem like a bad idea? Best case scenario he finds some other people to prey on and murder. Worst case scenario he turns up unexpectedly seeking revenge."
"Yeah, but we need him to be in the next book."
"Oh, ok then."
September 18, 2020
5 stars! This was my first read by Juliet Marrilier and it was actually an Audiobook. This was book two of this series and can be read as a stand-alone. I thought the narrators, three of them were awesome. Very articulate and believable. I fell right into the story and wanted to finish it in one sitting.
This was the best YA, sci-fi, fantasy romance book I’ve read this year. There isn’t one thing I would change about it. The author skillfully wrote a book that had great pace and depth. A colorful world full of Kings, warriors and magic.
I highly recommend this audiobook for anyone who loves YA, fantasy romance.
Thank you NETGALLEY and the publisher for this audiobook ARC, in exchange for my honest review.
This was the best YA, sci-fi, fantasy romance book I’ve read this year. There isn’t one thing I would change about it. The author skillfully wrote a book that had great pace and depth. A colorful world full of Kings, warriors and magic.
I highly recommend this audiobook for anyone who loves YA, fantasy romance.
Thank you NETGALLEY and the publisher for this audiobook ARC, in exchange for my honest review.
January 18, 2021
I am so so angry with this book. Apart from the non-existent plot and ridiculous characterization, it was just so infuriating and frustrating!
I'm going to mention just a few inanities that made me grind my teeth in fury.
Okay so, Dau has been abused by his family. He is so traumatized that he would literally rather DIE than go back.. But Archu tells him to go back "for the sake of Swan Island"?? Are you kidding me?! First of all, 'informing' Dau's family about his injury without his permission, without at least consulting Liobhan whom Dau was close to, just for the sake of accountability is absolutely VILE. Especially because Dau isn't even a minor and the authorities at Swan Lake KNEW that he was, at the very least, estranged from his family. Apparently they do background checks on the new recruits. And they don't even have the decency of giving him an assured place at Swan Lake.. Just because he was blinded?! I wanted to throw this book into a dumpster fire when I read this!!
Also, regarding Dau's abuse by his brothers and the fact that he was never believed by his father-- how does that make sense?! Apparently 'Seanan can be very convincing'. What these magically persuasive arguments were are left a mystery to the readers.
And don't even get me started on the faery queen. I haven't even bothered to remember her name. She's unreasonable, cold-hearted and unfair, and I see no reason why Brocc married her to begin with, except for the fact that basically, she's hot. Ugh. I swear, Brocc had a lot more chemistry with his druid friends in the last book.
I think it's time for me to acknowledge that Juliet Marillier is decidedly not the author for me.
I'm going to mention just a few inanities that made me grind my teeth in fury.
Okay so, Dau has been abused by his family. He is so traumatized that he would literally rather DIE than go back.. But Archu tells him to go back "for the sake of Swan Island"?? Are you kidding me?! First of all, 'informing' Dau's family about his injury without his permission, without at least consulting Liobhan whom Dau was close to, just for the sake of accountability is absolutely VILE. Especially because Dau isn't even a minor and the authorities at Swan Lake KNEW that he was, at the very least, estranged from his family. Apparently they do background checks on the new recruits. And they don't even have the decency of giving him an assured place at Swan Lake.. Just because he was blinded?! I wanted to throw this book into a dumpster fire when I read this!!
Also, regarding Dau's abuse by his brothers and the fact that he was never believed by his father-- how does that make sense?! Apparently 'Seanan can be very convincing'. What these magically persuasive arguments were are left a mystery to the readers.
And don't even get me started on the faery queen. I haven't even bothered to remember her name. She's unreasonable, cold-hearted and unfair, and I see no reason why Brocc married her to begin with, except for the fact that basically, she's hot. Ugh. I swear, Brocc had a lot more chemistry with his druid friends in the last book.
I think it's time for me to acknowledge that Juliet Marillier is decidedly not the author for me.
September 21, 2020
thank you netgalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to listen to this audiobook
this book is just as beautifully written as Marillier's previous works. We meet Liobhan, Dau and Brocc who we meet in the previous book.
I don't want to spoil any of the action during this book but something unravels due to an accident. How this affects both Liobhan as well as Dau (who the accident happened to) is done well, as well as how Liobhan has to pay for it. I don't want to say anyting else because I'm really afraid of spoiling anything major here.
I would say that I see a lot of the writing from Marillier's previous book Blackthorn and Grim in this, as the book turns darker in this instance. The previous book I didn't think was dark at all, but this book had a much darker undertone to it. It wasn't anything that would put me off a book by her since I truly enjoy all of Marillier's book. All of those I've read this far at least.
One thing I want to highlight is the new settings which shows more of the casts true colors. Which is something again is one of Marillier's strongest features. However when I mention that, I do not care that much for Brocc's chapter and they feel at times stale. This might have to do with that Liobhan and Dau's story is much more appealing to me. However I think this is much more of an "taste" thing than it has anything to do with the book overall.
I'm 100% reading book #3. (I hate the wait..)
this book is just as beautifully written as Marillier's previous works. We meet Liobhan, Dau and Brocc who we meet in the previous book.
I don't want to spoil any of the action during this book but something unravels due to an accident. How this affects both Liobhan as well as Dau (who the accident happened to) is done well, as well as how Liobhan has to pay for it. I don't want to say anyting else because I'm really afraid of spoiling anything major here.
I would say that I see a lot of the writing from Marillier's previous book Blackthorn and Grim in this, as the book turns darker in this instance. The previous book I didn't think was dark at all, but this book had a much darker undertone to it. It wasn't anything that would put me off a book by her since I truly enjoy all of Marillier's book. All of those I've read this far at least.
One thing I want to highlight is the new settings which shows more of the casts true colors. Which is something again is one of Marillier's strongest features. However when I mention that, I do not care that much for Brocc's chapter and they feel at times stale. This might have to do with that Liobhan and Dau's story is much more appealing to me. However I think this is much more of an "taste" thing than it has anything to do with the book overall.
I'm 100% reading book #3. (I hate the wait..)
November 2, 2020
After they have returned to Swan Island Liobhan and Dau continue their friendship and rivalry. Both are tested to the extreme when an accident in a training bout leaves Dau blind, and Dau's family claims payment from Liobhan as compensation. We learned in the previous book that Dau has little love for his family, and why is gone into detail here with him being at his evil brother's mercy and Liobhan almost helpless to save him. Meanwhile in the fae realm, Liobhan's brother Brocc continues to have to deal with crazed crowfolk as well as his mercurial new bride.
I feel like I'm continuing to praise and criticize the same things with this series. The characterization is fantastic with all three of Liobhan, Dau and Brocc getting significant development here and the people of Dau's home being brought to life beautifully. However, like the first one, the plot makes little sense if thought about for any period of time, and only works because people (particularly the supposedly wise Swan Island warriors) act in ways that are very stupid. And again we have characters (chiefly Dau) being stupidly close-mouthed, when a short conversation would make the whole book disappear.
I feel like I'm continuing to praise and criticize the same things with this series. The characterization is fantastic with all three of Liobhan, Dau and Brocc getting significant development here and the people of Dau's home being brought to life beautifully. However, like the first one, the plot makes little sense if thought about for any period of time, and only works because people (particularly the supposedly wise Swan Island warriors) act in ways that are very stupid. And again we have characters (chiefly Dau) being stupidly close-mouthed, when a short conversation would make the whole book disappear.
November 3, 2020
I absolutely adore this series. I read the first book last year? I think it was last year. Anyway I fell in love with the characters and the dual storyline. I had such high hopes that this would be another amazing read (while scrolling my fingers it wouldn't be the dreaded second book hot mess). It was so good. I immediately fell back into this world and loved to see that characters new journeys. I cannot wait to dive right back in with the next book.
January 27, 2022
This is Young Adult/Fantasy. I enjoyed this one. It is book #2 in the Warrior Bards trilogy by Juliet Marillier. I liked this one so much more than book #1. I was hooked from the very beginning. The ending was also satisfying.
The good vs. evil vibe was well done. And it was balanced. I liked the MCs Liobhan and Dau. They were a determined duo. Now the obligatory romance was there, but it wasn't front and center. Thankfully, there was a real plot to focus on. So 5 stars and I started book #3 as soon as I finished this one.
The good vs. evil vibe was well done. And it was balanced. I liked the MCs Liobhan and Dau. They were a determined duo. Now the obligatory romance was there, but it wasn't front and center. Thankfully, there was a real plot to focus on. So 5 stars and I started book #3 as soon as I finished this one.
July 23, 2020
The young warrior and bard Liobhan has lost her brother to the Otherworld. Even more determined to gain a place as an elite fighter, she returns to Swan Island to continue her training. But Liobhan is devastated when her comrade Dau is injured and loses his sight in their final display bout. Blamed by Dau's family for the accident, she agrees to go to Dau's home as a bond servant for the span of one year.
There, she soon learns that Oakhill is a place of dark secrets. The vicious Crow Folk still threaten both worlds. And Dau, battling the demon of despair, is not an easy man to help.
When Liobhan and Dau start to expose the rot at the center of Oakhill, they place themselves in deadly danger. For their enemy wields great power and will stop at nothing to get his way. It will take all the skills of a Swan Island warrior and a touch of the uncanny to give them a hope of survival. . . .
There's a certain kind of magic in Juliet Marillier's writing that draws me in and keeps me turning the pages every single time I read one of her books. This one was no exception. I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel to The Harp of Kings. I actually think I liked this one a little bit more.
I enjoyed the chapters from Liobhan and Dau the most. The way their relationship grew and changed was wonderful to read. I have to admit that although I enjoyed Brocc's chapters, I mostly just wanted to get back to Liobhan and Dau! I did feel bad for Brocc with what he was going through with his wife and their differences, and it did not endear her to me at all. He needs to find his voice. I also liked that he begins to explore why the crowfolk are the way the are.
This was a rather emotional book with the subject of abuse, both human and animal. There were a couple of times that this book brought me to tears. In particular the part where the words of a song remind Dau of his beloved dog that was killed. I lost it thinking of my own pets that have passed on.
I'm not sure how many books will be in this series, but so far I love it and I'm looking forward to reading more!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
There, she soon learns that Oakhill is a place of dark secrets. The vicious Crow Folk still threaten both worlds. And Dau, battling the demon of despair, is not an easy man to help.
When Liobhan and Dau start to expose the rot at the center of Oakhill, they place themselves in deadly danger. For their enemy wields great power and will stop at nothing to get his way. It will take all the skills of a Swan Island warrior and a touch of the uncanny to give them a hope of survival. . . .
There's a certain kind of magic in Juliet Marillier's writing that draws me in and keeps me turning the pages every single time I read one of her books. This one was no exception. I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel to The Harp of Kings. I actually think I liked this one a little bit more.
I enjoyed the chapters from Liobhan and Dau the most. The way their relationship grew and changed was wonderful to read. I have to admit that although I enjoyed Brocc's chapters, I mostly just wanted to get back to Liobhan and Dau! I did feel bad for Brocc with what he was going through with his wife and their differences, and it did not endear her to me at all. He needs to find his voice. I also liked that he begins to explore why the crowfolk are the way the are.
This was a rather emotional book with the subject of abuse, both human and animal. There were a couple of times that this book brought me to tears. In particular the part where the words of a song remind Dau of his beloved dog that was killed. I lost it thinking of my own pets that have passed on.
I'm not sure how many books will be in this series, but so far I love it and I'm looking forward to reading more!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
April 6, 2021
I would say “this is a bridge book” - second book in a series, not about all that much, seems to fit the bill - except I’m not sure this actually does anything to advance the overall plot arc, and shouldn’t a bridge book create a link between two things?
This is an extremely small-scale story of a tiny community: contrived circumstances force Dau home, even more contrivances bring Liohban with him, monks visit the estate, Brocc intersects with them, the end. Why is any of this important? And it feels so isolated, too. I couldn’t remember much of the first book, and this one doesn’t recap. (Shouldn’t I remember the crows?)
I suppose it’s possible the third book will explain, but it’s also possible I don’t care enough to continue to the third book.
This is an extremely small-scale story of a tiny community: contrived circumstances force Dau home, even more contrivances bring Liohban with him, monks visit the estate, Brocc intersects with them, the end. Why is any of this important? And it feels so isolated, too. I couldn’t remember much of the first book, and this one doesn’t recap. (Shouldn’t I remember the crows?)
I suppose it’s possible the third book will explain, but it’s also possible I don’t care enough to continue to the third book.
May 27, 2025
just wrench out my heart will ya juliet 🥲 the pain, the love, the frustration and determination. no book has inflicted so much emotion to this degree of intensity before. perfection — no notes. listening to book 3 as i’m typing this because i cannot get enough of this trilogy
September 1, 2020
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Juliet Marillier is an author I always enjoy. A Dance with Fate continues with the primary perspectives being Dau, Liobahn and Brocc. As with the first book, I struggled a bit to get going. It felt like the first 20% of the book took me 3 days to read and then I finished the rest in a day or so. It might have helped me to reread The Harp of Kings, since it was a year ago I started this Warrier Bards trilogy. I would not read these alone or out of order.
All three of our main characters faced rather dire circumstances in this tale. They were strong and compassionate and worked hard themselves but some others were not helpful or kind. The fae are always difficult. In The Harp of Kings, Brocc learned more of his heritage and found love and a new life. Now he has to adjust to that marriage and life. It's not just his wife and community, but the outside threats to learn.
Dau undergoes a trauma and ends up having to go back to his family and the past horrors there. Liobahn will not let him face it alone, but it is a grave challenge. It was not a good place for Dau when he was young and it has not really improved. Dau manages to grow a lot personally, learning much more compassion and a different kind of control. Liobahn also adapts to working hard and being unobtrusive.
Music did not play as large a role. There were more politics, and class distinctions. By the end, everyone is headed home. The strange Crow creatures are still an issue in both worlds and that seems to be the next mystery. I hope for a better start to the final book with the world and characters well in mind. I'm intrigued to know more about the Crow folk and the relationships of our three. I still hope we may get a scene with Grim & Blackthorn. I'm so glad to be back in this world.
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Juliet Marillier is an author I always enjoy. A Dance with Fate continues with the primary perspectives being Dau, Liobahn and Brocc. As with the first book, I struggled a bit to get going. It felt like the first 20% of the book took me 3 days to read and then I finished the rest in a day or so. It might have helped me to reread The Harp of Kings, since it was a year ago I started this Warrier Bards trilogy. I would not read these alone or out of order.
All three of our main characters faced rather dire circumstances in this tale. They were strong and compassionate and worked hard themselves but some others were not helpful or kind. The fae are always difficult. In The Harp of Kings, Brocc learned more of his heritage and found love and a new life. Now he has to adjust to that marriage and life. It's not just his wife and community, but the outside threats to learn.
Dau undergoes a trauma and ends up having to go back to his family and the past horrors there. Liobahn will not let him face it alone, but it is a grave challenge. It was not a good place for Dau when he was young and it has not really improved. Dau manages to grow a lot personally, learning much more compassion and a different kind of control. Liobahn also adapts to working hard and being unobtrusive.
Music did not play as large a role. There were more politics, and class distinctions. By the end, everyone is headed home. The strange Crow creatures are still an issue in both worlds and that seems to be the next mystery. I hope for a better start to the final book with the world and characters well in mind. I'm intrigued to know more about the Crow folk and the relationships of our three. I still hope we may get a scene with Grim & Blackthorn. I'm so glad to be back in this world.
February 11, 2021
Well if it is possible, I loved the second book even more than the first!!! Juliet Marillier is a gem who writes the absolute best in historical fantasy. All the characters from The Harp of Kings are there for us again – just like revisiting family! I adored every page and cannot wait for the third to come out which appears to be another 6 months away. 5+ for me….
September 5, 2020
I tried to make it last! It was so good, I’m sad it’s over. I may need another read through before I can write a review. Le sigh.
September 11, 2021
Vejam a minha opinião em vídeo, AQUI.
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