O Espelho Negro

The Bridei Chronicles #1

by Juliet Marillier

Escócia, século VI. Bridei tem quatro anos quando os seus pais o confiam a Broichan, um poderoso druida do reino de Fortriu, com quem aprenderá a ser um homem erudito, um estratega e um guerreiro. Bridei desconhece que a sua formação obedece ao desígnio de um concelho secreto de anciãos e que está destinado a desempenhar um papel fundamental no destino do instável reino de Fortriu.
Porém. Algo irá mudar para sempre o seu mundo e, provavelmente, arrasar os planos de Broichan: Bridei encontra uma criança, ao que tudo indica abandonada pelos Boas-Gente. Todos concordam que o melhor será assassiná-la, mas Bridei decide salvá-la a todo o custo. E assim, ambos crescem juntos, e a bebé Tuala transforma-se numa bela mulher.
Contudo, Broichan presente o perigo que ela representa, pois a jovem poderá vir a ter um papel importante no futuro de Bridei… ou causar a sua perdição.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical Fantasy, Historical, Young Adult

664 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

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

[Khanh, first of her name, mother of bunnies · Rating 2 out of 5]

Come with me now, now, I need you . . . Showing her with his hands, his mouth, his body just what this need had become, a thing that seemed fit to devour him unless it were satisfied . . .

Said girl is 13 years old. DO. NOT. WANT.

I love Juliet Marillier, but this series is not among my favorites. It was a confusing book. It's set in a Pictish 500 AD or so era, with some magic and druidism, and tbh I have no idea wtf it is that a druid does and what the main character (Bridei) is meant to do. The storyline was very difficult to follow, and half of the book had me falling asleep because I could not give two shits about Bridei's druidic training.

Furthermore, this book made me uncomfortable with its depiction of romance between a 13-14 year old girl and a 19-20 year old man. I get that this is supposed to be a different time, in which girls 12-13 years old were deemed ripe for marriage, and by 16, are perilously close to being over the hill. But still, man.

His hands seemed to know, without stirring, just how it would feel to brush that pale cheek, to linger on the delicate neck, to caress the soft curves of her with passion and reverence; his body was telling him with utter certainty what joy it would take in pleasing her . . .

Again, SHE IS 13 YEARS OLD, HE HAS KNOWN HER SINCE SHE WAS AN INFANT, AND THEY GREW UP AS SIBLINGS.

The romance in this book is all sorts of creepy. Bridei, a 6 year old boy, finds an infant girl, Tuala, and raises her as his sister. They are close as can be throughout childhood, then BOOM ERECTION. Not cool, man. Not cool. They are separated for a couple years, then suddenly Bridei sees her again and feels desire. It just makes me deeply uncomfortable.

[Magrat Ajostiernos · Rating 5 out of 5]

He amado muchísimo este libro.
Lo tiene todo para que me guste, es una historia sobre un niño destinado a convertirse en rey y una niña medio humana que puede cambiar el destino de su pueblo. Vamos a verlos crecer en un mundo de batallas y guerras en constante conflicto por el poder y rodeados de rituales y el misticismo de druidas y mujeres sabias.
Es una de las novelas más pausadas que he leído de Marillier, se recrea en la ambientación y en los elementos históricos de la trama, que no son pocos, está ambientado en la Escocia del siglo VI y entremezcla a personajes reales (empezando por el protagonista). A más de uno le puede resultar un libro aburrido o pesado pero a mi me ha hecho disfrutar una barbaridad su estilo.
Me he enamorado de varios personajes secundarios como Faolan, Telaraña, Madreselva, Fola o Ferada, y los protagonistas aunque forman parte de los típicos protagonistas de Marillier que tiran más por lo "sufriente" que carismático, me han tenido muy atrapada.
Son 600 páginas de rituales, leyendas, luchas de poder y magia ancestral que he degustado durante un mes completo. Sabrán disfrutarlo los que como yo, disfruten de los relatos pausados de ficción histórica fantástica.
Me muero por ponerme con el segundo de la trilogía ya.

[Emma Deplores Goodreads Censorship · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rounding my rating up to a 3, but only because it's Marillier.

I'm a huge fan of her Sevenwaters trilogy; after reading the reviews, I ended up buying The Dark Mirror used. I agree with a lot of what has been said here: this book may not be bad as far as general fantasy is concerned, but for Marillier it's lackluster. Worth reading if you're a fan, but not her best effort.

The Dark Mirror, written in third person, mostly follows Bridei, the hero. There is a "heroine," Tuala, but her entire life seems to revolve around Bridei, whereas he is much more independent. Unfortunately, Bridei is incredibly annoying. Does anyone really want to read a book about a child who not only is being groomed for kingship, but is perfect and is the best at absolutely everything? He beats chess masters at chess. He beats archery masters at archery. He talks like an adult at age six, the occasional mispronunciation of a word notwithstanding. And so forth. I had more sympathy for him as he grew up and began to have actual problems, but overall he's an annoying character, and one that appears far too often in bad fantasy. Then there's Tuala--another stereotype--the girl who craves learning for the sake of learning, at least until she falls in love, at which point all she really wants is to be with her hero. Oh well. Despite all that, the romance is well-written as always, and manages to redeem the second half of the book (the first half you will just have to suffer through, waiting for better things to come).

Fans of Marillier's better-known Sevenwaters trilogy will notice that the Bridei Chronicles are more concerned with matters political and military (which play a vital role here) and less with matters domestic and magical (main characters' families are absent or play negligible roles, and the supernatural remains largely in the background). Those unfamiliar with Marillier's work should be aware that while the Bridei Chronicles are loosely based on the reign of an actual Pictish king, this is far from a scholarly work; little is known about the time period, and Marillier adds her own personal touch: expect folklore come to life, several pairs of star-crossed lovers, and plenty of small children running around. It should also be noted that most of the heroes here are adherents of an invented druidic religion and have quite an antagonistic relationship with Christianity.

I haven't given The Dark Mirror an especially good rating, but it is worth reading to get to the next two books in the trilogy, which are better (chiefly because the focus shifts from Bridei and Tuala to more interesting characters). If you like Marillier, you'll probably find yourself coming back to this one too, despite its imperfections.

[Shanon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Admittedly, I have not read many epic fantasies so I have very few works to compare The Dark Mirror to (I’m fairly certain this would constitute as an epic fantasy). I was worried when I began that I was not going to like the book but I stuck it out and am glad that I did. Once involved in the story I truly enjoyed it and it had absolutely no problems holding my attention. The reader is introduced to the characters and the world in such a way that it is easy to understand the complexities of their society and faith.

I like the fact that this could be read alone without any need to read the rest of the series. All the loose ends in the story were wrapped up nicely while hinting at future possible story lines. I am looking forward to reading the rest in the series.

My only complaint about this book is that it is highly predictable. From the beginning you knew how things would turn out for the main characters. There were a few twists and turns along the way but none of these were really all that surprising either. I enjoy the suspense of not knowing how things are going to all pan out in my books.

[Mia Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

¡Qué preciosidad de libro!
Me ha gustado un montón. Este tipo de fantasía tan atmosférica y tan centrada en las costumbre de una zona concreta me ha parecido muy diferente a lo que hoy en día se ve en fantasía y, por ello, muy especial. Los personajes y los escenarios están descritos con mucho mimo y delicadeza. Me recordaba todo a una perfecta casa de muñecas donde cada detalle está sumamente muy cuidado.
La única pega que le he encontrado y me ha impedido ponerle la nota máxima es que ha habido un momento en el que me ha resultado un pelín repetitivo y pesado, pero, pese a ese fallito, es un libro que recomiendo y que he disfrutado bastante.

[h o l l i s · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've said it before and I'll say it again because it always bears repeating and it's generally relevant : even though this couldn't be more different from the Sevenwaters Saga, there is something intrinsically Marillier about this story. And this one even more than the last venture my buddy and I went on which took us to Transylvania.

This time, we are spending time with the Picts. There's enough overlap in this world, both historically factual and of course a little imagined, to Sevenwaters in the sense that we have druids, a strong respect for the forest and nature, and the powers around them, but whereas the aforementioned series was strongly familial-focused and very magical, this one is more political and, though the Good Folk play a role, it's more subtle. The main conflicts are very human in nature.

And in that same vein, but maybe in less of a positive way, the main characters are also less of the standouts we've seen before. Bridei unfortunately feels a little white bread and watered down. Tuala just doesn't feel quite age-appropriate (but with how she was raised I guess it sorta makes sense) and, with a few exceptions, really seems to just be a plot device. And for all that they believe, and so do certain players around them, that they have this intense connection.. it, too, felt a bit weak sauced. More telling than showing.

But. I enjoyed how this book set things up for the series; we had some strong supporting characters that I'm looking forward to seeing more of; a good human villain or two; there was the characteristic strength of Marillier's female narratives which are always different and interesting (and this one was no exception); and, well, it was run to read along with this one and not remember the bits to come; even if, upon reading them, I remembered them. Oh, did I not say? This was a reread as I was (in theory) along for the ride with Micky. I have to assume I did read the full trilogy, as GR says so, but I recall nada. So this is almost like reading them for the first time -- bonus!

Not sure when I'll be picking up book two but I hope it's sooner rather than later.

3.5 stars

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This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.

[Mira15 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Durante a viagem da vida, há coisas que mudam, outras que perdurarão…


Após a leitura dos três primeiros livros de Sevenwaters e “Sangue-do-coração”, ansiava perdidamente para que Agosto chegasse. Como tradição desde 2008, em todos os verões leio um livro de Juliet Marillier. E este ano não poderia ser excepção! Com “Espelho negro” inicio uma nova série desta minha escritora favorita: “ As Crónicas de Bridei”.
Estava com receio que a inevitável adoração que nutro sempre pudesse influenciar a minha opinião. Contudo, tentei captar também o lado mais objectivo, com pormenores pertinentes, de forma a proporcionar-me uma visão mais imparcial.

No final do turbulento séc. V, enquanto o Império Romano do Ocidente sucumbia ante os povos bárbaros, um extenso clã do norte da Irlanda ocupava a costa oeste da Escócia e estabelecia um reino chamado Dalriada. Mais a Norte, contra este avanço e o do sul católico, estava Fortriu – uma resistência Priteni (Pictos) com profundas raízes pagãs.
Por volta do ano 538, Bridei, um jovem rapaz, começa a ser educado por um druida numa missão que se for bem-sucedida resultará na união de todos os antigos territórios, seguindo uma só religião. Mas quando se sucedem os encontros clandestinos e os segredos se multiplicam, a fronteira entre a realidade e a aparência, o certo e o errado, a verdade e a mentira passa a ser tão leve como os ventos da Escócia a missão de Bridei pode ser enfraquecida…
Um contexto histórico com imenso potencial, que despertou o meu lado curioso.

“- (…) Eu acho que a águia é isso, a ligação no presságio: a faísca que temos cá dentro, que faz de nós uma parte desta terra, o que recebemos dos nossos antepassados, o que damos aos nossos filhos, fazendo-os mais fortes mesmo quando perdemos, fazendo de nós parentes uns dos outros, quer sejamos do Norte ou do Sul e seja qual for a nossa fé. Talvez, se todos se lembrassem disso, pudéssemos enfrentar o invasor, se ele vier outra vez. Naquele dia, no Vale Dos Que Caíram, não compreendi, ainda era uma criança.” P. 90

Embora seja um livro bastante acessível a todos, requer algum tempo (devido ao ritmo algo lento) para nos envolvermos completamente na história. Atingindo essa familiaridade é impossível parar de ler, mesmo com dores de costas ou olhos cansados. Porém, quando terminava a leitura, as suas imagens continuavam a dançar na minha mente!
Há qualquer coisa na simplicidade – mas pormenorizada - da escrita, juntamente com uma linguagem bela e mágica que faz com que permaneça perdidamente encantada e apaixonada pela história. Juliet Marillier escreve como as poderosas forças da Natureza que descreve, criando personagens que acabamos por amar e que odiamos abandonar!

Pela primeira vez, a autora traz-nos um protagonista masculino, que graças à sua força, inteligência e bom coração revela-se à altura do desafio. Mas algo muda quando conhece Tuala, uma bebé colocada ao seu lado graças a desígnios superiores. Enquanto os anos passam vemos a sua grande ligação crescer, onde por entre “roseiras” e “espinhos” o amor encontrará o seu caminho.
Este par é o tema central de todo o livro, com quem conhecemos outros personagens igualmente densos e fascinantes, tal como os ambientes das Terras Altas! O romance, a fantasia e uma pitada de intriga palaciana estão tão inacreditavelmente bem descritos e estruturados que me fizeram sempre cativa e ansiosa por mais!

“O jovem precisava tanto dela como as árvores precisavam da chuva, como as flores precisavam do sol. Bridei ansiava por ela como os salmões ansiavam pelo rio onde desovavam; suspirava por ela como uma criança que suspira por um amigo do coração e queria-a como um homem queria uma mulher. A intensidade do seu desejo físico chocava-o; fazia-lhe bater o coração com toda a força. A jovem não podia ser uma amante ocasional ou uma amante; Tuala não. Bridei queria a jovem para sua mulher e era impossível.” P.389

Esta epopeia guarda uma gigantesca carga emocional, onde situações-limite põem à prova tudo e todos. Quando tudo parece perdido, podemos vê-los levantarem-se e lutarem num mundo onde a honra e a lealdade se construíam por caminhos sangrentos e traiçoeiros!
Por tudo isto, este não é um mero livro: tem tudo o que é necessário para vingar e tornar-se num livro especial, amado e admirado por todos, com muitas mensagens para reflectir!


+ Existência de instrumentos extremamente úteis: um mapa, uma lista de personagens e de festividades próprios da cultura Priteni (Pictos).
+ Apesar do sentimento avassalador da entrada neste mundo grande e complexo, os factos e as personagens são-nos dados a conhecer ao longo de toda a leitura.
+ Oferece um amplo conhecimento histórico e cultural, especialmente quanto aos antigos deuses e rituais espirituais escoceses, tudo sem aborrecer o leitor.
+ A paisagem da Escócia é aqui descrita de forma belíssima, revelando vários segredos deste ambiente tão longínquo para nós
+ Mistura equilibrada entre ficção e realidade, num cocktail de pura magia.
+ Enredo e personagens profundos, complexos e envolventes em igual medida
----------------------------------------------
- Inúmeras gralhas por todo o livro


Depois de terminado, só desejava ler mais! Um livro cujas páginas transbordam magia e momentos inesquecíveis, capazes de marcar a vida do leitor. Felizmente, com o segundo livro “A espada de Fortriu” na estante, espera-me a continuação de muitos bons momentos e o desvendar de algumas pontas soltas deixadas pelo primeiro.


O núcleo da história num excelente video (em ING): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1otgE...
Para conhecer a verdade por detrás da ficção: http://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridei_I...

[Sotiris Karaiskos · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first learn about the author and appreciated her very much - as most do - through the Sevenaters series. I really liked the combination of historical context and fantasy, this innocent romance and this beautiful look at female nature, without the usual very popular exaggerations. In this series she does something similar, taking us to Scotland of the sixth century - before it was called thus - at a time when it was still under the control of the Picts, and by taking events from history and adding fantasy and romance creates something wonderful. Taking advantage of the fact that we really do not know much about the culture of the Picts, the author leaves her imagination free and borrowing elements from different cultures of the region creates on her own a different culture, showing the necessary restraint not to show that it was a perfect society. Of course, because we are talking about a work of fantasy the religious world of this culture is alive, with supernatural powers and magic playing a dominant role.

In this context begins our story, with our hero as a young child growing up away from his family under the supervision of the Druids, as he is destined for great things. Then he finds an abandoned baby girl that many believe to be from the Good People, a race of supernatural creatures that do not always have a good attitude towards humans. Defying warnings saves her from certain death, and so begins their shared life that goes through various stages as they grow and change, and their friendship and brotherly relationship evolve into something deeper to the pleasure of the most sensitive readers. Of course, the harsh world they live in, with prejudice, ongoing warfare, and deadly political games, makes their relationship difficult, with many trying to divide them but ... the rest you can find out for yourself by reading this book.

A book that combines the realism of historical fiction with the magic of fantasy, with wonderful writing that creates an atmospheric effect in an already exciting and interesting story that progresses at an ideal pace and leads to a finale that doesn't need much to have the intensity it needed. In short, an encouraging start!

Τη συγγραφέα τη γνώρισα και την εκτίμησα ιδιαίτερα - όπως οι περισσότεροι - μέσα από τη σειρά Σεβενωατερς. Μου άρεσε πάρα πολύ ο συνδυασμός ενός ιστορικού πλαισίου και της φαντασίας, αυτός ο αθώος ρομαντισμός και αυτή η όμορφη ματιά στη γυναικεία φύση, χωρίς τις συνηθισμένες πολύ δημοφιλείς υπερβολές. Σε αυτή τη σειρά επιχειρεί κάτι ανάλογο, μεταφέροντας μας στη Σκωτία του έκτου αιώνα - πριν ακόμα ονομαστεί έτσι -, την εποχή που ακόμα ήταν υπό τον έλεγχο των Πικτών, και παίρνοντας γεγονότα από την ιστορία και προσθέτοντας φαντασία και ρομαντισμό δημιουργεί κάτι υπέροχο. Εκμεταλλευόμενη το γεγονός ότι στην πραγματικότητα δεν γνωρίζουμε πάρα πολλά πράγματα για την κουλτούρα των Πικτών, η συγγραφέας αφήνει τη φαντασία της ελεύθερη και δανειζόμενη στοιχεία από διάφορους πολιτισμούς της περιοχής δημιουργεί από μόνη της μία διαφορετική κουλτούρα, δείχνοντας την απαραίτητη αυτοσυγκράτηση για να μην δείξει ότι όλα ήταν μία τέλεια κοινωνία. Φυσικά επειδή μιλάμε για ένα έργο φαντασίας ο θρησκευτικός κόσμος αυτής της κουλτούρας είναι κάτι ζωντανό, με τις υπερφυσικές δυνάμεις και τη μαγεία να έχουν έναν κυρίαρχο ρόλο.

Σε αυτό το πλαίσιο ξεκινά η ιστορία μας, με τον ήρωα μας ως μικρό παιδί να μεγαλώνει μακριά από την οικογένειά του κάτω από την επίβλεψη των Δρυίδων, καθώς προορίζεται για μεγάλα πράγματα. Τότε βρίσκει εγκαταλελειμμένο ένα μωρό κοριτσάκι που πολλοί πιστεύουν ότι προέρχεται από τους Καλούς Ανθρώπους, μία ράτσα υπερφυσικών πλασμάτων που δεν έχουν πάντα καλή διάθεση απέναντι στους ανθρώπους. Αψηφώντας τις προειδοποιήσεις την σώζει από βέβαιο θάνατο και έτσι ξεκινάει η κοινή τους ζωή που περνάει διάφορα στάδια καθώς μεγαλώνουν και αλλάζουν και σιγά-σιγά η φιλία τους και η αδελφική τους σχέση εξελίσσεται σε κάτι βαθύτερο προς τέρψιν των πιο ευαίσθητων αναγνωστών. Βέβαια ο σκληρός κόσμος που ζούνε, με τις προκαταλήψεις, την συνεχόμενη εμπόλεμη κατάσταση και τα φονικά πολιτικά παιχνίδια κάνει τη σχέση τους δύσκολη, καθώς πάρα πολλοί προσπαθούν να τους χωρίσουν αλλά... τα υπόλοιπα μπορείτε να τα μάθετε μόνοι σας διαβάζοντας αυτό το βιβλίο.

Ένα βιβλίο που συνδυάζει τον ρεαλισμό του ιστορικού μυθιστορήματος με τη μαγεία της φαντασίας, με την υπέροχη γραφή να δημιουργεί ένα ατμοσφαιρικό αποτέλεσμα σε μία ήδη η συναρπαστική και ενδιαφέρουσα ιστορία που προχωράει με τον ιδανικό ρυθμό και οδηγεί σε ένα φινάλε που δεν χρειάζεται πολλά πράγματα για να έχει την ένταση που χρειάζεται. Με λίγα λόγια ένα ενθαρρυντικό ξεκίνημα!

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

~4 and a half stars~ (I can't go any lower for a Marillier book)

This review and more at http://fortheloveofliterature.com/
Before even starting this book, I knew I would like it. It's written by one of my favorite authors - one that never lets me down. It's another amazing tale of twisted fate and Otherworld influences. I loved the two main characters, Bridei and Tuala (although Tuala kept reminding me of Sorcha, my favorite Marillier character from Daughter of the Forest). Bridei is courageous and true, incredibly loyal and intelligent. Tuala is trying her hardest to fit in, but her powers and fey appearance keep putting barriers between her and the people she loves. You grow close to the many other characters as well and care about what happens to the kingdom of Fortriu.

I have to say, I felt a little offended that the villains were all redheaded (the Gaels), so there were a few nasty hair color insults :) I want my kind to be the heroes, but in this tale we were stuck being the foes. I liked following a male and a female character because I was able to see the battles Bridei fought and see Tuala behind the walls of the women's only priestess school.

If you love deep forests with hidden glades and secret pools, you'll be right at home in this setting. I could live there, no problem. The magic of Marillier's worlds is the best kind. It's mysterious and never fully explained. It keeps the reader guessing at how much power the gods and the Otherworlders have. They're mischievous and don't have the same compassion that humans share. They whisper in your ear and dart between trees and shadows. But as much as they'd like to keep the fact hidden, they always seem to take an interest in human struggles.

The only reason I gave this four and a half stars instead of 5 is because I feel like I'm comparing this book with all of Marillier's other books, and although this one was great, it wasn't quite as mind-blowing as her others. I'm on to the next book, so I'm thinking that after the entire trilogy is complete, I'll get that mind-blowing experience that I'm accustomed to.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bridei chronicles have been a wonderful series. I can't wait until the next one is releases in the US. One thing I have always been impressed about in Marillier's work is her absolute shamelessness in making religion a huge part of her storyline. The bridei Chronicles are an amazing example of this. Of course, the religion is pagan, and they are battling the Christians, but they are very tireless in their worship. It's a nice change from author's who refuse to even acknowledge how important religiousness is in the lives of humans. It's part of our humanity and it often gets relegated to the background in the interest of the author's discomfort in dealing with it or the author's own agnosticism.

[Lidia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually rating 3.5 stars

Like always Juliet Marillier amazes me with the rich words and complex characters as well as original plots.


This book follows Bridei and Tuala , two children that are bound by gods to be much more then they expected from their lives.


I had only one problem with this book and that was the little time Bridei and Tuala spend with each other, I mean they fall in love after they grew up together as best friends/brother and sister but the transition was so weird that I felt nothing . In my opinion it should made me root for them or feel that they matched each other or something but it felt so boring and I hated because usually Marillier's couples really make you love them with all of your heart . It is the only author that made me enjoy a great love story maybe because the couples are very wise and mature but this one felt awfully boring and childish...

[Phoenixfalls · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book. The writing is fairly good, the world well researched and evocative, the action well paced, and the story resolves well emotionally while leaving the larger plot open for the next two novels. Its main flaw is that it seems so terribly familiar. It is an imaginative chronicling of Bridei, son of Maelchon, who ruled the Picts in Scotland in the 11th century, but it could be any number of historical fantasy novels. There is the requisite young boy destined for greatness; his distant but devoted mentor; his boyhood companions, who fall by the wayside; and of course, there is a girl with mystic powers who falls deeply in love with him and who he has sworn to guard but who none of his guardians approves of. There are, of course, obstacles put in the boy's path -- politics and destiny intrude at inopportune times, and everyone goes about making long faces and refusing to listen to each other. Finally, difficulties melt away and the boy steps into the shining light of his destiny as was ordained.

This book did its job well -- I want to read the next one in the series. But I spent the entire time reading it thinking about how I had seen every character before (with the minor exception of Faolan, who I want more of but who would probably disappoint me if I got what I wanted), and how ridiculously simple resolution of everyone's problems would be if they simply sat down and talked to one another. That, I think, was the biggest failing of the book for me; I get so tired of novels where people -- supposedly GREAT people -- make the simple things in life so complicated by refusing to speak of them. It was the same difficulty I had with The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss (which of course also featured a young boy destined for greatness), but I was able to rate that novel higher because it didn't have the added annoyance of doomed lovers thrown in.

I wish there was more fantasy written by authors who worked a little harder at developing their conflicts. Take Lois McMaster Bujold's dictum of simply throwing the worst thing possible at her characters and seeing how they do; you wouldn't find as many plots hinging on simple misunderstanding. Follow Patricia McKillip's example and make your characters fundamentally opposed to each other as they are in The Forgotten Beasts of Eld or Alphabet of Thorn, or if you don't want to do that, give them a real opponent -- not assassins that are always bested just in time and an election that is never really in doubt. In short, write about adults, not these perennial teenagers, and especially not precocious youngsters that are more staid and set in their ways than many an old man of eighty.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midwinter Eve, a devoted, lonely boy finds a baby, left on his foster father’s doorstep by moonlight tucked in a soft, down basket. Raised strongly on Druidic belief; Bridei promises the Shining One to be this child’s protector, knowing too well how the folk of a Druidic household will take to a baby, clearly left by the Good Folk (Realm of Fey).

554 AD Bridei, King of the Picts (Priteni) led his people against the Gaels of Dalriada; this story was so deftly told, I kept forgetting that it was based on a true story. The description is vivid and lush, and the plot is exciting and moving, you can’t help but empathise with the characters & yearn to see the two main characters united. Marillier expertly blends fact with fiction; anyone mildly interested in the Druids or Pagan ritual will be pleasantly surprised by this novel’s magic.

The two main characters: Tuala and Bridei. Are two halves of a whole, one can’t live without the other. Bridei at first may seem one sided, so devoted to his studies as well as stoic in his behaviour. But he is balanced with Tuala, one of the Good Folk and in a lot of ways Bridei’s opposite; wild and Otherworldly. Ultimately though, each devoted solely to the other; and as The Shining One would have it, meant to be.

Having only recently fallen in love with Marillier’s novels and only up to Book 2 in the Sevenwaters Series (which again, is a more than enjoyable read); The Bridei Chronicles would have to be my favourite series thus far (although Hearts Blood captured my heart), it’s magic ensnared my soul leaving me day dreaming about it for many days afterward. I promise you will not regret picking up a copy of this beautifully written book.

[Stephen Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Dark Mirror is a strange read. It's artistic, it's artsy, it's character-strong and character-weak... Early on I thought I might give it 4 stars, but now I can't bring myself to give it 3...

Pros: Prose; lots of nice prose, though not amazing. The supporting characters offer a lot to the book as well, with a variety of interesting and unique personalities. The plotting varies, sometimes moving very quickly and sometimes quite slowly, but it is mostly strong and compelling.

Cons: Very weak main characters, with little or no chemistry between them. It feels like Marillier is biting herself in the back, creating sympathy and strong feelings for supporting characters like Ferada and Broichan, but then turning against it all. Furthermore, the author essentially assures readers that a direct, happy approach to the story is impossible. 500 pages we are promised this. Then suddenly, and without explanation, the impossible (and unlikable) happens. It feels like the ending should be happy, but the main characters both become incredibly unlikable, and the good guys(side characters) get completely snubbed. Let me describe the development of the main characters: Good, worser, worstest.

It feels like the author changed her mind in the last 40 pages, basically wasting all that was good in the previous 500.

Overall: The book does have a lot of good stuff, but it never quite reaches amazing. Not to mention that the ending is an enormous cop-out and the good guys become the readers' hated enemies. 2.5 stars is all it's worth, unfortunately.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juliet Marillier é uma das minhas escritoras preferidas!

[Ashley Daviau · Rating 1 out of 5]

A firm nope from me after 100 pages. I can already feel my brain turning to mush and I’m not putting myself through another 412 pages of torture.

[Miss Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, I *love* this book!!! like, incredibly love it!!!
Excellent blend of history and fantasy in a quite unique timeperiod: writing about the 6th century Picts is no easy feat, since most of their culture has been lost. I will caution that this is a very "wordy" book: Juliet Marillier is very good about drawing readers into her story through vividly descriptive passages. In other words, she spends a lot of time, I think, on details, and sometimes that can seem overwhelming. Fact and fiction may blend - and I'm not sure where they meet - but everything is very, very detailed. Sometimes (and I felt this way reading her other book) I think that she could pick up the pace a bit and nothing would be lost, but whatever... It was a fun read. I certainly have found a new character to add to my list of all-time favorites: Bridei himself; it's always good to like the main character. If you've gotta read about 'em, you might as well like 'em.
- At its very core, the story revolves around the preparation of a boy, Bridei, to be king of Fortriu (ancient northern Scotland), and his relationship with Tuala, a mysterious foundling he discovers as a child. I absolutely loved their story--it was indeed my favorite part of the book. However, they spend nearly half of the 600+ pages apart from each other; I really liked the scenes where they were together, so I had to discipline myself against skimming ahead! The last 50 or so pages are definitely the best part :) The Bridei & Tuala scenes, I think, are the very heart of the book, and I wish that the 663-page saga would have featured more of them together. Not sure how I feel about Broichan: I flip-flopped between hating him and understanding him. He was certainly an interesting figure, that's for sure.

- The story, in my honest opinion, didnt have to be so long.
I know, who am I to say something like that? Stories can be however long the author wants them to be!!!!
It's just that her plot has so many twists and turns, I started to see patterns: I could almost sense when she was going to yank the plot in another direction, and after 600 pages, it started to get a bit old. She gives you such a great, simple story and such wonderful characters that you feel impatient and angsty for the resolution to come.

***So great book! I give this a 5 because even though the immense details tend to bog down the plot, her story at its heart is simple and beautiful, and her characters are enjoyable and loveable.

[Nisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This took me a ridiculous amount of time to finish considering I had Spring break. This wasn't because the book was difficult or boring. It was well-written and moved at a good pace. Bridei was nicely developed (though I do have some difficulty imagining a 5 year old with his maturity) and likeable. He was not unnecessarily described to be toughest and the best of the lot, he was just the most worthy to become king. Tuala was the other protagonist, described to be selfless, loyal and true. She is young, but she is such a strong female character with moany adversaries and few choices.

The other characters are developed more than most fantasy novels, but I was hoping for something more complex from Dreseidia and Gartnait was severely underdeveloped, considering his impact to the end (and that one part in their first battle. That seen is suck with me forever). Ferada, I liked, and her development was nicely put together. I really want to know more about her. Ana, has the next book.

I disliked the Good Folk, a lot. They created trouble out of nothing and their tests for Bridei and Tuala was cruel and lacked any value that I can see. The ending was also cliche. It was a bit weird how everyone supporting Bridei came right as they were deciding the outcome for the vote. Compared the the nicely developing politics earlier in the book, this was just kinda...dumb.

This is a good story, while I read it, but now in retrospect, nothing much really happened. Lots of miscommunication and selflessness, but when you are down to the basics, this only worked because Ms Marillier is such a good writer. I liked it and found it interesting, but unlike Daughter of the Forest, I don't believe I am compelled to reread this.

[Catherine Lefay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hice una relectura de este libro luego de terminar Sevenwaters y es notable el cambio entre ambas trilogías. Ambas tienen protagonistas que vemos crecer, pero Daughter of the Forest tiene una trama mucho más adulta y trágica, mientras que en el Espejo Oscuro los protagonistas se enfrentan a otro tipo de pruebas.

Aún así le guardo mucho cariño a la historia.

[Su · Rating 3 out of 5]

[3,5 estrelas]

Achei a história do Bridei bonita e bem escrita, no entanto, considero que evoluiu de forma muito lenta no início, desenvolvendo-se num crescendo para culminar num final que acabou por ser apressado e soube a pouco.

As personagens principais foram interessantes mas não me cativaram, assim como o seu envolvimento romântico. Em pequenos era possível sentir a grande ligação entre ambos, mas depois cresceram longe dos olhos do leitor e de certa forma longe também um do outro. De repente já são considerados adultos e dizem que o que sentiam um pelo outro mudou, contudo não é possível em momento nenhum para mim como leitora sentir essa mudança. Para alguém que cresceu junto e que tinha tanta confiança e dava tanto valor à ligação especial que partilhavam, as suas dúvidas e afastamento acabaram por soar forçadas e anti climáticas. No fundo, aquilo que era um impedimento de estarem juntos, não o era apenas se acreditassem que aquilo era ditado e abençoado pelos próprios Deuses. O teste que era suposto ultrapassarem, não percebi se para provarem o seu amor um pelo outro ou a sua devoção aos Deuses, não soou, pelo menos para mim, como um teste. Foram apresentados ambos como a mesma coisa, apesar da interpretação, aparentemente errada do pai adoptivo druida, então na realidade não houve qualquer escolha ou qualquer dilema a resolver. Pareceram-me apenas uma série de mal entendidos que culminaram na conclusão de que afinal o dever e o coração exigiam uma mesma escolha, então tudo o que tiveram que fazer foi unir o útil ao agradável! No entanto, tudo isto foi apresentado como se fosse um teste a ser superado, criando uma grande expectativa perante os seus destinos e depois na realidade foi apenas uma corrida contra o tempo! Não vejo qual o valor de testar se ele chegaria a tempo antes de ela ir para o outro mundo ou se suicidar.

De parte da Tuala, ela desistiu dele porque acreditou que ele tinha desistido dela. Infelizmente, isto foi desenvolvido de forma bastante ridícula na minha opinião, pois houve imensas situações com bem menos a que se agarrar e ela confiou sempre na ligação entre eles. Todavia, numa situação em que havia mil explicações possíveis para ele não ter sido capaz de aparecer apesar da sua vontade de o fazer, todas bastante mais plausíveis, pois mesmo que ele decidisse abdicar dela devido à posição que lhe era exigida é difícil acreditar que ele não o comunicaria cara a cara e optaria por deixá-la em vão à espera dele sem qualquer explicação, ela fraqueja. Que Tuala duvidasse de um amor recíproco de cariz romântica da parte de Bridei era plausível, que ela acreditasse que ele apesar de amar como um homem ama uma mulher, decidisse abafar os seus sentimentos para escolher alguém mais adequado e unânime para ocupar o lugar de Rainha e desistisse dele por acreditar que se ele insistisse em ficar com ela acabaria por perder o apoio necessário para cumprir o seu destino também, mas acreditar que o facto de ele não ter aparecido ao encontro combinado tanto tempo antes num sitio perigoso para que ele fosse visto, quando ele para sair teria que se esquivar tanto de amigos que o impediriam para seu bem, como de inimigos que aproveitariam a oportunidade para o assassinar, significava que ele não queria saber dela para nada foi absurda! Mesmo que ele não quisesse um envolvimento romântico, depois de tudo o que eles passaram juntos foi muito infeliz ela acreditar que ela significava tão pouco para ele que ele a teria ignorado e abandonado sem qualquer explicação ou satisfação depois de a beijar apaixonadamente antes.

Da parte de Bridei, ele escolheu-a sem ter que abdicar de mais nada para ficar com ela e com a certeza que ela queria ficar com ele e se tinha ido embora apenas por ter o coração partido por ninguém a querer e acreditar que ele a tinha abandonado. Ou seja, foi pura e simplesmente uma questão de rapidez a saber se chegaria a tempo de desfazer um mal-entendido. Confesso que esperava bem mais de um teste supostamente engendrado pelos próprios Deuses e que presumivelmente garantia que eles não vacilariam no seu destino. Imaginei que fosse um teste que exigisse confiança cega, uma escolha impossível, um desafio emocional inimaginável de superar. Qual não foi o meu espanto, e de certa forma desilusão, quando conclui que toda a dificuldade consistia em continuar em frente apesar do desgaste físico, algo que exige força de vontade, sim, mas não digno de um teste que se preze na minha humilde opinião, muito menos para alguém que treinou domínio da mente sobre o corpo desde criança, e não morrer quando na realidade supostamente não podiam morrer uma vez que era o desígnio dos Deuses que eles cumprissem o seu destino. Ela só não morreu porque ele chegou a tempo de desfazer o mal-entendido, ou pelo menos, nada leva a crer que ela não iria saltar se ele não tivesse chegado. E ele só não morreu e conseguiu salvá-la, primeiro porque tinha à sua mercê uma égua sobrenatural (algo fora do seu domínio), e segundo porque, não percebi bem como nem por quem, foi salvo misticamente de uma tentativa de assassinato. Foram as suas capacidades druídicas? O local sobrenatural? O cão? A intervenção dos próprios Deuses a seu favor? A meu ver, não faz muito sentido pô-lo à prova para depois o salvar! Mesmo que tenha sido a sua submissão a uma vontade superior devido à sua preparação e fé e ao local sobrenatural em forma de cão ou seja do que for, a verdade é que ele foi ajudado por uma força superior para sobreviver o que não faz sentido nenhum se foi essa própria força que criou a provação para testar se ele era capaz! Compreendo que provavelmente a intenção era que ele fosse posta à prova para um poder superior que lhe daria as ferramentas necessárias para superar o desafio sem no entanto o fazer por ele, mas honestamente não foi isso que aconteceu aqui, ou pelo menos eu não fui capaz de fazer essa leitura.

Para mim as personagens que mais me cativaram foram Faolan e Ferada. Ele pelas suas origens misteriosas, grandes capacidades e lealdade improvável; ela pela sua aguçada inteligência e rectidão de espírito mesmo quando sujeita a uma grande pressão da própria família. O fim foi tão corrido que nem sequer tivermos oportunidade de a revisitar depois de entrar no quarto pedindo para falar com o pai. Se não fosse o irmão entrar com ela ficaria subentendido que a tentativa de assassinato fora relevada e que ela teria efectivamente revelado a verdade como prometera a si mesma que faria, mas a presença do irmão na conversa não faz sentido nenhum. Porquê, depois de desmascarada a mãe, ele iria na mesma atrás de Bridei para o assassinar?

É um livro muito bem escrito e com valor, mas confesso que esperava mais da autora. Considerei-o arrastado e pouco equilibrado, pois depois de ser tão lento o final pelo contrário foi muito abrupto.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

(review originally posted on my livejournal account: http://intoyourlungs.livejournal.com/...)

I've heard of Juliet Marillier before, but only really in passing. I've heard more of less good things about her, but not much about this book in particular, so I was mildly looking forward to reading this, but my expectations weren't astronomically high or anything.

Sadly, this book ended up being more disappointing than anything.

I guess I'll begin with my hugest peeve with the novel, which is... the two main characters. Bridei and Tuala are probably the biggest reason that this novel didn't work for me. We, the readers, get to watch Bridei grow up, from the moment he arrives at Pitnochie when he's five years old, to his eventual coronation at the end of the novel, by which time he's about twenty or so. While Bridei is a child, he's unsurprisingly precocious and extremely mature for his age, and becomes very skilled at pretty much... everything. Precocious children in literature tend to bother me in general (though not ALWAYS of course), because they tend to be perfect and/or Mary Sue-ish. Bridei definitely felt like a male version of the Mary-Sue, being super smart, super friendly, amazing at swordfighting, horse riding, shooting an arrow and pretty much goddamn anything he puts his mind to. It bored me to no frikken end reading about how GREAT Bridei was at everything.

Tuala's character was equally boring, but not because she's perfect, though she is Mary Sue-ish in her own ways. Rather, Tuala was boring because of her constant (and I meant *constant*) pining for Bridei. I'm not against romance, but I am against a girl being too dependent on their crush/partner/whatever (whether it be someone of the opposite sexe or otherwise). It seemed like Tuala was never able to stand on her own, from her banishment at Pitnochie as soon as Bridei left, to more pining and lamenting when she goes to that covenant place.

So, needless to say, the romance angle of this whole novel did not work for me either. Too much angst and too much whining on both ends.

Something else that really bothered me about this novel was the way it used a lack of information, or misinformation to move the plot forward. When Bridei gets all broody and angsty over Tuala going to be a nun or whatever instead of waiting at Pitnochie, I wanted to smack him over the head. I mean, he knew Broichan had *something* to do with Tuala leaving, and he knows that Broichan more or less hates Tuala. He also knows that Tuala loves Pitnochie more than anything, and that she would need A LOT of incentive before leaving the place. So when he believed Broichan that she left just to be a nun, I was super annoyed. The kid is supposed to be frikken smart.

The plot of the novel is a slow-burning fantasy, which is fine (I liked The Curse of Chalion after all, and that's a really slow-moving and character driven fantasy) but its focus on politics reminded me a little bit of Game of Thrones. However, that only made me think of how I like GoT so much more. The problem with it was that there was never the same sense of tension as GoT; in the latter, characters, including main ones, get killed left and right, or get screwed over. Everything is fair game. In this novel, it's obvious from the get-go that Bridei was going to get some kind of happy ending. Only one supporting character gets killed off (and I will admit that I was kind of bummed out about it -- he was a cool character), but it didn't raise the tension.

Last thing: the narration/dialogue from the two Fey people didn't do a whole lot for me. What was the point of it? Personally, it bordered on being a little cheesy for my tastes.

Now, I didn't dislike everything about this novel. While I never really warmed up to the main characters, I did like quite a few of the supporting characters, most notably Faolan and Ferada. Also, Marillier's writing is pretty solid, so I'm not adverse to checking out other titles by her, just not in this series.

Final Verdict: This novel didn't work for me. It's a slow-burning fantasy that's very character-driven, which is fine, except that I wasn't fond of either of the main characters. Bridei was too perfect, which resulted in him being boring, and Tuala was way too dependent and needy for Bridei. Their romance had too much angst for my liking. Also, a chunk of the plot was very influenced on a lack of information given to Bridei, which caused him to be so much more angsty than was necessary, and is just a pet-peeve of mine in general. Finally, the lack of tension in the plot made it feel slower than it should've. The supporting characters were quite a bit more interesting than the main ones, and Marillier's writing is pretty solid, but it isn't enough to make me want to finish this trilogy. I am however in checking out more Marillier; maybe her Sevenwaters series, which I hear is quite good.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this a long time ago, but for some reason could not remember what it was about (you know how it is) and so I read it again, because I wanted to read the next two books in the series. I actually found out, I have read the next one, but didn't know it until I saw the name Faolan in The Dark Mirror. But I don't know if I 've read the third one, so I'll continue in my re-reading journey-it's always worth it with Juliet Marillier.And this is saying a lot for me, because I don't ever re-read books(unless they're amazing)because there's just so many books to read and not enough time.

Anyways, so this review is primarily for my own benefit, so I will not forget the contents of this book again and have to re-read the whole series.

What I loved about this book was the grand scope of the story. I could picture it perfectly, like a movie. A child arriving at night to a druid's home, where this child, Bridei, will be trained in the art of literally everything,so he will one day make the perfect king for Fortriu and unite all the lands. The King's own druid is to be the teacher of this young boy. The old stoic druid's name is Broichan, and he comes to love Bridei as his own son. Which is why he does not take it kindly when a little girl is left by the Good Folk on his doorstep and immediately steals the heart of Bridei, who finds her.

So, they grow up best friends, brother and sister, and finally, predictably, but beautifully, they find out they cannot live without each other, and the whole kingdom of Fortriu depends upon them being together.

What I also like is the foundation that is laid in this book for the next, pertaining to Faolan, the mysterious Gael, who works against his own kind by providing incredible services of protection and spying for the King of Fortriu, and is afraid of friendship, and just being human in general. I think I ended up liking his story even more, because this is a man who does not know how to love, to even comprehend it. I can't wait to go on that journey of discovery with him once more.

Other things I really liked about this book: The idea of sacrifice was interesting (not the human one, which was appalling, thankfully even to the characters doing it). But just normal sacrifice, like soldiers, and women, and druids, all having to give up something of themselves to be the best they can be at their chosen or (given) place in society. Which brings me to the painful topic of women's rights. There are none. I really admire and sympathize with Ferada. She was so intelligent and clever, and would have made an excellent adviser to the King. Yet she was a woman, and a pretty one at that. So she was not taken seriously, but expected to marry for political advantage. It was sad to see her scoff at the idea of marrying for love. I wonder if she and Faolan get together in the next book. I can't remember. But I think they'd be an excellent match. I hope at least, she finds out what love is for herself, and is valued for more than what women appear to be valued for, which is the bearing of children.

Oh, and let's not forget the beautiful, foreign Ana, away from her home,held hostage, and her family won't even try to rescue her. She is treated kindly though, but still, kindness can never ease the heart that is missing a sibling. I can't remember, but maybe she ends up with Faolan. Well, I shall stop guessing now, and just read.

One more quick thing. NATURE. I love how she describes it. The way it humbles the characters, when they think about how they are just one small thread in a whole complex pattern on a tapestry that covers the universe. The descriptions of how the characters meditate; becoming one with the earth, feeling the roots of a tree that reach down to the heart of the earth.They're doing wonders for my own meditating techniques, and strengthening my bond with Nature and God. Which is really ironic, that a story about druids and the gods should strengthen my relationship with the one true God that her characters are up against. I think that just goes to show that God is in everything. You can't get away from Him, no matter how hard you try. So once you accept him into your heart, you will be able to share the joy and peace that can only come from him, the Creator of everything, the Prince of Peace.

Adieu.

[Kathryn Ford · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh My Soul! This book was sooo boring! It just went on and on and on, dragging along. It felt way longer than 561 pages. I've read The Seven Waters series and The Blackthorn and Grim series by this author and they were amazing. So, I have no idea what went wrong with this book. The story was just so transparent from the beginning. I have nothing against Bridei and Tuala, they were decent characters, but up until near the end of the book they were so boring and predictable. I often felt the dialogue very forced, especially between Gossimer and Woodvine. Often we would get scenes from Tuala's point of view, which would have been much more interesting if we followed Bridei instead. Sadly I don't think I will continue with this series.

[Liliana Rio · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,8***

[Emmeline (The Book Herald) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dear Juliet Marillier,



For this story.

And I:



This story was epic. I swear, I think I've nearly read every single on of Marillier's books and each of them I loved.

This one was so filled with action, with intrigue and with ancient religious practices (some that was severely creepy to me!)

The romance was sweet, i swear Marillier is a form of 'word-wizard' she just draws you into her tales dashed with mesmerizing intrigues and bittersweet conflicts!

She makes the characters so loveable!

We begin this book by meeting an adorable four year old with brown locks and eyes like the summer sky, he is sweet and adorable and melted my heart! This little boy is our main hero...Bridei!
Bridei has a great future ahead of him and must work very hard to achieve it. So, we then become introduced to the fey child named Tuala who was left by 'the shinning one' The celtic Goddess at the doorstep of Broichan (the druid) and is found by Bridei..however, the universe plays against them.

Therefore, when Tuala and Bridei meet...the story begins! and what a story it is!

loved it. seriously.

The only thing that was a bit...hmm, annoying (but it's more of a personal thing) was the way the spoke down on Christianity...but that was it.

anyway,

read it.

Have a goodread!

-The Book Herald

[Larissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bridei's destiny is to one day become king, the druid Broichan and his secret council have worked hard towards this even before Bridei was born. They planned every step and every aspect of Bridei's life, save one.

Tuala was a gift from the gods, a daughter of the goddess and a child of the Good Folk. She and Bridei grew up together, much to Broichan's dismay, but even he would not turn his back on what was seen to be the will of the gods. But neither would he trust her, especially with Bridei.

In time Bridei and Tuala's childhood friendship grew into something much more. It was a love that would be tested time and again, a love that would face many dark times.

Bridei was to be king, it was destined, but the people would never accept one of Them as Queen, for the Good Folk were feared and despised. But if Bridei could not marry the woman he loved was he really willing to risk his destiny, a kingdom and the wrath of the gods to be with her?

The Dark Mirror is a sacred place haunted by the memories of the past, showing the possibilities of the future. An intricately plotted story of a boy and a girl and a great destiny. A love story at heart, this is a tale of friendships and betrayal, of politics and war, and the gods. A monumental adventure that steps into the past seamlessly blending history with myth and fantasy. A brilliant read written with beauty.

[Filipa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Esta revisão mete nojo. Tuala consegue ter três nomes diferentes, Bridei às vezes é Britei conforme a disposição e milhentos outros erros acompanham a história, ARRUINANDO-A. Mais uma vez, a falta de profissionalismo nas edições portuguesas a estragar uma história tão bonita. Depois queixam-se que não têm mercado. Claro, eu como leitora, prefiro mil vezes ir comprar o original do que pagar horrores por edições portuguesas de terrível qualidade. Por isso, editoras portuguesas... tenham vergonha na cara e comecem a zelar por produtos melhores, com mais qualidade. Ou então comecem a vender estes livros com uma etiqueta de desconto que diga "artigo com defeito". Obrigada.

4,5 stars

Acerca do livro propriamente dito: Gostei imenso do livro, adorei mesmo. Uma história bem construída, com personagens apaixonantes e a autora, como sempre, soube criar o clímax de maneira a frustrar os seus leitores que muito anseiam pelas revelações da trama e vivem a história com muita, muita ansiedade. Adorei a história de amor, é ternurenta como tantas outras da criação de Juliet. Só não dou 5 estrelas porque houve momentos que se arrastaram um pouco na trama, tirando alguma vivacidade ao enredo. Contudo, sei que o segundo livro só pode ser melhor!

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read by Juliet Marillier and I found it captivating. Bridei and Tuala were easy to like and identify with. I especially appreciated Tuala's struggle with finding her place as a woman in this society. In fact, the theme of a woman's role and the pagan vs. christian religions reminded me of The Mists of Avalon (one of my all-time favorites).

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed Marillier's descriptions of the scenery, gods, pagan ceremonies, etc. Usually I get bored by that kind of thing, but I found myself drawn into a magical, peaceful yet powerful world.

My one criticism of the story has to do with the method of resolution. I thought it was slightly contrived and melodramatic. The Good Folk set up an extremely dangerous 'test' and I didn't fully understand the purpose of it. Maybe the rest of the trilogy will explain it. I will happily read the next two books.

[falldara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Qué tiene esta mujer que tanto me atrapa. Cierto que no es Sieteaguas, que no atrapa igual en sus primeras páginas, y sin embargo, mientras estas pensando justo esto, ya te ha enganchado y te arrastra sin darte cuenta hasta el final del libro. Misticismo, naturaleza, antiguos poderes, mucho de historia interpretable por escasas fuentes, de leyendas que dan lugar a las reinterpretaciones mágicas de Marillier. Estoy deseando sumergirme en la segunda parte de las Cónicas de Bridei.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Tales within tales. Dreams within dreams. Pattern on pattern and path beyond path. For such short-lived folks, the human kind seem determined to make things as complicated as possible for themselves.”