Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion

This topic is open for discussion of Son of the Shadows by Juliet Marillier




Book Synopsis:
Beautiful Sorcha is the courageous young woman who risked all to save her family from a wicked curse and whose love shattered generations of hate and bridged two cultures.

It is from her sacrifice that Sorcha's brothers were brought home to their ancestral fortress Sevenwaters, and her life has known much joy.

But not all the brothers were able to fully escape the spell that transformed them into swans, and it is left to Sorcha's daughter Liadan to help fulfill the destiny of the Sevenwaters clan. Beloved child and dutiful daughter, Liadan embarks on a journey that shows her just how hard-won was the peace that she has known all her life.

Liadan will need all of her courage to help save her family, for there are dark forces and ancient powers conspiring to destroy this family's peace--and their world. And she will need all of her strength to stand up to those she loves best, for in the finding of her own true love, Liadan's course may doom them all . . . or be their salvation.

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Looking forward to this! I LOVED the Daughter of the Forest and I'm eager to find out what happened next! See everyone on the 12th!

I know I have soooo many other books to read, but how will I wait this long??

I'm so glad this has been set up as a buddy read. I LOVED DOTF so much. I can't imagine why I have waited so long to read this!!

Volunteering for the 3rd book when you catch up! :)

Hmm I read that one recently it seems. apparently out of order.

Looking forward to joining this Buddy Read on Dec. 12. I really liked the first book DOTF so I'm expecting a good read with Son of the Shadows.

Apparently it's the best of the lot!

Really excited about this one! I'm reading novellas tonight to keep from starting it early because I have no self control. Some people can't eat just one potato chip, I can't just read one chapter.

Hi. I'm Becky and I am a compulsive reader.

Absolutely, this is Juliet Marillier's best book and I have read all her adult Celtic fantasy novels. You will love the hero, Bran.

LOL! That's neat, Lisa! What is it with the name Bran? Everytime I run across it the guy is super great. Bran the Marrok....Bran from the Kate Daniel's series... ; )

Ha, Becky, Maybe it was the "in" name for gorgeous bad boys of the Celtic era.

Hi all! I'm going to be joining in but I'll be a few days late. My library hasn't delivered my copy yet. Soon though I hope :D

That and it's one that's easy to pronounce. Some of them are tough...like Bhatar...or Amhlaidh...

Yikes.

I'm also excited to start! I have way too many buddy reads happening, though! :-)

Hmm, Becky, you're thinking of starting on the dot of midnight, are you?

Nicole wrote: "Hmm, Becky, you're thinking of starting on the dot of midnight, are you?"

Hehe...I did, but I fell asleep before I was able to get very far. : ( I've been busy most of the day so I'm only through chapter 1, but this is setting up to be a really good story!

Chapter 1: (view spoiler)[I don't care much for Niamh. She acts too big for her britches. Liadan is just the opposite and doesn't give herself enough credit. In the scene where she speaks with her father about Eammon, she recalls something that "the family doesn't speak of." I'm wondering if that is the missing wicked stepmother?

Also, I was surprised that the family thinks Finobar drowned. I had assumed he went back to his mate. Sorcha couldn't "speak" to him in his swan form, which would explain a lot. After hearing the young druid's story, I'm more convinced of it. It'll be neat to see how that fits into whatever "big bad" is coming. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 1 is an amazing set up. I can't even put it down.

It really is great, Nicole. When it all comes together, it should be amazing!

Chapter 6: (view spoiler)[I'm really enjoying Liadan. She's smart and has a backbone. I like that she tells the motley crew stories around the campfire and the way she refuses to kowtow to Bran. The night she spent sitting beside him in the dark made me wonder if she's about to tap into her power of healing the mind. (hide spoiler)]

I've been busy getting ready for a Christmas party, but things should settle down after tomorrow. Hope everyone is enjoying the book! It's been kind of quiet in here. : )

Chapter 6!! I'm at Chapter 2 :P

These are longer chapters, but I like the book a lot. I probably won't get any further today unless I fit a chapter in before bed. Christmas party tonight! Yay!

Have fun at your Christmas party! It will give me a chance to catch up. Now in the middle of Chapter 3.

Loving the state of the family and the hint of things to come. The issues that have come with Niamh, but I find I'm not very surprised. One thing I always love is just how lyrical Juliet's writing is. It almost seems as though it doesn't matter, whether it's romance or war or whatever, it would still be fun to drift away in her words.

I reckon our boy Bran might be the source of the big bad...

Thanks, Nicole! It was really nice. My husband's company is sooo generous. Random gift cards at every place setting, Christmas bonuses and annual profit sharing bonuses, too. He really likes working there as the management is super people oriented.

Bran is pretty mysterious at this point and I want to know all about him. Things get super interesting in Chapter 6.

I'm wiped out and have a special church service in the morning. Full orchestra with Christmas carols. YAY! All of my in-laws will be there so I better sleep tonight instead of read. You'll probably be ahead of me by the time I get back to it tomorrow.

Nawww, we need more companies like that.

I'd love to be, but I have a 3 hour drive home tomorrow so I'll get some reading done tonight, and then maybe tomorrow night and nothing in between. *laughs*

You're planning on finishing this by tomorrow??! (I'm up to Chapter 6 by the way ;D)

Nicole wrote: "You're planning on finishing this by tomorrow??! (I'm up to Chapter 6 by the way ;D)"

Well...I was...but it's not going to happen. I've had too many distractions so I'm only in Chapter 8, but it gets better and better! I just love the writing! It's rare when I can completely lose myself in a book. So much to talk about, too!

Chapter 4-6: (view spoiler)[ I got sniffily when Evan died...dang it...Liadan's story about leaving loved ones behind did me in.

Gosh, I like Bran, even though at first I didn't want to. It was neat that Liadan could see bits and pieces of his dreams and that he could sense when she had a vague premonition Maybe he has the Sight, too? I really want to know how Bran knows Red and Sorcha! I can't believe he just flipped a switch and sent Liadan away like that when she told him she was from Sevenwaters.

Loved how Liadan stood up to the Lady and her Consort about her choices. She's strong-willed in a good way. Any clue who this "Old Evil" is that they speak of? I'm wondering if it's Lady Oonagh, or something else?

I saw the pregnancy coming a mile away, though. So glad Sorcha handled it the way she did. If Sorcha dies from her illness in this book I'm going to wail, big time. (hide spoiler)]

Hope you had a nice trip and safe travels this weekend, Nicole! We went to a church Christmas Concert this morning and it was FAN-TAB-ULOUS! Full orchestra and jazz band, children's choir...awesomeness! Feels like Christmas to me now!

Oh god, Evan dying and the tears that Liadan couldn't stop crying, and then the way her and Bran reached for each other, and tried to talk themselves out of it, and how sweet they both were immediately afterwards...

Yeah, I think that's been my favourite part of the story thus far. I'm at the point now where she's just figured out that she's pregnant and is talking to her mother about it.

I love Bran, and I knew I was going to. I believe the evil is Oonagh, but we'll find out!

My weekend was AMAZING!! And I am lying down and reading as we speak, or rather, will be as soon as I send this off. It's amazing. And I ahve tomorrow off too (it's always good to get a day off after you come back from hoilday, just to get back into the swing of things) so I am sure lots of reading time again tomorrwo! Hopefully I'll catch you online at the same time and we can discuss more then.

Bran and Liadan together was my favorite part so far, too! After he got over the pushy "I'm the Chief" thing, they really connected emotionally. It's like she pulled him out of the darkness without realizing it.

Glad you had a great weekend! Having that extra day is really handy. Before my knee injury I'd drive out to the country and camp with my horse to trail ride with a group of friends. It's a lot of work, but I love being out in nature. I really miss it and hope to get back to it this summer.

I'll check back in around 5:00. That would be 10:30AM your time and we can chat more about the book! There is a lot going on and I'm just on Chapter 9!

I have a craft group between 10-12 today, so won't be online again till 7.30 your time. Don't know if that's any good for you, but I'll check in later. I'm up to chapter 8

That works! I'll be back then to chat!

This book has to be one of the best I've read in the Fantasy genre! There's a twist or a new revelation around every turn!

Chapter 7: (view spoiler)[Aw...I just love Finbar! I had almost forgotten about his ability to heal the mind. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 8-9: (view spoiler)[Poor Niahm! I had a feeling her hubby was a jerk. Total loser! Sidhe Dubh is a creepy place, too. I kept expecting Lady Oonagh to pop out of the tunnels. (hide spoiler)]

How far along are you, Nicole? I made a lot of progress today since everyone is at work and haven't been able to put it down! It's THAT awesome! I'm up to Chapter 13 and things are coming together so well!

Love how the author keeps me guessing, but then at the same time when she reveals part of her plot, it makes sense, but doesn't give away the whole story. What a great book!

I'm finished! I just adore Bran and Liadan! Thoughts on the ending: (view spoiler)[I remember John from the first book and balled like a baby when he was killed. I like where the future is headed for the couple. Bran deserves a family and some happiness.

Sorcha's funeral was beautiful. Big alligator tears. Loved that character!

Not sure what to think about Ciaron and Niahm. I'm concerned that Niahm's refusal to see her family or forgive could end up making her a perfect protege for Lady Oonagh. (hide spoiler)]

I really want to continue this series, but it will have to wait until later in January.

Ohh I've been so bad with reading and getting online so I still haven't finished, but I'll get through more on my Christmas break I'm sure.

I'll be around when you're ready, Nicole. We have family coming in Saturday and with Christmas right around the corner everyone is busy.

So so busy. I've been finding it's easier to listen to audio books, so I'm still getting my stories, but this one isn't on audio at my library ;)

My library didn't have the audio either. Boo! It is easier for me to get through longer books that way, too.

I finally started. I'm a bit disappointed that Red and Sorcha take a back seat, but I'm sure there are great things to come for the next generation!

I'll go back and read the comments once I get farther into the story.

I'm still about halfway through myself. Will definitely chat with you about it.

I am almost to chapter 12. I am loving this book so much! I can't believe I waited so long to read it. I had forgotten so much about the first book.

(view spoiler)[
Liadan is like a completely different person when she's in the outlaw camp. I like her moxy. I didn't expect her to fall for Bran. I hoped that Evan would live.

Were we supposed to know Bran's past history with Red and Sorcha? (For a minute I thought Bran and Liadan may be related!!) When we learn who Bran's father was, I vaguely recalled the incident with John being killed by the boulder (I think!)

I love how Bran came to Eamonn's home to help Liadan.
I am confident that Niamh is still alive.

It bothers me how differently Niamh and Liadan are treated. I really want to know the "big secret" everyone keeps using as the excuse to slut shame Niamh.

Is anyone else annoyed at how weak Red seems when it comes to Liadan? It's as if she can do no wrong in his eyes.

I really hope that the story of Cu Chullain (I know that's not spelled right) unknowingly killing his son is not repeated with Bran and his son. That would be heartbreaking!!

Can't wait to see what's next! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 12

(view spoiler)[
Sorcha!!!! Her death is absolutely heartbreaking!

Eamonn just can't take no for an answer. I sense that Liadan's vision will come to fruition, but hasn't there been enough death?

So, Ciaran is their half-uncle. That's a little something that makes you say ew. Apparently Niamh doesn't care? I am glad she is safe but this might lead up to some ugly events with the sorceress's son (hide spoiler)]

Sandy...your Chapter 12 spoiler: (view spoiler)[My heart was in my throat all through Sorcha's death scene. Her sendoff was just...whew...yeah...heart-wrenching, but beautiful. Here I thought Evan's death made me teary eyed! There wasn't enough ice cream in the house to get me through Sorcha's. I agree, there was a LOT of death in this book. It was tough. I liked that Finbar came back to mentor Liadan. I adored him in the first book.

Yeah, I was worried about Ciaran being Lady Oonagh's son when Conor said the relationship was forbidden. I agree...ick. I'm really, really concerned that all that slut-shaming and holding back the truth will turn the couple to the dark side. I can't blame Niahm for being so angry and hurt. It's bad enough she was just shipped off to the first available guy, but no one bothered to check him out, or follow up on her safety.

Yep. Eamonn is a total jerk. (hide spoiler)]

I finished this book and rated it 5 stars.
I have the next two on my shelf at home, but I don't want to rush into them so I'll have something to look forward to.
(view spoiler)[

Bran's backstory was so sad! Didn't he seem a lot older than 21? I guess that's what a crappy childhood will do to a person.

I'm worried about Eamonn still. He'll likely get what's coming to him later.

I thought Liadan was as strong as her mother. I kept forgetting she was only 16/17. I hope we see more of her and Bran and Johnny in the next books. Looks like book 3 is about Niamh's daughter. Should be interesting! (hide spoiler)]

I'm about a chapter or two from the end, probably going to finish it after Christmas lunch today!

I finally finished! I loved this one, even though I only half remembered reading it the first time. Hopeully I'll remember better now that I've read it again and reviewed ;)

Sandy...Yes! I thought Bran was mature for his age, too. Then again, in those days girls were married at fifteen and sixteen....ickie...so maybe it was just the lifestyle that forced him to grow up fast?

About Eamonn: (view spoiler)[Yes, he's a big worry in my mind, too. I don't think he'll give up on his obsession with Liadan. I think the bigger evil may be Niahm. She's so bitter...not that I blame her, but I wonder if Lady Oonagh will get her claws in her. (hide spoiler)]

Glad you ladies enjoyed it as much as I did! I'd be interested in reading the next book, but I can't get to it until late January or early February.

Hi guys! I am once again SUPER late to the party. I need to stop signing up for so many challenges that make me read things on a schedule, I tell you.

But I am finally starting this book tonight so if anyone else is late or wants to come back and chat with me, I would love that!

I'll chat with you, Cait! Since we're on the same team, maybe one of the others will come back, too! : ) Liadan is a strong heroine. I hope you like the book!

So glad all you ladies enjoyed the book... and Bran. JM writes a really good book and quite unique in the romance genre.