by Juliet Marillier
Published September 11th 2012
by Knopf Books for Young Readers
ARC from Netgalley
Summary from Goodreads:
Sixteen-year-old Neryn is alone in the land of Alban, where the oppressive king has ordered anyone with magical strengths captured and brought before him. Eager to hide her own canny skill—a uniquely powerful ability to communicate with the fairy-like Good Folk—Neryn sets out for the legendary Shadowfell, a home and training ground for a secret rebel group determined to overthrow the evil King Keldec.
During her dangerous journey, she receives aid from the Good Folk, who tell her she must pass a series of tests in order to recognize her full potential. She also finds help from a handsome young man, Flint, who rescues her from certain death—but whose motives in doing so remain unclear. Neryn struggles to trust her only allies. They both hint that she alone may be the key to Alban’s release from Keldec’s rule.
Homeless, unsure of who to trust, and trapped in an empire determined to crush her, Neryn must make it to Shadowfell not only to save herself, but to save Alban.
During her dangerous journey, she receives aid from the Good Folk, who tell her she must pass a series of tests in order to recognize her full potential. She also finds help from a handsome young man, Flint, who rescues her from certain death—but whose motives in doing so remain unclear. Neryn struggles to trust her only allies. They both hint that she alone may be the key to Alban’s release from Keldec’s rule.
Homeless, unsure of who to trust, and trapped in an empire determined to crush her, Neryn must make it to Shadowfell not only to save herself, but to save Alban.
Thoughts:
Avid fantasy fans would certainly be familiar with Juliet Marilier's works. She has such an exquisite talent of writing beautiful and imaginative fantasy world that would totally charmed you and swept you away. Shadowfell is certainly not an exception.
Although slow in some parts, I found myself thoroughly and deliriously enjoying every bit of the story. Neryn is one of those quiet unassuming heroine that the reader will be rooting for. Neryn's journey is indeed insufferably long and I'm sure many readers complained about it. But in some ways, it is reminiscent of Maria V. Snyder's Touch of Power where the characters spent most of the time travelling to their intended destination.
Shadowfell might not be for everyone but I'm so enchanted by the writing and the wonderful depiction created by Marilier that I'm really looking forward to the next instalment.
Recommended for: fans of witches
Verdict: 4 stars.
In my Witches & Witchcraft Reading Challenge
Available on: Amazon
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