Heir to Sevenwaters (Book #4 of the Sevenwaters Series) by Juliet Marillier: A Book Review

Heir to Sevenwaters (Book #4 of the Sevenwaters Series)
Author: Juliet Marillier
Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy
Publisher: Tor Books
Release Date: 2008
Pages: 416
Source: Personal Collection
Synopsis: "A brand new novel in the beloved world of Sevenwaters—a fantasy series that “should appeal to Lord of the Rings fans” (VOYA)."

     The chieftains of Sevenwaters have long been custodians of a vast and mysterious forest. Human and Otherworld dwellers have existed there side by side, sharing a wary trust. Until the spring when Lady Aisling of Sevenwaters finds herself expecting another child—a new heir to Sevenwaters.

     Then the family’s joy turns to despair when the baby is taken from his room and something...unnatural is left in his place. To reclaim her newborn brother, Clodagh must enter the shadowy Otherworld and confront the powerful prince who rules there.

     My Review: This story takes place 4 years after Child of the Prophecy. Because the first three books of the Sevenwaters series was wrapped and neatly tied together in Child of the Prophecy, in the Heir to Sevenwaters, the author forms a second story arc with new villains and a new adventure.The protagonist of this book is Clodagh,  Fainne’s cousin and was first introduced as a 12 year-old girl in Child of the Prophecy. She is a girl that likes to keep herself busy by running the household. However, her perfect routine is turned upside down when her newborn baby Finbar is kidnapped by the Prince of the Otherworld and in its place is a changeling baby that only she herself sees. She is forced to leave her home and journeys to the Otherworld with a warrior with a questionable past to rescue her brother.

     This was a light and fun read. The author finally lets the reader explore the Otherworld, that has always been mentioned but never explored. The Otherworld is the world of the fairies, who have aided the people of Sevenwaters in their need. However, the fairies that had helped Sorcha, Liadan, and Fainne are long gone, and the ruler of the Otherworld is ruthless. In this book, we get to explore a different world. The author depicts an excellent setting of the Otherworld. It seems like a magical world, but soon we realize that it is not as it seems. The Otherworld is losing its magic and influence because the Christian religion is rapidly takings it place as Ireland’s main religion.

      Clodagh is a loveable character that wants things to be in order. With her mother giving birth, and her twin sister newly married to a powerful warlord, she is the de-facto mistress of Sevenwaters. Although she has an unusual power that she uses frequently, which is that she and her twin sister can talk to each other in the minds no matter how far the distance, in her quest it is useless. Clodagh may seem like she is an ordinary girl, she is courageous, selfless, and loving. She is determined to save her brother, whom she loves, and to help restore her family’s happiness.

      Overall, this book is about love, family, and sacrifice. The message of this novel is that love conquers all and to never give up, even if you feel you are at your weakest moment. Readers will be delighted with this fresh fantasy adventure with Clodagh as its new heroine. Heir of Sevenwaters is lighter in tone compared to the first three books in the series. It is also the shortest novel in her series. I recommend this book to lovers of Marion Zimmer Bradley, J.R. R. Tolkien, fantasy, history, and romance. I believe that anyone should pick up one of her novels in the series, because they are good books filled with encouraging messages that pertain to all of us.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars