Son of Shadows (Book #2 of the Sevenwaters Series) by Juliet Marillier: A Book Review

Son of Shadows (Book #2 of the Sevenwaters Series)
Author: Juliet Marillier
Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy
Publisher: Tor Books
Release Date: 2002
Pages: 608
Source: Personal Collection
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.

     My Review: This is the sequel to Daughter of the Forest that focuses on the second generation of the Sevenwaters family. The story centers on Sorcha's daughter, Liadan. Liadan is a shy girl who just wants to concentrate on being a healer. Certain events take Liadan on an unexpected turn when she gets abducted by a group of mercenary warriors. Soon, Liadan falls in love with the leader of these warriors that has a dark past. Can Liadan help bring this leader to a path of light and goodness, or must he continue on the path of darkness and death?

     This was a good follow up to Daughter of the Forest. The story takes place sixteen years after the events of the first book. It ties up all the loose ends, including what happens to the brothers, that were not answered in Daughter of The Forest. It was great seeing the characters that I loved again from the first book and being introduced to new loveable characters. Reading the book felt like a family reunion.

     Liadan is a strong heroine. She has her mother’s gift of healing. However, she soon finds out that she not only has the gift of healing physically, but also mentally. The love story Liadan has is beautiful and heart-wrenching. Her love interest, a mercenary, is a great match to Liadan, for he is emotionally-damaged, and it is Liadan’s quest to heal him from the shadows that continually haunts him.

     Overall, this book's message was be true to yourself. It is also about friendship, love, family, and loyalty. There is a love triangle, and a lot of mini stories of Irish folktales. There are new villains and heroes in the story. Liadan has to make hard choices, and also has to make a sacrifice in order to bring about a greater good. Readers will fall in love with the main character and will be able to empathize in her triumphs, her pains, her choices, and her sacrifice. This is a very satisfying sequel to Daughter of the Forest. I recommend this to lovers of historical fantasy, feminism, and romance.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Check out my review of the Sevenwaters series:

Daughter of The Forest

Also check out my reviews of Juliet Marillier's other novels:

Shadowfell (Book #1 of the Shadowfell Series)