Seer of Sevenwaters (Book #5 of the Sevenwaters Series)Author: Juliet Marillier
Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy
Publisher: Roc
Release Date: 2011
Pages: 448
Source: Personal Collection
Synopsis: Get swept away in the romantic fantasy of this national bestselling author's world of Sevenwaters.
The young seer Sibeal is visiting an island of elite warriors, prior to making her final pledge as a druid. It's there she finds Felix, a survivor of a Viking shipwreck, who's lost his memory. The scholarly Felix and Sibeal form a natural bond. He could even be her soul mate, but Sibeal's vocation is her true calling, and her heart must answer.
As Felix fully regains his memory, Sibeal has a runic divination showing her that Felix must go on a perilous mission-and that she will join him. The rough waters and the sea creatures they will face are no match for Sibeal's own inner turmoil. She must choose between the two things that tug at her soul-her spirituality and a chance at love...
My Review: This book takes place 4 years after Heir of Sevenwaters. Sibeal, who was first introduced as a quiet eight year-old seer in Child of the Prophecy, is sent to Inis Eala for the summer before she takes a vow to become a druid. On the day she arrives, there is a shipwreck and there are only three survivors. Each of these survivors have a mysterious past, and Sibeal embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind their past and eventually falls in love with the amnesiac survivor, Felix.
This is the first book in the Sevenwaters series where the reader does not go to Sevenwaters. Instead, most of the setting is on Inis Eala. However, there is still a feeling of homecoming in this book because there are still many recurring characters from the previous novels.
It is also the first in the Sevenwaters series where half of the narration is told by a male protagonist, Felix, who is Sibeal's love interest. This book mostly focuses on the slow-budding relationship between Felix and Sibeal. Felix is suffering from much pain and loss. He has recently lost his brother and his memories. Yet, it is Sibeal, who with her gentle healing and storytelling that gives Felix hope, goodness and light. She helps bring Felix courage, strength and willpower to move on. Felix is slowly able to let go of the past and to focus on his future.
I felt that Seer of Sevenwaters did not have as much of a plot than the other books. Most of the novel is a summary of the previous novels. While it will be interesting to a reader who has never read this Sevenwater series before, it is very tedious for readers familiar with the series. There is a seafaring adventure that involves a man-eating sea monster, but it takes place in the last ⅔ of the novel. However, there is still enough mystery and intrigue that will keep the reader invested.
Overall, the themes of this novel deal with love, loss, family, friendship, and hope. The message of the book is if one door closes another opens. It is a coming of age story about two people trying to find their identities. I felt that the Seer of Sevenwaters fell flat compared to the other novels in this series, yet it is still a beautiful book. It is a touching love story that comes with a powerful message. I recommend this novel to lovers of fantasy, romance, and historical fiction. I also believe that this book can speak to anyone. A lot of times things often don’t go as we plan, but we cannot get discouraged because there is another path that is just as good.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
I did love your review, Lauralee, even if this is probably not the kind of book I would read. Thank you.
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