Sevenwaters, Book 4: Heir to Sevenwaters

A beautifully written book that carries on from the story of the Sevenwaters trilogy. Clodagh is the central character, and although she doesn't have the otherworldly abilities of others in her family her practical skills prove extremely useful as she embarks on a journey to rescue her young

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brother. Marillier introduces new elements into the familiar Sevenwaters framework to keep this book as interesting as the others.

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I read the first three books in the Sevenwaters Trilogy (or series, now) a month or two ago. It wasn't until afterwards that I heard of this fourth book. While part of me was excited to once again immerse myself in the land of Sevenwaters, I was wary. Whenever there is an unplanned additional book

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in the series, it is nearly never as good as the previous ones.

This one starred a character already mentioned in Child of the Prophecy: Clodagh, the third daughter of Sean and Aisling and the great-granddaughter of the original Sevenwaters heroine. Clodagh is described as the boring sister, the one content to stay at home and manage household affairs. Desperate to have a son, Clodagh's mother is pregnant once again, despite her advanced years. But there are also disputes going on between Sean and several other chieftains. Amongst the chaos, Clodagh's baby brother is kidnapped and replaced with something unhuman, but alive just the same. Clodagh, accompanied by a mysterious young man, knows what she must do: return the changeling to the Otherworld in exchange for her brother. The task is dire for if her brother is not returned, the entire Sevenwaters family will be torn apart.

My assumption that this installment wouldn't be as good as the previous ones was proven correct. It followed the Sevenwaters formula sure enough, but there was a spark missing. I loved the first two, for I found them intriguing and lyrical, but the third one lacked. This one was worse than the third one, but still better than a lot of fantasy books out there. All the books are well researched in their lore, and the descriptions are as being transported to a distant land. This one was much more involved with the fantasy elements, actually partly taking place in the land of faerie. I still don't know if that was a good thing or a bad thing. The romance was really sub-par on this one. It wasn't even really romance until half-way through, and the final hundred pages or so was all sap and sexual tension. Seriously, I was cringing in some moments. Other than that, nothing really happened long term. So the faeries are pissed a them, so what?

I was a little diappointed with this one. I recommend for Sevenwaters fans, but I do caution them. Don't start this one with the intent that it shall be the best one yet. It was actually quite forgettable, but my love for Sevenwaters is in no way diminshed. I will continue the series (if Marillier continues) out of this love.

On a side note, what is with all these creepy covers? They just keep getting more and more odd. If I just happened upon these books in a bookstore with no previous knowledge of their contents, I would pass them by, judging from their covers that they would be crap.

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After the third "Sevenwaters" trilogy, I didn't think new installments in this series could continue to hold my interest. After all, let's face it -- the first two books are beyond exceptional, and book 3 just couldn't measure up. Still, I love Marillier's writing, and I optimistically and

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nostalgically gave this latest story a go. And I'm very happy that I did.

No, this isn't as good as "Daughter of the Forest" or "Son of the Shadows" -- two very difficult acts to follow. This is, however, a very good book, with the same beautiful language and rich mythology that characterizes Marillier's work. Clodagh is a wonderful heroine, both strong and believable. Every now and again, it's nice to read a book like this that illustrates the extraordinary potential that lies within ordinary people.

And Cathal, I found, is a different sort of male lead than what we've previously seen in this series. Sharper than Red, more volatile than Bran, and definitely more tangible than Darragh. He is, in short, the perfect match for Clodagh, and I greatly enjoyed the connection that sparked, sizzled, then blossomed between them.

I know some other reviewers were disappointed by the formulaic trend in this series, saying this book in particular held no surprises or breaks from patterns. Honestly, I consider that formula one of the high points of this series. Marillier recreates the traditional method of storytelling, in which patterns enrich a story rather than detract from it. Yes, there is predictability, but that's rather beside the point. A fantastical adventure is no less magical when you know it will end back at home.

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Picking up this last (or most recent) book in Juliet Marillier's fantastic Sevenwaters series, I was totally geared up for a much desired in-depth look at Laiden and Bran's son (from Son of the Shadows), Johnny. As I started reading and found out, no this is his cousin's Clodagh story, I sorta

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scratched my head and felt a little cheated. Boy howdy, was I ever wrong about being disappointed. (Of course) Clodagh's story was sublime, beautiful and probably my favorite so far. I should simply be grateful for any story Marillier tells and stop having expectations becuase frankly, any story she writes comes out magic.In the midst of her six sisters, Clodagh is happy to be known as the 'domestic' one, usually to be found helping her mother organize and run the Sevenwaters household. So it's natural that she fills this role as her mother becomes ill with an unexpected pregnancy late in life. Her mother, Aisling, is convinced she carries the long awaited male heir she has previously failed to deliver. Clodagh and her family are anxious for their mother's health but when the baby is born and is taken suddenly from their home while Clodagh was keeping watch, suspicion and hurt abound as everyone is devastated by his disappearance. Clodagh alone is convinced that the baby was not stolen by a rival clansmen for political gain but by the Fair Folk and so she sets off on a perilous journey to bring him back. Not alone, Clodagh is accompanied by the prickly Cathal, one of Johnny's painted men, who she is stumped as to why he would 1) not only believe her tale but 2) be willing to help her accomplish her goal as he has been nothing but rude to her. Cathal has his own secrets (more than your average painted man's) and it quickly becomes apparent to Clodagh that she can't succeed without his help.Clodagh and Cathal's story was exactly what I wanted even though I wasn't expecting it. Clodagh is resourceful, stubbornly loyal, and so compassionate I couldn't help but love her as she faced impossible challenges. At one point even her own family distrusts her and she never stops loving or trusting them even though their coldness has devastated her. After reading this unexpected book I find myself hoping Marillier has plans to revisit Sevenwaters again. In the near future, that is. Please hurry.

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Juliet Marillier is one of those authors that you take for granted, Because she always delivers a compelling and moving story. However sometimes she surprises you by gifting a story so like her others and so diferent in the same way. She gives us a heroine that is as brave, but not as powerful as

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her ancestors. Her power is in the apparent simplicity of her goals, which sum up the real important things in life. Love, famiily and the pursuit of happiness.

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This was a good book.Juliette is such a good writer, although it was a bit predictable but was still a good read !I do have a feeling there is alot more to this story she left it pretty open.Makes me want to go back and refresh my memory of the first Sevenwaters Trilogy since its been awhile since

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I read them!

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Many things are about to change at Sevenwaters. For years now Lord Sean, chieftain of Sevenwaters has held the peace between the tribes to the north and south of his lands. There has been a strong bond of friendship between the family of Sevenwaters and the Fair Folk that dwell within the protected

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forests of Sevenwaters. But all this peace is about to be undone, and Clodagh, daughter of Lord Sean, is to see her life turned upside down.

When a series of events brings tragedy after tragedy down upon Clodagh's family no one is above suspicion, setting sister against sister, father against daughter, uncle against nephew, and ultimately father against son. As the dust begins to settle all fingers point to a warrior, once welcomed into the home of Sevenwaters now finding himself on the run. But there are other forces at work set to tear Clodagh's family apart.

Is Clodagh losing her wits as her father would have her believe, and the unrest in her home is all the work of the strange and questionable warrior? Or is she the only one at Sevenwaters able to see the truth in what has happened, and that the answer to all their troubles lies with the Fair Folk? Despite their goodwill in the past, Clodagh cannot be dissuaded from her belief of the Fair Folk's involvement, but can not think of what has changed to set them against her family?

All of a sudden Clodagh finds herself a stranger in her own home, someone with whom her family can no longer trust, and like it or not her only ally is the warrior who she neither trusts nor likes. Against her family, but also out of a sense of duty and love to them, Clodagh travels to the Otherworld to seek the truth that her family refuse to see. But what starts out as a quest of duty to her family develops into a fight for life and survival. Her only weapons, her great capacity for compassion, a talisman, some unlikely friends, and a selfless act of love.

A story that draws you in from the first and holds you captive till its very end. Its history, detail and characters are all vividly and beautifully brought to life in this tale of adventure, danger and love. I have spent the past few days wrapped up in this book and I have loved every minute of it. A must read for any lover of fantasy and fiction.

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This was pretty good. Clodagh's twin sister is marrying, and men from her cousin's band of warriors are returning to Sevenwaters for the ceremony. Along with the band comes a man in whom Clodagh has been interested since the previous year, Aidan, and his friend, Cathal, an intriguingly snarly man.

Kearsten says: This was pretty good. Clodagh's twin sister is marrying, and men from her cousin's band of warriors are returning to Sevenwaters for the ceremony. Along with the band comes a man in whom Clodagh has been interested since the previous year, Aidan, and his friend, Cathal, an

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intriguingly snarly man.

The trouble begins after Clodagh's mother gives birth to a much anticipated son - the first son, after seven daughters - the new heir to Sevenwaters. However, just days after he is born, he's stolen, and only Clodagh can see the changeling that has been left in his place. As no one else believes Clodagh's story of a changeling, she travels alone with the child into the forest, hoping to cross into faerie to trade the changeling for her brother.

Magical and romantic and little bit creepy - recommended.

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"It was best to keep on the good side of the Fair Folk, whatever one's opinion of them. The forest of Sevenwaters was as much their home as it was ours. Long ago, our family had been entrusted with the task of keeping the place safe for them. This was one of the last refuges of the ancient races

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anywhere in Erin, for the great forests were being felled for grazing and the Christian religion had spread widely, displacing druids and wise women. The old faith was practiced only in the most protected and secret pockets of the land. Sevenwaters was one of those."

In ancient Ireland there came a time when the fairy folk, the Old Ones, could no longer inhabit the land. Clodagh's family have protected the forest of Sevenwaters for generations, it is one of the last refuges for the Fair Folk and there has always been an fragile peace. Clodagh is one of six daughters and at long, long last the baby boy that has been so hoped for is born to her parents.

Baby Finbar is only a few days old when he disappears and a doll made of twigs is left in his place. To Clodagh's dismay, she can see that the twig-baby is alive. She can see it breathe and move and hear its hungry cries. No one else can see this, only Clodagh, and she cannot bear to see the little stick baby die. It seems to her that the Fair Folk must want an exchange. While her father and his men search for a missing man that they suspect in the kidnapping, she packs a bag and the twig-baby and sets out to find her tiny brother.

Before long Clodagh meets the fugitive that her farther is looking for, Cathal, in the forest. He claims not to know anything about the baby's disappearance and Clodagh desperately wants to trust him. He becomes her companion in a quest that will require every ounce of their strength and courage if they are going to venture into the fairy realm and return home once again.

Juliet Marillier is one of my favorite authors. She takes ancient folklore tales from Ireland and Britain and breathes life into them. Her books are full of complex and interesting characters who always have a quest or task to complete or a mission to fulfill. The old landscapes and fairy realms are vividly described. This one is no exception. I'm always anxiously awaiting her latest book and have never been disappointed, they are wonderful.

This is the fourth book she has written about Sevenwaters but it is not necessary to have read the others before reading this one. Earlier characters do occur, but only peripherally, and this story stands easily on its own. If you like historical fiction with a little bit of magic thrown in, give these a try!

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Marillier returns to Sevenwaters in this 4th novel concerning the family residing in historical Ireland. This book did not seem to have the depth or richness that Marillier's previous novels have had. I was a little disappointed in the lack of originality and diversion from what has become her

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standard plot. Although the conclusion was somewhat predictable, Marillier is such a fantastic storyteller that I still tore through the book at lightning speed.

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I liked this one in spite of myself. I am not a huge fan of "traveling through the fairy underworld" plots in books, but in this case it was less about where they were and more about who they were. Slow starting though.

This book appealed to me for many of the same reasons the other Sevenwaters books have appealed to me, but it had new connections to faeries. The other books have touched on both older and newer faery type creatures, and this one went deeper with an actual trip into the Otherworld. Clodagh is more

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than she seems, as is Cathal, and it was exciting to find who they were. I definitely messed up my sleep schedule with this one, but it was worth it.

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The only bad thing about this book is its short size. I read it so fast that I had to make myself stop and give it a break so it would last a bit longer.

As usual, Juliet did it. She grasped my attention and imagination, transporting me to a paralel universe, making me forget everything that was

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going around me. Fantastic storytelling.

This is a story about Clodagh, a practical red haired girl, grandaughter to Sorcha of Sevenwaters herself. Clodagh is caught in the mischief of otherworldly creatures, leaving everything behind to go on a crazy quest when nobody believes her. Except for Cathal, our hero and love this time. As always there’s a love story, a beautiful amazing one as only Juliet can tell.

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The fourth book in the Sevenwaters series, Heir to Sevenwaters is set just three years after the previous book, Child of the Prophecy. Lady Aisling is expecting another child, a longed for boy and heir to Sevenwaters. Her daughter Clodagh, the third of Sean and Aisling's six daughters, takes over

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the running of the household as her mother prepares for the new arrival.

Joy turns to despair when the new baby is stolen from his room and a changeling is left in his place; one that only Clodagh can see or hear. In order to reclaim her newborn brother, Clodagh must care for the changeling, journey to the Fair Folk's Otherworld and confront Mac Dara, the dangerous Lord of the Oak who now rules there. Accompanying her is the strange young warrior Cathal who Mac Dara seems to have a strange interest in. At the same time her father is preparing to host a council of warring chieftains and deal with the possibility that his new son-in-law is plotting against the alliance.

Juliet Marillier doesn't disappoint, this book was hard to put down! Fantasy at it's very best.

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A fantasy, about a young woman from a family living near an enchanted forest (basically), who has to go on a quest into fairyland to save her baby brother. He has been taken by fairies and a bundle of sticks left behind -a changeling, whom only she sees as a living creature, and a needy one at

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that. I liked the twist on the changeling myth, that despite her brother's loss, she nurtures the little changeling creature who would otherwise die. The quest romantic elements solid writing make for a pretty good story from this veteran fantasy author. I can see that the author is building on a world from previous novels, but it doesn't impinge on this one if you haven't read the others. Would appeal to young adults too.

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This book is a welcome return to the classical quest format of the first in the series, and is much stronger than the less structured second and third installments. I enjoyed getting more insight into the Otherworld and its inhabitants, and the main characters were easy to root for. Not the Best

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Book I Ever Read, but I have no distinct complaints, so it manages four stars.

This concludes my reread of the series; now, on to my first read of the fifth book!

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