Date Posted:16:25:41 03/03/06 Fri Author: Syl Subject: The Dark Mirror
Here’s an interesting one sent in by Linda B. Thanks, Linda!
TITLE: The Dark Mirror, Book I of the Bridei Chronicles
TITLE: The Dark Mirror
AUTHOR: Juliet Marillier
GENRE: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
The Dark Mirror is a beautifully written first book in a new fantasy trilogy by Australian author Juliet Marillier. Based on a real historical figure in the Pictish King list, Bridei (ruled 554-584), The Dark Mirror tells the story of Bridei, the son of a foreign king and royal daughter of the Pictish kingdom of Fortriu (present day Scotland). Bridei has been fostered from the age of 4 by the powerful Druid, Broichan, and educated to present himself as candidate for the kingship upon the death of the present king.
While proving to be an apt pupil and devoted to his studies, Bridei is not told of the plans for his future, and is a very lonely child in Broichan's household. At about the age of 6 he wakes on a cold Midwinter's Eve and discovers a baby girl in a basket at the door of the keep and everything changes for Bridei. The child is clearly one of the Fair Folk, and against the wishes of both Broichan and the rest of the household, Bridei insists that she is a gift from the moon goddess, sent to him as his responsibility.
As the children grow up together they develop a deep and lasting bond and Broichan becomes more and more convinced that Tuala, as the girl is named, will be an impediment to Bridei's future. He refuses to consider the possibility than Tuala is necessary for Bridei's success and the plan to save Fortriu, a kingdom beset by incursions both by the Gaels and the spread of the Christian faith. Bridei and Tuala must pass many tests and obstacles placed in their paths both by Broichan and the Fair Folk.
Little is known about the Pictish people, but Juliet Marillier has built an entirely believable world based on the culture. Bridea, Tuala and all the characters are well drawn and three dimensional.
While The Dark Mirror does not pack quite the emotional "punch" that Marillier's Sevenwaters Trilogy did-at least not for me-I am looking forward eagerly to the second book, The Blade of Fortriu. Not only do I want to know more about Bridei and Tuala, I'm intrigued by several characters that promise to reappear in the future. Most highly recommended!
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Just ordered Blade of Fortriu from amazon.uk! Couldn't wait for out to come out in the US after reading excerpt on Juliet Marillier's website. Thanks for feedback on review! -- Linda B, 12:37:37 03/16/06 Thu
Bandruidh, 19:03:24 03/04/06 Sat