Award-winning author Juliet Marillier skillfully blends magic, mythology, and folklore into every sentence. Now she’s starting an enchanting new series that will transport you to a magical vision of ancient Ireland.
Blackthorn, an embittered magical healer, was unjustly imprisoned for a long time. She strikes a deal to help her escape, agreeing to abandon her quest for revenge against the man who ruined her life. Joined by Grim, a silent, hulking man who was a fellow prisoner, she travels north to Dalriada. There, she’ll live near a mysterious forest and pledge to assist anyone who seeks her help for the next seven years.
Meanwhile, Oran, the crown prince of Dalriada, eagerly awaits his bride-to-be, Lady Flidais. He knows her only through a portrait and their sweet, poetic letters, and he’s convinced she’s his true love. But when Flidais arrives, her cruel nature starkly contrasts the sensitive woman he thought she was.
With his strategic marriage looming, Oran feels trapped. Word spreads about Blackthorn’s unique talent for solving difficult problems, so the prince seeks her assistance. To free Oran from his treacherous betrothal, Blackthorn and Grim will need all their courage, ingenuity, sharp deductions, and a bit of magic.
Juliet Marillier is one of my favorite authors, known for novels grounded in folktales and Celtic paganism, filled with emotion and love. “Dreamer’s Pool” is a refreshing departure for her. Unlike her typical coming-of-age love stories, this book centers on two mature, life-worn characters, Blackthorn and Grim. Their relationship develops slowly and hints at deepening over the series. In the meantime, they operate as a detective duo in the Dark Ages, tackling their first case involving Prince Oran and his mysteriously changed bride. Is there something supernatural at play, or is Oran simply disillusioned with his arranged marriage? Oran’s storyline delivers the young love tale Marillier’s fans expect, wrapping up the book on a satisfying note.
The story is intricate, with many subplots. There’s the mystery of Blackthorn and Grim’s pasts, the bargain Blackthorn made with the fey, Conmael, and another local mystery to solve. Some threads are set to span the series, while others conclude within the story. We hear from Blackthorn, Grim, and Oran’s perspectives, each with a distinct voice, especially Grim, who is a man of few words. Being in Oran’s head lets us experience the love story firsthand.
Juliet Marillier delivers the quality storytelling her readers expect. I eagerly anticipate what happens next with Blackthorn and Grim.
This story could be stunning as a lavish live-action fantasy film with an all-Irish cast. Ideally, it would be an independent or collaborative project to preserve its mystical feeling, complemented by a harp-filled score.
Overall Rating: A dreamlike experience.
Romance Rating: Deeply emotional and passionate.
