Hi! Welcome to Seven Days for Sevenwaters, a week-long feature dedicated to Juliet Marillier’s Sevenwaters series. Today we’re going to start out with a lovely post from Sevenwaters newbie, Heidi of Bunbury in the Stacks. I met Heidi online and in real life this year, and not only is she an incredibly fun person to be around, but you can always count on her to write articulate, thoughtful, and witty book reviews. She read both the first book, Daughter of the Forest
Take it away, Heidi!
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Some are born into Sevenwaters, some earn their place there through love or hard work, but I, as a reader, had Sevenwaters thrust upon me. It’s hard to believe that a year ago, I’d barely heard the name ‘Juliet Marillier’, when now I place both Daughter of the Forest and Son of the Shadows on my ‘favorite, beloved, will read repeatedly–especially certain scenes’ shelf. It seemed as if for months these books were recommended by countless bookish friends, and not in a ‘oh that book’s good’ kind of way, in a ‘that book is one of my all time favorites omg please you must read it now’ kind of way. Finally, early into the summer, I gave in. I opened the pages of Daughter of the Forest, and knew almost instantly that my reading life would be forever changed.
I realize not everyone attending this event has yet read Sevenwaters, in fact, I hope many of you haven’t. The excitement I feel being able to see friends pick these books up and fall in love just as I did a few short months ago is what bibliovangelism is all about. As you may have gathered, I’m new to Sevenwaters. I have a long journey before me, and it will certainly not always be easy, but the best things in life rarely are.
I’ve found that coming to Sevenwaters is a lot like coming to Lake Wobegon. The women are strong, the men are good looking, and the children are above average. The stories are amazing, the lore captivating, and the world spectacular, but without those living in Sevenwaters, these stories would be nothing. It’s somewhat rare in the fantasy genre to see such strong character driven stories when there is always so much going on in the world, but here you have it. Now, bear in mind that I’ve only completed Daughter of the Forest and Son of the Shadows thus far, but this is a pattern I feel will ring true throughout the next four books.
We get to experience each story through the perspective of some of the strongest female heroines you will meet in fantasy. I don’t mean the sword wielding, butt kicking kind of strong–I mean the unyielding spirit, complete and utter faith in those they trust and love, will endure unfathomable evil to get what they want in the end strong. These little women earn the love and respect of readers and those around them through their actions, and provide a window through which we are able to see this world, and understand the family therein.
The children of Sevenwaters are nothing short of remarkable. To say that these siblings are talented and close would be tantamount to saying that Beethoven was a decent composer. Every child of the house of Sevenwaters holds some special gifts–some for healing, some for invention, some have the sight, some for warfare, some for love, and all of them recognize the value and hardships of trust. And the men? Well, I hardly need talk about the men. Earning the love of a child of Sevenwaters requires one to have the characteristics that family has come to value, with the added difficulty of having been raised in completely different environments. Being welcomed into the fold of this clan is a gift not to be taken lightly, and a responsibility one cannot pass off. I won’t lie and say I don’t understand how those not chosen by children of Sevenwaters might end up a wee bit bitter. Don’t we all want to be a part of that family?
When you immerse yourselves in the pages of a Sevenwaters novel, you must be prepared. You will find yourselves surrounded by love, warmth, and family. You will feel the heaviness of stones growing in your heart and the fear of evil ripping at the edges of your mind. You will become a part of a history so rich and full that you will long to end every evening with a story, and use these tales to guide your path.
I’ve found that trying to capture the feeling of reading a Sevenwaters book is akin to attempting to tame a wild thing. The words are there, just at the edge of my ability to grasp them, and I always get just a glimpse of beauty and perfection before they disappear fleetingly. I may be new to this world, but it’s one I’m overjoyed to be a part of. I’m happy that Sevenwaters will have me, and I bet they’ll take you too.
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Aww, I’m over-the-moon to be part of the Sevenwaters family as well, Heidi. Well put. I hope some of you who haven’t will want to join too.
For those of you who are new or long-time fans, how did you discover the series? Which element of the Sevenwaters world Heidi described draws you in most – the heroines, the heroes, the storytelling, or the family relationships? Tell us below.
Sevenwaters Roundup:
L.M. Sherwin’s review of Daughter of the Forest @ Unearthing Words
Wow Heidi, that was beautiful. Love how you explained why it’s so easy to fall in love with this series – you said it much better than I could. I agree with everything that you mentioned – I love the heroines because of their inner strength (instead of the more common physical strength in fantasy heroines), the heroes for being amazing characters, the complex dynamics between family members and the lyrical storytelling. There’s just so much to love in this series. I’m so thankful when I listened to book blogger friends who convinced me to read the books – I think it was Angie, Holly and Michelle who did that.
Happy Seven Days for Sevenwaters!
Excellent way to start the week’s festivities.
Thanks so much, Chachic! This is one of those series that I love so much so while I want to get everyone to read it, it’s also difficult to put my affection for it into words. I probably never would have discovered this series if it weren’t for this community, and I’m so happy that I did. I’m utterly in love. Going to pick up Child of the Prophecy when I go to the library this week!
*nods head* It really is hard to explain why this series is so good. I usually just convince people to read it so they can find out for themselves. I think I felt the same way you did after just finishing the first two novels. Have fun reading the rest of the books in the series!
I finally convinced my MIL to read DotF when she saw me rereading it this weekend. (She did remember that I’d recommended it to her 3 years ago after I read it for the first time.) After only 6 pages she knew it was for her! After 21 pages she turned on her IPad to see if she could track down the hardback, which sadly, seems to be out of print. She usually just buys ebooks these days. Only the really special books get bought in print copy.
This is definitely what biblioevangelizing is all about.
LOL so funny that she knew it was a book for her only after reading 6 pages. I hope she’s able to track down a hardcover! She might be able to find a used copy somewhere? Sigh, this blog event is making me miss my copies of Juliet Marillier’s books back home.
Can’t wait to see what you think of CotP, Heidi! I remember feeling very relieved to see the Lady Oonagh arc resolved.
Yes, I’m really excited to finish the initial trilogy and overarching storyline, which is the biggest reason I don’t want to put so much time between my reads again.
I love your story about your MIL. I’m with her, I only buy physical books these days if they’re ones where I like to open to certain passages to read over and over. These books certainly count.
Wow thanks Heidi, for having said all that only after reading the first two books you are amazing! You have captured my view of the world of sevenwaters pretty much perfectly. My sister read the books and got me into them eventually. After reading Daughter of the Forest I couldn’t get my hands on the rest fast enough! I was absolutely entranced in the world of sevenwaters. I loved the strength of the women and all of the connections and ties of total and utter trust between some of the characters. There is never a dull moment when it comes to Juliet Marillier!
Happy Seven Days for Sevenwaters! Brilliant start!
Thanks, Kate! I was so happy to be able to start off this event. I’m glad that even only having read 2 of the series, it seems as if the feelings carry through, which just makes me all the more excited to continue on! I’m not sure I’ve ever experienced such a large book hangover as I had after finishing Daughter of the Forest–that’s the only reason it took me a couple of months to get to Son of the Shadows! It was just so good I couldn’t get it out of my head and move on to new characters.
Yes! Juliet Marillier gives me extreme book hangovers. And she also makes it just even better by keeping the old characters from the previous books and just building on an already amazing world with every book!
Yes, yes, yes, Kate! The old and the new are both equally amazing.
It took me awhile to pick up SotS, too. I thought there was no possible way it could live up to DotF. Boy was I proved wrong…
I know right! And she has kept the amazing-ness of her books going for 6 books!!! It’s unbelievable!
Yes! I can’t believe that it’s honestly REALLY hard for me to choose a favorite between the two. This format of novels is my favorite, sort of companions with new focus characters, but the old characters we love are still there.
This was such a beautiful response to these books, Heidi! Everything you said perfectly describes the wonderment and awe that these books inspire. I, too, loved the heroines for their resilient strength, but the Sevenwaters Forest itself was always so enchanting to me…I’d love to visit.
Thanks, L.M. I completely agree! I would LOVE to live in/visit Sevenwaters. I’ve always been a fan of the forest, but I’m not sure I’ve ever been quite so enchanted by it as in these books. Glad I was able to capture some of the feelings of Sevenwaters–such a beautiful series!
As far as I know, Sevenwaters does really exist somewhere. This is something that all my most favorite books have in common – the setting feels real enough to exist now or have existed in the past.
Tis the beautiful complex relationships between the heroines and the heroes that gets me every time in these books. Oh how I need to get the third book in this series!
Me too!!! Glad to find someone else who’s in the same place as me. It’s so easy to get lost basking in the couples of the first two books. Stuffing more love in there may just make my head explode (but I’m certainly willing to take the risk).
I hope you’re able to soon.
What a wonderful post! It’s hard to say which element (heroines, heroes, family, storytelling) appeals to me most – they’re all equally strong and compelling.
I’m now almost jealous of all of you who still have unread Sevenwaters books – you are in for a treat!
Thanks, Li! I know exactly what you mean. I refuse to let myself blow through these books, and plan to take my time and savor them. Of course…so far that’s worked for the first half of the first two books, and then I’ve read the second halves in a day.
Wow, Heidi, that’s awesome that you read the last halves so quickly! DotF and SotS approach doorstopper status. I’m glad you could savor the first halves.
I agree Li – there each so strong on their own and then has a complete package. I’m glad that we always have rereads, AND FLAME OF SEVENWATERS, coming relatively soon.
So nice to hear from a recent convert. Hail, comrade.
*Waves excitedly*. I realize I should so some decorum here, but I’m really just to enthusiastic to do so.
No need for decorum now or ever on this here blog.
Heidi, this was beautifully written! I think you managed to capture the feel of these books perfectly and your love for them really showed through. I clearly need to pick these up ASAP! I still can’t believe I haven’t read them when I’m such a big fantasy fan, but I want to SO badly! I love strong spirited female protagonists more than anything else in a good book and what you said about family makes me think of the feelings I get when I read Harry Potter or Fire by Kristen Cashore again. I LOVE that feeling and the fact that this book only replicates that for you is remarkable. You have, without a doubt, convinced me that I need to go out and buy these books at once! An absolutely wonderful post, Heidi! Thanks for sharing this with us!
Thanks, Keertana, and yes! I too LOVE Kristen Cashore and HP, and I’d put this series right up there with making you feel all the good things (and the bad uber creepy ones). Don’t feel bad, I’m a huge lifetime fantasy fan, and like I said, I’d never even heard of this series until the last year! I’m so glad I picked it up, and I hope you will too. So excited to read your thoughts when you do (because I’m absolutely confident you’ll love it).
Yay! A successful conversion! I knew Heidi’s post had the potential to work wonders… I hope you enjoy them Keertana! I completely agree that they inspire some of the same feelings of greats like HP and Kristin Cashore.
I don’t know, I think you captured the feeling of reading a Sevenwaters book very well! This was such a lovely post about falling for the series. I am sold on moving forward with my own reading experience (I’ve only read book 1).
Son of the Shadows . . . *dangledangle*
Lol. That should be all that’s needed.
Seconding (thirding?) the recommendation! You better get on it, Janice, you know how we get.
Heidi, does have THE WORDS, doesn’t she? So does that bring our Sevenwaters conversion tally (for either starting or continuing the series) to three?
I hope you realize I picture you with some Celtic carved walking stick that you are carving notches in for every reader recruited.
Lol, where do I get one of those?
Thanks, Janice! And we’re calling this success! You should totally read on, Son of the Shadows was just as good as Daughter of the Forest but in different ways. Faster paced, less depressing ways.
I discovered the books by accident many years ago, on my aunt’s bookshelf. She told me to take them home… and they are still on my bookshelf, in a place of honor. To say they were inspirational for me is a gross understatement. For an insecure, quiet, and imaginative teenager, the series gave me hope and a voice. They showed me how to be strong, and true to myself. Like Jane Eyre, they were my lifeline during a difficult growing period. They still speak to me today, as a woman and a wife and a future mother. I think they will always speak to me. They also quite literally changed my life; I became fascinated Irish mythology and history, which ultimately lead to studying Irish history in college. My first trip to Ireland took place this summer and all of the joy and tears and sense of “home” I felt there all began with Sevenwaters. The books are magical, not because of the magic in the books but because of the magic of their influence over their devoted readers.
Jillian, I adore this comment SO MUCH!! Yes to everything you said, it’s beautiful, and I have little doubt that these works have affected countless readers as they have affected you. I’m so happy you have carried them through various stages in your life, and I love love love that you went to Ireland this year!
They had the same effect on me when I read Daughter of the Forest in high school. I was able to take a trip to Ireland with my school soon after reading it and I felt like I was home (having red hair helps lol). Such inspiring, magical stories!
Wow. What an absolutely lovely experience, Jillian! Juliet Marillier would be touched, as all of us fans are. Thank you so much for sharing.
What a beautiful essay on a truly amazing series – although I have only read the first book. I love especially what you said about the importance of family to the characters. I LOVE that that is a message that comes out strongly in Daughter of the Forest. Thank you for sharing your love of Sevenwaters with me. I can’t believe that I’d never even heard of the books before a month ago. I am getting itchy to read Son of the Shadows and will let you know when I do soon!
Yay! I’m SO excited to see what you think when you do, Lauren. You’ll love it, I’m sure of it. I just can’t wait to hear which you love more–that is, if it’s a decision you can make.
Oh Lauren, read it soon, and please let us all know what you think!
This is such a wonderful guest post, Heidi, and I’m happy to have found another blog to follow
So I am like you, I hadn’t even heard of Juliet until this year and I have been told to read her books yet I’ve done nothing about! I promise to start this series sometime soon!
Hehe, I hope that you do read some of hers soon, Mandee! I’m certain you’ll be hearing her name a LOT this fall with two books (Shadowfell, and a new Sevenwaters novel) coming out. I’m certain you’ll find Daughter of the Forest breathtaking. Happy to link you up to Holly’s blog as well! She’s wonderful, you’ll love her reviews.
Happy to meet you, Mandee! I love your blog name – heading over to check it out.
Aw this is a lovely post! I myself was introduced to Sevenwaters many, many years ago. I haven’t reread the books in a long time, but I really like the idea Heidi presents about the Sevenwaters community always open to both new and old fans. My favorite part of the series is definitely the protagonists and how they rely on inner strength and convictions more than anything else. I feel that makes them much more relatable heroines than the sword or bow-wielding ones.
Thanks, Amanda! I’m kind of jealous of all of you old fans who have had years to love this series–I know if I’d read it 10 years ago I would have loved it just as much! I love how favorite books can change as you do over time though, and how reading something now that I read then I’d see things differently. Hoping I get to experience this with this series in years to come! And YES, I love my kick butt heroines, but these women are more like me, and much more relatable.
Yes, Amanda! I connect with them much deeper than the kickbutt heroines out there, though they can be nice too.
I think the fact that they rely on the strength of their inner convictions rather than their physical prowess increases the potential for greater emotional impact, which is what Marillier is able to achieve time and time again in her books.
Keep going like this and I might feel obliged to continue the series … Thank you, Heidi!
One can only hope! Thank YOU, Juliet!
That was a lovely post about some of my favorite books, thank you, Heidi. What struck me most in your post was a sentence in your concluding paragraph, you say: “The words are there, just at the edge of my ability to grasp them, and I always get just a glimpse of beauty and perfection before they disappear fleetingly.” I agree with you completely; I feel that Marillier’s writing and the story she crafts are like the mists on the lake at Sevenwaters or the silent swans swimming in the water. For me this enhances the mysticism of the story and deepens the relationships of the characters. Thanks for sharing your opinion of the books. I’m a longtime fan and I know you’ll love the rest of the novels just as much!
Thanks, Gretchen! And YES! You’ve put it perfectly. The words she uses capture the feeling of the world and build on it, making Sevenwaters a real place and attaching it to our feelings, rather than just a setting.
What a perfect description of the series!
Nothing can match Juliet’s writing for capturing magic, mystery & all the elements that keep me running back for more
x
Thanks, Julia! I couldn’t agree more, the writing style captures the magic and the world perfectly in a way that we just don’t see other places. I know I’ll be back repeatedly.
Beautiful post Heidi! Juliet, it would make many a dream come true, I’m sure!
My gran bought DOTF for me when I was 11 years old and bed-bound, recovering from surgery. I read it three times in one week! It was my instant favourite, I was transported to a whole new world, and for me at that time it really opened my eyes and inspired me on a deep level, which I thank you for Juliet <3
I have fallen in love with every single one of Juliet's books, but DOTF will always hold the most special place in my heart.
Everyone who I have introduced the books to fall under their spell, and I can't imagine my world without Sevenwaters in it! I reread them often, and when my children are old enough they will be read aloud also
Thanks, Krissy! I love that your grandmother brought this to you–I can just picture a bedridden girl finishing this and flipping right back to the beginning several times over. I love sharing these books, and have already pushed them on a number of friends–every one of them has been a satisfied reader!
I forgot to say that I’m 25 next month! Long, long, long time fan. My gran has fantastic taste
I’m not going to lie, I get kinda jealous every time I realize how much longer some people have had these books in their lives than me.
An extremely apt description of Daughter of the Forest and Juliet’s writing style! I couldn’t have put it any better myself.
Having first read DOTF in my late teens, I am in the process of re-reading all of her novels to date. I’d almost forgotten how addictive and engaging they are. DOTF has been one of my all time favourites due to the characters, amazing settings and the beautifully describes prose. You can’t help but get drawn into the work of Sevenwaters and feel with extreme passion the love, strength; the greed and hatred; the fear and power on every page. I truly felt the experiences Sorcha goes through, and the silent devotion she has towards her brothers and such selflessness. A truly amazing read.
Thank you, Reena! Yes! Addictive is one of the most apt descriptions you could possibly place on these books. When reading them, I find it hard to do/think about other things–I sometimes find it hard to even sleep because I can’t keep my mind from wrapping around them. DotF instantly went onto my all times favorite list, and it’s just the type of book I can see myself loving more and more as the years go by.
I’ve been absolutely in love with the Sevenwaters series and everything else written by Juliet Marillier since I found a paperback copy of “Daughter of the Forest” practically hidden on a bookshelf. It was crammed in with other paperbacks in a used bookstore I’d never been in before. I went with my parents when I was in high school; it was probably 2004 or ’05. I randomly picked out a book and started reading the synopsis on the back cover and knew I had to get it. I honestly couldn’t put the book down! I’d never read something so well written, and I’ve always been an avid reader. I fell in love with her writing style and had to have more. My mom began reading “Daughter of the Forest” after I’d finished because I told her she had to, and she fell in love with the series, too.
Yes! Love this story. Those fortuitous times you randomly stumble across a neglected looking book that ends up perfect for you? Those are some of the most ‘meant to be’ book match ups in one’s lifetime.
I discovered Daughter of the Forest by chance while browsing the shelves at my library one day looking for something to read. The cover intrigued me so I decided to take a chance. From the first chapter I was hooked! I’m extremely glad I took a chance because now I’m a huge fan and love all Juliet Marillier’s books, but Sevenwaters is my favorite series to visit.
Yes! That’s exactly how I found most of my books growing up…I kind of miss those days of randomly browsing the library shelves, I feel I just know too much these days to have that sort of meet cute happen anymore. I’m glad you took a chance on it too.
I know..I’ve found some other good books this way but nothing that turned out to be the gem that Daughter of the Forest is. I keep looking though because you never know what you’ll stumble upon.
Wow, what an amazing review! Thank you so much for sharing that Heidi.
Every thing you said about Juliet Marillier’s books are so true. I have read so many good books in my life but nothing actually changed my life the way Marillier’s books did. I came across them at the library when I was 14 and ready all three of the Sevenwaters trilogy. Ever since then, I have been keeping up with each of the her book releases. I have felt so many emotions after reading each one of them. There was happiness but there was sadness too and just so much more. But over all, there was content, knowing that I had something now that I had been missing all this while. It’s life changing.
Thank you! I still have such a hard time believing that DotF was a debut novel, and I’m a little scared to catch up on all of her books because I know I’ll be SO impatient (but incredibly excited) waiting for new ones! I completely know how you feel, it DOES feel as if these books were meant to be yours, and you’d just been missing them all this time. They make me feel more complete, and I love that.
I agree! The stories played to my fancy and I can never forget them. I also agree with your comment in the above thread, with Tina Lewis. I so miss the days when I would just browse in the shelves at the library for hours and find a book that matched my tastes. Now, I end up asking google for fantasy book suggestions and reading book reviews to save time. It’s not the same.
In all honesty, I would be the same, except we make regular trips to the library for our 6 year old son. Otherwise I would be scouring Goodreads, Amazon and or Barnes and Noble for books that are similar to this series or other books I enjoy. My husband always knows not to expect me back any time soon if I’m the one making the weekly or biweekly trip because he knows my habit of getting lost in the shelves.
Awww, that sounds so wonderful!!! I can’t think of anything more perfect!
I used to work in the library at my undergrad for that exact reason – just to lose myself in the stacks. Good times.
Wow.. That blog was amazing and describes almost exactly why I recommend Sevenwaters to everyone. I discovered DoTF many years ago and read the series every time a new book comes out. They are some of my favorite characters that I like to visit every year or so. It joins some of the other favorite series that I keep in hardback, whereas all other paperbacks are being moved to my kindle. I eagerly await a new Sevenwaters book whenever I hear a new one is coming. And the good thing about Juliet is that you can count on her other books to be just as memorable.
Just, lovely! You really do capture the feeling one gets when reading these wonderful books. I first read Daughter of the Forest when I was 14 (11 years ago). As a teenage girl with no strong womanly figure in my life to guide me, I’m thankful that I found this series. The women of Sevenwaters have become my role models.
I think one of the most important things that makes the Sevenwaters series so rich is the fact that there is so much reality within the pages of what it is a novel of the fantasy genre. The characters are genuine and their stories each grab the reader by their heart. To read a book from the series and not feel tugs at your heartstrings is impossible….When you dip your little toe into the fountain of Sevenwaters, you feel the urgency of the water to carry you away and into a world so different and yet so alike to your own.
I loved the family relationships and the strong women. Just as Heidi described, not the sword wielding type, etc.. but she put it better than I could.
I appreciate it for writing “Seven Days for Sevenwaters:
Guest Post by Heidi of Bunbury in the Stacks |”. I reallymight
definitely wind up being back for alot more reading through and commenting here soon.
Thanks, Yvette
Ur blog, “Seven Days for Sevenwaters: Guest
Post by Heidi of Bunbury in the Stacks |” ended up being
worth writing a comment on! Basically wanted to announce u really did
a tremendous job. I appreciate it -Raquel