The Dark Mirror

I am not sure where to start with this amazing book, the first in the Bridei Chronicles. I myself have studied the Picts a bit and Juliet Marillier seems to hit the nail right on the head with her depictions of their lives and times. Many of the people and situations in this book are absolutely real - based upon historical documentation. The remainder is based upon her best guesswork and imagination and she does a bang-up job. Somewhat akin to the story of Arthur and Merlin, Bridei is raised by a foreboding Druid in the forest. Unknown to Bridei, he is meant to be the future king of Fortrui, which comprised much of modern-day Scotland. Her descriptions of Druidic teachings, their overall lifestyle, the courts and the rituals of their religion ring true in all their splendor and (in some cases) horror. Of course there is a twist - there is always a twist. A child of the Good Folk - the faeries - is left on their doorstep at Midwinter when Bridei is young. He takes her in, much to everyone's dismay. They all know it is dangerous to have anything to do with the Good Folk, who are at their best capricious. However, Bridei firmly believes that the child, whom he names Tuala, was left for him by the Shining One (Goddess and moon) and vows to care for her. Eventually he wins over everyone except his foster father, the druid. She is accepted into the household and loved almost universally - until the year Bridei goes off to his first war and she matures. . . There is not much else I can say without ruining a great deal of the story for you. However, I heartily endorse this book, being a fan of historically based fiction, especially that doing with ancient cultures and their clashes (and eventual destruction) by "tolerant, loving" Christians. But . . . such musings are for another day. For this one, if you do not have this book yet, run - don't walk - to your nearest bookseller and find a copy. You won't regret it.

Marillier is not just a writer but an artist. Her language flows like a stream across the page. Her characters are well rounded and thought out. They become distinctly unique. And okay, I admit it, I skipped to the end because I couldn't bare the thought of seeing Tuala hurt. That was how in touch with her character I became. Bridei was only four when he was brought to the druid's home to be raised. From then on, he would no longer be contact with his previous family. The druid decided what he would learn and from whom and his teaching was merciless. Despite all that, Bridei was a good boy. He learned well and fast and was above all, obdient. But he was also lonely. He was surrounded by adults put there to teach him and tend to his comforts but he was not allowed to wonder or go to the nearby town. Then one holiday, in the middle of the night, Bridei is drawn to the cold doorstep to find a child bundled in a basket in the snow. Bridei sees her for what she is. A holy gift, and at that moment pledges himself to always protect her. (Geez, I'm getting teary eye just writing about it!) He gives her a name, Tuala, that means princess. Although they are brought up as brother and sister, he never sees himself as her brother, but something more, something closer than a brother and sister could ever be. Tuala feels the same. There lives separate and join together throughout the story. Tuala is so obviously from the Fair Folk, as anyone could see, but she is devoted to Bridei like no other, and even when it seems he has left her behind to misery alone, she doesn't give up on him and considers her misery a sacrifice for him. I'll stop there, I don't want to spoil things. Simply said, I can't wait for the next book in this series.

I don't often read Juliet Marillier, but this one looked intriguing so picked it up. I'm glad I did. It's just a gorgeous book. "The Dark Mirror" follows Bridei's life as he grows up from an adopted druid's son to the hope and future of their country. Everything that happens to him and his foster sister Tuala serves a purpose in shaping who they are, how they view the world, and who they will become. The characters all have their reasons for their actions, and even with the best and noblest intentions, things don't always proceed the way they should. Every character in "The Dark Mirror" is three-dimensional and well-developed. There's good and bad in them and they all have to make hard choices and deal with what happens as a result. I can often get through books quickly, but this one makes you want to slow down, take your time and just get lost in the novel.... An excellent book to pick up and savor.

Juliet Marillier begins what seems to be a promising new series with "The Dark Mirror." For fans of the Sevenwaters trilogy, the only aspect that you might not have liked with those is not going to happen here (can't say for those who haven't read it). This story was so deftly told, I kept forgetting that this was based on a true story. Marillier weaves fact and fiction so well that she'd make Dan Brown shake in his boots. The description is vivid and lush, and the plot is exciting and moving. The best feature by far are the two main characters: Tuala and Bridei. Bridei at first may seem one sided, so devoted to his studies as well as stoic in his behavior. But he is well balanced with Tuala, who is more wild and ethereal. I found it perfectly reasonable that this pair were two halves of a whole. From the popularity of her previous books and the amazing manner this book was written in, I think its safe to assume that this whole series will captivate and entrance readers. But since there's a while til "Blade of Fortrui" will be released, I'll settle with everyone giving this first book a read.

Ok - I admit I am a Juliet Mariller fan and have read all of her books - I am eagerly awaiting the next book to this series - Blade of Fortriu: Book II of the Bridei Chronicles. And so the story begins... When the child Bridei is sent to the kingdom of Fortriu to be raised by Broichan, a powerful druid, he knows only that he must be studious and obedient. Bridei applies himself to learning, unaware that a secret council of elders, including Broichan, has been working on plans for the future of their divided homeland, and that Bridei himself is central to their strategy. When a baby girl, Tuala, is left on the doorstep one winter's night, Bridei thanks the gods for sending him a companion to share his lonely existence in the remote household. But Tuala's arrival spells a perilous complication to Briochan's master plan. As Bridei moves ever closer to his grand destiny, and as Tuala grows from fey to child to beguiling woman, powerful forces turn against the secret council, enemies who will stop at nothing to foil the druid's plan, even if they must endanger Bridei's life. This is truely an engrossing book and every bit as hard to put down.... The story from Bridei's childhood through to completing Broichan's master plan is truely awe inspiring and with the all knowing reality of the ancient Pictish history and Druidic times... along with Tuala's struggle for acceptance, love and being wanted, even though Broichan tries to keep Bridei and Tuala separated through all means that he can... and as the two grow up together and as Bridei comes to manhood he sees Tuala blossom into a beautiful woman. Broichan sees the same process and feels only danger... for Tuala could be a key part in Bridei's future... or could spell his doom....