The Well of Shades

This is my favorite book by Marillier. The dimensions of this edition of the paperback DO NOT match the dimensions of the others in this series. It is smaller and the cover is just a blown up image file of the mass market paperback cover. It's blurry and the synopsis on the back is cut off because formatting does not exist. It honestly looks like a bootleg print of the book, though apparently it's a legit published copy. You're better off just ordering a digital copy or the mmp version for the read, because this edition is not meant for your shelf. Sloppy.

I love Juliet Marillier's writing style and books. I am addicted to the Bridei Series and love the Sevenwaters series. Wonderful books!

I was apprehensive about starting this trilogy because of the peer reviews saying that the Bridei trilogy isn't nearly as good as the Sevenwaters Series. Because of this, I put off reading the Bridei Chronicles. I wish I hadn't!! After reading the first two books in the trilogy I was pleasantly surprised and quickly dove into Marillier's last book in the series. I was blown away by "Well of Shades": its three-dimensional characters, surprising and gripping internal conflicts, emotions and motives not to mention its complex plot prove up to Marillier standard. The previous two books in the Bridei Chronicles were good, but I found the hero/heroine rather annoying: too perfect and two dimensional in characterization. However, the two main characters in "The Well of Shades" are not only my favorite characters in the Bridei Chronicles but in all of Juliet Marillier's books: they have strengths and weaknesses, hopes and fears, and because of that, you come to care for their well-being. It takes talent for an author to create characters who you feel emotionally invested in. But Juliet Marillier does it. I would easily put this book as one of Juliet Marillier's finest works. Read it. You'll be glad you did.

Juliet Marillier's written another winner in her third installment of the Bridei Chronicles. "The Well of Shades" takes place almost immediately after the second book ("Blade of Fortriu") ends. A heartbroken Faolan returns to his homeland to complete an intelligence mission for Bridei, while also confronting the ghosts of his past. A side quest to inform Deord's family of his death brings Deord's daughter, Eile, into his life. Already open to his emotions (a result of his friendship with Ana from Book Two), his relationship with Eile helps him learn to heal and to love. Book Three continues to focus on Faolan's road to rediscovery and learning how to feel again. Providing a fascinating backdrop is Bridei's leading Fortriu in a tenuous peace shortly after a great war (Book Two) and in the face of a rapidly changing political climate. A smaller side plot involves Broichan coming to terms with his past and a devious schemer from the Light Isles. Overshadowing all the events is Bridei's concern that he has offended the Nameless God by not continuing the human sacrifice ceremony at the Well of Shades. But the Well and the ritual itself are just a reflection of the characters' need to come to terms with their past. While the first two books focus more on the actions of the characters, Book Three really delves into the underlying motivations of the people of Fortriu. We learn more about the characters as their carefully constructed worlds fall apart and they learn to deal with that. Gripping and emotionally intense, this book (and series) is highly recommended.

Marillier is back on track with her Chronicles here. She brings in new characters, develops changes in old ones, twines them together, sprikles on some passion dust, and viola! Who would not be enchanted once again? It's like I've always said about her, she tells this story, and for myself, I feel like an adult version of the child Saraid in this novel, I want that over and over. I find this story and the setting deeply satisfying. I will say the time she portrays to me always feels historically somewhat later than what she is writing about, but I do not care, she does what she does better than almost anyone writing this sort of fantasy. I'm thinking she's got enough started here with the next generation to be able to arc this story through more time yet, and I certainly hope she does just that.

Juliet Marillier's The Well of Shades combines poetic writing with strong character development in this third installment of the Bridei Chronicles. The two main characters, Faolan and Eile, are among the most realistic characters Juliet has ever portrayed. Both of these characters share tragic pasts, but with the help of each other, work to overcome them. Juliet Marillier did an excellent job at interweaving multiple storylines in this novel without neglecting any characters or plots. As always, the historic setting of Marillier's work draws readers in to a new world, filled with love, war, earthly spirits, magic and transformation- in both body and soul. Readers of the previous two books will be amazed at the heart warming development of Faolan and Broichan. This is by far Juliet Marillier's best book yet (And all of her books are worth 5 stars), but new readers should be advised to at least read Blade of Fortriu first.