Release Date: September 11, 2012
Age Group: Young Adult
Received From: NetGalley
IBSN: 978-0375869549
Blurb:
Sixteen-year-old Neryn is alone in the land of Alban, where the oppressive king has ordered anyone with magical strengths captured and brought before him. Eager to hide her own canny skill—a uniquely powerful ability to communicate with the fairy-like Good Folk—Neryn sets out for the legendary Shadowfell, a home and training ground for a secret rebel group determined to overthrow the evil King Keldec.
During her dangerous journey, she receives aid from the Good Folk, who tell her she must pass a series of tests in order to recognize her full potential. She also finds help from a handsome young man, Flint, who rescues her from certain death—but whose motives in doing so remain unclear. Neryn struggles to trust her only allies. They both hint that she alone may be the key to Alban’s release from Keldec’s rule.
Homeless, unsure of who to trust, and trapped in an empire determined to crush her, Neryn must make it to Shadowfell not only to save herself, but to save Alban.
Shadowfell was my first experience reading a book by Juliet Marillier. I was starting to feel left out since she is so very popular in the fantasy genre and I adore a good epic fantasy. I liked Shadowfell from the very first page. Lots of mystery and intrigue is introduced very early on and it captivated me quickly.
The world in which Shadowfell takes place is quite remarkable. The country is ruled by a tyrant king who has banned all magic. If you are known to have any sort of canny abilities it means death or having your mind wiped clean. Neryn can see the Good Folk and that puts her in great danger. I really enjoyed the world. It’s been a while since I read a book with Good Folk, or fairies in it. There was lots of lore and myths that added fascinating elements.
Neryn has a pretty rough go of it from the very start of the book. She’s actually had a pretty bad couple of years. In Shadowfell she’s lost just about everything and her only hope is to travel to a rumored safe haven. I liked Neryn for the most part. She was so beaten down but strong. It was easy to root for her. Although, Flint was my absolute favorite part of the story. He really captured all my focus. If he wasn’t in the scene I was thinking about how I wanted him to be. I pretty much loved him for the start. He was your regular brooding mysterious male character, but you could see just how sad and tender he was even if Neryn couldn’t. That made me fall head over heels for him.
That brings me to my one complaint, Neyn’s distrust of Flint grew very tiresome for me in the last 100 pages of so. She just kept being dense and doing things that I didn’t want her to do. I know, I know, what I want has nothing to do with it, but I got a little frustrated. I was also a little irked by her qualms about doing what she needed to do. These are all fairly minor complaints. Getting frustrated at a character just means I was really invested in the story, right?
I really enjoyed reading Shadowfell by Juliet Marillier. The world and the characters were very captivating and I’m already anxiously awaiting the sequel.
I haven’t read this author yet either and that’s just crazy since I love fantasy! I think your complaints are things that may annoy me but the story otherwise sounds great so I think I could overlook that bit. Definitely going to read this one!
candace recently posted..Pushing the Limits Read-Along Week Four
Oh don’t feel left out because I also haven’t read any of her books before! However, this one sounds great and I love Faires! But you sold me with “ He was your regular brooding mysterious male character, but you could see just how sad and tender he was even if Neryn couldn’t” Now, I have to meet this boy!
DannyBookworm recently posted..The Dark Light by Sara Walsh – Blog Tour & Giveaway
So do I! I’ve been really looking forward to snagging a book by Juliet Marillier…
Thinking of it now, most libraries should have her, right?
Kim @ Snuggle recently posted..I am AGAINST trees…. KILL THEM!
OMG YESSSSSSS!
Okay next you need to read Daughter Of The Forest by Juliet Marillier since you loved Shadowfell.
I’m elated that you had a good first Marillier experience.
April Books & Wine recently posted..One Perfect Rose Mary Jo Putney Review
I’ve never heard of this one before, but it sounds really good! I always love fantasy so this one sounds perfect for me. Plus I just love the sound of Flint and Neryn. Great review!
Lauren recently posted..Waiting on Wednesday (133)
This is coming up in my to-read pile and I’m excited!
Anna recently posted..Waiting on Books by Suzanne Young, Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner
I saw this on NetGalley and thought that it sounded really interesting. I’m glad that you enjoyed it. Great review chick!!
Amy @ Book Loving Mom recently posted..You should join The Army of Ten!! All the cool kids are doing it!
Yes, yes! I agree with April — you have GOT to read Daughter of the Forest. I adored that series!
Becky recently posted..The Army of Ten
Juliet Marillier is one of my favorite authors. If you haven’t read Wildwood Dancing yet, I highly recommend it. Her Sevenwaters series is outstanding as well.
I love Juliet Marillier’s books! I haven’t read all of her Sevenwaters ones, but the first three are fantastic. I highly suggest reading Daughter of the Forest if you want to read Marillier more while waiting for the sequel to Shadowfell. I can’t wait to check out Shadowfell myself!
Amanda @ Late Nights with Good Books recently posted..Persuasion Read Along #2
I’ve not read anything by Juliet Marillier before either. This sounds really good though! Banned magic? Interesting!
I will surely grab my copy of this when released!
Thanks for the honest review! Looks like another book will be added to my shelves…
Althea Young recently posted..Introducing the Renovators Range of Solid Timber Doors
I hadn’t heard of this author, but I also haven’t read any epic fantasies (although I’d love to!). This does sound like a good one. The killing of people with magic reminds me a lot of the Study series by Maria V. Snyder, which I really enjoyed. I also have a very quickly growing love for the fairy genre.
Angie @ Pinkindle R&R recently posted..Waiting on Wednesday [19]
I saw a couple of people DNF this and at first I was surprises but it seems they are just not into epic fantasy… well I am so I think I’ll enjoy this one.
braine recently posted..Early Review: Speechless by Hannah Harrington
This book sounds amazing, I will have to try to read it soon! Amazing review
Brodi recently posted..Review: Unravelling by Elizabeth Norris
I haven’t read Shadowfell yet but I’m about 2/3 through Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier right now and OH MY GOODNESS I am in love, so in love. I want to read all of her books now.
Asheley (@BookwormAsheley) recently posted..Let’s Talk…on Three of My Favorite Book Series