Shadowfell by Juliet Marillier
- Method of Obtaining: I received my copy via the publisher through NetGalley.
- Published by: Knopf Books for Young Readers
- Release Date: 9/11/2012
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.
- The cover totally drew me in on this one.
I also recommend:
- The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
- Peter Nimble and his Fantastic Eyes by Jonathan Auxier
Shadowfell is the first book I’ve read by Juliet Marillier – and if this book is any indication of what her other books might be like… I think I am going to have a new favorite fantasy author on my hands.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story of adventure, danger, fae, questing, and most of all – the fantastic Neryn. There was a little bit of everything contained in these 400ish pages, and I found myself feeling so much sadness as I approached the end of the book and knew I’d have to wait for more.
As all great fantasy books go, Shadowfell involves a quest and an orphan who is blessed with some king of character or ability. In this way, Shadowfell falls right in line – but where Shadowfell is a bit different is the world. In Neryn’s world there are creatures (and dialects, wow!) that defy imagination, but are so cool they had me smiling while I read, trying to figure out who fit in where and what they looked like.
The only issue I had with this book was the sheer amount of travel that it contained and the fact that Neryn seemed to be, well.. weak in body. I love strong heroines, but my goodness, this one seemed to be sick all the time, and the fact that she was constantly traveling didn’t help. Still, as far as complaints go, that’s a relatively mild one, and I’d recommend this book for fantasy lovers of any age.
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