Saturday, December 26, 2009

Heart's Blood


Heart’s Blood by Juliet Marillier

Release Date: November 3rd, 2009
Publisher: Roc Hardcover
Age Group: Adult
Pages: 416
Overall:

This is a stunning gothic love story based on the legends of Beauty and the Beast. Whistling Tor is a place of secrets, a mysterious, wooded hill housing the crumbling fortress of a chieftain whose name is spoken throughout the district in tones of revulsion and bitterness. A curse lies over Anluan's family and his people; those woods hold a perilous force whose every whisper threatens doom. For young scribe Caitrin it is a safe haven. This place where nobody else is prepared to go seems exactly what she needs, for Caitrin is fleeing her own demons. As Caitrin comes to know Anluan and his home in more depth she realizes that it is only through her love and determination that the curse can be broken and Anluan and his people set free.
Juliet Marillier is the writer of my favorite series The Sevenwaters Trilogy which I think I have reviewed at least two of them earlier on. She has also written Wildwood Dancing and Cybele’s Secret. Being my favorite author, I might be slightly biased, but I loved the book and story.

While the story mimic’s that of the typical Beauty and the Beast storyline, the characters are unique and immediately loveable. The thing I liked more about these characters was that Caitrin, (who plays the Belle character in comparison to the Beauty/Beast story) does not become a beauty until after she spends time at the enchanted fortress with the ‘Beast’ or Anluan. The character of Anluan is different from the typical Beast; yet share many of the same qualities. The curse that is placed upon Anluan’s people is also amazingly new and unique. I loved the Host and the characters it brought to life through them.

The beginning is a little slower than some of her other books, but it did not stop me from being sucked in after the first few chapters. It is more complex than her teen fiction novels, but could still be enjoyed by mostly anyone. It was nice to read a book that was a little more challenging and could not be finished in a day like some other books that I have read.

It was a great story, and I would definitely reread it at some point in the future. Juliet Marillier has a way with taking an old fairy tale and putting an amazing twist on it that people do not expect, with characters that stay with you long after the story ends.


Who Might Like This Book:
Fairy Tale Lovers
Fantasy Romance Lovers



Plot:


Character:


Writing:


Cover:



2 comments:

Cecelia said...

I'm definitely looking forward to reading this one - re-worked fairy tales are a huge favorite of mine! Great review!

PolishOutlander said...

I have yet to read any of her books but this sounds lovely. I'll have to check it out.


“Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book." ~ Author Unknown

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails