Dreamer's Pool

Juliet Marillier is an author who isn't shy, isn't afraid, doesn't hold back from horrible traumatic experiences and details when called for. And she's expert at this pseudo-historical old Ireland when Christianity is already there, druids are still there, but she doesn't lecture either side or idolize them, either.

This book is in the same vein as her others in terms of setting, but does everything new in technical terms. The story is told through three first person narrators in both past and present tense. What's also new is that this is a kind of buddy cop story but with all the fantasy trappings. It isn't Marillier at her best, but it is her work. It makes me want to go re-read her other books on my shelf. The plot is brilliant, and still surprised me up to the last page. Quite suspenseful.

That being said, some of the execution is a little off. Some is a bit on the nose, though I'd like to blame mystery-genre expectations. I was able to move past those parts pretty easily, despite thinking more could have been left to the reader. I can't wait to read more of her work.

Mariliers schrijfstijl heeft me vanaf de eerste zin helemaal mee.
Het verhaal had ik al van in het begin voorspelt – een beetje sprookjes/folklore lezer zal het niet moeilijk raden vinden - maar dit maakte mij geen zier uit. Dit is geen boek waar de bestemming het hoogste goed is. De reis is hier het voornaamste en deze had me van begin tot einde gebiologeerd mee. Ik kijk er naar uit om meer over Blackthorn en Grimm te lezen.

I'm thinking this is a slow burn romance... maybe??? So, there aren't really romantic elements shoved in your face.
But, this book is more of a fairy tale, with insights from the background characters, or people trying to figure out what is going on in order to make the best of the situation. There are definitely some darker elements, I mean it starts with Blackthorn and Grim in a horrible prison where the bleakness of Blackthorn's stay is told. That being said, Blackthorn isn't always the easiest character to read about, she is jaded and crabby, but I think if she wasn't it would downplay her past, so I understand her and it didn't bother me. Truly, I want to know more about Grim too.

I also want to take a moment to say how refreshing the prince is as a character. He isn't gungho about being King and he doesn't like swordplay. He want a wife he can love, would rather appreciate nature, and has a kind heart.

The mystery is somewhat mysterious, but is eventually explained fully. I don't want to give much away but I think it was all done really well.
This is a series I will definitely be continuing!! If you are looking for a more historical background that isn't completely overrun with magic or if you want something with a slight fairy tale feeling to it without a ton of romance then you should check this one out!

Blackthorn and Grim are both in Mathuin's prison. She is there for speaking out against Mathuin's disgusting behavior towards women. Hours before her execution, she is approached by one of the Fey with a proposition she would be stupid to turn down. Put aside her hatred and dreams of vengeance against Mathuin for 7 years and he will get her out. Can she give up the only thing that has kept her alive for a chance at a new life? I loved this book! Filled with great characters, good and bad. I have ordered the next one, and requested Den of Wolves from Net Galley, but of course they turned me down because I don't have a blog. I would love to boycott the publisher, but it's not the authors fault they suck.

I really enjoyed this book. The mysteries of what was going on was well thought out with very subtle clues revealed over the course of time. The mysteries were not too simple nor did it seem like a stretch when the characters finally solved them. I liked the characters and have to say my favorite POV was from Grim. I have already ordered the next book in the series.

I loved this book. It's exactly the type of story I enjoy. Beautifully written with flawed characters, mystery, fantasy. I was beginning to doubt I would ever find a book like this. I can't wait for the rest of the series to be released. If there was a way to speed up time to get them, I would.

I absolutely loved the original Sevenwaters trilogy and gave high marks to its follow up novels. So it pains me to say that I was very lukewarm on Juliet Marillier's latest. It was slow moving and lacked the richness and depth I have come to expect from her. Of the three main characters, only Grim struck a chord with me. Oran was a bit of a milksop, and Blackthorn was just too damaged to connect with. There was also more than a hint of slut-shaming that, while it may have been era-appropriate, struck me as a distinct change from the sexual freedom that she allowed the Sevenwaters heroines.

There was much left unexplored in Dreamer's Pool. What is Grim's backstory, and why is he so loyal to the prickly, emotionally deadened Blackthorn? Why has the fae Conmael taken such an interest in Blackthorn? I am sure I will pick up at least the next book in the series to see if the second book is stronger. Maybe this was just setting the table for what will develop into a great series. I suspect Marillier still has some magic up her sleeve.