Review: Son of the Shadows (Sevenwaters, #2) by Juliet Marillier

Son of the Shadows (Sevenwaters, #2) by Juliet Marillier
Publication date: Sept. 1, 2000
Publisher: Tor Fantasy
Category: Adult - Fantasy
Source: Purchased
Summary: Sorcha is the courageous young woman who risked all to save her family from a curse & whose love shattered generations of hate & bridged two cultures. It's from her sacrifice that Sorcha's brothers were brought home to their ancestral fortress Sevenwaters. But not all the brothers were able to fully escape the spell that transformed them into swans, & it's left to Sorcha's daughter Liadan to fulfill the destiny of the their clan. Beloved child & dutiful daughter, Liadan embarks on a journey that shows her just how hard-won was the peace that she's known all her life. Liadan will need all of her courage to help save her family, for there are dark forces & ancient powers conspiring to destroy her family & their world. She'll need all of her strength to stand up to those she loves best, for in the finding of her own true love, Liadan's course may doom them all or be their salvation. (greads.com)

The Good

Son of the Shadows brings us back to Sevenwaters and it’s a world I’ve taken my time coming back to. It’s been five months since I read Daughter of the Forest, which did a serious number on my heart, so I knew I’d have to be ready to throw myself back in. Reuniting with these characters felt like catching up with old friends (oh hey Sorcha and Red!). But author Juliet Marillier introduces a new heroine and (anti)hero I have fallen in love with and who are now my favorites in the series (thus far!).

Everyone in Sevenwaters knows the story of beautiful and brave Sorcha, the young woman who sacrificed almost everything to save her brothers from the curse that transformed them into swans. She fell in love with a Briton named Red, despite the hate between his and her cultures, and together they brought peace and happiness to their home. The heroine of this story is now their youngest daughter Liadan who has her own destiny to fulfill. She has the best qualities of both her mother and father, while being someone uniquely her own. She loves her family, which also includes a twin brother and older sister, and sees herself living at Sevenwaters forever.  But like I said, destiny (or rather, the Fae) have other plans for her. There’s a prophecy that speaks of fighting against ancient dark forces against her family and the life they’ve built and it’s up to her to stop it.

Liadan is an unforgettable heroine. She’s secure in who she is and it’s a confidence that never wavers, even in her despair. No matter what the situation she’s in, she rises up to the occasion with strength and compassion. And she finds herself in a lot of dire situations throughout the course of the book. Especially when she faces a man who is a potential threat to the people in her life. He’s known as the Painted Man, a ruthless leader to a band of lawless mercenaries. At least that’s what she’s heard. When she finds herself in their clutches, she learns there’s much more to them than meets the eye. And it goes without saying that sparks fly between her and one of these men. And I’m talking sparks with a capital S. I mean, wow. They start off hating each other but all the while, there is an intense attraction simmering beneath the surface. And I felt all the swoons watching their relationship transform into an epic romance.

(No) reservations

It was so easy to return to this world and many details came rushing back as I started to read. So if you’re worried about waiting in between books or wondering if you need to re-read DotF before starting this, I don’t think it’s necessary. Just drive right in!

Do I recommend?

YES! I was so impressed by Juliet Marillier and how she incorporated details from the first book into the plot. Then the story, the characters, the romance. Just an incredible installment to this series!