Daughter of the Forest

Praise for
Daughter of the Forest

“A world rich with magic and legend, full of heroic—and a few decidedly nasty characters. Lush, poetic, and surprisingly romantic.”

—Romantic Times

“Ms. Marillier’s ability to use such a well known legend and make it both logical and exciting is an outstanding gift. I am now, of course, eager to see ‘what happens next’ and that interest is what every writer hopes to arouse in the reader of a trilogy.”

—Andre Norton

“What sets Marillier’s work apart is how she wraps this traditional plot with deeply individualized characters and a beautifully realized background of Ireland in the Dark Ages…Marillier is a new writer to watch.”

—VOYA

“The story line is fast-paced, filled with action, and loaded with romance yet brimming with magical elements that seem real. The lead characters are warm, compassionate, and share a sense of family loyalty that adds to the adventure.”

—Midwest Book Review

“The author’s keen understanding of Celtic paganism and early Irish Christianity adds texture to a rich and vibrant novel.”

—Library Journal

“A nicely wrought and well-detailed historical fantasy, and an excellent first novel.”

—Locus

“Marillier’s powerful writing and attention to detail bring even the minor characters of this novel alive…a must-read for anyone who enjoys the power of myth.”

—Charleston SC Post & Courier

“Juliet Marillier is a writer of exceptional talent [and] Sorcha is probably one of the best handled heroines of fantasy fiction.”

—Shelf Life

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To the strong women of my family.
Dorothy, Jennifer, Elly, and Bronya.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Preview

Chapter One

Three children lay on the rocks at the water’s edge. A dark-haired little girl. Two boys, slightly older. This image is caught forever in my memory, like some fragile creature preserved in amber. Myself, my brothers. I remember the way the water rippled as I trailed my fingers across the shining surface.

“Don’t lean over so far, Sorcha,” said Padriac. “You might fall in.” He was a year older than me and made the most of what little authority that gave him. You could understand it, I suppose. After all, there were six brothers altogether, and five of them were older than he was.