Son of the Shadows

by Juliet Marillier
Read: September 22-25, 2012
Published: June 17, 2002 by Tor Fantasy
Source: Library book (I'd like to purchase this series, though)
Category: Adult - Historical Fantasy
Series: Book 2 in Sevenwaters

Beautiful Sorcha is the courageous young woman who risked all to save her family from a wicked curse and whose love shattered generations of hate and bridged two cultures. 

It is from her sacrifice that Sorcha's brothers were brought home to their ancestral fortress Sevenwaters, and her life has known much joy. 

But not all the brothers were able to fully escape the spell that transformed them into swans, and it is left to Sorcha's daughter Liadan to help fulfill the destiny of the Sevenwaters clan. Beloved child and dutiful daughter, Liadan embarks on a journey that shows her just how hard-won was the peace that she has known all her life.

Liadan will need all of her courage to help save her family, for there are dark forces and ancient powers conspiring to destroy this family's peace--and their world. And she will 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.

Son of the Shadows is book two in Juliet Marillier's Sevenwaters series. Although each book is its own story, this review will contain some SPOILERS for book 1. If you have yet to read Daughter of the Forest, read my glowing thoughts HERE. 

In Daughter of the Forest, Sorcha's path was straight - complete the task, rescue her brothers. Although difficult, what she had to do was clear, and Sorcha did not question her path. She was eventually rewarded for her heart-breaking experience and settled with Red at Sevenwaters, where life in the forest has been peaceful for nearly two decades. But the fey are getting restless and this time it is Sorcha and Red's daughter Liadan who is the subject of their attention. As before, her entire family will be torn and tested in the process. 

Liadan's journey through Son of the Shadows is not so straight and clear as her mothers' was. Though Liadan is as strong and courageous as Sorcha, she is not as willing to follow directions blindly or to play the fairies' games. This was one of my favorite qualities about Liadan - that she asked questions. She also knows her own heart and mind, and is not easily swayed by others wishes for her. That isn't to say that Liadan doesn't struggle with her decisions or never makes mistakes. She does both of those things, but it is how she keeps fighting and facing life head on that made me love her.

How can we fight if we don’t understand it?

Though in this world men hold the legal power, Juliet Marillier creates a heroine that possesses inner strength that makes her equal if not stronger than the ruling men. I've really like the way that women have been portrayed in this series as smart and wise, and haven't fallen into the trap of making rash decisions that put them in difficult situations that could have been avoided if they would only THINK first. 

There were a few times in this story where I was sure that Liadan would trust the wrong person or do something foolish that would get herself in trouble. I was surprised and very pleased to find that she did not do those things. Trust is a big theme in this story: Because you've known someone longer or are related to them, does that always mean you should trust them? Can you build a relationship with someone you don't trust? Liadan follows her heart and her instincts in whom she trusts, and that sets the course for her journey through this book. 

I love how Daughter of the Forest weaves into this story. Characters come back, and previous decisions made have consequences in the future. There are also some very moving scenes in Son of the Shadows, which involve beloved characters from book 1. Although I don't often cry when reading books, Ms. Marillier again succeeded in making me weep. 

Ms. Marillier excels at the subtle but sweeping romance. In Son of the Shadow she creates two characters who are vastly different from each other, but that form an unbreakable bond.  Despite circumstances that very much put them at odds, Bran and Liadan are willing to do anything for each other. Although he at first appears to be a poor candidate for Liadan's affections (and she for his), there is a beautiful strength and truth to their relationship. You don't want to miss him!

Cliffhanger Scale: Low. I love that each story is complete in this series, but they work together as companions. 
Love Triangle Factor: None
Rating: 5 stars