The Caller

The Caller by Juliet Marillier | 480 pages | 2014

Just one year ago, Neryn had nothing but a canny skill she barely understood and a faint dream that the legendary rebel base of Shadowfell might be real. Now she is the rebels’ secret weapon, and their greatest hope for survival, in the fast-approaching ambush of King Keldec at Summerfort.

The fate of Alban itself is in her hands. But to be ready for the bloody battle that lies ahead, Neryn must first seek out two more fey Guardians to receive their tutelage. Meanwhile, her beloved, Flint, has been pushed to his breaking point as a spy in the king’s court—and is arousing suspicion in all the wrong quarters.

At stake lies freedom for the people of Alban, a life free from hiding for the Good Folk—and a chance for Flint and Neryn to finally be together.

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

This series overall was creative and immersive. I love a fantasy world that involves traditional faeries - the kind that come in all shapes and sizes from the humanoid to the bizarre. Marillier doesn't write a fast-paced book, but you truly love her characters and feel their struggles. These are classic fairy tales, where the hero overcomes adversity and justice overcomes evil, and in the end I'm left with a sense of deep satisfaction.

Raven Flight

Raven Flight by Juliet Marillier | 416 pages | 2013

Neryn has finally found the rebel group at Shadowfell, and now her task is to seek out the elusive Guardians, vital to her training as a Caller. These four powerful beings have been increasingly at odds with human kind, and Neryn must prove her worth to them. She desperately needs their help to use her gift without compromising herself or the cause of overthrowing the evil King Keldec.

Neryn must journey with the tough and steadfast Tali, who looks on Neryn's love for the double agent Flint as a needless vulnerability. And perhaps it is. What Flint learns from the king will change the battlefield entirely—but in whose favor, no one knows. 

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

Shadowfell

Shadowfell by Juliet Marillier | 410 pages | 2012

Sixteen-year-old Neryn is alone in the land of Alban, where the oppressive king has ordered anyone with magical strengths captured and brought before him. Eager to hide her own canny skill--a uniquely powerful ability to communicate with the fairy-like Good Folk--Neryn sets out for the legendary Shadowfell, a home and training ground for a secret rebel group determined to overthrow the evil King Keldec.

During her dangerous journey, she receives aid from the Good Folk, who tell her she must pass a series of tests in order to recognize her full potential. She also finds help from a handsome young man, Flint, who rescues her from certain death--but whose motives in doing so remain unclear. Neryn struggles to trust her only allies. They both hint that she alone may be the key to Alban's release from Keldec's rule. Homeless, unsure of who to trust, and trapped in an empire determined to crush her, Neryn must make it to Shadowfell not only to save herself, but to save Alban.

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

Juliet Marillier is such a comforting fantasy writer. Nothing too complicated, nothing too spicy, but just good solid magical stories with a hint of romance. This one in particular was a hit because I adore stories about lesser fairies. Loved it. Can't wait to dive into the next.

Son of the Shadows

Son of the Shadows by Juliet Marillier | 480 pages | 2000

It is from Sorcha's sacrifice that her brothers were brought home to Sevenwaters and her life has known much joy. But not all the brothers were able to escape the spell that transformed them into swans, and those who did were all more—and less—than they were before the change.

It is left to Sorcha's daughter Liadan who will take up the tale that the Sevenwaters clan is destined to fulfill. Beloved child, dutiful daughter, she embarks on a journey that opens her eyes to the wonders of the world around her...and 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 forces far darker than anyone could have guessed and ancient powers conspiring to destroy this family's peace—and their world. And she will need the 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.

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

Daughter of the Forest

Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier | 554 pages | 1999

Lovely Sorcha is the seventh child and only daughter of Lord Colum of Sevenwaters. Bereft of a mother, she is comforted by her six brothers who love and protect her. Sorcha is the light in their lives: they are determined that she know only contentment.

But Sorcha's joy is shattered when her father is bewitched by his new wife, an evil enchantress who binds her brothers with a terrible spell, a spell which only Sorcha can lift—by staying silent. If she speaks before she completes the quest set to her by the Fair Folk and their queen, the Lady of the Forest, she will lose her brothers forever.

When Sorcha is kidnapped by the enemies of Sevenwaters and taken to a foreign land, she is torn between the desire to save her beloved brothers, and a love that comes only once. Sorcha despairs at ever being able to complete her task, but the magic of the Fair Folk knows no boundaries, and love is the strongest magic of them all...

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

Full of magic and mystery, this story really hit the spot. The storytelling and setting were beautiful. Great for fans of Outlander, The Last Kingdom, and Celtic lore.