The Well of Shades (The Bridei Chronicles, #3)
Juliet Marillier
Juliet Marillier continues the epic fantasy begun with The Dark Mirror, which Interzone "A fascinating evocation of life in Pictish England and an emotional roller coaster of a story." King Bridei is a man with a mission. His wish to unite his kingdom seems almost within his grasp but there are forces working to undo his dream. He sends Faolan, his most trusted advisor (who is also a master assassin and spymaster) out into the world to ferret out the truth of who is friend and who is foe. Along the way Faolan will uncover many truths. Some may hold the key to Bridei's future. But more important, they may unlock the secrets that Faolan has held deep within his soul for decades. And offer him the chance of redemption.
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Love Faolan~ really enjoyed his story in Blade of Fortriu and loved seeing more of him here. I thought that Eile was quite interesting as well: she sometimes came across as so mature for her age and others she sounded childish. I thought Faolan would feel more as a father figure at first, though he professed to never having felt that way.
I was glad that some storylines were finished off and yet it was an entire wrap up. Marillier could write another featuring Saraid or Derelei much older, or even of Derelei being sent to the druids to train/learn. I didn't love such a time gap between books of Marillier's other series Daughter of the Forest, but I've read those multiple times and still love the characters.
To me, Marillier just is so poetic with her characters, describing the personality and background. I've found them to be not always believable but definitely lovable. Even the 'bad' guys, I care about them in that I truly dislike them or hate them as the main good characters do. I can't think of a single time where I thought "this villian is so one-dimensional and boring".
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