Shadowfell

Shadowfell Series, Book 1

By: Juliet Marillier

Narrated by: Henrietta Meire

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.

©2012 Juliet Marillier (P)2020 Tantor

Really enjoyed this story

Perfectly written and read.
The main characters are very sympathetic and transform , all very believable in its own glorious world. I am really enjoying this prolific author.

HONEST REVIEW & why OTHERS say what they say

Try to get beyond the reviews about the narration, possibly beyond your own first impression. I pushed so hard past Nick Sullivan, a narrator for the Blackthorn and Grim trilogy, and by the end of the first book, it could not have been anyone else! This character, our protagonist, is developing along the way. Our narrator shows the incredible understanding of her art to convey that in her performance, and uses her comprehension, melodic voice, and skill to read the story, while also getting the listener deeply attached, q true performance art! We gain our first, glimpses of, bad and good impressions of our own when we read it ourselves! let's not be too quick to judge this performance.

Classic JM! one of my favorite authors. First of a trilogy is setting up our mains. Simple knowledge that there is more to come. Laiden with so much foreshadowing, the shadows themselves are bouncing around the room as the second in the trilogy is downloading! The author has laid out the FOUNDATION of a wonderful story, an epic! If it seems to drone on, that is the style, that is the point. Pay attention, though, pretty soon you're on the wrong path, heading into a fierce fight, an unknown world, thinking, "when did we start fighting?" You'll love it, the world JM creates for you. You may never wanna go back to reality. Like I said, Classic Juliette Marillier.

Description says Children's/Teen....Not necessarily accurate. Bodies strewn, incredible burdens with increasing weight. NOT A CHILDREN'S BOOK, IMO. I'm 32, and this takes me back to a young age, wishing I knew what I know and that I had, even HAVE, the strength of the protagonist, and the antagonist, wait is that what they are....🤔😏😉

I always recommend that when reading a JM series, you start with the Sevenwaters series. HOWEVER, SO FAR, THIS SERIES APPEARS TO STAND ALONE. References to the importance of Lore are similar, and held in high importance. Druids?-The long sleep, perhaps? However, I am not seeing any connections to plot or hints that they are connected, in family line, certain story lines that we have seen to continue on in the past. EXCEPT FOR THE ONE TEEENSIE WEEEENSIE POSSIBILITY OF A CONNECTION! id love to know if anyone catches it! Something about an island....🤔

Don't miss this one!
Oh, also, the cover of the book.....I just.....it's not for me. Simply stunning young woman, a lovely girl, beautiful, however, not how I invision our Protagonist...That's for you to decide.

Lastly, if you have read......Who IS the antagonist? hmmmm??? You're sure? You're sure you're sure??
With that, wish we could reply to reviews! Have fun in this world!!! I don't want to leave! So, 2nd book, here I come!

Absolutely Fantastic

I have loved Juliet Marillier for decades. This narrator does more justice than my inner monologue ever could. 10/10, absolutely must read.

Theatrical

A little too much. Main actor her voice was always shaky super dramatic. Just over done.

A Wonder Tale of Courage, Betrayal, Love & Uncanny Gifts

I loved reading the Shadowfell series and it is a treat to hear narrator Henrietta Meire bring the story to life. Hearing the fey folk brought to life is a particular treat. This is a classic quest set in ancient Alban—Scotland of myth and legend. A traumatized young heroine, hunted by a ruthless king, sets out to learn the secrets of her uncanny gifts, and what they mean. Author Juliet Marillier creates a world rich humanity, legend and lore, full of grief, hope, love and friendship. Food for the soul.

Juliet Marillier, I just cant get enough!

I love this series. cant wait to read the next one. I absolutely love them all. I have listened to all of Juliets books that I can. the stories are rich in characters and folklore.

Great Story and Character Arc

I wasn't sure what to expect with this book. I am glad that I took the time to listen to it. There is a good story line, hero's journey, supporting characters and a strong antagonist. The blood didn't feel over done as setimes happens in fantasy.

Great Story

I was held captive by this story. I cannot wait to get into the next book !!!

The story is great, but the narration...

The narrator has so much potential, but when she narrates the lead she uses the same mix of intense sadness and anxiety whether she’s talking about the death of a loved one or something as mundane as styling a fire or putting on a cloak. It’s exhausting! But it also makes the characters she narrates much more one dimensional than the author
created them to be.

loved it -once I got past the narration

I initially really struggled with the breathy, anxious way Meire spoke, as if every scene was a stressful one. I ended up slowing the speed to .90 and that helped. And I'm so happy it did because I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I love the slow relationship building and absolutely need a Flint of my own.

It's 3 am, on a Monday morning and I'm about to buy the 2nd book. Who needs sleep!