I read this a long time ago, but for some reason could not remember what it was about (you know how it is) and so I read it again, because I wanted to read the next two books in the series. I actually found out, I have read the next one, but didn't know it until I saw the name Faolan in The Dark Mirror. But I don't know if I 've read the third one, so I'll continue in my re-reading journey-it's always worth it with Juliet Marillier.And this is saying a lot for me, because I don't ever re-read books(unless they're amazing)because there's just so many books to read and not enough time.Anyways, so this review is primarily for my own benefit, so I will not forget the contents of this book again and have to re-read the whole series.What I loved about this book was the grand scope of the story. I could picture it perfectly, like a movie. A child arriving at night to a druid's home, where this child, Bridei, will be trained in the art of literally everything,so he will one day make the perfect king for Fortriu and unite all the lands. The King's own druid is to be the teacher of this young boy. The old stoic druid's name is Broichan, and he comes to love Bridei as his own son. Which is why he does not take it kindly when a little girl is left by the Good Folk on his doorstep and immediately steals the heart of Bridei, who finds her.So, they grow up best friends, brother and sister, and finally, predictably, but beautifully, they find out they cannot live without each other, and the whole kingdom of Fortriu depends upon them being together. What I also like is the foundation that is laid in this book for the next, pertaining to Faolan, the mysterious Gael, who works against his own kind by providing incredible services of protection and spying for the King of Fortriu, and is afraid of friendship, and just being human in general. I think I ended up liking his story even more, because this is a man who does not know how to love, to even comprehend it. I can't wait to go on that journey of discovery with him once more.Other things I really liked about this book: The idea of sacrifice was interesting (not the human one, which was appalling, thankfully even to the characters doing it). But just normal sacrifice, like soldiers, and women, and druids, all having to give up something of themselves to be the best they can be at their chosen or (given) place in society. Which brings me to the painful topic of women's rights. There are none. I really admire and sympathize with Ferada. She was so intelligent and clever, and would have made an excellent adviser to the King. Yet she was a woman, and a pretty one at that. So she was not taken seriously, but expected to marry for political advantage. It was sad to see her scoff at the idea of marrying for love. I wonder if she and Faolan get together in the next book. I can't remember. But I think they'd be an excellent match. I hope at least, she finds out what love is for herself, and is valued for more than what women appear to be valued for, which is the bearing of children.Oh, and let's not forget the beautiful, foreign Ana, away from her home,held hostage, and her family won't even try to rescue her. She is treated kindly though, but still, kindness can never ease the heart that is missing a sibling. I can't remember, but maybe she ends up with Faolan. Well, I shall stop guessing now, and just read.One more quick thing. NATURE. I love how she describes it. The way it humbles the characters, when they think about how they are just one small thread in a whole complex pattern on a tapestry that covers the universe. The descriptions of how the characters meditate; becoming one with the earth, feeling the roots of a tree that reach down to the heart of the earth.They're doing wonders for my own meditating techniques, and strengthening my bond with Nature and God. Which is really ironic, that a story about druids and the gods should strengthen my relationship with the one true God that her characters are up against. I think that just goes to show that God is in everything. You can't get away from Him, no matter how hard you try. So once you accept him into your heart, you will be able to share the joy and peace that can only come from him, the Creator of everything, the Prince of Peace.Adieu.
This is a good book. The writing is fairly good, the world well researched and evocative, the action well paced, and the story resolves well emotionally while leaving the larger plot open for the next two novels. Its main flaw is that it seems so terribly familiar. It is an imaginative chronicling of Bridei, son of Maelchon, who ruled the Picts in Scotland in the 11th century, but it could be any number of historical fantasy novels. There is the requisite young boy destined for greatness; his distant but devoted mentor; his boyhood companions, who fall by the wayside; and of course, there is a girl with mystic powers who falls deeply in love with him and who he has sworn to guard but who none of his guardians approves of. There are, of course, obstacles put in the boy's path -- politics and destiny intrude at inopportune times, and everyone goes about making long faces and refusing to listen to each other. Finally, difficulties melt away and the boy steps into the shining light of his destiny as was ordained.This book did its job well -- I want to read the next one in the series. But I spent the entire time reading it thinking about how I had seen every character before (with the minor exception of Faolan, who I want more of but who would probably disappoint me if I got what I wanted), and how ridiculously simple resolution of everyone's problems would be if they simply sat down and talked to one another. That, I think, was the biggest failing of the book for me; I get so tired of novels where people -- supposedly GREAT people -- make the simple things in life so complicated by refusing to speak of them. It was the same difficulty I had with The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss (which of course also featured a young boy destined for greatness), but I was able to rate that novel higher because it didn't have the added annoyance of doomed lovers thrown in.I wish there was more fantasy written by authors who worked a little harder at developing their conflicts. Take Lois McMaster Bujold's dictum of simply throwing the worst thing possible at her characters and seeing how they do; you wouldn't find as many plots hinging on simple misunderstanding. Follow Patricia McKillip's example and make your characters fundamentally opposed to each other as they are in The Forgotten Beasts of Eld or Alphabet of Thorn, or if you don't want to do that, give them a real opponent -- not assassins that are always bested just in time and an election that is never really in doubt. In short, write about adults, not these perennial teenagers, and especially not precocious youngsters that are more staid and set in their ways than many an old man of eighty.
What do You think about The Dark Mirror (2007)?
This was my first read by Juliet Marillier and I found it captivating. Bridei and Tuala were easy to like and identify with. I especially appreciated Tuala's struggle with finding her place as a woman in this society. In fact, the theme of a woman's role and the pagan vs. christian religions reminded me of The Mists of Avalon (one of my all-time favorites).I was surprised at how much I enjoyed Marillier's descriptions of the scenery, gods, pagan ceremonies, etc. Usually I get bored by that kind of thing, but I found myself drawn into a magical, peaceful yet powerful world. My one criticism of the story has to do with the method of resolution. I thought it was slightly contrived and melodramatic. The Good Folk set up an extremely dangerous 'test' and I didn't fully understand the purpose of it. Maybe the rest of the trilogy will explain it. I will happily read the next two books.
—Charlotte
The Dark Mirror is a strange read. It's artistic, it's artsy, it's character-strong and character-weak... Early on I thought I might give it 4 stars, but now I can't bring myself to give it 3...Pros: Prose; lots of nice prose, though not amazing. The supporting characters offer a lot to the book as well, with a variety of interesting and unique personalities. The plotting varies, sometimes moving very quickly and sometimes quite slowly, but it is mostly strong and compelling.Cons: Very weak main characters, with little or no chemistry between them. It feels like Marillier is biting herself in the back, creating sympathy and strong feelings for supporting characters like Ferada and Broichan, but then turning against it all. Furthermore, the author essentially assures readers that a direct, happy approach to the story is impossible. 500 pages we are promised this. Then suddenly, and without explanation, the impossible (and unlikable) happens. It feels like the ending should be happy, but the main characters both become incredibly unlikable, and the good guys(side characters) get completely snubbed. Let me describe the development of the main characters: Good, worser, worstest.It feels like the author changed her mind in the last 40 pages, basically wasting all that was good in the previous 500.Overall: The book does have a lot of good stuff, but it never quite reaches amazing. Not to mention that the ending is an enormous cop-out and the good guys become the readers' hated enemies. 2.5 stars is all it's worth, unfortunately.
—Finalefantasy
I rounding my rating up to a 3, but only because it's Marillier. I'm a huge fan of her Sevenwaters trilogy; after reading the reviews, I ended up buying The Dark Mirror used. I agree with a lot of what has been said here: this book may not be bad as far as general fantasy is concerned, but for Marillier it's lackluster. Worth reading if you're a fan, but not her best effort. The Dark Mirror, written in third person, mostly follows Bridei, the hero. There is a "heroine," Tuala, but her entire life seems to revolve around Bridei, whereas he is much more independent. Unfortunately, Bridei is incredibly annoying. Does anyone really want to read a book about a child who not only is being groomed for kingship, but is perfect and is the best at absolutely everything? He beats chess masters at chess. He beats archery masters at archery. He talks like an adult at age six, the occasional mispronunciation of a word notwithstanding. And so forth. I had more sympathy for him as he grew up and began to have actual problems, but overall he's an annoying character, and one that appears far too often in bad fantasy. Then there's Tuala--another stereotype--the girl who craves learning for the sake of learning, at least until she falls in love, at which point all she really wants is to be with her hero. Oh well. Despite all that, the romance is well-written as always, and manages to redeem the second half of the book (the first half you will just have to suffer through, waiting for better things to come). Fans of Marillier's better-known Sevenwaters trilogy will notice that the Bridei Chronicles are more concerned with matters political and military (which play a vital role here) and less with matters domestic and magical (main characters' families are absent or play negligible roles, and the supernatural remains largely in the background). Those unfamiliar with Marillier's work should be aware that while the Bridei Chronicles are loosely based on the reign of an actual Pictish king, this is far from a scholarly work; little is known about the time period, and Marillier adds her own personal touch: expect folklore come to life, several pairs of star-crossed lovers, and plenty of small children running around. It should also be noted that most of the heroes here are adherents of an invented druidic religion and have quite an antagonistic relationship with Christianity. I haven't given The Dark Mirror an especially good rating, but it is worth reading to get to the next two books in the trilogy, which are better (chiefly because the focus shifts from Bridei and Tuala to more interesting characters). If you like Marillier, you'll probably find yourself coming back to this one too, despite its imperfections.
—Emma Deplores Goodreads Censorship
