Audio: Heart’s Blood by Juliet Marillier #JulietMarillier @TantorAudio @AceRocBooks

Posted October 27, 2018 by Anne - Books of My Heart in Book Review / 9 Comments

Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.


Audio: Heart’s Blood by Juliet Marillier #JulietMarillier @TantorAudio @AceRocBooksHeart's Blood by Juliet Marillier
Narrator: Ruth Urquhart
Published by Tantor Audio on October 16, 2018
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy
Length: 16 hours, 10 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
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two-flames
One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star

Whistling Tor is a place of secrets, a mysterious, wooded hill housing the crumbling fortress of a chieftain whose name is spoken throughout the district in tones of revulsion and bitterness. A curse lies over Anluan's family and his people; those woods hold a perilous force whose every whisper threatens doom.

For young scribe Caitrin it is a safe haven. This place where nobody else is prepared to go seems exactly what she needs, for Caitrin is fleeing her own demons. As Caitrin comes to know Anluan and his home in more depth she realizes that it is only through her love and determination that the curse can be broken and Anluan and his people set free.

Juliet Marillier is a favorite author so when I saw this standalone was being released on audio I was thrilled to try it. Heart’s Blood is a sort of Beauty and the Beast retelling.  The world was fascinating with its magic. The setting is historical Ireland during the Norman invasion.

The main characters are Caitrin, a scribe, who left home after her father’s death, and Anluan, the chieftain of Whistling Tor.  Both of them have been abused in some ways. Over the story, they give each other hope and strength to develop beyond what they thought they could manage. Caitrin had already taken a first step in her personal growth when she left home.

Caitrin works in the library to organize all the papers and diaries in different languages for Anluan. He is trying to find some information about the magic his great-grandfather did which left an odd situation. Matters go from bad to worse when the Normans come to invade. Both must use their best wits and confidence to find information in time. It’s suspenseful with a blast of action racing up to the invasion.

I enjoyed this so very much. I loved the character’s growth and compassion for others. Caitrin builds a whole circle of friends at Whistling Tor, Magic is a favorite of mine so it was fun to see this version.  The plot twists kept me guessing all along how things would happen.  I was completely engaged and highly recommend this.

Narration:

Ruth Urquhart has a unique voice. With the main point of view being Caitrin, I think of her as Caitrin in my head.  It seemed Anluan was pronounced more like Anulan, which is irrelevant to the story. I didn’t realize it until I saw the spelling of his name in the blurb.  The other voices were performed well as male and female but none so distinct as the main character.  I wasn’t sure if I would like the voice but I settled into it quickly at my usual 1.25x speed.  I would definitely listen to a clip for a few minutes as it is very unusual. In the end, it added to the feel and quality of the story for me.

Listen to a clip:

About Juliet Marillier

Juliet Marillier was born July 27, 1948 in Dunedin, New Zealand and grew up surrounded by Celtic music and stories. Her own Celtic-Gaelic roots inspired her to write her first series, the Sevenwaters Trilogy. Juliet was educated at the University of Otago, where she majored in music and languages, graduating BA and a B Mus (Hons). Her lifelong interest in history, folklore and mythology has had a major influence on her writing.

Juliet is the author of twenty historical fantasy novels for adults and young adults, as well as a book of short fiction. Juliet’s novels and short stories have won many awards.

Juliet lives in a 110 year old cottage in a riverside suburb of Perth, Western Australia. When not writing, she is active in animal rescue and has her own small pack of needy dogs. She also has four adult children and seven grandchildren. Juliet is a member of the druid order OBOD (the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids.)

Rating Breakdown
Plot
One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
Writing
One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star
Characters
One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
Narration (Audio)
One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star
Overall: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star
Anne - Books of My Heart
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

  • 2018 Audiobook Challenge
  • 2018 New Release Challenge

Posted October 27, 2018 by Anne - Books of My Heart in Book Review / 9 Comments


9 responses to “Audio: Heart’s Blood by Juliet Marillier

    • This is one of my favorite fantasy authors. I have read her Grim & Blackthorn series which was amazing. I have purchased but not yet read the Sevenwaters series. This is a great standalone. I think Grim & Blackthorn is better but this is really great too.

  1. O.o I read this recently after finishing all the Blackthorn and Grimm books. I totally would have waited if I knew audio was coming. I liked this re-envisioned Beauty and the Beast telling. The mirrors and horde were a few of my favorite things.

  2. I’m unfamiliar with her books, but I do love historical fantasy and that time period. The Beauty and Beast aspect along with Ruth’s narration is a definite draw. Glad you enjoy it, Anne!

    • OMG The Grim & Blackthorn trilogy is amazing. I read them and now bought them on audio. I haven’t listened to them yet and I don’t know the narrators. It is the same trio for each book. I’ve also started buying the Sevenwaters but need to start reading it. But I’ve loved everything I’ve read by her.

      The narration was very unusual and that’s part of what I liked – distinct.