Reviews with content warning for Sexual violence - Dreamer's Pool

Reviews tagging 'Sexual violence'

Dreamer's Pool by Juliet Marillier

5 reviews

moody_gobling's review

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

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mariebrunelm's review

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dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Blackthorn has been in jail for almost a year, for no other crime than helping fellow women fight their abuser. Her hearing is very near, but her odds aren’t exactly favourable. So when she receives a visit from Conmael, who is clearly not human but rather a fae, she strikes a bargain with him. In exchange for her freedom, she must spend seven years away from the place of her torment and help anyone asking. Although, to her, that sounds like another type of prison, she doesn’t really have another choice but to agree, and that very night she escapes and makes her way north where she establishes herself as a wise woman. With her comes Grim, a fellow prisoner with too much of a conscience and an unending store of loyalty for Blackthorn. Trouble is never far, though, especially when the cottage they settle in is so close to Dreamer’s Pool. This place of magic is on the lands of Prince Oran, who meets his betrothed after they exchanged loving letters. However, the lady arriving at his estate seems like another person entirely and Oran finds himself torn between heart and duty.

This novel, set in mediaeval Ireland, combines elegant prose and a thorough character study. There is no fast-paced action, or grim descriptions of violent fights. However, the story blends the light and the dark, because it deals heavily with violence towards women and how most of the characters are determined to put an end to that, so although there are harrowing passages, it is an uplifting story.

I’m so happy I met Blackthorn and Grim. They are nuanced characters, with their qualities and their flaws. Blackthorn is thoroughly pissed off with people and men in particular, but she’s also ready to see the good around her, and Grim is such a kind-hearted bear of a man that I had no choice but to love him immensely. The subtle queer vibe was also lovely, as the two form a platonic relationship that made my heart sing.

I was looking for a book that would take its time and let me spend a long while with loveable characters and Julliet Marillier provided. I’d heard her recommended again and again by Jean Menzies (@jeansthoughts) and now I absolutely know why. I didn’t start with the first book, Daughter of the Forest, which sounded more fairy-tale-like, but it doesn’t really matter because the books can be read out of order. Characters do make appearances in other novels but it won’t spoil their narratives.

Rep : Blackthorn & Grim very much sounded ace or at least demisexual but of course no word was used due to the historical setting.

CW: confinement, mention of rape, memories and discussion of sexual violence.

Content Warnings