harukoreads 's review for:

Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier

4.0

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I first read this book over ten years ago, probably around the age of sixth grade, so picking this book up again today I didn't have much memory of this story besides the fact that it was a Twelve Dancing Princesses retelling with a breathtakingly gorgeous illustrated cover. I read this book in about a day, and I can remember now why I liked this book but don't consider it one of my favorites.

This is probably my favorite of Marillier's works - the prose is fast-paced and gripping, the descriptions of the fairy realm are creative and enthralling, and the way it weaves in elements of historical Romania alongside traditional fairy tale themes makes for an enjoyable fantasy story. That being said, just as when I read this book the first time, I found the ending somewhat lacking.

It's odd to me that Tati's role in this book is mostly to waste away - she acts more as an object rather than a person. The few times she does speak or assert any agency, it's often for selfish reasons based on her single minded focus on true love. As an eldest sister she's shockingly unconcerned with her family's well-being, and as a secondary romantic lead she is incredibly dull and unwise. I kept waiting for her to acknowledge how selfish and careless she was, but it never happens, and in the end she is rewarded for "believing in true love" without having done much of anything on her part to deserve it. Its a strange note to end the book on, especially one that is so focused on sisterly relationships.

 

That being said, I did really enjoy this re-read. Jena is a compelling lead and the secondary characters are all uniquely and memorably rendered. The fairy realm is so vividly portrayed that it seems ripe for further stories, and it's a shame Marillier's Wildwood trilogy was never fully realized. Overall, I'm so glad I picked this one up again - it reminded me why I fell in love with fairy tale retellings in the first place.