Dreamer’s Pool: Blackthorn and Grim Book One (Juliet Marillier, Pan Macmillan)

Blackthorn has spent a year imprisoned for no crime of her own; the only thing left in her heart is a thirst to repay the man responsible for her imprisonment. Yet when she is unexpectedly liberated with the help of the fey, the conditions of her release are that she must spend seven vengeance-free years helping anyone who asks it. Even with the aid of Grim, her silent and haunted former cellmate, and the distraction of a mystery involving the new bride of young prince Oran, Blackthorn isn’t certain she can last so long. Dreamer’s Pool is the first book in a new series set in ancient Ireland. Juliet Marillier’s books are always engaging, well-characterised and written with a lot of heart, and this one is no exception. However, Blackthorn and Grim are something of a departure from the young lovers of Marillier’s earlier books. They are in mid-life, and their relationship, at least in this first book, is emotionally fraught and entirely platonic. There is a romance for Prince Oran, but it takes a back seat. Fans of character-driven epic and historical fantasy will certainly enjoy this book, especially if they enjoy reading thoughtful portrayals of mature friendship as a break from the usual romance.

Jarrah Moore is a primary literacy editor at Cengage Learning Australia