Product Description

In the mid 6th century the Pictish kingdom in northern Britain is under threat from the Gaels and the Christian faith, which leaves the leaders of the northern realm struggling to maintain their ancient traditions.

All hope rests on the shoulders of young Bridei, a little-known son of the royal line, who is seen as the perfect candidate for future kingship. At his remote forest home of Pitnochie, Broichan, a powerful druid, sets about training the boy in the ways of the ancients and in the all-important preparation to be a leader of men.

But Broichan has not allowed for the Good Folk, inhabitants of the ancient forests of Fortriu and well-known workers of tricky magic. When Bridei discovers a strange baby girl abandoned on Broichan's doorstep in the chill of the winter solstice, he takes her into the house. And the druid has to realise that there is one unpredictable power at work that may be too strong for him to control and could become the death of his dreams.

'Marillier has a wonderful sense of place and deftly evokes the wild landscape and harsh life of 6th century Scotland . . . an exciting and very enjoyabe read' Starburst

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #29396 in Books
• Published on: 2006-03-17
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 560 pages

About the Author

Juliet Marillier holds advanced degrees in music and languages, and has had a lifelong passion for both Celtic music and Irish folklore. She resides with her family in Perth, Western Australia.

Customer Reviews

Another beautiful story by Juliet Marillier
I have just finished reading this book and love it as much as previous books by Juliet Marillier. I have read her Sevenwaters trilogy and Wolfskin and absolutely adore all of her books. Each one really draws you into the plot and makes you fall in love with the characters. I also have Foxmask but haven't read it yet. I just ordered book 2 in this trilogy and can't wait to read it!

The dark mirror is the story of Bridei, the son of a king, who while still a small child is sent away from his family and country to be fostered and taught by a powerful druid in preparation for a very important destiny. One night under a full moon he finds a baby girl (Tuala) on his doorstep, a child of the 'good folk' and he takes her in, grateful to have a companion, and vowing to protect her.

The Dark Mirror tells the tale of Bridei and Tuala as they grow up and endure hardships and suffering before fulfilling their destiny.I don't want to go into further detail of the plot, but just to say that this has all the trademarks of a Juliet Marillier book. Strong characters, beautiful descriptive scenery and a powerful storyline. I could not put this down. Very highly recommended!!!

A bautiful tale!
The beginning of Bridei's Chronicles (which I understand has a total of 4 books, 1 yet to be written) and tells the story of Bridei's life from when he was very young and taken as a foster child by the Druid Broichan.

This is set in Fifth Century Scotland and bridei is being brought up by Broichan to be the King of Fortriu, unknown to Bridei at such a young age, and the desriptions of the Druidic rituals were really good and give you a wonderful picture of how life was back then.

One early morning a young Bridei wakes to find a small child on his doorstep, this is not just any child but, a child of the good folk, the fey child Tuala is taken in by Bridei on that midwinter morning and is not taken well by everyone Bridei is with. |However, it is Bridei's belief that the child was given to him by the Shining One (the Goddess) and decides to care for her.

With Bridei and Tuala becoming the central characters to the story, and both are wonderful and very likeable characters, I especially loved the character of Tuala her story was so fantastic and you could not help but, feel for her at how she wasd treated by Broichan.

To say anymore about this story would ruin it for anyone who wants to read this book, and would I recommend it? Well, Trudi Canavan's Priestess of the White was easily my favourite read of this year but, this has overtaken it.

So well told as with everything Juliet writes, reading some reviews a lot of people will always compare this to the Sevenwaters Trilogy, which remains my favourite series but, this is different to that and based around the time of the Picts, personally for me it was as good as Sevenwaters, Juliet is one of my favourite authors and I just loved this!

A great fantasy ~ historical ~ romance
I have just recently discovered Marillier, she has a great gift as an author. I have been swept along with all her books, and the Dark Mirror is certainly no exception.
I would recommend this book, and for those who enjoys Marillier i would also suggest Jean M. Auels Clan of the Cave Bear, and the following books in the Earths Children series as another saga to enjoy.