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Contributors | November 10, 2009

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Without knowing it, I'd always had two unspoken arrangements with the world. The first was that I would not trouble it with unpleasant conversation... Continue »
  1. $17.49 Sale Hardcover add to wish list

Wildwood Dancing

by Juliet Marillier

Wildwood Dancing Cover

Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

High in the Transylvanian woods, at the castle Piscul Draculi, live five daughters and their doting father. It's an idyllic life for Jena, the second eldest, who spends her time exploring the mysterious forest with her constant companion, a most unusual frog. But best by far is the castle's hidden portal, known only to the sisters. Every Full Moon, they alone can pass through it into the enchanted world of the Other Kingdom. There they dance through the night with the fey creatures of this magical realm.

But their peace is shattered when Father falls ill and must go to the southern parts to recover, for that is when cousin Cezar arrives. Though he's there to help the girls survive the brutal winter, Jena suspects he has darker motives in store. Meanwhile, Jena's sister has fallen in love with a dangerous creature of the Other Kingdom--an impossible union it's up to Jena to stop.

When Cezar's grip of power begins to tighten, at stake is everything Jena loves: her home, her family, and the Other Kingdom she has come to cherish. To save her world, Jena will be tested in ways she can't imagine--tests of trust, strength, and true love.

Review:

"Combining several familiar fairy tales in her first novel for young readers, Australian author Marillier (Daughter of the Forest, for adults) crafts a romantic fantasy rich in detail, magical creatures and strong female characters. The Wildwood is a magical place ruled by Draguta, 'the witch of the wood.' For nine years, narrator Jenica (aka Jena) and her four sisters have secretly visited the Other Kingdom, which appears in the Wildwood every Full Moon and where they dance until morning. Though Tati is the oldest, 15-year-old Jena is the responsible sister; people find Jena a bit odd because she travels with a frog named Gogu ('My dearest friend, my inseparable companion and my wise advisor,' says she). But the sisters' idyllic world begins to crumble when their cousin Cezar takes over running their estate, Piscul Dracului, while their father is away. Cezar hates and fears the Other Kingdom as much as Jena and her sisters love it. He plans to destroy the trees in the Wildwood, and Jena frantically seeks a way to save the magical world. Marillier weaves the tale of the frog prince into this lush novel, peopled with vampires and forest witches, and adds a surprise twist (involving Jena and her amphibian companion). Ages 12-up." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

Review:

Starred review, School Library Journal, February 2007:

"Strong characters, two fully realized settings, and a fast-moving plot guarantee that readers will be spellbound by this page-turner."

Synopsis:

From the author of several highly popular fantasy novels, including the Sevenwaters Trilogy and the Bridei Chronicles, comes an unforgettable young adult fairy tale in which a young woman will be tested in ways she cannot imagine--tests of trust, strength, and true love.

About the Author

Juliet Marillier is the author of several highly popular fantasy novels for adults, including the Sevenwaters Trilogy and the Bridei Chronicles. This is her first novel for teen readers. She lives in Australia.

What Our Readers Are Saying

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Average customer rating based on 2 comments:
MindyBuchanan, June 6, 2009 (view all comments by MindyBuchanan)
I just love folklore. Especially Slavic folklore. Marillier spins an excellent take of sisterhood, family, romance and, well, mythical characters.

Nothing in this book was a real surprise. There were elements I could see a mile away. But, there is something kind of comforting in keeping with the formula of a good folktale or fairy tale. This tale is very well written and the characters are all fleshed out. The heroine is smart and not a damsel in distress - which I really enjoyed.
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katie_k89, August 14, 2007 (view all comments by katie_k89)
I enjoyed this book. It was beautifully written, and I fell in love with the characters. I would recommend this book for people with great imaginations, and love adventure and mythical creatures.
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Product Details

ISBN:
9780375833649
Author:
Marillier, Juliet
Publisher:
Alfred A. Knopf
Subject:
Girls & Women
Subject:
Fairy Tales & Folklore - Single Title
Subject:
Magic
Subject:
Sisters
Publication Date:
January 2007
Binding:
Hardcover
Language:
English
Pages:
407
Dimensions:
8.36x5.84x1.36 in. 1.34 lbs.
Age Level:
12-17

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