Bridei Trilogy
3 primary works Complete
Book 1
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...
Read moreIn 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.
Book 2
As the young king Bridei prepares to lead his forces in a major offensive against the Gaels, the princess Ana, a hostage at the court of Fortriu, is sent on a difficult journey north to make a strategic marriage with a chieftain she has never met. Her escort is...
Read moreAs the young king Bridei prepares to lead his forces in a major offensive against the Gaels, the princess Ana, a hostage at the court of Fortriu, is sent on a difficult journey north to make a strategic marriage with a chieftain she has never met. Her escort is led by a man she despises: the enigmatic Faolan, Bridei's assassin and spy. Their ill-fated expedition creates a reluctant bond between Faolan and Ana, which continues as they face unexpected perils at the chieftain Alpin's stronghold in the midst of mysterious Briar Wood. When Ana discovers a charismatic prisoner who seems bent on remaining within the bleakest of confinement, a conspiracy of silence meets her attempts to unravel the puzzle. . .
As Bridei's forces move down the Glen, it is revealed to those left behind that the king of Fortriu is marching towards not only defeat, but certain death. There is only one messenger who can reach him in time. To employ such an ally will set brother against brother, and endanger what has become dearest to Ana's heart . . .
'Marillier has a wonderful sense of place and deftly evokes the wild landscape and harsh life of 6th century Scotland' Starburst
'Juliet Marillier is among the most skilled of fantasy writers' Sara Douglass
Book 3
In the sixth year of Bridei's kingship, he sends his chief assassin and spy, the Gael Faolan, back home to Ireland to investigate reports of a powerful Christian cleric whose charismatic leadership may prove a threat to the stability of Bridei's pagan kingdom of Fortriu. Years ago, the action...
Read moreIn the sixth year of Bridei's kingship, he sends his chief assassin and spy, the Gael Faolan, back home to Ireland to investigate reports of a powerful Christian cleric whose charismatic leadership may prove a threat to the stability of Bridei's pagan kingdom of Fortriu. Years ago, the action of a cruel chieftain caused the young Faolan to deal with a shattering blow to his own family, forcing him to leave home for good. Now he must return and face his demons. . .
Back in his home province of Laigin, Faolan encounters surprises on two fronts. The path his family has taken after the terrible events of the past is not the one he expected. A side trip to break the news of a brave warrior's death to his kin results in Faolan's return to Fortriu, not alone, but accompanied by a young woman for whom he has suddenly become responsible. There is no telling whether the volatile Eile is friend or foe. The only certainty is that she seems to create trouble wherever she goes . . .
'Juliet Marillier is among the most skilled of fantasy writers' Sara Douglass