Juliet Marillier was born in New Zealand and brought up in Dunedin, the 'Edinburgh of the South'. She has a passionate interest in Celtic music and Irish folklore. A mother of two daughters and two sons, she lives in a rural area outside Perth in Western Australia.
The God and the Gumiho (2024) (Fate's Thread, book 1) Sophie Kim "Korean folklore, murder mystery, and a quirky love/hate story combine in this highly entertaining novel. The God and the Gumiho is one of a kind!"
The Briar Book of the Dead (2024) A G Slatter "This is a ghost story like no other, weaving past, present and future, life, death and the in-between. Angela Slatter is at her very best in this masterful blend of folkloric storytelling, family conflict and dark horror. That the shadowy pathway is illuminated here and there by a flickering candle of kindness makes The Briar Book of the Dead even stronger."
The Red Thread (2023) (Chronicles of Eirie, book 5) Prue Batten "Reading The Red Thread, I imagined an intricate tapestry unfolding..."
Silenced (2023) Ann Claycomb "Andersen and Grimm blend with a gut-wrenching #metoo scenario in this gripping story of abused women struggling to regain their agency. Stylish writing, memorable characters and a touch of fairy tale scholarship combine to create an absorbing and highly original novel."
A Magic Steeped in Poison (2022) (Book of Tea, book 1) Judy I Lin "Blend threads of Chinese and Taiwanese mythology with a generous pinch of courage, a hint of romance, and a underlying note of mystery, then steep in a pot of court intrigue and serve in a bowl of evocative storytelling ... Who could resist a fantasy about the magic of tea? In her remarkable debut novel, Judy I. Lin creates a world rich in folkloric magic, in which a young woman must stand up against the machinations of the powerful, centuries of protocol, and her own feelings of guilt in order to save a loved one."
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea (2022) Axie Oh "With its captivating world-building, fast-paced story and cast of memorable characters, The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea will charm, delight and surprise readers."
Lakesedge (2021) (World at the Lake's Edge, book 1) Lyndall Clipstone "Lakesedge is an intense tale of mystery and magic that will have lovers of gothic romance eager for the next installment."
Six Crimson Cranes (2021) (Six Crimson Cranes, book 1) Elizabeth Lim "A gorgeous version of an old fairy tale, told with flair and originality. A must-read for lovers of folkloric fantasy."
Half Sick of Shadows (2021) Laura Sebastian "This bold reimagining of the Arthurian story, told from the viewpoint of seer Elaine, gives the women of the legend a new depth and agency. Half Sick of Shadows is rich in magic and full of surprises."
The Fourth Island (2020) Sarah Tolmie "The Fourth Island is both beguiling and unsettling, both mythic and earthy. A truly memorable story, beautifully crafted."
Unnatural Magic (2019) (Unnatural Magic, book 1) C M Waggoner "Unnatural Magic is peopled with unforgettable characters, whose changing relationships form the beating heart of this fast-paced, beautifully written story. Within the compelling tale lie some big themes--power, magic, gender and sexuality among them--and the author weaves them in skilfully, with just the right combination of compassion, insight and humour. This one goes straight onto my Keepers shelf."
The Beast's Heart (2018) Leife Shallcross "I stayed up until the small hours finishing THE BEAST'S HEART. What a delight! This is a beautifully crafted, deeply romantic reworking of the fairy tale. Leife Shallcross opens a brand new window onto the old story, creating a cast of engaging characters whose fates we really care about."
Starlings (2018) Jo Walton "Starlings is a showcase of Jo Walton's diverse talents?a collection too varied to be summed up in a few words. From fairytale fantasy to hard science fiction, from laugh-aloud play script to finely crafted poetry, with a writing experiment or two thrown in, Starlings should delight Walton's existing fans and garner many new ones."
Weave a Circle Round (2017) Kari Maaren "Weave a Circle Round draws the reader down a crooked pathway full of sharp turns and daunting obstacles. The thought-provoking story engages both heart and mind as we live every challenge with Freddy and her unusual companions. A real box of surprises, this novel deserves to become a YA classic."
The Emerald Circus (2017) (Circus , book 1) Jane Yolen "Jane Yolen is a consummate storyteller, weaving old and new threads to create tales rich in wisdom and depth. The Emerald Circus is an utter delight."
Congress of Secrets (2016) Stephanie Burgis "An intriguing story of dark alchemical magic among the power brokers of the Napoleonic era. A compelling, fast-paced read historical fantasy with real substance."
The Gathering of the Lost (2012) (Wall of Night, book 2) Helen Lowe "Helen Lowe's writing moves from strength to strength. Powerful story lines, memorable characters, and a vividly imagined world."
The Goblin King (2011) (Shadowlands , book 1) Shona Husk "An intriguing story, engagingly told. Who would have thought a goblin could make such a compelling hero? Darkly Celtic, richly imagined, this is paranormal romance at its best."
