Dreamer's Pool

By Juliet Marillier

     If I was to describe this book in a few words I would say - "Law and Order -- In Fantasy Land"

But it is so much more and I loved it!! Blackthorn is a woman who has a been imprisoned for a very long time for trying to do the right thing and is awaiting her execution, when one night a Fey being  visits her in prison and offers her a proposition.  He will get her out of there and help her get away if she promises to stay away from that city for 7 years and not seek vengeance for what was done to her. Also, she is a wise woman, and a healer, and as part of the agreement, she will need to live in a specific village and NEVER turn down help from anyone who asks.  She agrees and so begins her journey.  She is accompanied by a man she first met in prison (Grim) and they set up shop in a little village and begin serving those around her.  Before she knows it the King has asked her to assist him in solving a very peculiar thing that has just happened to him.  And others are asking for her assistance as well.  She investigates a missing person case, and begins helping the king on the side. 

Something happened to the king's betrothed on the way to their wedding.  She is not the same woman he imagined she would be based on the correspondence they had leading up to their meeting.  

     A chance swim in the entranced and magic "Dreamer's Pool" on the way to the estate has changed some people in the princess's entourage, but those who know are not saying.  Blackthorn and Grim investigates the lore of the place and a plan is laid out to see who the princess really is.. but what kind of outcome could it have?  I have read several of Juliet Marillier's books and LOVE each and every one! She laces her beautiful and lyrical story writing with Celtic lore and legend and unforgettable characters.  She loves dogs(as do I) and a canine friend plays an unforgettable part in each and every book!! This is the first in a trilogy and I just started the second one, which looks to be just as great, and a very interesting story is unfolding which is so peculiar and interesting and I can't wait to find out what happens! Check out Dreamer's Pool or one of Juliet's other books if you love Celtic folklore and fantasy and I promise you won't be disappointed!!