McMillan 2008 ISBN 978 1 4050 3855 (Paperback)
In Heir to Sevenwaters, the fourth book in the Sevenwaters series, Juliet Marillier has once again given us an epic tale of the ongoing relationship between the people of Sevenwaters estate and the Fair Folk of the Otherworld that coexists with it.

Twins Clodagh and Deirdre are the second and third-born daughters of the family of Sean, Lord of Sevenwaters, and his wife Aisling. There are three more daughters, but as yet, no son. The now middle-aged Aisling is expecting another child, and Sean longs for an heir. But Aisling is unwell and the family fears for her safety and that of the unborn child.

With the eldest sister busy looking after their mother and twin Deirdre about to marry, it falls to Clodagh to run the household, look after her younger sisters and entertain the wedding guests. Her cousin Johnny has brought his band of fighting men with him, and one of them, Aidan, attracts Clodagh. However, it is Aidan's foster brother Cathal who must accompany her on a journey that might save the lives not only of Aisling and the Heir to Sevenwaters, but also that of a very strange baby who wins Clodagh's affection. Can the tactless and mysterious Cathal win her heart, too?

As usual, Marillier has created a fairytale world that nonetheless contains real people: folk whose fears and loves we share. Clodagh is a young woman who must grow up very quickly as a result of a series of dramatic events, and we rejoice and weep with her on her journey, which is not only a real one, but, as is so often the case with Marillier's work, a metaphor for growth to maturity and the getting of wisdom.

If I have a small quibble with this book it is about the credibility of Cathal, whose boorish manners and tendency to put his foot in his mouth are, perhaps, a little overdone. Nonetheless, he provides a pleasing foil not only for Clodagh but also for Aidan, who could well be every woman's ideal man. Cathal, on the other hand, grows on us and by the end of the book we, like Clodagh, have grown to understand how his background made him what he is.

Despite the six-year gap between Heir to Sevenwaters and the last Sevenwaters novel, Child of the Prophecy (published in 2002) the book is firmly within the tradition of the earlier trilogy and is sure to delight fans who have been begging the author for more about their favourites. Many of the old characters are here – and readers might be surprised that one of them has turned out to be gay.

Congratulations are due to the editor at Roc, Marillier's American publisher, who persuaded her to return to the world of Sevenwaters. It would not surprise me if she is already receiving mail asking if this is to be the first of a new Sevenwaters trilogy!

Read all about The Sevenwaters books and other works by this popular writer at www.julietmarillier.com