Daughter of the Forest (Sevenwaters, Book 1) by Juliet Marillier

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

Lovely Sorcha is the seventh child and only daughter of Lord Colum of Sevenwaters. Bereft of a mother, she is comforted by her six brothers who love and protect her. Sorcha is the light in their lives, they are determined that she know only contentment.
But Sorcha's joy is shattered when her father is bewitched by his new wife, an evil enchantress who binds her brothers with a terrible spell, a spell which only Sorcha can lift-by staying silent. If she speaks before she completes the quest set to her by the Fair Folk and their queen, the Lady of the Forest, she will lose her brothers forever.
When Sorcha is kidnapped by the enemies of Sevenwaters and taken to a foreign land, she is torn between the desire to save her beloved brothers, and a love that comes only once. Sorcha despairs at ever being able to complete her task, but the magic of the Fair Folk knows no boundaries, and love is the strongest magic of them all.

Jillian’s Review:

Marillier is a master at her craft. There is something so unique in the way she creates magical worlds and her wonderful characters! They are so believable, even with all the magic surrounding them. Sorcha is a wonderfully strong and intelligent girl who loves and is profoundly devoted to her family.

I must add that there is some adult content in this one. One scene in particular was very dark and detailed when poor Sorcha is hurt by two men. Though it was a bit more than I would have liked to know, this attack shapes Sorcha in deep ways and adds to her already agonizing list of trials.

The adventures were heart-pounding, and the romance – oh the romance! – kept me turning page after page after page. Marillier does a wonderful job of showing Sorcha grow and overcome her painful past and becoming the woman she was meant to be. I can’t wait to devour the next in this enthralling series.

Read Marillier's Wildwood Dancing trilogy for the more YA friendly audience.