This is the kind of story that you feel to your bones. To fully appreciate the pathos that it generates, you must read its two predecessors. There is an acute sadness to the book, but at the same time, there is undeniable beauty and a striking plot. It is interesting to view characters from previous books from a new perspective: you may find yourself disliking your favorite character from Daughter of the Forest in this third book. The elements that define the characters are those that define us; what we could be, and what (or who) holds us back. With the liberation of a fantasy novel, the emotions and frustrations of reality, and a romance that permeates every gesture, Marillier has created an ethereal tale of love and choices.