The Amber Owl

Heartwood, Book 1

By: Juliet Marillier

Narrated by: Emma Drysdale

Stasya lives in an isolated farming village on the edge of the mysterious Heartwood Forest with her unusual dog for company. Thought odd by the locals, she is tolerated for her rare gift with animals. Engaging with her fellow humans is difficult, with one exception: goatherd Lukas, who shares her love of storytelling. The peace of Heartwood is shattered when a group of soldiers descends, under orders from the Ruler of the Northlands. Their mission: to hack a path through the forest and find the fabled treasure said to lie deep within. The task is clearly impossible. The forest is alive with bears and wolves, and the old tales speak of evil spirits, monsters and uncanny beings. Nobody has ever gone deep into Heartwood Forest and returned safe and well. When Stasya raises her voice in protest, she is removed from her beloved home and transported to court – a different world. Word of her special skills has reached the Ruler's ears, and Lady Elisabeta has a job for her. But Stasya will not break her vow to protect the forest, even under the most appalling threat.©2025 Juliet Marillier (P)2025 Bolinda Publishing

Critic reviews

'Enchanting and wise!' (Kate Forsyth, bestselling and award-winning author of The Chain of Charm series)

'Gradually secrets are peeled away leaving the reader satisfied and hoping for the next in the duology. Marillier's world building and character development is outstanding.' (ReadPlus)

'An enchanting tale.' (on A Song of Flight) (Jacqueline Carey, New York Times bestselling author of Poison Fruit)

'Lush worldbuilding and well-rounded characters.' (on A Dance With Fate) (Library Journal)