Blade of Fortriu
core novel 2006 Bridei Chronicles
Record
| First published | 2006 |
|---|---|
| Original language |  EN |
| Work type | novel |
| Canon status | core |
| Reader rating | 4.12 (6,929 ratings, collected 2026-09-14) |
| Page count | 496 |
| First-edition ISBN | 9780765309969 |
| Internal chronology | 2 |
Synopsis
This direct sequel to The Dark Mirror opens with Bridei established as king of Fortriu, now facing open warfare against invading Gaelic forces while trying to hold his fragile alliance of Priteni tribes together. He continues to draw on the counsel of the druid Broichan and on the uncanny powers bound up with his kingship, even as the demands of rule strain his old loyalties. A parallel thread follows Faolan, Bridei's scarred and secretive envoy, who is sent on a mission to the Caitt chieftain Alpin accompanied by the noblewoman Ana; the journey forces Faolan to confront traumatic events from his own past while trying to complete a delicate and dangerous diplomatic task. Both men must weigh personal cost against duty to Fortriu as the kingdom's survival hangs on decisions made in war and in secret negotiation.
Where it sits
- Universe: Bridei Chronicles
- Series: The Bridei Chronicles core; position 2 of 3 in the series' recorded order
- Author: Juliet Marillier
Notes
- From the series record (The Bridei Chronicles): Set among the historical Picts of Fortriu (northern Scotland) in the 6th century, centred on the real historical king Bridei son of Maelchon. A completed trilogy with no further volumes planned.
Neighbouring works
Publication order and internal chronology are tracked as two separate orderings, but they resolve to the exact same sequence for this book, so one combined line is shown instead of two identical ones.
- Reading order, within the series The Bridei Chronicles: position 2 of 3: previous The Dark Mirror (2005) · next The Well of Shades (2007)
Sources
← Bridei Chronicles dossier · All universes
Part of the Library. Fields without an identified source are omitted, never guessed.