Heartwood Series by Juliet Marillier

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 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... moreStasya 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 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 to hack a path through the forest and find the fabled treasure said to lie deep within. Under the grueling decree, Stasya’s village falls into chaos. 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. Help comes from an unlikely quarter. Secrets abound; dangers lie everywhere; and it is hard to tell friend from foe. As Stasya and her band of unlikely allies embark on a perilous mission, it becomes apparent that uncanny forces may indeed be involved. Maybe the old tales of the Hermit are true. less

Book 2 of the Heartwood Duology. Note, the following outline contains spoilers for The Amber Owl. Stasya and her companions have made a remarkable journey to find the true heir to the Rulership, believed dead as a child. Now they must bring Markus back to court for the Ruler’s Grand Council, where he will stand up and reveal himself. Until then his survival must be kept secret, for not only is he himself at risk, but the Ruler’s guards will be on the roads, hunting for the fugitives... moreBook 2 of the Heartwood Duology. Note, the following outline contains spoilers for The Amber Owl. Stasya and her companions have made a remarkable journey to find the true heir to the Rulership, believed dead as a child. Now they must bring Markus back to court for the Ruler’s Grand Council, where he will stand up and reveal himself. Until then his survival must be kept secret, for not only is he himself at risk, but the Ruler’s guards will be on the roads, hunting for the fugitives. While Markus, in seclusion, prepares himself for the great task ahead, the team heads away from Heartwood, accompanied by two of the Forest Folk. Olev and Eldur, with their uncanny gifts, can provide a level of security beyond the ability of human guards. Stasya and Karolis, with Olev, join a troupe of travelling players. As a storyteller, Stasya can pass on the message of justice and harmony, while Karolis can both guard her and exercise his own talents. Aleksis, with Matiss and Eldur for support, covers long miles to seek the support of trusted allies. The journey holds many dangers: shipwreck, armed attack, monsters both human and uncanny. While Olev and Eldur can find shortcuts unknown to humankind, those hidden ways have their own perils. Stasya’s small companion, Flip, is both gift and burden in a realm where any suggestion of witchcraft can lead to a death sentence. As they travel, the team learns just how much damage the Ruler’s desperate quest for amber is inflicting on her people, with land laid ruin and communities struggling to meet her unreasonable demands. And they learn how much stronger they can be when they stand together. All fear the final confrontation. All know how much hangs in the balance. In the end, could storytelling be the key? The Australian edition of The Hidden Way will be released by New Dawn Publishing on March 30, 2026. It is now available for pre-order here. Solaris Books will be releasing UK editions of the Heartwood Duology in 2026 and 2027. less