u/BrachydactylyTypeD

I am really interested in listening to the following audiobook: Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier.

Specifically, I would like to listen to the version published by RNIB and narrated by Laura Hutchinson (NOT the version available on audible and narrated by Terry Donnelly.)

I found the Lara Hutchinson version through the RNIB library, but this library is restricted to visually impaired residents of the UK.

I also found this version on the OverDrive database, but when I contacted Libby about it, they told me the “geographic rights are only for the UK.”

Can anyone in the UK confirm that this version indeed exists and is actively available to you in the UK? I firstly want to ensure I’m not engaging in a goosechase 😅

If it is available, any ideas how I might be able to access it as a non-UK resident?

Thanks!!

Has anyone listened to the audiobook of Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier? If so, could you please tell me which version / narrator you listened to and what were your thought?

I’ve heard amazing things about the book, but was warned that the audiobook narrated by Terry Donnelly ruins the experience.

I found an alternative version narrated by Lara Hutchinson, but that version may only be available in the UK? *

* I found the Lara Hutchinson version (published by RNIB) in the overdrive library, but when I contacted Libby about it, they told me the “geographic rights are only for the UK” — if anyone in the UK can confirm, that would be much appreciated!!

A couple of weeks ago, I made a post asking for opinions on the reading order for the books in the Letters of Enchantment world by Rebecca Ross.

This world consists of an original duology (Divine Rivals & Ruthless Vows) published in 2023 and a standalone prequel novel (Wild Reverence) published in 2025, which is set centuries before the original duology and features different MCs.

Now that I have read all three books, I would like to share my experience so it may help others.

For those who have read the books, I would also love to hear if you agree or disagree and why. Also, If you do happen to share my opinions (particularly love of Wild Reverence), let's be book-sharing friends 😄 Drop your goodreads and/or book recs in the comments.

Link to original reddit post: https://www.reddit.com/r/Romantasy/comments/1sxkp8u/what_reading_order_would_you_recommend_for_wild/

Order I read the books:

1. Divine Rivals (book #1) published 2023
2. Wild Reverence (book #0 - standalone prequel) published 2025
3. Ruthless Vows (book #2) published 2023

Book opinions:

• First, I will say that Wild Reverence is one of my new favorite books (5+ stars). The prose is stunning and lush, the fantasy world-building is enchanting, and the romance is achingly beautiful. (The audiobook is also gorgeously done if you enjoy listening as well as reading.)
• Rebecca Ross is clearly a master of words, and so, Divine Rivals was also well written, but not in the same lyrical, breathtaking way as Wild Reverence. The plot was decent, the romance was sweet, yet a little unearned, and it read more like an early 20th-century YA historical fiction than fantasy. It was a good read, but not a great one in my opinion.
• Ruthless Vows, on the other hand, had me so bored I considered DNFing at every moment. Nevertheless, I persevered, and now we are here!

Thoughts on reading order:

• I DID think that reading Divine Rivals before Wild Reverence heightened my experience of Wild Reverence in some regards, as it was lovely to see the connections the author made with her original work.
• I did NOT think reading Ruthless Vows after Wild Reverence heightened my experience of Ruthless Vows. In fact, it may have even lowered it, as (1) the world of Wild Reverence became canon to me and I was annoyed at subtle differences, (2) it was a big drop in quality, and (3) I didn't really care about the MCs of Divine Rivals/Ruthless Vows anymore (though that may be the book itself). That being said, I can also see Ruthless Vows potentially interfering with your experience of Wild Reverence, as you basically learn the ultimate fate of most of the gods you meet in Wild Reverence (I wouldn't call it a true "spoiler", though, rather you will know the outcome of events occurring in the far future from the perspective of Wild Reverence).

What should you do (in my opinion):

• If you only have time/ energy for 5-star reads, read Wild Reverence, and forget Divine Rivals & Ruthless Vows. Just know that the epilogue of Wild Reverence may be a little out of left field (particularly without Divine Rivals, and also one small aspect learned in Ruthless Vows). But that can easily be remedied by asking a friend/the internet for spoilers. You can also ultimately decide to give Divine Rivals a try after.
• If you're an avid and patient reader, read Divine Rivals first to see how Rebecca Ross thoughtfully crafted Wild Reverence to intertwine with her original plotline/idea. Ruthless Vows is then up to you. I think you can (and possibly should) skip this book altogether, but if you must know what happens (as Divine Rivals does end on a cliffhanger), I would maybe say to read it before rather than after Wild Reverence (hard question mark), but refer to my "thoughts on reading order" section to decide. Also, don't be like me... DNF as needed. Wild Reverence is the ultimate goal 😄

I’ve seen mixed opinions about the reading order for these books.

Honestly, more interested in Wild Reverence because from my understanding, it’s more adult and more true fantasy. I’m usually not a huge fan of urban/contemporary fantasy purely for the fact that I’m trying to escape this world. 😅 BUT I also don’t want spoilers if I decide to read Divine Rivals and Ruthless Vows (which I probably will if I like Wild Reverence). The mystery / waiting to find out what happens / how is a lot of what keeps me engaged in books.

Please let me know your thoughts and if there are any spoilers I should be aware of (like if Wild Reverence spoils the original duology or vice versa).

I’ve heard Wild Reverence solves the world-building problems in the original duology and will therefore help appreciate the original duology more, especially Ruthless Vows, which apparently has mixed reviews. BUT I’ve also heard the exact opposite argument that reading the duology first gives insight into the world and will help both appreciate and understand Wild Reverence more. #confused

**** Always feel free to drop other recs in your comments 😉