This was almost a more kid friendly Mary-Renault-style historical fiction. But in the end it tips into genre fantasy by taking the magic seriously in the modern readers head, not just the characters world view. I found it interesting and engaging.

Growing up I used to love reading stories that were mildly fantasical and very nature based, and I hadn't realized how much I missed that. This was a very beautiful, comforting, and somewhat nostalgic read.

I don’t mind, and actually generally enjoy, magic/witchcraft in fantasy, but as a devout Christian I do have some lines I won’t cross when it comes to reading about occult rituals or actual pagan practices. This one toed the line for me on this issue to the point that I can’t really recommend it in good conscience to fellow believers.

Magic aside, I expected one thing (cozy potion making and foraging in the forest), got quite another (harsh survivalism), and then another…then another. The book kept taking turns that felt pretty jarring. In the end it sort of came together, but in the experience I felt pretty unsettled. The opposite of the cozy medieval fantasy vibes I was after.

I did absolutely love how it ended, though, with the protagonist facing her inner faults and choosing to use her powers for good and protection instead of self-aggrandizement.

3 stars simply because I liked Wise Child better. Juniper is still a wonderful read.

A lovely story; I missed these books as a kid but I may not have enjoyed them as much back then as I did now.

Oke dit heb ik echt extreem graag gelezen. Hopelijk kan ik er in de toekomst mee werken in een klaslokaal.

I enjoyed this just as much as Wise Child. Both were spoiled children who grew into wonderful humans.

This is the perfect read for anyone looking for a cozy read. Sure there is dark magic and some violence but the stakes are relatively low and all works out in the end.

"Juniper" is the prequel to classic middle grade fantasy book "Wise Child," which I read last year. "Juniper" has the same fresh, crisp writing and quiet, gentle plot full of wisdom and openness. I didn't enjoy the story itself *quite* as much, even though "Juniper" may actually have more of a plot, and it definitely has a more notable villain. There was just so much simple magic in Juniper's cottage and garden and cats, as depicted in "Wise Child"; I wanted to transport myself immediately to that setting and possibly never come back. But "Juniper" the book is still lovely, and it was a peaceful, heartening read after a series of mediocre ones.

Premise: Juniper is a Princess of a small kingdom in Cornwall and, as the only child, is tapped to become the Queen. But early on she shows signs of having magical skills, and she must be initiated into the rites of the "Doran" (a special kind of witchy women who channel magic through nature). For a year and a day, she is sent away from Castle Dore to apprentice with Euny, a rough and wild Doran whose methods of teaching are odd at best. Can Juniper learn enough to help protect her kingdom and her friends when they are in danger from her cruel and bitter aunt?

Monica Furlong captures childhood beautifully in these books. Juniper's feelings are so believable. Her shame, her frustration, her little bouts of selfishness all reminded me of ways that I felt as a kid...and still sometimes today.

I would recommend "Wise Child" and "Juniper" (you can read them in either order) to readers who love fantasy books by Robin McKinley, Patricia McKillip, and Ursula K. Le Guin. They have the same simplicity, honesty and beauty.

One of the best and most loved books of my childhood.

The first book I was able to finish after a long time. This was such an enjoyable and lovely book, and i loved every moment of it. I actually felt I wanted to continue reading. The characters were so endearing and seeing the main character develop was such a delight. Lovely, absolutely lovely book.

I thoroughly enjoyed "Juniper" and learned a lot from her journey from entitled princess to accountable doran. I really appreciated the characters, especially the supporting characters, and the beautiful details offered about their lives and mannerisms. It was also quite refreshing to read a book that incorporated magical lore and practices with herbal medicines. I look forward to reading Wise Child.

Loved this prequel to Wise Child. Juniper's is a powerful story of going from living in a palace as a princess of Cornwall to living with her godmother, Euny a powerful Doran, in a tiny hut and experiencing what it is like to live with only the bare necessities for survival. Euny also sends her to live and train with another powerful Doran for a few months where Juniper learns spinning, weaving, healing and herb magic. She is tasked with saving her father's kingdom and with saving the people that she loves. A beautiful story full of strength and empowerment, breaking out of the confines of expected roles, and futures that other people have designed for you, to follow your own path.