Author: A.B. Poranek
Number of pages: 354
Genre: Fantasy, Fairytale, Romance, Young Adult, Paranormal, Mythology, LGBTQ+
Attended Audience Age: Young Adult
Medium Type (physical, digital, audio): physical
Book rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Summary:
Odile lives with her adoptive father, completing tasks for him that will eventually allow magic to rise once again. Involved in one of the most important tasks yet, Odile has more to prove to her father and herself than ever before. After turning her childhood friend into a swan, Odile disguises as her and infiltrates the kings castle, spreading lies and deceit. But when Odile’s brother is accused to killing the king, and her fathers becomes quest becomes jaded, Odile turns to the only person she can for help. Nothing is as simple as a seems.
Qualities:
Prose: The narrative is written with thoughtful and classical undertones, orbiting a dramatic tone.
Character Development: As Odile’s story progresses, so does our understanding of her character, and the people who shape and impact her. The additional characters are altered through Odile’s actions, creating a deeper understanding of their wants and needs.
World Building: As the story progresses, so does the world-building which is seen more through Odile’s experiences. Much of the world is closely connected, infusing the importance of settings and the environment, along with the mythology the world orbits.
Recommendation:
This book is a retelling of Swan Lake, focusing more of the darker side of story. Instead of following Princess Odett, it focuses on the sorcerers daughter, Odile. This tragic story alters the fate of every character. The story is infused with LGBTQ+ lore (attraction, loss, survival).
Notable Quotes:
- “The play is drawing to a close, and I have been stabbed” (p. 2).
- “Marie nods, her eyes mirroring the awkward hesitancy I can see in the prince’s expression. They lean away from each other, as if to make space for the lies I piled between them. “As long as our bargain still stands,” she says (p. 246).
- “The marble girl, marble no more, lowers her hand. A heavy breath escapes her, a sound both weary and relieved, the sound of a caged bird finding freedom at last” (p. 354).
Related Music:
- Swan Like by Tchaikovsky
- Black Magic by The Vindys
- Beast by Mia Martina
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