Feather: Swan Maidens Retold

I enjoyed reading Swanhild and Raphael’s story. This was a pretty unique version of Swan Lake. It was a bit different than most others in the series since the couple was already in love before the book started and the plot was largely tied to their separate struggles leading up to reuniting. I absolutely love the overlap between the different books in this series; the major one involved here was the overlap with the Pied Piper story. I received a free copy from the author and this is my honest review.

Feather is a retelling of the Swan Maidens and book 22 in the Romance a Medieval Fairytale series. You do not have to read all 21 previous books to enjoy this one; almost all of the books are entirely standalone. However, this book runs parallel to Call: Pied Piper Retold (they occur simultaneously) and feature most of the same characters. I would call this a companion piece to Call. You can read it alone, but I think you will miss much and be disappointed where you won't otherwise. It is written in third person omniscient from both leads' (alternating) point of view. As with all of her retellings, Mrs. Carlton turns this story on its head: it is vastly different from what you've read/heard. I was excited to hear Swanhild's and Raphael's tale since reading Call. They are both great characters who compliment each other perfectly. Swanhild is brash, daring, and outspoken while Raphael is quiet and content to follow her lead. My heart broke for them, but it also rejoiced in their reunion. I received a free copy of this book for an honest review. I've purchased the other 21, however, so don't let that mislead you.

4.5 A well crafted fairytale retold. Swanhild and Raphael are young lovers, enjoying their physical intimacies. That idyll is quickly shattered. Like when her mother turns her into a swan to “save” her from the plague. Recommend.