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elderlingfool's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
This was a reread for me and I like this book even more now, even though it has faults and some elements I don’t like. This was the first book published by the author and, as such, it’s really impressive.
This historical fantasy novel is a retelling of the Six Swans fairy tale, but expanded and with enough originality added. In this first book of the Sevenwaters series, we follow Sorcha, the seventh child of Lord Colum that looks very much like her deceased mother. Sorcha’s father decides to remarry with a woman called Oonagh that later transforms her brothers into swans. Sorcha manages to escape and The Lady of the Forest, queen of the Fair Folk, tells her that her brothers will regain human form twice a year and that the spell can be undone if she keeps silent and sews six shirts made from a painful nettle plant. Alone on her mission and without the possibility to return home or ask for help, Sorcha is determined to complete the task even when she arrives in enemy territory.
I really like the writing style, even though it can get repetitive at times and fall into the trap of too much telling instead of showing. However, there is enough character complexity and dialogue to make me forgive that.
The characters are great. I especially love the bond between Sorcha and her brothers and how distinct each of them is. Conor is still my favourite though, but I like all of them very much. Sorcha has a quiet strength that some people might not like. She is aware of her limits, especially being so young, and she takes advantage of all the protection she can get. I really liked Lady Oonagh, but Richard is one of the most annoying villains ever and I got tired of his disgusting and repetitive monologues.
There is a romance in this book, but very slow and doesn’t take over the entire plot. However, it happens between a minor and someone who is an adult, which always bothers me. There is also the hint of a marriage between cousins.
This book also has a graphic rape scene. This moment affects the character for the entirety of the story, but it was still too unnecessarily descriptive.
I really like the role of the Fae Folk and how they intervene solely to fulfil their mysterious goals. They aren’t completely good or evil and there is the feeling that they only to what they do to entertain themselves.
Even though this book can be read as a stand-alone there are still some questions left to be answered at the end and I hope the rest of the series provides some answers for I will be continuing it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pedophilia, Rape, Child abuse, and Adult/minor relationship
Minor: Incest
matchai's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Confinement
Moderate: Animal death, Animal cruelty, Adult/minor relationship, and Pedophilia
Minor: Blood, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, War, and Vomit
coincidental's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
By turn delightful and devastating both. I don't have the energy for lengthy review, but safe to say this retelling of the story of the girl whose brothers were turned into swans is a beautiful one, full of the majesty and magic of Ireland, and all the fierce power of love and strength of will against unimaginable odds. I loved it.
Important trigger warnings to be aware of: SpoilerRape, emotional manipulation and abuse, physical abuse, starvation and disordered eating, self-harm by means of work/stings from a plant, animal abuse/murder, death of a parent, general violence.
For those sensitive to animals done harm: SpoilerThe dog does die - one at least. There is harm done to animals and whilst it is not discussed in excessive detail, the protagonist's narration of it does not gloss over.
Important trigger warnings to be aware of: SpoilerRape, emotional manipulation and abuse, physical abuse, starvation and disordered eating, self-harm by means of work/stings from a plant, animal abuse/murder, death of a parent, general violence.
For those sensitive to animals done harm: SpoilerThe dog does die - one at least. There is harm done to animals and whilst it is not discussed in excessive detail, the protagonist's narration of it does not gloss over.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Animal cruelty, and Animal death
Moderate: War, Violence, Torture, Suicidal thoughts, Sexism, Self harm, Pregnancy, Physical abuse, Pedophilia, Panic attacks/disorders, Misogyny, Mental illness, Kidnapping, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, Emotional abuse, Eating disorder, Death of parent, Death, and Child abuse
fleainabox's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Pedophilia
Moderate: Death and Animal death
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt
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