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3.45 AVERAGE
3.45 AVERAGE
I could not get past the writing style. I dreaded every moment I picked it up, knowing I did not feel engaged or like the writing.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the chance to read and review this book!
While I did really like the plot and the swan shifting, there was something about the way the author wrote that was not young adult for me and I did have to try to not DNF the book. It felt a bit more middle grade and it didn't really make me invest in the characters. While this writing style makes it an easy read for sure, it does not make it a very good one, unless you explicitly target a much younger audience; but the book was marketed as young adult.
A lot of things felt predictable, like the romance between Tuan and Kier. That the queen loves Orla a bit more is never really unpacked in the book. The fact that Kier does gain the ability to shift seems like a bit of a bait and switch when it comes to things because the blurb literally talks about how she cannot shift. The stuff with the other princes was a bit meh, as well as the attitude in the kingdom, like yes we help with harvesting and the girls have a choice in everything they do. I also feel like no one really ever focused on the oldest sister, even after stuff happened between her and Orla. There is also no real sense that Kier has grown enough to resist the calls of being a swan, except that she wore an iron necklace. I'm also a bit miffed that Kier didn't keep the other horses.
We also didn't really unpack why Orla was ready to give Kier to Hafor; like I understand why she wanted Gill, but what was up with that? Besides to make her evil for the sake of being evil?
I don't think I'll be reading the rest of this series.
While I did really like the plot and the swan shifting, there was something about the way the author wrote that was not young adult for me and I did have to try to not DNF the book. It felt a bit more middle grade and it didn't really make me invest in the characters. While this writing style makes it an easy read for sure, it does not make it a very good one, unless you explicitly target a much younger audience; but the book was marketed as young adult.
A lot of things felt predictable, like the romance between Tuan and Kier. That the queen loves Orla a bit more is never really unpacked in the book. The fact that Kier does gain the ability to shift seems like a bit of a bait and switch when it comes to things because the blurb literally talks about how she cannot shift. The stuff with the other princes was a bit meh, as well as the attitude in the kingdom, like yes we help with harvesting and the girls have a choice in everything they do. I also feel like no one really ever focused on the oldest sister, even after stuff happened between her and Orla. There is also no real sense that Kier has grown enough to resist the calls of being a swan, except that she wore an iron necklace. I'm also a bit miffed that Kier didn't keep the other horses.
We also didn't really unpack why Orla was ready to give Kier to Hafor; like I understand why she wanted Gill, but what was up with that? Besides to make her evil for the sake of being evil?
I don't think I'll be reading the rest of this series.
adventurous
medium-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
I loved reading The Swan Harp by Elizabeth Ceith. I loved the part when Kiar forgets she's a human in swan form and flies to the enemies land where Tuan comes to save her and remember who she is. I also loved the cover as well as the whole story it was well written and hard to put down. I didn't like Orla I knew she was bad from the start I didn't trust her. My favorite character was Tuan as he was a good friend to Kiar and trustable. He was always there for her. I really love the book and excited for the next one to come out. I definitely recommend reading it. It's well written and a lovely story.
Thank you to booksirens for gifting me this ARC.
This novel begins relatively slowly, developing the heroine and her allies charachters. The real action kicks off in the second half of the novel, with political and romantic drama galore. Our heroine is well-written and relatable, although certain decisions of hers were extremely aggravating in the moment. Overall, this is a well-executed novel and would be worthy of 5 stars with some adjustments in pacing.
This novel begins relatively slowly, developing the heroine and her allies charachters. The real action kicks off in the second half of the novel, with political and romantic drama galore. Our heroine is well-written and relatable, although certain decisions of hers were extremely aggravating in the moment. Overall, this is a well-executed novel and would be worthy of 5 stars with some adjustments in pacing.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
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:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
This was my first book with swan-shifting so it was definitely very unique to me. Its a clean YA fantasy with medival setting, slow burn with developing friendships and royal families. I definitely liked Willow and Kiar’s friendship 🫶🏻
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you to Net Galley, Elizabeth Creith and Type Eighteen Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
King Tir, a human, and Queen Tianis of the Swanfolk are married to form an alliance between the Kingdom of Valenia and the Swanfolk. As their three daughters reach adulthood, they are hoping to be able to transform into swans like their mother and the other Swanfolk. Kair, the eldest is devastated when her younger sisters are able to transform before her. The story tells of the politics and alliances that form as a result of each daughters’ magic, as well as the conflicts that they also cause.
I really liked the premise of this book. The idea of the Swanfolk was an intriguing and unique concept. Each character had their own unique voice and interesting plot line. The politics and family relationships were complex, but readable and the world building constructed a unique setting around them.
The pacing felt a little inconsistent. The first 60% of the book felt slow and the world was constructed around the characters and I felt like I was waiting for the plot to happen. But the ending was fast paced and worth the patience.
It was a great YA fantasy, with an interesting concept, shapeshifting magic, interesting politics and likeable characters.
King Tir, a human, and Queen Tianis of the Swanfolk are married to form an alliance between the Kingdom of Valenia and the Swanfolk. As their three daughters reach adulthood, they are hoping to be able to transform into swans like their mother and the other Swanfolk. Kair, the eldest is devastated when her younger sisters are able to transform before her. The story tells of the politics and alliances that form as a result of each daughters’ magic, as well as the conflicts that they also cause.
I really liked the premise of this book. The idea of the Swanfolk was an intriguing and unique concept. Each character had their own unique voice and interesting plot line. The politics and family relationships were complex, but readable and the world building constructed a unique setting around them.
The pacing felt a little inconsistent. The first 60% of the book felt slow and the world was constructed around the characters and I felt like I was waiting for the plot to happen. But the ending was fast paced and worth the patience.
It was a great YA fantasy, with an interesting concept, shapeshifting magic, interesting politics and likeable characters.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Blending themes of identity, loyalty and bravery with a background of political intrigue and family relations. I really enjoyed the first novel in Elizabeth Creith's upcoming trilogy. I found the characters interesting with each one having their own unique personalities and voices that make them feel three-dimensional. I also loved the world-building and I hope the next two books will expand more on the Kingdoms of Valenia and Noermark. My only issue with The Swan Harp is that the pacing is a bit uneven at points.
Overall, The Swan Harp was an interesting read that melds its themes and plot very well. I can't wait to read the rest of The Wings of Valenia Trilogy. Highly recommend if you love a fantasy series on par with Sarah J. Maas, Rebecca Ross or Holly Black.
Thank you, NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Overall, The Swan Harp was an interesting read that melds its themes and plot very well. I can't wait to read the rest of The Wings of Valenia Trilogy. Highly recommend if you love a fantasy series on par with Sarah J. Maas, Rebecca Ross or Holly Black.
Thank you, NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.