I'd seen a lot of buzz around A Throne of Swans and I was really intrigued - I've always loved the story of Swan Lake (ever since watching the Barbie movie as a kid, and then eventually being old enough to go and watch the actual ballet! 😂) and I was really interested to see how a YA fantasy book inspired by it would turn out. So I was super grateful when ReadersFirst offered to sent me an advanced copy in exchange for a review! I was not disappointed by this book and - although it's the first and only book I've read so far this year - I can see it as a contender for my favourite read of 2020!
This book has a lot of different elements to it, which seem to all work together really well to create the start of a unique YA fantasy series. As I mentioned, I love the Swan Lake inspiration which is woven throughout the story, mainly in the characters' ability to transform into different birds, including swans in the case of the main character Aderyn - although she has been unable to transform since she witnessed the tragic death of her mother several years ago.
After the death of her father, Aderyn inherits the role of Protector of Atrayts and must go to the court of the King, her uncle, in order to seek justice for her mother's death and fight for her homeland. The royal politics in this world - including alliances and betrayal, plots and treason - reminded me of Game of Thrones and you're never quite sure who you can trust at court. I loved all the worldbuilding in this book, including the division between the nobles who can transform and the 'flightless' who cannot, the different dominions and backstory behind the royals and different families. I definitely looked back at the map and family tree which are included at the front of the book a few times, and that really helped put what I was reading into context.
All of the characters are very well developed. Aderyn herself is likeable and relatable - she struggles with her role and with her self-confidence, but at the same time she is strong and a fierce protector of those she loves. I also liked that she could be a strong female character without having the cringey sassiness which often accompanies that in YA books, so that was refreshing! The other characters and Aderyn's relationships with them are also well developed throughout the book.
I really enjoyed the plot of the story and I did not see the ending coming, but it also made perfect sense and tied the book together nicely. I can't wait for the sequel to come out and see where the authors take Aderyn next - but it won't be out until 2021!
Thank you again Readers First for sending me a copy of this incredible book, which is being released on 9th January 2020! I really recommend any fans of YA fantasy pick this one up ASAP.
This book has a lot of different elements to it, which seem to all work together really well to create the start of a unique YA fantasy series. As I mentioned, I love the Swan Lake inspiration which is woven throughout the story, mainly in the characters' ability to transform into different birds, including swans in the case of the main character Aderyn - although she has been unable to transform since she witnessed the tragic death of her mother several years ago.
After the death of her father, Aderyn inherits the role of Protector of Atrayts and must go to the court of the King, her uncle, in order to seek justice for her mother's death and fight for her homeland. The royal politics in this world - including alliances and betrayal, plots and treason - reminded me of Game of Thrones and you're never quite sure who you can trust at court. I loved all the worldbuilding in this book, including the division between the nobles who can transform and the 'flightless' who cannot, the different dominions and backstory behind the royals and different families. I definitely looked back at the map and family tree which are included at the front of the book a few times, and that really helped put what I was reading into context.
All of the characters are very well developed. Aderyn herself is likeable and relatable - she struggles with her role and with her self-confidence, but at the same time she is strong and a fierce protector of those she loves. I also liked that she could be a strong female character without having the cringey sassiness which often accompanies that in YA books, so that was refreshing! The other characters and Aderyn's relationships with them are also well developed throughout the book.
I really enjoyed the plot of the story and I did not see the ending coming, but it also made perfect sense and tied the book together nicely. I can't wait for the sequel to come out and see where the authors take Aderyn next - but it won't be out until 2021!
Thank you again Readers First for sending me a copy of this incredible book, which is being released on 9th January 2020! I really recommend any fans of YA fantasy pick this one up ASAP.