THE SWAN'S DAUGHTER

A sheltered but wise maiden makes a bargain for her safety—and risks losing her freedom in the process.

Believed to be creatures of myth, veritas swans are “breathtakingly beautiful” women who relinquish their freedom and hearts when they fall in love. Demelza is a veritas swan whose unpleasant but magical song compels those around her to tell the truth. Unlike her sisters, flightless Demelza hasn’t developed wings, and she’s kept in the nest by her mother, who’s also a veritas swan, and her wizard father, Prava the Sly. When the pale-skinned, red-haired Demelza learns of a threat to her life, she flees her home for Rathe Castle to compete against other maidens for Prince Arris’ hand in marriage. Prince Arris is cursed through his father’s line to be murdered by his wife, and he forms an unlikely alliance with Demelza, who’s disguised herself with mud and brambles and a dress made of reeds. They both hope to find freedom from their predetermined fates, but their partnership is threatened by their growing curiosity about one another—and both parties risk losing their hearts. Chokshi balances her sometimes vicious characters with inventive, whimsical elements. Her lyrical prose builds a world that’s reminiscent of tales from the Brothers Grimm and populated by complex, well-developed characters of fantasy races who are varied in appearance. This fantastical spin on a classic storyline is threaded with feminist themes.

Nuanced characterization and unexpected twists make for a deeply intriguing read.