Book Blurb:
"In this lush and romantic novel from New York Times bestselling author Roshani Chokshi, a prince is only as good as his beating heart and a maiden is only as good as her honest word. But when love and the truth become impossibly tangled, the two must figure out how to survive together, or fall completely apart.
To find love is a curse ...
Prince Arris knows that marriage means murder. Thanks to a poorly worded wish to a sea witch, all one needs to rule the Isle of Malys is the heart and hand of the kingdom’s heir. Historically, this has been construed quite literally.
Thus, Arris expects that the day after his marriage and murder he will wake up as a sentient tree alongside the rest of his predecessors. His only chance at a long life is finding true and lasting love. When Arris's parents announce a tournament of brides to compete for his hand and heart, a slew of eligible, lovely and (possibly murderous) bachelorettes make their way to Rathe Castle. Amidst glittering balls in ozorald caves, strolls through menageries of daydream trees and pearl crocodiles, tea time on glass boats and kisses that leave his head spinning, Arris cannot tell who is here out of love for him…or lust for power.
Until he meets Demelza.
As a veritas swan, Demelza’s song wrings out the truth. Forced into hiding, Demelza strikes a deal. Arris will provide her with safekeeping in exchange for her truth-telling song to sort through his potential brides.
While Arris is used to dodging death threats and Demelza is accustomed to fighting for her voice to be heard, to survive the tournament of brides requires a different kind of bravery. And perhaps the bravest thing one can do is not merely protect one’s life, but find the courage to chase a life worth living."
My Review:
An enchanting and original fairy tale, 'The Swan's Daughter' was a joy to read! Though Prince Arris has always known he is doomed to be murdered by the wife he must someday marry, he is a delightful dreamer and maintains so much hope and optimism. After several failed engagements, his family hosts a large selection of potential brides, to participate in balls and various tests, to give Arris his best chance at finding a wife who would let him live the longest.
On the run, veritas swan Demelza ends up at his castle to hide, pretending to be one of the potential brides. The two strike a bargain and help each other. As they grow close, they each realize the danger they might pose to each other.
Releasing on January 6th - grab a copy here!
#NetGalley – I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.
