The swan's daughter A possibly doomed love story

Demelza is part veritas swan, but, born without wings, she's always been the ugly duckling amongst her sisters. What she lacks in wings, she makes up for in wits, but when her efforts to impress her father nearly lead to her demise, she runs off and strikes a deal with Prince Arris, whose parents are hosting a competition for his hand. Due to a very literal wish, Arris is doomed to be murdered by his consort unless he finds someone who truly loves him; however, his judgment of character is poor. Thus, the deal with Demelza, whose magic can force the truth out of people, is made: Demelza stays at the castle, and in exchange, she helps him see his suitors' true intentions. But their relationship doesn't stay transactional, which is where the doomed fun begins. Chokshi has crafted a whimsical and darkly hilarious fantasy, with dreamy writing and a charming cast. The world building is occasionally convoluted but interesting and unique nonetheless. A great option for fans of fairy tales and Swan Lake.

To become ruler of the Isle of Malys, one must win the hand--or literal heart--of a male descendant of the royal bloodline, resulting in sometimes deadly consequences in this sharp romantasy by Chokshi (The Spirit Glass). Unless Prince Arris meets a girl who loves him, any potential bride can carve out his heart and ascend the throne. Despite being resigned to living a short life that ends in heartbreak and bloodshed, Arris sets up a tournament of brides as a last-ditch effort to find true love. It's through this competition that he encounters Demelza, the human daughter of a veritas swan whose voice can reveal any truth. Arris and Demelza strike a deal: if the prince allows her to hide from her murderous wizard father in his castle, she'll use her abilities to discern which brides seek love and which are plotting Arris's murder. Though Arris is quick to fall for Demelza, she must be cautious--for a veritas swan, falling in love means relinquishing control over her own power forever. At once humorous and lush prose captures both the whimsy and darkness of classic fairy tales, while unique worldbuilding, charming characters, and wistful ambiance heighten the novel's appeal. Demelza is described as having "pearly" skin. Ages 13--up. Agent: Jordan Hill, New Leaf Literary. (Jan.)

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.(Fantasy. 14-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.