Customer Reviews

The Swan Kingdom

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
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As the brightly colored cover suggests, Zoë Marriott's novel THE SWAN KINGDOM is a fantastical read. It is the retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's THE WILD SWANS, a fairy tale that I had never heard of, but that has all the familiar bits and pieces like the evil stepmother, enchanted gardens, and animal transformations. It also has a spunky, magically terrific but socially awkward princess-protagonist named Alexandra.

A few of my friends dislike retold fairy tales, because there is no surprise ending. But I think the whole point of reading rewrites is to focus on the journey, not the place. Anyway, that's why I love retold fairy tales, because it's a way to enjoy certain stories that I seemed to grow out of. After a few years in schoolyard politics, the characters that I loved just weren't complex enough to be satisfying anymore. Beauty, Cinderella, and Snow White were never unsure, impatient, or angry. Besides some serious magical malady that I had no hope of ever battling, they never seemed to have problems at all.

Alexandra, however, has real problems like pleasing her parents, being plain, and weird. With books like THE SWAN KINGDOM, I get my dosage of magic, and from a girl normal enough to be friends with.

Alexandra is an ugly duckling from a family of swans. Her parents are the just and admired rulers of the Kingdom and her three older brothers are kind, handsome, and brilliant. Her only claim to fame is the magical connection that she shares with the land, but even then her skills are dwarfed by her mother's great healing abilities. When the novel opens, she has pretty much settled for a life in the shadows, but when her mother is killed by a beast in the forest and her father marries a strange, beautiful woman, Alexa has to step up or be squashed. While this story follows the general formula of a fairytale (evil destroyed and kingdom restored), Zoë Marriott has charted a unique path to Happily Ever After.

There seems to be a lot of retold fairy tales on the shelves these days. Some are humorous, like Gail Carson Levine's PRINCESS TALES series. THE SWAN KINGDOM is one of the more serious ones, and readers who enjoyed Robin McKinley's or Donna Jo Napoli's books should try it out.

Reviewed by: Natalie Tsang

As a child, Hans Christian Andersen's "The Wild Swans" was always one of my favorite fairy stories. The tale of a devoted sister who loses her voice and inflicts nearly unbearable pain on herself --- all to weave the magical tunics that will save her 11 brothers, who have been transformed into swans --- was impossibly romantic and evocative to my childhood self. Apparently, Zoë Marriott, whose novel THE SWAN KINGDOM is a remarkably faithful but cleverly imaginative take on Andersen's classic tale, felt the same way.

Marriott's heroine is named Alexandra. The only daughter in a family with three sons, she has always felt particularly close to her mother, a wise woman whose true powers are hidden even from her daughter. When, just after introducing Alexandra to her true magical heritage and power, Alexandra's mother is brutally murdered by a horrible beast, Alexandra's entire family, including her brothers and father, are thrown into despair.

Alexandra's father, the king, spends weeks hunting the forest for the beast who killed his beloved wife. Instead, he discovers something in the woods that brings great joy to him but only fear and trepidation to his children. During his hunting trips, he discovers an eerily beautiful young woman, whom he invites into his home --- and his heart. Soon this mysterious stranger, Zella (whose name means "shadow"), bewitches not only Alexandra's father but also the entire kingdom. Only Alexandra and her brothers are exempt from her powers, perhaps because their mother's own powerful blood courses through their veins.

But when, during a botched attempt to overthrow her, the siblings see the full force of Zella's witchery, Alexandra's brothers mysteriously disappear, and Alexandra herself is sent far away to live with relatives in an entirely different region. Haunted by dreams of silent swans, eager to connect with the boy she meets on the beach but reluctant to discuss her past, Alexandra must discover her own powers while exploring how to destroy Zella's stranglehold on the Kingdom.

Marriott's retelling of "The Wild Swans" will certainly satisfy fans of Andersen's tale. She skillfully weaves together elements of the original fairy story into her more complex narrative, making them suitable for a young adult narrative such as this one. Romance, revenge, transformations, violence and loyalty --- THE SWAN KINGDOM has all these elements in abundance. Some readers may be surprised that Marriott remains so faithful to these classic plot points rather than subverting them in, for example, a more feminist "reading" of the original tale. Others will appreciate her fidelity to her original source, as well as her clever reworkings of it into a more comprehensive narrative.

Fantasy fans, even those unfamiliar with the original tale of which THE SWAN KINGDOM is based, will enjoy exploring Marriott's generally well-developed fantasy world. If anything, the climax, which is unfortunately condensed to one brief confrontation right at the book's closure, will disappoint readers for no other reason than that they would have liked to spend more time in Alexandra's world and see more fully the ways in which she grows into her full powers.

Nevertheless, Zoë Marriott is a new fantasy author to watch. Whether she continues to adapt classic stories for her own purposes or weaves her own magical universes, she is likely to delight audiences.

--- Reviewed by Norah Piehl

I have maybe five books on display in my room. Because I want people to see my favs, and so they're in easy reach. As soon as I read the last word on the last page I cleared a new space for it in my room. Then I picked it up and read it again.

I've heard a lot of fairy tales in my life, and Wild Swans never really stuck out to me all that much. I reread it before reading this, and then fell in love. The male lead is so well written I found myself giggling over him more than I did for Edward Cullen!

In all honesty I picked up this book after listening to Swan lake music. And now Wild Swans is probably a favorite of mine.

Marriott is writter I will be watching veerrrryyyyyy closely.

I enjoy new takes on the old fairy tales. "The Swam Kingdom" starts out strong enough but about half the way through the plot holes start appearing and don't really go away. Some of the more solid plot points seem to be pulled from Juliet Marillier's "Daughter of the Forest" except this story is missing some of the adult themes and the effortlessness that Ms. Marillier seems to pull her reader into her world and stories. This might be a good start for younger readers that enjoy fantasy [11 or younger] but when the reader hits 13 or 14, I really recommend Marillier's version, as well as the sequels.

Even though her father (the king) does not love her, Alexandra is happy playing with her three loving brothers and learning about plants and controlling the enaid (essentially, the land's life force) from her mother. Then, after her fifteenth birthday, Alexandra's mother is brutally mauled by a dangerous and mysterious wild beast and not even Alexandra's great healing skills can save her life. Her father goes out into the woods to hunt the beast and every day he comes back empty-handed--until the day he brings back a woman named Zella with black eyes that reflect no light. With the power to control those around her, Zella makes the king so besotted he makes her his bride and everyone she encounters comes under her sway. Only Alexandra and her brothers are immune and they realize they have to try and stop Zella from taking over the kingdom. When they try to destroy the talisman providing strength to her malicious powers, they fail. Alexandra's brothers disappear (the official story is that they're banished) and she is sent to live with her aunt in the neighboring kingdom. Her aunt is a strict and bitter woman, but Alexandra finds a measure of solace in escaping to the beach each night, where she meets a kind and handsome young man named Gabriel. But in Alexandra's absence, her home country is dying as her stepmother drains it of its power and the people are suffering under the new queen's tyrannical rule. Alexandra hopes that her brothers will appear and rescue her, but they remain missing. When her stepmother's poisonous influence reaches Alexandra at her aunt's house, she realizes that it is up to her to save her kingdom and bring back her brothers.

This is a retelling of Hans Christen Anderson's "The Wild Swans," which is very, very similar to (but not exactly the same as) the Grimm Brother's "The Six Swans." Since I am a huge fan of fairy tale retellings, I was really looking forward to THE SWAN KINGDOM, and I was not disappointed. This is a very well-written and engaging book and so good that I'm surprised that it's the work of a first-time author.

Although they are absent for much of the book, I really liked Alexandra's three brothers (David, Hugh & Robert). Marriott captured the playful and protective nature of the brothers perfectly and in a short time was able to make them into three distinct characters (instead of the personality-less blobs that some siblings & peripheral characters are sometimes condemned to be). It helped that Marriott decreased the number of brothers from eleven in the original fairy tale to three in her work--with eleven brothers it would have been a lot harder to make them so vibrant and likeable.

Not only the brothers, but also nearly all the characters are well-written. Alexandra is a clever and courageous heroine and Gabriel is a likeable romantic lead. The stepmother in particular was incredibly well-done as she was really terrifying: with her powers, the princess and her brothers couldn't trust even those closest to them.

Marriott keeps the plot humming along and I never got bored or felt that the book dragged. In fact, this was a stay-up-to-the-wee-hours-to-finish book, as I read it all in one sitting. An amazing debut by Marriott, I am eager to read her next novel (already out in Britain, out in the US likely sometime next year). I highly recommend THE SWAN KINGDOM to YA fans, as it is a great book in general and an excellent fairy tale retelling in particular. I especially recommend this to fans of The Goose Girl, another retelling of a lesser-known fairy tale.

Once Upon a Time... there was a kingdom that flourished. The king was strong but shallow, the queen wise but afraid and they had four children the last of which was an ugly duckling and her name was Alexandra.

Swan Kingdom seems to be a sort of amalgam of several different fairy tales although from the author's notes it is adapted from Hans Christian Anderson's 'Wild Swans'. In this retelling, young Alexandra is a "cunning woman" - one that can manipulate the energies (enaid) of the earth to help things grow and heal. Her mother, the Queen has the same power but learned how to use it to a fuller extent. Alexandra grows up feeling rather unnecessary in her father's household even with the love of her brothers and mother.

When her mother dies by unnatural means, Alexandra seems to lose her very place in the world. Her father searches for her mother's killer but comes back with a woman who can influence the minds all those around her. Only Alexandra and her brothers see through her spells. After a failed attempt to rid their kingdom of the usurper, Alexandra and her brothers are cast out of the kingdom. Alexandra to live with her aunt in Midland and the brothers as swans and caught between worlds.

Once away Alexandra grows stronger and grows up. She learns to stand on her own two feet and do what is right and necessary instead of just standing back and letting others make decisions for her.

I was very much relieved when she finally learned this lesson. The prose picked up quite a bit for me after that.

All in all a very good fairy tale - very much like the books by Robin McKinley, Cameron Dokey or Donna Jo Napoli. The only improvement I can think of would be to have gotten to the 'make your own way' part faster. She was a much more enjoyable character after that.

this story reminds me alot of Juliet Marrillier's book, "Daughter of the forest." another fav. of mine. I felt like the author could have really added several chapters more of detail. It was a nice quick read, and very enchanting.

Zoe Marriott writes beautifully; her words grip you from the start. She's a descriptive writer who weaves a magical story. The "magic" in this story is evident from the start as the main character, Alexandra, explains it to us in a "wondrous" way without it sounding "hokey". I got the impression that this was a story of growth for our main character. She suffers great loss and has to find the strength to fight. Her journey is long and dark, and there is so much sadness in Alexandra's story. I could feel it just as the main character would through Zoe's writing. The peak of the story was exciting and had me on the edge of my seat; twists and turns; good overcoming evil. "The Swan Kingdom" showed what you can accomplish when you believe in yourself. And of course all fairy tales must have a happy ending right? Well you'll have to read the book to find out!
I adored this book and intend to recommend it to those who are interested. If you enjoyed fairy tales as a child then this is a book for you to look into. I think that teenagers and adults alike will enjoy it. As an adult myself I can say the story sucked me in and kept me reading. I personally look forward to reading more of Zoe Marriott's work!
Oh and isn't that cover Gorgeous!

Besides the beautiful cover art, The Swan Kingdom itself was a dazzling story, a remake of a fairy tale but done in Marriott's own way. Full of magic, set in a fantasy world that you can practically picture just by reading the book, and with an added dose of action and adventure to keep the story alive, this book is truly worth your time to read.


Marriott does a wonderful job with the characters, especially Alexandra , our heroine for this journey through the Kingdom. is a good example of a strong young woman, one that does not whine and allow others to push her around. She's got courage, and she's not afraid to face her fears-- even if that means her new (evil) stepmother. In a way, Alexandra reminds me a lot of Yelena, from Poison Study (by Maria V. Snyder), which is a compliment, really. If you enjoyed Snyders' magical world, then I'm sure you'll love The Swan Kingdom as well.


I enjoy reading new takes on old fairy tales, and this one is no different. This time, the base for the novel is the story of the young boys, turned into swans by their stepmother, destined to stay cursed forever. Unless, of course, Alexandra , who was spared this curse (though still exiled from the kingdom), can save them and reverse the spell. Along the way, she meets new friends, finds more adventures, and, of course, falls in love, too.


My only qualm lies in the romance- it felt a bit lacking most of the time, even for a YA novel. I wish Marriott had added more to this, showed us how they really fell for each other.


The story flowed nicely, though there were a few action sequences where I almost felt a bit lost. But just as quickly, the confusion was gone and the writing was clear again. A few tiny flaws, but no where near enough to destroy the story or the readers' enjoyment!




4 STARS! For a first novel, Zoe Marriott did a wonderful job, and I'm looking forward to many future books from her. She has a talent for writing, and a unique story to tell the readers. Added to that her good fortune in cover art designs, and you've got a rising start to keep your eyes on!

Alexandra is the only princess of The Kingdom, her father's realm, where beauty and prosperity dwell thanks to her mother, a cunning woman, whose magic and affinity for the earth bring harmony to their lands. Alexandra is the youngest child of the king, and his least favorite, but she takes comfort in her three older brothers' affection, and her mother's teachings of the ways of the enaid, the magical forces that run through the earth.

But then her mother is brutally attacked by a supernatural wild animal, and despite her talents in healing, Alexandra cannot save her. It isn't long before the king finds himself a new wife--a pretty, young, and mysterious woman named Zella who has everyone falling under her charms--except Alexandra and her brothers. When they underestimate their step-mother's treachery and Alexandra is sent far away and her brothers banished, Alexandra will have to find the strength and courage to face Zella and take back what is rightfully hers.

The Swan Kingdom is a beautiful and magical read that contains some of the best fantasy elements--romance, curses, a wicked witch, enchanted lands, and a strong heroine. Marriott's world of flowing magic and the kingdoms with their diverse rulers and people is an enchantingly clever one and is accurately described. Alexandra is a very likable and real character, and The Swan Kingdom is as much of her coming-of-age story as it is an adventure. Her faults, strengths, and tenacity are admirable, and she has an engaging and distinct voice that readers will find very compelling and convincing at the same time. Alexandra's spunk and her wholehearted love for her kingdom and family are what propel the plot.

The resolution of the story may leave some scratching their heads and thumbing through the book a bit, but it is a satisfying one. Marriott stays pretty true to the original tale though, without deviating to embellish the plot, causing The Swan Kingdom to read more like The Wild Swans with added details, but nevertheless, fairytale and fantasy lovers will be content to enjoy this romantic and magical tale of courage and independence with a lovable and genuine heroine. Zoe Marriott is an author to watch.