The Swan Maiden [Paperback]

Heather Tomlinson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 30, 2008

In the quiet hour before dawn, anything can happen. Doucette can dream of being a creature of flight and magic, of wearing a swan skin like her older sisters. But she must run the castle household while her sisters learn to weave spells. Her dream of flying is exactly that . . . until the day she discovers her own hidden birthright. Sudden, soaring freedom—it is a wish come true. Yet, not even magic can protect against every danger, especially when the heart is involved. As she struggles to find her own way in the world, Doucette risks losing the one person she loves most of all.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Layered, elegantly written, and filled with unexpected twists and turns, The Swan Maiden soars with grace and power.”—Booklist, Starred Review

“Inspired by French fairy tales, Tomlinson skillfully weaves a satisfying and enchanting tale that flows quickly and immerses readers in a charming, rustic setting.”—School Library Journal

“This novel has a light and enchanting quality . . . Doucette’s struggles and dreams will resonate with teenage girls who are trying to find their place in the world.”—Voice of Youth Advocates

About the Author

Heather Tomlinson has taught English in Paris and French in the U.S. She lives on a houseboat in and around southern California with her engineer husband and cats X, Y, and Z. Her next book, Aurelie: A Faerie Tale, will be published in Fall 2008 by Henry Holt.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Square Fish; First Edition edition (September 30, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312384475
• ISBN-13: 978-0312384470
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,425,359 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A tale for all readers, September 4, 2007

By 

Fletcher Lokey - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Swan Maiden (Hardcover)

Here is my full disclosure. I taught Heather Tomlinson physics in high school. She was unforgettably sharp, so quick and delightful. When I learned that she had written a novel, a fairy tale for young readers, I naturally thought I should get it and see. I certainly did not think of reviewing it. But I certainly have to.

Let me start with a summary statement. The tale pulled me in and stepped right along - rich, surprising, greatly satisfying. It will not spoil the plot to say that I was as spellbound as Nicolau, the unfortunate character who was unable to let go of the door bolt.

Any work that means to create a world in some degree unlike our real world must have two things to succeed, beyond an obvious need for a plot that works. It must have imagination and invention to draw us in, and it must have depth, those touches large and small that surround and fill and give us room to watch the story from inside. This one has both, in full measure, and would earn a hearty recommendation without need for more. But more really must be said.

I delight in fine wordcraft. Just as there are composers with the gift of tuneful invention (I go for Schubert and Dvorak), so there are writers gifted with perfect pitch in wording. I found myself utterly enjoying the wordwork. Such zest and agility, so tasty and just right!

A tale for young readers? This is a tale for all readers.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of My New All Time Favorites!, March 31, 2008

By 

Chelsey "BOOK LOVER!" (Layton, UT USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Swan Maiden (Hardcover)

The Swan Maiden by Heather Tomlinson is one of the most beautiful and amazing books I have read in a long time. Seriously, everything about this book I loved.

The Plot: While I found it to be a tad confusing in some places, it still flowed along so beautifully. It was exciting, filled with twists and turns I never expected. This plot also didn't drag on and on and on, as some writers have their books do. This plot was tight and to the point.
The Characters: These are some of the most endearing and complex characters I have ever read about. Doucette was a great main character since she wasn't the pretty or magical sister. Jaume... oh my gosh! I think I developed a little crush on him. Azelais and Lady Sarpine were the perfect villians, challenging Doucette in many ways.
The Writing: Obviously, Heather is a fantastic writer. It was so fluid and beautiful and very addicting as well. (It was nearly impossible for me to put this down!) And with this being her debut novel, I imagine it can only get better with her forthcoming books!

So... I highly, highly recommend this book. This is one of the best books I have ever read, and I think you feel the same way too!

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Swan Maiden, August 27, 2007

By 

Tina Nichols Coury "tinanicholscouryblog.com" (Oxnard, CA, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Swan Maiden (Hardcover)

This is a fabulous retelling of a fairy tale. A great read and a "can't put it down until you are finished" type of book. As a children's author I read many fantasies and this rates as one of the top ones. A must buy.