The Swan Maiden [Hardcover]

Heather Tomlinson (Author)

Book Description

Release date: August 7, 2007

In the quiet hour before dawn, anything can happen. A third daughter can dream of being a creature of flight and magic, of wearing a swan-skin like her sisters. But Doucette must run the castle household while her older 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 it comes with a price. As Doucette struggles to find her own way in the world, she risks losing the one she loves most of all.

An age-old fairy tale told in a refreshingly original voice, Heather Tomlinson's stunning debut is fantasy at its most eloquent and richly imagined.

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

From the Author

Dear Readers,

As a reader myself, I've searched for stories about heroines making their way through a dangerous world. In some ways, magic complicates their choices. In others, a fantasy setting only makes literal the things we all dream about. Flight. Transformation. "Stones into rubies, straw into gold." Yet aren't the workings of our own hearts even more mysterious than sorcery? Perhaps love can work a greater alchemy than any spell--if we can stand up to our parents, or our fears.

 

Where does that courage come from? What price must we pay for it? As a writer, I've had fun exploring these questions. Here's hoping you, too, will enjoy Doucette's journey.

All best,

Heather Tomlinson

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 12 and up
  
• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR); First Edition edition (August 7, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805082751
• ISBN-13: 978-0805082753
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,579,396 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

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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

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

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

Format: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

Format: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.