Customer Reviews

Wild Swan

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I read Wild Swan, originally when I was 17. I'm now 32 and have read all of Ms. DeBlasis' books - I'm on my third copy. Wild Swan is the first in a series of three. Another of her books, 'The Proud Breed' is a must if you want to get a feel for her storytelling without committing yourself to three books.

"wild Swan" is the opening of a trilogy which spans close to 100 years in a family involved with smuggling, horsebreeding and racing and ship building. No one is perfect, everyone has faults and fears. From the coast of Cornwall to Maryland horse country and from the infancy of the 19th century to its near conclusion in 1892, we see portions of 6 generations of Thaines/Carringtons/Falconers and the hope of the 7th in the near future.

All of Ms. DeBlasis characters are real to the reader and generate emotional links as if we could reach out and touch them.

A definite must for anyone

I took "Wild Swan" and some of the author's other books with me on a vacation to Europe. Big mistake! I hardly saw anything except for the hotel room - all because I could not put her marvelous books down! I just loved the "Wild Swan" trilogy so much that I included a swan as part of my ranch logo. Her other books are just as compelling. Hopefully, there are more of this author's writings "in the works". These books will fill your heart :) THANK YOU CELESTE!

Wild Swan is the first book of a fantastic trilogy by Celeste DeBlasis. This book is the infinitely touching story of two people destined to be together, who must first stumble a bit on their road to each other. We see these two grow up together, form their own lives, and eventually reunite for a love affair so amazing, you'll want to fall in love all over again. The other two books go on to form a delicately woven picture of the family these two make together. You'll become so intrigued by the story of these strong, proud people, you'll race to read all three books in this amazing trilogy. It is truly a shame these books are no longer being produced, but they are still obtainable, and well worth the effort!!!

I have read so many different romance books by so many different authors that when I picked up "Wild Swan", I expected it to be like all the rest. Needless to say, I was more than pleasantly surprised. The Swan trilogy brings so many wonderful, diverse, REAL characters to life. When reading these books, you feel as if you are part of the Carrington-Falconer family and wish you could be as honest and strong as the characters. So many different interwoven plots and so many different times in history serve as a rich background to this timeless tale. I will continue to read these books for many years to come and hopefully my daughters will do the same, as my mother did and as her mother did.

I have read the Swan series three times, and have loved it every time. The images come alive and you are almost unable to put it down. I would recommend this to anyone who loves historical fiction, and the coming of age of America.

Celeste DeBlasis is, in my opinion, the best fictional writer around. I too have read all of her books and also own all of them. I fell in love with the central characters in this book and continue to dwell in their home(s). Her trilogy of "Swans" goes to the heart and soul of those of us who believe in love to the fullest, as only Ms. DeBlasis can portray these people. I read and re-read each and every book until I know every page by heart. I too wish that Ms. DeBlasis could write more of her words more often, however, I realize, as she has also written, that the "well" needs time to fill up again. Thank you Ms. DeBlasis, for all you do for all of us who love your words and work.

While I am still in the midst of reading this book, Wild Swan by Celeste De Blasis, I thought I would share with you all what an amazing read it is. Wild Swan is the first of the Swan trilogy that follows the history of a family for 100 years over 3 generations of women. The first book dealing with Alexandria or lovingly referred to as Alex. It starts off with Alex who lives in England during the 1800s. Her mother hates her and she has a very rocky relationship with her family due to this hate. The only reason why Alex is hated is because she is different. She is daring enough to steal her brothers cloths so that she might ride astride instead of side saddle as a proper lady should.

After a catalytic event she is sent to live with her distant cousins, who live on the other side of the country. Her grandmother suggests it because she is the only one who truly loves Alex and knows her cousins will provide her with a loving home. They do as her grandmother predicts and Alex grows into a more stunning girl just on the brink of womanhood (she is 14).

She meets her beloved Rane who is her cousin, and is 18 at the time. They become fast friends but Rane finds himself falling in love with Alex. Do to the fact that Alex is so young he decides to wait until she is of age to confess his feelings for her, though to everyone else they are quite clear. Rane and Alex go on many adventures including rescuing an American POV and sending on his way back to a far of land called Maryland.

Alex gets word that her sister has passed away after the birth of 2 twins. She returns mournfully home from her cousin's back to her mother's house. Where she is treated like a slave and eventually rebels against her mother. Her love for the two twins is the only thing keeping her from running back to Rane and his family. She desides to wait for the twins father St. John to return from the war with the French.

He does return but he is badly hurt. Alex, and her grandmother (along with a doctor) who is a wise woman privy to the information of herb- logy which she taught Alex. Have to amputate St. Johns arm. He is left feeling sad, and less of a man while Alex remains to tend to him and the children. She grows up quickly now reaching the age of 16. St. John and her fall in love and try to get married. There is one problem there is a law stating that no one can not marry the husband of her dead sister so instead they decide to be `married' even though it is not legally possible.

Drop to black and in returns Rane...He has come to confess his undying love for Alex, his wild swan and take her away from the horrible grip of her mother. Unbeknownst to him Alex is `married'.

I leave you with that brief summary. All of this happens with in the first 100 pages and the book is almost 600 pages long.

Buy it, borrow it, steal it because it is so good

Maryland is off in the horizon, so are race horses, and a long unwinding journey towards her true love...whom ever it may be.

Mrs. De Blasis writes with a passion that puts a fire to your soul and your eyes hunger for every page. Each character becoming more real to you, that for a moment you believe they are as close to you as a dear friend. The adventures she rights about are the never ending adventures of life. You read a true life because the characters live their lives for you on the pages.

Her writing style often similar to Dickens in the sense it is very descriptive, though does not drag as many modern readers feel Dickens does. Instead you are drawn into the story and find yourself laughing and crying when the characters do. It seems a shame to me that no one besides a very small number of people know about Mrs. De Blasis. Many of her books are out of print but if you can get you hands on a copy, you wont put it down.

Other books by De Blasis

The Proud Breed

The Night Child

Suffer a Sea Change

The Tiger's Woman

The Swan Trilogy

Amazon has all of them for reasonable prices

I have read all of Celeste DeBlasis' books, and I too fell in love with her sagas. I cried, laughed, and lost sleep over the character's actions and troubles. Her books capture the reader almost immediately,and I would venture to guess that the reader finds it hard to put them down. I also suggest that a reader unfamiliar with her work begin with The Proud Breed, and move onto the Swan trilogy. I am still searching book sales for the hardback copies of her books. DeBlasis needs to write more sagas, and keep her devoted fans happy!!

Wild Swan is the first in a series of three books about a family who move to Maryland from England and become involed with horsebreeding, racing and ship building.

This books starts out in the early 19th century and ends in 1892. You wil fall in love with the many generations of Thaines, Carringtons and Falconers!!

This is a must read for any historical fiction lover!!!

The Swan Trilogy is the most magnetic series of books ever written. I felt as if I were there with the characters and they were part of my family. I continue to read these books over and over and over again. One day I hope that my daughters will also enjoy their story of love, honor and integrity. Would love to read more from Ms. DeBlasis -- maybe more from The Proud Breed!