**Disclaimer: I was given a free e-book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.**
Title Court of Swans
Author Melanie Dickerson
Release Date January 5, 2021
Date Finished January 1, 2021
Description
Where there is wealth and power, there’s always someone willing to do anything to take it.
England, 1381: Delia’s idyllic life as daughter of an earl is shattered when her father dies and his wife accuses Delia’s seven brothers of treason and murder. The youngest is only ten years old, but this doesn’t stop the guards from hauling them off to the Tower of London. There they await a grim fate, as child-king Richard II is executing anyone who poses a threat to his throne. Delia is their only hope for pardon and freedom.
Sir Geoffrey did not expect his first assignment as captain of the guard to be the arrest of boys so young. He dutifully imprisons the brothers, but he can’t ignore the sense, rooted in personal experience, that injustice and treachery are at work.
Determined to rescue her brothers, Delia secures a position as a seamstress for the queen. Her quest is all but impossible as the executions continue. Sir Geoffrey offers to be her ally, but should she trust him in a court where everyone has an agenda?
Initial Thoughts
I was excited to read this book. I really enjoy historical fiction and I liked Melanie Dickerson’s Haggenheim series. This seemed like a good way to start of my reading in 2021.
Some Things I Liked
- Setting and time period. I haven’t read much set in the late 1300s but I enjoyed this nonetheless. I also loved the references to history and London.
- The romance. I also thought the romance was perfect for the time period and a nice bonus to the story.
- Lesser known fairytale retelling. I also loved that this was a retelling of a fairytale that I wasn’t super familiar with. It felt a little like a gender bent version of The Twelve Dancing Princesses but I knew it wasn’t that story. I love learning about new fairytales.
One Thing I Wasn’t Crazy About
- I had moments where I was frustrated with how naïve Delia was. She blindly trusted Sir Elliot after promising her aunt that she was not that kind of girl. I felt like his deception was much more obvious and was somewhat annoyed that Delia didn’t see it, nor did her brothers try to tell her.
Series Value
I would continue with this series. I liked all of Delia’s brothers and would like to see how their stories pan out.
Furthermore, I liked the writing style a lot so I’d read more of Melanie Dickerson’s books.
Final Thoughts
I liked this book. It was a short read and a great way to start of 2021. I liked the ending and am looking forward to reading more books in this series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommendations for Further Reading
- House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig – if you liked the story of a large family with a sibling who does everything she can so save the her sisters, try this semi-spooky standalone.
- The Peasant’s Dream by Melanie Dickerson – if you liked the writing style here, try this series by the same author. It can be read out of order (with minor spoilers) but, like this series, each installment is a different fairytale. This one is a Cinderella retelling.
Books Over Everything 