Synopsis:
Prince Arris knows that marriage means murder. After poorly wording a wish to a sea witch, all one needs to rule the Isle of Malys is the heart and hand in marriage of the kingdom’s heir. Thus, Arris expects that the day of his marriage will be the one of his murdering. His only chance at a long life is finding true and lasting love.
When Arris’s parents announce a tournament of brides to compete for the throne, a slew of eligible, lovely and (possibly murderous) bachelorettes make their way to Rathe Castle. But Arris cannot tell who is here out of love for him . . . or lust for power.
Until he meets Demelza. As a veritas swan, Demelza’s song wrings out the truth. Forced into hiding, Demelza strikes a deal. Arris will provide her with safekeeping in exchange for her truth-telling song to sort through his potential brides.
While Arris is used to dodging death threats and Demelza is accustomed to fighting for her voice to be heard, to survive the tournament of brides requires a different kind of bravery. And perhaps the bravest thing one can do is not merely protect one’s life but find the courage to chase a life worth living.
Review:
This was beautiful?!!!
Demelza is basically the ugly duckling, but also both the daughter of the sorcerer in Swan Lake and the heroine?
A truth-telling veritas swan, the seventh daughter of an evil wizard, and the only one who does not have wings.
A prince who must figure out which of his potential brides wants to kill him for power.
A deal during a tournament of brides within a magical, living castle.
Chokshi’s imagination created magic oozing from the pages. I didn’t want this book to end. I loved the world, the characters (especially the snarky necromancer royal twin sister), the descriptions, AND the ending.
“At least she spared us one of those villainous monologues.”
“I actually like those,” said Arris. “Knowing someone’s motivations allows me to forgive them and find peace.”
Yvlle sighed. “This is part of the reason why women keep trying to kill you, Brother.”
It balances atmosphere and tension with humour and whimsy. It is dark and fairytale-like, an amalgamation of our childhood tales, Barbie movies, and darker adult realities.
Demelza and Aris are like mirrors, but neither see it. Both have purposes that outweigh their personhood (having their heart cut out, or turning into a tree).
This is Young Adult, but straddles that line where it has no adult content, but feels appealing to all.
“I’m discovering that I enjoy feeling . . . ‘useful’ isn’t quite the right word . . . vital, perhaps? Instrumental without being a literal instrument?”
Despite this being a standalone, I am confident there was a huge ‘wink’ moment towards the end which has me hoping for more in this world.
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