The Swan Maiden by Heather Tomlinson (♥♥♥½)I finished this book about a half hour ago and my thoughts are pretty fresh. The big picture: a book definitely worth reading! Now on to the nitty gritty details.
- Books tend to go one of two ways for me: (1) they pull me in at the beginning and I'm lost in the world instantly followed by a slow trickle towards the end, or (2) they take forever to pick up but send me crashing towards a finish line I never want to cross. I don't know which one I like better, but there is a significant difference for reader's experience based on each style. The Swan Maiden was of the former variety.
- This story gets unexpectedly gruesome in places and it is handled in a strange way, being simultaneously sudden and shocking, while at the same time brushed over and not given very much attention. Very odd...
- The contrast between Doucette and her sisters in personality and appearance was pleasing. This sort of set-up is pretty common in fiction: the blond sister, the black-haired sister, and the brunette. Yet in real-life I feel you are very unlikely to come across such a family.
- Doucette and her love interest were a likable pair. However, Doucette loses faith in Jaume on such whims that it becomes bothersome. She seems like a very straightforward logically thinking person, if flawed as we all are at times, but suddenly changes face in a flash of frivolity. Not once but twice Doucette, with little reason, abandons Jaume. The first time it could be explained away by embarrassment and unfamiliarity but the second time it seems near madness.
- The high point of The Swan Maiden is its setting. The world Tomlinson has created is rich and exciting. I particularly like the element of sorcery. Tante was a mysterious and fascinating character who I really wanted to know more about, particularly after witnessing the change Doucette goes through.
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