When Delia’s seven brothers are falsely accused of murder and treason on the day of their father’s funeral and sent off to the Tower of London to be executed, Delia immediately rushes to London to try to save them. But what can she do? And who can she trust to help her?

This is another of Melanie Dickerson’s fairytale retellings - this time it’s Hans Christian Andersen’s The Wild Swans. And while this one still has a mediaeval setting, unlike her Hagenheim retellings, this one is set in England - largely in London.

I probably enjoyed this one the most of any of her retellings because it was a little more heavy on the suspense than her usual. I would probably label this the Young Adult equivalent to one of Abigail Wilson’s books. (I probably noticed this so strongly because I read it immediately after reading hers!) But it had an exciting storyline and was quite unpredictable at times! I also thought that both Delia and Geoffrey were really well developed as characters, and her brothers were just lovely! Definitely worth the read! Especially if you’ve enjoyed her other fairytale retellings!

Thanks so much to @thomasnelson and @netgalley for the ARC. I was only required to provide an honest review in return. And I really enjoyed it!

I was provided an eARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

When her brothers are arrested and accused of murder and treason, Delia Dericott leaves her privileged life to be closer to them. As she works to clear their name, she encounters two men who offer their help. But are they as chivalrous as they claim?

Pros: It engaged me enough that I finished the book.
Cons: I was so excited to read this when I heard it was a fairy tale retelling. It’s a big stretch to connect it to the Wild Swans. It also got weirdly religious and preachy a 1/4 of the way through the book. Excessive Bible quotes and comments about god saving them. Not my cup of tea. I also had issues with the realism of some of the characters (particularly Delia and Geoffrey).

2.5 stars rounded to 3

This one isn't a Hagenheim one, but if you loved that series you'll enjoy this book. I've read it's based on the lesser known fairy tale by Hans Christian Anderson called Wild Swans (which I got confused by the Six Swans one by the Grimm Brothers), but it also reminded me of the 12 Dancing Princesses.
It starts off with lots of action right away as Lady Delia's brothers are wrongfully taken to prison by an evil stepmother's orders. Delia humbles herself in order to visit them in prison and befriends a couple young men who appear trustworthy.;
Perfect for teenagers and anyone who loves the medieval times or fairy tales and is looking for something a little different, or for a tale they're not familiar with.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I wished I liked this book, but I ended up dnfing it at 40%. I've read Melanie Dickerson before, but I've never felt her religious undertones to be as overbearing as it is in this. Every other sentence involves God, and it just felt like she was beating me over the head with it. The main character was so naive and too trusting, the love triangle felt totally forced, and the instalove was choking me. I feel like some people might like this book, but it is not for me.

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.

Honestly, I didn't love this book of Melanie's as much as I usually do. I may be wrong, but many of the things that occurred in the book did not seem to me like they would have been possible during that time in history. However, if you just like a good romance, you may still enjoy this story. I did like some of the characters, and could relate to their struggles.
Thanks to Net galley and the publisher for the advance e copy. Obviously, the opinions are entirely my own.

I have always been a fan of Ms. Dickerson's classic fairytale retellings. While I have liked some more than others, I have always felt that the author does an excellent job of blending the fairytales into a historical setting and researching the historical background and then making it as accurate as possible. In other words, she takes the story from folklore into the realm of real life (even if it may have been in the past).

That being said, this retelling of the classic Wild Swans was a little slow-paced for me. I had to remind myself that it was a different time and that the ladies during the medieval times were not as worldly as they are now, so I had to be patient when I felt like Delia was being naive. She is a young girl alone without any protection in a world where this would usually never happen. She is looking for someone to trust. Two knights say they want to help her and her imprisoned brothers, but only one of them has pure intensions at heart. She must decide who to trust and how much trust to give.

At a time when a boy king sits upon the throne, intrigue and politics corrupt the English court as cruel men pull the strings from the shadows and lives are ruined forever. It's up to one girl to try to change fate if she wants to save the lives of all those she loves from the death that awaits them.

** I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. Thanks to the author for the opportunity **

I have loved Melanie Dickerson's fairy tale remakes. They have been some if my favorite books.
The Wild Swans has always been one of my favorite fairy tales. This remake, sadly, was not my favorite remake. I felt the story was a little slow and that it stretched trying to keep the story going. I enjoyed the characters, but never really felt they reached their potential.

I really wished for more. The writing was good, but the monologue was a bit stilted and not time specific.

Delia is the lone girl among seven brothers, some older and some younger. Her mother died when she was around ten, and her father basically ignores her (and really, to marry Parnella, he has to be basically ignorant as a whole). Now, with her brothers accused and imprisoned at the Tower of London (all seven of them!), she sets off on a quest to save them. They are all she has, and the only family who has ever cared about her. She would rather die with them than live while they are executed.

That said: don’t judge a book by its opening scenes. I prefer more subtly in villains to make them believable, and I thought step-mother Parnella in the opening scenes of Court of Swans annoying, flat, and so unbelievable that I was rolling my eyes with her every exclamation. It was clear to me that she was written in just for a means to an end; just to get the ball rolling and push the story into its dramatic moment. Thankfully, once I pushed past those first several pages, it settled down a bit and focused on brave and resilient main character, Delia.

Sprinkled with historical aspects, this tale is set in a time of political upheaval, an England ruled by a boy king, Richard II, and a royal court welcoming in a new queen, Anne of Bohemia. Who can the court trust to truly stand in support of the king?

Delia asks that same question for herself and her brothers. Who can she trust to help them? Who is honorable? Sir Geoffrey or Sir Elliot, both whom show her special attention and care. Both warn her that the other is not what he seems. And she asks why God would allow bad things to happen to good people.

I enjoyed this story. The romance was sweet and slow-building. The story included historical gems that added some nice flavor. Written for young adults, the style was easy and simple and fast-paced. The story continually changed directions in a way that, though the ending was predictable, the path to that ending was not.

I received a complimentary ARC from the publishers through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Fair warning, I have loved this author forever and I received this book as a free eARC from Netgalley, so take all comments with the appropriate grain of salt. That being said, this was a fun historical drama with a hint of romance to spice it up a little. While a little lower key in the romance department than her usual fare (try out her fairy tale series, please, you won’t regret it), the novel was well-written and well-researched, if a little spare on plot. I would definitely recommend reading it if you loved her previous work as I did.
This historical novel set just after Wat Tyler’s Rebellion (my history people know when this occurred, the rest of you, think late middle ages), opens with a great injustice. The seven sons of a powerful noble have been arrested on false charges of treason during the rebellion (How do we know they are false? Well, the youngest is only 10 and there is at least one character – I won’t tell you who – who would gain from their arrest and possible execution). It is left to Delia – the main character and only sister to the doomed brothers – to prove their innocence. Though she might get a little help from the main male lead (a dreamy captain of the guard who feels a bit guilty about arresting children, as he well should). I will leave you there so as not to spoil the tale, but I encourage you to find out the ending for yourself.
Need a light historical novel with a little romance to start out your 2021 right? This one might just be for you!

When I read Melanie Dickerson's novels, I'm constantly reminded that I'm not very "up" on my fairy tales. I've never heard of the Wild Swans so can't comment on the retelling. What I can speak to is how well we are transported to Middle Ages England with all the threats and dangers that come with power and place in that era of society. I found many of the supporting characters to be cold and unfeeling.

I didn't love Delia at first - she irked me at times and wasn't as dynamic as other heroines in Dickerson's previous retellings. I found she didn't "do" a lot - but then I realized that she was actually courageous - facing her fears and pushing through them despite any risk to herself to attempt to protect and provide for her brothers. As an aside, I would like to see the family's stories as each of the brothers grow.

It was well-written and easy to read even as a full-length novel. There was a definite emphasis on knowing there is a greater plan even when things have gone wrong - more than just a story, but a bit of a parable. Some violence, but not overly graphic.

Melanie Dickerson's Court Of Swans is a fantastic retelling of The Six Swans fairy tale. I loved Delia and Geoffrey. They were honorable people in a time of false accusations. The plot was engaging and fast-moving. I read this in two sittings, only because I could not stay awake any longer to finish the first night. I eagerly look forward to the next book in the series. Although this is supposed to be YA I believe anyone who enjoys Medieval Tales would enjoy this.
So grab a pot of tea and settle in for an enjoyable read.

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley.com. All thoughts are my own.

THIS WAS MY LAST DICKERSON NOVEL - SHE'S JUST NOT FOR ME 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

I've given Dickerson three chances now. I think I have to call it quits. I really wanted to like this. I think the world needs more YA historical fiction. But not like this. I have the same problem with this as with the other Dickerson novels I've read, so honestly, I could just copy my other reviews in here and be done with it...

👎 What I Disliked 👎

Characters: Honestly, there was not a single character that felt like a read person with a fully developed personality. I really don't think that Dickerson ever takes the time to actually think about, what her characters are going to be like. If she does, she doesn't know how to convey that in her writing. Because every single character in this books was like a cardboard cutout of a person - flat and lifeless.

Writing: Half-assed and rushed. Those are the two words that describe Dickerson's writing best in my opinion. No real effort seems to be put into the writing (or the story or the characters) and Dickerson seems to just want to be done with it all before she even gets started.

Plot: I really don't know if I can even say anything about a plot that is not even there. This story was so boring. I skidded over several pages and still managed to follow the story without any interruption. Nothing happens. No twists, no surprises. From the beginning you know exactly how this will unfold.

Thank you Thomas Nelson Publishing, NetGalley, and Melanie Dickerson for the opportunity to read this book!

I have a weakness for retellings. I really enjoyed Melanie Dickerson’s previous fairytale series, Hagenheim. Court of Swans by Melanie Dickerson is the first book in the Dericott Tales and is a retelling of the Wild Swans fairytale. Delia is the daughter of an earl who dies and leaves her in the mercy of her wicked stepmother. However, when all her brothers are arrested for treason, she must find a way to save them. The new king is only fourteen years old and is counseled by those who have their own selfish interests at heart. With the help of a knight named Sir Geoffrey, they will need to find evidence to save her brothers from execution.

My favorites of Melanie Dickerson’s has to be The Healer’s Apprentice, The Merchant’s Daughter, and The Captive Maiden. In each of these tales, the characters capture the reader’s attention and have something more to give to the story. Delia…is completely bland. She does nothing except question why these bad things happen to her family. I actually enjoyed all the other characters. I can’t wait to see what happens to the eldest brother, Edwin. I hope he will get his own story!

The pacing did leave something to be desired. The brothers are imprisoned most of the book and not much really happens with the investigation until over halfway through the book. Although, the historical detail is phenomenal. Having been to London, I believe Melanie Dickerson captured London of the 1300s quite perfectly!

While this book did quite capture me, I have high hopes for the second novel in this series! I rate it 3 out of 5 stars!

I requested this book some time ago already on Netgalley and the moment my request was granted I was so looking forward to reading this book. But life happened and the right moment didn't really come, but this week, the calm week before Christmas, I really felt like reading a nice, sweet, soft and heartwarming fairytale retelling. And I knew, since I've read a few more books by this author, that this book would be absolutely perfect.

The book was exactly what I had expected it to be. I really love how Dickerson manages to write a contemporary fairytale. There is no magic in this story and yet it captures the essence of the original tale and keeps the important elements making up the core of this story. And it all fitted perfectly into the historical world of London. This book really showed England as it was. Not so much the beauty, but the ugly side of backstabbing, politics, greed and the fight of innocent people trying to find justice.

However, even though the theme of this book seems heavy and dark, it somehow feels like I've been reading a story of hope. That's partly because of the Christian influence and as I had already noticed before, the way Dickerson writes her characters' faith in God is a lot like mine. I recognized myself, my doubts and worries in the questions our main character asked herself and God. And it was nice to see her faith and prayers and hope rewarded in the end.

Because Dickerson really managed to write characters we could root for. All of them found a way into my heart and I really started caring about them and their fate. I'm pretty sure that this is the start of a new series and that we will get to know the other brothers in future books, but I've already seen that, just like their sister and her soldier, they're all amazing people. I can't wait to witness them finding their true love, written in such a way that it's impossible to ever imagine those characters with someone else.

Trigger warnings: attempted rape, murder

Lady Delia Raynsford lives with her father and impossible stepmother at Castle Dericott. When her stepmother has a boy, she is worried that Delia's seven brothers will leave him destitute. When Delia's father dies in a suspicious accident, her brothers are all arrested for treason by Sir Geoffrey. This leaves evil stepmother Parnella in charge of Castle Dericott on her young son's behalf.

Delia knows she isn't safe at Castle Dericott and flees. She infiltrates the king's palace as a seamstress, planning to become a lady-in-waiting to the newly married queen. When she sees Sir Geoffrey, Delia avoids him out of hatred. Another soldier offers to help her brothers escape, and Geoffrey warns Delia not to trust the man.

Delia must grapple with who she can trust and the unfairness of the world around her. She matures and believes more in herself as the novel progresses.

The narration is in the third person but jumps between Delia and Geoffrey, with most of the narrative from Delia's perspective. The book is a quick read as it immediately pulls you in and the action takes off running.

Recommended for fans of historical fiction and those who enjoy a clean romance with swashbuckling action.

Fairytale meets Historical Fiction with Court of Swans, in a very loosely inspired retelling of the famous fairytale, The Wild Swans. Fast-paced, often rushed, this novel is perfect for young girls, pre-teen/teens, looking for an exhilarating new fantasy to get lost in. While I'll admit that I did enjoy flowing through this novel, I am not Melanie Dickerson’s target audience and will therefore be more critical than most.

Delia Dericott and her seven brothers are reunited after the sudden death of their father. Hated by her stepmother, Delia is comforted to have her beloved brothers home; however, the peace is short-lived because, soon after the funeral, a company of king’s guards arrives to arrest all of her brothers for treason.

Sir Geoffrey is on his first assignment, yet the thrill of doing his duty dissipates upon arriving at the Dericott's palace. Arresting seven brothers for treason, the youngest being no more than ten, sits uneasily with Sir Geoffrey; nevertheless, he has no choice but to obey the king’s orders, no matter how much his conscience protests and the brothers’ beautiful sister demands their release.

Taken to the Tower of London, the Dericott brothers are helpless. With no one to testify in their favor, Delia flees from her stepmother to save her brothers, but what can she do? Will she be able to stop the king from declaring a guilty verdict? Can she hide with the servants to stay close to where they are imprisoned? And, what of the knight who took her brothers away, can he truly be trusted?

Opening the pages of history, Court of Swans takes you back to medieval England; however, readers do not have enough time to be introduced to the setting or characters before being thrown into the conflict surrounding the whole novel. As other reviewers have stated, there was no depth to the storyline, and while the plot held my attention until the end, I felt as though I was reading the middle of a book rather than one from start to finish. Honestly, Court of Swans was very anti-climatic and repetitive. While it seemed that a lot was going on, it all ended as quickly as it began, making it very difficult to connect and feel the protagonists' anguish. Also, it seems as though Delia is handed all the answers rather than going on a quest to search out the truth for herself; instead, the narrative keeps her close to her brothers (who do not have any personality except for Edwin), where she knits them sweaters (which I know is a nod to the fairytale, but doesn’t have the same reaction as Hans Christian Andersen’s telling) and prays through the hopelessness of their predicament.

Those things said, I will end by stating that I did connect to the crisis Delia and her brothers faced since I, too, am going through very similar challenges, though not as dire. The theme of finding joy in the midst of tribulations and crying out to the God of justice while so much injustice is served all spoke to my heart. So, while this novel is not for adults, I closed the book feeling inspired by the hopeful message found within its pages.

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a pre-release copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are entirely my own!*

This book was just ok for me. Not bad, but not amazing. I think it may be geared towards a younger audience. I think if I were a young teen I would love this book. It was a clean book though so I liked that.

Delia Dericott, daughter of an English earl, loves her peaceful life—until her father remarries. Her stepmother has no time for Delia and her seven brothers, but Delia nurtures the younger boys and leans on the older boys—even though most of them live far from home serving as pages and knights in training for other lords of the realm.

Shortly after Delia’s father dies, Kind Richard II’s soldiers arrive to arrest her brothers for murder and treason against the crown. She instantly hates the captain in charge—how could any man with a conscience arrest mere boys?

When Sir Geoffrey follows orders to arrest the Dericott brothers, he has no idea the youngest is only ten years old. What could they have possibly done to anger the king? But good soldiers follow orders, even if it means earning the ire of the beautiful Delia Dericott. Upon arrival in London with his prisoners, Sir Geoffrey begins to wonder if some evil plot to discredit the Dericotts is underway. How can a man serve his king and his God when asked to do something that goes against his conscience?

Delia flees alone to London in hopes of saving her brothers. Her aunt, an abbess with some influence in court, offers to help Delia procure a job sewing for the king’s household. When his bride-to-be arrives, Delia’s aunt will help her again. But what if the bride-to-be arrives too late?

Sir Geoffrey and Delia meet again near the Tower of London where her brothers are imprisoned. When he offers to help her find creature comforts for her brothers, Delia hopes against hope she has another ally in her quest to save her brothers.

What I Loved About this Book

Pre-teens and teens find Dickerson’s characters relatable and the feisty female characters empowering. Girls also love the sweet romances (and the parents appreciate the chaste nature of relationships as well). Boys enjoy the derring-do and swashbuckling action of these retellings of classic fairy tales.

Lady Delia father dies, and her seven brothers are wrongly accused of treason and set to be executed, she runs away to London to help free them. She gets a job as a sewing maiden in the castle, and befriends two knights that are willing to help her brothers escape, but she isn't sure she can completely trust either of them.

In true Melanie Dickerson style this book is full of hope, adventure, and love! Can't wait for the rest of the brother's stories.


*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.