2.5/5

After reading (and loving!) A.B Poranek’s debut, this gothic, sapphic retelling was one of my most anticipated reads of the year. Unfortunately it fell flat for me, in a lot of ways.

I wish there had been more world building, I found myself feeling bored and wanting to finish the book just to finish it rather than truly enjoying it. I also had a hard time connecting to the characters, especially the MC. The relationships felt too surface level to be believable for me. And ultimately I didn’t care what happened to them.

However, the writing was lovely, as I knew it would be. It’s lush and immersive and very easy to settle into! And I did also like how the chapter headings were written as a play, it’s a neat detail and nod to the source material. Though I would have liked more of the dark, gothic vibes we were promised.

Maybe retellings just aren’t for me? I haven’t read that many to know for sure, but this felt quite unsatisfying. I do believe though that this will find it’s audience, so don’t be discouraged by my review! However, if you find that this book wasn’t quite for you either — I highly recommend Where The Dark Stands Still, by the same author.

I’m a sucker for a fairytale. I was initially hesitant because I had expected much more viciousness and villainy and was worried I would be disappointed—this book is certainly lighter and sweeter than the horrible lesbians I thought I would get, but as the book went on I began to appreciate the angle this took. It’s messy and joyous and heart wrenching all at once. The twists are somewhat predictable, but that didn’t really take away from my general enjoyment. The magic was fascinating and I just wish there were more of it. Ultimately I found this book quite satisfying for what it was, but would have liked to see more about the world.

3.5/5

A Treachery of Swans is a dark, atmospheric retelling of Swan Lake. Now, I have never heard about Swan Lake, so I went into this with no expectations or preconceived ideas of what it should be. That being said, I came out of this story feeling pretty meh about it. It had such potential for greatness, but I’m ultimately underwhelmed.

I will say that I was heavily reminded of A Dark and Drowning Tide while reading Marie and Odile. I feel like it was similar in the mood, tone, and atmosphere, and personality, so if you enjoyed A Dark and Drowning Tide, this might be for you! In my case, I was reminded because of the similar lack of depth in the characters.

Immediately, I noticed that this felt very YA. Odile is the villain, or so she says, but honestly she was quite laughable at times. She felt juvenile, and perhaps that is a sign that I am aging out of young adult novels, which is entirely on me. Along those lines, our main cast of characters read quite naive when there definitely should have been some more caution and suspicion from everyone. They were all quite gullible.

Overall, I found the pacing to be good, and I kept reading because each chapter left me wanting more and flowed very mixed. Whether it was because of plot twists, cliffhangers, or relationships, I was turning the page. The world felt interesting, definitely got some of those dark gothic vibes with the theater, but I wish that there had been more aggressive world building to pull me in.

My biggest issue deals with the lack of romance. This was marketed as a sapphic read, and while it is, the relationship left me wanting much more. I would have liked to see more development between Odile and Marie, as I just had a difficult time connecting to them. A lot of time is spent between Odile and Aimé, but I definitely think Marie and Odile could have benefited from more interaction early on in the story. The chemistry just didn’t seem to be there, and I was wanting more. It was a very cute and sweet read, bur I just wasn’t getting any romantic vibes off of Odile. Marie felt underdeveloped and fell flat ultimately, which is a shame because there was such potential! I would have loved to see Aimé sneak off with Damien as well lol.

Anyway, this wasn’t a bad read, but I just had expected more gothic, romantic vibes I suppose.

This is my first book by this author and while I think the writing was beautiful, the narrative wasn't necessarily for me.

As a true lover of Barbie Swan Lake, I was very excited for a sapphic gothic retelling of the original. But, unfortunately, there was a lot here that just wasn't working for me.

Plot and characters aside for now, the vibes of this were perfect. They were very mysterious and atmospheric which lended to a beautiful and eerie vision that sucked me in immediately. Start in a theatre with ballet and I'm IN

The characters and romance were where this became a miss for me, and obviously they are a large part of the story. We start off meeting Odile already causing mischief and in the throws of following one of her fathers evil plans. Because of that, it made it hard for me to care for her or like her. It is clear that she is misguided, but to start a relationship off on trickery and lies is just not something I can come back from easily. Maybe it's just me, but I wouldn't fall for someone who just turned me into a duck and pretended to be me. Basically all of the exsisting chemistry between these two characters happened in the past and off page, so we are just supposed to take the authors word for it that they are good for each other, and I always find that super hard to do. What does happen on page is stilted and then seemingly random since we never get those first moments of them truly connecting together. The prince and the other side characters like Marie and Odile's brother were also as interesting as a piece of stale bread, We knew nothing about any of them, which again made them hard to root for in any capacity.

I won't say too much about the plot since I think a lot of its strengths do lie in the uncovering of the mysteries along the way--which were twisty and entertaining, but not enough to hold everything up. I was shocked at a lot of them, and they did keep me guessing, but because of my dislike of the characters and their connections, it left me not caring about the plot choices and their endings. The magic system was confusing. Doing a strong magic system that makes sense and is fleshed out in a world with entirely new politics is hard to do in a standalone. And probably a total of three pages was actually used to explain any of it. I just went along with the ride regardless, but it would have been nice to know a bit more about the world and its magic.

Another note is that this did read a little young in the YA category. But, that isn't a fault of the book, just something to look out for if you are not in the intended audience like myself.

I think again, the writing was really beautiful and it does make me interested to potentially pick up another book by this author, but I think this was just okay for me.

2.75/5 stars.

This Swan Lake retelling is dramatic, moody, and deliciously unique.

While I struggled a bit in the beginning to really feel out the world we were being dropped into, I eventually sunk right into the lush world of courtly intrigue, espionage, romance, and lots of feathers! Its a really big task to take something that is already established and turn it into something new without making it feel like it diverges too much. A Treachery of Swans balances that line pretty well. The magic system is great because I love magic systems with limitations that keep magic from just becoming a way to fix plot holes. This book does not do that and I really love it for that reason.

The romance was also really well constructed because there was a history between the two of them that we have to unravel as the story goes on. There is tension, rivalry, and secret longing.

I would absolutely recommend this book to people who enjoy The Phantom of the Opera, Swan Lake, and all things magical political intrigue.

This was wonderfully done. The atmosphere captivated me from the first page, and I felt sucked into the story right away - which is always a bonus. I really enjoyed Odile's progression as a character, watching her navigate the challenges both internal and tangible. The romance felt a bit rushed for my preference - but I didn't mind THAT much as this didn't feel like a huge aspect of the piece overall. I just wish I could have gotten more invested in that part of the story. More build-up earlier on would have helped, I think.

I enjoyed not only our leads but the more side-characters we got to meet as well, and I felt like each character contributed to the story. No one felt like a shell or a stereotype.

I think sometimes hiding behind the atmosphere & aesthetic can fail a book, but in this instance I truly do feel like it all contributed into a nicely written package. Really stunning book that I enjoyed reading - and that cover???? Incredible.

This sapphic retelling of Swan Lake captures the haunting beauty of the original ballet while offering a fresh and compelling perspective from the sorcerer’s daughter. The novel honors its ballet roots, not only through its narrative structure but also in its lyrical, elegant prose that echoes the grace of a performance.

Told through the eyes of Odile, the sorcerer’s daughter, the story offers a layered take on themes of love, identity, and transformation. The gothic atmosphere is rich and immersive, and the queer romance adds a poignant depth to the classic tale.

My only criticisms: the ending felt a bit rushed compared to the carefully developed earlier sections, and Odile's character occasionally veered into whininess, which slightly undermined her actions and the beauty of the book.

That said, this is a beautifully written novel, and the stunning cover alone is enough to draw you in. If you're a fan of gothic settings, queer stories, and creative retellings of classic tales, this one is worth picking up.

4 Stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the arc.

This was such a fun time! The world had just enough darkness and whimsy to draw you in, and the balance of a sarcastic and flawed but lovable was done well.

I loved Odile all the more for her faults. Her deep loyalty often blinded her, but considering everything, I couldn’t blame her.

Odile and Aimé’s friendship was one of the high points, though I do wish that Odile and Marie’s relationship was flushed out a bit more. They have a backstory that has built up their interactions prior to the start of the book, but that timeframe without each other seemed like it was a bit rushed.

I will be going back and reading the author’s debut as soon as I can!

3/5 stars

Like many a modern girl, my love for Swan Lake started with, of course, Barbie Swan Lake. Having read one other Swan Lake-esque book and really enjoying it, I was delighted when I heard about A Treachery of Swans. There is just something so enchanting about the story.

However, having read A Treachery of Swans, it didn't quite do much for me. It was definitely enjoyable for the most part, but lacked a gripping element that I can't quite put my finger on. I have to give A. B. Poranek their props though, they have deliciously beautiful prose. I definitely plan to read more novels by them, as I think I could really enjoy them, but unfortunately A Treachery of Swans fell a bit flat for me.

This was an enchanting gothic retelling of Swan Lake with a magical and sapphic twist.

I didn’t know much about Swan Lake before picking up this book, after being drawn to the breathtaking cover art, but I loved how the story expanded on two female leads to give them more life outside of fighting for a man like in the original play. It was fun to see the story flipped, and I really felt for the female characters, especially Odile, as she grappled with her feelings and trying to do the right thing for love.

The ending really threw me off. There was a big emotional ending that hinted at a sequel book filled with more adventures, only for the epilogue to time skip and end the story once and for all. This abrupt switch was jarring and it took away from the emotional cost of the ending. I’m glad there was a happily ever after, but the author should’ve made up their mind about having a sequel or not based on that ending.

Thank you to NetGalley for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!!!

A sapphic retelling of <i>Swan Lake</i> with high stakes, a gripping plot, and potential betrayal around every bend.

Friends to enemies to lovers... A princess and an actress... Desires that can't be caged... A swan one white, one black

Odile has spent practically her whole life preparing to free magic from the King's clutches. Impersonating her nemesis Marie d'Odette in order to steal an artifact that would liberate magic should be second nature, a con where anything goes. Yet the young woman isn't prepared for the myriad of feelings she has towards Marie or the murder of the King. What begings as a revenge driven heist quickly turns into a mystery and fight for survival.

This is a dark fairytale retelling that takes many notes on theme and atmosphere from the Gothic Horror genre. Dark and sweeping, this tale spins a web of glittering wonder that barely masks the cruelty of a sharp blade waiting underneath. With delicious descriptions and scathing critiques of the 17th c French aristocracy, this is a delightful read. The courtly intrigued is just perfect!!

Familial trauma and societal pressures keep our cast tightly in line. Constantly in fear of mistepping, while longing for true change. This story really encapsulates how messy love can make a situation in all its many forms.

Odile can't help herself from disobeying her father to try and save her brother, any more than she can deny her burgeoning romantic feelings for Marie. Meanwhile her brother Damien—accused of murdering the King—is torn between the old love for his sister on opposite sides of this magical conflict and that of his deep feelings for the Prince. A Prince that Odile disguised as Marie is now betrothed to. Suffice to say the relationship dynamics here are complicated.

This is a truly beautiful book, and I am so grateful to have had a chance to review this. Thank you, reading this is and honor and a privilege. From one queer woman who grew up in the ballet and longed for the dizzying descents of madness love can provide, this is the most wonderful of gifts!!

a bit slow at the beginning but loved all the swan lake parallels! also loved that it didn’t really feel to YA like some YA books can tend to feel. the romance was amazing as well.

Thank you to Simon & Shuster for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book was so good! If you love a good retelling, I'd absolutely recommend this one. Even if you don't, but you like a fantasy novel with heists, betrayal, and complicated relationships, I'd recommend it. And if you don't even like those things, I'd still recommend it.

Two hundred years ago, a slighted deity stole the magic from Auréal and vanished without a trace. But seventeen-year-old Odile has a plan. All her life, her father, a vengeful sorcerer, has raised her for one singular task: infiltrate the royal palace and steal the king’s crown, an artefact with enough power to restore magic. But to enter the palace, she must turn Marie d’Odette, Odile’s childhood-friend-turned-sworn-enemy, into a swan in order to assume her identity. But when the king is brutally murdered and her own brother is accused, her plans are thrown into chaos. Desperate to free her brother, Odile is forced to team up with none other than elegant, infuriating Marie, the girl she has cursed…and the girl she can’t seem to stop thinking about despite her best efforts.

I've loved the ballet Swan Lake when I watched it at a young age, but the media that I consumed the most related to this story was the animated movie The Swan Princess. And let me tell you, I watched that movie so many times. Reading this novel, it has the perfect amount of ties to the original story with just enough differences for it to feel believable that the story that has been told to you was misinterpreted. For me, I love that feeling.

This book was fast paced enough to remain engaging, and I flew through it (ha, get it, "flew"? Okay, I'll stop). Even though it is 368 pages according to the book's information, it felt like less than 300 while reading. The characters are confused and conflicted, and their dynamic personalities and struggles make them engaging characters to read. Additionally, I really enjoyed the plot as well. This book really didn't have a dull moment, and that is impressive. I don't have too much else to say, but this was a beautiful sapphic Swan Lake retelling!

A Treachery of Swans is hard for me to review, because it’s definitely on the younger side of YA and I don’t tend to enjoy that end of YA. It’s very predictable, and the romance progresses quickly (they’re in love after, like, 5 interactions), but it’s fun enough and I certainly don’t regret reading it. It’s a retelling of one of my favorite stories, and it’s sapphic, so we do get some bonus points for both of those factors.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC! All opinions in this review are my own.

2 stars. DNF'd at 55%/C20

I think its safe to say that this author just isn't for me. While the synopsis of her books have everything I desire, the reflection in the pages does not. I mentioned in my review of her debut that while the inspirations of what is being pulled from is there, the spirit of it isn't and nothing new or entertaining is brought to the table so it is overall unsatisfying. This is sadly true for A Treachery of Swans.

Firstly, let me start with the romance which is one of my main drivers towards my DNF. The love interest is turned into a swan within the first two chapters of the novel after being tricked by the FMC, afterwards there is no interaction with Swan-LoveInterest until the 22% mark which was admittedly pretty funny, and then again at the 28% in which the FMC half breaks the curse on the LI but only at night. From there we get a brief interaction at 37% in which the FMC acts childish and runs away after LI helps her solve a puzzle because thats all the LI is good for in this novel apparently, solving puzzles and having a beautiful face that the FMC is currently wearing as a disguise. By the 44% mark we get another interaction between the FMCs that is the longest one screen page we have of the two of them together but half of it is previous backstory (an over reliance plot device shared in both novels) and none of it is that noteworthy. By the end of it, there isn't really a good reason as to why the LI is sticking around despite being free to travel away from the lake as both a swan during the day and as human at night, she could literally fly away and off into the sunset never to be seen again. Oh, and the FMC runs away from that latest encounter acting childish yet again. So by the time I DNF'd at 55%, we get a grand total of 5 interactions that probably only total up to 15% (maybe 20% if feeling generous) of the novel itself. This is far from sapphic yearning and relationship building. The FMC spends a majority of her time pretending to be the LI and interacting with the boy she is betrothed to instead of actually building a relationship with the LI. At least there is no love triangle, her betrothed is pinning after the FMC's brother so they are truly just platonic in a soon to be lavender marriage.

The secondary driver towards my DNF was that fact that this novel tries to do too much and doesn't succeed in doing any one thing well. It tries being a murder mystery, it tries being a political drama, it tries being a sapphic romance, it tries being written almost like a play in book form but can't narrow down a genre, vibe, or aesthetic concretely as it changes chapter to chapter so it just reads as chaotic. It also tries to present itself as upper YA but barely moves out of the middle grade category with how tween it feels in character motivations and actions. It also doesn't quite narrow down the scale of the world, everything is so hilariously close that characters are there within minutes if not seconds on page, which doesn't make sense, and other than having French sounding names to everything and everyone, nothing is uniquely French let alone 17th century French like its inspiration.

I will give it towards the author, it is an easy read and the beginnings do suck you in with its introductory atmosphere and worldbuilding/magic system but it tries to coast above water too hard on those vibes and feelings alone that it begins to sink as it continues. It never manages to fly on its own wings long enough to truly soar.

🦢 See my fanart based on the book here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DKLX2R_Al-k/?igsh=NXE1aHZrZjlwNGlx

As someone who is into Swan Lake and watched the Swan Princess animated film too many times as a child, I greatly enjoyed this.

The magic system was super interesting with magic being lost and the only vestiges being attached to certain jewelry/objects.

All the characters were lovable and the build up of the romance between Odile and Marie was a wonderful slow burn. It also wasn’t the center of the plot, which I 100% didn’t mind as I was really invested in the whole murder mystery of who killed the king and what happened to magic.

I liked the ending BUT for a second I thought this was going to be a duology, as Odile is given a ‘quest’ to save Marie by finding the lost sisters of the goddess. But this is quickly wrapped up with a time jump in the epilogue. I felt like since it was just a quick wrap up, we could’ve lost that plot point and have Marie not almost-die at the end. I kind of wish it was a duology because Odile’s quest seemed really interesting and I would love to see her master her magic!!

All in all, this is worth a read!

Thank you to the author AB Poranek and the publisher Simon and Schuster for an eARC copy of this wonderful novel.

Gothic! Queer! Magic! Unique world build! Queernorm world! I was ecstatic to read this lovely little gem of a book. Love a creative retelling- do NOT feed me the same story, do not make it so alike to the original that I’ll forget which details go where. This book d e l i v e r e d!! Phantom of the Opera meets Swan Lake meets a story all its own. Anxiety rep, queer rep, found family, blood family betrayal, all wrapped up in a creepy, foggy kingdom full of sparkling nobles, secret monsters, and dripping with thick magic. I’d rate it 3.6-3.7 stars, and I rounded up to 4. Lets dive in:

World build/magic system: Top tier! Magic as a physical substance held in the hands of its wielders is a rarity in the books I’ve read- I loved the portrayal of the sticky, golden substance!! So so creative, clearly coming from a mind that loves magic. The royal lineage is pretty straight forward, societal castes make sense, and I was psyched for a queernorm world. So nice to JUST have to fight monsters and power hungry villains, and not also have to grapple with homophobia. Magic as a whole is split between 3 powerful female deities, the “Three Mothers” (transformation, death, and life), which is super cool and unique. We love a female “god” figure. We also love absence of religion bc who needs that gumming things up, honestly.

Characters: Odile (our main FMC) is a single minded, driven, creative, lovable, morally gray girl with big plans. She’s pretty confident she’s found her true family in her adoptive father Regnault, a magical theater director (bc obviously) who raises her in his image. She’s also confident in Regnault’s plan to bring magic back; stealing the only powerful, magical item left in the world, the king’s crown. Marie (our other FMC, and love interest) is great. She’s written as a complex, more-than-meets-the-eye, princess-next-door with a steely demeanor masking an extremely clever brain. She’s overly forgiving, smart, caring, and way stronger than she looks. Damien is Odile’s brother; wishy-washy, wise, and a big lover boy. Aime is the prince of this kingdom; anxious, kind, and honest. We also, of course, have viciously gossiping nobles, and sneaky royal family members.

Writing: beautiful. Really gorgeous. Descriptive and flowing, without being distracting or overly flowery. I think the author nailed Odile’s voice- she had a clear idea of what Odile’s motives are, and how she thinks about the world. I can also see everything and all the characters super clearly while reading. Poranek also nails the gothic vibe, which I fortunately got to enjoy with some rainy weather (HIGHLY recommend).

Romance: I prefer a little more adventure to romance; I’d say this book falls probably around 70% plot, 30% romance (of some sort), and is low-to-no spice. The romance felt slightly rushed- giving us a little more history at the beginning before unfolding present day would’ve been helpful. I didn’t cry the unions in the book, but I might’ve with a little more yearning or passion. It felt like the couples were too destined to be together- I was told they fell in love, more than I always felt like they were falling along the way.

I think this could’ve really benefitted from a dual-POV telling with Marie, or Regnault (or Morgane, which would’ve been a cool twist). Or, even just bonus chapters somewhere where we hear from Marie/Regnault/Amie/Damien, even the step queen or something. It would’ve added that extra oomph that would push it over the edge (for me). I needed a teensy bit more from at least 1 or 2 side characters, to really open up the world.

Overall, a wonderful book I’m happy to have read. Definitely leans direct and magical, more than whimsical. Excited to read Where the Dark Stands Still next (I’m doing things backwards). Thanks again to the author/publisher!

I was so obsessed with Swan Lake as a child, so hearing that a sapphic retelling was coming was some of the most exciting news I’ve had all year. This book did not disappoint!! I love Poranek’s lush, atmospheric storytelling and the way she makes mythology and folklore come to life. Humanizing the characters we know from simplistic classic tales and turning them into something fresh and exciting is such an amazing talent. I can’t wait to get this book in and start selling it to readers!

Thank you to NetGalley, Margaret K. McElderry Books, and Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing for this advanced copy! You can pick up A Treachery of Swans on June 24, 2025.

A.B. Poranek continues to excel at immersing readers in a lush atmosphere (this time with a French gothic twist). From the get-go, A Treachery of Swans throws the reader onto a stage set for deceit, betrayal, and eventual murder. Our protagonist, Odile, is determined to steal the royal crown that will return magic to the land. But to infiltrate the court, she'll have to steal the identity of an old friend turned enemy from the past....

The relationship between Odile and Marie was absolute perfection. From childhood friends to enemies to reluctant allies to lovers, these two slowly process the events that led them to where they are today and the things they wish they could reverse. Their dynamic was delicious and exactly what I wanted—a will-they-won't-they with tension, yearning, and chemistry they couldn't overcome.

Once again, Poranek doesn't shy away from gruesome magic and its consequences. I loved the world and magic system established here and felt it really helped inform Odile's character. She goes from living on the streets to being taken in by a fellow sorcier and theater director, Rothbarte. Their relationship was devastating and frustrating all at once, especially toward the end.

And, of course, I grew to love our side characters Aime and Damien and their adorable romance. The entire found family developed between the four of them was everything and more.

All in all, if you're looking for a sapphic Swan Lake retelling with Galinda/Elphaba vibes between the main characters, this is your book!

*4.5

This is definitely a good retelling but also a good wlw romance in a dark atmosphere. I loved it a lot. It’s was very well executed and intriguing and I cannot stop reading for my life!
This is the first book I read by Poranek but it will be not my last! I love the romance, the banter, the mystery, the atmosphere, the worldbuiling, the magic system… it was so good!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the arc.