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Fairy Tale Princesses
Princess of the Wild Swans
Princess Meriel's brothers have been cursed. A terrible enchantment--cast by their conniving new stepmother--has transformed the handsome princes into swans. They now swim forlornly on a beautiful heart-shaped lake that lies just beyond the castle walls.
Meriel will do whatever it takes to rescue her beloved brothers. But she must act quickly. If Heart Lake freezes, her brothers will be forced to fly south or perish.
With help from her newfound friends Riona and Liam--a pretty half-witch and her clever brother--Meriel vows to finish a seemingly impossible task. If she completes it, her brothers may be saved.
But if she fails . . . all will be lost.
Meriel will do whatever it takes to rescue her beloved brothers. But she must act quickly. If Heart Lake freezes, her brothers will be forced to fly south or perish.
With help from her newfound friends Riona and Liam--a pretty half-witch and her clever brother--Meriel vows to finish a seemingly impossible task. If she completes it, her brothers may be saved.
But if she fails . . . all will be lost.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 31, 2012
14 people are currently reading
2441 people want to read
About the author
Diane Zahler
16 books242 followersI grew up reading children's books and never wanted to do anything but write them. I'm the author of nine middle grade novels, and my newest book is a historical novel called WILD BIRD. I live in the country with my husband and very enthusiastic dog Jinx. Visit my website at www.dianezahler.com.
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June 17, 2019I JUST DIED OMG THIS WAS MY FAVORITE BOOK IN MIDDLE SCHOOL AND I FOUND IT??? OMGGGG
March 10, 2017
4.5 stars
September 5, 2018
“The black swan bends her graceful neck
And grooms herself with care;
Her onyx eyes are fathomless,
Her beak could rend and tear.”
Princess Meriel's mother passed away when she was very young. As a result, she grew up among her five brothers and turned out to be a feisty princess who would rather study than sew. One day, her father brings home his new bride who is to be their stepmother and it is more than mere jealousy that makes Meriel dislike her. It is soon clear that the new queen is a witch who enchants the five princes and turns them into swans in order to take control of the throne. There is only one way to break the curse, and it requires Meriel so sew and not speak a word until the curse is broken.
It seems to me as though Zahler's fairy tales all have different strengths and weaknesses. Princess of the Wild Swans stands out with a particularly well-portrayed protagonist. Meriel really is a girl who grew up among boys - she is outspoken and wants to do what her brothers do and automatically rejects ladylike activities. But in all of this, she is still clearly a princess - she is quite ignorant of what life is like outside the palace walls and she realises her life has been rather privileged once she does see more of the common people.
The common townspeople were what really drew me into this tale. They play an active role and I loved how Meriel transitioned from her sheltered life in the castle to someone who walks with, appreciates and cares for her people. I also really enjoyed the loyalty the town's people showed toward the royal family.
I had mixed feelings about the royal family as characters. For a story where the main plot is driven by a sister trying to rescue her brothers, I found the emotion that should have gone with it lacking. Part of it might have been because, with the exception of Cullan, we never really got to know the brothers. They all had their quirks but they were still too underdeveloped - the other four brothers were very easily interchangeable.
Another reason why I felt that the brothers aren't so well developed is the fact that there are several other strong supporting characters. Meriel befriends a half-witch brother and sister, Riona and Liam, who help her throughout her trials. They are both great characters and I love how their witch-life was described with their cosy little hut full of herbs and rescued animals. Liam, in particular, was a dear and I confess, I would have loved to see a little more romance in this one!
In addition to Riona and Liam, there's their mother, Meriel's governess and a whole lot of town's people who support Meriel. And although I really appreciated all the support, it also had a downside; the curse doesn't allow Meriel to speak, yet witches and half-witches are able to read her thoughts. With at least half of the cast being magical, I felt like it destroyed the point of the curse forcing Meriel into silence. I would have much rather seen some more struggles of her trying to communicate - it feels like a missed opportunity.
I am inclined to say that Princess of the Wild Swans is so far the weakest of Zahler's tales. That in itself isn't saying much, though, as they are all unique and solid stories in their own right. It is definitely worth a read for any who have enjoyed Zahler's previous works or any who like classic Fairy Tales.
February 12, 2012
3.5 stars
Princess of the Wild Swans by Diane Zahler was a super cute, fast read. I had so much fun reading and am excited to check out Diane Zahler's other books after this.
The beginning was a bit disjointed for me, and I didn't really get into Princess of the Wild Swans until probably a third of the way in. Then I was super invested in it, and didn't want to put it down. I loved trying to figure out what would happen next. I wish this one had been a bit longer, as I would have loved to know what happened just a bit beyond the conclusion of the book.
The characters were a lot of fun. I just loved Liam and Riona - both were such good hearted people. Meriel was such a strong character and I loved seeing her grow over the course of the book.
I just love this cover of this one - it is such a image and it fits the book so well. I would recommend Princess of the Wild Swans to people who love fairy tales retellings, because this one had such charm.
Princess of the Wild Swans by Diane Zahler was a super cute, fast read. I had so much fun reading and am excited to check out Diane Zahler's other books after this.
The beginning was a bit disjointed for me, and I didn't really get into Princess of the Wild Swans until probably a third of the way in. Then I was super invested in it, and didn't want to put it down. I loved trying to figure out what would happen next. I wish this one had been a bit longer, as I would have loved to know what happened just a bit beyond the conclusion of the book.
The characters were a lot of fun. I just loved Liam and Riona - both were such good hearted people. Meriel was such a strong character and I loved seeing her grow over the course of the book.
I just love this cover of this one - it is such a image and it fits the book so well. I would recommend Princess of the Wild Swans to people who love fairy tales retellings, because this one had such charm.
August 14, 2012
3 1\2 stars. A retelling of the The Wild Swans. The writing is superb, flowing and weaving, it draws you into Meriel's enchanted world. Meriel's five brothers are transformed into swans by Meriel's full witch stepmother.(Yes, an actual witch) Not all witches are bad, in fact, Meriel's friends are half-witches. Liam and Riona were a lovely brother and sister duo. Meriel must complete what seems an impossible task: weaving stinging nettles into shirts for her brothers, all without saying a word. While her father is bespelled and oblivious to his evil wife, Meriel's stepmother is trying to prevent Meriel from saving her brothers, and also attempting to open doorways between their world and the Fairie world. I really enjoyed reading this twist on the classic fairytale.
March 12, 2012
This review was first posted at http://www.rubysreads.com.
Presenting Ruby and Small's First Ever Joint Review!
The Characters
Ruby
You're probably going to be sick and tired of me saying things like this, but Princess of the Wild Swans' Meriel couldn't hold a candle to Daughter of the Forest's Sorcha. She was spoiled and a bit thin on personality and character development. I know that I should expect a princess to be a bit spoiled, but I do expect spoiled characters to move, gradually toward a place where they are less spoiled. Meriel ostensibly did this, but not in any particularly interesting way. I also didn't think we got to know the brothers very well before they were turned into swans. They fell too neatly into categories (artistic brother, introspective brother, etc). I wasn't invested enough to really care that they were gone, and I didn't feel the tension when Meriel was fighting to get them back.
Small Review
I agree, Meriel was very spoiled. I’d even say bratty. I do think she grew as the book went on, but she annoyed me so much in the beginning that I had a hard time letting that go. The brothers were disappointing to me, too. It wasn’t even like they just fit into categories, it was like they were categories. We didn’t even get to SEE an expression of their character traits (like the artistic one being artistic, or the introspective one being introspective) we were just TOLD that those were their traits. That made them feel even less alive than if they were simple caricatures. I almost wish the story had been about Liam, Danica, and their mother—the original characters. They were easier to like and hinted at depth. I felt their family bonds a lot more clearly. The only time I really felt invested in the story was when one of them was in peril.
Ruby
I agree! I can't think of a single thing the brothers (aside from Cullan) did! But I didn't like Liam, Danica and company as much as you did. I felt like they were caricatures of kind-hearted villagers.
The Fairy Tale
Ruby:
Daughters of the Forest (by JM) also retells this story. And, frankly, she does it so much better that I don't think this book is going to work for me. This is the Lite version. I literally could not stop comparing Princess of the Wild Swans to Daughter of the Forest. The fact that Meriel could communicate with Liam and Danica telepathically made me want to tell her that she had it easy compared to the things Sorcha had to go through. What I can't decide is if I would have enjoyed this story if I hadn't read Daughter of the Forest. I read MG novels occasionally because that's the age I teach (and probably the reason I don't seek out the genre), so I know the only issue wasn't the audience Zahler was writing to. I've read more sophisticated stuff geared towards younger audiences. I just didn't connect with this story. The action also flies past without real substance, and the conflict was too neatly resolved. If you've read Juliet Marillier's guest post, you know what I'm talking about. It's one of the tidiest happily ever afters I've ever encountered. The only thing it's lacking is the babies.
Small Review
It’s hard to look at a book objectively when you hold a similar book in such high regard. I know we’re not supposed to compare, but how can you not? I think as far as MG books go, this one will be a hit with its target audience (when I was reading this at work I had three girls ask if they could borrow it and if I would order it for the library—all in the target age group), but it likely won’t be as successful with YA or adult readers.
I usually don’t mind—and even sometimes welcome—neat happily ever after endings, but for some reason this one fell flat for me. Easy peasy "trials" and then neat ending. They didn't DESERVE that ending. They didn't work for it. I also never fully connected with the characters, so I didn’t give a pass on the sappy ending when I otherwise would have (I would move mountains to give my beloved characters a saccharine sweet HEA).
Ruby
Good to know! I'll take my copy to my classroom and see if it draws the interest of my students. I think the question of why the saccharine ending bothered us so much is a good one. I'm a happy ending person, too. I get pissed if the main characters go through ridiculous amounts of suffering only to have medium happy endings. I agree with Small, that also you need to feel like the characters have earned their happy endings--and I didn't get that feeling here.
2 1/2 Points:
I'd Glance at This Book Through a Store Window.
Presenting Ruby and Small's First Ever Joint Review!
The Characters
Ruby
You're probably going to be sick and tired of me saying things like this, but Princess of the Wild Swans' Meriel couldn't hold a candle to Daughter of the Forest's Sorcha. She was spoiled and a bit thin on personality and character development. I know that I should expect a princess to be a bit spoiled, but I do expect spoiled characters to move, gradually toward a place where they are less spoiled. Meriel ostensibly did this, but not in any particularly interesting way. I also didn't think we got to know the brothers very well before they were turned into swans. They fell too neatly into categories (artistic brother, introspective brother, etc). I wasn't invested enough to really care that they were gone, and I didn't feel the tension when Meriel was fighting to get them back.
Small Review
I agree, Meriel was very spoiled. I’d even say bratty. I do think she grew as the book went on, but she annoyed me so much in the beginning that I had a hard time letting that go. The brothers were disappointing to me, too. It wasn’t even like they just fit into categories, it was like they were categories. We didn’t even get to SEE an expression of their character traits (like the artistic one being artistic, or the introspective one being introspective) we were just TOLD that those were their traits. That made them feel even less alive than if they were simple caricatures. I almost wish the story had been about Liam, Danica, and their mother—the original characters. They were easier to like and hinted at depth. I felt their family bonds a lot more clearly. The only time I really felt invested in the story was when one of them was in peril.
Ruby
I agree! I can't think of a single thing the brothers (aside from Cullan) did! But I didn't like Liam, Danica and company as much as you did. I felt like they were caricatures of kind-hearted villagers.
The Fairy Tale
Ruby:
Daughters of the Forest (by JM) also retells this story. And, frankly, she does it so much better that I don't think this book is going to work for me. This is the Lite version. I literally could not stop comparing Princess of the Wild Swans to Daughter of the Forest. The fact that Meriel could communicate with Liam and Danica telepathically made me want to tell her that she had it easy compared to the things Sorcha had to go through. What I can't decide is if I would have enjoyed this story if I hadn't read Daughter of the Forest. I read MG novels occasionally because that's the age I teach (and probably the reason I don't seek out the genre), so I know the only issue wasn't the audience Zahler was writing to. I've read more sophisticated stuff geared towards younger audiences. I just didn't connect with this story. The action also flies past without real substance, and the conflict was too neatly resolved. If you've read Juliet Marillier's guest post, you know what I'm talking about. It's one of the tidiest happily ever afters I've ever encountered. The only thing it's lacking is the babies.
Small Review
It’s hard to look at a book objectively when you hold a similar book in such high regard. I know we’re not supposed to compare, but how can you not? I think as far as MG books go, this one will be a hit with its target audience (when I was reading this at work I had three girls ask if they could borrow it and if I would order it for the library—all in the target age group), but it likely won’t be as successful with YA or adult readers.
I usually don’t mind—and even sometimes welcome—neat happily ever after endings, but for some reason this one fell flat for me. Easy peasy "trials" and then neat ending. They didn't DESERVE that ending. They didn't work for it. I also never fully connected with the characters, so I didn’t give a pass on the sappy ending when I otherwise would have (I would move mountains to give my beloved characters a saccharine sweet HEA).
Ruby
Good to know! I'll take my copy to my classroom and see if it draws the interest of my students. I think the question of why the saccharine ending bothered us so much is a good one. I'm a happy ending person, too. I get pissed if the main characters go through ridiculous amounts of suffering only to have medium happy endings. I agree with Small, that also you need to feel like the characters have earned their happy endings--and I didn't get that feeling here.
2 1/2 Points:
I'd Glance at This Book Through a Store Window.
February 20, 2012
Short and Sweet: Powerful storytelling filled with adventure and heart. A fairytale for all ages!
Full Review Originally Posted at There's A Book: An adventurous princess trapped by the bounds placed upon her by her title is freed to become the person she’d always dreamed about, but is the cost too high? Princess Meriel’s father, the King, returns from a recent trip with a new wife at his side. With her brothers and father entranced by the new Queen it’s up to Meriel to dispel the mystery surrounding Lady Orianna and prevent a disaster from befalling not only her family but the kingdom she loves.
My first experience reading Diane Zahler’s work came with her book A True Princess and I absolutely loved it. Well, I’m not sure it’s possible but I think I may have enjoyed Princess of the Wild Swans even more. Zahler has a way with words that pull her characters off the page and into reality. In both books I was astounded at this not only because it’s done so seamlessly, but also because it’s done in a relatively short span of pages. In quite a few instances readers tend to think of middle grade fiction as being “easier” or “more basic”, but that’s not the case at all and in the case of Diane Zahler’s writing you’d be sorely mistaken for thinking that. Yes, the story is shorter and the action fast paced, but the depth you’d expect within the pages of a young adult or perhaps an adult novel is clearly there within these pages. There’s no “easier” about it, Princess of the Wild Swans is simply excellent storytelling that readers young and old will be enchanted by.
Princess of the Wild Swans is based loosely on the story told by Hans Christian Anderson called The Wild Swans. Now, I’d actually never heard this fairytale before and if you haven’t before I’m not sure I’d suggest reading it before reading Zahler’s book. Not that they are the same, because they aren’t much at all, it’s just that I’m the type that doesn’t like spoilers of any sort. It did lay a nice foundation for a story I appreciate even more than the classic it’s based off of.
Again, as she did with A True Princess, Zahler creates a world and characters that you’re instantly taken in by. Within pages you are irritated with Meriel’s behavior, eager to see her become the adventurer she longs for and concerned for her family’s well-being. It’s amazing because if you’d asked me only two pages in if I was going to like Meriel I would have said no, but ask me on page ten and I would have given you a completely different answer. She was feisty but warm and kind. Her friends Riona and Liam only made her a better person and their willingness to help her became a trait she soon acquired herself. It wasn’t merely the characters but the depth of the story, from a world with witches and royalty to fairies and a magical lake, it all created an entire portrait that felt alive as you read through it’s pages.
Diane Zahler knows how to write a classic fairytale that readers today will immediately fall in love with. Princess of the Wild Swans is filled with stunningly realistic characters, an exciting adventure and mystery as well as lessons to be learned. Princess Meriel is a princess I’d be excited to have my children look up to and am eager to share with them, as her heart and passion rest with the welfare of those around her. Princess of the Wild Swans by Diane Zahler is a story I thoroughly enjoyed and one I’d highly recommend to other readers who love a brilliant fairytale retelling or simply an excellent story.
Full Review Originally Posted at There's A Book: An adventurous princess trapped by the bounds placed upon her by her title is freed to become the person she’d always dreamed about, but is the cost too high? Princess Meriel’s father, the King, returns from a recent trip with a new wife at his side. With her brothers and father entranced by the new Queen it’s up to Meriel to dispel the mystery surrounding Lady Orianna and prevent a disaster from befalling not only her family but the kingdom she loves.
My first experience reading Diane Zahler’s work came with her book A True Princess and I absolutely loved it. Well, I’m not sure it’s possible but I think I may have enjoyed Princess of the Wild Swans even more. Zahler has a way with words that pull her characters off the page and into reality. In both books I was astounded at this not only because it’s done so seamlessly, but also because it’s done in a relatively short span of pages. In quite a few instances readers tend to think of middle grade fiction as being “easier” or “more basic”, but that’s not the case at all and in the case of Diane Zahler’s writing you’d be sorely mistaken for thinking that. Yes, the story is shorter and the action fast paced, but the depth you’d expect within the pages of a young adult or perhaps an adult novel is clearly there within these pages. There’s no “easier” about it, Princess of the Wild Swans is simply excellent storytelling that readers young and old will be enchanted by.
Princess of the Wild Swans is based loosely on the story told by Hans Christian Anderson called The Wild Swans. Now, I’d actually never heard this fairytale before and if you haven’t before I’m not sure I’d suggest reading it before reading Zahler’s book. Not that they are the same, because they aren’t much at all, it’s just that I’m the type that doesn’t like spoilers of any sort. It did lay a nice foundation for a story I appreciate even more than the classic it’s based off of.
Again, as she did with A True Princess, Zahler creates a world and characters that you’re instantly taken in by. Within pages you are irritated with Meriel’s behavior, eager to see her become the adventurer she longs for and concerned for her family’s well-being. It’s amazing because if you’d asked me only two pages in if I was going to like Meriel I would have said no, but ask me on page ten and I would have given you a completely different answer. She was feisty but warm and kind. Her friends Riona and Liam only made her a better person and their willingness to help her became a trait she soon acquired herself. It wasn’t merely the characters but the depth of the story, from a world with witches and royalty to fairies and a magical lake, it all created an entire portrait that felt alive as you read through it’s pages.
Diane Zahler knows how to write a classic fairytale that readers today will immediately fall in love with. Princess of the Wild Swans is filled with stunningly realistic characters, an exciting adventure and mystery as well as lessons to be learned. Princess Meriel is a princess I’d be excited to have my children look up to and am eager to share with them, as her heart and passion rest with the welfare of those around her. Princess of the Wild Swans by Diane Zahler is a story I thoroughly enjoyed and one I’d highly recommend to other readers who love a brilliant fairytale retelling or simply an excellent story.
January 18, 2012
Twelve-year-old Princess Meriel is the only girl in a family with five older brothers. Her mother died when she was very young, so it has just been Meriel, her brothers, and their father, the King, for as long as she can remember. Then one day her father returns home with a new wife, Lady Orianna. From the start, Meriel hates Lady Orianna. She doesn't trust her, especially after overhearing her argue with her father over the fact that if she has a son, he will never be king with five older brothers. The next day, when Meriel wakes up, her brothers are all gone. Lady Orianna says they have been sent away to school, but Meriel doesn't believe her.
Meriel is determined to find out the truth, but when she does, it is more awful than she ever could have imagined. Lady Orianna is a witch, and has cursed Meriel's brothers, transforming them all into swans. Meriel is the only one who can break the curse, but the task will be difficult. And she is running out of time, for it will soon be winter, and then her brothers will have to fly to a warmer land or they will die from the cold.
I was really looking forward to reading this book, since I enjoyed Diane Zahler's previous two fairy tale retellings, The Thirteenth Princess and A True Princess. I was not disappointed and enjoyed Princess of the Wild Swans as much as the previous two books. One of the things I really like about this author's books is that even though they are all set in magical lands, the settings are inspired by real places and cultures, and along with the traditional fairy tale stories she retells, she mixes in folklore and mythology from those places. The setting for this book reads like a fairy tale version of medieval Ireland, due to the Celtic names and folklore. I think readers who enjoyed Diane Zahler's previous books, or who enjoy fairy tale retellings or historical fantasy, would enjoy this book.
Disclosure: Review copy provided by publisher.
Meriel is determined to find out the truth, but when she does, it is more awful than she ever could have imagined. Lady Orianna is a witch, and has cursed Meriel's brothers, transforming them all into swans. Meriel is the only one who can break the curse, but the task will be difficult. And she is running out of time, for it will soon be winter, and then her brothers will have to fly to a warmer land or they will die from the cold.
I was really looking forward to reading this book, since I enjoyed Diane Zahler's previous two fairy tale retellings, The Thirteenth Princess and A True Princess. I was not disappointed and enjoyed Princess of the Wild Swans as much as the previous two books. One of the things I really like about this author's books is that even though they are all set in magical lands, the settings are inspired by real places and cultures, and along with the traditional fairy tale stories she retells, she mixes in folklore and mythology from those places. The setting for this book reads like a fairy tale version of medieval Ireland, due to the Celtic names and folklore. I think readers who enjoyed Diane Zahler's previous books, or who enjoy fairy tale retellings or historical fantasy, would enjoy this book.
Disclosure: Review copy provided by publisher.
February 14, 2012
What an enchanting read! I love a well written fairy tale re-telling and Diane has done a wonderful job with her story of Meriel and her brothers whom are all turned into swans. I really enjoyed being swept away with the classic fairytale aspect of this story. There's magic, danger, a lovely, well written innocent romance, witches and fey lore. Plus I love that it takes a Princess and good hearted towns people to bring down a wicked, evil witch.
Princess Meriel is a fabulously written, strong young female heroine who will everything she can to save her father the King, her brothers and their kingdom from the evil Queen. I loved the transformation she has through out the story. She starts off being a little spoiled, and very stubborn (which I also admired about her) and becomes a fearlessness, courageous Princess who will stop at nothing to help her family. I also admired the fact that she felt she had the right to do whatever her brothers were doing. It's that feistiness that helps Meriel accomplish a nearly impossible task to save her brothers.
Aside from Meriel, I really loved the characters in this story. Liam and Riona, the brother and sister duo who aid Meriel in her quest to save her brothers and break the evil Queen's spell were two of my favorites. I found them to be just as strong as Meriel. I also enjoyed getting to know Mistress Tuileach. I thoroughly enjoyed Diane's exciting story line which is full of surprising twists and turns that kept me guessing what was going to happen next. This is a fabulous read for middle grade readers and for fans of MG books. If you're a fan of fairy tale re-tellings I highly recommend picking up this charming read.
Princess Meriel is a fabulously written, strong young female heroine who will everything she can to save her father the King, her brothers and their kingdom from the evil Queen. I loved the transformation she has through out the story. She starts off being a little spoiled, and very stubborn (which I also admired about her) and becomes a fearlessness, courageous Princess who will stop at nothing to help her family. I also admired the fact that she felt she had the right to do whatever her brothers were doing. It's that feistiness that helps Meriel accomplish a nearly impossible task to save her brothers.
Aside from Meriel, I really loved the characters in this story. Liam and Riona, the brother and sister duo who aid Meriel in her quest to save her brothers and break the evil Queen's spell were two of my favorites. I found them to be just as strong as Meriel. I also enjoyed getting to know Mistress Tuileach. I thoroughly enjoyed Diane's exciting story line which is full of surprising twists and turns that kept me guessing what was going to happen next. This is a fabulous read for middle grade readers and for fans of MG books. If you're a fan of fairy tale re-tellings I highly recommend picking up this charming read.
July 19, 2018
For as long as I remember I've loved HCA's story "The Wild Swans." It's a lovely tale of sibling love and doesn't seem to moralize as much as some. So I try to read the adaptations (which are much less plentiful than "Cinderella"). I've tried The Swan Kingdom, and Daughter of the Forest and found much to admire and some to dislike. In keeping with that childish love, I decided to read this one.
This adaptation didn't really please me. I might have been the wrong age for it (it really seemed aimed at 8-year-olds) but the danger never seemed real nor did the sibling love. The book seemed rushed and the telepathy really made things too easy. It really brings home the talent of writers like Laura Ingalls Wilder who speak to me across a vast majority of ages.
This adaptation didn't really please me. I might have been the wrong age for it (it really seemed aimed at 8-year-olds) but the danger never seemed real nor did the sibling love. The book seemed rushed and the telepathy really made things too easy. It really brings home the talent of writers like Laura Ingalls Wilder who speak to me across a vast majority of ages.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2015
The Wild Swans is, beyond a shadow of a doubt, my favorite fairy tale. I've only read one other retelling, The Swan Kingdom. Both books are alike in that they are loosely inspired by the tale.
It's a sweet story with some good moral lessons - i.e., don't be lazy, ask for help, be nice to animals - and is well suited for younger audiences.
I was pretty disappointed that it missed the sticking point of the original tale: the heroine spent 7 years without speaking, destroying her hands with stinging nettles, and nearly getting burned alive for witchcraft by her own husband, all for the love of her brothers. In this book, Princess Muriel cheats by speaking via telepathy and seems to only spend a few weeks - at best - working on the shirts. She stays with friends in their comfortable house rather than living in a net dragged by 12 swans.
It's a sweet story with some good moral lessons - i.e., don't be lazy, ask for help, be nice to animals - and is well suited for younger audiences.
I was pretty disappointed that it missed the sticking point of the original tale: the heroine spent 7 years without speaking, destroying her hands with stinging nettles, and nearly getting burned alive for witchcraft by her own husband, all for the love of her brothers. In this book, Princess Muriel cheats by speaking via telepathy and seems to only spend a few weeks - at best - working on the shirts. She stays with friends in their comfortable house rather than living in a net dragged by 12 swans.
July 18, 2012
A good retelling, if a tad cliche. Nothing groundbreaking, but sweet and simple, just embellishing the original.
I would have liked to have spent more time on Meriel and her brothers and their relationship with one another as it would have added strength and emotion to her struggles. Also, more emphasis on the pain and difficulty of creating the nettle shirts. Her being able to converse mentally with so many people was a cop-out and too easy.
Also, Orianna's deal with the fey seemed off. Why would she deal with them? What exactly was she getting out of that deal if they were just going to take over everything? Hmm?
Love the cover! I have actually loved all of her covers:)
I would have liked to have spent more time on Meriel and her brothers and their relationship with one another as it would have added strength and emotion to her struggles. Also, more emphasis on the pain and difficulty of creating the nettle shirts. Her being able to converse mentally with so many people was a cop-out and too easy.
Also, Orianna's deal with the fey seemed off. Why would she deal with them? What exactly was she getting out of that deal if they were just going to take over everything? Hmm?
Love the cover! I have actually loved all of her covers:)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2012
There’s something magical about a fairytale. Maybe it’s the tradition behind it, or the shared heritage behind stories that get passed down. Either way, I love reading fairytale retellings. Diane Zahler is becoming one of my favorite middle grade authors as she continues to put a captivating spin on fairy tales with her latest, Princess Of The Wild Swans.
Read the rest of my review here
Read the rest of my review here
April 14, 2013
I've read quite a few faerie-tale retellings of The Six Swans or The Wild Swans. This one might be my favorite, as it stays close to the original fairytale, while offering a more complex storyline and better character development.
July 2, 2019
I featured this book in a post I did on short fairy tale retellings. :) http://micaelamuldoon.com/9-short-fai...
This novel is cute! It has believable, flawed, likable characters and a dash of Celtic magic. However, if given more pages, the story, world-building, and villain could have been more developed.
This novel is cute! It has believable, flawed, likable characters and a dash of Celtic magic. However, if given more pages, the story, world-building, and villain could have been more developed.
April 10, 2016
This is based on one of my least favorite versions (The Wild Swans) of one of my least favorite tale types (The Brothers Who Were Turned Into Birds), but Zahler's a good enough author that I enjoyed it anyway.
April 29, 2017
Another great princess story! I really love Diane Zahler and her wonderful versions of fairy tales. Even the ones I am familiar with are totally changed with her perspective.
January 30, 2020
If you check my recent review backlog you can see that I've read about half of Diane Zahler's bibliography at this point. And this is the first one that I think is actually decent. This apparently came out at the same time as Sleeping Beauty's Daughters, but I'd say this is way better than that one though it has similar issues as all of her retellings.
Full disclosure, I've never read a Wild Swans retelling before so the feeling of freshness is most likely related to that. I've read tons of different ones for the more common fairytales like Cinderella or, Beauty and the Beast, so they often need to really blow me away for me to love it. I can still enjoy a more basic tale (and I often do as long as it's somewhat well-written) but objectively it won't be the greatest thing ever. Despite only vaguely knowing the Wild Swans story, this book does almost nothing new with the fairytale to the point that I might as well have read the original.
Princess Meriel has five older brothers. When the King returns from a faraway journey he brings his new wife; who turns out to be a witch. Seeking power she turns Meriel's brothers into swans in order to allow her first born son to have claim over the throne. Aided by Riona, a half-witch, and her little brother Liam she has to undertake a horrible task in order to save them before winter comes.
Based on that description alone if you know the story at all you know the entire ins and outs of this book. The only additions are the half-witch and little brother - I'm assuming. Correct me if I'm wrong, but they feel like totally new made-up characters. That's not necessarily a bad thing because I consider it like a more accessible way of engaging with the story. I mean, this is a middle grade novel after all. How many middle schoolers really would want to read the possibly long-winded probably olde english original? On the other side of the coin, though, it lacks a lot of creativity so I can't in good conscience say this is actually a *good* book. There's nothing particularly innovative about this.
It's written well enough, though lacking in prose and depth. Meriel is the best protagonist of all Zahler's books that I've read. She starts off bratty, but has an arc which is just the fundamental requirement of any character. The romance was cute, though shallow. Another thing I didn't like though was like the Thirteenth Princess the brothers in this barely have any personality. I found it hard to care about them or identify with Meriel's fears because of how bland they were.
So I'd recommend this if you wanted a refresher for a class or if you don't mind a very straightforward, simple read.
Full disclosure, I've never read a Wild Swans retelling before so the feeling of freshness is most likely related to that. I've read tons of different ones for the more common fairytales like Cinderella or, Beauty and the Beast, so they often need to really blow me away for me to love it. I can still enjoy a more basic tale (and I often do as long as it's somewhat well-written) but objectively it won't be the greatest thing ever. Despite only vaguely knowing the Wild Swans story, this book does almost nothing new with the fairytale to the point that I might as well have read the original.
Princess Meriel has five older brothers. When the King returns from a faraway journey he brings his new wife; who turns out to be a witch. Seeking power she turns Meriel's brothers into swans in order to allow her first born son to have claim over the throne. Aided by Riona, a half-witch, and her little brother Liam she has to undertake a horrible task in order to save them before winter comes.
Based on that description alone if you know the story at all you know the entire ins and outs of this book. The only additions are the half-witch and little brother - I'm assuming. Correct me if I'm wrong, but they feel like totally new made-up characters. That's not necessarily a bad thing because I consider it like a more accessible way of engaging with the story. I mean, this is a middle grade novel after all. How many middle schoolers really would want to read the possibly long-winded probably olde english original? On the other side of the coin, though, it lacks a lot of creativity so I can't in good conscience say this is actually a *good* book. There's nothing particularly innovative about this.
It's written well enough, though lacking in prose and depth. Meriel is the best protagonist of all Zahler's books that I've read. She starts off bratty, but has an arc which is just the fundamental requirement of any character. The romance was cute, though shallow. Another thing I didn't like though was like the Thirteenth Princess the brothers in this barely have any personality. I found it hard to care about them or identify with Meriel's fears because of how bland they were.
So I'd recommend this if you wanted a refresher for a class or if you don't mind a very straightforward, simple read.
December 9, 2017
Princess of the Wild Swans is loosely based on the tale The Wild Swans by Hans Christen Anderson.
There were some nice original parts to this version, but it also had many problems.
Highlights:
- the princess stays in her kingdom during quest to break the spell and save her brothers/father/people.
- fun cast of characters
- not too long. Good for an afternoon read and fun for kids.
Lowlights:
- The princess is 12 yet some of her thoughts/actions/responses are more in line with an older teenager. It almost felt like she started this for an older audience then was told to take it down a few levels.
- The spell only lasted a few weeks. (in the original tale it took 7 years)
- The princess had help gathering the nettles (again, in the original tale she had to do it all herself)
- The princess could speak telepathically to others (again, cheap cop out.)
- Lots of extra plotlines that were never resolved (more information about faerie would have been nice. And a reuinion with the guard would have been good too).
Overall, it was a cute fun read, but it really missed the mark on the original tale. This book is a fluffier, friendlier version of the original tale. What I loved about the original was the girl's dedication to her brothers. For 7 years she had to stay silent. 7 years of plucking needles, spinning thread, making shirts. And at the end she's nearly burned at the stake. It's such a powerful story of devotion. This story had very little of that. Yes, she loved her brothers, but it just wasn't the same.
There were some nice original parts to this version, but it also had many problems.
Highlights:
- the princess stays in her kingdom during quest to break the spell and save her brothers/father/people.
- fun cast of characters
- not too long. Good for an afternoon read and fun for kids.
Lowlights:
- The princess is 12 yet some of her thoughts/actions/responses are more in line with an older teenager. It almost felt like she started this for an older audience then was told to take it down a few levels.
- The spell only lasted a few weeks. (in the original tale it took 7 years)
- The princess had help gathering the nettles (again, in the original tale she had to do it all herself)
- The princess could speak telepathically to others (again, cheap cop out.)
- Lots of extra plotlines that were never resolved (more information about faerie would have been nice. And a reuinion with the guard would have been good too).
Overall, it was a cute fun read, but it really missed the mark on the original tale. This book is a fluffier, friendlier version of the original tale. What I loved about the original was the girl's dedication to her brothers. For 7 years she had to stay silent. 7 years of plucking needles, spinning thread, making shirts. And at the end she's nearly burned at the stake. It's such a powerful story of devotion. This story had very little of that. Yes, she loved her brothers, but it just wasn't the same.
March 4, 2020
Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars (seriously, when will they start doing half-stars?)
A fun middle-grade retelling of... *drumroll* The Wild Swans!
The MC, Meriel, is your typical twelve-year-old princess: spoiled, used to getting her own way, and overall a pretty annoying little sister. However, over the course of the book she realizes that the world doesn’t revolve entirely around her, and learns to put others ahead of herself. So if you dislike her at the beginning... she gets better.
Overall, this was pretty great. I loved this fairytale as a kid, but this was the first time I’ve read a retelling of it. Some parts were completely different from the original fairytale (for example, being burned at the stake never comes up), but the basic elements are still there: the swans, the nettles, the courageous little sister, and the evil stepmother. One minor bit- the swan wing- also comes up in here, which I really enjoyed. I also liked the addition of the various monsters that popped in.
If this was specifically for a YA audience, I might complain about the characters being underdeveloped, but as it is I think it works out rather well.
One issue I had with this that was never resolved: Meriel speaks before she breaks the curse. It was made clear before that happened that each word would basically cost her brothers their lives, yet... nothing happened as a result of that??
Recommend for: tweens/younger teens and people who just want a light, rainy day kind of read.
A fun middle-grade retelling of... *drumroll* The Wild Swans!
The MC, Meriel, is your typical twelve-year-old princess: spoiled, used to getting her own way, and overall a pretty annoying little sister. However, over the course of the book she realizes that the world doesn’t revolve entirely around her, and learns to put others ahead of herself. So if you dislike her at the beginning... she gets better.
Overall, this was pretty great. I loved this fairytale as a kid, but this was the first time I’ve read a retelling of it. Some parts were completely different from the original fairytale (for example, being burned at the stake never comes up), but the basic elements are still there: the swans, the nettles, the courageous little sister, and the evil stepmother. One minor bit- the swan wing- also comes up in here, which I really enjoyed. I also liked the addition of the various monsters that popped in.
If this was specifically for a YA audience, I might complain about the characters being underdeveloped, but as it is I think it works out rather well.
One issue I had with this that was never resolved: Meriel speaks before she breaks the curse. It was made clear before that happened that each word would basically cost her brothers their lives, yet... nothing happened as a result of that??
Recommend for: tweens/younger teens and people who just want a light, rainy day kind of read.
April 24, 2025
The interesting ending with the Queen and the fact that the book is technically perfectly fine is not enough to make me get over my disappointment with the writer for taking the easy way out with this retelling. Sure it’s a middle grade book and I can’t begrudge Princess Meriel her supportive friends, but giving her the ability to telepathically communicate with them is too much. And I wouldn’t have expected it to be something I cared about so much but my interest in finishing this story just plummeted after that. That aspect of the fairytale is one of its most compelling elements, it’s not just that she has to pick nettles and weave shirts. This story keeps the part where she’s not supposed to speak or it’ll kill her brothers, but lets her communicate with select people anyway. Ugh, why even bother?
June 27, 2025
possibly 3.5 stars? I think this is a decent retelling. It's just not a fairytale I love. and I do think having her ankle to communicate with most people took away from the sacrifice she was meant to make, especially since the sewing thistles wasn't as emphasized. I've only read one other retelling of this one and it was much more dark, so in some ways I prefer this one, but in others it isn't quite as meaningful, but considering it is meant for a younger audience, I think it did a good job. I liked all the characters and think it added its own takes while remaining fairly faithful to the story.
August 30, 2018
A middle-grade retelling of the Hans Christian Anderson story. Characters were interesting and the MC had a decent arc. Having the sewing princess be a 12-year-old girl definitely changes the narrative and adds a different layer to her journey. The additional stakes of fairyland were interesting and made for a nice climax. The themes of family and friendship were lovely and overall it was just a nice quick read and good for younger kids.
August 25, 2022
Retelling of the old fairy tale, set in Ireland. Nice
I love when old stories let the heroine save the day by cleverness and women's skills, instead of implying that only violence can ever save the day.
The characters seem a little flat, or maybe that's the norm for very young middle-grade. I've gotten used to children's stories where people want two impossible things at once, and have to either give one up, or find a way to blend them.
I love when old stories let the heroine save the day by cleverness and women's skills, instead of implying that only violence can ever save the day.
The characters seem a little flat, or maybe that's the norm for very young middle-grade. I've gotten used to children's stories where people want two impossible things at once, and have to either give one up, or find a way to blend them.
March 2, 2012
"Read this! Read this!" I look down at the beautiful renaissance-type artwork on the cover of Diane Zahler's newest book that a 5th grader has shoved in my hands. What makes the students love her books? I know that one appeal is the cover, but I suspect that the stronger appeal is the inherent goodness of the teenage characters who are beginning to experience romantic feelings for each other. The stories are fast-paced and easy-to-read. They are not multi-layered but have plenty of action and innocent romance. I did find this book's character slightly different from the previous two books. Princess Meriel in the beginning has more of an attitude and is spoiled as the only girl out of six children. She talks back to adults and needs to be the center of attention. At first I thought Meriel was going to run away because she complains about how her brothers get to do all the fun things like hunting and using swords and she has to learn to sew (guess I had the character from Trickster's Choice on my brain), but in the end she isn't bucking the princess role or female expectations, she embraces it and even tells her governess "she was right."
This fairy tale adheres pretty closely to the original plot structure of Hans Christian Andersen's, The Wild Swans, which makes it predictable in many ways: happy, wealthy family ends up with evil stepmother (witch) who wants the King's kingdom; nasty mom turns sons into swans, tries to get rid of stepdaughter with curse; stepdaughter goes on quest to save brothers, has to sew shirts out of nettles, witch tries to stop her; lives happily ever after. Zahler uses this plot as her launching board and then puts in her own twists and variations into the story.
Meriel is not the pure character who prays to God like in Andersen's story (the entire layer of religion and the evil Archebishop are not found in Zahler's story), but instead, is outspoken and a go-getter. She knows right away that her stepmom is evil and she hates not having all of her father's attention. When the stepmother tries to control Meriel's movements by not letting her out of the castle, Meriel finds ways to sneak out. When suddenly Meriel's brothers disappear and are sent to "school" Meriel insists something is wrong because they don't even say "Goodbye" to her. She gets help from Cullen's girlfriend, Riona, who is a half-witch. Riona instructs Meriel to not direct her thoughts at her stepmother which is how she controls minds and how Meriel's father's mind is being controlled by her stepmother. Riona talks to her mother, a witch who married a human, who instructs Meriel how to break the curse which is to knit shirts out of nettles and not speak a word to anyone.
Fortunately, Meriel can communicate with Riona and her brother, Liam, because they are half-witches and can hear her thoughts when directed at them. She also gets help from an unexpected witch but I won't tell you who it is because it will spoil the fun surprise. Zahler has the evil stepmother in league with the "Faeries" and this part I found slightly confusing. The faeries used to dwell among the humans (some married humans, that's how half-witches came into existance) but the faeries were forced by witches below ground because there was some cruelty going on that was never defined. The witches put a spell on the opening to Faeryland which is called the "Faery spring" and the evil stepmother makes a pact with the Faery King to release the spell so the Faeries can rule over humans. The pact is the stepmother will marry a king and put her son on the throne releasing the protection spell so faeries can dwell and rule over humans. Meriel asks her stepmother why the heck did she pick a family with 5 sons instead of finding a king with no children?Ha! Good question. The stepmother replies that her father's thoughts were only on her, the girl in the family.
The stepmother calls up a faerie to thwart Meriel in her quest and it is never shown how she does this or how she gets her powers. When the sons change into swan,s the Faery King, except he's not called that I'm just assuming he's the big honcho - he's called an "onchu" which looks like "honcho" - decides the promise is broken between himself and the evil stepmother, but I don't know why the witchy stepmother can't try another spell to kill the sons since the king is bewitched. I think more explanations would have strengthened the storyline, such as making up that a Faery War occurred 70 years before because Onchu the Big Honcho wanted to rule the kingdom but he failed in his uprising; thus, causing the half-human, half-witches to force the faeries underground. I wanted the Faery world more fleshed out but that would make for a longer more complex story.
I thought the romance between the Prince Cullen and Riona interesting. The two want to marry but it isn't allowed in the cast system with him being a prince and she being a commoner; however, when Cullen ends up being the human with the arm of a swan then it is okay for them to marry. They are both outcasts. She's half-witch. He's half-bird. It is not talked about but inferred in the story. I think it would be interesting to compare the original story with this one in a bookclub. There would be plenty to talk about!
This fairy tale adheres pretty closely to the original plot structure of Hans Christian Andersen's, The Wild Swans, which makes it predictable in many ways: happy, wealthy family ends up with evil stepmother (witch) who wants the King's kingdom; nasty mom turns sons into swans, tries to get rid of stepdaughter with curse; stepdaughter goes on quest to save brothers, has to sew shirts out of nettles, witch tries to stop her; lives happily ever after. Zahler uses this plot as her launching board and then puts in her own twists and variations into the story.
Meriel is not the pure character who prays to God like in Andersen's story (the entire layer of religion and the evil Archebishop are not found in Zahler's story), but instead, is outspoken and a go-getter. She knows right away that her stepmom is evil and she hates not having all of her father's attention. When the stepmother tries to control Meriel's movements by not letting her out of the castle, Meriel finds ways to sneak out. When suddenly Meriel's brothers disappear and are sent to "school" Meriel insists something is wrong because they don't even say "Goodbye" to her. She gets help from Cullen's girlfriend, Riona, who is a half-witch. Riona instructs Meriel to not direct her thoughts at her stepmother which is how she controls minds and how Meriel's father's mind is being controlled by her stepmother. Riona talks to her mother, a witch who married a human, who instructs Meriel how to break the curse which is to knit shirts out of nettles and not speak a word to anyone.
Fortunately, Meriel can communicate with Riona and her brother, Liam, because they are half-witches and can hear her thoughts when directed at them. She also gets help from an unexpected witch but I won't tell you who it is because it will spoil the fun surprise. Zahler has the evil stepmother in league with the "Faeries" and this part I found slightly confusing. The faeries used to dwell among the humans (some married humans, that's how half-witches came into existance) but the faeries were forced by witches below ground because there was some cruelty going on that was never defined. The witches put a spell on the opening to Faeryland which is called the "Faery spring" and the evil stepmother makes a pact with the Faery King to release the spell so the Faeries can rule over humans. The pact is the stepmother will marry a king and put her son on the throne releasing the protection spell so faeries can dwell and rule over humans. Meriel asks her stepmother why the heck did she pick a family with 5 sons instead of finding a king with no children?Ha! Good question. The stepmother replies that her father's thoughts were only on her, the girl in the family.
The stepmother calls up a faerie to thwart Meriel in her quest and it is never shown how she does this or how she gets her powers. When the sons change into swan,s the Faery King, except he's not called that I'm just assuming he's the big honcho - he's called an "onchu" which looks like "honcho" - decides the promise is broken between himself and the evil stepmother, but I don't know why the witchy stepmother can't try another spell to kill the sons since the king is bewitched. I think more explanations would have strengthened the storyline, such as making up that a Faery War occurred 70 years before because Onchu the Big Honcho wanted to rule the kingdom but he failed in his uprising; thus, causing the half-human, half-witches to force the faeries underground. I wanted the Faery world more fleshed out but that would make for a longer more complex story.
I thought the romance between the Prince Cullen and Riona interesting. The two want to marry but it isn't allowed in the cast system with him being a prince and she being a commoner; however, when Cullen ends up being the human with the arm of a swan then it is okay for them to marry. They are both outcasts. She's half-witch. He's half-bird. It is not talked about but inferred in the story. I think it would be interesting to compare the original story with this one in a bookclub. There would be plenty to talk about!
February 4, 2017
Probably my favorite Diane Zahler book. Honestly, I think I have read this book seven or eight times. It was so good and I love the romance, the jealousy, and the determination of this book and its characters. Definitely one of my favorites.
April 16, 2019
3.5 stars!
Based off one of my favorite fairytales, I really enjoyed how different Meriel's character was from other versions and the story behind their world and it's secrets. There was more magical things in this book that went rather nicely, and it was technically a middle grade too!
Based off one of my favorite fairytales, I really enjoyed how different Meriel's character was from other versions and the story behind their world and it's secrets. There was more magical things in this book that went rather nicely, and it was technically a middle grade too!
May 4, 2017
A great re-telling of the story. I liked the way the witches were able to read her thoughts, it really helped things move along.
September 26, 2017
Very good retelling. I have always liked "The Wild Swans". A big plus from the original story is that the sister can at least communicate thru her mind with her friends and allies.
July 15, 2018
A quick fairy tale retelling of "The Wild Swans" by Hans Christian Anderson, from the POV of the younger sister.
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