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To Curse a Black Swan: A Swan Lake Retelling
What if the black swan was in love with the prince? Ayane has never admitted her love for her best friend, Prince Bo, until Lady Cordelia moves into town. When Ayane starts working as Cordelia’s maid, Cordelia seems like the sister Ayane never had. But after all Ayane’s secrets are shared, Cordelia turns on her, weaving lies and twisting the truth about Ayane to the rest of the kingdom. Now shunned and rejected, Ayane is sick of Cordelia’s cruel treatment. As a royal ball arises–one in which Prince Bo must choose a bride–Ayane discovers one of Cordelia’s secrets, one that could turn the tables in Ayane’s favor. Ayane has never been the unkind one, but the sweet taste of revenge is too tempting to resist. When Ayane’s revenge goes awry, she must make a choice or others will suffer the consequences. Can Ayane make things right before it’s too late? “To Curse a Black Swan” is part of The Shattered Tales , a collection of twelve fractured retellings of your favorite fairy tales. They can be enjoyed in any order, so fall in love with the sweet romance, magical adventures, and tale-shattering twists one happily-ever-after at a time
162 pages, Paperback
Published November 21, 2023
22 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
November 21, 2023
This series has been one surprise after the other. It's clear that each and every author in this series has found a way to twist their tale in such a way that the tale feels fresh, new and unique. You can never know for sure what kind of story is waiting for you. Luckily I managed to get an arc for this book and yesterday it was finally time to dive in.
This story is linked to the previous book by this author, which has been released not too long ago, but even when you didn't read that one, you will still be able to enjoy this book. The heroine and her prince had small roles in the other story, but are only truly fleshed out in this book and the important side characters in this novel are entirely new.
And it was quite fun to get to know these characters and to get to read their story. The author did an amazing job retelling a very well known tale, but in this case starring the black swan of the story instead of the white swan, while also adding a loads of elements of her own. Just like the previous books in this series it therefore feels like a new and fresh story with a true fairytale vibe.
I also especially liked how this tale was mostly about redemption, forgiveness and trying to understand each other. It's easy to judge all these characters based on their actions, but luckily the characters in this story take the time to get to know each other, to understand each other and to become better people.
This story is linked to the previous book by this author, which has been released not too long ago, but even when you didn't read that one, you will still be able to enjoy this book. The heroine and her prince had small roles in the other story, but are only truly fleshed out in this book and the important side characters in this novel are entirely new.
And it was quite fun to get to know these characters and to get to read their story. The author did an amazing job retelling a very well known tale, but in this case starring the black swan of the story instead of the white swan, while also adding a loads of elements of her own. Just like the previous books in this series it therefore feels like a new and fresh story with a true fairytale vibe.
I also especially liked how this tale was mostly about redemption, forgiveness and trying to understand each other. It's easy to judge all these characters based on their actions, but luckily the characters in this story take the time to get to know each other, to understand each other and to become better people.
November 21, 2023
This was a fun clean retelling. I loved the twist on the original story! It had a fun best friends to lovers romance. And having the person who did the cursing be the...well I won't say, but I did enjoy that twist from the original.
July 8, 2024
4.5⭐️
This was a very heartwarming story of love, friendship, and forgiveness. I really loved these characters. Also...Bo is swoonworthy ❤️. Another awesome story from Leialoha!
This was a very heartwarming story of love, friendship, and forgiveness. I really loved these characters. Also...Bo is swoonworthy ❤️. Another awesome story from Leialoha!
July 22, 2025
Content:
Profanity: None.
violence: Mild. One injury from stepping . Little blood.
Sexual: Mild. A few kisses, hugs, dancing, hand-holding. All swoony, not steamy. One instance of talking about intimacy and closeness after marriage, specifically:
Triggers: Deals heavily with bullying.
About a 4.25, not enough for a 5, but it was impressive.
Reading this was painful in the best of ways. The way Ayane is treated, the way Cordelia systematically wrecks her life in their city, was horrific. It was hard to read, and my heart literally hurt. But, unlike most stories, Ayane has a different reaction to her bullying and utter ostracization.
She makes a mistake.
She doesn't humbly, tearfully keep going on the same path. She is so wounded, broken, and angry, that she does something vengeful in an eruption of "I can't take it anymore".
Watching Ayane's journey was painful. And relatable. She wasn't perfect. She responded like anyone who has been repeatedly rejected, hurt, and humiliated. She lashed out. And then? Then she fought every step of the way trying to fix it without fixing it. Because she didn't want to give up her reputation to the only person who never doubted her in the first place.
It was incredibly realistic, and heart-wrenching. But I *LOVED* how the people who loved her, helped her, and didn't fix it for her (they couldn't), but they stood by her side through all of it once they knew.
The book is more than a romance (I'd say that's the B plot actually), it's a story about wounds, healing, and how to move forward when you're still broken...and realize broken things are still good; amazing even. Brokenness leads to so much good: compassion, empathy, patience, and determination.
The only things that miffed me were small and explainable: namely The second thing was
I loved this book, even while my heart ached reading it. I was wholly unexpecting what I got when I opened this one up, and I'm so glad I did. Wowzer.
Profanity: None.
violence: Mild. One injury from stepping . Little blood.
Sexual: Mild. A few kisses, hugs, dancing, hand-holding. All swoony, not steamy. One instance of talking about intimacy and closeness after marriage, specifically:
Triggers: Deals heavily with bullying.
About a 4.25, not enough for a 5, but it was impressive.
Reading this was painful in the best of ways. The way Ayane is treated, the way Cordelia systematically wrecks her life in their city, was horrific. It was hard to read, and my heart literally hurt. But, unlike most stories, Ayane has a different reaction to her bullying and utter ostracization.
She makes a mistake.
She doesn't humbly, tearfully keep going on the same path. She is so wounded, broken, and angry, that she does something vengeful in an eruption of "I can't take it anymore".
Watching Ayane's journey was painful. And relatable. She wasn't perfect. She responded like anyone who has been repeatedly rejected, hurt, and humiliated. She lashed out. And then? Then she fought every step of the way trying to fix it without fixing it. Because she didn't want to give up her reputation to the only person who never doubted her in the first place.
It was incredibly realistic, and heart-wrenching. But I *LOVED* how the people who loved her, helped her, and didn't fix it for her (they couldn't), but they stood by her side through all of it once they knew.
The book is more than a romance (I'd say that's the B plot actually), it's a story about wounds, healing, and how to move forward when you're still broken...and realize broken things are still good; amazing even. Brokenness leads to so much good: compassion, empathy, patience, and determination.
The only things that miffed me were small and explainable: namely The second thing was
I loved this book, even while my heart ached reading it. I was wholly unexpecting what I got when I opened this one up, and I'm so glad I did. Wowzer.
December 23, 2023
Reader’s Notes:
– this is part of a series, but meant to be read as a stand-alone
– this story occurs after Lost at Aurora (part of the Incandescent Kingdoms series), but the book/series doesn’t have to be read to enjoy this story
– this is told from Ayane’s point of view
– Ayane is verbally bullied and shunned by the town due to one person’s account of her
– it is mentioned that Ayane’s mother had died by hanging (she was a criminal)
Review:
I really liked seeing Ayane & Bo in Lost at Aurora and what their friendship was like before all the changes that happened in Aurora, so I was very excited to get to this best friends to more romance! Ayane & Bo’s romance was sweet and a little heartbreaking with what Ayane has to do in order to fix her mistake, but ultimately ended in a satisfying happily ever after that I loved! I really liked that there was a lot of growth and realizations between our focus characters that made them better people by the end of the story. And though the town ends up being very different (there was a lot of change & time between that book and this one), it sets up Ayane’s unfortunate situation quite well and gives her motivation for revenge that her personality/demeanor would otherwise have not allowed her to do.
Summary:
Ayane’s kindness gets her into trouble when she accidentally trusts the wrong person with her secrets. Lady Cordelia seemed like a great new friend and employer, but when Ayane’s best friend Bo has to go train to care for Aurora in his brother’s stead Cordelia’s true colors show. What once was a welcoming town turns against Ayane as Cordelia spreads Ayane’s secrets and twists them to a point that people fear her and don’t want to employ her.
Stuck with no other employment, Ayane returns under Cordelia’s harsh command. When a ball is announced that will end with Bo choosing a wife, Cordelia reveals that she has one last card up her sleeve to use against Ayane: Ayane’s crush on her best friend. Cordelia is determined to win Bo’s hand and belittles Ayane at every turn, pushing down her hope at something more until Ayane decides that she’s had enough.
Ayane must find a way to get back at Cordelia and have her back off once and for all. By any means necessary…
– this is part of a series, but meant to be read as a stand-alone
– this story occurs after Lost at Aurora (part of the Incandescent Kingdoms series), but the book/series doesn’t have to be read to enjoy this story
– this is told from Ayane’s point of view
– Ayane is verbally bullied and shunned by the town due to one person’s account of her
– it is mentioned that Ayane’s mother had died by hanging (she was a criminal)
Review:
I really liked seeing Ayane & Bo in Lost at Aurora and what their friendship was like before all the changes that happened in Aurora, so I was very excited to get to this best friends to more romance! Ayane & Bo’s romance was sweet and a little heartbreaking with what Ayane has to do in order to fix her mistake, but ultimately ended in a satisfying happily ever after that I loved! I really liked that there was a lot of growth and realizations between our focus characters that made them better people by the end of the story. And though the town ends up being very different (there was a lot of change & time between that book and this one), it sets up Ayane’s unfortunate situation quite well and gives her motivation for revenge that her personality/demeanor would otherwise have not allowed her to do.
Summary:
Ayane’s kindness gets her into trouble when she accidentally trusts the wrong person with her secrets. Lady Cordelia seemed like a great new friend and employer, but when Ayane’s best friend Bo has to go train to care for Aurora in his brother’s stead Cordelia’s true colors show. What once was a welcoming town turns against Ayane as Cordelia spreads Ayane’s secrets and twists them to a point that people fear her and don’t want to employ her.
Stuck with no other employment, Ayane returns under Cordelia’s harsh command. When a ball is announced that will end with Bo choosing a wife, Cordelia reveals that she has one last card up her sleeve to use against Ayane: Ayane’s crush on her best friend. Cordelia is determined to win Bo’s hand and belittles Ayane at every turn, pushing down her hope at something more until Ayane decides that she’s had enough.
Ayane must find a way to get back at Cordelia and have her back off once and for all. By any means necessary…
November 22, 2023
An enchanting retelling of Swan Lake featuring characters from the Incandescent Kingdoms series! Ayane has never admitted her love for her best friend, Prince Bo, until Lady Cordelia moves into town. Her place as Cordelia’s maid seems to earn her the sister she never had, until her secrets are shared and Cordelia turns on her weaving lies and twisting the truth. Now shunned and rejected, Ayane is sick of Cordelia’s cruel treatment. When a royal ball arises, where Prince Bo must choose a bride, Ayane discovers one of Cordelia’s secrets and the sweet taste of revenge is too tempting to resist. When Ayane’s revenge goes awry, she must make a choice or others will suffer the consequences. Will she be able to make things right before it’s too late?
It is so fun to see a retelling of Swan Lake! I enjoyed seeing it play out in the enchanting world Ms. Humphreys created. It is exciting as an Asian-American to see characters that are inspired by Asian heritage! Ayane was struggling. I really empathized with her, she felt so broken. She felt like she had no other choices and quickly found herself in over her head. I hurt for her, but at times wanted to cover my eyes because of her choices. It was hard to read at times! I appreciated how she chose to respond and grew over the course of the book!
There were many other characters in the book who were also compelling. Cordelia was frustrating and harsh, but I enjoyed seeing her arc as well. Bo and his family were also a lot of fun to read about and am hopeful to read more about them someday! I also really appreciated Ayane’s relationship with her father. They really cared for each other and did their best to care for one another. I love family relationships and am glad that they had each other!
Overall, this was an enjoyable read, if a bit stressful at times! I enjoyed the world and the story! It is a fairytale inspired novella with only kissing. It can be read as a standalone, but is connected to other books.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
It is so fun to see a retelling of Swan Lake! I enjoyed seeing it play out in the enchanting world Ms. Humphreys created. It is exciting as an Asian-American to see characters that are inspired by Asian heritage! Ayane was struggling. I really empathized with her, she felt so broken. She felt like she had no other choices and quickly found herself in over her head. I hurt for her, but at times wanted to cover my eyes because of her choices. It was hard to read at times! I appreciated how she chose to respond and grew over the course of the book!
There were many other characters in the book who were also compelling. Cordelia was frustrating and harsh, but I enjoyed seeing her arc as well. Bo and his family were also a lot of fun to read about and am hopeful to read more about them someday! I also really appreciated Ayane’s relationship with her father. They really cared for each other and did their best to care for one another. I love family relationships and am glad that they had each other!
Overall, this was an enjoyable read, if a bit stressful at times! I enjoyed the world and the story! It is a fairytale inspired novella with only kissing. It can be read as a standalone, but is connected to other books.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
November 29, 2023
Many years ago, Ayane and her father fled their home land after being shunned for something her mother did. Just when she starts to feel at home in the newly formed Aurora kingdom, Lady Cordelia glides in and makes her life miserable. With rumors spreading that she’s a witch like her mother, Ayane can find no other employment besides being Cordelia’s handmaiden. Despite it being a rather privileged and well-paying job, Ayane hates it. Hates it more when Cordelia tells the entire village about her long-hidden crush on the young prince Bo.
With her life in ruins and certain that Bo would never choose her, Ayane decides it’s time for Cordelia to pay for her years of meanness. Will Cordelia finally learn humility? Or will Ayane discover that revenge doesn’t pay?
“We’re all broken in our own way. It’s how we respond to our brokenness that makes the difference.”
This was such a cute story about how gossip can hurt, disappointment, the negative effects of revenge, and being an outsider. The characters grow and learn that results in the perfect ending.
A lot of the story relies on the miscommunication trope — or characters just flat out refusing to talk to each other. There’s also repeated mention of how Ayane “wasn’t like other girls.” At first I thought this was just based on appearances: she’s the only one who doesn’t have blond hair and blue eyes and she wears only black. But then we’re told she likes hanging out with boys or riding horses.
My biggest dislike of the book is that only one other woman in the story was nice. All of the women are mean, catty, or self centered. I don’t think that’s a fair representation of how women treat each other in society.
I adore Swan Lake retellings, and this one is especially good because of the flip on the story. I loved how Leialoha twisted things and showed us the story from a different point of view. As always, Leialoha has created a stunning world in her island kingdoms.
4 Roses
A couple sweet kisses
No swearing
Minor injuries
With her life in ruins and certain that Bo would never choose her, Ayane decides it’s time for Cordelia to pay for her years of meanness. Will Cordelia finally learn humility? Or will Ayane discover that revenge doesn’t pay?
“We’re all broken in our own way. It’s how we respond to our brokenness that makes the difference.”
This was such a cute story about how gossip can hurt, disappointment, the negative effects of revenge, and being an outsider. The characters grow and learn that results in the perfect ending.
A lot of the story relies on the miscommunication trope — or characters just flat out refusing to talk to each other. There’s also repeated mention of how Ayane “wasn’t like other girls.” At first I thought this was just based on appearances: she’s the only one who doesn’t have blond hair and blue eyes and she wears only black. But then we’re told she likes hanging out with boys or riding horses.
My biggest dislike of the book is that only one other woman in the story was nice. All of the women are mean, catty, or self centered. I don’t think that’s a fair representation of how women treat each other in society.
I adore Swan Lake retellings, and this one is especially good because of the flip on the story. I loved how Leialoha twisted things and showed us the story from a different point of view. As always, Leialoha has created a stunning world in her island kingdoms.
4 Roses
A couple sweet kisses
No swearing
Minor injuries
November 12, 2023
An intriguing take on Swan Lake.
We got a great intro to Ayane and Bo's story in Lost at Aurora and it was great to see them get their happy ending after being best friends for so long.
Ayane is a perfect example how people can be pushed too far that they give into their pain and anger, wanting to make their bully feel the same pain they're inflicting. Ayane is a generous person with a good heart who made a decision when she was at her lowest point after being bullied for a long period of time. But as soon as she realised just how much pain she was causing, she did everything she could to fix her mistakes at personal cost to herself, proving just how kind and selfless she is. She also has such inner strength, always being herself even though she knows that makes her different from everyone else.
Bo is a young man in love. He's always let his ego get in the way of making his feelings clear to Ayane leading her to believe he's never seen her as more than a friend. But he finally put his heart on the line and was honest with her which takes a lot of strength as fear of rejection is something everyone feels at some point.
I love the way Leialoha twisted the story of Swan Lake, especially the element that the prince confuses a fake for the women he love which was a big bugbear of mine. I also loved how there was no clear cut antagonist in this story, everyone was cast in shades of grey with both their positive attributes and their flaws.
This was a nice conclusion to the series, however I am hoping that Leialoha may revisit this series one day as there are some characters who I would love to see the stories of (I'm looking at you Lavender, Gale, and Yesenia).
We got a great intro to Ayane and Bo's story in Lost at Aurora and it was great to see them get their happy ending after being best friends for so long.
Ayane is a perfect example how people can be pushed too far that they give into their pain and anger, wanting to make their bully feel the same pain they're inflicting. Ayane is a generous person with a good heart who made a decision when she was at her lowest point after being bullied for a long period of time. But as soon as she realised just how much pain she was causing, she did everything she could to fix her mistakes at personal cost to herself, proving just how kind and selfless she is. She also has such inner strength, always being herself even though she knows that makes her different from everyone else.
Bo is a young man in love. He's always let his ego get in the way of making his feelings clear to Ayane leading her to believe he's never seen her as more than a friend. But he finally put his heart on the line and was honest with her which takes a lot of strength as fear of rejection is something everyone feels at some point.
I love the way Leialoha twisted the story of Swan Lake, especially the element that the prince confuses a fake for the women he love which was a big bugbear of mine. I also loved how there was no clear cut antagonist in this story, everyone was cast in shades of grey with both their positive attributes and their flaws.
This was a nice conclusion to the series, however I am hoping that Leialoha may revisit this series one day as there are some characters who I would love to see the stories of (I'm looking at you Lavender, Gale, and Yesenia).
June 24, 2024
Read my full review: https://penspagesandpulses.wordpress....
I really connected with Ayane's inner conflict and desires throughout the book. I understood her jealousy of Cordelia and wanting to make people sorry for making fun of her. It was interesting watching her learn the consequences of her actions and the dangers of seeking revenge.
I loved getting to see how this book connected to the other book's in Lei's world of the Incandescent Kingdoms! While this book can be read as a standalone, I think it can be best enjoyed after reading Hidden at Starshine and Lost at Aurora.
It was interesting seeing how Lei constructed the fairy tale retelling. I loved seeing how she used Odile's character as inspiration for Ayane and Odette's character as inspiration for the antagonist. It made the story so original; I love retellings that rearrange the character roles!!!
Overall, I really enjoyed To Curse a Black Swan. The characters were so relatable and I loved seeing some characters from Lei's other books. This book had a wonderful theme, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a quick, sweet read!
I received an ARC of this book from the author. My opinions are my own a positive review was not required.
I really connected with Ayane's inner conflict and desires throughout the book. I understood her jealousy of Cordelia and wanting to make people sorry for making fun of her. It was interesting watching her learn the consequences of her actions and the dangers of seeking revenge.
I loved getting to see how this book connected to the other book's in Lei's world of the Incandescent Kingdoms! While this book can be read as a standalone, I think it can be best enjoyed after reading Hidden at Starshine and Lost at Aurora.
It was interesting seeing how Lei constructed the fairy tale retelling. I loved seeing how she used Odile's character as inspiration for Ayane and Odette's character as inspiration for the antagonist. It made the story so original; I love retellings that rearrange the character roles!!!
Overall, I really enjoyed To Curse a Black Swan. The characters were so relatable and I loved seeing some characters from Lei's other books. This book had a wonderful theme, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a quick, sweet read!
I received an ARC of this book from the author. My opinions are my own a positive review was not required.
November 23, 2023
Another Shattered Tale that was intriguing. And if you didn’t know by now, each of these retellings have glass shattering scenes. The twist to this swan lake retelling kept me on the edge of my seat. I read it in two days. I just had to know what Ayane was going to do when she was feeling her dark side come out. She was bullied by Cordelia but she was the only one willing to hire her. Ayane was growing tired of losing and jealous that her friend, whom she’s always had a crush on, was flirting with the bully, Cordelia. So she enacts the curse. But then her friend, Bo, professes his love for her. You’ll have to read the book to find out how they all get their HEA! The scene of Bo and Ayane telling each other how they feel for each other was cute. Oh and the closet scene at the beginning was cute too. Thank you Author Leialoha Humpherys for an arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 27, 2023
This book is... WOW! This book was far beyond what I expected to read, and the best fairytale novella I've ever read! I used to think in novella not much things happen, but this book! Oh this book is just beyond what I thought and beyond my words! This is the best Swan Lake retelling ever, and even if you don't like The Swan Lake, you'll LOVE this book, trust me! I loved every single sentence, enjoyed every bit of the story and every bit of it was so beautiful, interesting and captivating! I loved Ayane, and I can't imagine how insufferable her situation was, and oh, what she did at the end—I was crying! It was so touching! I love, love, love this book, and I highly and highly recommend everyone to read this book! I'm looking forward to read more from Leialoha Humpherys.
November 19, 2023
Ayane and her father fled their kingdom after a scandal. They find a new home in Aurora Kingdom, only to have that shattered by Ayane’s former friend, Cordelia. Her rumors of witchcraft turn the kingdom against Ayane. No one will hire her except Cordelia, coincidentally. After months of abuse, and with a ball coming up where Ayane’s friend, Prince Bo will choose a bride, Ayane takes matters into her own hands and seeks revenge through a curse.
The story was slow for me in the beginning and I didn’t like seeing Ayane abused, but I really enjoyed it once the curse came into play. I feel like we really got to know Ayane and Cordelia at that point. The magic was intriguing and the inward battle of “Who do I really want to be?”
The story was slow for me in the beginning and I didn’t like seeing Ayane abused, but I really enjoyed it once the curse came into play. I feel like we really got to know Ayane and Cordelia at that point. The magic was intriguing and the inward battle of “Who do I really want to be?”
November 22, 2023
I am usually not a huge fan of Swan Lake, but I didn't mind this one as much.
First, one of my biggest problems with novellas, wasn't actually a problem in this book, which I appreciated. The main characters knew each other before the book began, so their relationship felt like it moved more naturally. Second, I enjoyed the "shattered" part of the tale immensely. It was probably my favorite part of the book. Finally, the character development was spot-on, as always with Leialoha's books.
My biggest complaint is mainly personal preference. I didn't really like Ayane, or maybe to word it better, I didn't relate with her. Her development was still good objectively, but I didn't feel a connection with her or Bo which made it harder for me to enjoy the book.
All in all, this was an interesting addition to the Shattered Tales and the Incandescent Kingdoms.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
First, one of my biggest problems with novellas, wasn't actually a problem in this book, which I appreciated. The main characters knew each other before the book began, so their relationship felt like it moved more naturally. Second, I enjoyed the "shattered" part of the tale immensely. It was probably my favorite part of the book. Finally, the character development was spot-on, as always with Leialoha's books.
My biggest complaint is mainly personal preference. I didn't really like Ayane, or maybe to word it better, I didn't relate with her. Her development was still good objectively, but I didn't feel a connection with her or Bo which made it harder for me to enjoy the book.
All in all, this was an interesting addition to the Shattered Tales and the Incandescent Kingdoms.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 16, 2025
Curses!!
I’ve read many stories that take place in the Incandescent Kingdom and have really enjoyed them. This one, however, was a bit uneven for me.
First, the backstory on Ayane’s mother was very dark and didn’t match the tenor of this story or this series in my opinion.
Second, the majority of the story focuses on Ayane being ostracized and scorned by the townspeople due to the betrayal and cruel lies spread by Cordelia. Very little time was spent developing the love story between Ayane and Bo.
Third, I was especially disappointed with Ayane’s story arc denying her love for Bo to break the curse. It felt too cliche’. I’m sorry.
I’ve read many stories that take place in the Incandescent Kingdom and have really enjoyed them. This one, however, was a bit uneven for me.
First, the backstory on Ayane’s mother was very dark and didn’t match the tenor of this story or this series in my opinion.
Second, the majority of the story focuses on Ayane being ostracized and scorned by the townspeople due to the betrayal and cruel lies spread by Cordelia. Very little time was spent developing the love story between Ayane and Bo.
Third, I was especially disappointed with Ayane’s story arc denying her love for Bo to break the curse. It felt too cliche’. I’m sorry.
July 11, 2023
Such a cute, unique retelling of Swan Lake!
Is it terrible to say that I love when the sweet heroines show their dark side? Well, I do, and the main character, Ayane, has been mistreated and abused for years. When she finally exacts her revenge, it comes at a cost she didn't anticipate, and now, Ayane must decide if she wants to be the vindictive person she wants to be, or find a way to try and undo the curse she cast.
Very sweet story with all the warm fuzzy feels woven into the romance!
Is it terrible to say that I love when the sweet heroines show their dark side? Well, I do, and the main character, Ayane, has been mistreated and abused for years. When she finally exacts her revenge, it comes at a cost she didn't anticipate, and now, Ayane must decide if she wants to be the vindictive person she wants to be, or find a way to try and undo the curse she cast.
Very sweet story with all the warm fuzzy feels woven into the romance!
November 8, 2023
Ayane is an antihero, and I really enjoyed her story! I love how she turned Cordelia into swan, and then spent the book trying to reverse it. The redemption arc is well worth it. I enjoyed that Ayane maintains a healthy relationship with her father. The book is a clean, fantasy romance. I’m so proud of my sister (the author) for conquering this book and writing about a character that isn’t like the fmcs of her other books. Well worth the read.
I received an ARC, then I bought the book. July 1-4, 2023
I received an ARC, then I bought the book. July 1-4, 2023
November 27, 2023
A beautiful retelling of the Swan Lake fairy tale, just a little shattered to the wind. Daughter of a witch that disgraced her family that led them to flee to another kingdom to move on with their life after her death. A aristrocat young woman that isn't happy unless others are unhappy. A soon to be ruler that must marry, but will it be to the one he loves? A curse, a sacrifice, and some HEA's.
I read this one in less than a day. A curl up with a blanket, tea or coffee, and enjoy. Maybe check out some of the others books in the Shattered Tales series, they are amazing!
I read this one in less than a day. A curl up with a blanket, tea or coffee, and enjoy. Maybe check out some of the others books in the Shattered Tales series, they are amazing!
January 17, 2024
Great little novella to escape the real world for awhile. The story drags you into their scenes and you want to keep reading to find out how it can be resolved in a HEA. Not going into the plot line as everyone else has already done that, just read it for yourself. Very well done and would recommend to people who like a little escape. These are Fairy tales and not science books and that's how they are supposed to be read. Really enjoyed the "Shattered" takes throughout the story and the confession/redemption thread woven through it.
May 12, 2024
Stopped at ~30%.
The main character, Ayane, annoyed me. She sounded very immature in her first person inner ramblings. The situation felt very high school with her liking a friend, pushing him away, then being upset when he either reached out or stayed away, and with mean girls gossiping.
The kindle version also had some typos, repetitive descriptions, and seeming inconsistencies (might be clarified later) like why her father kept a spell book or why she resorted to witchcraft instead of just talking to friends/family - especially if that group included royalty.
The main character, Ayane, annoyed me. She sounded very immature in her first person inner ramblings. The situation felt very high school with her liking a friend, pushing him away, then being upset when he either reached out or stayed away, and with mean girls gossiping.
The kindle version also had some typos, repetitive descriptions, and seeming inconsistencies (might be clarified later) like why her father kept a spell book or why she resorted to witchcraft instead of just talking to friends/family - especially if that group included royalty.
February 3, 2026
I wasn't sure what to explain going into this book as the one before it in the shatter tales series wasn't great. However this book was better and I enjoyed it. I felt it was really interesting with witch curses and her mother trail like I enjoyed that aspect. I felt some plot points or just little things dragged a little bit sure why. I think this would be nice little longer. The characters I enjoyed this took me a bit to get to point of liking then lol. I definitely looking forward to continuing the shatter tales series. This is on kindle unlimited
November 12, 2023
Wow, wow, wow! This retelling of Swan Lake just... It went beyond my expectations and stunned me, even though it was only a short story. It kept me on the edge of my seat and I kept flipping through the pages to see what happens next, what happens next. So thrilling! And man, who thought a curse could go so wrong?? Hew!
Highly recommend!
I received an ARC copy in exchange of my honest review. All the opinion is mine.
Highly recommend!
I received an ARC copy in exchange of my honest review. All the opinion is mine.
November 17, 2023
Although there are some similarities to Swan Lake, this book also has many similarities to Cinderella in this clean friends to more romance. I really enjoyed how the 3 main characters worked through their problems with each other’s help and how they all grew because of their choices! This story is also about how taking responsibility for choices and doing all we can to remedy them can free us from the burden of guilt. What a gem of a book!
November 30, 2023
It’s a best friend to lovers and there’s a redemption arc (but I won’t say for which character😉) There’s quite a bit of bullying in it, so if that bothers you now you know. 😁 I thought the aspects she brought in to make it a swan lake retelling were good! There were a few changes in characters I felt were too quick, but it’s a novella so it’s okay. 😁
💕Best friends to lovers
💕Single POV
💕Redemption Arc
💕HEA
💕Best friends to lovers
💕Single POV
💕Redemption Arc
💕HEA
February 11, 2025
Still a 'meh' read.
I was honestly confused why she -Ayene- was upset about everyone saying she was a witch, even tho is one! Like seriously?
She was a weak character in my opinion. She had to choose between good and evil, and cried once she chose evil claiming it wasn't her. Like I read the chapters before, you definitely did that.
I was also annoyed that no matter how bad she did, Bo was still helplessly in love with her. Like come on dude!
I was honestly confused why she -Ayene- was upset about everyone saying she was a witch, even tho is one! Like seriously?
She was a weak character in my opinion. She had to choose between good and evil, and cried once she chose evil claiming it wasn't her. Like I read the chapters before, you definitely did that.
I was also annoyed that no matter how bad she did, Bo was still helplessly in love with her. Like come on dude!
February 11, 2026
This book was short but sweet. I really enjoyed the family aspect and how it showed that just because someone is a good person that doesn't mean they cant snap and make mistakes. I even ended up liking cordelia, which given how short this book is the fact they could make me utterly hate a character and then manage to successfully give her a redemption arc is fairly impressive. Overall a good book I'd happily recommend.
December 4, 2023
I always love reading Swan Lake retellings since growing up ballet was a big part of my life. My grandmother was a dance critic and her love for it rubbed off on me. To Curse a Black Swan was a great addition to The Shattered Tales series and well worth the read. The question of what if the black swan was secretly in love with the prince was a brilliant plotline and made for a heartbreaking and heartwarming book. Ayane has been betrayed and mistreated by her former friend Cordelia and has finally had enough. She wants revenge and turns Cordelia into a swan during the night. But when her revenge plot gets out of her control will she be able to redeem herself? And will Prince Bo still love her after learning everything she has done? Themes of forgiveness and letting go of the past are majorly highlighted throughout this story in a wonderful way and you feel its impact by the end. I look forward to reading more books by Leialoha Humpherys.
December 7, 2023
Engaging retelling of Sawn Lake
It was fascinating to follow the thoughts of our protagonist. Catching a glimpse of the negative self talk resulting from being bullied, tugged on my heart.
The budding romance that began as a friendship was fun to watch unfold, with the characters trying to figure of what love is and not really being sure.
It was fascinating to follow the thoughts of our protagonist. Catching a glimpse of the negative self talk resulting from being bullied, tugged on my heart.
The budding romance that began as a friendship was fun to watch unfold, with the characters trying to figure of what love is and not really being sure.
November 14, 2023
I loved this fractured version of Swan Lake. I really resonated with Ayane’s deep sense of brokenness and the struggle of letting that define you, accepting that you can’t be more than broken. But that simply isn’t true. And this had such a sweet friends to something more slow burn.
November 22, 2023
These retellings just get better and better! This was a fantastic version of Swan Lake! The characters were very engaging and I loved the setting, it was so beautifully laid out!
I cannot wait for another series like this, absolutely addicting!!
I cannot wait for another series like this, absolutely addicting!!
November 26, 2023
Cordelia truly was awful and deserved SOMETHING, and Ayane needed a backbone for sure, and I like that they both changed, but it just didn't feel very real. Her parents changed too quickly, the curse was too obvious, etc.
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