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Blue Swan #1
Order of Swans: A Novel
In this spellbinding, fantasy-rich novel, a woman is swept into a world where she has the power to alter fairy tales, and change a kingdom’s destiny…
To Kaley Arens, a PhD student and expert in folklore, fairy stories have always had a power and an allure beyond mere entertainment.
It’s only when Kaley accompanies her lifelong friend Jobi on a visit to his home that she realizes how much she still has to learn. Bellis isn’t the remote island that she believed it to be. It’s another world—a stunningly beautiful and seductive one, with its own royalty, its own rules, and inhabitants who breathe life into the tales she was taught were fiction.
Kaley’s presence is no simple holiday. She has a mysterious connection with Jobi and with Bellis, and abilities that may help determine this world’s fate. Tasked with locating a lost prince, Kaley and her companions—the enigmatic Tanek, a member of the Order of Swans, and Sojee, Kaley's colossal bodyguard—journey through a land both thrilling and terrifying, where the uncanny and the familiar go hand in hand.
But in fairy tales, heroes and villains are easy to discern. Here, nothing is quite as it seems. And though Kaley is discovering that she can change the outcome of the fairy tales she knows so well, her own story is unfolding in ways impossible to predict, with a destiny she could never have foretold…
To Kaley Arens, a PhD student and expert in folklore, fairy stories have always had a power and an allure beyond mere entertainment.
It’s only when Kaley accompanies her lifelong friend Jobi on a visit to his home that she realizes how much she still has to learn. Bellis isn’t the remote island that she believed it to be. It’s another world—a stunningly beautiful and seductive one, with its own royalty, its own rules, and inhabitants who breathe life into the tales she was taught were fiction.
Kaley’s presence is no simple holiday. She has a mysterious connection with Jobi and with Bellis, and abilities that may help determine this world’s fate. Tasked with locating a lost prince, Kaley and her companions—the enigmatic Tanek, a member of the Order of Swans, and Sojee, Kaley's colossal bodyguard—journey through a land both thrilling and terrifying, where the uncanny and the familiar go hand in hand.
But in fairy tales, heroes and villains are easy to discern. Here, nothing is quite as it seems. And though Kaley is discovering that she can change the outcome of the fairy tales she knows so well, her own story is unfolding in ways impossible to predict, with a destiny she could never have foretold…
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 28, 2025
1011 people are currently reading
12221 people want to read
About the author
Jude Deveraux
200 books7,075 followersJude Gilliam was born September 20, 1947 in Fairdale, Kentucky. She has a large extended family and is the elder sister of four brothers. She attended Murray State University and received a degree in Art. In 1967, Jude married and took her husband's surname of White, but four years later they divorced. For years, she worked as 5th-grade teacher.
She began writing in 1976, and published her first book, The Enchanted Land (1977) under the name Jude Deveraux. Following the publication of her first novel, she resigned her teaching position. Now, she is the author of 31 New York Times bestsellers.
Jude won readers' hearts with the epic Velvet series, which revolves around the lives of the Montgomery family's irresistible men. Jude's early books are set largely in 15th- and 16th-century England; in them her fierce, impassioned protagonists find themselves in the midst of blood feuds and wars. Her heroines are equally scrappy -- medieval Scarlett O'Haras who often have a low regard for the men who eventually win them over. They're fighters, certainly, but they're also beauties who are preoccupied with survival and family preservation.
Jude has also stepped outside her milieu, with mixed results. Her James River trilogy (River Lady, Lost Lady, and Counterfeit Lady) is set mostly in post-Revolution America; the popular, softer-edged Twin of Fire/Twin of Ice moves to 19th-century Colorado and introduces another hunky-man clan, the Taggerts.
Deveraux manages to evoke a strong and convincing atmosphere for each of her books, but her dialogue and characters are as familiar as a modern-day soap opera's. "Historicals seem to be all I'm capable of," Jude once said in an interview, referring to a now out-of-print attempt at contemporary fiction, 1982's Casa Grande. "I don't want to write family sagas or occult books, and I have no intention of again trying to ruin the contemporary market." Still, Jude did later attempt modern-day romances, such as the lighthearted High Tide (her first murder caper), the contemporary female friendship story The Summerhouse, and the time-traveling Knight in Shining Armor. In fact, with 2002's The Mulberry Tree, Deveraux seems to be getting more comfortable setting stories in the present, which is a good thing, since the fans she won with her historical books are eager to follow her into the future.
Jude married Claude White, who she later divorced in 1993. Around the same time she met Mohammed Montassir with whom she had a son, Sam Alexander Montassir, in 1997. On Oct. 6th, 2005, Sam died at the age of eight in a motorcycle accident.
Jude has lived in several countries and all over the United States. She currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina and has an additional home in the medieval city of Badolato, Italy.
She began writing in 1976, and published her first book, The Enchanted Land (1977) under the name Jude Deveraux. Following the publication of her first novel, she resigned her teaching position. Now, she is the author of 31 New York Times bestsellers.
Jude won readers' hearts with the epic Velvet series, which revolves around the lives of the Montgomery family's irresistible men. Jude's early books are set largely in 15th- and 16th-century England; in them her fierce, impassioned protagonists find themselves in the midst of blood feuds and wars. Her heroines are equally scrappy -- medieval Scarlett O'Haras who often have a low regard for the men who eventually win them over. They're fighters, certainly, but they're also beauties who are preoccupied with survival and family preservation.
Jude has also stepped outside her milieu, with mixed results. Her James River trilogy (River Lady, Lost Lady, and Counterfeit Lady) is set mostly in post-Revolution America; the popular, softer-edged Twin of Fire/Twin of Ice moves to 19th-century Colorado and introduces another hunky-man clan, the Taggerts.
Deveraux manages to evoke a strong and convincing atmosphere for each of her books, but her dialogue and characters are as familiar as a modern-day soap opera's. "Historicals seem to be all I'm capable of," Jude once said in an interview, referring to a now out-of-print attempt at contemporary fiction, 1982's Casa Grande. "I don't want to write family sagas or occult books, and I have no intention of again trying to ruin the contemporary market." Still, Jude did later attempt modern-day romances, such as the lighthearted High Tide (her first murder caper), the contemporary female friendship story The Summerhouse, and the time-traveling Knight in Shining Armor. In fact, with 2002's The Mulberry Tree, Deveraux seems to be getting more comfortable setting stories in the present, which is a good thing, since the fans she won with her historical books are eager to follow her into the future.
Jude married Claude White, who she later divorced in 1993. Around the same time she met Mohammed Montassir with whom she had a son, Sam Alexander Montassir, in 1997. On Oct. 6th, 2005, Sam died at the age of eight in a motorcycle accident.
Jude has lived in several countries and all over the United States. She currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina and has an additional home in the medieval city of Badolato, Italy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 506 reviews
May 21, 2025
2 stars! 🌟 Thank you, Harlequin Audio & NetGalley for the ALC! 💌
Y’ALL. WHAT DID I JUST LISTEN TO?!
I love a good fairytale retelling, I love sci-fi, and I love being swept away into magical worlds. So in theory, Order of Swans should have been EVERYTHING. But in reality? It felt like I got thrown into a chaotic fever dream where NOTHING made sense, and I was just expected to nod along like an NPC. 😩🌪️
Let’s start with our FMC, Kaley—a PhD student who supposedly specializes in folklore. Except… she knows nothing about anything and spends the entire book being clueless. Like, girl, you’re transported to a supposed island (SPOILER: it’s another planet) 🌍, you see dragons 🐉, magical creatures ✨, and people acting WEIRD 😵, and you just shrug and move on?! At this point, I don’t think you’re getting that doctorate, babe. 🙄
And then there’s the plot, or rather, the random sequence of events that technically form a book. One second, we’re in a medieval-ish fairytale village 🏰, the next we’re on a spaceship 🚀. We have high-tech implants and teleportation but also… no phones? No logic? 🤷♀️ No world-building? Just vibes? 🙃
Don’t even get me started on the romance. Tanek, our MMC, is giving "emotionally unavailable but not in the sexy way" 🥴. There’s some weird love-triangle-but-not-really situation 😬, and honestly, I didn’t care enough to figure it out. 🙅♀️
Oh, and THE CLIFFHANGER?? It wasn’t even a good one. It just… stopped. Mid-scene. Like the author closed their laptop 💻 and forgot to write the rest. 😤🖤
Now, the reason I didn’t DNF? The narrator SLAYED (Narration: 4.5/5) 💯. Alexandra Hunter carried this book on her back and made it almost tolerable. If I had been reading a physical copy 📚, I would’ve rage-quit within the first few chapters. 😠
🔮 Final thoughts:
✧ Great concept, HORRIBLE execution. 😬
✧ Kaley, please ask a single question. Just one. 😑
✧ Sci-fi and fairytales CAN mix well… but this ain’t it. 🤦♀️
✧ Cliffhangers should leave you desperate for more, not furious. 😡
Would I read the sequel? Absolutely not. Would I listen to this narrator again? 1000%. 🔊
━━━━━━━━━━━⊱♡⊰━━━━━━━━━━
Hey guys!! 😭 So, exams are here and I'm gonna be MIA for a bit. From tomorrow till the 20th, I’ll be buried in books and probably stressing out way too much. I’m behind on DMs (sorryyyy!!), and honestly, I’m kinda dreading these exams more than I should. If I disappear, you know why! I might pop in during the off days, but I’m really just trying to survive this. Please send all the good vibes and prayers I need to make it through! 😩💖 I’ll catch up with y’all after this chaos is over! Byeee! 💘
Y’ALL. WHAT DID I JUST LISTEN TO?!
I love a good fairytale retelling, I love sci-fi, and I love being swept away into magical worlds. So in theory, Order of Swans should have been EVERYTHING. But in reality? It felt like I got thrown into a chaotic fever dream where NOTHING made sense, and I was just expected to nod along like an NPC. 😩🌪️
Let’s start with our FMC, Kaley—a PhD student who supposedly specializes in folklore. Except… she knows nothing about anything and spends the entire book being clueless. Like, girl, you’re transported to a supposed island (SPOILER: it’s another planet) 🌍, you see dragons 🐉, magical creatures ✨, and people acting WEIRD 😵, and you just shrug and move on?! At this point, I don’t think you’re getting that doctorate, babe. 🙄
And then there’s the plot, or rather, the random sequence of events that technically form a book. One second, we’re in a medieval-ish fairytale village 🏰, the next we’re on a spaceship 🚀. We have high-tech implants and teleportation but also… no phones? No logic? 🤷♀️ No world-building? Just vibes? 🙃
Don’t even get me started on the romance. Tanek, our MMC, is giving "emotionally unavailable but not in the sexy way" 🥴. There’s some weird love-triangle-but-not-really situation 😬, and honestly, I didn’t care enough to figure it out. 🙅♀️
Oh, and THE CLIFFHANGER?? It wasn’t even a good one. It just… stopped. Mid-scene. Like the author closed their laptop 💻 and forgot to write the rest. 😤🖤
Now, the reason I didn’t DNF? The narrator SLAYED (Narration: 4.5/5) 💯. Alexandra Hunter carried this book on her back and made it almost tolerable. If I had been reading a physical copy 📚, I would’ve rage-quit within the first few chapters. 😠
🔮 Final thoughts:
✧ Great concept, HORRIBLE execution. 😬
✧ Kaley, please ask a single question. Just one. 😑
✧ Sci-fi and fairytales CAN mix well… but this ain’t it. 🤦♀️
✧ Cliffhangers should leave you desperate for more, not furious. 😡
Would I read the sequel? Absolutely not. Would I listen to this narrator again? 1000%. 🔊
━━━━━━━━━━━⊱♡⊰━━━━━━━━━━
Hey guys!! 😭 So, exams are here and I'm gonna be MIA for a bit. From tomorrow till the 20th, I’ll be buried in books and probably stressing out way too much. I’m behind on DMs (sorryyyy!!), and honestly, I’m kinda dreading these exams more than I should. If I disappear, you know why! I might pop in during the off days, but I’m really just trying to survive this. Please send all the good vibes and prayers I need to make it through! 😩💖 I’ll catch up with y’all after this chaos is over! Byeee! 💘
February 14, 2025
I tried, but I knew my little black heart would reject this fluffy stuff.
Sometimes I can handle smut. The raunchier the funnier. But there was something off about Jude’s writing. It felt as though she dictated a story to a ghost writer, and it was written down in a dictated fashion. Could be AI. Whatever the conditions were, it was pretty bad. The synopsis was good and the cover was gorgeous.
December 16, 2024
Y'all, this was a draft zero with line edits. I don't know how else to explain this. The premise is so interesting, but so much of the plot is so....lazy and underresearched?
The story basically starts with our FMC getting her PhD dissertation rejected by her advisor, saying it's all been done before and it's crap. That's....that's now how any of that works? A PhD dissertation is going to be approved by your advisor FIRST. Then there are going to be a million check-ins during the research and writing process over several years before you hand in a final draft that is ready to defend. Somehow she managed to get through the entire process without her advisor never even hearing her topic until she handed it in to be rejected? Puh-lease. THEN her whole new plan is to go to this island that no one has ever been before to get some new, never before heard stories that she can write her thesis on? That's not how research works? That's not how any of this works? WHAT?
Then not only does she really have no agency, and the entire story just happens to her, she's incredibly dumb. Especially for someone who is supposed to be getting a PhD in fairy tales. She goes to what she believes to be an island--which is actually a whole new planet--and she doesn't ask a single question when things are out of place. She sees a dragon and just says "OH COOL!" and moves on with her day? She's got an implant in her arm that keeps letting things happen to her and she doesn't ask a soul about it? I'm all for suspending disbelief, but this was just way too much and got really old, really fast.
But like I said, the premise was really interesting! I loved how classic fairy tale stories were woven into the story as call backs and helped move the plot forward. The side characters were MUCH more entertaining than the FMC, and I honestly would have preferred a story about the MMCs going off and saving the world rather than...whatever this was. It was a fast read, but boy is it a messy one.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin for the ARC of this book!
The story basically starts with our FMC getting her PhD dissertation rejected by her advisor, saying it's all been done before and it's crap. That's....that's now how any of that works? A PhD dissertation is going to be approved by your advisor FIRST. Then there are going to be a million check-ins during the research and writing process over several years before you hand in a final draft that is ready to defend. Somehow she managed to get through the entire process without her advisor never even hearing her topic until she handed it in to be rejected? Puh-lease. THEN her whole new plan is to go to this island that no one has ever been before to get some new, never before heard stories that she can write her thesis on? That's not how research works? That's not how any of this works? WHAT?
Then not only does she really have no agency, and the entire story just happens to her, she's incredibly dumb. Especially for someone who is supposed to be getting a PhD in fairy tales. She goes to what she believes to be an island--which is actually a whole new planet--and she doesn't ask a single question when things are out of place. She sees a dragon and just says "OH COOL!" and moves on with her day? She's got an implant in her arm that keeps letting things happen to her and she doesn't ask a soul about it? I'm all for suspending disbelief, but this was just way too much and got really old, really fast.
But like I said, the premise was really interesting! I loved how classic fairy tale stories were woven into the story as call backs and helped move the plot forward. The side characters were MUCH more entertaining than the FMC, and I honestly would have preferred a story about the MMCs going off and saving the world rather than...whatever this was. It was a fast read, but boy is it a messy one.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin for the ARC of this book!
December 11, 2024
As always, thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC!
Publishes January 28th!
If you were a fan of the show Once Upon a Time, this is the book for you!
All of the best fairy tales in 1 world - CHECK
Enemies to Lovers - CHECK
Political Intrigue - CHECK
Slow Burn Romance - CHECK
Witty Banter - CHECK
This book was fantastic from the first page to the last page! I will absolutely be buying this book when it releases!
Publishes January 28th!
If you were a fan of the show Once Upon a Time, this is the book for you!
All of the best fairy tales in 1 world - CHECK
Enemies to Lovers - CHECK
Political Intrigue - CHECK
Slow Burn Romance - CHECK
Witty Banter - CHECK
This book was fantastic from the first page to the last page! I will absolutely be buying this book when it releases!
January 24, 2025
This was another DNF for me due to the fact that there is majority dialogue but the writing requires the reader to simply accept everything that is happening with 0 world building. I also felt the premise is quite poorly researched - the PhD student having her disseration rejected at the last minute and having to pivot - that simply would not happen due to the regular check ins she would have had with her advisor. Also, the way the FMC simply accepts all the bizarre things happening to her without question - she definitely does not act like a PhD student. Overall, this felt like it needs quite a lot more edits and was very juvenile.
January 28, 2025
I thought this book was good and I liked the juxtaposition of the modern world and the fantasy/fairy tale setting. The inclusion of the different classic fairytales with a new twist was done well and it felt very unique.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: 1/28/25
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: 1/28/25
January 31, 2025
Iconic, old school historical romance author publishes a brand new sci-fi, fantasy out of nowhere…ummm immediately had to check it out! Order of Swans is the first book in the Blue Swan duology by Jude Deveraux (who I honestly thought stopped writing/publishing).
This is described as a spellbinding, fantasy-rich romance, where a woman is swept into a world where she has the power to alter fairy tales and change a kingdom's destiny! And I was both intrigued and confused by this book. 😂 Sure it was entertaining, but also what the heck was truly happening? I had zero expectations for this one but knew it was fantasy, so imagine my surprise when in the prologue we find out this has a sci-fi edge to it as well?! I love a sci-fi twist so I was even more intrigued and kept going.
We have different planets, space travel, and Kaley a PhD student from Florida who is an expert in folklore and fairy tales. To work on her dissertation on folklore she ends up having to space travel (makes perfect sense) and ends up getting a chip placed in her arm to communicate/understand new languages (giving IPB vibes). She ends up on a new planet and realizes it’s filled with actual fairy tales happening around her in real time. The planet also has extinct animals and things that no longer exist on earth but were spirited away to this planet for protection/safe keeping? And it kinda goes from there, with Kaley going along with whatever happens (and us as the reader too). I’m still confused what she’s going to do here on this planet, what exactly this world/universe is, what these side characters are up to, and if anyone is going to help out the fairy tale characters who are on their own loops. But like I was entertained because it was sooo different and unique at the same time, so there is that. 😅 I guess sometimes we just need to be entertained and it doesn’t have to make sense.
This is described as a spellbinding, fantasy-rich romance, where a woman is swept into a world where she has the power to alter fairy tales and change a kingdom's destiny! And I was both intrigued and confused by this book. 😂 Sure it was entertaining, but also what the heck was truly happening? I had zero expectations for this one but knew it was fantasy, so imagine my surprise when in the prologue we find out this has a sci-fi edge to it as well?! I love a sci-fi twist so I was even more intrigued and kept going.
We have different planets, space travel, and Kaley a PhD student from Florida who is an expert in folklore and fairy tales. To work on her dissertation on folklore she ends up having to space travel (makes perfect sense) and ends up getting a chip placed in her arm to communicate/understand new languages (giving IPB vibes). She ends up on a new planet and realizes it’s filled with actual fairy tales happening around her in real time. The planet also has extinct animals and things that no longer exist on earth but were spirited away to this planet for protection/safe keeping? And it kinda goes from there, with Kaley going along with whatever happens (and us as the reader too). I’m still confused what she’s going to do here on this planet, what exactly this world/universe is, what these side characters are up to, and if anyone is going to help out the fairy tale characters who are on their own loops. But like I was entertained because it was sooo different and unique at the same time, so there is that. 😅 I guess sometimes we just need to be entertained and it doesn’t have to make sense.
December 14, 2024
2.75/5 ⭐️
The premise of this story was so promising. But I had a sense this was not going to be for me immediately from the prologue. Suddenly it was more sci-fi, which there was no hint of from the description. But I like sci-fi, so I kept going. Then it was setting up how the main character was literally born to be the special someone to defeat whatever the future problem was going to happen. 🤢 I hate that because then the author has to work extra hard for the character to be relatable and to give them agency. Which leads me to my next issue. The main character had no agency. The story happened to her. She didn’t happen to it. She was born special. For some “strange” reason her dissertation is rejected. She is tricked to go to this strange island. Every situation is “suggested” and she just nods and goes ok. Or she “stumbles” upon situations. There was never a moment where I connected with this character, nor cared what happened to her.
I think a big part of the problem for this story is that it felt like a draft zero. A draft zero is where authors are pretty much telling the story to themselves. Aka it’s a lot of telling with some maybe inferences of emotions and with some dialogue but it’s more like a narrative version of an outline for the author to come back and turn into more showing. To turn it into the readers experiencing the story instead of being told it. Again, this felt like a draft zero. Not only was there so much telling, but everything moved fast where the sentences felt more like an outline.
However, I think this story could’ve had potential. Besides making it into an actual story instead of this strange telling outline state its in and giving the character actual agency, I think this could’ve been an excellent middle grade. The set up and how the plot unfurled felt so much like something from a middle grade. I think some of the problems would’ve been more easily explained away with a younger main character.
In general, this was disappointing for me and I honestly had to go chapter by chapter cause I couldn’t read more than that at one time. But I think if it had been made into a middle grade and if everything was slowed down a little, turning the telling into experiencing, this could’ve been great.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing an advance reader copy of this book for my honest review.
The premise of this story was so promising. But I had a sense this was not going to be for me immediately from the prologue. Suddenly it was more sci-fi, which there was no hint of from the description. But I like sci-fi, so I kept going. Then it was setting up how the main character was literally born to be the special someone to defeat whatever the future problem was going to happen. 🤢 I hate that because then the author has to work extra hard for the character to be relatable and to give them agency. Which leads me to my next issue. The main character had no agency. The story happened to her. She didn’t happen to it. She was born special. For some “strange” reason her dissertation is rejected. She is tricked to go to this strange island. Every situation is “suggested” and she just nods and goes ok. Or she “stumbles” upon situations. There was never a moment where I connected with this character, nor cared what happened to her.
I think a big part of the problem for this story is that it felt like a draft zero. A draft zero is where authors are pretty much telling the story to themselves. Aka it’s a lot of telling with some maybe inferences of emotions and with some dialogue but it’s more like a narrative version of an outline for the author to come back and turn into more showing. To turn it into the readers experiencing the story instead of being told it. Again, this felt like a draft zero. Not only was there so much telling, but everything moved fast where the sentences felt more like an outline.
However, I think this story could’ve had potential. Besides making it into an actual story instead of this strange telling outline state its in and giving the character actual agency, I think this could’ve been an excellent middle grade. The set up and how the plot unfurled felt so much like something from a middle grade. I think some of the problems would’ve been more easily explained away with a younger main character.
In general, this was disappointing for me and I honestly had to go chapter by chapter cause I couldn’t read more than that at one time. But I think if it had been made into a middle grade and if everything was slowed down a little, turning the telling into experiencing, this could’ve been great.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing an advance reader copy of this book for my honest review.
March 2, 2025
It’s so bad. Like really bad. I read the reviews before starting this book but I didn’t believe them. From the synopsis, I thought this was going to be like Inkheart but with a twist on fairytales we know and love. That sounds like a good book, that I would really enjoy.
This is about a college student, who is basically kidnapped by an alien because she is destined to save his planet. Nothing about the synopsis indicated this was going to be sci-fi.
I also first need to explain that I’m not a fantasy snob and I detest fantasy snobs. You know the people who rate a book badly because there’s modern vernacular or because the rules of the fantasy world didn’t follow the rules of our world. It’s fantasy and the author can create whatever world they like. But I’m making an exception for this book, the rules just don’t make sense!!! There’s helicopters and space ships on this other planet, yet they don’t have modern technology? The fairytales also don’t make sense on this new planets like they do on Earth. Like fairytales are rooted in real history but this new world feels like the fairytales are just plopped in. And then the aliens come to Earth to save different species from going extinct… I’m so confused about what the point of the plot even is.
At the end of the day, I feel like the author was trying to throw too many different things in one book. The book starts off with the FMC trying to come up with a new fairytale for her dissertation, and I almost feel like this author put that prompt into ChatGPT and got the concept for this book. Every time something ridiculous happened, I thought to myself ‘maybe this is a true story, because who would even come up with this’. I feel like I’m being pranked by this book. Maybe publishers post dummy books on NetGalley just to make sure we are being honest?
As much as I despised this, I couldn’t stop listening to it. Like a rubbernecker driving past a car crash. This book ended on a cliffhanger that left me with way more questions than answers. And damnit if part of me doesn’t want to know what’s going to happen. I’m sick, but good thing it’s labeled as a duology, so I would only need to put up with one more book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the ALC.
This is about a college student, who is basically kidnapped by an alien because she is destined to save his planet. Nothing about the synopsis indicated this was going to be sci-fi.
I also first need to explain that I’m not a fantasy snob and I detest fantasy snobs. You know the people who rate a book badly because there’s modern vernacular or because the rules of the fantasy world didn’t follow the rules of our world. It’s fantasy and the author can create whatever world they like. But I’m making an exception for this book, the rules just don’t make sense!!! There’s helicopters and space ships on this other planet, yet they don’t have modern technology? The fairytales also don’t make sense on this new planets like they do on Earth. Like fairytales are rooted in real history but this new world feels like the fairytales are just plopped in. And then the aliens come to Earth to save different species from going extinct… I’m so confused about what the point of the plot even is.
At the end of the day, I feel like the author was trying to throw too many different things in one book. The book starts off with the FMC trying to come up with a new fairytale for her dissertation, and I almost feel like this author put that prompt into ChatGPT and got the concept for this book. Every time something ridiculous happened, I thought to myself ‘maybe this is a true story, because who would even come up with this’. I feel like I’m being pranked by this book. Maybe publishers post dummy books on NetGalley just to make sure we are being honest?
As much as I despised this, I couldn’t stop listening to it. Like a rubbernecker driving past a car crash. This book ended on a cliffhanger that left me with way more questions than answers. And damnit if part of me doesn’t want to know what’s going to happen. I’m sick, but good thing it’s labeled as a duology, so I would only need to put up with one more book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the ALC.
April 15, 2025
⅘ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Order of Swans
Author: Jude Deveraux
Thank you so much Netgalley and Harlequin audio for this ALC! This was such an interesting read. We combine science fiction elements with fantasy on this whirlwind of a ride. Our main character Kaley is a phd student that ends up accompanying her friend Jobi to his home for three months. This home is a world unlike any other.. somehow the planet centers around fairytales and also is a home for creatures that are now extinct on Earth? Also she gets swept up into a quest to find a missing Prince? There was so much going on here. There is a fun cast of characters and a mystery element being that Kaley is clearly part of something much bigger then she (or us as the readers) knows. It was definitely more on the YA side. The narration was amazing. I think fans of the lunar chronicles series would be interested in this. I am definitely looking forward to seeing where the story goes. Thank you again for the copy!
Order of Swans
Author: Jude Deveraux
Thank you so much Netgalley and Harlequin audio for this ALC! This was such an interesting read. We combine science fiction elements with fantasy on this whirlwind of a ride. Our main character Kaley is a phd student that ends up accompanying her friend Jobi to his home for three months. This home is a world unlike any other.. somehow the planet centers around fairytales and also is a home for creatures that are now extinct on Earth? Also she gets swept up into a quest to find a missing Prince? There was so much going on here. There is a fun cast of characters and a mystery element being that Kaley is clearly part of something much bigger then she (or us as the readers) knows. It was definitely more on the YA side. The narration was amazing. I think fans of the lunar chronicles series would be interested in this. I am definitely looking forward to seeing where the story goes. Thank you again for the copy!
October 28, 2024
Kaley has always been different from everyone else. She is drawn to fairytales and has a strong, but unexplainable connection to animals. When a family friend offers to take her to his home island after her dissertation on Fairytales is bashed, she eagerly agrees in hopes she will find new stories for her thesis. Unbeknownst to her, she has been taken to a different planet, where magic and science live together out of balance, and with help from a surly Swanherder and a gentle giant, she travels what she believes are new islands to find a Prince hiding from an arranged marriage, all while letting her own hidden powers begin to grow.
Thoughts/Review:
While I was expecting fantasy, I wasn't expecting sci-fi to feature as heavily as it did based on the original description, but I love how it blended together! Once Kaley had landed in Bellis, I couldn't put it down! It does feel very much like a rough draft - which I signed up for as it's an ARC, as it was somewhat jumbled. Sometimes overly descriptive, other times not descriptive enough. The ending is VERY abrupt and it wasn't until I finished it that this was a first in a series. Having just checked goodreads just before posting, that is on me as it's listed as book 1! I enjoyed her world building as it is intentionally slower as we know she is on a different planet, but Kaley is unaware She is consistent with how some things don’t “translate” or make sense between Kaley and who she is talking to, as well as how some jokes don’t land correctly because of cultural difference.
The main area that I struggled with was Tanek’s family history and when things happened. It was described in an order that doesn’t make sense, especially with how Tanek seemed to know everything about the homestead, but had never been? It didn’t make sense that he knew so much but didn’t know how they left the original homestead until he was there.
Kaley is fun and funny! I like her, she is really smart, clever, and even as she is angry, she is still able to find humor in situations and make the best of it! When she finally realizes that she's not on Earth, it was so relatable when she said she should have picked up the signs and realizes, but didn't. She was so wrapped up in the stories around her, of trying to understand the secrets of her traveling companions, and saving the day against cannibal witches and crazy girls hoping to win a prince, and frankly - I would be too!
Tanek started as king of moody broody. I was annoyed she apologized to him after meeting him!! Yes, she ogled him but MEN NEVER APOLOGIZE WHEN THEY OOGLE WOMEN WHY DID SHE HAVE TO APOLOGIZE TO HIM?? Other than that, it didn’t take long for him to grow on me because she was very defiant to him and smacked him off his pedestal and it was clear he realized how wrong he was about her and he worked to be better.
The first encounter with Kaley and Sojee was weird, she seemed to trust him too quickly but I did really like him! Especially how he really gave her big brother/surrogate dad vibes with how protective he was. It wasn’t a love triangle which made me happy frankly! There is something more to their relationship though, perhaps he is her uncle or grandfather? It seems that it's possible he is related to Kaley, but we just don't know.
The romance is slow burn, and enjoyable. With a meeting that made me want to smack him I was glad she didn't cave into his charms when he started flirting. Yes she flirted back, but he still had to earn it! I've read only 1 Jude Deveraux book before and I know she can write spice - HELLO WISHES, so I'm excited for book 2 to dive more. As far as book 1 goes though, I very much enjoyed the slow burn!
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me a chance to read the ARC for an honest review!
Thoughts/Review:
While I was expecting fantasy, I wasn't expecting sci-fi to feature as heavily as it did based on the original description, but I love how it blended together! Once Kaley had landed in Bellis, I couldn't put it down! It does feel very much like a rough draft - which I signed up for as it's an ARC, as it was somewhat jumbled. Sometimes overly descriptive, other times not descriptive enough. The ending is VERY abrupt and it wasn't until I finished it that this was a first in a series. Having just checked goodreads just before posting, that is on me as it's listed as book 1! I enjoyed her world building as it is intentionally slower as we know she is on a different planet, but Kaley is unaware She is consistent with how some things don’t “translate” or make sense between Kaley and who she is talking to, as well as how some jokes don’t land correctly because of cultural difference.
The main area that I struggled with was Tanek’s family history and when things happened. It was described in an order that doesn’t make sense, especially with how Tanek seemed to know everything about the homestead, but had never been? It didn’t make sense that he knew so much but didn’t know how they left the original homestead until he was there.
Kaley is fun and funny! I like her, she is really smart, clever, and even as she is angry, she is still able to find humor in situations and make the best of it! When she finally realizes that she's not on Earth, it was so relatable when she said she should have picked up the signs and realizes, but didn't. She was so wrapped up in the stories around her, of trying to understand the secrets of her traveling companions, and saving the day against cannibal witches and crazy girls hoping to win a prince, and frankly - I would be too!
Tanek started as king of moody broody. I was annoyed she apologized to him after meeting him!! Yes, she ogled him but MEN NEVER APOLOGIZE WHEN THEY OOGLE WOMEN WHY DID SHE HAVE TO APOLOGIZE TO HIM?? Other than that, it didn’t take long for him to grow on me because she was very defiant to him and smacked him off his pedestal and it was clear he realized how wrong he was about her and he worked to be better.
The first encounter with Kaley and Sojee was weird, she seemed to trust him too quickly but I did really like him! Especially how he really gave her big brother/surrogate dad vibes with how protective he was. It wasn’t a love triangle which made me happy frankly! There is something more to their relationship though, perhaps he is her uncle or grandfather? It seems that it's possible he is related to Kaley, but we just don't know.
The romance is slow burn, and enjoyable. With a meeting that made me want to smack him I was glad she didn't cave into his charms when he started flirting. Yes she flirted back, but he still had to earn it! I've read only 1 Jude Deveraux book before and I know she can write spice - HELLO WISHES, so I'm excited for book 2 to dive more. As far as book 1 goes though, I very much enjoyed the slow burn!
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me a chance to read the ARC for an honest review!
February 2, 2025
I had trouble getting through half of this book and after that I decided to DNF the rest. It just isn't holding my interest. The world building the author tried to create fell flat and actually didn't make sense to me. I felt no attachment to the characters. I’m so disappointed.
February 17, 2025
DnF 42%
This story read like it was written by AI. The world building and the characterizations didn’t make any sense. It was a blend of sci fi and fairytales, which could be fun but the execution was messy.
Our Fmc has no idea she is on another planet, or that she had gotten there by spaceship. On this planet, fairytales come to life. Kaley just thinks she’s on an island to gather stories for a PhD dissertation. She is completely unfazed by everything, even when she saw a dragon and a fairy she was like “okay” and just immediately accepted it. She thinks she’s on an island on earth, that would be like me seeing a dragon in Bora Bora and not reacting in anyway. She also gets zapped in the arm with some tool that lets her understand other languages and she’s still not questioning ANYTHING. She also doesn’t question little red riding hood and Hansel and Gretel becoming reality. The most we got out of her is, “this is kind of weird.” The lack of inquiries made me see her as not very academically inclined. I also don’t understand how they have space travel technology but the world is medieval-like. They don’t have any modern conveniences but somehow she’s able to shower?
At the end of the day, shit can happen but If the characters or world aren’t believable then it’s hard for me to be invested in the book. This felt like one huge fever dream.
This story read like it was written by AI. The world building and the characterizations didn’t make any sense. It was a blend of sci fi and fairytales, which could be fun but the execution was messy.
Our Fmc has no idea she is on another planet, or that she had gotten there by spaceship. On this planet, fairytales come to life. Kaley just thinks she’s on an island to gather stories for a PhD dissertation. She is completely unfazed by everything, even when she saw a dragon and a fairy she was like “okay” and just immediately accepted it. She thinks she’s on an island on earth, that would be like me seeing a dragon in Bora Bora and not reacting in anyway. She also gets zapped in the arm with some tool that lets her understand other languages and she’s still not questioning ANYTHING. She also doesn’t question little red riding hood and Hansel and Gretel becoming reality. The most we got out of her is, “this is kind of weird.” The lack of inquiries made me see her as not very academically inclined. I also don’t understand how they have space travel technology but the world is medieval-like. They don’t have any modern conveniences but somehow she’s able to shower?
At the end of the day, shit can happen but If the characters or world aren’t believable then it’s hard for me to be invested in the book. This felt like one huge fever dream.
December 29, 2024
I'd like to thank Harlequin Trade Publishing for an eARC Netgalley for this book.
The premise of this book is very unique and interesting: fairy tales, but make it on a planet other than Earth? - Sure, sign me up!
I will say though, that I was very confused for a majority of the book, as the pacing felt odd in places, and then I felt like I missed some world building (that was just never mentioned). I assume we are to be as in the dark as the FMC? It was odd that there was a mix of high technology with items that are almost of medieval technological advances.
I feel like I was just waiting for something *else* to happen, and am kind of bummed by feeling unsatisfied?
The premise of this book is very unique and interesting: fairy tales, but make it on a planet other than Earth? - Sure, sign me up!
I will say though, that I was very confused for a majority of the book, as the pacing felt odd in places, and then I felt like I missed some world building (that was just never mentioned). I assume we are to be as in the dark as the FMC? It was odd that there was a mix of high technology with items that are almost of medieval technological advances.
I feel like I was just waiting for something *else* to happen, and am kind of bummed by feeling unsatisfied?
December 21, 2024
The story was interesting, the writing needed work. I was finding trouble trying to find the connection to the book and there was no real drive to the story. I do love the mix of multiple fairy tales and the mix of sci-fi into the story but I was just having trouble connecting to the story itself.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin for the opportunity to read this e-ARC. This is my honest opinion.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin for the opportunity to read this e-ARC. This is my honest opinion.
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September 14, 2025I feel like I got duped into buying this book because of the cool cover and it ended up being a disappointment.
I saw Order of Swans at B&N and between the cover and the blurb it looked very promising. The story is about a 26 year old Kayle who has her PhD in folklore dissertation declined. She then travels with her friend to a far off island to try to come up with something new to redeem her failed dissertation. She learns fairytales and folklore are actually real and she is able to influence the outcome of said fairytales.
I am going to try to be as polite and objective as possible with this review.
We find out in the first few pages this is actually going to be a sci-fantasy, which I will freely admit is typically not my favorite genre, but I was willing to go with it. We then learn that Kayle has her dissertation rejected at the last minute after years of work without even getting the chance to defend it. (This is not how PhD dissertations work…). Then, in a fit of sadness she decides to go with Jobi who is a life-long family friend to the island which he comes from. Except that Jobi explains his island is a different planet and it will take three earth years to get there. She assumes he is joking and just rolls with it.
For me, this is where suspension of disbelief said goodbye. You’re telling me a smart, independent young woman who has been working on her PhD does not even think to question this? “Wikipedia says your island is real and that’s good enough for me.” Really?
The plot sort of steam rolls along from there with Kayle just going along with every thing that happens and refusing to question most of it or allowing herself to be easily brushed aside when she does ask questions.
I think my biggest disconnect is that I felt the main character’s actions were so incredibly unbelievable, especially for someone who is supposed to have spent years researching folklore and fairy tales. If you dig down to the roots of a lot of the old folklore they teach you to be suspicious and clever. To take nothing at face value. To my perception, Kayle behaved more like a teenager girl who has little situational or self awareness. At one point she is in the court of a king and yells out to someone she barely knows across the room in front of all the courtiers and the king himself, throws something to him from across the room, and then runs and jumps into his arms. Again, I feel like anyone who has studied folklore understands rules of hospitality and respect. The character behavior just did not fit the premise, and I had a lot of trouble accepting that a character just accepts everything at face value to such a degree.
As such, I was not the ideal reader for this type of book and I was not able to enjoy it enough to finish it.
If you want something a little more light-hearted, surface level, brain-candy type writing, that has a bit of a unique plot, fairy-tales from outer space if you will, then you may enjoy this book.
I saw Order of Swans at B&N and between the cover and the blurb it looked very promising. The story is about a 26 year old Kayle who has her PhD in folklore dissertation declined. She then travels with her friend to a far off island to try to come up with something new to redeem her failed dissertation. She learns fairytales and folklore are actually real and she is able to influence the outcome of said fairytales.
I am going to try to be as polite and objective as possible with this review.
We find out in the first few pages this is actually going to be a sci-fantasy, which I will freely admit is typically not my favorite genre, but I was willing to go with it. We then learn that Kayle has her dissertation rejected at the last minute after years of work without even getting the chance to defend it. (This is not how PhD dissertations work…). Then, in a fit of sadness she decides to go with Jobi who is a life-long family friend to the island which he comes from. Except that Jobi explains his island is a different planet and it will take three earth years to get there. She assumes he is joking and just rolls with it.
For me, this is where suspension of disbelief said goodbye. You’re telling me a smart, independent young woman who has been working on her PhD does not even think to question this? “Wikipedia says your island is real and that’s good enough for me.” Really?
The plot sort of steam rolls along from there with Kayle just going along with every thing that happens and refusing to question most of it or allowing herself to be easily brushed aside when she does ask questions.
I think my biggest disconnect is that I felt the main character’s actions were so incredibly unbelievable, especially for someone who is supposed to have spent years researching folklore and fairy tales. If you dig down to the roots of a lot of the old folklore they teach you to be suspicious and clever. To take nothing at face value. To my perception, Kayle behaved more like a teenager girl who has little situational or self awareness. At one point she is in the court of a king and yells out to someone she barely knows across the room in front of all the courtiers and the king himself, throws something to him from across the room, and then runs and jumps into his arms. Again, I feel like anyone who has studied folklore understands rules of hospitality and respect. The character behavior just did not fit the premise, and I had a lot of trouble accepting that a character just accepts everything at face value to such a degree.
As such, I was not the ideal reader for this type of book and I was not able to enjoy it enough to finish it.
If you want something a little more light-hearted, surface level, brain-candy type writing, that has a bit of a unique plot, fairy-tales from outer space if you will, then you may enjoy this book.
November 24, 2025
DnF 77% :
I went into this one genuinely excited—the premise of reshaping fairytales felt tailor-made for me. And to its credit, those elements delivered, offering clever twists on familiar stories. The light academia vibes were a nice touch as well, and the FMC’s love for folklore made her easy to root for.
Where the book faltered for me was in execution. The writing style never fully clicked, and the plot often felt disjointed, as though several intriguing ideas were stitched together without fully integrating. The fast pacing kept things moving, but it also left the world-building and overall narrative feeling underdeveloped.
It’s a shame, because the potential was enormous. With smoother writing and a more cohesive structure, this could have been a truly standout read.
I went into this one genuinely excited—the premise of reshaping fairytales felt tailor-made for me. And to its credit, those elements delivered, offering clever twists on familiar stories. The light academia vibes were a nice touch as well, and the FMC’s love for folklore made her easy to root for.
Where the book faltered for me was in execution. The writing style never fully clicked, and the plot often felt disjointed, as though several intriguing ideas were stitched together without fully integrating. The fast pacing kept things moving, but it also left the world-building and overall narrative feeling underdeveloped.
It’s a shame, because the potential was enormous. With smoother writing and a more cohesive structure, this could have been a truly standout read.
February 22, 2025
When Haley's College paper is rejected by her college professor, she decides to go with her friend Jobi to his homeland to write a new one not knowing that he is from another Galaxy. Will she be able to go home? Read on and find out for yourself.
This was a pretty good Sci-fi Fantasy story revolving around fairy tales. If you like books like this with a little romance, then be sure to check this book out at your local library and wherever books and ebooks are sold.
This was a pretty good Sci-fi Fantasy story revolving around fairy tales. If you like books like this with a little romance, then be sure to check this book out at your local library and wherever books and ebooks are sold.
January 19, 2025
ORDER OF SWANS
*Releasing 01/28
⭐️ DNF
I’m really bummed about this one because I loved the cover and I loved the book description. Unfortunately I couldn’t get into it. I even tried starting over when I got to 25% to see if I could understand more of what was going on. The writing felt really discombobulated.
It also has a sci-fi element that isn’t mentioned anywhere. And part of the plot is that the FMC gets taken to this other planet unbeknownst to her. It felt really unbelievable that a person pursuing their doctorate degree wouldn’t ask any questions about this blue zapping device that put her to sleep for 3 years. Especially when it’s used for the second time.
*Thank you to NetGalley and MIRA books for the eARC!
*Releasing 01/28
⭐️ DNF
I’m really bummed about this one because I loved the cover and I loved the book description. Unfortunately I couldn’t get into it. I even tried starting over when I got to 25% to see if I could understand more of what was going on. The writing felt really discombobulated.
It also has a sci-fi element that isn’t mentioned anywhere. And part of the plot is that the FMC gets taken to this other planet unbeknownst to her. It felt really unbelievable that a person pursuing their doctorate degree wouldn’t ask any questions about this blue zapping device that put her to sleep for 3 years. Especially when it’s used for the second time.
*Thank you to NetGalley and MIRA books for the eARC!
September 27, 2024
I'm not sure what I expected going into this, but after some brief confusion with the prologue (I was super confused that it seemed like a sci-fi vs. fantasy story when I never, ever request sci-fi books lol), I fell in love with the story.
Order of Swans was unpredictable, captivating, and enthralling. I loved the characters, especially Kaley, and I liked the world building that took place. I also really enjoyed the light-academia vibes throughout the story; I'm a sucker for all things academia related in fantasy, so this ended up being perfect for me.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Order of Swans was unpredictable, captivating, and enthralling. I loved the characters, especially Kaley, and I liked the world building that took place. I also really enjoyed the light-academia vibes throughout the story; I'm a sucker for all things academia related in fantasy, so this ended up being perfect for me.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2025
2.5
Felt very rushed, trying to fit so many ideas into one world. I wish the pacing was slower and better fleshed out, it's a very cool idea but execution was not for me. Likely not going to read the rest of the series it is obviously setting up
Felt very rushed, trying to fit so many ideas into one world. I wish the pacing was slower and better fleshed out, it's a very cool idea but execution was not for me. Likely not going to read the rest of the series it is obviously setting up
February 12, 2025
Amazing concept, horrible execution.
I was so excited to dive into this one when I saw it was about fairy tales taking place on a different planet. However, that excitement was short lived when I actually started reading. It was like the author just decided to throw everything into book form without actually editing. I felt no connection to the characters or the planet where the story was taking place. This would've been a DNF for me but it's so hard for me to do that, so I forced myself to skim the rest just to see if it got better... it didn't.
I was so excited to dive into this one when I saw it was about fairy tales taking place on a different planet. However, that excitement was short lived when I actually started reading. It was like the author just decided to throw everything into book form without actually editing. I felt no connection to the characters or the planet where the story was taking place. This would've been a DNF for me but it's so hard for me to do that, so I forced myself to skim the rest just to see if it got better... it didn't.
July 22, 2025
DNF
This book needed a serious rewrite. Great idea, very disappointing execution. You’re telling me this lady isn’t immediately freaked out when she encounters an actual HOUSE MADE OF CANDY??? And a cannibal living inside? Where’s the realistic internal monologue? Where’s the skepticism and shock?
And also that’s now how PhD reviews work…
This book needed a serious rewrite. Great idea, very disappointing execution. You’re telling me this lady isn’t immediately freaked out when she encounters an actual HOUSE MADE OF CANDY??? And a cannibal living inside? Where’s the realistic internal monologue? Where’s the skepticism and shock?
And also that’s now how PhD reviews work…
February 9, 2025
My only problem with this book is ensuring the wait for the next one!
January 2, 2025
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Order of Swans by Jude Deveraux is a third-person multi-POV romantic contemporary fantasy playing with fairy tales. When Kaley’s dissertation is rejected for being too derivative, she leaps at the chance offered by her old friend Jobi to visit his isolated home island to learn about a new culture’s worth of folklore and fairy tales. But Jobi isn’t taking her to an island—he’s taking her to another planet and has plans of his own, plans linked to Kaley.
Several fairy tales get a bit of a spin as Kaley plays a direct part in the stories reaching their happily ever after, such as helping the prince find Cinderella and Hansel and Gretel escaping the witch. We don’t really learn why all of the classic fairy tales are coming to life in front of Kaley’s eyes in this book, but I assume we will get an answer in the sequel. Kaley’s love of folklore is a big driving force for her and her main goal is her dissertation and getting her PhD once her time in this new world is over.
Kaley travels with Tanek and Sojee across the planet of Bellis to save a prince so he can fulfill his orders to wed a princess. Tanek is a swan herder and has some swan DNA, giving him some swan characteristics though he is almost completely human. Sojee is a warrior and spends a lot of his time teasing Tanek and pushing him and Kaley together. Tanek’s former flame, who appears later, is also part fox and has a tail and an elongated nose. Readers who love animal characteristics on mostly human characters could have a lot of fun with Tanek and what his swan aspects could mean for him and Kaley down the line.
Initially, Kaley is very attracted to Tanek but he’s kind of dismissive towards her. It’s quite clear that he doesn’t really want to be helping her and is more doing it because he was ordered to but Kaley tries to make the best of it by apologizing to him for being forward when they first met. Tanek keeps fighting his attraction to her but his walls break down further the more he sees others hitting on Kaley and he learns more about her.
I would recommend this to fans of Jude Deveraux’s works who want a dash of fairy tale
Order of Swans by Jude Deveraux is a third-person multi-POV romantic contemporary fantasy playing with fairy tales. When Kaley’s dissertation is rejected for being too derivative, she leaps at the chance offered by her old friend Jobi to visit his isolated home island to learn about a new culture’s worth of folklore and fairy tales. But Jobi isn’t taking her to an island—he’s taking her to another planet and has plans of his own, plans linked to Kaley.
Several fairy tales get a bit of a spin as Kaley plays a direct part in the stories reaching their happily ever after, such as helping the prince find Cinderella and Hansel and Gretel escaping the witch. We don’t really learn why all of the classic fairy tales are coming to life in front of Kaley’s eyes in this book, but I assume we will get an answer in the sequel. Kaley’s love of folklore is a big driving force for her and her main goal is her dissertation and getting her PhD once her time in this new world is over.
Kaley travels with Tanek and Sojee across the planet of Bellis to save a prince so he can fulfill his orders to wed a princess. Tanek is a swan herder and has some swan DNA, giving him some swan characteristics though he is almost completely human. Sojee is a warrior and spends a lot of his time teasing Tanek and pushing him and Kaley together. Tanek’s former flame, who appears later, is also part fox and has a tail and an elongated nose. Readers who love animal characteristics on mostly human characters could have a lot of fun with Tanek and what his swan aspects could mean for him and Kaley down the line.
Initially, Kaley is very attracted to Tanek but he’s kind of dismissive towards her. It’s quite clear that he doesn’t really want to be helping her and is more doing it because he was ordered to but Kaley tries to make the best of it by apologizing to him for being forward when they first met. Tanek keeps fighting his attraction to her but his walls break down further the more he sees others hitting on Kaley and he learns more about her.
I would recommend this to fans of Jude Deveraux’s works who want a dash of fairy tale
January 11, 2025
I know we are only 2 weeks into 2025 but I have a feeling this book is going to be in my top reads at the end of 2025 as well! This book had everything I'm looking for in a fantasy book it was quick paced, had amazing Banter and sass from our FMC Kaley which is given right back by our MMC Tanek. There are so many amazing and down right adorable creatures and she ties in so many Fairytales in a way that is reminiscent of Once Upon a Time. I am truly sad that I was sent this eARC ONLY because now I will have to wait even longer for the second book in what I know will be one of my favorite duologies that I have read. Order of Swans is available for purchase January 28th 2025 be sure to preorder and add it to your tbr if you love fantasy and fairytales this is not a release you want to miss. And as always thank you @netgalley and @judedeveraux for the honor of reading this story before its publication date this is truly an amazing read.
February 6, 2025
A blend of scifi and fantasy with a romantic subplot
Alien cultures on another world with a blend of high fantasy and folklore created a unique plot that had an oddly wholesome vibe.
I thought there were multiple narrators on this book because each character was very different, but if the website is to be believed there was only one narrator. That doesn’t seem possible to me because the voices were so distinct. (Pardon me my brain is still exploding over this revelation.)
I think the book might even qualify as “clean” because I can’t recall any cursing and there was only light kissing. Even the gory elements of the story were softened which is impressive because Grim Fairytales are very dark.
Ultimately I really enjoyed the story and I’m looking forward to the next one, because the book is fun and the cliffhanger is steep.
Alien cultures on another world with a blend of high fantasy and folklore created a unique plot that had an oddly wholesome vibe.
I thought there were multiple narrators on this book because each character was very different, but if the website is to be believed there was only one narrator. That doesn’t seem possible to me because the voices were so distinct. (Pardon me my brain is still exploding over this revelation.)
I think the book might even qualify as “clean” because I can’t recall any cursing and there was only light kissing. Even the gory elements of the story were softened which is impressive because Grim Fairytales are very dark.
Ultimately I really enjoyed the story and I’m looking forward to the next one, because the book is fun and the cliffhanger is steep.
January 25, 2025
4.5
This was a FANTASTIC start to a new romantasy duology that sees PhD. student, Kayley being taken to an alien planet where she is tasked with helping to figure out a number of fairy tales that are being played out with deadly consequences.
Fresh, original and great on audio, this is perfect for fans of authors like Katee Robert or Karen Robards and romance fantasy books with a fun twist. I can't wait to see how this story concludes!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
This was a FANTASTIC start to a new romantasy duology that sees PhD. student, Kayley being taken to an alien planet where she is tasked with helping to figure out a number of fairy tales that are being played out with deadly consequences.
Fresh, original and great on audio, this is perfect for fans of authors like Katee Robert or Karen Robards and romance fantasy books with a fun twist. I can't wait to see how this story concludes!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
March 5, 2025
This book was a total departure from Jude Deveraux's former novels. I thoroughly enjoyed it and since it left off with questions, I assume there will be another novel. The big problem/questions I have is that Jobi didn't reappear at the end and nothing was mentioned about Kaley's mother.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2025
As a historical romance reader, I'm a little appalled to say that this was my first Jude Deveraux book. (It's not historical romance.) Like many other authors, Deveraux made the pivot to what I guess is romantasy with Order of Swans. I say this because while it centers on fairy tales as the primary concept of the book, it takes place on another planet and has an intriguing scifi feel to it. It's also totally bonkers.
When Kaley's advisor rejects the central thesis of her dissertation, she's stunned. So stunned that she agrees to travel with a family friend to his home for the summer...except the family friend's home is a 3 year journey away and isn't actually on earth. And the friend orchestrated Kaley's life to help save his planet. Kaley of course doesn't know this, and is simply excited to be in a world where the fairy tales she studies seem to be playing out in real life.
This gave me the same vibes as the 2000 TV mini series 10th Kingdom, and I didn't hate that! I'm a sucker for fairy tales, and if 2000-era Meg had gotten her hands on this book she would have eaten it up. Unfortunately, it fell a little flat for me, even with its really bizarre elements. I think ultimately the problem is pacing - this ends on a cliffhanger and I was expecting a complete arc, so when the story finished without wrapping up, I wasn't ready. I wasn't invested enough in the characters or the romance (that said, the declaration of love is actually pretty spectacular!) and was in this one for the plot antics, so having it cut short was disappointing.
Thank you to Harlequin Audio for an ALC for review. Order of Swans is out 1/28/25.
When Kaley's advisor rejects the central thesis of her dissertation, she's stunned. So stunned that she agrees to travel with a family friend to his home for the summer...except the family friend's home is a 3 year journey away and isn't actually on earth. And the friend orchestrated Kaley's life to help save his planet. Kaley of course doesn't know this, and is simply excited to be in a world where the fairy tales she studies seem to be playing out in real life.
This gave me the same vibes as the 2000 TV mini series 10th Kingdom, and I didn't hate that! I'm a sucker for fairy tales, and if 2000-era Meg had gotten her hands on this book she would have eaten it up. Unfortunately, it fell a little flat for me, even with its really bizarre elements. I think ultimately the problem is pacing - this ends on a cliffhanger and I was expecting a complete arc, so when the story finished without wrapping up, I wasn't ready. I wasn't invested enough in the characters or the romance (that said, the declaration of love is actually pretty spectacular!) and was in this one for the plot antics, so having it cut short was disappointing.
Thank you to Harlequin Audio for an ALC for review. Order of Swans is out 1/28/25.
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