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The Swan’s Arrow
What if the fairy tales you loved as a child were rewritten to become even more horrifying? The Swan’s Arrow is a haunting reimagining of The Swan Princess for readers who crave morally gray heroes, tragic romance, and curses that bite back.
Odette is a princess bound by grief and royal obligation. After losing her mother to a monstrous curse, she’s forced into a political engagement with the one man she despises—Prince Derek, her kingdom’s golden boy with secrets darker than his smile.
Ren is a cursed sorcerer with a past steeped in shadows. Feared by many, hunted by more, he’s the villain in every bedtime story—until one fateful night binds his fate to the very girl who should fear him most.
Two years after a beastly attack that changes everything, Odette and Ren are reunited—this time with a common enemy and a plan for vengeance. But as their bond deepens and the kingdom’s lies begin to unravel, love becomes as dangerous as any curse.
Perfect for fans of Beauty and the Beast and The Witcher, The Swan’s Arrow is a story where love is a weapon, curses breathe, and not all monsters hide in the dark.
Odette is a princess bound by grief and royal obligation. After losing her mother to a monstrous curse, she’s forced into a political engagement with the one man she despises—Prince Derek, her kingdom’s golden boy with secrets darker than his smile.
Ren is a cursed sorcerer with a past steeped in shadows. Feared by many, hunted by more, he’s the villain in every bedtime story—until one fateful night binds his fate to the very girl who should fear him most.
Two years after a beastly attack that changes everything, Odette and Ren are reunited—this time with a common enemy and a plan for vengeance. But as their bond deepens and the kingdom’s lies begin to unravel, love becomes as dangerous as any curse.
Perfect for fans of Beauty and the Beast and The Witcher, The Swan’s Arrow is a story where love is a weapon, curses breathe, and not all monsters hide in the dark.
361 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 13, 2026
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31 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 5, 2026
Thank you to the publisher Atmosphere Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Fairytale retellings are one of my favourite genres so when I came across this book I was very keen to read it. The Swan Princess was one of my favourite stories when I was a little girl so I really enjoyed reading this, my favourite character was Stella, I loved her unique and fiery personality. The romance between Odette and Ren was very slow burn but I still enjoyed it, Odette was very keen to be kidnapped to escape her betrothal to the odious Prince Derek. I loved how many of the characters from the Swan Princess appeared in this book while the author spun her unique take on this beloved fairytale. I liked Odette she was very perky and keen to learn her magic, poor tortured Ren was painfully shy and closed off, when they finally kissed ‘’swoon’. A must read for lovers of fairytale retellings.
Fairytale retellings are one of my favourite genres so when I came across this book I was very keen to read it. The Swan Princess was one of my favourite stories when I was a little girl so I really enjoyed reading this, my favourite character was Stella, I loved her unique and fiery personality. The romance between Odette and Ren was very slow burn but I still enjoyed it, Odette was very keen to be kidnapped to escape her betrothal to the odious Prince Derek. I loved how many of the characters from the Swan Princess appeared in this book while the author spun her unique take on this beloved fairytale. I liked Odette she was very perky and keen to learn her magic, poor tortured Ren was painfully shy and closed off, when they finally kissed ‘’swoon’. A must read for lovers of fairytale retellings.
January 16, 2026
The Swan’s Arrow is a re-telling of the swan 🦢 princess.
It was cute, sweet and had lovely relationships/found family.
Odette is desperate to escape the box she’s been put into. Not understanding why her parents have put her in it in the first place. Ren is seeking revenge on the prince Odette has been betrothed to.
But Odette and Ren were so sweet.
I would say this is more YA fantasy romance. Reminds me of Assistant to the Villian a little and a PG The Dark Lords Guide to Dating and Other War Crimes. If you like those books or those style books, I would definitely recommend.
It was cute, sweet and had lovely relationships/found family.
Odette is desperate to escape the box she’s been put into. Not understanding why her parents have put her in it in the first place. Ren is seeking revenge on the prince Odette has been betrothed to.
But Odette and Ren were so sweet.
I would say this is more YA fantasy romance. Reminds me of Assistant to the Villian a little and a PG The Dark Lords Guide to Dating and Other War Crimes. If you like those books or those style books, I would definitely recommend.
January 17, 2026
I REALLY wanted to like this book, but I just couldn’t finish it. I appreciated the throw back to Nest’s The Swan Princess and OG characters, but this book was very disappointing. I had hoped for an adult version of the story with world building, adventure, new twists and turns, adult banter/flirting, and, of course, a dark, morally gray brooding wizard who was as mysterious as he was in love with Oddette… but instead I got teenage flirting that was cringy and gave me hives (plus Oddette is REALLY annoying). The world building was also non-existent, and I wasn’t convinced by/didn’t believe the plot and magic system. All in all, I just couldn’t finish it and sadly walked away disappointed (I truly had wanted so much from this story).
January 15, 2026
Thank you to the publisher, Atmosphere Press and NetGalley for the ARC. Unfortunately, this book was not for me. I loved the premise and was genuinely excited when I was notified of the ARC in exchange for an honest review. The book just did not deliver.
This is a take on, “The Swan Princess” or if you want to get really technical, “Swan Lake”. It follows Odette who, like in the original story, transforms into a Swan. This version throws in witchcraft, an evil sorcerer, Prince Derek in his villain era, and Ren, who was maybe in the original tale and I just don’t remember, but is the MMC in this version.
My issue is twofold. One, there was no world building AT ALL. I had no idea what time frame, world, land, etc., this book was supposed to be in. Then the author makes several modern references, I.e. “Harry Potter” and “The Hunger Games”, which would make you think you’re in modern times, yet they’re riding horses and living in what seems to be a Renaissance type of era?
Then the writing, it was very juvenile and cringy. I wouldn’t say it was written poorly, but it was a very immature writing style that definitely needs further development in my opinion. The writing style was very prevalent in the FMC, and that made me despise her. It’s tough to rate a book highly when you can’t stand the main character.
Finally, it was kind of all over the place and the resolution just wasn’t good enough for me to say I enjoyed this. I have the utmost respect for authors that get their work out there and I understand this was the authors debut. Unfortunately this was a miss for me.
2 stars.
This is a take on, “The Swan Princess” or if you want to get really technical, “Swan Lake”. It follows Odette who, like in the original story, transforms into a Swan. This version throws in witchcraft, an evil sorcerer, Prince Derek in his villain era, and Ren, who was maybe in the original tale and I just don’t remember, but is the MMC in this version.
My issue is twofold. One, there was no world building AT ALL. I had no idea what time frame, world, land, etc., this book was supposed to be in. Then the author makes several modern references, I.e. “Harry Potter” and “The Hunger Games”, which would make you think you’re in modern times, yet they’re riding horses and living in what seems to be a Renaissance type of era?
Then the writing, it was very juvenile and cringy. I wouldn’t say it was written poorly, but it was a very immature writing style that definitely needs further development in my opinion. The writing style was very prevalent in the FMC, and that made me despise her. It’s tough to rate a book highly when you can’t stand the main character.
Finally, it was kind of all over the place and the resolution just wasn’t good enough for me to say I enjoyed this. I have the utmost respect for authors that get their work out there and I understand this was the authors debut. Unfortunately this was a miss for me.
2 stars.
November 17, 2025
Tropes I devoured in this book:
• cursed MMC
• reluctant chosen one FMC
• soulmate-level tension
• enemies-to-lovers-but-not-really
• he falls first (HARD)
• found family
• prophecy chaos
I inhaled this in one sitting. Zero regrets.
The Swan’s Arrow wasn’t just a book — it was an experience. One I’m still thinking about hours after finishing.
Holly M. Jenkins delivers a dark, romantic fantasy that hits in all the best ways: atmospheric world-building, morally-gray characters, tension so sharp it borders on pain, and a love story that crawls under your skin and stays there.
Odette is a phenomenal protagonist—soft but never weak, brave without even realizing it, and carrying a destiny she never asked for. I adored watching her unravel her magic and the lies around her.
But Ren.
Oh, Ren.
If you love the “villain who falls first,” “cursed and tortured love interest,” or “he’d burn the world for her” vibes… prepare yourself. He is equal parts danger, devotion, and heartbreak. His chapters absolutely gutted me.
And Prince Derek?
Let’s just say: if you like your golden boys with teeth, you’re in for a ride.
The prophecy threads, the magic system, the stakes, the political tension—it all feels so well-woven. Jenkins’s writing is lush and cinematic without ever dragging. There are lines in this book I had to stop and reread because they were that beautiful.
• cursed MMC
• reluctant chosen one FMC
• soulmate-level tension
• enemies-to-lovers-but-not-really
• he falls first (HARD)
• found family
• prophecy chaos
I inhaled this in one sitting. Zero regrets.
The Swan’s Arrow wasn’t just a book — it was an experience. One I’m still thinking about hours after finishing.
Holly M. Jenkins delivers a dark, romantic fantasy that hits in all the best ways: atmospheric world-building, morally-gray characters, tension so sharp it borders on pain, and a love story that crawls under your skin and stays there.
Odette is a phenomenal protagonist—soft but never weak, brave without even realizing it, and carrying a destiny she never asked for. I adored watching her unravel her magic and the lies around her.
But Ren.
Oh, Ren.
If you love the “villain who falls first,” “cursed and tortured love interest,” or “he’d burn the world for her” vibes… prepare yourself. He is equal parts danger, devotion, and heartbreak. His chapters absolutely gutted me.
And Prince Derek?
Let’s just say: if you like your golden boys with teeth, you’re in for a ride.
The prophecy threads, the magic system, the stakes, the political tension—it all feels so well-woven. Jenkins’s writing is lush and cinematic without ever dragging. There are lines in this book I had to stop and reread because they were that beautiful.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.
The Swan's Arrow, by Holly M. Jenkins, is a reimagining of The Swan Princess. Familiar characters appear in unexpected places and new tropes are introduced in this dark fairy tale.
Princess Odette is promised to Prince Derek, but she knows there is no love between them. In fact, when a powerful mage appears to take his revenge, Odette is only too happy to help him accomplish her goal.
Odette's character is a fun combination of headstrong, naive, and intelligent. The bonds she forges are powerful, but the one that matters most seems to be the most difficult for her to grip.
Meanwhile, a kingdom is in peril, lives are at stake, and everything rests on the shoulders of two people who have no idea what they're doing.
The Swan's Arrow receives 3/5 stars for the moments the dialogue pulled me from the story with the use of too-modern language...until it's revealed much too late in the book that Odette's kingdom exists in the same time period as our own. Even with that knowledge, the use of modern references and language feel out of place and awkward.
The reluctance I saw from the main characters paired with the disappointingly anticlimactic conclusion force me to give this book a 3/5. It was entertaining enough to see through the end, but not satisfying enough for a second read.
The Swan's Arrow, by Holly M. Jenkins, is a reimagining of The Swan Princess. Familiar characters appear in unexpected places and new tropes are introduced in this dark fairy tale.
Princess Odette is promised to Prince Derek, but she knows there is no love between them. In fact, when a powerful mage appears to take his revenge, Odette is only too happy to help him accomplish her goal.
Odette's character is a fun combination of headstrong, naive, and intelligent. The bonds she forges are powerful, but the one that matters most seems to be the most difficult for her to grip.
Meanwhile, a kingdom is in peril, lives are at stake, and everything rests on the shoulders of two people who have no idea what they're doing.
The Swan's Arrow receives 3/5 stars for the moments the dialogue pulled me from the story with the use of too-modern language...until it's revealed much too late in the book that Odette's kingdom exists in the same time period as our own. Even with that knowledge, the use of modern references and language feel out of place and awkward.
The reluctance I saw from the main characters paired with the disappointingly anticlimactic conclusion force me to give this book a 3/5. It was entertaining enough to see through the end, but not satisfying enough for a second read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC Review of The Swan's Arrow by Holly M. Jenkins
* * * * *
An adult romance version of The Swan Princess with a twist. Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with my copy.
It started with a ritual, a prophecy, a warrior and a monster.
The introduction completely confused me at first, but I let myself fall into gaining context for the story. Some of the way it was written, specifically in the beginning had me wanting to take a moment to allow myself to take in the information, as I was expecting something else entirely, but eventually you get to the story you were wanting to hear. Give it time. You need the background!
We have switching POVs, the chapters with beautiful chapter formatting reminding me of bows.
Familiar characters popped up, and of course you need to readjust your brain to let the naughtiness creep through.
Princess Oddette with Prince Derek? No thanks. give me my villan please!
Odette and Ren's characters area also a little different from what you would have grown up with as a child, which was a delightful change.
Perfect for those who like a twisted fairytale retelling.
Beautiful cover.
* * * * *
An adult romance version of The Swan Princess with a twist. Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with my copy.
It started with a ritual, a prophecy, a warrior and a monster.
The introduction completely confused me at first, but I let myself fall into gaining context for the story. Some of the way it was written, specifically in the beginning had me wanting to take a moment to allow myself to take in the information, as I was expecting something else entirely, but eventually you get to the story you were wanting to hear. Give it time. You need the background!
We have switching POVs, the chapters with beautiful chapter formatting reminding me of bows.
Familiar characters popped up, and of course you need to readjust your brain to let the naughtiness creep through.
Princess Oddette with Prince Derek? No thanks. give me my villan please!
Odette and Ren's characters area also a little different from what you would have grown up with as a child, which was a delightful change.
Perfect for those who like a twisted fairytale retelling.
Beautiful cover.
January 6, 2026
The Swan’s Arrow by Holly M. Jenkins
This is a dark retelling of The Swan Princess, following Princess Odette as she teams up with Ren, a cursed sorcerer, after her kingdom is attacked. As they hunt for the truth and fight a shared enemy, secrets unravel and their unlikely bond turns into something deeper.
🪄Magic and curses
🦢Morally grey MMC
❤️Prophecy
🪄Witches
🦢Fairytale retelling
❤️Slow burn
⭐️⭐️⭐️ This book was okay. I definitely recommend it if you like fairytale retellings!
I liked the pacing because it was slower to allow for the characters to develop. It created tension and felt organic. The FMC explores duty, grief, and a desire for independence. I liked that some elements with the MMC were suspenseful and there’s tension. It blurs the line between love and danger. I liked the characters. I liked the political intrigue but not the dark magic.
The prologue is super long which I thought was really weird. Just make it part of the book?
Release date 1/13/26. Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the ARC.
This is a dark retelling of The Swan Princess, following Princess Odette as she teams up with Ren, a cursed sorcerer, after her kingdom is attacked. As they hunt for the truth and fight a shared enemy, secrets unravel and their unlikely bond turns into something deeper.
🪄Magic and curses
🦢Morally grey MMC
❤️Prophecy
🪄Witches
🦢Fairytale retelling
❤️Slow burn
⭐️⭐️⭐️ This book was okay. I definitely recommend it if you like fairytale retellings!
I liked the pacing because it was slower to allow for the characters to develop. It created tension and felt organic. The FMC explores duty, grief, and a desire for independence. I liked that some elements with the MMC were suspenseful and there’s tension. It blurs the line between love and danger. I liked the characters. I liked the political intrigue but not the dark magic.
The prologue is super long which I thought was really weird. Just make it part of the book?
Release date 1/13/26. Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Swan's Arrow offers a fresh take on classic fairy tale themes, blending romance with elements of betrayal and magic. The dual perspectives of Odette and Ren create a richly layered narrative filled with emotional depth. Holly M. Jenkins crafts a brooding atmosphere that draws readers into a world where love is fraught with danger and every choice can lead to unforeseen consequences.
The protagonists are well-rounded, with relatable struggles that resonate with readers. Jenkins’ writing is beautifully poetic, enhancing the magical ambiance of the story. The exploration of love, power, and moral ambiguity adds depth to the narrative. This novel is a captivating read for those who enjoy fairy tales reimagined with a darker twist. It’s a story that lingers long after the last page is turned.
The protagonists are well-rounded, with relatable struggles that resonate with readers. Jenkins’ writing is beautifully poetic, enhancing the magical ambiance of the story. The exploration of love, power, and moral ambiguity adds depth to the narrative. This novel is a captivating read for those who enjoy fairy tales reimagined with a darker twist. It’s a story that lingers long after the last page is turned.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Net Galley, the author and publisher for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC. The Swan’s Arrow is a reimagined fairytale. The author mentions in the acknowledgments The Swan Princess being the inspiration behind the novel and I can see some of the elements from that in this story. The chapters alternate pov’s following the characters Odette and Ren. The second half of the book, where things really start to unfold, I found myself hooked. As a person who enjoys fairytales I enjoyed reading Holly’s debut novel and look forward to what else she writes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love the Swan Princess , so I was exited for this books! but , while I loved Odette , I don’t know why but I found ren truly annoying and so I couldn’t make it past the 20%
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