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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.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 13, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
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).
February 18, 2026
Thank you to Net Galley for letting me read this one.
It’s a lovely story and I think it’s based on a retelling of the Swan Princess. I was hooked right from the beginning and I was keen to pick up the ebook every time I put it down. It felt very atmospheric and I loved almost all of the characters in particular Odette who seemed very headstrong. I would highly recommend 🥰
It’s a lovely story and I think it’s based on a retelling of the Swan Princess. I was hooked right from the beginning and I was keen to pick up the ebook every time I put it down. It felt very atmospheric and I loved almost all of the characters in particular Odette who seemed very headstrong. I would highly recommend 🥰
February 13, 2026
Thank you netgalley for the opportunity to read this book as an ARC. I hate writing bad reviews, but these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
I was so excited to read this book as The Swan Princess was and still is my absolute favorite movie as a kid so I was excited at the prospect for an adult retelling. However, this book fell short for me in a few ways and I didn't end up finishing it, I made it to about 50% to give it a fair chance.
The things I did like were the slight changes to the story, the prologue definitely had me hooked and I was looking forward to seeing how it played out when I first started. I also like how the curse was more of a generational curse rather than inflicted. Those being said, there was too much that I wasn't able to look past to finish the book.
The things that bothered me were it felt like it was a book version of the kids movie with some slight changes. With the being said it felt like I was reading the movie script. The pacing of the book felt off between the main love interests as well. I'm fine with an insta-attraction, but the immediate comfortability between them in the first chapters was odd. The FMC also read a bit juvenile, when I was reading it felt like I was reading the mind of a 15 year old rather than an almost 25 year old, same with prince Derek. Overall, the writing itself felt like reading something at a junior high level. (Don't get me wrong that is totally fine, I was expecting a more adult approach in writing style along with storyline).
Like I said I hate giving negative reviews, because I know authors pour their heart and soul into their books, but these are my honest thoughts and maybe they will help. Thank you again to Netgalley and the author for letting me read this as an ARC.
I was so excited to read this book as The Swan Princess was and still is my absolute favorite movie as a kid so I was excited at the prospect for an adult retelling. However, this book fell short for me in a few ways and I didn't end up finishing it, I made it to about 50% to give it a fair chance.
The things I did like were the slight changes to the story, the prologue definitely had me hooked and I was looking forward to seeing how it played out when I first started. I also like how the curse was more of a generational curse rather than inflicted. Those being said, there was too much that I wasn't able to look past to finish the book.
The things that bothered me were it felt like it was a book version of the kids movie with some slight changes. With the being said it felt like I was reading the movie script. The pacing of the book felt off between the main love interests as well. I'm fine with an insta-attraction, but the immediate comfortability between them in the first chapters was odd. The FMC also read a bit juvenile, when I was reading it felt like I was reading the mind of a 15 year old rather than an almost 25 year old, same with prince Derek. Overall, the writing itself felt like reading something at a junior high level. (Don't get me wrong that is totally fine, I was expecting a more adult approach in writing style along with storyline).
Like I said I hate giving negative reviews, because I know authors pour their heart and soul into their books, but these are my honest thoughts and maybe they will help. Thank you again to Netgalley and the author for letting me read this as an ARC.
May 31, 2026
The Swan’s Arrow by Holly M. Jenkins is a dark fantasy romance that reimagines a beloved fairy tale through a lens of tragedy, vengeance, forbidden love, and haunting magic.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its reinterpretation of familiar fairy tale elements. Rather than offering a traditional retelling, the story embraces darker themes and moral ambiguity, creating a world where curses carry lasting consequences and heroes are far from perfect.
Odette emerges as a compelling protagonist whose life is shaped by grief, duty, and loss. The burden of royal expectations, combined with the lingering trauma surrounding her mother's fate, creates emotional depth that drives much of the narrative.
Ren is equally captivating. As a cursed sorcerer feared by the world around him, he embodies the morally gray antihero archetype while maintaining an emotional vulnerability that makes his journey particularly engaging. His complicated history and evolving relationship with Odette provide the emotional heart of the story.
The dynamic between Odette and Ren develops against a backdrop of revenge, political intrigue, and unraveling secrets. Their growing bond feels meaningful because it is forged through shared struggles, mutual understanding, and difficult choices.
The novel's atmosphere is one of its most impressive qualities. Dark magic, living curses, hidden truths, and a kingdom built upon deception create a richly layered setting that enhances both the fantasy and romance elements.
For readers who enjoy dark fantasy romance, fairy tale retellings, morally gray characters, forbidden love, and emotionally charged storytelling, The Swan’s Arrow delivers an immersive and memorable reading experience.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its reinterpretation of familiar fairy tale elements. Rather than offering a traditional retelling, the story embraces darker themes and moral ambiguity, creating a world where curses carry lasting consequences and heroes are far from perfect.
Odette emerges as a compelling protagonist whose life is shaped by grief, duty, and loss. The burden of royal expectations, combined with the lingering trauma surrounding her mother's fate, creates emotional depth that drives much of the narrative.
Ren is equally captivating. As a cursed sorcerer feared by the world around him, he embodies the morally gray antihero archetype while maintaining an emotional vulnerability that makes his journey particularly engaging. His complicated history and evolving relationship with Odette provide the emotional heart of the story.
The dynamic between Odette and Ren develops against a backdrop of revenge, political intrigue, and unraveling secrets. Their growing bond feels meaningful because it is forged through shared struggles, mutual understanding, and difficult choices.
The novel's atmosphere is one of its most impressive qualities. Dark magic, living curses, hidden truths, and a kingdom built upon deception create a richly layered setting that enhances both the fantasy and romance elements.
For readers who enjoy dark fantasy romance, fairy tale retellings, morally gray characters, forbidden love, and emotionally charged storytelling, The Swan’s Arrow delivers an immersive and memorable reading experience.
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.
April 17, 2026
The Swan’s Arrow by Holly M. Jenkins is a darkly enchanting and emotionally charged reimagining that transforms a familiar fairy tale into something far more dangerous, complex, and haunting.
Jenkins takes the recognizable framework of The Swan Princess and reshapes it into a story steeped in grief, vengeance, and moral ambiguity. The result is a narrative that feels both intimate and epic, where every relationship carries weight and every choice comes at a cost.
Odette stands out as a deeply layered protagonist, caught between duty and desire, her grief shaping not only her decisions but the very lens through which she views the world. Opposite her, Ren emerges as a compelling anti-hero, a character whose darkness is not just aesthetic but deeply rooted in pain, history, and survival. Their dynamic is charged, unpredictable, and emotionally resonant, driving the story forward with a tension that rarely lets up.
The novel excels in its atmosphere, blending romance with a creeping sense of dread. Curses feel alive, the stakes feel personal, and the unfolding mystery of the kingdom’s secrets adds a strong narrative momentum. Jenkins skillfully leans into the darker edges of fairy tale storytelling, creating a world where love is not a refuge, but a risk.
Bold, brooding, and richly immersive, The Swan’s Arrow is a gripping romantasy that will resonate strongly with readers drawn to tragic romance, morally gray characters, and stories where beauty and brutality coexist.
Jenkins takes the recognizable framework of The Swan Princess and reshapes it into a story steeped in grief, vengeance, and moral ambiguity. The result is a narrative that feels both intimate and epic, where every relationship carries weight and every choice comes at a cost.
Odette stands out as a deeply layered protagonist, caught between duty and desire, her grief shaping not only her decisions but the very lens through which she views the world. Opposite her, Ren emerges as a compelling anti-hero, a character whose darkness is not just aesthetic but deeply rooted in pain, history, and survival. Their dynamic is charged, unpredictable, and emotionally resonant, driving the story forward with a tension that rarely lets up.
The novel excels in its atmosphere, blending romance with a creeping sense of dread. Curses feel alive, the stakes feel personal, and the unfolding mystery of the kingdom’s secrets adds a strong narrative momentum. Jenkins skillfully leans into the darker edges of fairy tale storytelling, creating a world where love is not a refuge, but a risk.
Bold, brooding, and richly immersive, The Swan’s Arrow is a gripping romantasy that will resonate strongly with readers drawn to tragic romance, morally gray characters, and stories where beauty and brutality coexist.
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.
January 25, 2026
2.5 Stars.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of this book; this does not influence my review.
This book had some hits and some misses. I enjoyed the progression of the romance and relationship between Ren and Odette. I also loved that Odette knew how to fight and shoot a bow, and that Ren helped her improve her self-defence skills and become more independent. We love a strong FMC.
The beginning moved far too quickly. I wish I had learned more about Colette and Estelle, Colette’s growth as a queen and witch, and her life after sealing the beast, before the story switched to Odette in the present day.
The pacing of this book was also strange: the beginning was rushed, and Odette and Ren’s friendship seemed unnatural, the middle dragged, and the ending happened far too quickly. The world-building felt lacklustre, especially considering how much irrelevant information was included. On top of that, there were random references to Harry Potter and The Hunger Games, which felt out of place. I couldn’t understand how Odette would know about these stories when the world relies on horses and carriages for travel, sends letters for communication, and seems to have clothing from the Middle Ages.
This could have been a great book with a bit of polishing. I loved the concepts of shape-shifting, light and dark magic, the veil, and the goddesses. I hope the author continues to build on this world as her writing improves.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of this book; this does not influence my review.
This book had some hits and some misses. I enjoyed the progression of the romance and relationship between Ren and Odette. I also loved that Odette knew how to fight and shoot a bow, and that Ren helped her improve her self-defence skills and become more independent. We love a strong FMC.
The beginning moved far too quickly. I wish I had learned more about Colette and Estelle, Colette’s growth as a queen and witch, and her life after sealing the beast, before the story switched to Odette in the present day.
The pacing of this book was also strange: the beginning was rushed, and Odette and Ren’s friendship seemed unnatural, the middle dragged, and the ending happened far too quickly. The world-building felt lacklustre, especially considering how much irrelevant information was included. On top of that, there were random references to Harry Potter and The Hunger Games, which felt out of place. I couldn’t understand how Odette would know about these stories when the world relies on horses and carriages for travel, sends letters for communication, and seems to have clothing from the Middle Ages.
This could have been a great book with a bit of polishing. I loved the concepts of shape-shifting, light and dark magic, the veil, and the goddesses. I hope the author continues to build on this world as her writing improves.
January 29, 2026
This was marketed as a dark romance. But I don’t feel like it was a dark romance at all. Maybe YA…. It was more sad and heartbreaking in the amount of loss that both characters had experienced. There is no spice in this book whatsoever. There is only awkward longing on both sides. Some of the explicit language used seemed to just not fit within the flow of the book. It had comedy that just didn’t flow with rest of the book. It’s like it was trying to be something else but fell short. The current day references to things like The Lion King/hunger games/Hogwarts was weird. There’s even a point where she brings up a Bible story… that just didn’t work for me. I really wanted to like this book. I like both of the characters Ren and Odette. I saw some reviews that said they couldn’t stand Ren, but I don’t know why he obviously was a haunted MMC that needed saving by the strong and also haunted FMC. In the end, I felt like it could’ve used a few more chapters. It felt rushed and we didn’t get to see Ren and Odette recover and heal together. I would probably recommend it to people but I would add disclaimers. So at least they know kind of what they’re getting in to. The author consistently mentioned on her social media that Ren was inspired by Dean Winchester from Supernatural. I did not get any Dean vibes from Ren. If anything he’s more like Sam.
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 18, 2026
Thanks to Atmosphere Press for providing this book via NetGalley!
This was a 2 1/2 star read for me.
First of all, I’m completely unfamiliar with The Swan Princess, so I had zero expectations going in. I’m pretty sure I would’ve adored this if I was 12-14 years old. It felt a little adolescent to me, especially in the first half. For example, lines like:
“The room had a cozy vibe”.
“I’m the queen of bullshitting and you sir are lying”.
“With a playful twirl, I hop in front of him and tease, “Oh, whatever you say, teach!””
Just a little too silly/cozy for me, and not what I was expecting. But maybe that’s exactly what the author was going for!
I also felt a few things weren’t fully explained. For example, the references made to modern day novels and modern day machines. It wasn’t till almost the end that Odette mentions the “other countries”. But, maybe I missed it earlier in the book!
The second half of the book got much better! The relationships got more complex, the story got deeper and more emotional, and I finally got attached to the characters.
Overall, I was entertained.
This was a 2 1/2 star read for me.
First of all, I’m completely unfamiliar with The Swan Princess, so I had zero expectations going in. I’m pretty sure I would’ve adored this if I was 12-14 years old. It felt a little adolescent to me, especially in the first half. For example, lines like:
“The room had a cozy vibe”.
“I’m the queen of bullshitting and you sir are lying”.
“With a playful twirl, I hop in front of him and tease, “Oh, whatever you say, teach!””
Just a little too silly/cozy for me, and not what I was expecting. But maybe that’s exactly what the author was going for!
I also felt a few things weren’t fully explained. For example, the references made to modern day novels and modern day machines. It wasn’t till almost the end that Odette mentions the “other countries”. But, maybe I missed it earlier in the book!
The second half of the book got much better! The relationships got more complex, the story got deeper and more emotional, and I finally got attached to the characters.
Overall, I was entertained.
February 1, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Atmosphere Press for the ARC.
Plot 3.5/5
Characters 4/5
Ending 3.75/5
Interest 3.5/5
Overall 3.5/5
-It took a little while for me to get into this book. But once things started to get moving, I felt invested. Until after a little while after Odette was taken by Ren. It still had some intrigue to the story but in the end, there wasn’t much going on at all. Time passed, Derek never really found her and she fell for Ren all the while, not really caring about her kingdom (yet). I guess I would have liked more of a strategy to get rid of Derek and take back Odette’s throne.
-The characters themselves were fine. I never really saw what Derek did that was so wrong at first, Ren was very sweet and gentlemanly. Then, Odette. She was very sweet but it was a lot of "she’s not like other girls" and in certain situations I liked that, she was brutally honest and kind of always said what was on her mind but other times it was a little irritating.
-The ending wasn’t anything too much of note. It was sweet but dramatic which still made things a little interesting but when the book started to slow down, I kind of lost interest unfortunately.
Plot 3.5/5
Characters 4/5
Ending 3.75/5
Interest 3.5/5
Overall 3.5/5
-It took a little while for me to get into this book. But once things started to get moving, I felt invested. Until after a little while after Odette was taken by Ren. It still had some intrigue to the story but in the end, there wasn’t much going on at all. Time passed, Derek never really found her and she fell for Ren all the while, not really caring about her kingdom (yet). I guess I would have liked more of a strategy to get rid of Derek and take back Odette’s throne.
-The characters themselves were fine. I never really saw what Derek did that was so wrong at first, Ren was very sweet and gentlemanly. Then, Odette. She was very sweet but it was a lot of "she’s not like other girls" and in certain situations I liked that, she was brutally honest and kind of always said what was on her mind but other times it was a little irritating.
-The ending wasn’t anything too much of note. It was sweet but dramatic which still made things a little interesting but when the book started to slow down, I kind of lost interest unfortunately.
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.
February 15, 2026
**Thank you, Netgalley, and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book before release**
Swan Princess - Yes, please!
As soon as this was the selling point, I wanted to read this immediately. I absolutely adored this movie when I was a child, and I still watch it to this day!
I unfortunately think this was my own downfall for not falling in love with this book. The only true comparisons between the two were the names of the characters and the fact Odette turns into a Swan. The book, and rightly so, takes its own direction, which I wasn't a huge fan off to be honest.
**MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS**
The parts I wasn't a fan of
The direction of the story didn't always flow or make sense - for example, when she was "kidnapped," and suddenly she was in training for something - it was almost like a jump, which wasn't explained
Her intense hatred for Prince Derek - we only really saw small interactions and were told to hate him, there wasn't enough interactions to show us why.
- The language - some of it was way too modern for the time of the book, and it took me out of the Story
Although I have spent some time explaining why I didn't enjoy the book, I wouldn't swear anyone from reading it. I think this book would suit some individuals, and I think my love of the original overshadowed how I compared the two.
It wasn't terrible, it wasn't great for me. But I would definitely give this book a chance, and I would like to try another book by this author in the future to see if they are for me or not.
Swan Princess - Yes, please!
As soon as this was the selling point, I wanted to read this immediately. I absolutely adored this movie when I was a child, and I still watch it to this day!
I unfortunately think this was my own downfall for not falling in love with this book. The only true comparisons between the two were the names of the characters and the fact Odette turns into a Swan. The book, and rightly so, takes its own direction, which I wasn't a huge fan off to be honest.
**MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS**
The parts I wasn't a fan of
The direction of the story didn't always flow or make sense - for example, when she was "kidnapped," and suddenly she was in training for something - it was almost like a jump, which wasn't explained
Her intense hatred for Prince Derek - we only really saw small interactions and were told to hate him, there wasn't enough interactions to show us why.
- The language - some of it was way too modern for the time of the book, and it took me out of the Story
Although I have spent some time explaining why I didn't enjoy the book, I wouldn't swear anyone from reading it. I think this book would suit some individuals, and I think my love of the original overshadowed how I compared the two.
It wasn't terrible, it wasn't great for me. But I would definitely give this book a chance, and I would like to try another book by this author in the future to see if they are for me or not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2026
Thank you Holly M. Jenkins for sending me this advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I couldn't get into this at all!
It had a very YA vibe, and the characters felt like teens and not people who were in their 20's. The worldbuilding was nonexistent, and I spent most of the time confused by the mix of fantasy and modern elements and pop culture references. Also we are really doing HP references in 2026? (I took a full star off for that.) If it wasn't an ARC that would have been an instant DNF for me. The pacing was all over the place too.
I'm totally fine with a book not having spice, but I feel a little bit led on by the blurb. It was hard to get into the romance side of things when the characters were so juvenile. I couldn't connect with them at all because they felt like high school kids, not adults.
This book feels like it doesn't know what it wants to be, and would probably been better if it had been written for a YA audience instead of Dark Romance.
I couldn't get into this at all!
It had a very YA vibe, and the characters felt like teens and not people who were in their 20's. The worldbuilding was nonexistent, and I spent most of the time confused by the mix of fantasy and modern elements and pop culture references. Also we are really doing HP references in 2026? (I took a full star off for that.) If it wasn't an ARC that would have been an instant DNF for me. The pacing was all over the place too.
I'm totally fine with a book not having spice, but I feel a little bit led on by the blurb. It was hard to get into the romance side of things when the characters were so juvenile. I couldn't connect with them at all because they felt like high school kids, not adults.
This book feels like it doesn't know what it wants to be, and would probably been better if it had been written for a YA audience instead of Dark Romance.
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.
January 17, 2026
The Swan’s Arrow is a dark, atmospheric retelling that had all the right ingredients but never fully came together for me. I loved the eerie fairy-tale premise, the morally gray tension between Odette and Ren, and the way curses and grief linger over every page, but the execution felt uneven. Some moments were genuinely haunting and emotionally charged, while others felt rushed or underdeveloped, especially when it came to character motivations and the romance’s emotional depth. The world and ideas are compelling, and I can see this working really well for readers who prioritize vibes over cohesion, but I finished the book feeling like it could have gone deeper and hit harder. Worth reading for the concept and atmosphere, even if it did not quite stick the landing for me.
February 5, 2026
⭐️ 2.75 stars
I really wanted to love The Swan’s Arrow. A darker, adult retelling of The Swan Princess with magic, romance, and the promise of a morally gray, revenge-driven hero sounded exactly like my kind of book. Unfortunately, this one just didn’t fully come together for me.
The biggest struggle was the worldbuilding. It felt almost nonexistent at times, and I never had a clear sense of when or where the story was supposed to be taking place. There were modern pop culture references alongside what felt like a medieval or Renaissance setting, which made the world feel inconsistent and hard to visualize. The magic system also felt confusing and underexplained, which made it difficult to fully buy into the stakes.
The pacing didn’t quite work for me either. The beginning felt rushed, the middle dragged, and then the ending sped through the resolution so quickly that it felt frantic rather than satisfying.
I also went in expecting a more mature, darker retelling with a morally gray, vengeance-driven MMC. Instead, the romance read younger than anticipated, with more awkward teen energy than the adult fantasy tone I was hoping for, which made it harder to emotionally connect with the characters.
That said, the premise is fun and readers who enjoy lighter YA-leaning fantasy romances or fairytale retellings may have a better experience with it than I did.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really wanted to love The Swan’s Arrow. A darker, adult retelling of The Swan Princess with magic, romance, and the promise of a morally gray, revenge-driven hero sounded exactly like my kind of book. Unfortunately, this one just didn’t fully come together for me.
The biggest struggle was the worldbuilding. It felt almost nonexistent at times, and I never had a clear sense of when or where the story was supposed to be taking place. There were modern pop culture references alongside what felt like a medieval or Renaissance setting, which made the world feel inconsistent and hard to visualize. The magic system also felt confusing and underexplained, which made it difficult to fully buy into the stakes.
The pacing didn’t quite work for me either. The beginning felt rushed, the middle dragged, and then the ending sped through the resolution so quickly that it felt frantic rather than satisfying.
I also went in expecting a more mature, darker retelling with a morally gray, vengeance-driven MMC. Instead, the romance read younger than anticipated, with more awkward teen energy than the adult fantasy tone I was hoping for, which made it harder to emotionally connect with the characters.
That said, the premise is fun and readers who enjoy lighter YA-leaning fantasy romances or fairytale retellings may have a better experience with it than I did.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 28, 2026
I’m a huge fan of fairy tale retellings and I was excited to read this one because The Swan Princess is a classic story. I was very disappointed. I couldn’t even get through the prologue which was far, far too long (nearly 8% of the overall book). The writing felt immature, with several instances of repetitive phrasing that served no purpose. The world-building was lacklustre, and I just could not bring myself to care about any of the characters… Colette was endlessly annoying, which didn’t bode well for how I’d feel about Odette. I ended up DNF’ing the book.
I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
March 3, 2026
This was marketed as a dark romance - a retelling of the Swan Princess. I felt like there was a lot "off" about this book. The modern language, and references really threw me. I liked Ren as an MMC and Odette was okay as the FMC. I felt their stories were filled with lots of sadness. While I wanted to like this book I really didn't enjoy it much. However, for a first time book I think this author did well and I would happily read another book by her because I do think the writing was good.
January 23, 2026
Desperately wanted to love this book. The concept and story had wonderful potential, however it seemed rushed resulting in missing or confusing details. Characters seemed juvenile for their age and I feel like there are a lot of loose ends. Powered through and will say that as this authors debut novel, it was much better than I could’ve ever done!
January 27, 2026
Although it was a fairytale adaptation, which I love that aspect of. I felt the story was too long. Maybe I am not in the headspace to read this right now but I felt it was heavy on the characters getting to know one another with low to no spice. This is definitely a slow burn romance with a touch of paranormal. Which most fairytales are.
January 28, 2026
I was really looking forward to this story, but unfortunately it didn’t meet my expectations. There was too much telling instead of showing, and a lot of the dialogue felt like info-dumping.
Format: 📖
Ratings (out of 5):
🔹 Spice: ✖️
🔹 Romance: ❤️❤️
🔹 Pacing: ⏳⏳
🔹 Tension: 🔥
🔹 Unpredictability: ⚡
🔹 World-building: 🌍
🔹 Characters: 🦸♀️
Format: 📖
Ratings (out of 5):
🔹 Spice: ✖️
🔹 Romance: ❤️❤️
🔹 Pacing: ⏳⏳
🔹 Tension: 🔥
🔹 Unpredictability: ⚡
🔹 World-building: 🌍
🔹 Characters: 🦸♀️
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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