The Sorcerer and the Swan

by Liz Griffin

A prince in disguise.
A healer in hiding.
A princess under a terrible curse.

The queen is on a rampage. For seventeen years she’s outlawed magic and executed any sorcerers she can find. But now her only daughter has disappeared in the Dark Forest, captured by an infamous sorcerer.

Determined to rescue his betrothed, Prince Siegfried disguises himself as a commoner and blunders into the Dark Forest with little more than a quiver of arrows and a charming smile. But instead of finding the princess, Siegfried discovers Dilla, a girl with forbidden magic.

Dilla has spent her life hiding from the queen and healing her village neighbors with methods both magical and mundane; she has too much at stake to be distracted by the handsome stranger in her forest. But now she is the only witness of the curse that befell the princess, doomed to transform into a swan by day. What’s more, Dilla’s magic might be the spoiled and friendless princess’s only hope of becoming human again. But how can Dilla risk using her power to help the daughter of the very queen that drove her into hiding in the first place?

With the threat of execution circling Dilla’s neck and heartbreak waiting for the prince, she and Siegfried must race against the clock to break the curse. If they can’t, no healing magic will be enough to stop their kingdoms from plunging into war.

Genres: Fantasy

286 pages, Paperback

Published June 16, 2026

About the author

Liz Griffin started writing magical stories in the hallway of her ballet studio in 8th grade. A brain-surgery survivor and an environmental engineer, she lives in Tennessee with her extensive collection of coffee mugs and her rescue cat, Tux. The Sorcerer and the Swan is her debut novel. She’s an alum of Maggie Stiefvater’s writing retreats and Adrienne Young’s Writing with the Soul program.

Reviews

[Alyx Koval]

So beyond excited for this book!
Like how often do you see a Swan Lake retelling??

[Stephanie Withers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sorcerer and the Swan was an enchanting ride. Well written and paced, this story pulled me along until the very end. It was filled to the brim with wondrous magic and sweet romance, but it also didn’t shy away from the darker consequences of such power being wielded with greed and malice.

I found myself giggling through the budding romance and was even moved to tears during one of the darker moments. (Lookin’ at you, Chapter 24 😭) The end wrapped up just a little too neatly for me, but this is a fairy tale retelling meant for a younger audience, so that feels perfectly in line with the genre for me.

I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys YA fairytale retellings with sweet romance, magic with consequences, dangerous secrets, and perilous stakes. I can’t wait to buy a copy for my niece!

[Darin Hollingsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story. I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the actors readings.

[Sabrina Bowen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful, sweet, and funny fairytale retelling! Liz's prose is incredibly readable and clean, and the kitten cameos made me laugh several times. Actually, I was surprised at the number of times I laughed out loud reading this book, between Sieg's sleepy dad, the kittens, and Odette's snappy internal monologue.

I would have loved to have seen the characters taking more specific action toward their goals, especially in Sieg's search for Odette. Actually, I would have loved more Odette in general, but that's a personal preference. Maybe my favorite line in the whole book:

"Public executions in winter were comfortable affairs, bundled in furs and sipping spiced coffee while the sorcerers swung. Summer hangings, I could do without."

I also enjoyed getting a sisterly story where the two girls do not remotely argue over the boy, even though Odette was engaged to him before he falls for Dilla.

And the reunion at the ball between Dilla and Sieg? Swoon.

I can't wait to see what Liz writes next!

[Allora Dannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite parts about reading a fairytale retelling is seeing how familiar characters and plot points are explored in new ways. Liz Griffin's THE SORCERER AND THE SWAN checked every box on my retelling wishlist with her magical, moody, and stunningly written debut. I felt like I was tucked away in a misty corner of the Scottish Highlands, experiencing new twists for a story I've loved since childhood.

Liz sweeps you up immediately in a cast of characters that feel simultaneously like a nostalgic homecoming but yet entirely new at the same time. Add onto this a dash of delightful romantic yearning and a slow burn romance, and you have all the makings of an absolutely mesmerizing adventure. I couldn't recommend this more, grab your copy today!

[Sarah Ainslee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look, as a girlie raised on The Swan Princess, who was relentlessly bullied for her crush on Prince Derek (five-year-old me couldn't see the red flags), this was always going to be a no-brainer five stars for me.

But holy cow... this book is stunning.

Gorgeous prose, a fantastical setting that feels rich and alive in every way, and characters you are immediately endeared to. This takes all the best parts of Swan Lake and spins them into something fresh, redemptive, and sweepingly romantic. An absolutely wonderful debut!

[Tara_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming, imaginative, and full of heart, this Swan Lake retelling was an absolute delight to read. I was swept away by the magical world within, and the main characters, Dilla and Freddy, had me cheering for them from the very first page. Griffin's novel will warm your heart and make you race through to the end. I can't wait to see what this author does next! (And many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.)

[Jordyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enchanting, whimsical, and full of heart, The Sorcerer and the Swan is a wonderful debut from Liz Griffin. The story is an interesting take on Swan Lake with loveable characters that are easy to root for and an incredibly sweet romance that had me smiling at every small moment between them. Highly recommend this one as a book to warm the soul like a fairy tale read before bed.

[Kelsey Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of hidden magic, secret identities, and enchanting mysteries, this YA debut is well-written, well-paced, and a downright beautiful Swan Lake retelling. It immediately made me want to go and rewatch Swan Lake (1981) and The Swan Princess (1994). It's a spellbinding fairytale that's as heartfelt as it is magical.

[Kasey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very sweet YA debut novel. It is a retelling of the Swan Lake Princess with a less tragic ending. It is perfect for a younger audience and has some funny moments in it. I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrators did a great job! I look forward to seeing what else Liz Griffin writes!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came because one of my very good Instagram friends published her debut novel! I came because the title has had me intrigued for so so long. I stayed because the curse and the magic system had me desperate to find out more. I stayed because I am a sucker when a royal has outlawed magic and i always love to see what the characters make of that! This books is phenomenal! Definitely give it a chance if you like fantasy, fairytales, and a curse!

[Autumn Krause · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE SORCERER AND THE SWAN is full of all enchantingly secretive things -- disguised identities, hidden magic, and concealed curses. Readers will love watching these mysterious threads come together and tug apart at all the right times. A true fairy tale that's as heartfelt as it is spellbinding.

[Lexi Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sorcerer and the Swan is a beautiful tale of self discovery, standing up against tyranny, and love in many forms. Every point of view tells a complex story of authentic, flawed people who draw you in from page one. This was a lovely read.

[Kammi · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much to love about this truly enchanting book. Full of complicated family dynamics, secrets, magic, and the sweetest prince you’ll ever meet, this is not one to miss. I loved the multiple POVs and found that they intertwined so easily. Grateful I got to read this one early.

[MichelleRae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Swan Princess and I loved this retelling. It has everything I love. Magic, adventure and romance. I loved the characters and I especially loved the multi POVs. I only wish the story was longer because I wasn't ready for it to end.

Content: violence, kissing and minor sexual innuendo

[Maggie Post · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book; So proud of you, Liz!!!

[Hannah Kamerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a truly magnificent debut. It was perfect. Exactly what I love from fairy tales! It was written so well and so satisfying to read. The ending tied everything together perfectly.
It made me nostalgic for The Swan Princess movie, as well as The Sword in the Stone and Sleeping Beauty, but it was also fresh, and I found myself surprised by some of the twists.

[Barbara Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

great storytelling

I really enjoyed the storyline. The writing is very well done and I enjoyed the story. I hope there will be a sequel!!

[Izzy Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sorcerer and the Swan is a sparkling debut YA Fantasy retelling of The Swan Princess.

-secret identities
-three POVs
-hurt/comfort
-forbidden magic
-soft girl x bookish boy

This is a quick little fantasy read. Griffin’s prose is lush and vividly descriptive. This book had me laughing out loud at parts, giggling at others. The magic is fairly solid, the romance is tender and sweet, the dialogue and banter is witty, and it perfectly hits that YA female protagonist coming into her power sweet spot.