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A Snake Among Swans
Not yet published
Expected 8 Sep 26A dark and propulsive new epic fantasy from the #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of the Fallen Gods trilogy. An intricate tale of warring kingdoms, female rage and a wild magic that refuses to be tamed.
“Death is come to take you home, death of blood and thorn and bone…”
Tilde has always heard the whispers of the kithwood, the voices of her ancestors speaking through the mysterious forest of her homeland.
But now both the kithwood and her kingdom are in danger.
For Tilde is the only surviving heir of a conquered land. To unite the people and finally stop the bloodshed, she marries the aging warlord, King Liran. Her duty is to bind their nations and bear him a son.
But the swan king’s court is dangerous. Tilde is a threat to the claim of Liran’s older sons, who will do whatever it takes to remove her, to the princess Elise who has only ever known loyalty to her family, and to the priests who own them all.
Yet none of them know that Tilde is a snake in their midst, with allies on her side and dark, forbidden power of her own. She wants her kingdom back, and she will sacrifice everything to claim it.
For the queen to rise, the swans must fall.
“Death is come to take you home, death of blood and thorn and bone…”
Tilde has always heard the whispers of the kithwood, the voices of her ancestors speaking through the mysterious forest of her homeland.
But now both the kithwood and her kingdom are in danger.
For Tilde is the only surviving heir of a conquered land. To unite the people and finally stop the bloodshed, she marries the aging warlord, King Liran. Her duty is to bind their nations and bear him a son.
But the swan king’s court is dangerous. Tilde is a threat to the claim of Liran’s older sons, who will do whatever it takes to remove her, to the princess Elise who has only ever known loyalty to her family, and to the priests who own them all.
Yet none of them know that Tilde is a snake in their midst, with allies on her side and dark, forbidden power of her own. She wants her kingdom back, and she will sacrifice everything to claim it.
For the queen to rise, the swans must fall.
464 pages, Paperback
Expected publication July 30, 2026
About the author
Hannah Kaner
6 books2,226 followersHannah has her heart in Scotland and her roots in the north of England.
Hannah’s trade has always been story telling. From creating and unravelling mysteries in Northumberland with her mates, to annoying the hell out of her supervisors at the University of Cambridge by insisting on comparing Terry Pratchett to Charles Dickens, and studying narrative theory in video games.
They grudgingly (or joyfully?) gave her a 1st Class degree in English.
She puts the desire to communicate and challenge into her work in the technology sector, specialising in creating digital tools for hard to reach communities.
Hannah loves the histories and mythologies shared through our cultural histories, the stories we tell ourselves about being human. She also likes stabby swords and angry women.
Hannah’s trade has always been story telling. From creating and unravelling mysteries in Northumberland with her mates, to annoying the hell out of her supervisors at the University of Cambridge by insisting on comparing Terry Pratchett to Charles Dickens, and studying narrative theory in video games.
They grudgingly (or joyfully?) gave her a 1st Class degree in English.
She puts the desire to communicate and challenge into her work in the technology sector, specialising in creating digital tools for hard to reach communities.
Hannah loves the histories and mythologies shared through our cultural histories, the stories we tell ourselves about being human. She also likes stabby swords and angry women.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Want to Read
January 6, 2026didn’t even read the description before adding to tbr if nobody got me I know hannah kaner got me
Want to Read
April 14, 2026New Hannah Kaner book this year??! 🥹😍
Did Not Finish
April 27, 2026First and foremost, a huge thank you to Harper Voyager/Harper Collins for the ARC! Receiving one genuinely makes my entire day. I walk around buzzing with excitement like I’ve just been handed something precious. Which is exactly why it stings so much when a DNF happens.
All the cry face emojis. Every single one.
I DNF’d A Snake Among Swans at 36%, and I genuinely tried to push through, but it just wasn’t for me. The writing feels a little dry, which isn’t my usual vibe. I am also a girl who simply cannot function without a magic system. It’s a need. A requirement. Non-negotiable terms of my reading contract.
The world building is relatively robust, but the story leans heavily into politics, and that particular flavor of political intrigue just didn’t land for me. I love an arranged marriage trope, like, genuinely, give me all of it, but unfortunately this one fell flat.
The sapphic romance subplot had such a promising setup and I was rooting for it, but I wasn’t connected enough to the characters to really invest in where it was going. That disconnect was probably the final nail.
Also, there are a LOT of people to keep track of. Brothers, sisters, cousins, staff, priests, my head was spinning trying to sort out who was who and why I should care about any of them.
This one just wasn’t for me, but I hope it finds its readers, especially those who love politics-heavy fantasy and don’t require a magic system to feel at home in a world.
All the cry face emojis. Every single one.
I DNF’d A Snake Among Swans at 36%, and I genuinely tried to push through, but it just wasn’t for me. The writing feels a little dry, which isn’t my usual vibe. I am also a girl who simply cannot function without a magic system. It’s a need. A requirement. Non-negotiable terms of my reading contract.
The world building is relatively robust, but the story leans heavily into politics, and that particular flavor of political intrigue just didn’t land for me. I love an arranged marriage trope, like, genuinely, give me all of it, but unfortunately this one fell flat.
The sapphic romance subplot had such a promising setup and I was rooting for it, but I wasn’t connected enough to the characters to really invest in where it was going. That disconnect was probably the final nail.
Also, there are a LOT of people to keep track of. Brothers, sisters, cousins, staff, priests, my head was spinning trying to sort out who was who and why I should care about any of them.
This one just wasn’t for me, but I hope it finds its readers, especially those who love politics-heavy fantasy and don’t require a magic system to feel at home in a world.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 stars
The clans of Merogia are under siege by the conquering Cynghal king, who will stop at nothing to claim their lands, slaughtering and burning and pillaging all that stands between him and growing his empire. Tuathilde, last remaining child of the King of Ardwen, knows the danger of this king more than most - he has killed her siblings and her father, and will now stop at nothing to claim her lands and raze the sacred and powerful kithwood that houses the spirits of her people’s ancestors. Desperate to save her mother and her lands, she agrees to marry the king and bear him a son and successor, whose mixed lineage will ensure that all of Merola will fall in line under the Swan King’s rule.
Tilde’s plans to kill the king and avenge her people are quickly thwarted when she realizes the might of the empire she is up against. However, waiting for revenge has its own dangers - the Swan King has a violent temper and an ailing mind, and his sons will stop at nothing to eliminate Tilde before she can give birth to an heir to supplant them. Even more dangerous is Tilde’s attraction to the king’s loyal and faithful daughter Elise. As her scheming begins to take shape, Tilde soon realizes that to seize power and be the snake that destroys the swan, she may be forced to sacrifice more than she bargained for.
A Snake Among Swans is a fantastic start to a new epic fantasy trilogy by Hannah Kaner. My thoughts on various aspects of the story are given below.
*World-building/Plot: The world-building here was *extensive*. In addition to each unique region of Merogia, there are also the Galen and Cynghal nations, as well as additional territories beyond that are hinted at (pro tip: the map at the beginning of the book is super useful!). The author did a great job here at making each of these places feel different, developing various customs and cultures for each while also detailing their extensive histories, especially with each other. Because of this, the plot feels especially rich - the reader understands exactly how dangerous Tilde’s situation is when she becomes queen, as well as the extensive perils she must navigate as she becomes further involved in the court and its various machinations. The magic systems in the book (both the Cynghal blood magic and the Merogian Ways) are incredibly interesting and original. Though they were used sparingly throughout the story, it was often with devastating effect, and I am really excited to see them expanded upon in the next book in the series.
*Character Development: The characters in this story are truly special. The weaving of both Tilde and Elise’s POVs did a fantastic job at displaying two women caught on opposite sides of an oppressive, patriarchal regime that seeks to exploit women for all they’re worth while treating them like dirt. The dual POVs also allowed these themes (colonization, misogyny, religious persecution, etc.) to be explored with a deftness that is often missing in other books that explore these topics. The romance between Tilde and Elise is tragic, as both realize that, no matter what their feelings are for each other, each will continue to prioritize outcomes that will damage their relationship with each other. Outside of the central romance, the explorations of each of the different sons within Elise’s family (and their relationships with the women in their lives) was also fantastic - it really showed how young boys are also failed by a patriarchal society.
*Pacing/Writing Style: The pacing is definitely slow - though Tilde initially imagines herself killing the king right after their wedding ceremony, going out in a blaze of glory and freeing her people, she quickly realizes that that will never come to be. Instead, she must play the long game to bring down the Cynghal empire, replacing her dreams of bloody revenge with fraught political schemings and machinations. Because of that, her plans unfold gradually and carefully. However, this results in an absolutely explosive ending, and it seems like the action and pacing will definitely pick up in the next book. Hannah Kaner’s writing here was beautiful, and really added an emotional depth to the political events that made the slow buildup more than worth it.
I highly recommend A Snake Among Swans for anyone looking for an epic fantasy chock-full of political intrigue and feminine rage. I could definitely see this series being adapted into a prestige cable television show a la Game of Thrones - so if that’s your vibe, definitely check it out!
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The clans of Merogia are under siege by the conquering Cynghal king, who will stop at nothing to claim their lands, slaughtering and burning and pillaging all that stands between him and growing his empire. Tuathilde, last remaining child of the King of Ardwen, knows the danger of this king more than most - he has killed her siblings and her father, and will now stop at nothing to claim her lands and raze the sacred and powerful kithwood that houses the spirits of her people’s ancestors. Desperate to save her mother and her lands, she agrees to marry the king and bear him a son and successor, whose mixed lineage will ensure that all of Merola will fall in line under the Swan King’s rule.
Tilde’s plans to kill the king and avenge her people are quickly thwarted when she realizes the might of the empire she is up against. However, waiting for revenge has its own dangers - the Swan King has a violent temper and an ailing mind, and his sons will stop at nothing to eliminate Tilde before she can give birth to an heir to supplant them. Even more dangerous is Tilde’s attraction to the king’s loyal and faithful daughter Elise. As her scheming begins to take shape, Tilde soon realizes that to seize power and be the snake that destroys the swan, she may be forced to sacrifice more than she bargained for.
A Snake Among Swans is a fantastic start to a new epic fantasy trilogy by Hannah Kaner. My thoughts on various aspects of the story are given below.
*World-building/Plot: The world-building here was *extensive*. In addition to each unique region of Merogia, there are also the Galen and Cynghal nations, as well as additional territories beyond that are hinted at (pro tip: the map at the beginning of the book is super useful!). The author did a great job here at making each of these places feel different, developing various customs and cultures for each while also detailing their extensive histories, especially with each other. Because of this, the plot feels especially rich - the reader understands exactly how dangerous Tilde’s situation is when she becomes queen, as well as the extensive perils she must navigate as she becomes further involved in the court and its various machinations. The magic systems in the book (both the Cynghal blood magic and the Merogian Ways) are incredibly interesting and original. Though they were used sparingly throughout the story, it was often with devastating effect, and I am really excited to see them expanded upon in the next book in the series.
*Character Development: The characters in this story are truly special. The weaving of both Tilde and Elise’s POVs did a fantastic job at displaying two women caught on opposite sides of an oppressive, patriarchal regime that seeks to exploit women for all they’re worth while treating them like dirt. The dual POVs also allowed these themes (colonization, misogyny, religious persecution, etc.) to be explored with a deftness that is often missing in other books that explore these topics. The romance between Tilde and Elise is tragic, as both realize that, no matter what their feelings are for each other, each will continue to prioritize outcomes that will damage their relationship with each other. Outside of the central romance, the explorations of each of the different sons within Elise’s family (and their relationships with the women in their lives) was also fantastic - it really showed how young boys are also failed by a patriarchal society.
*Pacing/Writing Style: The pacing is definitely slow - though Tilde initially imagines herself killing the king right after their wedding ceremony, going out in a blaze of glory and freeing her people, she quickly realizes that that will never come to be. Instead, she must play the long game to bring down the Cynghal empire, replacing her dreams of bloody revenge with fraught political schemings and machinations. Because of that, her plans unfold gradually and carefully. However, this results in an absolutely explosive ending, and it seems like the action and pacing will definitely pick up in the next book. Hannah Kaner’s writing here was beautiful, and really added an emotional depth to the political events that made the slow buildup more than worth it.
I highly recommend A Snake Among Swans for anyone looking for an epic fantasy chock-full of political intrigue and feminine rage. I could definitely see this series being adapted into a prestige cable television show a la Game of Thrones - so if that’s your vibe, definitely check it out!
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Where to even start, I absolutely loved this book! Trust me when I say I do not compare A Snake Among Swans to Game of Thrones lightly, but between the political machinations, court intrigue, religious oppression, deadly battles for line of succession, and royal houses with animals as their sigils, this had me feeling super nostalgic and absolutely salivating. If you loved ASOIAF, The Poet Empress, or Daughter of the Empire this will be right up your alley!
Tilde is the last daughter of King Rivani and the conquered kingdom of Merogia. She willing offers herself up as a prospective bride to The infamous Swan King Liran, her kingdom's enemy and conqueror (also a man three times her age). Elise, King Liran's last daughter, is not prepared for enigmatic Tilde to come into her life - a woman who embodies everything she is not: bold, proud, outspoken and a heathen descendant of the kithwood's clans that once harnessed the blasphemous wild magic.
I am an absolute glutton for political fantasy, but to find out this also had sapphic representation? SAY LESS. If you're not one for a heavy dose of romance, know that the romance here is a subplot and far from the main focus. This world you're about to dive into is brutal, and we have characters that will do anything to claw their way into staying alive. This is definitely one of those stories that pushes each character to the "how far are you willing to go?" territory, and I love the chance of watching them make those sometimes heart wrenching decisions. The pacing kept me eagerly flipping through the pages. I could not put this one down, and when I did have to put it down I was thinking about what was going to happen next.
I loved the magic system. Too often I find fantasy stories opt for soft magic systems that don't have a cost for using magic, which makes everything seem incredible easy / low stakes. Not so in ASAS, the magic here has a devastating cost - one that makes the users second guess if the payoff is worth it.
The cast of characters is quite large, but we only get two POVs - Elise and Tilde. I found myself wishing we had a more POVs like in Game of Thrones just so I could keep everyone straight. The first several chapters I found myself rereading paragraphs to try and make sure I fully understood what was happening and who everyone was because Kaner does not hold your hand when it comes to this. There are also several unnecessarily similar character / place names (ie: Cynghal, Cynefel) that I definitely had to pay attention to. The Swan King has a ton of sons from his late wife, but sometimes I had a hard time remembering who was who. Each son has his own coat of arms / color, but I wish there had either been less sons to keep track of or we spent more time seeing each one apart from his brothers.
I was woman enough to be their figurehead, but too much a girl to merit their respect.
Last but not least, the amount of feminine pain and rage this explores is enough for any reader to feast on. It was incredible to follow two POVs from opposite sides, completely different personalities, as they both slowly unraveled all they thought they knew. I loved watching as both of them worked to find their strength and power while fighting all the ways the world wants to grind them into dust just for being a woman.
But this was where Cynghal noblewomen existed, behind closed doors they could not hold against visitors, in rooms they did not own.
It's been two days since I've finished this, and I am mourning the loss of this world already. I will absolutely be keeping my eyes peeled for any details on Book 2 and eagerly devouring it as soon as it's available!
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for this ARC! Opinions, as always, are my own.
"Do not cut off the swan's head and call it vengeance while its poison seeps out. Pluck out its feathers, silence its beak, destroy its nest and set a snake on its young. This is not a hunt, Tilde. This must be a massacre."
Tilde is the last daughter of King Rivani and the conquered kingdom of Merogia. She willing offers herself up as a prospective bride to The infamous Swan King Liran, her kingdom's enemy and conqueror (also a man three times her age). Elise, King Liran's last daughter, is not prepared for enigmatic Tilde to come into her life - a woman who embodies everything she is not: bold, proud, outspoken and a heathen descendant of the kithwood's clans that once harnessed the blasphemous wild magic.
"True victory does not rest on a win or a loss. True victory is to be able to play again."
I am an absolute glutton for political fantasy, but to find out this also had sapphic representation? SAY LESS. If you're not one for a heavy dose of romance, know that the romance here is a subplot and far from the main focus. This world you're about to dive into is brutal, and we have characters that will do anything to claw their way into staying alive. This is definitely one of those stories that pushes each character to the "how far are you willing to go?" territory, and I love the chance of watching them make those sometimes heart wrenching decisions. The pacing kept me eagerly flipping through the pages. I could not put this one down, and when I did have to put it down I was thinking about what was going to happen next.
I loved the magic system. Too often I find fantasy stories opt for soft magic systems that don't have a cost for using magic, which makes everything seem incredible easy / low stakes. Not so in ASAS, the magic here has a devastating cost - one that makes the users second guess if the payoff is worth it.
The cast of characters is quite large, but we only get two POVs - Elise and Tilde. I found myself wishing we had a more POVs like in Game of Thrones just so I could keep everyone straight. The first several chapters I found myself rereading paragraphs to try and make sure I fully understood what was happening and who everyone was because Kaner does not hold your hand when it comes to this. There are also several unnecessarily similar character / place names (ie: Cynghal, Cynefel) that I definitely had to pay attention to. The Swan King has a ton of sons from his late wife, but sometimes I had a hard time remembering who was who. Each son has his own coat of arms / color, but I wish there had either been less sons to keep track of or we spent more time seeing each one apart from his brothers.
I was woman enough to be their figurehead, but too much a girl to merit their respect.
Last but not least, the amount of feminine pain and rage this explores is enough for any reader to feast on. It was incredible to follow two POVs from opposite sides, completely different personalities, as they both slowly unraveled all they thought they knew. I loved watching as both of them worked to find their strength and power while fighting all the ways the world wants to grind them into dust just for being a woman.
But this was where Cynghal noblewomen existed, behind closed doors they could not hold against visitors, in rooms they did not own.
It's been two days since I've finished this, and I am mourning the loss of this world already. I will absolutely be keeping my eyes peeled for any details on Book 2 and eagerly devouring it as soon as it's available!
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for this ARC! Opinions, as always, are my own.
Did Not Finish
April 27, 2026DNF at 24% (Read through Chapter 11)
I think someone looking to read an epic fantasy that features political intrigue, a magical forest, and sapphic rep may enjoy this one.
I love all those things mentioned above. However, there were too many fantasy terms and names for my personal liking, and I had a hard time keeping track of them all.
In addition, I found a lot of this book to be boring. Aside from one action scene in the forest, hardly anything had happened by the time I stopped reading. And considering I read nearly a quarter of the book (i.e. over 100 pages), I feel like something exciting should’ve happened by that point.
Anyway, I’m sure this book will find its audience. It just isn’t for me.
NOTES I TOOK WHILE READING:
I think someone looking to read an epic fantasy that features political intrigue, a magical forest, and sapphic rep may enjoy this one.
I love all those things mentioned above. However, there were too many fantasy terms and names for my personal liking, and I had a hard time keeping track of them all.
In addition, I found a lot of this book to be boring. Aside from one action scene in the forest, hardly anything had happened by the time I stopped reading. And considering I read nearly a quarter of the book (i.e. over 100 pages), I feel like something exciting should’ve happened by that point.
Anyway, I’m sure this book will find its audience. It just isn’t for me.
NOTES I TOOK WHILE READING:
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the book that all those books about feminine rage and morally gray protagonists want to be: full of fury and longing to right injustice, but also grounded in reality and knowing that just killing one person isn't enough to take down an unjust system. Tilde starts off thinking that she'll kill the Swan King Liran as soon as she can, but she's quickly disabused of this plan by her mother, who makes her see that if she truly loves her people, there's a much harder path for her to walk.
And walk it she does, sacrificing and going to dark depths, all for the sake of true victory, because as one of her reluctant allies tells her "True victory does not rest on a win or loss. True victory is to be able to play again." You may not agree with all of Tilde's actions, but you will certainly understand it, even as she learns the truth about her own people and the wild blood magic they wield.
At the same time, we have Elise, the forgotten swan princess, who tries so, so hard to be good and obedient, but you see the savvy, wild, brilliant girl pressing beneath the gray facade.
And meeting Tilde is both the making and the end of Elise--she at last understands her own desires and has an outlet for her longings for freedom and to just be who she is, but at the same time, the world they are in is not kind and even if Tilde was not Elise's father's new queen, they are part of enemy nations, and love cannot save them.
The worldbuilding of this book is beautiful and dark, packed with dark magic from both nations--from the blood magic of the swans to the wild sacrifice based magic of the woods, this is a nation divided, made even more so by the fact that the swan king is aging and his five sons are restless. If you like internal court struggles and political plotting, this book has all of it, full of poisons, dastardly plots, and murder.
I loved the ending of this novel, and I cannot wait to see what happens next. In the meanwhile, I'll be reading all of Hannah Kaner's backlist!
"Do not cut off the swan's head and call it vengeance while its poison seeps out," she said, holding me so hard it almost hurt. "Pluck out its feathers, silence its beak, destroy its nest and set a snake on its young. This is not a hunt, Tilde. This must be a massacre."
And walk it she does, sacrificing and going to dark depths, all for the sake of true victory, because as one of her reluctant allies tells her "True victory does not rest on a win or loss. True victory is to be able to play again." You may not agree with all of Tilde's actions, but you will certainly understand it, even as she learns the truth about her own people and the wild blood magic they wield.
At the same time, we have Elise, the forgotten swan princess, who tries so, so hard to be good and obedient, but you see the savvy, wild, brilliant girl pressing beneath the gray facade.
She had a wildness in her like her brothers, but had she not learned to press it down? The things she was good at, swordplay, archery, weaving, the things she was bad at, letters, kind word,s good thoughts, good faith, she pushed it all inside the shell of her heart. Sometimes, it cracked open, it moved in her. This bird in the egg, this inhabitation.
And meeting Tilde is both the making and the end of Elise--she at last understands her own desires and has an outlet for her longings for freedom and to just be who she is, but at the same time, the world they are in is not kind and even if Tilde was not Elise's father's new queen, they are part of enemy nations, and love cannot save them.
The worldbuilding of this book is beautiful and dark, packed with dark magic from both nations--from the blood magic of the swans to the wild sacrifice based magic of the woods, this is a nation divided, made even more so by the fact that the swan king is aging and his five sons are restless. If you like internal court struggles and political plotting, this book has all of it, full of poisons, dastardly plots, and murder.
I loved the ending of this novel, and I cannot wait to see what happens next. In the meanwhile, I'll be reading all of Hannah Kaner's backlist!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Few quick points from the get go before I expand- this book had way too many characters, way too many parties fighting for what seemed to be the same thing but at the same time not, too many people named similar things. There’s too many different sides to choose, its all just too much to understand. I myself am not a fan of when books have a sort of glossary or dictionary of definitions and explanations before the story itself begins, I think stories are much better when information is included and described during the story when it is needed. I as a reader am not about to read a 5 page dictionary of who everyone is, who their grandmother is, what their color of clothes mean and so on. I should be learning that during the story.
Anyway… I loved the story at the heart of this book, a story of revolution, of war. of betrayal. of an incompetent mad (?) king, of a magical wood that speaks to magical people.
Tilde is a strong, beyond strong, woman, sent away from her home to marry the King Liran, to hopefully take down the kingdom from the inside, to bring the rights of her people back, to get their land back, to end whatever power hungry, land hungry mess is going on in the palace.
King Liran has about five sons (?) honestly they are hard to keep track of, but all of them have their own ambitions and their own guard, each represented by a different colour. There are also about 4 nations King Liran has taken over, his Cynghal nation has taken over, the main ones being Merogian where Tilde is from (the nation with the magical forest) and Galen.
I am actually getting a headache trying to remember all this.
Cynghal is a nation of the Swan, I think that is a religious thing, the whole thing is that the King is the closest thing to the swan so he is the messenger of the swan, then something about a wing, the swans wing? So basically everything the king says is true and right because it is basically gods words?
Hold on I am going to copy and paste this because I am losing my will.
God is the Wing, the Wing is the swan, the swan is the king, the King is the father, the father is my lord.
Last quick point: I am happy to say this book is actually sapphic! Tilde has a girlfriend in the beginning and then is linked with Elise for the majority of the book! Much better than the previous series for sapphic representation!
This review sucks I am so sorry, girl I tried, know that the story is actually good, just complicated. Please I promise the story is actually good, The ending was also good, good thinking, Amelia approved endin, very smart. I will probably read the next one!
Anyway… I loved the story at the heart of this book, a story of revolution, of war. of betrayal. of an incompetent mad (?) king, of a magical wood that speaks to magical people.
Tilde is a strong, beyond strong, woman, sent away from her home to marry the King Liran, to hopefully take down the kingdom from the inside, to bring the rights of her people back, to get their land back, to end whatever power hungry, land hungry mess is going on in the palace.
King Liran has about five sons (?) honestly they are hard to keep track of, but all of them have their own ambitions and their own guard, each represented by a different colour. There are also about 4 nations King Liran has taken over, his Cynghal nation has taken over, the main ones being Merogian where Tilde is from (the nation with the magical forest) and Galen.
I am actually getting a headache trying to remember all this.
Cynghal is a nation of the Swan, I think that is a religious thing, the whole thing is that the King is the closest thing to the swan so he is the messenger of the swan, then something about a wing, the swans wing? So basically everything the king says is true and right because it is basically gods words?
Hold on I am going to copy and paste this because I am losing my will.
God is the Wing, the Wing is the swan, the swan is the king, the King is the father, the father is my lord.
Last quick point: I am happy to say this book is actually sapphic! Tilde has a girlfriend in the beginning and then is linked with Elise for the majority of the book! Much better than the previous series for sapphic representation!
This review sucks I am so sorry, girl I tried, know that the story is actually good, just complicated. Please I promise the story is actually good, The ending was also good, good thinking, Amelia approved endin, very smart. I will probably read the next one!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed the political intrigue and social maneuvering throughout this book. Watching Tilde slowly work her way into the royal family and navigate all the court politics was honestly the highlight for me. The tension came less from action and more from conversations, manipulation, and strategy, which I found super engaging.
Tilde herself was such an interesting character to follow. I liked seeing how adaptable and calculating she could be depending on who she was talking to and what situation she found herself in. There’s this constant underlying tension of wondering how far she’s willing to go and whether everything she’s built might eventually come crashing down around her.
I also liked that the story focused more on ambition, influence, and survival within court dynamics rather than making the romance the entire focus. The sapphic romance subplot had a really promising setup, but I just wasn’t emotionally connected enough to the characters for the romance itself to completely work out for me. In saying that though, I actually didn’t mind it staying more in the background because the political side of the story was what kept me the most invested anyway.
I will say there are A LOT of characters introduced throughout the story. Brothers, sisters, cousins, priests, staff members… my head was SPINNING at times trying to remember who was who and why they were important 😭 THANK GOODNESS the author included a character guide at the beginning showing everyone’s titles, positions, and relationships to one another because I was constantly flipping back to it throughout the book.
Also, what it is with fantasy books and their royal hunts?? I've started to notice how frequently royal hunts and boars are used as a narrative setup for tragedy or major character deaths. Honestly, at this point it almost feels like a recurring plot device across the genre, so much so that these particular scenes are starting to feel predictable for me. It happens in this book, and I couldn't help but feel annoyed and frustrated rather than feeling sad for the character.
Overall, this was such an entertaining read and I’d definitely recommend it if you enjoy court politics, social climbing, scheming FMCs, and stories where the tension comes more from manipulation and strategy than nonstop action.
Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager & Netgalley for this eARC! All opinions are my own.
Tilde herself was such an interesting character to follow. I liked seeing how adaptable and calculating she could be depending on who she was talking to and what situation she found herself in. There’s this constant underlying tension of wondering how far she’s willing to go and whether everything she’s built might eventually come crashing down around her.
I also liked that the story focused more on ambition, influence, and survival within court dynamics rather than making the romance the entire focus. The sapphic romance subplot had a really promising setup, but I just wasn’t emotionally connected enough to the characters for the romance itself to completely work out for me. In saying that though, I actually didn’t mind it staying more in the background because the political side of the story was what kept me the most invested anyway.
I will say there are A LOT of characters introduced throughout the story. Brothers, sisters, cousins, priests, staff members… my head was SPINNING at times trying to remember who was who and why they were important 😭 THANK GOODNESS the author included a character guide at the beginning showing everyone’s titles, positions, and relationships to one another because I was constantly flipping back to it throughout the book.
Also, what it is with fantasy books and their royal hunts?? I've started to notice how frequently royal hunts and boars are used as a narrative setup for tragedy or major character deaths. Honestly, at this point it almost feels like a recurring plot device across the genre, so much so that these particular scenes are starting to feel predictable for me. It happens in this book, and I couldn't help but feel annoyed and frustrated rather than feeling sad for the character.
Overall, this was such an entertaining read and I’d definitely recommend it if you enjoy court politics, social climbing, scheming FMCs, and stories where the tension comes more from manipulation and strategy than nonstop action.
Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager & Netgalley for this eARC! All opinions are my own.
May 7, 2026
An absolute standout I am obsessed and devastated I will have to wait to jump into the next book.
After a devastating war tore apart her family and kingdom Tilde finds herself offered up to the enemy King as his new bride. Navigating a political atmosphere is a deadly game of chess where she can trust very few of the pieces and has much more to lose than any other player. With the King’s remaining daughter as a potential ally she offered friendship but Elise, so used to being lost to the background, is curious and from that finds the strength she needs to stand even when the world wishes to keep her on her knees.
Such a great book with the many layers of betrayal and walking on a tightrope of political shifts and uprisings. Tilde is a formidable enemy with a lot at stake playing her rule as dutiful queen and dancing around those who can recognize her as the snake she is and I loved every second. Elise is a perfect foil for her coming from a kingdom where women have less opportunity to do anything but produce heirs she is tempted to embrace the strength within her the closer she gets to the “sin” of Tilde. Together they are a well balanced pair but at odds I fear they may be each other’s worst enemy.
The romance in this is soft and an undercurrent to the rest of the plot. There is a lot of good moments between the two but for the most part they are two women standing side by side waiting to seize the opportunity to take their rightful place as the men around them fight amongst themselves. There are whispers in the trees as old magic is put against that of religion and those who twist gospel to their benefit and hunger for power but when the magic is unleashed you can’t help but fear what damage could be done if one is willing to pay the price.
I loved this series and I know there is so much that can happen as it continues and I am both nervous and excited to see the fallout of the choices made and what can happen when fighting for power matters more than fighting for love.
** special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review.**
After a devastating war tore apart her family and kingdom Tilde finds herself offered up to the enemy King as his new bride. Navigating a political atmosphere is a deadly game of chess where she can trust very few of the pieces and has much more to lose than any other player. With the King’s remaining daughter as a potential ally she offered friendship but Elise, so used to being lost to the background, is curious and from that finds the strength she needs to stand even when the world wishes to keep her on her knees.
Such a great book with the many layers of betrayal and walking on a tightrope of political shifts and uprisings. Tilde is a formidable enemy with a lot at stake playing her rule as dutiful queen and dancing around those who can recognize her as the snake she is and I loved every second. Elise is a perfect foil for her coming from a kingdom where women have less opportunity to do anything but produce heirs she is tempted to embrace the strength within her the closer she gets to the “sin” of Tilde. Together they are a well balanced pair but at odds I fear they may be each other’s worst enemy.
The romance in this is soft and an undercurrent to the rest of the plot. There is a lot of good moments between the two but for the most part they are two women standing side by side waiting to seize the opportunity to take their rightful place as the men around them fight amongst themselves. There are whispers in the trees as old magic is put against that of religion and those who twist gospel to their benefit and hunger for power but when the magic is unleashed you can’t help but fear what damage could be done if one is willing to pay the price.
I loved this series and I know there is so much that can happen as it continues and I am both nervous and excited to see the fallout of the choices made and what can happen when fighting for power matters more than fighting for love.
** special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review.**
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A Snake Among Swans is a masterclass in high fantasy world-building. From the first page, Hannah Kaner plunges you into a complex, sprawling landscape. It is the kind of "thrown into the deep end and told to swim" introduction where you’ll find yourself frequently consulting the map and the list of names provided. While the density of customs and local terminology required a slower pace in Part One, the effort was well worth the reward. Once the foundation was laid, I found myself completely submerged in this world.
Thematic Depth & World-Building
What struck me most was the poignant exploration of religious conflict and the echoes of violent colonization. The parallels to our own history--specifically the Roman Catholic Church’s expansion into Celtic England and Ireland-- were handled with incredible nuance. Kaner’s consistent "call back to nature" provided a deeply immersive atmosphere that grounded the political tension in something primal and ancient.
Character & Development
The character development in this novel is nothing short of astronomical. Kaner has a gift for writing dual perspectives that feel distinct and authentic.
- The POVs: Watching how each protagonist navigates political intrigue while processing their own unique trauma was fascinating.
- The Stakes: Their hardships are written with such empathy that I found myself quickly rooting for both, desperately hoping they would find a way to come out on top by the journey's end.
Atmosphere & Tone
As a newcomer to Hannah Kaner’s work, I was blown away by her ability to weave a sense of dread and foreboding throughout the narrative. There were moments where the tension was so palpable I felt a physical sense of nervousness. Despite the initial learning curve with the names and geography, I was utterly enthralled.
Final Thoughts: This book is a breath of fresh air for the high fantasy genre. It’s dense, demanding, and ultimately brilliant. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC in exchange for an honest opinion!
Thematic Depth & World-Building
What struck me most was the poignant exploration of religious conflict and the echoes of violent colonization. The parallels to our own history--specifically the Roman Catholic Church’s expansion into Celtic England and Ireland-- were handled with incredible nuance. Kaner’s consistent "call back to nature" provided a deeply immersive atmosphere that grounded the political tension in something primal and ancient.
Character & Development
The character development in this novel is nothing short of astronomical. Kaner has a gift for writing dual perspectives that feel distinct and authentic.
- The POVs: Watching how each protagonist navigates political intrigue while processing their own unique trauma was fascinating.
- The Stakes: Their hardships are written with such empathy that I found myself quickly rooting for both, desperately hoping they would find a way to come out on top by the journey's end.
Atmosphere & Tone
As a newcomer to Hannah Kaner’s work, I was blown away by her ability to weave a sense of dread and foreboding throughout the narrative. There were moments where the tension was so palpable I felt a physical sense of nervousness. Despite the initial learning curve with the names and geography, I was utterly enthralled.
Final Thoughts: This book is a breath of fresh air for the high fantasy genre. It’s dense, demanding, and ultimately brilliant. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC in exchange for an honest opinion!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an e-book ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for a review.
I don't even know what to write in this review, I'm that overwhelmed by how amazing this book is. When I was reading it, I was immersed in this intense, fascinating world of power and politics, and when I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it.
Kaner's world-building is second to none, and this new book shows that the Fallen Gods trilogy was not a fluke. Her worlds have tremendous depth and breadth, and in A Snake Among the Swans, we are introduced to a people and a world torn apart by war and politics. Tilde sacrifices herself in a political marriage to the brutal, aging king. But this is not a story of love or even of magic (though bits of both appear), it is a story of power and who wields it.
Being set in the king's household, with the multiple sons (and one daughter, Elise), priests, dukes, soldiers and so on, there's a lot going on and a lot of moving parts. I appreciated Kaner including the glossary of who's who at the start of the book. The characters are intricately drawn, despite there being so many, and I appreciated the focus on detail.
It's definitely a dark book, from the deep rage in Tilde to the blood magic of the druidim to the many deaths (both self-sacrifice and murder) throughout. But it never got dark just for the sake of being gruesome, everything tied into the politics and power maneuvering of all the characters.
I can't wait for this series to continue!
I don't even know what to write in this review, I'm that overwhelmed by how amazing this book is. When I was reading it, I was immersed in this intense, fascinating world of power and politics, and when I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it.
Kaner's world-building is second to none, and this new book shows that the Fallen Gods trilogy was not a fluke. Her worlds have tremendous depth and breadth, and in A Snake Among the Swans, we are introduced to a people and a world torn apart by war and politics. Tilde sacrifices herself in a political marriage to the brutal, aging king. But this is not a story of love or even of magic (though bits of both appear), it is a story of power and who wields it.
Being set in the king's household, with the multiple sons (and one daughter, Elise), priests, dukes, soldiers and so on, there's a lot going on and a lot of moving parts. I appreciated Kaner including the glossary of who's who at the start of the book. The characters are intricately drawn, despite there being so many, and I appreciated the focus on detail.
It's definitely a dark book, from the deep rage in Tilde to the blood magic of the druidim to the many deaths (both self-sacrifice and murder) throughout. But it never got dark just for the sake of being gruesome, everything tied into the politics and power maneuvering of all the characters.
I can't wait for this series to continue!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was drawn to this book because I really enjoyed the author's Fallen Gods trilogy. The story is different but the writing style is familiar. It took me a few chapters to fully get immersed in the tale, the world building and the central characters. There is quite a bit of court politics and a fair amount of characters to keep track of while following all of the machinations. The story is told from two points of view, Tilde and Elise. Tilde is the heir of a conquered land and offers herself as a bride-prize to the conquering king. Elise is the king's daughter, a barely noticed adult child in a land where men rule. The book is slow at first, with little action, just understanding the plotting and politics. I think it was more than halfway through when the romance really blossomed and the magic in this world was revealed. I enjoy the way that the author build's atmosphere but for readers who want immediate fast-paced action, dramatic romance, complex magic systems, and don't enjoy political chicanery, this might be a difficult story to get into. For me, this was an interesting opener into a new series and I am eager to see what comes next.
I received access to this eARC thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Avon and Harper Voyager) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
I received access to this eARC thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Avon and Harper Voyager) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
May 10, 2026
4.5⭐️
Thanks to Harper Collins and NetGalley for the earc!
This is my first book of Kaner’s and I was not sure what to expect. We have a young woman, Tilde that agrees to be married off to the king that conquered her lands six years prior. But she agreed so that she can kill him. You also have the daughter of the king, Elise, who is mistreated by her family and simply wants to get away to a monastery and live out her days as a devout follower of the Swan.
What you get in this book is a dark story of rage, magic, betrayal, death, and the price of love versus power. I wouldn’t say this is a romance at all, there is also some adult scenes that are deeply tragic and sad.
I did like that this didn’t really end happily? It felt more real this way and I appreciate that. I also like that while there is magic, it has a high cost and can take more than it gives. This magi’s also had little knowledge left on it, and that was interesting as well.
This book really made me think about how history really is determined by the victor and what is it about (any) religion that makes its followers feel that it must be pushed on everyone else. Wars are fought over religion all the time and if everyone was simply allowed to believe what they want so many deaths and civilizations could have been saved. Such a good tie to real life with this part of the story.
Thanks to Harper Collins and NetGalley for the earc!
This is my first book of Kaner’s and I was not sure what to expect. We have a young woman, Tilde that agrees to be married off to the king that conquered her lands six years prior. But she agreed so that she can kill him. You also have the daughter of the king, Elise, who is mistreated by her family and simply wants to get away to a monastery and live out her days as a devout follower of the Swan.
What you get in this book is a dark story of rage, magic, betrayal, death, and the price of love versus power. I wouldn’t say this is a romance at all, there is also some adult scenes that are deeply tragic and sad.
I did like that this didn’t really end happily? It felt more real this way and I appreciate that. I also like that while there is magic, it has a high cost and can take more than it gives. This magi’s also had little knowledge left on it, and that was interesting as well.
This book really made me think about how history really is determined by the victor and what is it about (any) religion that makes its followers feel that it must be pushed on everyone else. Wars are fought over religion all the time and if everyone was simply allowed to believe what they want so many deaths and civilizations could have been saved. Such a good tie to real life with this part of the story.
April 28, 2026
As a fan of Kaner’s Fallen Gods trilogy, I was elated to be approved for A Snake Among Swans. If you’re a fan of the dynamic between characters in HBO’s adaptation of House of Dragon this is for you! This book is all political intrigue, high stakes, blood and forest magic, with its world-building tied together through the very emotionally and beautifully written POVs of Tilde and Elise (who both are echoes of Rhaenyra and Alicent from HoD!) While slow in the beginning, Kaner lays the necessary groundwork to build the tensions between a large cast of multi-faceted characters as they all scrabble for power with an ailing tyrant king on the throne—tensions and motivations that will lend well to the succeeding books of this series as the swan court, and its empire, threatens to crumble. Once the plot picked up, I couldn’t put it down! As this court begins to unravel, Kaner injects the themes of: freedom (and the cost of it), choice vs. obedience, faith and religion, and love. A Snake Among Swans is definitely worth the read, even if fantasy centered on court politics isn’t your thing! I highly recommend you pick up a copy.
Thank you to Net Galley and HarperVoyager for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Net Galley and HarperVoyager for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you so much to Avon and Harper Voyager, the author and NetGalley for the eArc.
A Snake Among Swans by Hannah Kaner is a dark, politically driven fantasy that centers on Tilde, the last heir of a conquered kingdom who enters an arranged marriage with the aging Swan King in order to reclaim power. Much of the story unfolds within a tense royal court filled with rival heirs, scheming priests, and shifting alliances, while an eerie, sentient forest and hints of blood magic deepen the atmosphere.
What I liked: The intricate world building—particularly the contrast between court politics and the wild magic of the kithwood—as well as the dual perspectives of Tilde and Princess Elise, which add emotional depth and complexity to the narrative. In addition, the sapphic romance between Tilde and Eliseoffers a layered, bittersweet dynamic shaped by duty, power, and survival, though it develops gradually.
That said, the pacing is a bit slow and the large cast of characters that can feel overwhelming at first, though the story gains momentum in the second half as political tensions escalate and betrayals unfold. Overall, this is a richly layered, character-driven fantasy that rewards patience with a gripping, morally gray tale of ambition and revenge. Rating: 4.25/5.
A Snake Among Swans by Hannah Kaner is a dark, politically driven fantasy that centers on Tilde, the last heir of a conquered kingdom who enters an arranged marriage with the aging Swan King in order to reclaim power. Much of the story unfolds within a tense royal court filled with rival heirs, scheming priests, and shifting alliances, while an eerie, sentient forest and hints of blood magic deepen the atmosphere.
What I liked: The intricate world building—particularly the contrast between court politics and the wild magic of the kithwood—as well as the dual perspectives of Tilde and Princess Elise, which add emotional depth and complexity to the narrative. In addition, the sapphic romance between Tilde and Eliseoffers a layered, bittersweet dynamic shaped by duty, power, and survival, though it develops gradually.
That said, the pacing is a bit slow and the large cast of characters that can feel overwhelming at first, though the story gains momentum in the second half as political tensions escalate and betrayals unfold. Overall, this is a richly layered, character-driven fantasy that rewards patience with a gripping, morally gray tale of ambition and revenge. Rating: 4.25/5.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 stars/5
A dark, lyrical fantasy about the last heir to a conquered land, and the ends to which she will go to reclaim the power that was lost. Tilde lost her siblings and father to the conquering forces of Cynghal, the royal house of swans. In a bid for power, she betroths herself to the aging Cynghal king, Liran, as his power weakens and his surviving sons vie for the throne. A viper in the swans' court, Tilde finds herself surprising allies as she faces off against her enemies, and comes to know the king's youngest daughter Elise, who is more than she seems.
I don't typically like books this dark, but A Snake Among Swans drew me in with the world-building, characters, and story. Tilde's struggle for power is heartbreaking, as she is forced to make difficult decisions to keep herself and her people's future alive, losing parts of herself in the process. The book deals with the costs of what it means to rule, the oppression of conquered lands, and the lengths one will go for power...and for those they love. I'm left thinking about myself and what I might have done in a similar position, and looking forward to the next book in the trilogy.
Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC.
A dark, lyrical fantasy about the last heir to a conquered land, and the ends to which she will go to reclaim the power that was lost. Tilde lost her siblings and father to the conquering forces of Cynghal, the royal house of swans. In a bid for power, she betroths herself to the aging Cynghal king, Liran, as his power weakens and his surviving sons vie for the throne. A viper in the swans' court, Tilde finds herself surprising allies as she faces off against her enemies, and comes to know the king's youngest daughter Elise, who is more than she seems.
I don't typically like books this dark, but A Snake Among Swans drew me in with the world-building, characters, and story. Tilde's struggle for power is heartbreaking, as she is forced to make difficult decisions to keep herself and her people's future alive, losing parts of herself in the process. The book deals with the costs of what it means to rule, the oppression of conquered lands, and the lengths one will go for power...and for those they love. I'm left thinking about myself and what I might have done in a similar position, and looking forward to the next book in the trilogy.
Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC.
Did Not Finish
May 18, 2026 Thank you to Netgalley and Avon & Harper Voyager for the eARC
Right. I should have known I would not get into the story, since I didn’t enjoy the author’s previous work and I don’t do well with female rage most of the time. Or, rather, I enjoy it but it has to be from a certain angle, an angle that isn’t here in “A snake among swans”. This story is very much a story about misogyny, constraints put upon women and the missionary conquest of a monotheist faith. All good! But I don’t like it, as interesting as it is. I have seen and read enough of such stories to be annoyed when I’m thrown into one. Even when there’s an interesting, eerie wood and a sapphic romance being built up.
Is this saying that the story is bad? Not at all! It’s quite good, at least for the part I read. Lots of characters, a world well built, characters who have to work against limitations and have to decide what are their goals and what will be the repercussions if they succeed.
The writing is efficient. A bit dry, grating (purposefully, I think?) at times. But it meant I couldn’t get invested in the plot or the characters, aside from my own preferences regarding female rage.
Still, I’m sure a lot of people will enjoy this work. It has a magnificent cover, and a promising set up !
Right. I should have known I would not get into the story, since I didn’t enjoy the author’s previous work and I don’t do well with female rage most of the time. Or, rather, I enjoy it but it has to be from a certain angle, an angle that isn’t here in “A snake among swans”. This story is very much a story about misogyny, constraints put upon women and the missionary conquest of a monotheist faith. All good! But I don’t like it, as interesting as it is. I have seen and read enough of such stories to be annoyed when I’m thrown into one. Even when there’s an interesting, eerie wood and a sapphic romance being built up.
Is this saying that the story is bad? Not at all! It’s quite good, at least for the part I read. Lots of characters, a world well built, characters who have to work against limitations and have to decide what are their goals and what will be the repercussions if they succeed.
The writing is efficient. A bit dry, grating (purposefully, I think?) at times. But it meant I couldn’t get invested in the plot or the characters, aside from my own preferences regarding female rage.
Still, I’m sure a lot of people will enjoy this work. It has a magnificent cover, and a promising set up !
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such an entertaining read!
One of things I really loved about this book was the world building. It was clear that the author put a lot of work into fleshing out this world as far as the different kingdoms. From the people, to the culture, to the symbolism of the animals—it was really cool to see all of that come together.
My favorite part of the world, however, would probably be the Kithwood. I’m a sucker for a sentient, eerie forest, and this book certainly delivered on that.
I really liked our two POV characters as well. Tilde and Elise were fascinating characters, and seeing them navigate a world that clearly favors men over women was really compelling. (I also loved the sapphic rep in this novel!)
I will say the book is rather slow in the beginning, and the plot takes its time to get going. But once the pace picked up in the middle, I was definitely invested in the story. So overall, I would recommend this book to those who love an epic fantasy filled with a lush world, political intrigue, and sapphic representation.
Thank you so much Harper Voyager and NetGalley for allowing me to read the eARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book follows Elise and Tilde through a fascinating but backwards politically world based on conquering and chauvinism, and shows the impact that both this world and each other has on them as they try to exist within or change their world.
I enjoyed the complex world building and political system, as well as seeing more of the history of both women unfold as the book went on. The cast of characters was fascinating, and I hope to see more of both their relationships with the main characters as well as each other.
The POV characters each had such a different approach and reaction to events and the people around them due to their personalities and the way they were raised, it was powerful seeing the juxtaposition. The transformation of the characters was fascinating to watch as well, seeing the lengths that someone can go to shrink themselves to seek love, and the changes and compromises a person will allow within themselves to chase power. 4.25 stars. Thank you NetGalley, Hannah Kaner, and Avon/Harper Voyager for this E-ARC.
I enjoyed the complex world building and political system, as well as seeing more of the history of both women unfold as the book went on. The cast of characters was fascinating, and I hope to see more of both their relationships with the main characters as well as each other.
The POV characters each had such a different approach and reaction to events and the people around them due to their personalities and the way they were raised, it was powerful seeing the juxtaposition. The transformation of the characters was fascinating to watch as well, seeing the lengths that someone can go to shrink themselves to seek love, and the changes and compromises a person will allow within themselves to chase power. 4.25 stars. Thank you NetGalley, Hannah Kaner, and Avon/Harper Voyager for this E-ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was absolutely gobsmacked by this book! This is the epitome of court politics, morally grey characters and gut punching plot twists.
I came into "a snake among swans" with no expectations, and I was absolutely floored by this story and its characters. This story weaves betrayal, conquest, revenge and sapphic love in the best of ways and I was reading at break neck speed with how engaged the plot had me. I was very impressed by Hannah Kaner's writing and I kept on being surprised again and again by her cleverness and her heart wrenching plot twists.
If you like female rage, revenge stories and sapphic yearning, read this book. If you loved the court politics of "The Poet empress", read this book. If you enjoy morally grey characters and becoming the villain to reclaim your land from your inavders, read this book. Honestly, if you like a well written, compelling fantasy novel full of twists, read this book!! It was absolutely excellent and I don't know how I'm going to recover.
Thank you Netgalley, Avon and Harper Voyager for an ARC copy of this book
I came into "a snake among swans" with no expectations, and I was absolutely floored by this story and its characters. This story weaves betrayal, conquest, revenge and sapphic love in the best of ways and I was reading at break neck speed with how engaged the plot had me. I was very impressed by Hannah Kaner's writing and I kept on being surprised again and again by her cleverness and her heart wrenching plot twists.
If you like female rage, revenge stories and sapphic yearning, read this book. If you loved the court politics of "The Poet empress", read this book. If you enjoy morally grey characters and becoming the villain to reclaim your land from your inavders, read this book. Honestly, if you like a well written, compelling fantasy novel full of twists, read this book!! It was absolutely excellent and I don't know how I'm going to recover.
Thank you Netgalley, Avon and Harper Voyager for an ARC copy of this book
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A Snake Among Swans is a dark, bloody, and twisty fantasy featuring complex politics, a bit of body horror, and plenty of feminist rage. I enjoyed following along with the various political machinations, and growing increasingly furious at the horribly misogynistic rulers and religious leaders of the vaguely British-Isles-ish setting. When all the tension finally comes to a head, the fallout is quite satisfying, with some sweet retribution, but it's clear that there's plenty of struggle left ahead for our heroines. Featuring sapphic romance, magic based both in nature and blood sacrifice, and resistance against empire, there's a lot of overlap here with The Unbroken/Magic of the Lost series and The Jasmine Throne/The Burning Kingdoms series. A Snake Among Swans is dark, yes, but not quite as sharp as those titles, and I wasn't as engaged by the romance. Still, if those types of intrigue-heavy sapphic stories are up your alley, you should absolutely check this one out!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
May 11, 2026
Thank you so much to NetGalley and HarperVoyager for sending this eARC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
This was the first book I have read by Hannah Kaner and it did not disappoint! At first I was worried the world building would be overwhelming because there was a lot of information to take in. By the time I got to chapter 2 I was so immersed in what was happening it was easy to start navigating the relationships between the characters and understanding their connections and history. This book alternated between the perspectives of two of the main characters in a seamless way that felt natural and did not interfere with the flow of the story. The political intrigue, manipulation, and shifting power dynamics will have you on the edge of your seat as you brace for the next plot twist. If you like enemies to lovers/forbidden love with two beautifully written and complex FMCs I highly recommend this book. I will be eagerly awaiting the continuation of this series and can’t wait to see where it leads.
This was the first book I have read by Hannah Kaner and it did not disappoint! At first I was worried the world building would be overwhelming because there was a lot of information to take in. By the time I got to chapter 2 I was so immersed in what was happening it was easy to start navigating the relationships between the characters and understanding their connections and history. This book alternated between the perspectives of two of the main characters in a seamless way that felt natural and did not interfere with the flow of the story. The political intrigue, manipulation, and shifting power dynamics will have you on the edge of your seat as you brace for the next plot twist. If you like enemies to lovers/forbidden love with two beautifully written and complex FMCs I highly recommend this book. I will be eagerly awaiting the continuation of this series and can’t wait to see where it leads.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A Snake Among Swans is a dark, bloody, and twisty fantasy featuring complex politics, a bit of body horror, and plenty of feminist rage. I enjoyed following along with the various political machinations, and growing increasingly furious at the horribly misogynistic rulers and religious leaders of the vaguely British-Isles-ish setting. When all the tension finally comes to a head, the fallout is quite satisfying, with some sweet retribution, but it's clear that there's plenty of struggle left ahead for our heroines. Featuring sapphic romance, magic based both in nature and blood sacrifice, and resistance against empire, there's a lot of overlap here with The Unbroken/Magic of the Lost series and The Jasmine Throne/The Burning Kingdoms series. A Snake Among Swans is dark, yes, but not quite as sharp as those titles, and I wasn't as engaged by the romance. Still, if those types of intrigue-heavy sapphic stories are up your alley, you should absolutely check this one out!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
May 18, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an electronic ARC.
This was beautiful. I laughed, I cried, etcetera. Tilde and Elise were both compelling protagonists, and I can’t wait for the next installment.
Would be a 5-star review if not for how many times I found myself entirely lost by what was happening. I don’t think of myself as someone who is easily confused by a book, but there were just so many people here! The list of characters was absolutely no help, as so many players were not listed or were referred to by multiple titles or names not included. If you are going to use fantasy vocab, either make it clear what the words mean or include a glossary.
The magic system here was fascinating, leaving me wanting more information. Again, I’m excited for the next in the series so we can learn more about the ins and outs of it all. I enjoyed the religious and political intrigue more than I expected.
Overall I enjoyed this. I would recommend it to people who enjoy high fantasy, particularly fans of Samantha Shannon’s Roots of Chaos series.
This was beautiful. I laughed, I cried, etcetera. Tilde and Elise were both compelling protagonists, and I can’t wait for the next installment.
Would be a 5-star review if not for how many times I found myself entirely lost by what was happening. I don’t think of myself as someone who is easily confused by a book, but there were just so many people here! The list of characters was absolutely no help, as so many players were not listed or were referred to by multiple titles or names not included. If you are going to use fantasy vocab, either make it clear what the words mean or include a glossary.
The magic system here was fascinating, leaving me wanting more information. Again, I’m excited for the next in the series so we can learn more about the ins and outs of it all. I enjoyed the religious and political intrigue more than I expected.
Overall I enjoyed this. I would recommend it to people who enjoy high fantasy, particularly fans of Samantha Shannon’s Roots of Chaos series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was gorgeous, brutal, incredible. Needless to say, I am obsessed. I loved Kaner's debut Godkiller, but wasn't quite as enamoured of the sequel. Yet when I first came across this book I immediately added it to my TBR, because the one thing I consistently loved about the Fallen Gods trilogy was the world-building, and I couldn't wait to get to know a completely new setting from Kaner's imagination. And it was amazing. I need the sequel now.
I was initially a bit intimidated by the massive cast of characters that are all introduced in a Dramatis Personae section right at the beginning of the book, because I have the short-term memory capacity of a potato when it comes to names. And indeed it was a bit overwhelming at first, but the author manages to make the characters distinct individuals very easily and handles them and their dynamics so beautifully.
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Many thanks to Harper Voyager for the ARC!
I was initially a bit intimidated by the massive cast of characters that are all introduced in a Dramatis Personae section right at the beginning of the book, because I have the short-term memory capacity of a potato when it comes to names. And indeed it was a bit overwhelming at first, but the author manages to make the characters distinct individuals very easily and handles them and their dynamics so beautifully.
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Many thanks to Harper Voyager for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As a huge fan of The Fallen Gods trilogy this was an automatic must read for me and I’m so glad I did! A Snake Among Swans is much more slow political intrigue than action packed fantasy. However, I love to see a potentially morally gray woman scheming to end an empire. The magic here is pretty light so if you are looking for a full mythology and magic system you won’t find it here.
Tilde was just the amount of ruthless that I always want my characters to be and Elise’s journey over the book was very enjoyable. Their relationship does somewhat fill the “I have complicated feelings about my stepmom/stepdaughter” void given to me by House of the Dragon. I’m very much looking forward to seeing how their relationship changes next book! I would definitely recommend this book - but I would also recommend keeping the dramatis personae handy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Tilde was just the amount of ruthless that I always want my characters to be and Elise’s journey over the book was very enjoyable. Their relationship does somewhat fill the “I have complicated feelings about my stepmom/stepdaughter” void given to me by House of the Dragon. I’m very much looking forward to seeing how their relationship changes next book! I would definitely recommend this book - but I would also recommend keeping the dramatis personae handy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
May 6, 2026
Another hit by Hannah Kaner! Much like her previous Fallen God trilogy, A Snake Among Swans shines in its rich world building and expansive lore. Kaner has an absolute knack for pulling you wholeheartedly into her stories and really feeling for the characters and their struggles. The two point of view characters are vastly different and on entirely different sides of the previous war: Tilde’s lands stolen by Princess Elise’s father and ruled with cruelty and religious fervor. I found myself completely taken in with the “Game of Thrones”esque political intrigue, and the magic system of bargains and blood with spirits of the forest was a fresh take. The last 10% of this book had so many twists and turns that I powered through it because I NEEDED to know what happened. Five stars and I CANNOT wait for the next installment!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a freaking amazing book!! How I ended up loathing Tilde in the end I do not know. Perhaps her deepening need for revenge only to become those she despise. I do however understand to am extent. This book was captivating especially towards the end. The betrayal of the court, the need for revenge, the games, the lies everything was enthralling. Conrin was horrible, Altar even more. What he did to his own sister was nauseating and he was crying over being dethrone that b#&ch. I am upset Marolyn gave up her life for Tilde. I do love the revenge of the princes even though poor Hein could of been spared.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Love and loss, greed and sacrifice, pain and memory. A Snake Among Swans is a stunning story of duality, written in the most lyrical and beautiful prose I’ve experienced in a very long time.
Tilde and Elise’s stories are equally beautiful and interesting but their joint story even more so. While there is romance, I love that it takes a back seat to the political intrigue, religious fervor, and magical exploration. The story simultaneously questions so many aspects of life and love. But most interestingly, what is more important....your own desires or the greater good? And what are you willing to give up to achieve it?
Easily a 5 star read and a new all time favorite.
Tilde and Elise’s stories are equally beautiful and interesting but their joint story even more so. While there is romance, I love that it takes a back seat to the political intrigue, religious fervor, and magical exploration. The story simultaneously questions so many aspects of life and love. But most interestingly, what is more important....your own desires or the greater good? And what are you willing to give up to achieve it?
Easily a 5 star read and a new all time favorite.
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