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Swan and Shadow: A Swan Lake Story
Aislin is cursed. A regular college student at night and a swan during the day, Aislin can only break the curse by finding her true love. But when her beloved discovers the truth, will his fear override their love? This modern adaptation of Swan Lake will help you discover what love really means.
304 pages, Paperback
First published March 8, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 10, 2016
(4.5 Stars) "There's an undeniable attraction to the idea that you can start out every story with 'Once upon a time...' and end up with 'happily ever after.'"
Based on the story of Swan Lake, Swan and Shadow is a modern retelling of a classic. Knowing how tragic that story ends up, I was extremely curious as to how this story could possible end up with that desirable "happily ever after" ending. I'll just say this--things are left open, leaving me desperately hoping for a sequel. Please, Ms. Olsen--please!
My biggest issue with the story is that it's told from two different points of view, Aislyn's and Maeve's, and alternates between "white" and "black." It took me quite awhile to differentiate between the teenage twins (which one is black and which one is white) and to get a feel for who was speaking.
Overlooking that, the story is full of heart, emotional ups and downs, and adventurous entertainment and I thoroughly enjoyed the story. I loved getting to know the characters and their quirks. As a parent of teens, I wasn't sure about the amount of freedom these twins' parents gave them, but it had to happen and they do have a great relationship. I love the creative license that is used to turn this into a modern version and how the story seems to have the vibe of being despairingly hopeful. This is a story that is seared into my heart and I can't wait for another installment!
Content: very minor violence; no language; no religious elements, aside from stating which religion the characters are, in relation to a holiday celebration and food; mild romance (kissing). There are mentions of being naked, due to transforming back into a human, but nothing is descriptive at all. Clean!
*I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Based on the story of Swan Lake, Swan and Shadow is a modern retelling of a classic. Knowing how tragic that story ends up, I was extremely curious as to how this story could possible end up with that desirable "happily ever after" ending. I'll just say this--things are left open, leaving me desperately hoping for a sequel. Please, Ms. Olsen--please!
My biggest issue with the story is that it's told from two different points of view, Aislyn's and Maeve's, and alternates between "white" and "black." It took me quite awhile to differentiate between the teenage twins (which one is black and which one is white) and to get a feel for who was speaking.
Overlooking that, the story is full of heart, emotional ups and downs, and adventurous entertainment and I thoroughly enjoyed the story. I loved getting to know the characters and their quirks. As a parent of teens, I wasn't sure about the amount of freedom these twins' parents gave them, but it had to happen and they do have a great relationship. I love the creative license that is used to turn this into a modern version and how the story seems to have the vibe of being despairingly hopeful. This is a story that is seared into my heart and I can't wait for another installment!
Content: very minor violence; no language; no religious elements, aside from stating which religion the characters are, in relation to a holiday celebration and food; mild romance (kissing). There are mentions of being naked, due to transforming back into a human, but nothing is descriptive at all. Clean!
*I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
April 4, 2016
Aislin and Maeve are twins with a huge family secret: Aislin is a swan during the day and human at night. When it happened, life drastically changed for her. There are conditions to breaking the curse and Maeve is determined to find a way for her sister to be completely human again.
This story alternates between Aislin and Maeve, also referred to as White and Black. It took me a few pages to figure things out because we're dropped into the middle of the story. There are interludes which explain what happened in the past and scenes rather than chapters. Once I got that down, I settled in for an interesting read. It took longer than I thought it would for her love interest to enter the picture, and once he did, the story got even better to me. There were lots of twists and turns and some crazy events (she's a swan, after all).
Aislin and Maeve are very different from each other yet, as identical twins and sisters, they are loyal to each other. There were times that Maeve went a little overboard in her desire to help Aislin but they were able to work things out. I was looking forward to how this story would end and...let's just say it left me wanting more and I hope there will be a sequel!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
This story alternates between Aislin and Maeve, also referred to as White and Black. It took me a few pages to figure things out because we're dropped into the middle of the story. There are interludes which explain what happened in the past and scenes rather than chapters. Once I got that down, I settled in for an interesting read. It took longer than I thought it would for her love interest to enter the picture, and once he did, the story got even better to me. There were lots of twists and turns and some crazy events (she's a swan, after all).
Aislin and Maeve are very different from each other yet, as identical twins and sisters, they are loyal to each other. There were times that Maeve went a little overboard in her desire to help Aislin but they were able to work things out. I was looking forward to how this story would end and...let's just say it left me wanting more and I hope there will be a sequel!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
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January 14, 2016Review posting on my blog tomorrow morning.
December 22, 2017
Please read review in its entirety at
http://www.compassbookratings.com/rev...
A contemporary romance with a fairy tale twist, author Kaki Olsen’s, Swan and Shadow: A Swan Lake Story, is a fanciful tale.
Narrated in alternating first-person perspective, twins Aislin and Meave fantasize about boys, hang out with friends, and disagree with their parents--basic teenager stuff, all while keeping a peculiar family secret. The interchange between the two protagonists is easily identified for readers by the bold-faced heading between each act (chapter): white for Aisin, black for Meave.
Plentiful dialogue keeps the story moving forward, while a significant development steadily tags along. A tale that is fitting for teenage girls who enjoy a romantic read; most of the narration is dedicated to female chitchat about the opposite sex, dating, school, and extracurricular activities. Oh, and that pesky family secret I mentioned earlier.
That family secret is not kept a mystery from readers for long as the first page (and the title) reveal the big to-do. Even though the revelation is presented early on, the author captures readers' attention with a dramatic beginning in the form of an international conundrum, that is equal parts humor and intrigue, and it charmingly introduces the principal characters.
Don’t be dismayed by this story being a retelling of Swan Lake, the tragedy and conniving are kept to a minimum, while devotion and sisterly love shine as the real theme of this particular version.
A perfect novel for readers who are attracted to romance novels with endings that don’t drown you in the "happily ever after," revelry.
http://www.compassbookratings.com/rev...
A contemporary romance with a fairy tale twist, author Kaki Olsen’s, Swan and Shadow: A Swan Lake Story, is a fanciful tale.
Narrated in alternating first-person perspective, twins Aislin and Meave fantasize about boys, hang out with friends, and disagree with their parents--basic teenager stuff, all while keeping a peculiar family secret. The interchange between the two protagonists is easily identified for readers by the bold-faced heading between each act (chapter): white for Aisin, black for Meave.
Plentiful dialogue keeps the story moving forward, while a significant development steadily tags along. A tale that is fitting for teenage girls who enjoy a romantic read; most of the narration is dedicated to female chitchat about the opposite sex, dating, school, and extracurricular activities. Oh, and that pesky family secret I mentioned earlier.
That family secret is not kept a mystery from readers for long as the first page (and the title) reveal the big to-do. Even though the revelation is presented early on, the author captures readers' attention with a dramatic beginning in the form of an international conundrum, that is equal parts humor and intrigue, and it charmingly introduces the principal characters.
Don’t be dismayed by this story being a retelling of Swan Lake, the tragedy and conniving are kept to a minimum, while devotion and sisterly love shine as the real theme of this particular version.
A perfect novel for readers who are attracted to romance novels with endings that don’t drown you in the "happily ever after," revelry.
July 11, 2017
I'm reserving final judgement until I know if there's going to be a sequel. I liked the story a lot and will be delighted if there is one . . .
April 8, 2016
Intricately woven, Swan and Shadow is a modern-day romance with a fairy-tale twist. Aislin, the second-born of a set of twins, spends part of her time as a swan, while trying to live some semblance of a "normal" life in the hours she is a human girl. The key to breaking the curse is, of course, "true love." But what does true love look like when you are a teenager in modern-day Boston? We can all relate to the struggle of that kind of question in our own lives, but Aislin deals with the added twist of an ancient curse to complicate matters and add a sense of urgency to her longing for romance. Aislin's twin sister, Maeve, is dedicated to the cause of bringing Aislin back to full humanity, so there is plenty of loving, although sometimes misguided, sisterly "meddling" to throw a monkey wrench in the proverbial works.
The book employs a writing style that I found a bit frustrating, while equally fascinating. The tale is written in the first person, switching viewpoints between Maeve and Aislin, but there is very little of the internal monologue found in most first-person writing. The motivations/feelings/rationalizations of the main characters, which would ordinarily be expressed directly in terms of thoughts, are instead implied indirectly through dialogue and action, leaving the reader to draw one's own inferences as to why the characters behave as they do. The dialogue is sparkling and witty, but I confess, I did want a little more explanation as to what was going on in Maeve's and Aislin's heads. However, that being said, I can't help but point out that the cumulative effect of this technique is somewhat like placing a set of mirrors toward each other, so that they reflect images back and forth. Aislin's comments to, and actions toward, her sister, Maeve, are a reflection of her internal struggle, and vice versa for Maeve as she seeks to help Aislin find love and break the curse. There is no a better place to employ such a technique than in the relationship between a set of identical twins.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. If you are looking for something a little different than a typical romance novel, this is a good read.
The book employs a writing style that I found a bit frustrating, while equally fascinating. The tale is written in the first person, switching viewpoints between Maeve and Aislin, but there is very little of the internal monologue found in most first-person writing. The motivations/feelings/rationalizations of the main characters, which would ordinarily be expressed directly in terms of thoughts, are instead implied indirectly through dialogue and action, leaving the reader to draw one's own inferences as to why the characters behave as they do. The dialogue is sparkling and witty, but I confess, I did want a little more explanation as to what was going on in Maeve's and Aislin's heads. However, that being said, I can't help but point out that the cumulative effect of this technique is somewhat like placing a set of mirrors toward each other, so that they reflect images back and forth. Aislin's comments to, and actions toward, her sister, Maeve, are a reflection of her internal struggle, and vice versa for Maeve as she seeks to help Aislin find love and break the curse. There is no a better place to employ such a technique than in the relationship between a set of identical twins.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. If you are looking for something a little different than a typical romance novel, this is a good read.
March 21, 2016
Swan and Shadow
a Swan Lake story
By Kaki Olsen
Aislin Byrne is under a curse. For generations it was just a family legend, a barely remembered piece of family history. But no more.
More than 600 years ago a curse was placed upon the second daughter of the family. And in all the years since no second daughter has ever met all the conditions in finding true love. And Aislin is now paying the price along with her family.
If Aislin can find the path to true love and stay true to the curses conditions the curse will be broken. But when the hours between dawn and dusk are spent living life as a swan true love's path is difficult to find. And if she doesn't follow the conditions of the curse exactly she will live out her life as a swan, forfeiting her human hours forever.
Aislin has a champion who is determined to help find her happily ever after ~ her older twin sister Maeve will do anything to to restore Aislin to the life she lived until they were 12 years old. But how do you explain a "fairy tale" curse to a world that no longer believes? Aislin's secret must be protected and Maeve is not above playing the part of her sister when called upon. But will Maeve's assistance help or hinder Aislin when she finds someone who could be "the one"?
Can a first love be true love? Aislin is about to find out.
If you love a modern twist to your fairy tales and have a fondness for Swan Lake you might want to let your imagination take flight in this new book world. This is a book YA readers will devour.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review
a Swan Lake story
By Kaki Olsen
Aislin Byrne is under a curse. For generations it was just a family legend, a barely remembered piece of family history. But no more.
More than 600 years ago a curse was placed upon the second daughter of the family. And in all the years since no second daughter has ever met all the conditions in finding true love. And Aislin is now paying the price along with her family.
If Aislin can find the path to true love and stay true to the curses conditions the curse will be broken. But when the hours between dawn and dusk are spent living life as a swan true love's path is difficult to find. And if she doesn't follow the conditions of the curse exactly she will live out her life as a swan, forfeiting her human hours forever.
Aislin has a champion who is determined to help find her happily ever after ~ her older twin sister Maeve will do anything to to restore Aislin to the life she lived until they were 12 years old. But how do you explain a "fairy tale" curse to a world that no longer believes? Aislin's secret must be protected and Maeve is not above playing the part of her sister when called upon. But will Maeve's assistance help or hinder Aislin when she finds someone who could be "the one"?
Can a first love be true love? Aislin is about to find out.
If you love a modern twist to your fairy tales and have a fondness for Swan Lake you might want to let your imagination take flight in this new book world. This is a book YA readers will devour.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review
February 20, 2017
Remarkably engrossing- I almost missed my train stop thanks to this book.
This author is one to watch in the future because if this is her freshman publish, she's got places to take me yet!
This author is one to watch in the future because if this is her freshman publish, she's got places to take me yet!
March 8, 2016
I enjoyed reading this book! I have never seen Swan Lake and I really had no idea what the story behind the ballet was, so I enjoyed this book just for the great piece of literature that it is.
I liked Aislin and Maeve. I loved the way that Aislin had some funny situations because of her curse. I can't even imagine being cursed in the way she was. Having to be a swan during the day and a girl at night. I loved the way that the whole family really adapted for just her. Night time trips instead of day, allowing her the shower time as soon as she changed back and things like that. I loved the way that Maeve was so protective of Aislin, always looking for a way to help her and make her life a little bit easier. And having to take care of anything that Aislin would have needed to do during the day but couldn't. Aislin didn't love that all the time, but she accepts the help because she really has no other choice.
I liked the way the book bounces back and forth between Maeve and Aislin, so you know what they're both thinking and what has happened to both of them, because they are not in the same place at the same time very often.
I loved the sweet way that Aislin falls in love, and how it takes longer than she thinks, but it's really a surprise to her that she has fallen in love. This is a clean romance that you won't have any problem with your teenager reading, and if you're a little older than a teen, you'll enjoy it too!
I was sent an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I liked Aislin and Maeve. I loved the way that Aislin had some funny situations because of her curse. I can't even imagine being cursed in the way she was. Having to be a swan during the day and a girl at night. I loved the way that the whole family really adapted for just her. Night time trips instead of day, allowing her the shower time as soon as she changed back and things like that. I loved the way that Maeve was so protective of Aislin, always looking for a way to help her and make her life a little bit easier. And having to take care of anything that Aislin would have needed to do during the day but couldn't. Aislin didn't love that all the time, but she accepts the help because she really has no other choice.
I liked the way the book bounces back and forth between Maeve and Aislin, so you know what they're both thinking and what has happened to both of them, because they are not in the same place at the same time very often.
I loved the sweet way that Aislin falls in love, and how it takes longer than she thinks, but it's really a surprise to her that she has fallen in love. This is a clean romance that you won't have any problem with your teenager reading, and if you're a little older than a teen, you'll enjoy it too!
I was sent an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2016
I have liked many of the fairy tale re-tellings that have been written the past several years. I was looking forward to reading this one too. It started off exciting, but a bit confusing, I couldn't always tell who the POV was from. The story is being told from the POV of twins sisters Aislin and Maeve, the problem is you aren't sure which is which. You go through several chapters before the characters are truly introduced and you find out what is happening.
Twin, Aislin, who has become a victim of the ancient family curse, turns into a swan during the day and back into a human at night. She needs true love to break the curse. Her whole family supports her by coming to her rescue when she gets into trouble or is hurt because of the curse.The twin sisters, despite everything that is happening, have a very close relationship. I loved the way that they were so loyal to each other. I only wish that the magic of the curse had played a bigger part of the story. The plot has so much potential that was wasted.The bulk of the story is about things normal teens worry about: boyfriends, make-up, clothes, hanging out with friends and going to school. I think that teens will like the story and be able to relate to much of the story and the normal teen-age angst running throughout the story. Adults will be less patient with the story and the ending where Aislin finally spills the beans about the curse to her boyfriend,but there is no true resolution,which in turn leads towards a sequel. I hope that the sequel explores more of the magical side of the curse.
Twin, Aislin, who has become a victim of the ancient family curse, turns into a swan during the day and back into a human at night. She needs true love to break the curse. Her whole family supports her by coming to her rescue when she gets into trouble or is hurt because of the curse.The twin sisters, despite everything that is happening, have a very close relationship. I loved the way that they were so loyal to each other. I only wish that the magic of the curse had played a bigger part of the story. The plot has so much potential that was wasted.The bulk of the story is about things normal teens worry about: boyfriends, make-up, clothes, hanging out with friends and going to school. I think that teens will like the story and be able to relate to much of the story and the normal teen-age angst running throughout the story. Adults will be less patient with the story and the ending where Aislin finally spills the beans about the curse to her boyfriend,but there is no true resolution,which in turn leads towards a sequel. I hope that the sequel explores more of the magical side of the curse.
March 21, 2016
Swan and Shadow is a story about a teenage girl who's cursed to be a swan during the day until she finds true love, and how she and her twin sister try to break the curse. It's based on the story of Swan Lake, but it's unlike any adaptation you've probably ever read. It's set in modern-day Boston, for one. And it's got plenty of exploration about the nitty-gritty of Aislin's life as a bird. But instead of your usual love story (though it's got plenty of that, too), it's really about the relationship between the two sisters - the curse keeps Aislin from being a typical teen, but Maeve loves her sister so much that she goes to extreme lengths to give her that normal human life as much as possible, even down to occasionally impersonating Aislin during daylight hours. In fact, the tight family dynamic is a real gem in this book, when so many YA stories don't even address that.
The book is intelligent and witty, has a rich setting, believable, likable characters, and an exciting love story, and it's appropriate without reservation for just about everyone. I quite enjoyed it. My biggest frustration with it is actually a matter of book design - the prose is rather dense, and that wasn't helped by the lack of page breaks; it could have used a bit of breathing space between chapters and when switching between characters. Otherwise, I gladly recommend Swan and Shadow for anyone who loves Boston, or Swan Lake, or fairy tales, or especially anyone who has a sister, or ever wanted one.
The book is intelligent and witty, has a rich setting, believable, likable characters, and an exciting love story, and it's appropriate without reservation for just about everyone. I quite enjoyed it. My biggest frustration with it is actually a matter of book design - the prose is rather dense, and that wasn't helped by the lack of page breaks; it could have used a bit of breathing space between chapters and when switching between characters. Otherwise, I gladly recommend Swan and Shadow for anyone who loves Boston, or Swan Lake, or fairy tales, or especially anyone who has a sister, or ever wanted one.
March 10, 2016
Note: I was provided a copy by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This review will also be available on my blog next week.
"Swan And Shadow" is a charming and bittersweet coming of age story, framed in a modern retelling of "Swan Lake". Poignant, funny, and self-aware, it's the tale of two sisters trying to navigate the perils of late teenhood together, while the eponymous cursed twin learns to literally and figuratively spread her wings. With so much teen literature focused on dystopian horrors, it's nice to find such a gem of hopeful, current-day storytelling.
It's not a non-stop thrill ride of danger and questioning morals, as a lot of teen books are these days. Olsen's characters have believable vulnerabilities and issues without delving into clichéd "insta-love" or needing to struggle past an obnoxious love triangle to save the world. I found that really refreshing, as I've read so many with those themes and it gets irritating. It actually reminds me a lot of Meg Cabot's "Princess Diaries" series, if Cabot wrote about swan maidens instead of princesses.
The book is clean, meaning there's no sex, booze, or vulgarities, which many parents and teens may prefer.
"Swan And Shadow" is a charming and bittersweet coming of age story, framed in a modern retelling of "Swan Lake". Poignant, funny, and self-aware, it's the tale of two sisters trying to navigate the perils of late teenhood together, while the eponymous cursed twin learns to literally and figuratively spread her wings. With so much teen literature focused on dystopian horrors, it's nice to find such a gem of hopeful, current-day storytelling.
It's not a non-stop thrill ride of danger and questioning morals, as a lot of teen books are these days. Olsen's characters have believable vulnerabilities and issues without delving into clichéd "insta-love" or needing to struggle past an obnoxious love triangle to save the world. I found that really refreshing, as I've read so many with those themes and it gets irritating. It actually reminds me a lot of Meg Cabot's "Princess Diaries" series, if Cabot wrote about swan maidens instead of princesses.
The book is clean, meaning there's no sex, booze, or vulgarities, which many parents and teens may prefer.
March 9, 2016
Swan and Shadow: A Swan Lake Story, Kaki Olsen’s first novel, as mentioned in the title, is retelling of Swan Lake. The story flips back and forth between sisters, the second born, Aislin, who is cursed to turn into a swan during the day, and her twin sister, Maeve, who is not. The curse will not be broken unless Aislin finds true love. Although the background of the story is not completely clear in the beginning, readers will still be fascinated by this interesting story. Written in acts and scenes, much like the ballet, not only with the story in Swan and the Shadow cause readers to continue reading, but the lovely characters will as well. To me the end of the book did not have complete closure, so I have hopes that Kaki will write a sequel. I would recommend this novel to teen readers.
Genre: fairytale, young adult
Publisher: Cedar Fort Publishing & Media
Publication date: March 8, 2016
Number of pages: 304
Category: Junior High+
Content Rating: PG
Book Rating: 4 stars
A review copy of this novel was provided by Cedar Fort Publishing & Media.
Genre: fairytale, young adult
Publisher: Cedar Fort Publishing & Media
Publication date: March 8, 2016
Number of pages: 304
Category: Junior High+
Content Rating: PG
Book Rating: 4 stars
A review copy of this novel was provided by Cedar Fort Publishing & Media.
March 15, 2016
A roller-coaster of a ride. The book switches from the viewpoints of Aislin and Maeve, twin sisters. It's slightly confusing at first, but quickly becomes clear who is who. Quite clever and well-executed. The family knowing, being supportive and helping Aislin was a very welcome change from the usual way it'd go.
The final third of the book, I had to put it down a few times, it got so tense for me. In a good way, mind. I really grew attached to the characters, and wanted to basically cross the fourth wall and time-travel to clobber that Romanian sorcerer before he does the curse.
The author did her research on landmarks, making sure to get things right. Very nice to see.
Swan and Shadow is an excellent read, and I highly recommend it.
The final third of the book, I had to put it down a few times, it got so tense for me. In a good way, mind. I really grew attached to the characters, and wanted to basically cross the fourth wall and time-travel to clobber that Romanian sorcerer before he does the curse.
The author did her research on landmarks, making sure to get things right. Very nice to see.
Swan and Shadow is an excellent read, and I highly recommend it.
June 28, 2016
A bittersweet story
I enjoyed this retelling of Swan Lake. The narrative has a great voice and the dialogue fantastic. While I found some of the themes in it frustrating (things that teenagers will relate to, like clothes, makeup, and boys), I really enjoyed this take on how transforming into a swan would affect a teenage girl. I wish there would have been more scenes with Aislin as a swan, and what her day would be like more in detail, since there's magic in that as well as tragedy. The ending was bittersweet, and I really hope the author writes a sequel!
I enjoyed this retelling of Swan Lake. The narrative has a great voice and the dialogue fantastic. While I found some of the themes in it frustrating (things that teenagers will relate to, like clothes, makeup, and boys), I really enjoyed this take on how transforming into a swan would affect a teenage girl. I wish there would have been more scenes with Aislin as a swan, and what her day would be like more in detail, since there's magic in that as well as tragedy. The ending was bittersweet, and I really hope the author writes a sequel!
December 31, 2015
It's cool to see retellings of lesser-known fairy tales, and this one does a good job of bringing the Swan Lake story into a modern setting. I felt invested in the characters and their struggles in dealing with the curse. It does have an open ending so I'm assuming/hoping we're going to get a sequel to wrap things up.
September 6, 2016
Hold onto your seat -- you're about to be swept away into a captivating world where things are not as they seem, where black and white are delineated but also blurred, and the power of love is explored and challenged. This remarkable novel is cleverly created and utterly captivating, with a (spoiler alert!) surprise ending.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews