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Swan Song
LOVE AND LONGING IN THE BRIGHT LIGHTS OF LONDON
When iconic ballerina Beatrice Duvall died, a nation mourned – and a legacy was born. Sixteen years later, her daughter Ava comes to London to take part in a high-profile tribute to Beatrice, and to learn about the mother she never knew.
There’s just one snag: the tribute is a ballet, Swan Lake. Which is infinitely painful for Ava, because she can’t dance. Won’t dance. Not since she quit the Royal Ballet School last year and walked away from everything that defined her.
But this is London, colourful and crazy, and with actor Seb at her side, there’s so much to discover. Like Theatreland razzmatazz and rooftop picnics and flamingo parties. And a whole load of truths Ava never knew about her mother – and herself.
When the time comes to take the stage, will Ava step out of the shadow cast by her mother’s pedestal? And who will be waiting for her there, in the bright lights?
A coming-of-age novel about family and first love in the city of hopes and dreams.
When iconic ballerina Beatrice Duvall died, a nation mourned – and a legacy was born. Sixteen years later, her daughter Ava comes to London to take part in a high-profile tribute to Beatrice, and to learn about the mother she never knew.
There’s just one snag: the tribute is a ballet, Swan Lake. Which is infinitely painful for Ava, because she can’t dance. Won’t dance. Not since she quit the Royal Ballet School last year and walked away from everything that defined her.
But this is London, colourful and crazy, and with actor Seb at her side, there’s so much to discover. Like Theatreland razzmatazz and rooftop picnics and flamingo parties. And a whole load of truths Ava never knew about her mother – and herself.
When the time comes to take the stage, will Ava step out of the shadow cast by her mother’s pedestal? And who will be waiting for her there, in the bright lights?
A coming-of-age novel about family and first love in the city of hopes and dreams.
- GenresContemporaryYoung Adult
224 pages, ebook
Published September 12, 2017
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 12, 2017
During the first chapter you're immediately drawn in. The vibe that something's off lures you in and even after you discovered what it is, you're still intrigued.
Intrigued by Ava, intrigued by Seb. I liked both those characters. Although Ava's struggle with dancing got on my nerves a bit, I did get where she was coming from and that made it alright to handle. As for Seb, he felt so genuine and was really easy to like!
I loved how Wilson painted London so vividly. I've been there a couple of times myself and found myself nodding at descriptions, imagining vistas I saw myself at some point.
I felt the writing to be a bit too detailed for my liking. A lot of gestures were described, gestures that felt to me like they were distracting from the story and conversations going on.
Not necessarily bad, but a little bit annoying is that this story was extremely predictable to me. I knew what was going to happen, I knew when it was going to happen and it kind of disappointed me that I was right about it all. But in the end, that's really just personal.
4 / 5
I received an eCopy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own. I'm not being compensated in any way.
Intrigued by Ava, intrigued by Seb. I liked both those characters. Although Ava's struggle with dancing got on my nerves a bit, I did get where she was coming from and that made it alright to handle. As for Seb, he felt so genuine and was really easy to like!
I loved how Wilson painted London so vividly. I've been there a couple of times myself and found myself nodding at descriptions, imagining vistas I saw myself at some point.
I felt the writing to be a bit too detailed for my liking. A lot of gestures were described, gestures that felt to me like they were distracting from the story and conversations going on.
Not necessarily bad, but a little bit annoying is that this story was extremely predictable to me. I knew what was going to happen, I knew when it was going to happen and it kind of disappointed me that I was right about it all. But in the end, that's really just personal.
4 / 5
I received an eCopy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own. I'm not being compensated in any way.
October 22, 2017
Sixteen year old Ava Hadley has always lived in the shadow of her mother, Royal Ballet Principal ballerina Beatrice Duvall. It’s been sixteen years since her mother passed away, and she is now in London to represent her family at high profile tribute to Beatrice. Ava realizes that this trip will give her the opportunity to learn more about the mother she has never known. But she isn’t quite sure what London will bring.
Upon arrival in London she is meant to stay with her mother’s best friend, Thisbe and her two sons – Noah and Seb. But th moment she arrives – everything is strangely familiar to her. Is she ready to learn things she never would have imagined about her mother? And in learning more about mother, does she find herself?
I enjoyed the character of Ava from the moment I met her, as she is young, spunky and full of life. Ava was once on her way to becoming an amazing dancer her like her mother, but she walked away from it all. Being in London, in the place where her mother was so fabulous and revered, she learns more about her mother. She begins to step out of her mother’s shadow and into her own! Ava explores the woman her mother was, and the reason behind her death, and as the reader, you too want to know. The story is gut-wrenching and devastating all at the same time; pulling us in as the story unfolds!
Seb Wright is a wonderful, energetic character. And exactly what Ava needs. When she isn’t sure of her place and where she is supposed to be – he knows exactly where that is and is there to remind her. A friendship that spans the test of time!
Swan Song by Charlotte Wilson is a wonderful story of finding yourself, stepping out of your parent’s shadows and just being who you are supposed to be! Highly recommend coming of age, theatrical, magical, ballet romance! I would love if this story continues, if we could continue on with the beauty that Ava becomes.
Upon arrival in London she is meant to stay with her mother’s best friend, Thisbe and her two sons – Noah and Seb. But th moment she arrives – everything is strangely familiar to her. Is she ready to learn things she never would have imagined about her mother? And in learning more about mother, does she find herself?
I enjoyed the character of Ava from the moment I met her, as she is young, spunky and full of life. Ava was once on her way to becoming an amazing dancer her like her mother, but she walked away from it all. Being in London, in the place where her mother was so fabulous and revered, she learns more about her mother. She begins to step out of her mother’s shadow and into her own! Ava explores the woman her mother was, and the reason behind her death, and as the reader, you too want to know. The story is gut-wrenching and devastating all at the same time; pulling us in as the story unfolds!
Seb Wright is a wonderful, energetic character. And exactly what Ava needs. When she isn’t sure of her place and where she is supposed to be – he knows exactly where that is and is there to remind her. A friendship that spans the test of time!
Swan Song by Charlotte Wilson is a wonderful story of finding yourself, stepping out of your parent’s shadows and just being who you are supposed to be! Highly recommend coming of age, theatrical, magical, ballet romance! I would love if this story continues, if we could continue on with the beauty that Ava becomes.
October 25, 2017
I was so excited for another Charlotte Wilson book. I knew before I even picked up the book that this would be a unique story different from her other releases and I couldn’t wait to jump into the story.
The dancer storyline had my heart crying. To have something be part of your soul for so long and then to walk away without looking back would be heart breaking. The Swan Song is the story of Ava, daughter of renowned ballet dancer Beatrice DuVall. Yet, Ava has chosen to stop dancing… in all forms, at all places. I felt like there was a deep reason, something only she could choose to find out but it would take some bravery and a lot of heart to look into her heart and come to terms with the truth of choices.
The romance part of the story between Seb and Ava was interesting. There were many times I had to remind myself of their ages. Maybe things are different in London but a 16 year old girl running around the town unaccompanied a lot of the time seems odd. It made both Seb and Ava seem much older than they really were. There was also a lot of time without any adult supervision, which in the world I live in could lead to trouble. But the great part of this romance was how protective Seb was of Ava, he kept tabs on her, accompanied her whenever he could, and spent a lot of time with her just listening to her vent her feelings.
Swan Song is not a quick and easy read. It is a book that will tug at your heart, open up your eyes to a life without a mother, and show how being strong for yourself can open your heart and eyes to a life you deserve to live.
Thank you Charlotte Wilson for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
The dancer storyline had my heart crying. To have something be part of your soul for so long and then to walk away without looking back would be heart breaking. The Swan Song is the story of Ava, daughter of renowned ballet dancer Beatrice DuVall. Yet, Ava has chosen to stop dancing… in all forms, at all places. I felt like there was a deep reason, something only she could choose to find out but it would take some bravery and a lot of heart to look into her heart and come to terms with the truth of choices.
The romance part of the story between Seb and Ava was interesting. There were many times I had to remind myself of their ages. Maybe things are different in London but a 16 year old girl running around the town unaccompanied a lot of the time seems odd. It made both Seb and Ava seem much older than they really were. There was also a lot of time without any adult supervision, which in the world I live in could lead to trouble. But the great part of this romance was how protective Seb was of Ava, he kept tabs on her, accompanied her whenever he could, and spent a lot of time with her just listening to her vent her feelings.
Swan Song is not a quick and easy read. It is a book that will tug at your heart, open up your eyes to a life without a mother, and show how being strong for yourself can open your heart and eyes to a life you deserve to live.
Thank you Charlotte Wilson for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
December 13, 2017
Ava had come back to London, to get reacquainted not only with the city, but with the memories of her past, her mother’s past. Beatrice Duvall was a renowned ballerina admired by a whole nation, until the day she died. Now Ava Hadley was to honor her mom’s legacy through a tribute, the Swan Lake. But Ava couldn’t take part in the ballet, not now, not anymore… because Ava could no longer dance.. she couldn’t.. she wouldn’t.
Swan Song is a coming of age story of love, denial, acceptance, longing, family and self-forgiveness. It’s a beautiful story that will tug at your heartstrings. I love how Ava was portrayed – young, yearning, eager and at the same time, anxious and intuitive. She’d been living in her mother’s shadow, a mother she never met nor grew up with. She craved for that beatific affiliation for her mother, but as her journey unfolded, more questions remain unanswered while her feelings for a boy slowly unraveled.
Sebastian Wright, aka Seb, was a delightful character and a great friend. I love how he came into Ava’s life and took her world in quite a spin. His family was a little too eccentric for my taste (Thisbe is confusing but certainly a dear) but he did make the story more meaningful and engaging.
The ending was beautiful and heartwarming. I sighed like a teen who had seen her crush pass by. Seb and Ava made me smile and sigh like that. And I loved it. Charlotte Wilson had me sighing and grinning like a lovestruck teen!
Swan Song is a coming of age story of love, denial, acceptance, longing, family and self-forgiveness. It’s a beautiful story that will tug at your heartstrings. I love how Ava was portrayed – young, yearning, eager and at the same time, anxious and intuitive. She’d been living in her mother’s shadow, a mother she never met nor grew up with. She craved for that beatific affiliation for her mother, but as her journey unfolded, more questions remain unanswered while her feelings for a boy slowly unraveled.
Sebastian Wright, aka Seb, was a delightful character and a great friend. I love how he came into Ava’s life and took her world in quite a spin. His family was a little too eccentric for my taste (Thisbe is confusing but certainly a dear) but he did make the story more meaningful and engaging.
The ending was beautiful and heartwarming. I sighed like a teen who had seen her crush pass by. Seb and Ava made me smile and sigh like that. And I loved it. Charlotte Wilson had me sighing and grinning like a lovestruck teen!
November 6, 2017
This story starts out with Ava traveling to London for the tribute of her mother. As the story progresses I slowly am provided an insight look into who Ava's mother was. While, I enjoyed that the story started out in the present, it did not help some as it took me a while to form a connection with Ava and the story. The biggest reason is because I did not fully understand the huge influence that Ava's mother's death had on her as well as Ava's passion for dance.
Sebastian (Seb) was good. I liked that he allowed Ava to emerge from her shell but at the same time did not let her just give up on dance. Yet, even he as well as others seemed to not provide much detail about Ava's mother. I went on reading this book because it was a good one but I was not in love with it.
This did change after the half way point. The story shifted and picked up. The connection that I was looking for with the characters was there. Additionally, the passion that Ava had for the ballet and dancing made me fall in love with it. The ending made me smile. Swan Song is a good coming of age story.
Sebastian (Seb) was good. I liked that he allowed Ava to emerge from her shell but at the same time did not let her just give up on dance. Yet, even he as well as others seemed to not provide much detail about Ava's mother. I went on reading this book because it was a good one but I was not in love with it.
This did change after the half way point. The story shifted and picked up. The connection that I was looking for with the characters was there. Additionally, the passion that Ava had for the ballet and dancing made me fall in love with it. The ending made me smile. Swan Song is a good coming of age story.
February 13, 2018
This book was so much more than I ever expected. It has such a beautiful message of love, loss and life within its pages it was wonderful. I loved the characters, and the portrayal of remembering someone you've lost, and how hard it can be. It was so brilliantly written. I loved this book so much.
FULL REVIEW: https://betweenthepages13.wordpress.c...
FULL REVIEW: https://betweenthepages13.wordpress.c...
October 31, 2017
A beautiful, heart-felt, tear jerking read.
Ava is the daughter of a ballet icon, who died at her birth. The father is loving but has struggled deeply with the loss the entire sixteen years of Ava's life. Ava tried to walk in her mother's footsteps—and she loves to dance—but decided to walk away from the Royal Ballet. Now, she returns to London to assist in a show, a tribute to her mother. Along the way, Ava hopes to find the mother she never knew, but walls are thick, especially those Ava built herself.
If you're ready to dive into a breath-taking London with all of its quirks, esteem, sights and beauty, this is a must read. The descriptions draw in constantly through the entire book, letting the reader breath, feel and experience the world around Ava in a poetic way. It was a treat to read this book just to dive into the world.
The gorgeous world building teams up with an emotional, dig-deep story. Ava comes to light in all of her strengths, hardships, loves, pain and aches. The character is extremely well laid out, and it's easy to crawl into her skin. At times, she comes across a little mature for sixteen, but she also hasn't exactly had a normal past. Her determination, despite the pain she keeps buried inside, is inspirational and it tears at the heart as she digs to discover what she missed and how to go on.
There is romance too. Seb, short for Sebastian, hits the first scenes with style and immediately lights the sparks for an interesting romance. He's got a character all of his own—sometimes mature but usually a ball of bouncing energy. The chemistry between the two comes across most of the book more as a friendship and that works nicely. While his interest holds all the wonderfulness a romance should, it was more difficult to feel it from her side. Perhaps because she was in a well of emotion in other areas.
A lovely, rounding off end makes the book complete. There is a side character which could have been built out more before the ending, but all in all, this book satisfies and then some. Anyone who loves the ballet scene, London, a touch of romance, and a girl who digs deep into emotions and really feels, is sure to love this one.
I received a complimentary copy and loved getting lost in this story so much that I wanted to leave my honest thoughts.
Ava is the daughter of a ballet icon, who died at her birth. The father is loving but has struggled deeply with the loss the entire sixteen years of Ava's life. Ava tried to walk in her mother's footsteps—and she loves to dance—but decided to walk away from the Royal Ballet. Now, she returns to London to assist in a show, a tribute to her mother. Along the way, Ava hopes to find the mother she never knew, but walls are thick, especially those Ava built herself.
If you're ready to dive into a breath-taking London with all of its quirks, esteem, sights and beauty, this is a must read. The descriptions draw in constantly through the entire book, letting the reader breath, feel and experience the world around Ava in a poetic way. It was a treat to read this book just to dive into the world.
The gorgeous world building teams up with an emotional, dig-deep story. Ava comes to light in all of her strengths, hardships, loves, pain and aches. The character is extremely well laid out, and it's easy to crawl into her skin. At times, she comes across a little mature for sixteen, but she also hasn't exactly had a normal past. Her determination, despite the pain she keeps buried inside, is inspirational and it tears at the heart as she digs to discover what she missed and how to go on.
There is romance too. Seb, short for Sebastian, hits the first scenes with style and immediately lights the sparks for an interesting romance. He's got a character all of his own—sometimes mature but usually a ball of bouncing energy. The chemistry between the two comes across most of the book more as a friendship and that works nicely. While his interest holds all the wonderfulness a romance should, it was more difficult to feel it from her side. Perhaps because she was in a well of emotion in other areas.
A lovely, rounding off end makes the book complete. There is a side character which could have been built out more before the ending, but all in all, this book satisfies and then some. Anyone who loves the ballet scene, London, a touch of romance, and a girl who digs deep into emotions and really feels, is sure to love this one.
I received a complimentary copy and loved getting lost in this story so much that I wanted to leave my honest thoughts.
October 16, 2017
Original review can be found on my blog at this link:
I would like to give a huge thank you to the author, Charlotte, for giving me the opportunity to read her amazing novel in exchange for an honest review. 😀
First thing first, wow… This novel takes my breath away. It is so different from any of the other novels I’ve read so far. Swan Song focuses more on Ava and her overcoming the struggles she face with dancing, family, and love. This novel is definitely a hidden gem.
Swan Song is so well written and easy to follow that I’m hooked to it almost instantly. I love how realistic this novel is. Although I’ve never experienced anything Ava had gone through, I’m still able to relate to her. That is one of the reasons why Swan Song is so unique.
The aspect which I love the most about this novel will be the characters. The characters are really well developed, especially Ava and Seb. I fell in love with Seb after reading about the part where he had his first interaction with Ava. Moreover, he is outgoing, caring, has a sense of humor, and is the kind of person people would like to hang out or make friends with.
Another aspect that I love about this novel would be the romance. I like how the chemistry between the two main characters grow and blossom over the course of the novel. I love to read about Seb and how much he cares about Ava. Over the course of the novel, I’m hoping that Ava would grow an extra pair of eyes to see, for herself, how much Seb actually likes her.
Though the world building isn’t extraordinary in Swan Song, it is sufficiently well-crafted in such a way that I’m able to feel as if I’ve been to London and ‘see’ the places Ava been to, first handedly.
~SPOILERS~
At some instances in the novel, Ava might have doubted Seb’s intentions of getting close to her.Because of a certain someone. >_> But, much to my surprise, I didn’t feel irritated or upset about it. Somehow, I’m able to relate to Ava. After all, she lost her mother and had no memories of Seb, Noah, and Thisbe. I’m sure it is pretty overwhelming for Ava when Seb told her that she actually stayed in their house for a few years when she was young.
All in all, Swang Song is an amazing read. I highly recommend this novel to all readers out there who have yet to pick this novel up.
I would like to give a huge thank you to the author, Charlotte, for giving me the opportunity to read her amazing novel in exchange for an honest review. 😀
First thing first, wow… This novel takes my breath away. It is so different from any of the other novels I’ve read so far. Swan Song focuses more on Ava and her overcoming the struggles she face with dancing, family, and love. This novel is definitely a hidden gem.
Swan Song is so well written and easy to follow that I’m hooked to it almost instantly. I love how realistic this novel is. Although I’ve never experienced anything Ava had gone through, I’m still able to relate to her. That is one of the reasons why Swan Song is so unique.
The aspect which I love the most about this novel will be the characters. The characters are really well developed, especially Ava and Seb. I fell in love with Seb after reading about the part where he had his first interaction with Ava. Moreover, he is outgoing, caring, has a sense of humor, and is the kind of person people would like to hang out or make friends with.
Another aspect that I love about this novel would be the romance. I like how the chemistry between the two main characters grow and blossom over the course of the novel. I love to read about Seb and how much he cares about Ava. Over the course of the novel, I’m hoping that Ava would grow an extra pair of eyes to see, for herself, how much Seb actually likes her.
Though the world building isn’t extraordinary in Swan Song, it is sufficiently well-crafted in such a way that I’m able to feel as if I’ve been to London and ‘see’ the places Ava been to, first handedly.
~SPOILERS~
At some instances in the novel, Ava might have doubted Seb’s intentions of getting close to her.
All in all, Swang Song is an amazing read. I highly recommend this novel to all readers out there who have yet to pick this novel up.
October 8, 2017
I RECIEVED THIS BOOK FROM THE AUTHOR IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW. THIS DOES NOT AFFECT MY VIEWS OR OPINIONS IN ANY WAY.
Swan Song by Charlotte Wilson is a beautiful novel about loss and dance.
Ava was a dancer until her mother died. Her mother was the one and only ballerina Beatrice Duvall. When Ava is offered the chance to remember her mom through a production of Swan Lake, the ballet she was in, she has to take it. Follow Ava as she grieves on her trip to London.
First of all, I am sorry that this review took so long to write. I finished the book a while ago, but hadn't found the time or inspiration for writing about it.
I thought that this book was beautifully written. I really like Ava's character, and she seemed to come to life. I found the setting rich and the romance sweet and subtle.
Ava's attitude about ballet is totally understandable to me. Even though I haven't faced her struggle, I still felt for her in the way she felt dancing was too painful to do. I also liked the way that she still sought to do it, but was afraid of people seeing. It was awesome seeing her blossom into a confident young women throughout the story.
The romance between Seb and Ava is adorable. It is simple and sweet, which is something I love in young adult stories. I also was happy that romance wasn't all that Ava thought about, and that it was just a side story.
This book was so full of emotion. Even though it got confusing in a few areas, it was a touching novel that will stay with me for a while.
Swan Song by Charlotte Wilson is a beautiful novel about loss and dance.
Ava was a dancer until her mother died. Her mother was the one and only ballerina Beatrice Duvall. When Ava is offered the chance to remember her mom through a production of Swan Lake, the ballet she was in, she has to take it. Follow Ava as she grieves on her trip to London.
First of all, I am sorry that this review took so long to write. I finished the book a while ago, but hadn't found the time or inspiration for writing about it.
I thought that this book was beautifully written. I really like Ava's character, and she seemed to come to life. I found the setting rich and the romance sweet and subtle.
Ava's attitude about ballet is totally understandable to me. Even though I haven't faced her struggle, I still felt for her in the way she felt dancing was too painful to do. I also liked the way that she still sought to do it, but was afraid of people seeing. It was awesome seeing her blossom into a confident young women throughout the story.
The romance between Seb and Ava is adorable. It is simple and sweet, which is something I love in young adult stories. I also was happy that romance wasn't all that Ava thought about, and that it was just a side story.
This book was so full of emotion. Even though it got confusing in a few areas, it was a touching novel that will stay with me for a while.
October 13, 2017
Ava Hadley had a bright future ahead of her as a ballet dancer, but she has given up on her dream and no one quite knows why. Now she is in London for a tribute to her mother, famous ballerina Beatrice DuVall, and to find some connection to her mother whom died when Ava was only nine days old. While in London, Ava is staying with her mother's old room mate,Thisbie, and her son, Seb. Immediately Ava feels a connection with both and to London itself, but how can that be if she's never even been there before? As Ava prepares for the tribute, she also learns about her past, present and possibly even her future.
This was a nice coming of age novel of a girl dealing with living in her mother's shadow and deciding if she's ready to be free of it. The connection between Ava and Seb was apparent from the "first" time they met, but it was also nice to see her bond with Thisbie especially with later revelations. Her relationship with her Aunt Adele, though cute, seemed to not do much to bring the plot forward. I would have liked to have read more about her father, who had been shattered after his wife's death. We get the history of what happened, but I would have liked to read more about it in his own words or thoughts. Overall this was a very engaging book, and I rated it four out of five stars.
This was a nice coming of age novel of a girl dealing with living in her mother's shadow and deciding if she's ready to be free of it. The connection between Ava and Seb was apparent from the "first" time they met, but it was also nice to see her bond with Thisbie especially with later revelations. Her relationship with her Aunt Adele, though cute, seemed to not do much to bring the plot forward. I would have liked to have read more about her father, who had been shattered after his wife's death. We get the history of what happened, but I would have liked to read more about it in his own words or thoughts. Overall this was a very engaging book, and I rated it four out of five stars.
January 6, 2018
Beatrice Duvall was an iconic and beloved ballerina. When she died, the nation mourned. Sixteen years later, her daughter Ava returns to London for a tribute performance, and to learn about the mother she never had the chance to know. Running the streets of London with her new friend Seb, Ava discovers unexpected things about her mother, and even more about herself.
This is a lovely story about self-discovery and romance. The romantic aspect is actually quite gentle; Swan Song is mainly about Ava’s personal journey of self-discovery and connecting with her mother. It took me a good few chapters to get into it, but I really appreciated the use of London’s iconic scenery and the in-story ballet features. Because the main character is a ballerina, ballet is quite an important part of the story, but it isn’t overdone. There are some ballet terms used but not too many, so someone who knows nothing about ballet can still understand (i.e. me).
Ava was a slightly annoying character, but I still enjoyed the story as the plot progressed.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is a lovely story about self-discovery and romance. The romantic aspect is actually quite gentle; Swan Song is mainly about Ava’s personal journey of self-discovery and connecting with her mother. It took me a good few chapters to get into it, but I really appreciated the use of London’s iconic scenery and the in-story ballet features. Because the main character is a ballerina, ballet is quite an important part of the story, but it isn’t overdone. There are some ballet terms used but not too many, so someone who knows nothing about ballet can still understand (i.e. me).
Ava was a slightly annoying character, but I still enjoyed the story as the plot progressed.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 23, 2017
I'll tell you straightaway, this book is delightful. A really well crafted story of a young girl struggling to find a connection to her dead mother. And even if you haven't experienced what Ava has, the author's writing just breathes the loss to life, initially in an intentionally detached manner, but as the story progresses, in a far more emotionally provoking manner.
And so often with stories involving teens, their behaviour isn't age appropriate, as they often seem more mature than their years dictate. I didn't find that to be an issue here.
I confess that, as I was reading on the train, more than once I had to stop and stare out of the window whilst I composed myself, as the reactions were teased out of me.
Simply beautiful.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
And so often with stories involving teens, their behaviour isn't age appropriate, as they often seem more mature than their years dictate. I didn't find that to be an issue here.
I confess that, as I was reading on the train, more than once I had to stop and stare out of the window whilst I composed myself, as the reactions were teased out of me.
Simply beautiful.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
September 13, 2018
Ava is about to take a trip she'd been dreaming of. She wanted to go to London to learn more about her mother. When her father was contacted by people planning to honor her mother, her date agrees to let her go.
Honest, raw and enlightening. Ms. Wilson captures Ava's life in the perfect way. The characters in this book come alive from page one. It's an easy read. The writing is superb. You can feel the emotion as you read this book. The subject matter is unique. Ms. Wilson is a wonderful story teller. You must get this book.
I found no issues.
I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because the delicate subject is handled extremely well. ~Copy of book provided by author and I voluntarily reviewed it.
Honest, raw and enlightening. Ms. Wilson captures Ava's life in the perfect way. The characters in this book come alive from page one. It's an easy read. The writing is superb. You can feel the emotion as you read this book. The subject matter is unique. Ms. Wilson is a wonderful story teller. You must get this book.
I found no issues.
I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because the delicate subject is handled extremely well. ~Copy of book provided by author and I voluntarily reviewed it.
September 15, 2017
Swan Song was a lovely novel. I definitely recommend it if you're a fan of coming-of-age books.
Both the story and the characters were great. I really appreciated that the main focus of the book was on Ava and her grieving the mother she never got the chance to know. The romance, though, was sweet and adorable. I'd love more of Ava's story if it ever came about.
Reading Swan Song reminded me of how much I enjoy Charlotte's writing and that I should really pick up and finisher her Ceruleans series.
* This book was received from the author in exchange for an honest review. *
Both the story and the characters were great. I really appreciated that the main focus of the book was on Ava and her grieving the mother she never got the chance to know. The romance, though, was sweet and adorable. I'd love more of Ava's story if it ever came about.
Reading Swan Song reminded me of how much I enjoy Charlotte's writing and that I should really pick up and finisher her Ceruleans series.
* This book was received from the author in exchange for an honest review. *
September 21, 2017
A moving story that touches your heart. Although I was never a dancer, dance has always touched my heart and soul. It's a beautiful thing.
I loved the flow of the story and how the character evolved on her journey. What started off as a way to grieve turned into a journey of self discovery and faith.
It was a beautiful heartwarming story that I highly recommend.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc from the author.
I loved the flow of the story and how the character evolved on her journey. What started off as a way to grieve turned into a journey of self discovery and faith.
It was a beautiful heartwarming story that I highly recommend.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc from the author.
November 26, 2017
Absolutely beautiful. Review to come.
January 25, 2018
The classic problem: Will the child of a famous dancer live up to her parents? Ava doesn't want to. She didn't get to know her mother before she died. She refuses to dance anymore, and now she is invited back to take part in the tribute the Ballet company is paying for her mother's memory.
Finished it in one sitting, no breaks whatsoever.
Full review:
https://bookstoldmeso.blogspot.com/20...
Finished it in one sitting, no breaks whatsoever.
Full review:
https://bookstoldmeso.blogspot.com/20...
February 5, 2018
I was so excited when Charlotte emailed me to review her new book--I LOVED her Cerulean series (under pen name Megan Tayte) and have been itching for more to read from her! I was so excited about this book because it's about ballet--I took dance classes for many years as a kid (and adult!). I flew through the book and absolutely loved it. As with her previous books, the writing was effortless and drew you in from the beginning, making it easy to fly through the book because you can't wait to see what happens next. The author does an excellent job of giving you just enough information to keep you guessing and reading on! I couldn't get enough!
I really appreciated the author's accurate portrayal of grief in this book--or at least it seemed relatable in my life and experiences. Ava's struggles with the loss of her mother made the book an emotional and personal read that really connected with the reader. While dealing with serious subjects like grief, there are also lighthearted and fun moments in the book as well to balance it all out. I loved Seb, and was thrilled that Cara (from the Ceuruleans series) made a cameo appearance!
I really enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down! I definitely recommend it if you love books about dance! Thanks to Charlotte Wilson for allowing me to read and review this book!
I really appreciated the author's accurate portrayal of grief in this book--or at least it seemed relatable in my life and experiences. Ava's struggles with the loss of her mother made the book an emotional and personal read that really connected with the reader. While dealing with serious subjects like grief, there are also lighthearted and fun moments in the book as well to balance it all out. I loved Seb, and was thrilled that Cara (from the Ceuruleans series) made a cameo appearance!
I really enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down! I definitely recommend it if you love books about dance! Thanks to Charlotte Wilson for allowing me to read and review this book!
May 13, 2020
Very interesting
Really liked it. Very London centric, used to live in area where Ava lived back in the day. Reminded me of Mabel Esther Allan’s Drina books. Would like to read more about how her career develops - like the Drina series.
Really liked it. Very London centric, used to live in area where Ava lived back in the day. Reminded me of Mabel Esther Allan’s Drina books. Would like to read more about how her career develops - like the Drina series.
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