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The Dericott Tales #1
Court of Swans
Where there is wealth and power, there's always someone willing to do anything to take it.
England, 1381: Delia's idyllic life as daughter of an earl is shattered when her father dies and his wife accuses Delia's seven brothers of treason and murder. The youngest is only ten years old, but this doesn't stop the guards from hauling them off to the Tower of London. There they await a grim fate, as child-king Richard II is executing anyone who poses a threat to his throne. Delia is their only hope for pardon and freedom.
Sir Geoffrey did not expect his first assignment as captain of the guard to be the arrest of boys so young. He dutifully imprisons the brothers, but he can't ignore the sense, rooted in personal experience, that injustice and treachery are at work.
Determined to rescue her brothers, Delia secures a position as a seamstress for the queen. Her quest is all but impossible as the executions continue. Sir Geoffrey offers to be her ally, but should she trust him in a court where everyone has an agenda?
From New York Times bestselling author Melanie Dickerson comes a tender retelling of The Wild Swans, where the virtues of loyalty and love face a harrowing showdown with power and fear.
England, 1381: Delia's idyllic life as daughter of an earl is shattered when her father dies and his wife accuses Delia's seven brothers of treason and murder. The youngest is only ten years old, but this doesn't stop the guards from hauling them off to the Tower of London. There they await a grim fate, as child-king Richard II is executing anyone who poses a threat to his throne. Delia is their only hope for pardon and freedom.
Sir Geoffrey did not expect his first assignment as captain of the guard to be the arrest of boys so young. He dutifully imprisons the brothers, but he can't ignore the sense, rooted in personal experience, that injustice and treachery are at work.
Determined to rescue her brothers, Delia secures a position as a seamstress for the queen. Her quest is all but impossible as the executions continue. Sir Geoffrey offers to be her ally, but should she trust him in a court where everyone has an agenda?
From New York Times bestselling author Melanie Dickerson comes a tender retelling of The Wild Swans, where the virtues of loyalty and love face a harrowing showdown with power and fear.
328 pages, Hardcover
First published January 5, 2021
253 people are currently reading
7172 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Dickerson
41 books6,526 followersMelanie Dickerson is the New York Times bestselling author of happily-ever-after romance. She believes in love, laughter, afternoon tea, and the power of story.
With a million books sold and numerous awards, including two Christy Awards, two Golden Quills, a National Readers Choice Award, Christian Retailing’s Best, and Book Buyers’ Best Awards, her books have hit #1 in her category on the New York Times bestseller list.
When she’s not writing, Melanie can be found watching Pride and Prejudice for the hundredth time, cozying up to her handsome hero husband, or shaking her head at her slightly unhinged Jack Russell terrier. She lives in the beautiful foothills of the Appalachians near Huntsville, Alabama.
With a million books sold and numerous awards, including two Christy Awards, two Golden Quills, a National Readers Choice Award, Christian Retailing’s Best, and Book Buyers’ Best Awards, her books have hit #1 in her category on the New York Times bestseller list.
When she’s not writing, Melanie can be found watching Pride and Prejudice for the hundredth time, cozying up to her handsome hero husband, or shaking her head at her slightly unhinged Jack Russell terrier. She lives in the beautiful foothills of the Appalachians near Huntsville, Alabama.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 624 reviews
February 15, 2021
THIS WAS MY LAST DICKERSON NOVEL - SHE'S JUST NOT FOR ME 🤷♀️🤷♀️
I've given Dickerson three chances now. I think I have to call it quits. I really wanted to like this. I think the world needs more YA historical fiction. But not like this. I have the same problem with this as with the other Dickerson novels I've read, so honestly, I could just copy my other reviews in here and be done with it...
👎 What I Disliked 👎
Characters: Honestly, there was not a single character that felt like a real person with a fully developed personality. I really don't think that Dickerson ever takes the time to actually think about, what her characters are going to be like. And if she does, she doesn't know how to convey that in her writing. Because every single character in this book was like a cardboard cutout of a person - flat and lifeless.
Writing: Half-assed and rushed. Those are the two words that describe Dickerson's writing best in my opinion. No real effort seems to be put into the writing (or the story or the characters) and Dickerson seems to just want to be done with it all before she even gets started.
Plot: I really don't know if I can even say anything about a plot that is not even there. This story was so boring. I skidded over several pages and still managed to follow the story without any interruption. Nothing happens. No twists, no surprises. From the beginning, you know exactly how this will unfold.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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I've given Dickerson three chances now. I think I have to call it quits. I really wanted to like this. I think the world needs more YA historical fiction. But not like this. I have the same problem with this as with the other Dickerson novels I've read, so honestly, I could just copy my other reviews in here and be done with it...
👎 What I Disliked 👎
Characters: Honestly, there was not a single character that felt like a real person with a fully developed personality. I really don't think that Dickerson ever takes the time to actually think about, what her characters are going to be like. And if she does, she doesn't know how to convey that in her writing. Because every single character in this book was like a cardboard cutout of a person - flat and lifeless.
Writing: Half-assed and rushed. Those are the two words that describe Dickerson's writing best in my opinion. No real effort seems to be put into the writing (or the story or the characters) and Dickerson seems to just want to be done with it all before she even gets started.
Plot: I really don't know if I can even say anything about a plot that is not even there. This story was so boring. I skidded over several pages and still managed to follow the story without any interruption. Nothing happens. No twists, no surprises. From the beginning, you know exactly how this will unfold.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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Blog Post: 9 Hallmark-esque Christmas Romance Books
January 22, 2021
About this book:
“Where there is wealth and power, there's always someone willing to do anything to take it.
England, 1381: Delia's idyllic life as daughter of an earl is shattered when her father dies and his wife accuses Delia's seven brothers of treason and murder. The youngest is only ten years old, but this doesn't stop the guards from hauling them off to the Tower of London. There they await a grim fate, as child-king Richard II is executing anyone who poses a threat to his throne. Delia is their only hope for pardon and freedom.
Sir Geoffrey did not expect his first assignment as captain of the guard to be the arrest of boys so young. He dutifully imprisons the brothers, but he can't ignore the sense, rooted in personal experience, that injustice and treachery are at work.
Determined to rescue her brothers, Delia secures a position as a seamstress for the queen. Her quest is all but impossible as the executions continue. Sir Geoffrey offers to be her ally, but should she trust him in a court where everyone has an agenda?
From New York Times bestselling author Melanie Dickerson comes a tender retelling of "The Wild Swans," where the virtues of loyalty and love face a harrowing showdown with power and fear.”
Series: Book #1 in “The Dericott Tales”.
Spiritual Content- Scriptures are mentioned, remembered, & quoted; Prayers; Talks about God, miracles, & why bad things happen; ‘H’s are capitalized when referring to God; Mentions of God & miracles; Mentions of praying, prayers, & thanking God; Mentions of the Holy Writ, reading it, & those in the Bible; Mentions of priests, nuns, churches/chapels, services, & sins.
Negative Content- A couple mentions of curses (said, not written); Fighting, Weapons, Injuries, Pain, & Blood/Bleeding (up to semi-detailed); Being choked, threaten, & harming (possibly killing) a bad person (semi-detailed); All about many mentions of murders/deaths, treason, executions (beheadings), arrests, & jail/prison; Mentions of violence, fighting, killing, & murders; Mentions of threats, a fire, mobs, saying you want to kill someone (and how) & hiring someone to kill another (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of injuries, blood/bleeding, & pain (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of torture and beatings; Mentions of hatred; A few mentions of crimes; A few mentions of stealing & thieves; A few mentions of lies & lying; A few mentions of wine/alcohol, drinking, social drinking, & drunks; A few mentions of hunting; A couple mentions of gossip; A couple mentions of jealousy.
Sexual Content- An almost kiss, a forehead kiss, a semi-detailed kiss, and a detailed kiss; Wanting to kiss & embrace/touch; Wondering about being kissed/kissing & Staring at someone’s lips; Touches, Embraces, Hand Holding, Shivers, & Wanting to hold; An unwanted embrace & a man trying to get close to Delia (often unwanted nearness); Blushes, Nearness, & Noticing; A man tries to take advantage of Delia (force himself upon her) after taking her to a room (his intention is clear, but she is able to get away before anything happens); Delia mentions that her new stepmother is closer in age to her own than her father’s; Mentions of men only wanting one thing & women who were violated by awful men; Mentions of kisses & kissing; A few mentions of recalling a guard that tried to force a kiss on a servant girl; A few mentions of men jeering and leering at Delia; A couple mentions of affairs; A couple mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of blushes; A mention of illegitimate children; A mention of an out-of-wedlock pregnancy); Love, falling in love, & the emotions.
-Delia Raynsford, age 18
-Geoffrey, age 22
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1381 (Part of the first chapter is set in 1378)
320 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Three Stars
Hmm. I wasn’t sure what to expect with this brand new start to a Melanie Dickerson series. While I do think some things were very convenient for the plot and I’m little disappointed with the plot line of a cad bothering Delia, I did like other parts of this story. Delia and her brothers cared for each other very much, I would have liked seeing more of their protectiveness towards her.
As far as the romance portion, it wasn’t my favorite from this author. I think that’s because of how we’re introduced to Geoffrey, but regardless, I wasn’t able to squee and be fully excited for their relationship to build. I liked both him and Delia, but I didn’t feel any special connection to them, personally. The faith content was lovely to see and I enjoying seeing Delia’s faith grow especially.
So while this wasn’t my favorite book by the author, I’m looking forward to the next book with Edwin’s story.
Link to review:
Coming soon.
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
“Where there is wealth and power, there's always someone willing to do anything to take it.
England, 1381: Delia's idyllic life as daughter of an earl is shattered when her father dies and his wife accuses Delia's seven brothers of treason and murder. The youngest is only ten years old, but this doesn't stop the guards from hauling them off to the Tower of London. There they await a grim fate, as child-king Richard II is executing anyone who poses a threat to his throne. Delia is their only hope for pardon and freedom.
Sir Geoffrey did not expect his first assignment as captain of the guard to be the arrest of boys so young. He dutifully imprisons the brothers, but he can't ignore the sense, rooted in personal experience, that injustice and treachery are at work.
Determined to rescue her brothers, Delia secures a position as a seamstress for the queen. Her quest is all but impossible as the executions continue. Sir Geoffrey offers to be her ally, but should she trust him in a court where everyone has an agenda?
From New York Times bestselling author Melanie Dickerson comes a tender retelling of "The Wild Swans," where the virtues of loyalty and love face a harrowing showdown with power and fear.”
Series: Book #1 in “The Dericott Tales”.
Spiritual Content- Scriptures are mentioned, remembered, & quoted; Prayers; Talks about God, miracles, & why bad things happen; ‘H’s are capitalized when referring to God; Mentions of God & miracles; Mentions of praying, prayers, & thanking God; Mentions of the Holy Writ, reading it, & those in the Bible; Mentions of priests, nuns, churches/chapels, services, & sins.
Negative Content- A couple mentions of curses (said, not written); Fighting, Weapons, Injuries, Pain, & Blood/Bleeding (up to semi-detailed); Being choked, threaten, & harming (possibly killing) a bad person (semi-detailed); All about many mentions of murders/deaths, treason, executions (beheadings), arrests, & jail/prison; Mentions of violence, fighting, killing, & murders; Mentions of threats, a fire, mobs, saying you want to kill someone (and how) & hiring someone to kill another (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of injuries, blood/bleeding, & pain (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of torture and beatings; Mentions of hatred; A few mentions of crimes; A few mentions of stealing & thieves; A few mentions of lies & lying; A few mentions of wine/alcohol, drinking, social drinking, & drunks; A few mentions of hunting; A couple mentions of gossip; A couple mentions of jealousy.
Sexual Content- An almost kiss, a forehead kiss, a semi-detailed kiss, and a detailed kiss; Wanting to kiss & embrace/touch; Wondering about being kissed/kissing & Staring at someone’s lips; Touches, Embraces, Hand Holding, Shivers, & Wanting to hold; An unwanted embrace & a man trying to get close to Delia (often unwanted nearness); Blushes, Nearness, & Noticing; A man tries to take advantage of Delia (force himself upon her) after taking her to a room (his intention is clear, but she is able to get away before anything happens); Delia mentions that her new stepmother is closer in age to her own than her father’s; Mentions of men only wanting one thing & women who were violated by awful men; Mentions of kisses & kissing; A few mentions of recalling a guard that tried to force a kiss on a servant girl; A few mentions of men jeering and leering at Delia; A couple mentions of affairs; A couple mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of blushes; A mention of illegitimate children; A mention of an out-of-wedlock pregnancy); Love, falling in love, & the emotions.
-Delia Raynsford, age 18
-Geoffrey, age 22
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1381 (Part of the first chapter is set in 1378)
320 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Three Stars
Hmm. I wasn’t sure what to expect with this brand new start to a Melanie Dickerson series. While I do think some things were very convenient for the plot and I’m little disappointed with the plot line of a cad bothering Delia, I did like other parts of this story. Delia and her brothers cared for each other very much, I would have liked seeing more of their protectiveness towards her.
As far as the romance portion, it wasn’t my favorite from this author. I think that’s because of how we’re introduced to Geoffrey, but regardless, I wasn’t able to squee and be fully excited for their relationship to build. I liked both him and Delia, but I didn’t feel any special connection to them, personally. The faith content was lovely to see and I enjoying seeing Delia’s faith grow especially.
So while this wasn’t my favorite book by the author, I’m looking forward to the next book with Edwin’s story.
Link to review:
Coming soon.
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
March 9, 2022
3.5 stars
Court of Swans was my first book by Melanie Dickerson and I enjoyed the premise of it. It took place in England in the year of 1381. It's the first book in the series and I'll definitely continue on because I am so curious about the brother it features.
Delia is the only sister and has 7 brothers who are accused of a horrific crime they did not commit. At only eighteen, she knows she has to leave home and do whatever she can to clear their name and save them from certain execution. Delia is brave and a bit naïve, but she truly loves her brothers and will do whatever she can to help them.
Sir Geoffrey is the knight that arrested Delia's brothers and he could just tell something wasn't right. He tries to get to the bottom of it with Delia and risks his job and ultimately his life to help them all. Of course there is a bit of a romance brewing between Delia and Geoffrey among all of this. I liked all the main characters in this book and if it wasn't for the ending feeling super rushed I would have rated it a star higher.
Court of Swans was my first book by Melanie Dickerson and I enjoyed the premise of it. It took place in England in the year of 1381. It's the first book in the series and I'll definitely continue on because I am so curious about the brother it features.
Delia is the only sister and has 7 brothers who are accused of a horrific crime they did not commit. At only eighteen, she knows she has to leave home and do whatever she can to clear their name and save them from certain execution. Delia is brave and a bit naïve, but she truly loves her brothers and will do whatever she can to help them.
Sir Geoffrey is the knight that arrested Delia's brothers and he could just tell something wasn't right. He tries to get to the bottom of it with Delia and risks his job and ultimately his life to help them all. Of course there is a bit of a romance brewing between Delia and Geoffrey among all of this. I liked all the main characters in this book and if it wasn't for the ending feeling super rushed I would have rated it a star higher.
Audio book source: Libby
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Jude Mason
Narration Rating: 3.5 stars
Genre: Historical Fiction
Length: 7h 54m
January 26, 2023
Ehhhh, this was kind of disappointing. I was expecting more since this is my first Melanie Dickerson book, and I always thought her books were supposed to be really interesting.
Well, this was not. I think it might be interesting on a middle grade level, but YA...not really.
It all felt very juvenile (a good or a bad thing, depending on where you stand), Delia acted as if she was twelve and not in her late teens, and the writing was simple and occasionally repetitive.
For example, one character would say one thing and then another would repeat it right after as if we didn't get it the first time. And this happened more than once.
As for the retelling aspect...what retelling? Where? Not here.
The romance was bland, which is a shame because it could've been the one thing that would save this book from being dull. But I just didn't feel anything when reading their scenes together. And sure, he was better than the other guy but he needed more development.
All the characters needed it, actually, I couldn't connect to any of them and it didn't matter to me if they would live or die.
I'll still give the next books a try though.
Well, this was not. I think it might be interesting on a middle grade level, but YA...not really.
It all felt very juvenile (a good or a bad thing, depending on where you stand), Delia acted as if she was twelve and not in her late teens, and the writing was simple and occasionally repetitive.
For example, one character would say one thing and then another would repeat it right after as if we didn't get it the first time. And this happened more than once.
As for the retelling aspect...what retelling? Where? Not here.
The romance was bland, which is a shame because it could've been the one thing that would save this book from being dull. But I just didn't feel anything when reading their scenes together. And sure, he was better than the other guy but he needed more development.
All the characters needed it, actually, I couldn't connect to any of them and it didn't matter to me if they would live or die.
I'll still give the next books a try though.
February 3, 2021
I was very disappointed in this book. I really thought I would enjoy it, but I honestly didn't that much.
Besides the fact the I felt like the story never got to a climax, I was very disappointed in the characters - with their "outward appearances." I'm seeing them being strong, brave, courageous, but they're hardly even mentioning these things, just how they look on the outside.
I was quite shocked when it was over...I thought there would be much more to it...but then the story just ended...
So overall, I was very disappointed in this book, and probably won't pick it up again.
Besides the fact the I felt like the story never got to a climax, I was very disappointed in the characters - with their "outward appearances." I'm seeing them being strong, brave, courageous, but they're hardly even mentioning these things, just how they look on the outside.
I was quite shocked when it was over...I thought there would be much more to it...but then the story just ended...
So overall, I was very disappointed in this book, and probably won't pick it up again.
October 7, 2021
Okay, swans were only mentioned twice in the entire book so the title....ehhh, feels off. Um, always amazed at the totally unrealistic recovery times for the injured people in books by the author...it's like, uh, pretty sure he'd be recovering for at least two weeks on that one...but you know. I get that it's fiction but it should still be realistic in that respect.
Oh well!
Oh well!
December 26, 2020
Thank you Thomas Nelson Publishing, NetGalley, and Melanie Dickerson for the opportunity to read this book!
I have a weakness for retellings. I really enjoyed Melanie Dickerson’s previous fairytale series, Hagenheim. Court of Swans by Melanie Dickerson is the first book in the Dericott Tales and is a retelling of the Wild Swans fairytale. Delia is the daughter of an earl who dies and leaves her in the mercy of her wicked stepmother. However, when all her brothers are arrested for treason, she must find a way to save them. The new king is only fourteen years old and is counseled by those who have their own selfish interests at heart. With the help of a knight named Sir Geoffrey, they will need to find evidence to save her brothers from execution.
My favorites of Melanie Dickerson’s has to be The Healer’s Apprentice, The Merchant’s Daughter, and The Captive Maiden. In each of these tales, the characters capture the reader’s attention and have something more to give to the story. Delia…is completely bland. She does nothing except question why these bad things happen to her family. I actually enjoyed all the other characters. I can’t wait to see what happens to the eldest brother, Edwin. I hope he will get his own story!
The pacing did leave something to be desired. The brothers are imprisoned most of the book and not much really happens with the investigation until over halfway through the book. Although, the historical detail is phenomenal. Having been to London, I believe Melanie Dickerson captured London of the 1300s quite perfectly!
While this book did quite capture me, I have high hopes for the second novel in this series! I rate it 3 out of 5 stars!
I have a weakness for retellings. I really enjoyed Melanie Dickerson’s previous fairytale series, Hagenheim. Court of Swans by Melanie Dickerson is the first book in the Dericott Tales and is a retelling of the Wild Swans fairytale. Delia is the daughter of an earl who dies and leaves her in the mercy of her wicked stepmother. However, when all her brothers are arrested for treason, she must find a way to save them. The new king is only fourteen years old and is counseled by those who have their own selfish interests at heart. With the help of a knight named Sir Geoffrey, they will need to find evidence to save her brothers from execution.
My favorites of Melanie Dickerson’s has to be The Healer’s Apprentice, The Merchant’s Daughter, and The Captive Maiden. In each of these tales, the characters capture the reader’s attention and have something more to give to the story. Delia…is completely bland. She does nothing except question why these bad things happen to her family. I actually enjoyed all the other characters. I can’t wait to see what happens to the eldest brother, Edwin. I hope he will get his own story!
The pacing did leave something to be desired. The brothers are imprisoned most of the book and not much really happens with the investigation until over halfway through the book. Although, the historical detail is phenomenal. Having been to London, I believe Melanie Dickerson captured London of the 1300s quite perfectly!
While this book did quite capture me, I have high hopes for the second novel in this series! I rate it 3 out of 5 stars!
March 13, 2025
3 stars ✨
YA Historical Fiction (clean)
“The only thing that stops us from being joyful is ourselves. We ask for thorns to be taken from us, trials to end, but sometimes God does not take them away. He walks us through them.”
If you’ve read one MD book, you’ve read them all. I keep reading them though because they are perfect for days when I want something light and fluffy. This is the first book in a series and it was sweet as usual. My only problem with this one, was that things kept being repeated over and over and it got a bit frustrating. Still an enjoyable read. I think these books are fantastic for pre teens who are looking for beginner romance novels. The romance is subtle and the MCs are usually great inspirational role models. They are swoon worthy, with just the right amount of cheese, fabulous inner dialogue with scriptures woven throughout perfectly.
YA Historical Fiction (clean)
“The only thing that stops us from being joyful is ourselves. We ask for thorns to be taken from us, trials to end, but sometimes God does not take them away. He walks us through them.”
If you’ve read one MD book, you’ve read them all. I keep reading them though because they are perfect for days when I want something light and fluffy. This is the first book in a series and it was sweet as usual. My only problem with this one, was that things kept being repeated over and over and it got a bit frustrating. Still an enjoyable read. I think these books are fantastic for pre teens who are looking for beginner romance novels. The romance is subtle and the MCs are usually great inspirational role models. They are swoon worthy, with just the right amount of cheese, fabulous inner dialogue with scriptures woven throughout perfectly.
January 6, 2021
To be clear there wasn’t really anything that I actually liked about this book, I just don’t like rating books 1 star unless I absolutely abhor them.
I absolutely hated the romance, which is unfortunate considering the fact that this is essentially a romance. It was the most instalovey of any instalove that I have read or seen in a long time, they don’t even have a real conversation before the “fall in love”. Their entire relationship was based on the fact that they thought the other one was good looking, and as a result, I felt like the characters had no depth. Even though Delia thought that Geoffrey was kind she probably mentioned that like once.
I also thought that Delia was extremely gullible, she’s clearly been warned about ______s like Elliot, and even though warning signs go off in her head every time she sees him, she doesn’t exactly do anything until it’s reached an extreme situation.
I also felt like I was being told a lot of things, especially when it came to the king. For example, we were told that the king was “powerless” but in that case, he wouldn’t have been able to at least not without some kind of consequence.
I absolutely hated the romance, which is unfortunate considering the fact that this is essentially a romance. It was the most instalovey of any instalove that I have read or seen in a long time, they don’t even have a real conversation before the “fall in love”. Their entire relationship was based on the fact that they thought the other one was good looking, and as a result, I felt like the characters had no depth. Even though Delia thought that Geoffrey was kind she probably mentioned that like once.
I also thought that Delia was extremely gullible, she’s clearly been warned about ______s like Elliot, and even though warning signs go off in her head every time she sees him, she doesn’t exactly do anything until it’s reached an extreme situation.
I also felt like I was being told a lot of things, especially when it came to the king. For example, we were told that the king was “powerless” but in that case, he wouldn’t have been able to at least not without some kind of consequence.
September 26, 2021
4.5⭐️
Loved this one!
A young woman, Delia and her 7 brothers live with their father, step mother and brand new infant half-brother.
suddenly, their father dies and all 7 brothers are thrown in prison for treason and murder and are scheduled to hang in one week's time.
Delia takes on the daunting task of trying to prove her brothers' inncoence in these trumped up accusations. Along the way, naive Delia accepts the aid of two of her brother's prison guards.
What secrets will Delia uncover in her search for vindication for her family?
Loved this one!
A young woman, Delia and her 7 brothers live with their father, step mother and brand new infant half-brother.
suddenly, their father dies and all 7 brothers are thrown in prison for treason and murder and are scheduled to hang in one week's time.
Delia takes on the daunting task of trying to prove her brothers' inncoence in these trumped up accusations. Along the way, naive Delia accepts the aid of two of her brother's prison guards.
What secrets will Delia uncover in her search for vindication for her family?
January 5, 2021
Medieval intrigue from a different angle!
Fractured fairytale themes continue with Dickerson's take on The Wild Swans by Hans Christian Andersen where a princess rescues her eleven brothers from a spell placed on them by an evil Queen.
Set mostly in medieval London of 1381, historically at the time when King Richard of Bordeaux, is about to meet and marry Lady Anne of Bohemia, just after the Wat Tyler rebellion.
Delia, daughter of the Earl of Dericott, has a new stepmother--traditionally nasty and ambitious of course. A new brother is born but little is seen of the babe. (Curious in my mind.) Not long after, Delia overhears her stepmother bemoaning that her child will have no inheritance. To Delia a premonition of danger. As it was. The Earl dies in a fall from his horse. Swiftly following the funeral seven brothers (not eleven) are arrested for murder and treason--even ten year old Roland?
The young officer who comes to take the brothers, Sir Geoffrey Grenefeld, is troubled by this. He is the disinherited son of a Duke. (Triangulation of happenstance enters the storyline!)
Delia being a determined and brave young woman sets out to rescue her brothers. That in itself is surrounded by Anderson's fairytale attributes. A young girl willing to sacrifice herself to save her siblings. Having an aunt who's the abbess of a well known convent helps in setting Delia in the right direction.
As young woman with a strong faith Delia is frequently troubled by the idea of bad things happening to good people. The idea that despite her prayfull life and attitude, the way forward doesn't always have resolution is troubling. Job comes to Delia's mind. Her struggle with these concepts is real and worthwhile, but in saying that I don't feel that this title has encapsulated Dickerson's beliefs as seamlessly as other titles she's written.
In the end I found Delia too trusting, too wide eyed, frequently putting herself in harm's way. Medieval London and the court has a familiarity but to my mind the reality I feel would have been far more brutal.
Still I was kept wondering by the plot line and enjoyed some of the secondary characters. I'm sure some of these characters will be met again.
A Thomas Nelson ARC via NetGalley
Fractured fairytale themes continue with Dickerson's take on The Wild Swans by Hans Christian Andersen where a princess rescues her eleven brothers from a spell placed on them by an evil Queen.
Set mostly in medieval London of 1381, historically at the time when King Richard of Bordeaux, is about to meet and marry Lady Anne of Bohemia, just after the Wat Tyler rebellion.
Delia, daughter of the Earl of Dericott, has a new stepmother--traditionally nasty and ambitious of course. A new brother is born but little is seen of the babe. (Curious in my mind.) Not long after, Delia overhears her stepmother bemoaning that her child will have no inheritance. To Delia a premonition of danger. As it was. The Earl dies in a fall from his horse. Swiftly following the funeral seven brothers (not eleven) are arrested for murder and treason--even ten year old Roland?
The young officer who comes to take the brothers, Sir Geoffrey Grenefeld, is troubled by this. He is the disinherited son of a Duke. (Triangulation of happenstance enters the storyline!)
Delia being a determined and brave young woman sets out to rescue her brothers. That in itself is surrounded by Anderson's fairytale attributes. A young girl willing to sacrifice herself to save her siblings. Having an aunt who's the abbess of a well known convent helps in setting Delia in the right direction.
As young woman with a strong faith Delia is frequently troubled by the idea of bad things happening to good people. The idea that despite her prayfull life and attitude, the way forward doesn't always have resolution is troubling. Job comes to Delia's mind. Her struggle with these concepts is real and worthwhile, but in saying that I don't feel that this title has encapsulated Dickerson's beliefs as seamlessly as other titles she's written.
In the end I found Delia too trusting, too wide eyed, frequently putting herself in harm's way. Medieval London and the court has a familiarity but to my mind the reality I feel would have been far more brutal.
Still I was kept wondering by the plot line and enjoyed some of the secondary characters. I'm sure some of these characters will be met again.
A Thomas Nelson ARC via NetGalley
September 9, 2023
I loved this book! Many times you would just get so worried about Delia's brother that you would just say "One more chapter!" Then suddenly you realize it's been six chapters when you are being called for supper.🤣 Yea I know from experience. Highly recommend this book! Can't wait to get my hands on more of Melanie Dickerson's books!!
January 16, 2021
OK, I'm gonna be generous and give this 3 stars because I think the ending was better than most of the rest of the story.
I'm not familiar with the fairy tale this is bases on at all, but even then I just didn't connect with most of the characters. Just not at all. Delia was bland, the Sir Elliot degenerated into cartoonish. To the point that he's described as having sharp fang-like teeth.
Oh, and Delia bases her decisions to trust people and her view of their character on whether or not they have a kind or nice face. A "sincere look". Really? How superficial is that.
Its leaning so far towards the goodies= beautiful, baddies = ugly stereotype that it really rankled me.
The writing felt rushed, with a lot of telling rather than showing, and was also very repetitive in places.
This historical details. No. Just no. I'm sorry. Just to state it right off. I'm British, so I tend to hold novels set in my country to a higher standard than those set in other countries whose history, geography, culture and customs I'm unfamiliar with. I do get protective of my country's history. I'll confess it.
There were just so many inaccuracies in this one. Major ones. The Wardrobe Tower in the Tower of London wasn't used as a prison at this time- and here's the thing. The biggie. Even the parts of the Tower where prisoners were incarcerated were not the way we imagine them.
Noble prisoners were usually lodged in comfort. They sometimes even had servants tending them. Thomas More wrote letters during his time as a prisoner in the Tower, he was allowed books etc. Some were allowed to exercise in the grounds, there's even records of "prisoners" composing poetry, gambling, and entertaining female visitors.
The point is that these people were generally not kept in cells or "dungeons". This is probably due to the fact that the Tower was not built as a prison. It was not intended to be a prison. It was a fortress and royal Palace first and foremost for the first several centuries of its history.
There was also the curious scene in which Sir Geoffrey could hear what was going on in one part of the Tower from outside? Really? The walls are like several feet thick, I can't see that somehow, and where were the boats?
I mean seriously the Tower is famously abutted by the River Thames on one side, and during Medieval times, there were a couple of "gates" that actually opened onto the river which people entered into by barges or riverboats. There was even a moat.Yet everyone seems to walk in and out here. Not a boat or water in sight.
I also don't know of any law or custom even in Medieval England by which a 10 year old son of an Earl could be executed for treason. I mean boys weren't even counted as coming of age until 21, and whilst there were a few cases of 19 year olds, even 16 year olds being executed for "treason". A 10 year old? Pushing the boundaries of credibility. The legal proceedings? Where was the trial before the Lords, before their peers? Proper witnesses? Convicted on the basis of the testimony of commoners?
Richard II didn't gain his reputation for clashing with the nobles and executing them until closer to the end of his reign, not the beginning.
Also, one other point here. If one wanted to get access to a Medieval English King, without having to deal with his courtiers it would have made more sense to wait until he was on a hunting expedition or going on his way to church or something. They did do things like that. Some even put aside time to hear "petitions". Going to see him at dinner. Yeah, there were better ways.
Now there were a few details which were done well the ones about seamstresses working in the entourage of the Queen was for example, but to me there were just too many mistakes and inconsistencies in the important details. The minor details right, but the important ones not, yeah that kinda frustrates me.
The religion. Oh my. Well. It is a Christian romance, but the treatment and attitude to religion seemed very, very modern. The attempt at a discussion of why bad things happen to good people lacked nuance and depth as did many of the characters sentiments. Delia was basically "oh well he seems like a selfless and kind person, so he couldn't possibly do anything wrong".
Yeah sorry, but this is the real world. Good people do bad things, sometimes just to survive, sometimes with good and noble intentions.
Not everyone who does bad things is an evil, Satanic villain. Few people are totally and entirely evil.
I've heard that this is going to be a trilogy, but the number of Delia's siblings makes me suspect this is building to a much longer series, like the Hagenhiem series. There's a part of me that's excited at the prospect of it being set in England, but this one could have been so much better. Better characterization, better writing etc.
Also, I'm not saying that Mrs Dickerson needs to personally visit England, but there are guidebooks to the Tower of London out there. I do hope this series improves, I really do as I want to read more.
I'm not familiar with the fairy tale this is bases on at all, but even then I just didn't connect with most of the characters. Just not at all. Delia was bland, the Sir Elliot degenerated into cartoonish. To the point that he's described as having sharp fang-like teeth.
Oh, and Delia bases her decisions to trust people and her view of their character on whether or not they have a kind or nice face. A "sincere look". Really? How superficial is that.
Its leaning so far towards the goodies= beautiful, baddies = ugly stereotype that it really rankled me.
The writing felt rushed, with a lot of telling rather than showing, and was also very repetitive in places.
This historical details. No. Just no. I'm sorry. Just to state it right off. I'm British, so I tend to hold novels set in my country to a higher standard than those set in other countries whose history, geography, culture and customs I'm unfamiliar with. I do get protective of my country's history. I'll confess it.
There were just so many inaccuracies in this one. Major ones. The Wardrobe Tower in the Tower of London wasn't used as a prison at this time- and here's the thing. The biggie. Even the parts of the Tower where prisoners were incarcerated were not the way we imagine them.
Noble prisoners were usually lodged in comfort. They sometimes even had servants tending them. Thomas More wrote letters during his time as a prisoner in the Tower, he was allowed books etc. Some were allowed to exercise in the grounds, there's even records of "prisoners" composing poetry, gambling, and entertaining female visitors.
The point is that these people were generally not kept in cells or "dungeons". This is probably due to the fact that the Tower was not built as a prison. It was not intended to be a prison. It was a fortress and royal Palace first and foremost for the first several centuries of its history.
There was also the curious scene in which Sir Geoffrey could hear what was going on in one part of the Tower from outside? Really? The walls are like several feet thick, I can't see that somehow, and where were the boats?
I mean seriously the Tower is famously abutted by the River Thames on one side, and during Medieval times, there were a couple of "gates" that actually opened onto the river which people entered into by barges or riverboats. There was even a moat.Yet everyone seems to walk in and out here. Not a boat or water in sight.
I also don't know of any law or custom even in Medieval England by which a 10 year old son of an Earl could be executed for treason. I mean boys weren't even counted as coming of age until 21, and whilst there were a few cases of 19 year olds, even 16 year olds being executed for "treason". A 10 year old? Pushing the boundaries of credibility. The legal proceedings? Where was the trial before the Lords, before their peers? Proper witnesses? Convicted on the basis of the testimony of commoners?
Richard II didn't gain his reputation for clashing with the nobles and executing them until closer to the end of his reign, not the beginning.
Also, one other point here. If one wanted to get access to a Medieval English King, without having to deal with his courtiers it would have made more sense to wait until he was on a hunting expedition or going on his way to church or something. They did do things like that. Some even put aside time to hear "petitions". Going to see him at dinner. Yeah, there were better ways.
Now there were a few details which were done well the ones about seamstresses working in the entourage of the Queen was for example, but to me there were just too many mistakes and inconsistencies in the important details. The minor details right, but the important ones not, yeah that kinda frustrates me.
The religion. Oh my. Well. It is a Christian romance, but the treatment and attitude to religion seemed very, very modern. The attempt at a discussion of why bad things happen to good people lacked nuance and depth as did many of the characters sentiments. Delia was basically "oh well he seems like a selfless and kind person, so he couldn't possibly do anything wrong".
Yeah sorry, but this is the real world. Good people do bad things, sometimes just to survive, sometimes with good and noble intentions.
Not everyone who does bad things is an evil, Satanic villain. Few people are totally and entirely evil.
I've heard that this is going to be a trilogy, but the number of Delia's siblings makes me suspect this is building to a much longer series, like the Hagenhiem series. There's a part of me that's excited at the prospect of it being set in England, but this one could have been so much better. Better characterization, better writing etc.
Also, I'm not saying that Mrs Dickerson needs to personally visit England, but there are guidebooks to the Tower of London out there. I do hope this series improves, I really do as I want to read more.
February 23, 2021
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It is all kinds of awkward that I'm just now diving into Court of Swans Trust me, it really truly is. Mostly because I got this back in October and I'm just reading it now. It's February. So, yeah, I definitely suck when it comes to reading eARCs sometimes but there are rare occasions that I can just sit and focus on them as well.
Exhibit A - today. For some reason it is definitely eARC day and I'm not ashamed one bit.
Back to the book though. In this, you will meet Delia. We are also getting to see the beautiful England in 1381. I've never been to England but I would be pretty excited to visit nowadays. I've only ever been out of the country twice - Canada and Paris.
Sooooooo I definitely need to travel once it's a-okay in the world again.
Again, back to the book. After meeting Delia, I came to the conclusion that she was a pretty sweet and cute girl. Not sure how she manages to like all seven of her brothers when I can't even get along with my two older siblings.. but the world is filled with mysterious people. I will say that the evil step-monster, I mean step-mother, was horrible. I absolutely hated her in the beginning and after her brothers were under arrest - well, I immediately thought of her.
Evil wench.
Luckily for them, Delia knows that they are being wrongly accused of whatever stupid blasphemy the king's men stated to her. I mean.. yeah it's totally and completely believable that the a 10 year old was plotting against the king or whatever.
TOTALLY. BELIEVABLE.
Then there's King Richard. For some reason, which seems pretty odd to me now, he was making me think of the movie 'Robin Hood'. The one with Russel Crowe. Yet, this character reminded me of Prince John from the movie who becomes King after his brother dies at battle. The reason why my brain went down this route.. well, they both ended up annoying me. Plus, they were both on this war path of killing people on a whim. Especially if they posed a threat.
Like Delia's 10 year old brother. Such a threat.
Honestly, so much happens in this book and I enjoyed every second of it. I enjoyed all the twists and turns throughout it because they kept me on my toes. Even the ending was surprisingly good and I wasn't expecting it to go that way at all.
In the end, I'm definitely intrigued to dive into the second book to see what is going to happen to Audrey.
It is all kinds of awkward that I'm just now diving into Court of Swans Trust me, it really truly is. Mostly because I got this back in October and I'm just reading it now. It's February. So, yeah, I definitely suck when it comes to reading eARCs sometimes but there are rare occasions that I can just sit and focus on them as well.
Exhibit A - today. For some reason it is definitely eARC day and I'm not ashamed one bit.
Back to the book though. In this, you will meet Delia. We are also getting to see the beautiful England in 1381. I've never been to England but I would be pretty excited to visit nowadays. I've only ever been out of the country twice - Canada and Paris.
Sooooooo I definitely need to travel once it's a-okay in the world again.
Again, back to the book. After meeting Delia, I came to the conclusion that she was a pretty sweet and cute girl. Not sure how she manages to like all seven of her brothers when I can't even get along with my two older siblings.. but the world is filled with mysterious people. I will say that the evil step-monster, I mean step-mother, was horrible. I absolutely hated her in the beginning and after her brothers were under arrest - well, I immediately thought of her.
Evil wench.
Luckily for them, Delia knows that they are being wrongly accused of whatever stupid blasphemy the king's men stated to her. I mean.. yeah it's totally and completely believable that the a 10 year old was plotting against the king or whatever.
TOTALLY. BELIEVABLE.
Then there's King Richard. For some reason, which seems pretty odd to me now, he was making me think of the movie 'Robin Hood'. The one with Russel Crowe. Yet, this character reminded me of Prince John from the movie who becomes King after his brother dies at battle. The reason why my brain went down this route.. well, they both ended up annoying me. Plus, they were both on this war path of killing people on a whim. Especially if they posed a threat.
Like Delia's 10 year old brother. Such a threat.
Honestly, so much happens in this book and I enjoyed every second of it. I enjoyed all the twists and turns throughout it because they kept me on my toes. Even the ending was surprisingly good and I wasn't expecting it to go that way at all.
In the end, I'm definitely intrigued to dive into the second book to see what is going to happen to Audrey.
March 22, 2021
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[I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book I was kindly given by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]
I understand that not everybody can be Henryk Sienkiewicz and write Nobel-worthy Christian books, but all the Christian novels I've read lately have one thing in common - the writing is so bland it makes me physically ill.
I think I would've liked this novel at the age of 12. But now, it just bored me to death for the most part. Therefore - if you are the parent of a child between the ages of 10 to probably 14 who hasn't very much experience with books, I recommend Melanie Dickerson. However, older or more experienced kids, not so much. There are plenty of books that they'd like much more.
→1.75 stars
[I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book I was kindly given by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]
I understand that not everybody can be Henryk Sienkiewicz and write Nobel-worthy Christian books, but all the Christian novels I've read lately have one thing in common - the writing is so bland it makes me physically ill.
I think I would've liked this novel at the age of 12. But now, it just bored me to death for the most part. Therefore - if you are the parent of a child between the ages of 10 to probably 14 who hasn't very much experience with books, I recommend Melanie Dickerson. However, older or more experienced kids, not so much. There are plenty of books that they'd like much more.
→1.75 stars
January 16, 2021
This was one of my most anticipated books for this year and to be honest, I had mixed reactions to it.
The book follows Delia whose brothers are accused of treason and taken to the Tower of London to be tried and potentially executed. She has to find a way to get them released.
The overall story and set up for this book was very strong. The concept drew me in and the jeopardy kept me on the edge of my seat. I felt like the plot of this book was one of the strongest that I have seen so far from this author.
I believe this is a young adult novel. The content leads me to suggest that it is aimed at mid to older teens but the style of writing felt like it was aimed at 12/13 year olds. I think this is why I had a mixed reaction to it.
Whilst I loved the dramatic elements and the background story, some of the interactions between the characters, and also the character’s thoughts, felt oversimplified and unnatural. I particularly felt this regarding the romance.
However I will still pick up the next book to see how this series progresses.
The book follows Delia whose brothers are accused of treason and taken to the Tower of London to be tried and potentially executed. She has to find a way to get them released.
The overall story and set up for this book was very strong. The concept drew me in and the jeopardy kept me on the edge of my seat. I felt like the plot of this book was one of the strongest that I have seen so far from this author.
I believe this is a young adult novel. The content leads me to suggest that it is aimed at mid to older teens but the style of writing felt like it was aimed at 12/13 year olds. I think this is why I had a mixed reaction to it.
Whilst I loved the dramatic elements and the background story, some of the interactions between the characters, and also the character’s thoughts, felt oversimplified and unnatural. I particularly felt this regarding the romance.
However I will still pick up the next book to see how this series progresses.
November 6, 2020
This book is one that you read, and then forget everything about. It’s not that I didn’t like it, I just didn’t care about it. In most cases, I’ll give books that I feel nothing towards three stars, but this was way too long, and way too boring for my tastes. I think Dickerson’s writing is just a bit too simple for me, because I didn’t love the other book I read by her either.
Court of Swans is a retelling of the Wild Swans, set in medieval England. After her seven brothers are arrested for treason, Delia decides she must do everything she can to prove their innocence. Traveling to the palace as a sewing maid, she learns that trust can be a weapon, and that secrets don’t stay secret for long.
My main problem with this was how boring it was. There was absolutely nothing special about it. The plot was pretty nonexistent, and the murder mystery element was a joke. The orchestrator was obvious from the first chapter, so nothing made this book unique.
The characters were also super bland. Because Delia had seven brothers, none of them got much characterization. I can tell you that Merick is grumpy, and that’s about it. I think the romance was supposed to be the driving point of this novel, but because I didn’t care about the characters, the romance was almost too plain. There was nothing to spice it up, both of the characters were completely good, and completely forgettable.
I also do have to complain about the lack of magic. Now, I don’t know the tale of the Wild Swans very well, but I do know that magic is a crucial part. I’m not even sure if this can be considered a Wild Swans retelling, because there were very few similarities, and swans were pretty much ignored. Some magic might’ve spiced this up a bit, but sadly, it was just a bland book I don’t see myself remembering a month from now.
Thanks to Melanie Dickerson and Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
Court of Swans is a retelling of the Wild Swans, set in medieval England. After her seven brothers are arrested for treason, Delia decides she must do everything she can to prove their innocence. Traveling to the palace as a sewing maid, she learns that trust can be a weapon, and that secrets don’t stay secret for long.
My main problem with this was how boring it was. There was absolutely nothing special about it. The plot was pretty nonexistent, and the murder mystery element was a joke. The orchestrator was obvious from the first chapter, so nothing made this book unique.
The characters were also super bland. Because Delia had seven brothers, none of them got much characterization. I can tell you that Merick is grumpy, and that’s about it. I think the romance was supposed to be the driving point of this novel, but because I didn’t care about the characters, the romance was almost too plain. There was nothing to spice it up, both of the characters were completely good, and completely forgettable.
I also do have to complain about the lack of magic. Now, I don’t know the tale of the Wild Swans very well, but I do know that magic is a crucial part. I’m not even sure if this can be considered a Wild Swans retelling, because there were very few similarities, and swans were pretty much ignored. Some magic might’ve spiced this up a bit, but sadly, it was just a bland book I don’t see myself remembering a month from now.
Thanks to Melanie Dickerson and Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
October 29, 2020
This is the story of Delia, who's the middle sister of seven brothers. After her father dies, her stepmother wants all the power for herself and her own child, and the brothers are accused of treason and taken as prisoners.
After her brothers are taken to London, she follows them and takes a position as a servant, in order to be close to them and to help them escape when they're sentenced to death.
Geoffrey is the captain of the guard who comes to arrest the brothers and he soon realizes that they are innocent and eventually helps them and Delia.
Despite its length, I think this book is intended for a MG/YA audience. I found the writing lacking a certain depth that I usually appreciate in historical novels. Nonetheless, it kept my interest until the end.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
May 4, 2023
This was a disappointment for a Melanie Dickerson book. I enjoyed the story and the characters, but it wasn't near as good as a usual book by her. I will definitely continue the series nonetheless but I hope they get better as the series continues. Would still recommend this book! Just not as good as her others.
December 18, 2020
Just two weeks after Delia’s father, the Earl of Dericott, dies under questionable circumstances, her seven brothers are falsely accused of treason against the king and taken away to The Tower of London. Their only hope to live is that Delia will be able to prove her brother’s innocence before they are executed... but in order to do that, she may need the help of the captain who arrested her brothers in the first place. But can she trust him?
I knew nothing about the fairytale this book is based on, “The Wild Swans”, so I went into this story not knowing what to expect... except for the expectation of liking it because it’s Melanie Dickerson. And I’m so happy to say, I did!
The story gets to the action at the very beginning which I really liked. I was drawn in only a few pages in and had a hard time putting it down after that.
There were a lot of characters in here as you can imagine since there are seven brothers. I’ll start off by saying, I loved the brothers and I cannot wait to get their stories!! I get excited just thinking about it. Since this story is about Delia, their sister, there wasn’t a whole lot of characterization given to them so that makes me even more excited to get to know them in the coming books!
Delia was a great main character. She was seriously determined and didn’t give up. Her love for her brothers and their love for her was so sweet. I loved it!
Geoffrey was a pretty great character too. He’s conflicted by what his duty as a knight of the king is and what he is knows in his heart is right. His desire to do right and do as God would have him do was really admirable and that’s what made him a great hero.
Besides our main characters, the bad guys were definitely easy to dislike. I was so cautious of everyone Delia came in contact with that I was giving her serious talks in my head not to trust anyone. 😂
The plot was fast-paced and kept my interest the entire time. Since everything seemed impossibly doomed, I had no idea how things were ever going to make it out alive. Needless to say, the suspense in here was great and kept me turning the pages.
The faith content in here was something I loved a lot. I love how Delia and Geoffrey pray and put their trust in God, even when they can’t understand why things are happening as they are.
The romance was completely sweet and clean, nothing but a kiss. I appreciate that so much!
In the end, I really enjoyed this book. It had a lot of suspense, a sweet romance, and a plenty of action. I’m beyond excited for the rest of this series, especially Edwin’s story in the next book!
I knew nothing about the fairytale this book is based on, “The Wild Swans”, so I went into this story not knowing what to expect... except for the expectation of liking it because it’s Melanie Dickerson. And I’m so happy to say, I did!
The story gets to the action at the very beginning which I really liked. I was drawn in only a few pages in and had a hard time putting it down after that.
There were a lot of characters in here as you can imagine since there are seven brothers. I’ll start off by saying, I loved the brothers and I cannot wait to get their stories!! I get excited just thinking about it. Since this story is about Delia, their sister, there wasn’t a whole lot of characterization given to them so that makes me even more excited to get to know them in the coming books!
Delia was a great main character. She was seriously determined and didn’t give up. Her love for her brothers and their love for her was so sweet. I loved it!
Geoffrey was a pretty great character too. He’s conflicted by what his duty as a knight of the king is and what he is knows in his heart is right. His desire to do right and do as God would have him do was really admirable and that’s what made him a great hero.
Besides our main characters, the bad guys were definitely easy to dislike. I was so cautious of everyone Delia came in contact with that I was giving her serious talks in my head not to trust anyone. 😂
The plot was fast-paced and kept my interest the entire time. Since everything seemed impossibly doomed, I had no idea how things were ever going to make it out alive. Needless to say, the suspense in here was great and kept me turning the pages.
The faith content in here was something I loved a lot. I love how Delia and Geoffrey pray and put their trust in God, even when they can’t understand why things are happening as they are.
The romance was completely sweet and clean, nothing but a kiss. I appreciate that so much!
In the end, I really enjoyed this book. It had a lot of suspense, a sweet romance, and a plenty of action. I’m beyond excited for the rest of this series, especially Edwin’s story in the next book!
February 22, 2021
4.5⭐️
Delias life was good and happy until the day her father remarried then everything went dowhill from there.
Soon after her evil stepmother took control of Delias father, he was murdered and his 7 sons were accused.
They were brought to the London Tower and sentenced to be executed if the king believed them guilty Delia had to do everything in her power to convince the King otherwise. So Delia served as a lowly servant to stay close to her brothers.
But keeping her true identity a secret proved harder than she first thought when two guards, Elliot and Geoffery befriend her but both do not have pure intentions.
I flew through this! I forgot how easy and gripping Dickerson writes and I cant wait for the next book!
Delias life was good and happy until the day her father remarried then everything went dowhill from there.
Soon after her evil stepmother took control of Delias father, he was murdered and his 7 sons were accused.
They were brought to the London Tower and sentenced to be executed if the king believed them guilty Delia had to do everything in her power to convince the King otherwise. So Delia served as a lowly servant to stay close to her brothers.
But keeping her true identity a secret proved harder than she first thought when two guards, Elliot and Geoffery befriend her but both do not have pure intentions.
I flew through this! I forgot how easy and gripping Dickerson writes and I cant wait for the next book!
May 12, 2025
I really enjoy Melanie Dickerson's writing.
I look forward to more books by her!
14/15+
I look forward to more books by her!
14/15+
March 16, 2024
I really liked this😢😢❤️ It wasn't her most romantic book but the plot will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The faith of these characters was amazing and I love how it shows that all things work together for good to those who love God. We don't always know why God does the things he does but we know He has a purpose for our pain. This book conveyed that beautifully.
I loved Delia and Geoffrey. They were both so strong and brave.
The faith of these characters was amazing and I love how it shows that all things work together for good to those who love God. We don't always know why God does the things he does but we know He has a purpose for our pain. This book conveyed that beautifully.
I loved Delia and Geoffrey. They were both so strong and brave.
October 29, 2025
This book was ok. I might even say it was pretty good.
I normally don't read books like this, as I am not into romance novels, but it was recommended to me so I gave it a shot. It was better then I thought it would be, with more action and less romance then I had originally anticipated it would have.
While there was less romance then I had expected, there was still more then I would have preferred. I would have been fine without the oft reoccurring "he's so handsome" thoughts from Delia, which got a little repetitive and tiring. I also found it creepy how the book repeatedly said "his gaze drifted to her lips" or "she stared at his lips." I was kind of grossed out by that.
There is not a lot of mushy romance, which was good.
The story had more action then I thought it would, which kept the story interesting and it flowed pretty well. The characters are not bad, and I liked how courageous and self-sacrificing the brothers and Delia were for each other.
The story was written pretty well. However, while the writing style wasn't bad, there was something about it that I found, for lack of a better word, slightly bland. It was ok, but just seemed to be lacking 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 I enjoy in other books. I'm not sure exactly what it was, but it wasn't so bad as to prevent me from enjoying the story.
The plot is tied together fairly well. I'm glad that it didn't really end on a cliff-hanger even though there are other books in the series, and that the story was wrapped up in this book. The ending worked, though it was a pretty fortunate chain of unexpected events that led to Delia saving her brothers. It seemed pretty darn lucky for Delia that everything fell so nicely into place, but maybe that was supposed to be God's grace helping her. If so, I can accept that.
I did like how all of the characters are Catholic, and speak of God, prayer and the Bible. It was nice that Christianity was portrayed in such a good light, and I enjoyed that aspect of the book.
One thing I was disappointed about was that Delia's brothers didn't turn into swans.
Since it's a "retelling" of the fairy tale The Wild Swans, I had thought that her brothers would turn into swans and she'd have to knit ivy sweaters to save them, since that's the entire plot of the original tale. I had kind of been looking forward to that, and was interested to see how the author might incorporate it. However, the brothers did not turn into swans at all. Delia just knits them sweaters out of wool because she wanted to, not because she had to. I think it should have been labeled as "inspired by" The Wild Swans instead of as "a retelling".
Also, even though the book is called "Court of Swans" there are only two scenes with swans in the entire book. The castle isn't actually called the court of swans, and swans provide nothing significant to the story. Delia happens to see some swans at two different times for about two sentences, and then the story moves on. I am unsure as to why the book has the title it does.
It should have been titled differently.
All in all, this was an ok book. Though the brothers did not turn into swans, it was over-all better then I had thought it would be, and a fine book to read if you're just looking for something to read.
I normally don't read books like this, as I am not into romance novels, but it was recommended to me so I gave it a shot. It was better then I thought it would be, with more action and less romance then I had originally anticipated it would have.
While there was less romance then I had expected, there was still more then I would have preferred. I would have been fine without the oft reoccurring "he's so handsome" thoughts from Delia, which got a little repetitive and tiring. I also found it creepy how the book repeatedly said "his gaze drifted to her lips" or "she stared at his lips." I was kind of grossed out by that.
There is not a lot of mushy romance, which was good.
The story had more action then I thought it would, which kept the story interesting and it flowed pretty well. The characters are not bad, and I liked how courageous and self-sacrificing the brothers and Delia were for each other.
The story was written pretty well. However, while the writing style wasn't bad, there was something about it that I found, for lack of a better word, slightly bland. It was ok, but just seemed to be lacking 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 I enjoy in other books. I'm not sure exactly what it was, but it wasn't so bad as to prevent me from enjoying the story.
The plot is tied together fairly well. I'm glad that it didn't really end on a cliff-hanger even though there are other books in the series, and that the story was wrapped up in this book. The ending worked, though it was a pretty fortunate chain of unexpected events that led to Delia saving her brothers. It seemed pretty darn lucky for Delia that everything fell so nicely into place, but maybe that was supposed to be God's grace helping her. If so, I can accept that.
I did like how all of the characters are Catholic, and speak of God, prayer and the Bible. It was nice that Christianity was portrayed in such a good light, and I enjoyed that aspect of the book.
One thing I was disappointed about was that Delia's brothers didn't turn into swans.
Since it's a "retelling" of the fairy tale The Wild Swans, I had thought that her brothers would turn into swans and she'd have to knit ivy sweaters to save them, since that's the entire plot of the original tale. I had kind of been looking forward to that, and was interested to see how the author might incorporate it. However, the brothers did not turn into swans at all. Delia just knits them sweaters out of wool because she wanted to, not because she had to. I think it should have been labeled as "inspired by" The Wild Swans instead of as "a retelling".
Also, even though the book is called "Court of Swans" there are only two scenes with swans in the entire book. The castle isn't actually called the court of swans, and swans provide nothing significant to the story. Delia happens to see some swans at two different times for about two sentences, and then the story moves on. I am unsure as to why the book has the title it does.
It should have been titled differently.
All in all, this was an ok book. Though the brothers did not turn into swans, it was over-all better then I had thought it would be, and a fine book to read if you're just looking for something to read.
November 5, 2020
First up, huge enormous thanks to the wonderful people at Netgalley for sending me a free copy for review!!
This is a difficult review to write, in part because I am not the market here. It's not YA, I'll say that up front. It's a book for children, though it's definitely in the upper age range there. I thought this was everything I wanted: fairytale reference, check, historical setting, check, adventure and romance, check. But let's pull those apart a bit.
The fairytale reference. The seven swan brothers and their clever sister. The magic and mystery of it makes it an ideal fairytale to adapt for a novel, and I was more surprised that it hadn't been done in any major novel before. I realised why quite quickly. The seven brothers: none of them have distinct personalities. There are simply too many characters on the board too quickly for anyone to get enough of an introduction to make an impression. And having them all in a group for almost the rest of the novel doesn't help that. And the magic of the fairytale itself is absent. There were references, but little more than a nod here and there that left me feeling more cheated than nostalgic.
The historical setting. The reign of Richard II, post Wat's Rebellion. The historical facts are shaky at best and where they are correct, they stand out. The insistent use of 'Wardroab Tower' rather than modernising the spelling made me cringe, as well as the lack of any real knowledge of the layout of the Tower of London or even the historical use of the 'Wardroab' (which wasn't a prison at that time!) Delia mentions wearing a wimple only once, so we can assume that she's improperly dressed at all other times and therefore deeply impious, no matter how much she talks about God.
Adventure and romance. Yes to the second, a hand-wavy gesture to the first. There's romance and its exactly what you expect, with exactly the moments you expect, with exactly the lines you expect, etc. Adventure? Eh. The plot has some slightly weird pacing at times, the kind of pacing that makes me think that the author didn't really know what she wanted to write even as she was writing it. Characters appear and disappear, there are sudden reveals that aren't foreshadowed at all, there are long chapters that are almost nothing but sitting and sewing or sitting and knitting, followed by frenetic scenes of racing through the London streets and random decisions that come from absolutely nowhere.
It gains confidence as it goes, and the end scenes tie everything together with an appropriate neatness and even more references to the Will Of God. If I were ten I imagine I'd be thrilled with this book. But I'm not, and I was hoping for more.
This is a difficult review to write, in part because I am not the market here. It's not YA, I'll say that up front. It's a book for children, though it's definitely in the upper age range there. I thought this was everything I wanted: fairytale reference, check, historical setting, check, adventure and romance, check. But let's pull those apart a bit.
The fairytale reference. The seven swan brothers and their clever sister. The magic and mystery of it makes it an ideal fairytale to adapt for a novel, and I was more surprised that it hadn't been done in any major novel before. I realised why quite quickly. The seven brothers: none of them have distinct personalities. There are simply too many characters on the board too quickly for anyone to get enough of an introduction to make an impression. And having them all in a group for almost the rest of the novel doesn't help that. And the magic of the fairytale itself is absent. There were references, but little more than a nod here and there that left me feeling more cheated than nostalgic.
The historical setting. The reign of Richard II, post Wat's Rebellion. The historical facts are shaky at best and where they are correct, they stand out. The insistent use of 'Wardroab Tower' rather than modernising the spelling made me cringe, as well as the lack of any real knowledge of the layout of the Tower of London or even the historical use of the 'Wardroab' (which wasn't a prison at that time!) Delia mentions wearing a wimple only once, so we can assume that she's improperly dressed at all other times and therefore deeply impious, no matter how much she talks about God.
Adventure and romance. Yes to the second, a hand-wavy gesture to the first. There's romance and its exactly what you expect, with exactly the moments you expect, with exactly the lines you expect, etc. Adventure? Eh. The plot has some slightly weird pacing at times, the kind of pacing that makes me think that the author didn't really know what she wanted to write even as she was writing it. Characters appear and disappear, there are sudden reveals that aren't foreshadowed at all, there are long chapters that are almost nothing but sitting and sewing or sitting and knitting, followed by frenetic scenes of racing through the London streets and random decisions that come from absolutely nowhere.
It gains confidence as it goes, and the end scenes tie everything together with an appropriate neatness and even more references to the Will Of God. If I were ten I imagine I'd be thrilled with this book. But I'm not, and I was hoping for more.
November 29, 2020
Such courage, and such bravery. But also such danger and so much backstabbing and conniving.
This is an author that I have read a lot of. She does amazing work and I love that my teenage daughters can read her books without me feeling like there may be something in them that I don't want my girls to read about.
In this book we meet Delia who is the lone girl among her house of brothers. Her mother died and her father remarries. It's then that their troubles really start. The boys are all sent off even the young ones to apprentice to become knights. Her stepmother does not like her at all and she often feels that something is wrong.
When her stepmother has a baby and she hears her stepmother asking for that young boy to be the one to inherit she knows something bad is coming, she just doesn't know what.
And then it starts. Her father dies. It's said to be an accident but there are speculations. But then it becomes worse when her brothers are ALL (yes even the young ones) taken to the tower as threats to the crown.
Delia must save them but she's not sure how. She goes to her aunt who is an abbess for help and that's where her own adventure really starts. When her brothers are sentenced to death she knows she must help them escape.
Can Delia escape this ordeal unharmed? Can she save her brothers and get their land and names back?
This is a wonderful book. It read quickly and I enjoyed it. My daughters did as well and it has made us anxious to get more in this series.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
This is an author that I have read a lot of. She does amazing work and I love that my teenage daughters can read her books without me feeling like there may be something in them that I don't want my girls to read about.
In this book we meet Delia who is the lone girl among her house of brothers. Her mother died and her father remarries. It's then that their troubles really start. The boys are all sent off even the young ones to apprentice to become knights. Her stepmother does not like her at all and she often feels that something is wrong.
When her stepmother has a baby and she hears her stepmother asking for that young boy to be the one to inherit she knows something bad is coming, she just doesn't know what.
And then it starts. Her father dies. It's said to be an accident but there are speculations. But then it becomes worse when her brothers are ALL (yes even the young ones) taken to the tower as threats to the crown.
Delia must save them but she's not sure how. She goes to her aunt who is an abbess for help and that's where her own adventure really starts. When her brothers are sentenced to death she knows she must help them escape.
Can Delia escape this ordeal unharmed? Can she save her brothers and get their land and names back?
This is a wonderful book. It read quickly and I enjoyed it. My daughters did as well and it has made us anxious to get more in this series.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
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April 26, 2025
3.5 stars
This was pretty good!! The romance felt kinda sudden like they went from being complete strangers to suddenly loving each other, and I was slightly bored at times, but it was really good otherwise!!
I love how close what's her name and all of her brothers are!! They seemed too perfect for some of them being 10 or 12 ish.... but I love how close they all are!!
I got to visit the Tower of London recently, so it was cool getting to see the characters at the Tower of London, even if they were prisoners, lol.
And I feel kinda bad for the maids.... Like after they said that everyone always leaves she just leaves them and forgets about them, too...
Overall, this was pretty good, but not my favorite Melanie Dickerson book.
This was pretty good!! The romance felt kinda sudden like they went from being complete strangers to suddenly loving each other, and I was slightly bored at times, but it was really good otherwise!!
I love how close what's her name and all of her brothers are!! They seemed too perfect for some of them being 10 or 12 ish.... but I love how close they all are!!
I got to visit the Tower of London recently, so it was cool getting to see the characters at the Tower of London, even if they were prisoners, lol.
And I feel kinda bad for the maids.... Like after they said that everyone always leaves she just leaves them and forgets about them, too...
Overall, this was pretty good, but not my favorite Melanie Dickerson book.
November 7, 2020
A very young adult story that was convoluted and could have been much better with more time and attention to detail. It often felt as if the author couldn’t decide if it was a tale for 12 year old girls or 18 year old girls (often very immature while trying to cover mature topics). The beginning of the book was so rushed that I was never given a chance to connect to the characters let alone care what happened to them.
I was provided with an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was provided with an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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