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The Clockwork Crow #3
The Midnight Swan
With an invisible girl, a parliament of owls and a pen that writes by itself, the journey to the Garden of the Midnight Swan might be Seren's most dangerous adventure yet.
In this third book of the award-winning The Clockwork Crow series, Seren and Tomos must try to help the Crow find the way back to his human form. But why is Captain Jones enquiring about Seren's past? How have the sinister Fair Family gate-crashed the Midsummer Ball, and what is the one desire of the mysterious Midnight Swan?
In this third book of the award-winning The Clockwork Crow series, Seren and Tomos must try to help the Crow find the way back to his human form. But why is Captain Jones enquiring about Seren's past? How have the sinister Fair Family gate-crashed the Midsummer Ball, and what is the one desire of the mysterious Midnight Swan?
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2020
9 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Fisher
64 books1,611 followersCatherine Fisher was born in Newport, Wales. She graduated from the University of Wales with a degree in English and a fascination for myth and history. She has worked in education and archaeology and as a lecturer in creative writing at the University of Glamorgan. She is a Fellow of the Welsh Academy.
Catherine is an acclaimed poet and novelist, regularly lecturing and giving readings to groups of all ages. She leads sessions for teachers and librarians and is an experienced broadcaster and adjudicator. She lives in Newport, Gwent.
Catherine has won many awards and much critical acclaim for her work. Her poetry has appeared in leading periodicals and anthologies and her volume Immrama won the WAC Young Writers' Prize. She won the Cardiff International Poetry Competition in 1990.
Her first novel, The Conjuror's Game, was shortlisted for the Smarties Books prize and The Snow-Walker's Son for the W.H.Smith Award. Equally acclaimed is her quartet The Book of the Crow, a classic of fantasy fiction.
The Oracle, the first volume in the Oracle trilogy, blends Egyptian and Greek elements of magic and adventure and was shortlisted for the Whitbread Children's Books prize. The trilogy was an international bestseller and has appeared in over twenty languages. The Candleman won the Welsh Books Council's Tir Na n'Og Prize and Catherine was also shortlisted for the remarkable Corbenic, a modern re-inventing of the Grail legend.
Her futuristic novel Incarceron was published to widespread praise in 2007, winning the Mythopoeic Society of America's Children's Fiction Award and selected by The Times as its Children's Book of the Year. The sequel, Sapphique, was published in September 2008.
Catherine is an acclaimed poet and novelist, regularly lecturing and giving readings to groups of all ages. She leads sessions for teachers and librarians and is an experienced broadcaster and adjudicator. She lives in Newport, Gwent.
Catherine has won many awards and much critical acclaim for her work. Her poetry has appeared in leading periodicals and anthologies and her volume Immrama won the WAC Young Writers' Prize. She won the Cardiff International Poetry Competition in 1990.
Her first novel, The Conjuror's Game, was shortlisted for the Smarties Books prize and The Snow-Walker's Son for the W.H.Smith Award. Equally acclaimed is her quartet The Book of the Crow, a classic of fantasy fiction.
The Oracle, the first volume in the Oracle trilogy, blends Egyptian and Greek elements of magic and adventure and was shortlisted for the Whitbread Children's Books prize. The trilogy was an international bestseller and has appeared in over twenty languages. The Candleman won the Welsh Books Council's Tir Na n'Og Prize and Catherine was also shortlisted for the remarkable Corbenic, a modern re-inventing of the Grail legend.
Her futuristic novel Incarceron was published to widespread praise in 2007, winning the Mythopoeic Society of America's Children's Fiction Award and selected by The Times as its Children's Book of the Year. The sequel, Sapphique, was published in September 2008.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
October 5, 2022
مثل همه ی جلد های قبلیش زود تموم شد و حتی باید بگم زودتر از اونا.
این مجموعه رو خیلی دوست داشتم همه جلداش کلا ۱۴ فصلن و با اینکه نسبتا کوتاهن اما خیلی کشش دارن و روند مناسبی برای پیش بردن داستان داره.
به نظرم اگر دنبال یک کتاب جذاب هستین که باهاش حس خوبی بگیرین و بهتون هم خوش بگذره بهترین انتخابه من که خیلی دوستش دارم و پایان خوشش واقعا بهم چسبید💕
این مجموعه رو خیلی دوست داشتم همه جلداش کلا ۱۴ فصلن و با اینکه نسبتا کوتاهن اما خیلی کشش دارن و روند مناسبی برای پیش بردن داستان داره.
به نظرم اگر دنبال یک کتاب جذاب هستین که باهاش حس خوبی بگیرین و بهتون هم خوش بگذره بهترین انتخابه من که خیلی دوستش دارم و پایان خوشش واقعا بهم چسبید💕
November 3, 2020
This is a wonderful finale to the Clockwork Crow trilogy, weaving its spooky folkloric magic into a new adventure. Seren is the same brave and clever protagonist and I enjoyed reading this instalment where her reoccurring fears of further abandonment are addressed. It was also great to have Tomas awake for this book and bale to join her on her latest adventure! These two have such a lovely friend/sibling bond and it definitely needed the extra page time. The Clockwork Crow himself is a character I didn't particularly like in the first book but had warmed to by the time I reached this last book - his journey and characterisation are both funny and sad, but I loved how Fisher shows his true feelings under all the ego and grumpiness. Again, this was a short and formulaic adventure with a new threat from The Family (some might find this repetitive) but I think it's perfect for reluctant readers and those wanting something shorter to read. It's a beautiful end to the trilogy and I hope Fisher writes more books with Welsh folklore at the heart of them, as they are some of her best.
November 21, 2020
[ARC Provided by NetGalley, my review is unbiased]
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📗 A perfect (potentially final) book for this series, we finally find out the origins of the Clockwork Crow and how to make him human again. Meanwhile, Seren's found family have started asking her strange questions about any other family members she has and she's scared of being sent back to the orphanage.
📕 As an adult, it was easy for me to predict what would happen next but that never affected my enjoyment of the story. This third book brings the Fair Family back into Seren's life - and Seren back into their world, searching for the lost egg of the Midnight Swan, fulfilling a promise that the Clockwork Crow made many years ago.
📘 I loved the ending of this story, and it felt final, wrapping all the loose ends up and letting me know that these characters that I've grown so attached to this year were going to be okay, and I could see the paths they would take in the future. However, I would never say no to more books.
Wordpress Blog | Twitter | Pinterest
📗 A perfect (potentially final) book for this series, we finally find out the origins of the Clockwork Crow and how to make him human again. Meanwhile, Seren's found family have started asking her strange questions about any other family members she has and she's scared of being sent back to the orphanage.
📕 As an adult, it was easy for me to predict what would happen next but that never affected my enjoyment of the story. This third book brings the Fair Family back into Seren's life - and Seren back into their world, searching for the lost egg of the Midnight Swan, fulfilling a promise that the Clockwork Crow made many years ago.
📘 I loved the ending of this story, and it felt final, wrapping all the loose ends up and letting me know that these characters that I've grown so attached to this year were going to be okay, and I could see the paths they would take in the future. However, I would never say no to more books.
December 3, 2020
I managed to read this whole series through Netgalley. Thank you! I loved it.
This was a great way to finish of the series. The book itself I enjoyed just slightly less than the second (which absolutely nailed the creepy Faeries). This one focused on the crow, which is what we have been waiting for this whole series and was very satisfying. It did make this book lack a bit in atmosphere for me though.
Seren was amazing in this story (she always is but really shone in this one), and Tomos got plenty of page time as well, showing us their wonderful friendship. We see new parts of the world, are introduced to the Midnight Swan in her garden of singing roses and the Court of Birds.
The ending is just so sweet and lovely, it made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside and I actually teared up a bit. Just the perfect ending to a great series.
This was a great way to finish of the series. The book itself I enjoyed just slightly less than the second (which absolutely nailed the creepy Faeries). This one focused on the crow, which is what we have been waiting for this whole series and was very satisfying. It did make this book lack a bit in atmosphere for me though.
Seren was amazing in this story (she always is but really shone in this one), and Tomos got plenty of page time as well, showing us their wonderful friendship. We see new parts of the world, are introduced to the Midnight Swan in her garden of singing roses and the Court of Birds.
The ending is just so sweet and lovely, it made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside and I actually teared up a bit. Just the perfect ending to a great series.
March 17, 2025
Review is coming
September 26, 2020
Thank you so much to NetGalley and firefly press for the earc to read and review.
What an incredible way to finish off this incredible series. I loved both the two prior books in the series but I think I actually loved this one the most.
As always the story is so well thought out and so creatively written, with this story comes closure, one final adventure to the dark fae world and our truthful answers for the clockwork crow.
Seren was utterly brave in this one, each book she is brave and has things to overcome but this one she is even more fiercely brave and determined, this time to help break the crows curse once and for all but with it may come a huge sacrifice and a test of her hearts dearest desire.
This story took us to the midnight swan an evil black swan darkened in her heart for something They did to her many centuries before. Tomos, Seren and The Crow have to pass her tests if they want to reach her and it won’t be so easy as They are always lurking.
I’m so glad to have completed the story and this series and I totally cried in that last chapter not going to lie. This is a new favourite series that I will gladly read over and over. So creatively thought out, incredible adventures, mystery, intrigue and fear whilst reading and characters that you cannot help but connect with.
What an incredible way to finish off this incredible series. I loved both the two prior books in the series but I think I actually loved this one the most.
As always the story is so well thought out and so creatively written, with this story comes closure, one final adventure to the dark fae world and our truthful answers for the clockwork crow.
Seren was utterly brave in this one, each book she is brave and has things to overcome but this one she is even more fiercely brave and determined, this time to help break the crows curse once and for all but with it may come a huge sacrifice and a test of her hearts dearest desire.
This story took us to the midnight swan an evil black swan darkened in her heart for something They did to her many centuries before. Tomos, Seren and The Crow have to pass her tests if they want to reach her and it won’t be so easy as They are always lurking.
I’m so glad to have completed the story and this series and I totally cried in that last chapter not going to lie. This is a new favourite series that I will gladly read over and over. So creatively thought out, incredible adventures, mystery, intrigue and fear whilst reading and characters that you cannot help but connect with.
December 18, 2020
Wow what an ending! This was such a great way to end this trilogy. I loved absolutely everything about it. The whole story of this book, & every single thing about the ending, & how the author wrapped everything up. I was so emotional-in a good way. I’m going to miss Seren, the Crow, Tomos, & Denzil too so much. I will always have a soft spot in my heart for Seren & the Crow especially. This was another magical, mysterious, adventure. Full of so much heart. I absolutely loved all 3 books, & highly recommend this whole trilogy. Look at that beautiful cover too!💜
January 21, 2024
En fantastisk og magisk steampunk fantasy. Den er både sjov, spændende og hjertevarm
Stor anbefaling af både serien og lydbogs oplæseren
Stor anbefaling af både serien og lydbogs oplæseren
October 31, 2020
The third part of a trilogy that started with The Clockwork Crow, and continued with The Velvet Fox, The Midnight Swan ties everything up beautifully and in a very satisfying way.
One of the things I really love about this trilogy is the feeling of dark, creepy fae magic. The Folk may be charming but their also definitely scary, and this enchanting darkness comes across so well. The tension between the attraction and the fear is increased for the final part of the trilogy, creating some incredible haunting and powerful scenes.
There's a lot of humour too, which helps lighten the mood and keeps the book very readable. Most of it is at the expense of the poor clockwork crow, the children's tutor, trapped in the raggedy form of a crow.
The story introduces a new mystery, a box that Seren finds in a delightfully mysterious market, and new creatures of power who can help her. The idea of a quest to seek a favour is such a fairy story classic, and it works so well here. Catherine Fisher is clearly very familiar with the older source material, and how to twist it into her own stories to create beautiful new patterns and pictures.
There's additional tension as the narrative deals headlong with the fact that Seren is an orphan, and a ward of the family, and what this might mean for her future. Watching her fret and worry about this, as she snoops around the house, really helped raise the already high emotional stakes and the novel delivers a suitably powerful emotional ending.
One of the things I really love about this trilogy is the feeling of dark, creepy fae magic. The Folk may be charming but their also definitely scary, and this enchanting darkness comes across so well. The tension between the attraction and the fear is increased for the final part of the trilogy, creating some incredible haunting and powerful scenes.
There's a lot of humour too, which helps lighten the mood and keeps the book very readable. Most of it is at the expense of the poor clockwork crow, the children's tutor, trapped in the raggedy form of a crow.
The story introduces a new mystery, a box that Seren finds in a delightfully mysterious market, and new creatures of power who can help her. The idea of a quest to seek a favour is such a fairy story classic, and it works so well here. Catherine Fisher is clearly very familiar with the older source material, and how to twist it into her own stories to create beautiful new patterns and pictures.
There's additional tension as the narrative deals headlong with the fact that Seren is an orphan, and a ward of the family, and what this might mean for her future. Watching her fret and worry about this, as she snoops around the house, really helped raise the already high emotional stakes and the novel delivers a suitably powerful emotional ending.
November 14, 2020
Amazing read
July 6, 2020
It has been a while since I have been in the world of Seren and the Clockwork Crow so it was with great excitement that I re-read the first two books after being approved via NetGalley for an ARC of The Midnight Swan. Yes, this can be read as a stand-alone, but to really appreciate the story and how the tales of Seren, Tomos and the Clockwork Crow unfold it is well worth taking the time to enjoy the Clockwork Crow and the Velvet Fox before The Midnight Swan.
After twice rescuing Tomos from the Tylwth Teg all is well at Plas-Y-Fran. The house is calm and Seren, Tomos and the rest of the residents are living happily surrounded by Denzil’s protective charms to keep out ‘Them’. They have even taken the time to celebrate together at the Summer Fair. But the Tylwyth Teg are never far away and Seren finds herself drawn to a box emblazoned with a swan and a message that could be the answer to the Crow’s problems.
When a green fountain pen that Tomos finds turns out to be cursed they realise too late and the pen has invited in the very people that they are so desperately trying to keep out. With everyone in danger and Seren fearing that she may be sent back to the orphanage she makes the bravest decision of all…
Catherine Fisher has turned out yet another magical mystery that will keep readers guessing right until the end. The Midnight Swan is well-paced and will keep readers in that uncomfortable yet exciting place, shrouded in mystery and suspense and with just the right amount of spooky.
As soon as I began reading, I was once again swept away by Fisher’s delightful prose and I immediately felt like I was back with old friends. Like the two previous books, The Midnight Swan is full of magical objects, mysterious beings and folklore. I love the two lines rhymes at the start of each chapter that give a taste of what is to come.
With characters facing constant peril, the reader is always wondering will they, won’t they make it. There are plenty of twists, turns and troubling truths. I have been desperate to know the truth about the Crow, and Fisher has unveiled this beautifully. The Crow has lost none of his irritable demeanour and is back at his bossy and demanding best. Seren is a plucky heroine who is loyal to those she cares about. Her loyalty is tested to the absolute limits this time around as she has to decide whether to sacrifice herself to save someone else.
Woven within the tale are strong messages about friendship, family, belonging, empathy and resilience. Many of these messages come out through the actions of Seren and the choices that she makes.
This is a genuine page-turner. Fisher’s writing keeps you on tenterhooks and I read the book in one siting. It was unputdownable. I love this trilogy and recommend it to readers of 8+.
With thanks to Netgalley and Firefly Press for the advanced reader copy.
After twice rescuing Tomos from the Tylwth Teg all is well at Plas-Y-Fran. The house is calm and Seren, Tomos and the rest of the residents are living happily surrounded by Denzil’s protective charms to keep out ‘Them’. They have even taken the time to celebrate together at the Summer Fair. But the Tylwyth Teg are never far away and Seren finds herself drawn to a box emblazoned with a swan and a message that could be the answer to the Crow’s problems.
When a green fountain pen that Tomos finds turns out to be cursed they realise too late and the pen has invited in the very people that they are so desperately trying to keep out. With everyone in danger and Seren fearing that she may be sent back to the orphanage she makes the bravest decision of all…
Catherine Fisher has turned out yet another magical mystery that will keep readers guessing right until the end. The Midnight Swan is well-paced and will keep readers in that uncomfortable yet exciting place, shrouded in mystery and suspense and with just the right amount of spooky.
As soon as I began reading, I was once again swept away by Fisher’s delightful prose and I immediately felt like I was back with old friends. Like the two previous books, The Midnight Swan is full of magical objects, mysterious beings and folklore. I love the two lines rhymes at the start of each chapter that give a taste of what is to come.
With characters facing constant peril, the reader is always wondering will they, won’t they make it. There are plenty of twists, turns and troubling truths. I have been desperate to know the truth about the Crow, and Fisher has unveiled this beautifully. The Crow has lost none of his irritable demeanour and is back at his bossy and demanding best. Seren is a plucky heroine who is loyal to those she cares about. Her loyalty is tested to the absolute limits this time around as she has to decide whether to sacrifice herself to save someone else.
Woven within the tale are strong messages about friendship, family, belonging, empathy and resilience. Many of these messages come out through the actions of Seren and the choices that she makes.
This is a genuine page-turner. Fisher’s writing keeps you on tenterhooks and I read the book in one siting. It was unputdownable. I love this trilogy and recommend it to readers of 8+.
With thanks to Netgalley and Firefly Press for the advanced reader copy.
July 27, 2020
Thank you to Firefly Press and Netgalley for this digital advance copy.
Having read The Clockwork Crow and The Velvet Fox, I was over the moon to be given the opportunity to read this early. I absolutely adored the first two novels and the eerie, ethereal Twylyth Teg.
The summer fair has arrived at Plas-y Fran and while enjoying all it has to offer, Seren discovers a strange stall full of old items down an alley. Picking up a beautiful old box that she believes will help the crow on his quest to become human again, the Twylyth Teg are once again summoned and come to wreak havoc. Amidst this, Seren is also dealing with suspicions that the Jones family have plans for her to move on from the place she has come to regard as home.
Seren remains feisty and courageous, as in the previous novels and ready to stand up to The Fair Family. She is a fantastic protagonist and I love how she dotes upon the crow, despite his constant cantankerous nature.
My favourite part of Catherine Fisher’s writing, however, is her evocative description of the Twylyth Teg and their land. It’s like a written version of an Enya song in my head! (And let me tell you, I love Enya!). Faeries are tricky creatures to be feared and this is never far from the back of my mind while reading these novels. The description is so effective, it sets me on edge and makes me feel nervous whenever we cross into the land of the Fair family.
This trilogy has been amazing and I can’t wait to start reading them to my son. The Midnight Swan is a dazzling final instalment and I couldn’t put it down.
Having read The Clockwork Crow and The Velvet Fox, I was over the moon to be given the opportunity to read this early. I absolutely adored the first two novels and the eerie, ethereal Twylyth Teg.
The summer fair has arrived at Plas-y Fran and while enjoying all it has to offer, Seren discovers a strange stall full of old items down an alley. Picking up a beautiful old box that she believes will help the crow on his quest to become human again, the Twylyth Teg are once again summoned and come to wreak havoc. Amidst this, Seren is also dealing with suspicions that the Jones family have plans for her to move on from the place she has come to regard as home.
Seren remains feisty and courageous, as in the previous novels and ready to stand up to The Fair Family. She is a fantastic protagonist and I love how she dotes upon the crow, despite his constant cantankerous nature.
My favourite part of Catherine Fisher’s writing, however, is her evocative description of the Twylyth Teg and their land. It’s like a written version of an Enya song in my head! (And let me tell you, I love Enya!). Faeries are tricky creatures to be feared and this is never far from the back of my mind while reading these novels. The description is so effective, it sets me on edge and makes me feel nervous whenever we cross into the land of the Fair family.
This trilogy has been amazing and I can’t wait to start reading them to my son. The Midnight Swan is a dazzling final instalment and I couldn’t put it down.
January 22, 2021
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the third (and I'm assuming from the ending, final) book in the Clockwork Crow series following on from The Clockwork Crow and The Velvet Fox. You do need to read the other books in this series first or this book won't make a lot of sense to you.
These books are beautifully written with detailed descriptions that make it easy to envisage a country manor house in Wales 100 or so years ago. You can tell that the author knows a lot about the myths and legends from this area and as always the Fair Folk and their magic seems beautiful but with an undercurrent of cruelty and fear.
I actually enjoyed this book more than the other two installments. My issues with both of the books prior to this one was I felt that Seren solved the problems she was facing too easily and the solution was something that I, the reader, couldn't have worked out from what I was told. This book was much better in this respect and I felt as a whole the story was an interesting magical adventure.
There was definitely some character growth for both the Crow and Seren and the ending was well done. Several of the other characters (Captain Jones, Denzil and Lady Mair) haven't changed much and do still feel rather two-dimensional.
Overall, I would recommend this book to readers aged 8+ who enjoy magical stories and historical fiction.
This is the third (and I'm assuming from the ending, final) book in the Clockwork Crow series following on from The Clockwork Crow and The Velvet Fox. You do need to read the other books in this series first or this book won't make a lot of sense to you.
These books are beautifully written with detailed descriptions that make it easy to envisage a country manor house in Wales 100 or so years ago. You can tell that the author knows a lot about the myths and legends from this area and as always the Fair Folk and their magic seems beautiful but with an undercurrent of cruelty and fear.
I actually enjoyed this book more than the other two installments. My issues with both of the books prior to this one was I felt that Seren solved the problems she was facing too easily and the solution was something that I, the reader, couldn't have worked out from what I was told. This book was much better in this respect and I felt as a whole the story was an interesting magical adventure.
There was definitely some character growth for both the Crow and Seren and the ending was well done. Several of the other characters (Captain Jones, Denzil and Lady Mair) haven't changed much and do still feel rather two-dimensional.
Overall, I would recommend this book to readers aged 8+ who enjoy magical stories and historical fiction.
October 1, 2020
The Midnight Swan by Catherine Fisher
I have to say that Catherine Fisher is definitely one of my favourite children’s writers, her stories are always chock full of magic, mystery, suspense and excitement. The Midnight Swan is the third book in The Clockwork Crow trilogy, aimed at children of 8 to 12 years yet enjoyable by a far wider age range (65 – thank heavens I have grandchildren to use as an excuse!) For those like me who had not read the first two books – The Clockwork Crow and The Velvet Fox (now rectified in my own case), a brief summary, without spoilers, is called for:
Seren is an orphan and in the first book, on her way to a new life in a remote house, she is given a newspaper parcel by a stranger, late at night in a deserted railway station. When she arrives at her new home, she finds that there is a lot of mystery and sadness concerning the absence of Tomos who has been missing for a year and a day. Seren sets off on a magical quest to try and find Tomos.
Catherine Fisher is also a poet and for me her books are full of poetry, her writing is beautiful and magical in itself. What happens to Seren and Tomos is an elegant fairy tale, Wales is full of wonderful magical tales and Catherine Fisher continues this heritage beautifully. This trilogy, like her previous novels is exceptional in every way. I cannot recommend this trilogy highly enough and for those who have read the first two books...WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
I have to say that Catherine Fisher is definitely one of my favourite children’s writers, her stories are always chock full of magic, mystery, suspense and excitement. The Midnight Swan is the third book in The Clockwork Crow trilogy, aimed at children of 8 to 12 years yet enjoyable by a far wider age range (65 – thank heavens I have grandchildren to use as an excuse!) For those like me who had not read the first two books – The Clockwork Crow and The Velvet Fox (now rectified in my own case), a brief summary, without spoilers, is called for:
Seren is an orphan and in the first book, on her way to a new life in a remote house, she is given a newspaper parcel by a stranger, late at night in a deserted railway station. When she arrives at her new home, she finds that there is a lot of mystery and sadness concerning the absence of Tomos who has been missing for a year and a day. Seren sets off on a magical quest to try and find Tomos.
Catherine Fisher is also a poet and for me her books are full of poetry, her writing is beautiful and magical in itself. What happens to Seren and Tomos is an elegant fairy tale, Wales is full of wonderful magical tales and Catherine Fisher continues this heritage beautifully. This trilogy, like her previous novels is exceptional in every way. I cannot recommend this trilogy highly enough and for those who have read the first two books...WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
July 31, 2020
I enjoyed the previous two books in this series (The Clockwork Crow and The Velvet Fox), so I was expecting to enjoy this one. It exceeded my expectations!
I absolutely loved this story. I loved all the usual elements, the Fae, the magic, the Crow, the couplets at the start of each chapter, but this one had so much more. I really enjoyed the fact that Tomos got to take a more active part in this book, rather than just being enchanted by the Fae, as he was in the previous two. I can’t say too much without spoilers, but the ending was wonderful, with love and happiness for all. I sincerely hope this won’t be the last book in the series, but this feels very much like all the threads have been wrapped up. If so, I’ll be looking out for Catherine Fisher’s next book with great eagerness.
On another note, the covers of all three of the books in this series are enchantingly beautiful. I especially loved the cover of The Velvet Fox.
If you’re looking for an easy to read, enchantingly magical adventure story, look no further than this book, indeed this series! I really recommend it.
I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
I absolutely loved this story. I loved all the usual elements, the Fae, the magic, the Crow, the couplets at the start of each chapter, but this one had so much more. I really enjoyed the fact that Tomos got to take a more active part in this book, rather than just being enchanted by the Fae, as he was in the previous two. I can’t say too much without spoilers, but the ending was wonderful, with love and happiness for all. I sincerely hope this won’t be the last book in the series, but this feels very much like all the threads have been wrapped up. If so, I’ll be looking out for Catherine Fisher’s next book with great eagerness.
On another note, the covers of all three of the books in this series are enchantingly beautiful. I especially loved the cover of The Velvet Fox.
If you’re looking for an easy to read, enchantingly magical adventure story, look no further than this book, indeed this series! I really recommend it.
I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
October 10, 2020
Kindle credit | Very sweet ending to the trilogy.
October 10, 2020
The perfect conclusion to a wondrous magical series that truly sets itself apart, The Midnight Swan is completely enthralling. The lyrical wordsmithing weaves a vivid fairytale that wraps around the reader, warming the heart, testing the senses and sending shivers down the spine. Each character plays their part, be it large or small, to perfection. The twists and turns of the enchanted plot brings Seren and her company deeper into the world of the fae than ever before, and we are right there with her. Exquisite description brings this world to life. The elements of family and friendship add a tangible compassion and empathy, while increasing the drama and tension in the tale. Other-worldly, mysterious, exciting, consuming and so incredibly beautiful…do NOT miss this.
October 5, 2020
What a great and delightful story! I loved every moment and enjoyed the this well written and highly entertaining novel.
Great characters and world building, excellent storytelling.
I can't wait to read other stories by this author, this one is excellent.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Great characters and world building, excellent storytelling.
I can't wait to read other stories by this author, this one is excellent.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
October 1, 2020
What a wonderful magical series. It took me back to classic children’s books of 40+ years ago. Set in Wales, this lovely adventure features orphan Seren who has to save her friends and her new home from Them, the Fair Family who will stop at nothing to regain the land they see as Theirs. Headstrong and fearless Seren draws on the investigative techniques of Sherlock Holmes and is assisted by the Clockwork Crow who just happens to be either a prince/professor/school teacher (depending on his fib of the day) who has been transformed against his will into bird form. Together, with a little help from their friends, they take on the mighty Tylwyth Teg. Highly recommended.
August 13, 2020
The Midnight Swan is a great end to such a charming series. It has its own intriguing plot to hook you in, as well as a wonderfully satisfying ending to wrap up the trilogy. Magic, adventure and friendship. What more could you want?
I definitely recommend this series to young and old readers alike. It has an enchanting fairytale quality about it, with a great pace, lots of excitement and really likeable characters.
The previous two books in this series I had purchased myself. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me an e-copy of The Midnight Swan in exchange for an honest review.
I definitely recommend this series to young and old readers alike. It has an enchanting fairytale quality about it, with a great pace, lots of excitement and really likeable characters.
The previous two books in this series I had purchased myself. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me an e-copy of The Midnight Swan in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2020
What a truly delightful children's Book, full of Folk law ,Magic, adventures, wholesome friendships & what that means , trust ,love, & even the addition of learning some Welsh too. This will be being added to the list of Books I'm going to buy & send to my grandchildren in Japan. As this story will enhance their English,teach them some words in Welsh which is also another language from their mixed ancestry.#NetGalley
April 21, 2025
This one wraps the story up perfectly. Crow finally tells Tomos and Seren the truth about how he got turned into Crow- he was a schoolteacher who fell in love - and his love asked him to bring her a white rose when he travelled away, it was winter though and he couldn't find one - until he found a gate with a summer garden. He stole the rose and a huge swan who was the owner of the garden cursed him and tasked him to go to Them and find the egg they stole from her. Seren, Tomos and Crow go on a journey to get the egg back and Seren gets it - but since everyone is acting so odd and mysterious she thinks that they want to send her back to the orphenage, so in exchange for the egg she offers to stay with Them. She later learns that they were acting weirdly because they wanted to adopt her and they wanted to surprise her so she gives Them the jewels Swan gave her for bringing her egg back and They tell her that they won't bother them again - I love that Crow finally got humbled and that he finally realized how much she helped him - he alongside others offer to take her place with Them and he is finally changed back - but this book was just so good I could read a billion more set in this world - I really loved everything about these books - the characters, the setting and the stakes- it was so beautiful and captivating and it will stay with me longer than other fantasy books do.
August 28, 2021
The Midnight Swan is the 3rd, and I very much fear, the last in The Clockwork Crow trilogy. Like #1 and 2, this was a pacey, tense read and although all the strands of the stories from the first two books are neatly tied up in this one, I was very worried about the ending. I won't say how, for fear of spoiling the experience for other readers! I have absolutely loved this series. It's different and can't accurately be compared to any other kids' fiction that I've read. It's beautifully unique and the character of the Crow is genius.
March 15, 2021
I haven't read the previous two books in this trilogy, but despite this, the magical world, the quest element, and the vibrant characters drew me into the story. The main character is courageous and intelligent. The friendship with the crow is believable and the source of humour and poignancy. The story reached a satisfying conclusion for both the characters and the reader.
I received a copy of this book from Firefly Press via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book from Firefly Press via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
May 8, 2021
So I’ve got through the three books and I can honestly say I’m slightly underwhelmed. I only read the third book as it’s been chosen as a class read and like to read it first. It felt like a chore to read with the excitement of my new book arriving being my motivation. Each to their own...but this one isn’t for me.
March 29, 2024
A strong conclusion to the trilogy and worth checking out. The issue with Crow has been resolved, Tomas is a stronger character then in the first book and more friendly with Seren, and Seren gets permanent stability at long last. I didn't expect to get through this book but I was super into finding out how things ended that I didn't want to put the book down.
January 1, 2021
This was a ok book.
His is the last of a 3 part series, this was crows story.
His is the last of a 3 part series, this was crows story.
January 1, 2021
A lovely conclusion to a great little series
June 28, 2021
Read- June 2021 for the Whatever-A-Thon
- I'm glad that I pushed through this series but only because I could cross another series off my list of series I've started.
- I'm glad that I pushed through this series but only because I could cross another series off my list of series I've started.
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