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The Kingdom Tales #4
Kingdom of Feathers: A Retelling of The Wild Swans
A prince who’s king too soon, a princess determined never to be queen—two kingdoms at war Princess Wren is not the crown princess. Everyone else might think her six older brothers are dead, but she knows the truth. They’re very much alive, and her oldest brother will absolutely assume the throne. Once he becomes a little less feathered…and beaky. The trouble is, that requires Wren to fulfill the terms of the curse that transformed her brothers into swans—which means she can’t speak a word to a living soul. For six years. Prince Basil wants to become king at eighteen about as much as he wants to inherit the war that’s burdened his kingdom for six long years. With the death of his father, he’s determined to ignore all advice and reach out to their enemies for an armistice. Even if there’s no one to negotiate with except the kingdom’s silent, timid crown princess. After all, there must be more to her than meets the eye…otherwise the dragons Basil regards as friends wouldn’t take such an interest in her. But other forces are at work, ones with no desire to see the war end. If Wren and Basil want to save their people from further loss, they’ll have to learn to trust each other. Because the only way to uncover their true enemies might be to embrace the ones they thought they knew. Kingdom of Feathers is the fourth installment in The Kingdom Tales, a series of interconnected standalone novels set on the continent of Solstice, where dragons do their own thing, enchanters run amok, and happily ever afters require some chasing. If you enjoy strong heroines, clean romance, and fantasy worlds with a dash of intrigue, discover the world of The Kingdom Tales today.
434 pages, Paperback
First published November 12, 2021
65 people are currently reading
643 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Grace White
44 books354 followersDeborah Grace White was more or less born reading. She grew up on a wide range of books, from classic literature to light-hearted romps. Her love of fantasy was inevitable from the time her father read the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy to her and her siblings when she was four years old.
The love of reading has traveled with her unchanged across multiple continents, and carried her from her own childhood all the way to having children of her own.
But if reading is like looking through a window into a magical and beautiful world, beginning to write her own stories was like discovering she could open that window and climb right out into fantasyland.
Now she gets to live that childhood dream amidst the fun and chaos of life with her husband and their four kids.
Visit Deborah at her website: http://deborahgracewhite.com
Or follow her on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/DeborahGrace...
Or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deborahgrac...
The love of reading has traveled with her unchanged across multiple continents, and carried her from her own childhood all the way to having children of her own.
But if reading is like looking through a window into a magical and beautiful world, beginning to write her own stories was like discovering she could open that window and climb right out into fantasyland.
Now she gets to live that childhood dream amidst the fun and chaos of life with her husband and their four kids.
Visit Deborah at her website: http://deborahgracewhite.com
Or follow her on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/DeborahGrace...
Or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deborahgrac...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
January 3, 2025
4.5 stars ✨
I wasn’t expecting to get so pulled into this story having read about these characters earlier in the year in a connecting story (which I didn’t realize was connecting at the time), but I was definitely sucked into this Wild Swans retelling! I read with eagerness to see when Basil and Wren first meet and was quite giddy to see it happen—his actions and thoughts towards her were so sweet and made me so happy 🥹
I’m also weak to big families and the older protective brother tropes (and she had six of them!) so this book was a complete win in my eyes. 🥰
This almost beat out the second book for my favorite of the series, but not quite. Still really, really enjoyed it though! It was so good to see everyone so far at the epilogue and now I finally get to read the much awaited fifth book! *happy dance*
Main Content-
A mad Enchantress plans to curse Wren and her brothers with their deaths, but instead her brothers are turned into swans and Wren has to be silent for six years unless she wants her brothers to die one by one (this is a major part of the book and we see if happen in the prologue); Wren and her swan-brothers are able to communicate with each other when touching the other; Like in the prior books in this series, magic is not good or evil as it depends on the person’s intent; We see others with magical gifts use them on-page like a man with the ability to control plants or another who can tell when someone is lying; Many mentions of curses, being under it, enchanters/enchantress, and magic, & enchanters sharing magic with other enchanters.
No major language is said, more minor phrases for this world like “what in the blazes” and “dragon’s flame!/what in dragon’s flame” is exclaimed instead; Eye rolling & Sarcasm; Wren feels like her father is disappointed that she survived instead of her older brother (his heir) and while she understands, she is still hurt by it; Some people believe and make comments about Wren being “addled in her mind” (including someone saying that it could be the unbalanced mind like someone who has lost a child adopting a dog in its place); Someone comments on a man being crippled and thus being unable to have a powerful position (according to him and no one agrees).
Almost drowning and passing out, Being attacked, Pain, (up to a few sentences);
Many mentions of the attempted murder of Wren and her brothers (which everyone else including their parents believe to have been successful on the boys), deaths, & grief (for sons, a husband, and a father); Many mentions of a war, fighting, battlefields, deaths, & injuries; Mentions of injuries, pain, & blood/bleeding; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of hunting; A few mentions of surviver’s guilt; A couple mentions of possible executions; A mention of something being a “load of manure”.
1 almost kiss (a couple sentences),
1 kiss lasting a couple sentences,
1 kiss lasting a handful of sentences;
Staring a lips; Wanting to kiss, touch, & embrace (up to a couple sentences);
Touches, Embraces, Hand holding, Nearness, Warmth, & Noticing (including muscles, up to a few sentences).
Basil notes the weariness on his mother’s face and suspects that she would be glad to stop having children (he has twelve younger sisters); Basil notices the scooped neckline of Wren’s dress and vows to burn them for his sisters because it brings attention to them; Basil realizes that he shouldn’t be staring at Wren as she puts a necklace down the front of her dress (he was distracted by the necklace); A few accusations of mooning over or ogling at someone; Another says that Basil is trying to seduce Wren.
Mentions of kisses & kissing; A couple mentions of a large age gap between a possible couple (fifteen years, which Wren thinks is too much).
I wasn’t expecting to get so pulled into this story having read about these characters earlier in the year in a connecting story (which I didn’t realize was connecting at the time), but I was definitely sucked into this Wild Swans retelling! I read with eagerness to see when Basil and Wren first meet and was quite giddy to see it happen—his actions and thoughts towards her were so sweet and made me so happy 🥹
I’m also weak to big families and the older protective brother tropes (and she had six of them!) so this book was a complete win in my eyes. 🥰
This almost beat out the second book for my favorite of the series, but not quite. Still really, really enjoyed it though! It was so good to see everyone so far at the epilogue and now I finally get to read the much awaited fifth book! *happy dance*
Main Content-
A mad Enchantress plans to curse Wren and her brothers with their deaths, but instead her brothers are turned into swans and Wren has to be silent for six years unless she wants her brothers to die one by one (this is a major part of the book and we see if happen in the prologue); Wren and her swan-brothers are able to communicate with each other when touching the other; Like in the prior books in this series, magic is not good or evil as it depends on the person’s intent; We see others with magical gifts use them on-page like a man with the ability to control plants or another who can tell when someone is lying; Many mentions of curses, being under it, enchanters/enchantress, and magic, & enchanters sharing magic with other enchanters.
No major language is said, more minor phrases for this world like “what in the blazes” and “dragon’s flame!/what in dragon’s flame” is exclaimed instead; Eye rolling & Sarcasm; Wren feels like her father is disappointed that she survived instead of her older brother (his heir) and while she understands, she is still hurt by it; Some people believe and make comments about Wren being “addled in her mind” (including someone saying that it could be the unbalanced mind like someone who has lost a child adopting a dog in its place); Someone comments on a man being crippled and thus being unable to have a powerful position (according to him and no one agrees).
Almost drowning and passing out, Being attacked, Pain, (up to a few sentences);
Many mentions of the attempted murder of Wren and her brothers (which everyone else including their parents believe to have been successful on the boys), deaths, & grief (for sons, a husband, and a father); Many mentions of a war, fighting, battlefields, deaths, & injuries; Mentions of injuries, pain, & blood/bleeding; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of hunting; A few mentions of surviver’s guilt; A couple mentions of possible executions; A mention of something being a “load of manure”.
1 almost kiss (a couple sentences),
1 kiss lasting a couple sentences,
1 kiss lasting a handful of sentences;
Staring a lips; Wanting to kiss, touch, & embrace (up to a couple sentences);
Touches, Embraces, Hand holding, Nearness, Warmth, & Noticing (including muscles, up to a few sentences).
Basil notes the weariness on his mother’s face and suspects that she would be glad to stop having children (he has twelve younger sisters); Basil notices the scooped neckline of Wren’s dress and vows to burn them for his sisters because it brings attention to them; Basil realizes that he shouldn’t be staring at Wren as she puts a necklace down the front of her dress (he was distracted by the necklace); A few accusations of mooning over or ogling at someone; Another says that Basil is trying to seduce Wren.
Mentions of kisses & kissing; A couple mentions of a large age gap between a possible couple (fifteen years, which Wren thinks is too much).
January 1, 2025
This one is my FAVORITE of the entire series, and that is saying something since I have enjoyed all of them! Wren is so incredibly strong, and I loved her bond with her brothers! This is a retelling of the Wild Swans, and one thing I always love about that tale is its emphasis on sibling bonds. This book has that in spades! Her brother Caleb especially is a favorite! Such a sweetie and the best big brother ever!!!
Basil is a great leading man! He is very mature for his age (due to the weight of his crown). He, too, has a bunch of siblings. We only get a small glimpse of him with his sisters in this one, but there are hints that a future book will feature them more, and I can't wait!
I loved this take on the Wild Swans tale! The intensity of waiting was so REAL throughout the book that I couldn't stop turning pages! And the climax was so amazing! I actually paged back and re-read the climax after finishing because it was so satisfying.
Basil is a great leading man! He is very mature for his age (due to the weight of his crown). He, too, has a bunch of siblings. We only get a small glimpse of him with his sisters in this one, but there are hints that a future book will feature them more, and I can't wait!
I loved this take on the Wild Swans tale! The intensity of waiting was so REAL throughout the book that I couldn't stop turning pages! And the climax was so amazing! I actually paged back and re-read the climax after finishing because it was so satisfying.
September 30, 2022
Although Kingdom of Slumber is still my favorite Kingdom Tale (so far), Kingdom of Feathers was a wonderfully gripping (and romantic) read. I'd never read a retelling of The Wild Swans before, and this was an excellent one to start with. (Although I wish some of the more dramatic/tragic details of the original fairytale had made their way into this book.)
Princess Wren reminded me so much of Princess Winter from Marissa Meyer's Lunar Chronicles. I loved that! And Prince Basil's forthrightness was quite attractive in a hero. I also liked how the different story threads from the previous three books are being slowly drawn together, leading to what I hope will be a truly epic conclusion in the sixth and final book.
Princess Wren reminded me so much of Princess Winter from Marissa Meyer's Lunar Chronicles. I loved that! And Prince Basil's forthrightness was quite attractive in a hero. I also liked how the different story threads from the previous three books are being slowly drawn together, leading to what I hope will be a truly epic conclusion in the sixth and final book.
June 9, 2025
I really liked this! Maybe not as much as the previous installment, but nearly!
I like how it’s a not so common fairytale to be retold (the first three installments in this series are pretty much the most common, I believe), so going for a slightly less common one I was really intrigued.
I loved how the central conflict was built alongside the curse. Not being able to speak might be already challenge enough, but having to negotiate a peace between two waring kingdoms is a whole different feat! It also made the romantic developments really sweet: Basil is one of the few people actually taking Wren seriously, finding a way of communication that transcends speech. They fit together really well and I like how their relationship developed in such a unique way! With the original fairytale being as it is, it would have been easy to fall into the trap of having Wren a mute protagonist who also didn’t have a voice beyond that, but Wren is just as headstrong as she would be if she could speak. I liked how she honed her ability to stay silent in a way that actually gave her some power (eg. being very aware of how uncomfortable people get in silence and using that to her advantage) and how she still managed to communicate with Basil even without writing out her words!
I also loved the sibling relationship! Even though the six brothers spend most of the page count as swans, we get a lot of their sibling bond with Wren! They remain protective and bickering alike which was very fun to read!
I do think it was a little long and could have used some speeding up at points. But I still found it very engaging.
But there also is some build-up in the epilogue for bigger things to come in the last two installments and this time I actually think they worked in making me excited to read on.
So, all in all, I really enjoyed this retelling!
I like how it’s a not so common fairytale to be retold (the first three installments in this series are pretty much the most common, I believe), so going for a slightly less common one I was really intrigued.
I loved how the central conflict was built alongside the curse. Not being able to speak might be already challenge enough, but having to negotiate a peace between two waring kingdoms is a whole different feat! It also made the romantic developments really sweet: Basil is one of the few people actually taking Wren seriously, finding a way of communication that transcends speech. They fit together really well and I like how their relationship developed in such a unique way! With the original fairytale being as it is, it would have been easy to fall into the trap of having Wren a mute protagonist who also didn’t have a voice beyond that, but Wren is just as headstrong as she would be if she could speak. I liked how she honed her ability to stay silent in a way that actually gave her some power (eg. being very aware of how uncomfortable people get in silence and using that to her advantage) and how she still managed to communicate with Basil even without writing out her words!
I also loved the sibling relationship! Even though the six brothers spend most of the page count as swans, we get a lot of their sibling bond with Wren! They remain protective and bickering alike which was very fun to read!
I do think it was a little long and could have used some speeding up at points. But I still found it very engaging.
But there also is some build-up in the epilogue for bigger things to come in the last two installments and this time I actually think they worked in making me excited to read on.
So, all in all, I really enjoyed this retelling!
January 7, 2022
A cleverly reworked retelling of The Wild Swans that not only fits it into White's already established fairy tale universe but also removes some of the more uncomfortable aspects of the original, like the voiceless princess almost getting executed by her own husband for supposedly murdering their children because she can't speak in her own defense.
Princess Wren was only eleven when she and her six older brothers were attacked by a rogue mage. Her brothers were transformed into swans, and Wren was tied into their curse: she can't speak, or try in any way to tell people what happened or her brothers will die. If she can keep her silence for six years, they'll all be freed. The event started a war between Wren's kingdom of Mistra and the neighboring kingdom of Entolia that has dragged on for the entire six years of the curse, with neither side able to honorably withdraw.
The first thing on Prince Basil's to-do list once he inherits the crown of Entolia from his father is to try to bring peace at last. To that end he travels to Mistra to negotiate a cease-fire, but Wren's father isn't particularly interested in hearing him out since he's convinced the Entolians were behind the attack on his children. As an insult, Wren is assigned as Basil's babysitter, but Basil is determined to make headway on his peace negotiations one way or another so he sets out to win over the princess who has not spoken since the day her brothers disappeared. He quickly sees that while most, including her own parents, dismiss her as weak and slightly addled because she won't talk and spends a lot of time with her six pet swans, there is a very sharp, observant mind behind the silence, a match for Basil's own steady intelligence. The pair of them set out to solve the mystery of who actually provoked the war.
If I had one complaint I feel the book dragged a little in the middle as the pair got to know each other and began building trust. Only then could the actual plot take off. "Well if we didn't attack you and you finally believe that we're innocent...then who did?"
Princess Wren was only eleven when she and her six older brothers were attacked by a rogue mage. Her brothers were transformed into swans, and Wren was tied into their curse: she can't speak, or try in any way to tell people what happened or her brothers will die. If she can keep her silence for six years, they'll all be freed. The event started a war between Wren's kingdom of Mistra and the neighboring kingdom of Entolia that has dragged on for the entire six years of the curse, with neither side able to honorably withdraw.
The first thing on Prince Basil's to-do list once he inherits the crown of Entolia from his father is to try to bring peace at last. To that end he travels to Mistra to negotiate a cease-fire, but Wren's father isn't particularly interested in hearing him out since he's convinced the Entolians were behind the attack on his children. As an insult, Wren is assigned as Basil's babysitter, but Basil is determined to make headway on his peace negotiations one way or another so he sets out to win over the princess who has not spoken since the day her brothers disappeared. He quickly sees that while most, including her own parents, dismiss her as weak and slightly addled because she won't talk and spends a lot of time with her six pet swans, there is a very sharp, observant mind behind the silence, a match for Basil's own steady intelligence. The pair of them set out to solve the mystery of who actually provoked the war.
If I had one complaint I feel the book dragged a little in the middle as the pair got to know each other and began building trust. Only then could the actual plot take off. "Well if we didn't attack you and you finally believe that we're innocent...then who did?"
July 5, 2024
literally the best book i’ve read all year
November 15, 2021
another hit from Deborah Grace White
Oh I looooooove this book!! I reinstated my KU subscription just to read this and I was not disappointed. Granted, I don't love Basil QUITE as much as Rian (*sighs dreamily*) and it's not as amazing a twist as Kingdom of Slumber, but it's still sooooo goooood. I absolutely love that it wasn't just a "physically prevented from talking" trope, because it was just so much more potent that it had to be a choice and that the danger was so real! Wren is absolutely the strongest heroine Ms White has written to date and I'm just in awe of her. I'm trying not to say too much so as not to spoil it, but I just absolutely love that the struggle was absolutely real and not flippantly dismissed at the end. I love that it's not "the dragons drop in and save the day" and that true love develops out of actual friendship and spending time together, not just "feeling tingles" when the other person is around. And I love that the betrayal isn't just immediately smoothed over and forgiven - while there IS forgiveness, it's real that there's still distrust and it's not all fine and dandy back to being great friends.
Finally, I also absolutely love that Wren is a person of colour AND she's described in beautiful detail - like how Basil actually really likes her hair, she's not just black because the author wants to be inclusive by making one of their main characters a minority race.
I'm so glad I only have to wait a month for Kingdom of Locks to come out. It was so torturous to have to wait almost a whole year (...okay, maybe half a year? Haha) for Kingdom of Feathers. If you haven't tried Deborah Grace White 's books yet, you really should.
Oh I looooooove this book!! I reinstated my KU subscription just to read this and I was not disappointed. Granted, I don't love Basil QUITE as much as Rian (*sighs dreamily*) and it's not as amazing a twist as Kingdom of Slumber, but it's still sooooo goooood. I absolutely love that it wasn't just a "physically prevented from talking" trope, because it was just so much more potent that it had to be a choice and that the danger was so real! Wren is absolutely the strongest heroine Ms White has written to date and I'm just in awe of her. I'm trying not to say too much so as not to spoil it, but I just absolutely love that the struggle was absolutely real and not flippantly dismissed at the end. I love that it's not "the dragons drop in and save the day" and that true love develops out of actual friendship and spending time together, not just "feeling tingles" when the other person is around. And I love that the betrayal isn't just immediately smoothed over and forgiven - while there IS forgiveness, it's real that there's still distrust and it's not all fine and dandy back to being great friends.
Finally, I also absolutely love that Wren is a person of colour AND she's described in beautiful detail - like how Basil actually really likes her hair, she's not just black because the author wants to be inclusive by making one of their main characters a minority race.
I'm so glad I only have to wait a month for Kingdom of Locks to come out. It was so torturous to have to wait almost a whole year (...okay, maybe half a year? Haha) for Kingdom of Feathers. If you haven't tried Deborah Grace White 's books yet, you really should.
November 16, 2021
Completely engaging!
Looking back, I was amazed when I realized Deborah Grace White only published her first book last year! The quality of her writing far surpasses that of many authors who have been writing much longer.
Wren and Basil's story captivated me from the very beginning. I vividly pictured the moment the unknown old woman cast the spell on Wren's brothers. And felt her grief so deeply! I can't even imagine how I would survive knowing that the littlest sound I made could cause harm to those I love and keep them trapped as swans forever!
I especially loved how Basil was the only one who truly saw Wren and heard her even when she was unable to make a sound.
Kingdom of Swans is a delightful adventure, which I highly recommend. It is age-appropriate and free of foul language, sexual situations, and violence.
Originally Reviewed on Among The Reads
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
Looking back, I was amazed when I realized Deborah Grace White only published her first book last year! The quality of her writing far surpasses that of many authors who have been writing much longer.
Wren and Basil's story captivated me from the very beginning. I vividly pictured the moment the unknown old woman cast the spell on Wren's brothers. And felt her grief so deeply! I can't even imagine how I would survive knowing that the littlest sound I made could cause harm to those I love and keep them trapped as swans forever!
I especially loved how Basil was the only one who truly saw Wren and heard her even when she was unable to make a sound.
Kingdom of Swans is a delightful adventure, which I highly recommend. It is age-appropriate and free of foul language, sexual situations, and violence.
Originally Reviewed on Among The Reads
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
November 20, 2021
Superb!
Wild Swans seems like a difficult fairytale to retell. You need to develop a romantic relationship all with a heroine who can’t speak. Her own people think Princess Wren is addled, but King Basil sees things that others don’t. I love his plain speaking, his intelligence, and his support of Wren.
King Basil doesn’t want the war he inherited from his father. When the King of Mistra foists him off on his silent heir, the king expects this to stall peaceful negotiation and insult King Basil. It has the opposite effect.
I loved the enchantment, the mystery, and the dragons. I can’t get enough of this series! Going to sleep at a decent hour just wasn’t going to happen once I started reading Kingdom of Feathers.
Content: clean (no language, mild violence, a few kisses)
Wild Swans seems like a difficult fairytale to retell. You need to develop a romantic relationship all with a heroine who can’t speak. Her own people think Princess Wren is addled, but King Basil sees things that others don’t. I love his plain speaking, his intelligence, and his support of Wren.
King Basil doesn’t want the war he inherited from his father. When the King of Mistra foists him off on his silent heir, the king expects this to stall peaceful negotiation and insult King Basil. It has the opposite effect.
I loved the enchantment, the mystery, and the dragons. I can’t get enough of this series! Going to sleep at a decent hour just wasn’t going to happen once I started reading Kingdom of Feathers.
Content: clean (no language, mild violence, a few kisses)
November 22, 2021
3.5 stars.
I really enjoy DBW's writing style. Its readability is up there with some of my favourite writers of all time. This story which featured a heroine who wouldn't speak could've easily been the most annoying thing I've read all year; however, I found that her struggles were very relatable and Basil's understanding of her much more than that of a typical superficial YA connection. I couldn't help but root for their solving the mysteries, fixing everything, and achieving their HEA. Overall, this had its super frustrating moments, inevitable considering the nature of the curse upon the heroine's brothers. However, I found myself enjoying this one quite a lot. I'm very excited to see where the author is taking the story arc of all the kingdoms woven together.
I really enjoy DBW's writing style. Its readability is up there with some of my favourite writers of all time. This story which featured a heroine who wouldn't speak could've easily been the most annoying thing I've read all year; however, I found that her struggles were very relatable and Basil's understanding of her much more than that of a typical superficial YA connection. I couldn't help but root for their solving the mysteries, fixing everything, and achieving their HEA. Overall, this had its super frustrating moments, inevitable considering the nature of the curse upon the heroine's brothers. However, I found myself enjoying this one quite a lot. I'm very excited to see where the author is taking the story arc of all the kingdoms woven together.
Read
July 28, 2024DNF @42%
.
I'm starting to think there's little point in trying to read it retelling of The Six Swans that ISN'T Daughter of the Forest.
.
I can't help but compare this book to that one, and this book will always come to short because of how much I love DotF.
.
I'm not looking forward to picking this up anymore, so that's a sign to set it aside for now. I'm almost halfway through and still no closer to unraveling the secret of the enchantment. I need something, anything to happen, and nothing is.
.
I'm starting to think there's little point in trying to read it retelling of The Six Swans that ISN'T Daughter of the Forest.
.
I can't help but compare this book to that one, and this book will always come to short because of how much I love DotF.
.
I'm not looking forward to picking this up anymore, so that's a sign to set it aside for now. I'm almost halfway through and still no closer to unraveling the secret of the enchantment. I need something, anything to happen, and nothing is.
November 14, 2021
Content Review:
Language: clean
Romance: clean
Violence: Very, very little; references to war.
Recommended for ages 14+
I was delighted to discover White's Solstice fairy tale series, and the fourth installment did not disappoint! I was eager to read a retelling of The Wild Swans, as it is not as well known, and thus, used less.
I loved Basil and Wren, particularly Basil, as we followed their struggle to end the war between their kingdoms and as their tenative friendship grows to something more. I LOVE that this series incorporates dragons (I mean, come on, they’re dragons). So excited for the next story!
Recommended for fans of K.M. Shea, Melanie Cellier, and Lucy Tempest
Language: clean
Romance: clean
Violence: Very, very little; references to war.
Recommended for ages 14+
I was delighted to discover White's Solstice fairy tale series, and the fourth installment did not disappoint! I was eager to read a retelling of The Wild Swans, as it is not as well known, and thus, used less.
I loved Basil and Wren, particularly Basil, as we followed their struggle to end the war between their kingdoms and as their tenative friendship grows to something more. I LOVE that this series incorporates dragons (I mean, come on, they’re dragons). So excited for the next story!
Recommended for fans of K.M. Shea, Melanie Cellier, and Lucy Tempest
November 15, 2021
Well written
I enjoyed the crafting of this story. The layers to the mystery and I like the fact that the links with the other books of the series are not all thrust on you but some are subtly revealed. The romance progressed nicely and this was an nicely done retelling of the original fairy tale. If you enjoy K.M Shea's books with retold fairy tales and if you like fantasy books that feature dragons, I am sure you will enjoy this one and this series.
I enjoyed the crafting of this story. The layers to the mystery and I like the fact that the links with the other books of the series are not all thrust on you but some are subtly revealed. The romance progressed nicely and this was an nicely done retelling of the original fairy tale. If you enjoy K.M Shea's books with retold fairy tales and if you like fantasy books that feature dragons, I am sure you will enjoy this one and this series.
November 17, 2021
I really loved reading this wonderful book! I loved the characters and the plot! I had a hard time putting this wonderful book down! I loved this retelling of The Wild Swans! I am really looking forward to reading the next book in this wonderful series!
November 17, 2021
Solid addition to the series
I devoured this is one sitting. While I wait for the next book, I may have to go reread the rest of the series.
I devoured this is one sitting. While I wait for the next book, I may have to go reread the rest of the series.
March 4, 2022
Edit from March 2022: fun fact, after happily finishing the rest of the series, I can definitively say that this one was MY FAVORITE. (Don’t get me wrong, I loved all of them, but I really really loved this one.)
I definitely read this hungrily from start to finish in one sitting, aka in several hours. Wow!!! I consumed the first few books of the series in a matter of mere days when I first found them. I was so disappointed to have to wait for this next installment to come out in November. (I read the others in August.)
Man! Was I NOT AT ALL disappointed with the book though. So gratifying to hear about the two kingdoms at war mentioned in the other books (not a spoiler) and to understand the complexities that the two main characters faced throughout their adventure. I loved the thick plot and the powerful side characters. Most enjoyable of course was the romance of the “enemies to lovers” and almost “Romeo and Juliet” trope of the two main characters.
I was a bit worried about how “blah” Wren might’ve been with being unable to talk but she was AWESOME. She definitely didn’t need to get rescued, as most of White’s lovely heroines don’t tend to, but is her own stand-up, powerful woman who becomes entangled with a calm, patient and amazing man who is, in his own right, the hero of his story.
I cannot wait until next month when Kingdom of Locks comes out!! I am probably going to end up rereading the whole series again at that point with NO complaints. Thank you, Deborah, for another AMAZING, fresh, and intriguingly romantic book. You make me harbor hope in the creation of more fantasy romance books that don’t make me cringe to death the whole time. Thank you!!!
I definitely read this hungrily from start to finish in one sitting, aka in several hours. Wow!!! I consumed the first few books of the series in a matter of mere days when I first found them. I was so disappointed to have to wait for this next installment to come out in November. (I read the others in August.)
Man! Was I NOT AT ALL disappointed with the book though. So gratifying to hear about the two kingdoms at war mentioned in the other books (not a spoiler) and to understand the complexities that the two main characters faced throughout their adventure. I loved the thick plot and the powerful side characters. Most enjoyable of course was the romance of the “enemies to lovers” and almost “Romeo and Juliet” trope of the two main characters.
I was a bit worried about how “blah” Wren might’ve been with being unable to talk but she was AWESOME. She definitely didn’t need to get rescued, as most of White’s lovely heroines don’t tend to, but is her own stand-up, powerful woman who becomes entangled with a calm, patient and amazing man who is, in his own right, the hero of his story.
I cannot wait until next month when Kingdom of Locks comes out!! I am probably going to end up rereading the whole series again at that point with NO complaints. Thank you, Deborah, for another AMAZING, fresh, and intriguingly romantic book. You make me harbor hope in the creation of more fantasy romance books that don’t make me cringe to death the whole time. Thank you!!!
December 7, 2023
Princess Wren is a talkative young girl but when she has to learn to restrain herself or risk hurting the people she cares about most in the world! When a handsome young prince who has recently become king after his fathers death comes to their kingdom to restore peace for the past many years they had been at war she may not be able to resist talking to him for much longer even if it puts her the dear people she cares most about in danger.
King Basil had come to Misra to try to restore peace with the king who so wrongly started a war against them. When he meets Princess Wren who is known throughout the land as the Mute princess he is intrigued by her caring nature toward her swans.
King Basil had come to Misra to try to restore peace with the king who so wrongly started a war against them. When he meets Princess Wren who is known throughout the land as the Mute princess he is intrigued by her caring nature toward her swans.
June 1, 2025
Eeeee, I love this so much! I wasn't familiar with The Wild Swans before this, but I'm happy to have this as my first encounter. (Basil is my favorite mmc in this series yet!) The epilogue was extremely gratifying.
July 26, 2025
WHEN THE HELL IS IT MY TURN
July 17, 2022
This book was a delightful discovery. I picked this one because of its connection to the Wild Swans, a fairy tale I've always liked. Although part of a series, I had no trouble reading it as a standalone; in fact, it's piqued my interest in reading the rest of the series. I liked that the story had a plot, and wasn't just an excuse for a romance, though of course the romance is present. It's much more about Princess Wren trying to break the curse on her brothers, and King Basil trying to end the war between his kingdom and his neighbour, Wren's homeland. Their romance builds slowly in the background and comes to a satisfying conclusion. I enjoyed Wren and Basil's relationship, and how they worked together to uncover a conspiracy by some shadowy figures to use the war as a cover for more nefarious purposes--all without Wren being able to speak a word! That was a part I really enjoyed: Wren cannot speak for six years to break the curse on her brothers, and the author finds a way to how how cleverly Wren manages, and her complete determination to save her siblings. I've read other retellings (eg. Melanie Dickerson's) and they all seem to cheat and remove the most fascinating part of the original tale: the sister who cannot speak without dooming her brothers. I liked how White showed the power of silence when everyone else chatters. I like the positive portrayal of sibling relationships: Wren loves her brothers and they love and protect her, even as swans, and Basil loves and cares for his sisters. Both understand their duty to their countries; I liked their unselfishness. Very refreshing.
December 2, 2021
Rating: 3 Stars
She wouldn’t let either [her brothers] or Mistra pay the price for that evil woman’s madness. She would just have to be stronger than she thought she was.
It’s possible that I might have hit a reading slump, given the fact that I jumped from 12% to 80% due to impatience. My rating falls in the middle at three stars since I didn’t read enough of the book (I skipped close to 70%) to give an informed rating.
Title: Kingdom of Feathers (The Kingdom Tales #4)
POV(s): Dual—Third Person
Interconnected Series: Yes
Standalone: Yea
Cliffhanger: No
HEA:
Relationship: M/F
Genre(s): Fairy Tale Retelling, Fantasy Romance
Triggers: N/A
Tags/Tropes:
❖ Clean
❖ Magic-Curses
❖ Misjudged-Heroine
❖ Mute-Heroine
❖ POC-Heroine
❖ Royalty
❖ Sibling-Bonds
❖ The-Wild-Swans-Retelling
❖ Warring-Kingdoms
February 19, 2022
My first book from this author (I know, I know, I’ve had the first in the series sitting on my shelf for half a year, mostly because its in my BatB collection, but im on a Wild Swans kick and wanted to see what DGW had to offer)
I was pleasantly surprised by this retelling!
The part of my mind that gets OCD about names and ages REALLY appreciates that there is a list of siblings from both Entolia and Misteria along with their ages at the beginning of the book. It also had me looking up immediately when the release date for the 12 dancing princess retelling was (not far away! Woohoo!)
I appreciated the changing viewpoints, and how Basil watch and paid attention to Wren. I adored and appreciated his bluntness, and loved the inner dialogue Wren had with her brothers so that the reader is able to get to know her and them as well.
The multi-kingdom conspiracy is extremely intriguing, and might just have me skipping back through these books and reading all of them eventually…though I’ll be honest and admit that I’ll most likely jump from book 4, to book 6 when it releases, and possibly try to read book 1 in there somewhere before circling back around to the others in the series.
I was pleasantly surprised by this retelling!
The part of my mind that gets OCD about names and ages REALLY appreciates that there is a list of siblings from both Entolia and Misteria along with their ages at the beginning of the book. It also had me looking up immediately when the release date for the 12 dancing princess retelling was (not far away! Woohoo!)
I appreciated the changing viewpoints, and how Basil watch and paid attention to Wren. I adored and appreciated his bluntness, and loved the inner dialogue Wren had with her brothers so that the reader is able to get to know her and them as well.
The multi-kingdom conspiracy is extremely intriguing, and might just have me skipping back through these books and reading all of them eventually…though I’ll be honest and admit that I’ll most likely jump from book 4, to book 6 when it releases, and possibly try to read book 1 in there somewhere before circling back around to the others in the series.
June 7, 2024
Really liked the way Wren keeps her silence out of freewill and Bran understands her. It's a common enough take on this story, I know. And Wren's father, for all that he's loving and sensible, seems too unreasonable here. But I guess making the war personal on both sides was a smart move.
I like how Wren's parents continue to be supportive even though they don't understand her silence. I guess they could have anticipated her falling for the foreign king and should have looked out? Moreover, the king and his advisors and people seem to be too distant and unreal. I guess there could've been much more of them coming in. And what about court life? Other lords and ladies? It can't really just be Wren talking to the foreign king all day, every day, uninterrupted in the gardens...
The climax and ending were really sweet... Although the worldbuilding could use more work, there was a nice focus on character development. Overall, a nice read.
I like how Wren's parents continue to be supportive even though they don't understand her silence. I guess they could have anticipated her falling for the foreign king and should have looked out? Moreover, the king and his advisors and people seem to be too distant and unreal. I guess there could've been much more of them coming in. And what about court life? Other lords and ladies? It can't really just be Wren talking to the foreign king all day, every day, uninterrupted in the gardens...
The climax and ending were really sweet... Although the worldbuilding could use more work, there was a nice focus on character development. Overall, a nice read.
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September 1, 2025
🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢
Oh my goodness! This was such a sweet retelling of Wild Swans! I loved the siblings and their banter! It was so good and rare! I need more books with that in it! Wren was a lovely and strong character! She had a tough life for six year and she never gave up! Her brothers as swans were hilarious! Basil was awesome and I loved him! He was such a sweetheart! I loved his twelve sisters and their beautiful, flower names! I loved Basil and Wren’s love story…it was so sweet! I can’t wait to continue this series and see more characters! I highly recommend! 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Quote that I liked:
🦢He made to take the crown of daisies, but his youngest sister shrieked and clutched it out of his reach. "No, I was just showing you!" she protested. "You can't have it!" “I'm terribly sorry, Wisteria," said Basil, his lips twitching as he met Zinnia's eyes. "My mistake." 😂
🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢
Oh my goodness! This was such a sweet retelling of Wild Swans! I loved the siblings and their banter! It was so good and rare! I need more books with that in it! Wren was a lovely and strong character! She had a tough life for six year and she never gave up! Her brothers as swans were hilarious! Basil was awesome and I loved him! He was such a sweetheart! I loved his twelve sisters and their beautiful, flower names! I loved Basil and Wren’s love story…it was so sweet! I can’t wait to continue this series and see more characters! I highly recommend! 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Quote that I liked:
🦢He made to take the crown of daisies, but his youngest sister shrieked and clutched it out of his reach. "No, I was just showing you!" she protested. "You can't have it!" “I'm terribly sorry, Wisteria," said Basil, his lips twitching as he met Zinnia's eyes. "My mistake." 😂
🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢
April 24, 2025
Is it woke?
Not at all.
Is it good?
Once more, White creates an intricate world with magic, romance, and thrilling intrigue. The various unique characters are an honour to behold.
Is it appropriate for your children?
'Kingdom Of Feathers' is perfectly clean.
The silent protagonist and physically disabled side character do bring to mind their much more real counterparts. This is dealt with tactfully, and is only overtly mentioned as disabilities at the end of the book. As someone with physical disabilities who has also cared for nonverbal people, I see nothing inaccurate or offensive. Instead, it gently brings to mind another perspective. This is a good way for your children to gain empathy, but I add this so those with non verbal children can decide whether or not their child is ready to read this or not.
I highly recommend for all girls and women. 12+
Not at all.
Is it good?
Once more, White creates an intricate world with magic, romance, and thrilling intrigue. The various unique characters are an honour to behold.
Is it appropriate for your children?
'Kingdom Of Feathers' is perfectly clean.
The silent protagonist and physically disabled side character do bring to mind their much more real counterparts. This is dealt with tactfully, and is only overtly mentioned as disabilities at the end of the book. As someone with physical disabilities who has also cared for nonverbal people, I see nothing inaccurate or offensive. Instead, it gently brings to mind another perspective. This is a good way for your children to gain empathy, but I add this so those with non verbal children can decide whether or not their child is ready to read this or not.
I highly recommend for all girls and women. 12+
November 20, 2021
You say it best when you say nothing at all.
Basil and Wren are a delightful couple and their story was wonderful to read. I enjoyed the interactions between the characters and the shift in perspective to get a better sense of each, how they think and feel. This was a unique twist on the wild swan with wren required to stay silent for 6 years in order to break the curse. It was exciting to uncover the secrets of the reason behind the two kingdoms war and opened up connections with the other kingdoms as well. I like the dragons addition to the world of solstice and explaining how magic is present. It was good to see all the main characters from past books together in the epologe and I'm excited to read more about who is behind the attacks on the royal families...
Basil and Wren are a delightful couple and their story was wonderful to read. I enjoyed the interactions between the characters and the shift in perspective to get a better sense of each, how they think and feel. This was a unique twist on the wild swan with wren required to stay silent for 6 years in order to break the curse. It was exciting to uncover the secrets of the reason behind the two kingdoms war and opened up connections with the other kingdoms as well. I like the dragons addition to the world of solstice and explaining how magic is present. It was good to see all the main characters from past books together in the epologe and I'm excited to read more about who is behind the attacks on the royal families...
July 28, 2023
Silence, Swans, and Sweet Romance
I loved this story! Wren had a wonderful relationship with her swan brothers, her efforts and struggles were felt deeply, and it great to see her claim her voice even without speaking. Basil was a very thoughtful and often methodical hero, which could be boring if not written well. Here, however, his passion shown through his calm demeanor and blunt words. Both characters fit together well, and seeing their story unfold was a joy. The plot was also intriguing, both in regards to the war and the curse itself.
This is my favorite in the series (so far)! One thing I wish we got was more Caleb though, especially at the end. I loved him and wanted to see more of his and Annaliese's story.
I loved this story! Wren had a wonderful relationship with her swan brothers, her efforts and struggles were felt deeply, and it great to see her claim her voice even without speaking. Basil was a very thoughtful and often methodical hero, which could be boring if not written well. Here, however, his passion shown through his calm demeanor and blunt words. Both characters fit together well, and seeing their story unfold was a joy. The plot was also intriguing, both in regards to the war and the curse itself.
This is my favorite in the series (so far)! One thing I wish we got was more Caleb though, especially at the end. I loved him and wanted to see more of his and Annaliese's story.
February 10, 2025
This is by far the best Wild Swans retelling I’ve read. The story is so well done. It’s engaging with great characters, but I especially love the relationships. The relationship between Wren and her brothers is particularly heartwarming, made all the more so by what she is forced to endure. And the romance between Wren and Basil is natural and sweet. They make excellent MCs, both being honorable, strong, and compassionate characters.
Beyond the relationships, there’s plenty of tension, intrigue, and danger to keep the story moving. Highly recommended to those who enjoy fairy tales!
Content:
There’s no foul language or sex, and the violence is minimal. The romance is clean with only a few chaste kisses. There is a lot of magic. There is no mention of faith or God.
Beyond the relationships, there’s plenty of tension, intrigue, and danger to keep the story moving. Highly recommended to those who enjoy fairy tales!
Content:
There’s no foul language or sex, and the violence is minimal. The romance is clean with only a few chaste kisses. There is a lot of magic. There is no mention of faith or God.
January 1, 2022
This story feels like a tricky retelling, but I thought White's take was phenomenal. Wren being unable to speak throughout the story because of the curse on her brothers added a tricky element, but it was handled well. Basil and Wren and her brothers & the other secondary characters added so much depth and color, and I didn't see the twist within the ongoing war coming, though could trace the hints after the reveal. Wren's element of the curse added a lot of stress to this story, especially when her BEHAVIOR giving hints was considered her "speaking," even though it was non-verbal communication! This was a great binge read!
March 28, 2022
Nooooo!!! Oh wait, there’s a book 5!
I have read these 4 volumes of interwoven but stand alone stories avidly, enjoying each as much or more than the last. Was told there were only 4. Loved them, then realized as I approached the last 20 pages or so that the mysteries were still being woven! Imagine my happy surprise (yet a touch of sadness) that I didn’t yet know the “whole story.” Now to find the 5th book and settle back onto my couch to see how these brilliant, insightful, and fun reimagining of classic tales converge and the mysteries are solved! Well done, Deborah Grace White!
I have read these 4 volumes of interwoven but stand alone stories avidly, enjoying each as much or more than the last. Was told there were only 4. Loved them, then realized as I approached the last 20 pages or so that the mysteries were still being woven! Imagine my happy surprise (yet a touch of sadness) that I didn’t yet know the “whole story.” Now to find the 5th book and settle back onto my couch to see how these brilliant, insightful, and fun reimagining of classic tales converge and the mysteries are solved! Well done, Deborah Grace White!
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