A Feather So Black

To each their own.

I'm utterly disappointed. I wanted that high-stakes and strong female lead but instead I got another love triangle, troped out book.

I miss fantasy when it was just fantasy and had little to no romance.

The writing is not my style. And... this was 500 pages too many.

This novel adds Celtic mythology to a Swan Lake retelling, following changeling Fia's quest to rescue a cursed princess (whom she is a duplicate of) from the mysterious Otherworld. Accompanied by Prince Rogan, her childhood love, she finds herself drawn to the dark fae lord Irian, who holds the key to breaking the curse. The story masterfully blends court intrigue with ancient magic in a moonlit adventure.

Perhaps the best part of the book is the lush, immersive writing that brings the magical world to life. However, like many other stories that incorporate mythologies, if that mythology is unfamiliar the terminology can be challenging to follow and slow you down a bit. If you are familiar with Celtic mythology and folklore though, it has been incorporated thoroughly and you will enjoy it. I am only mildly familiar and it was still a great read.

Spice: 3 (this book might be spicer than you would expect from the cover/description).
Tropes:
Childhood friends
Forbidden Romance
Enemies to Lovers

This dark romantic fantasy is perfect for readers who enjoy morally grey characters and folklore-inspired tales with a darker edge.

Thank you to Orbit and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC.

Its weird in its descriptions of the magic, the forest and gore. The magic system is vague and plot-serving, a bit of instalove. 

grown up barbie swan lake but with some bite to it

I really liked it! The pacing and tone was excellent, loved the romance and it went how I hoped it would go but at parts wasn't sure if we could get there. A really great swan lake retelling!

“Feather so Black” is a captivating fantasy novel that echoes the allure of “A Cruel Prince” with its intricate world-building and compelling characters. It ventures into darker territories, making it the perfect read for those craving a more mature fantasy experience. The dynamic between characters is both endearing and complex, adding layers of depth to the narrative. The twist ending is deliciously satisfying, leaving readers eager for more. However, the book's failure to tie up all loose ends may leave some feeling unsatisfied, especially those hoping for a more conclusive ending. Nevertheless, it sets the stage for an enticing continuation of the series, promising even more intrigue and excitement to come.

3.5 stars

This book wasn't even on my radar until Destiny asked me if I was interested in reading it. After reading the synopsis for it I thought it sounded like something I would enjoy. I also have to thank Destiny for sending me the extra copy of this book that she had. So what to say about this book. Did I like this book sure. Did I have major issues with this book? Absolutely! Mainly the pacing. It was so slow and most of it felt like filler. Not to mention the repetitive inner monologue of Fia. The author did a great job of hooking me and making we want to find out how everything was going to play out in the end and she also did a great job of making me pretty much not trust any of the characters. Some of them I was right to not trust and some not so much. The ending also left something to be desired. I felt like it left off in the middle of the story. It didn't really resolve anything and d left me a little bit confused. As for the romance in this book there is kind of a love triangle of sorts but not really. I definitely preferred her with one over the other however she has been in love with one of them her whole life and all of a sudden her feelings switch to the other one it just wasn't realistic. You can't stop loving someone that fast and that easily. Had this been shorter and gotten to the point quicker as well as wrapped things up better I could have enjoyed it even more. I am willing to give the next book a shot but if it's anything like this one I won't hesitate to DNF it. 

Beautifully Retold


Immersed in a captivating blend of Romance, Fantasy, and retellings, Lyra Selene's “A Feather So Black” has become a delightful discovery for me. The novel intricately weaves the timeless tale of the Swan Princess with a fresh perspective, narrated through the lens of a changeling Fae navigating the mortal world. While the narrative introduces characters that evoke genuine disdain, it is precisely this complexity that adds depth to the story.

Selene masterfully explores the theme of balance, depicting the poignant struggle that ensues when equilibrium is disrupted. The protagonist, Fia, grapples with the conflicting forces of her innate nature and her upbringing, a conflict that tugs at the heartstrings. Moreover, the exploration of her intricate relationships adds another layer of intrigue to the narrative.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the book is its alignment with the phases of the moon. Divided into sections corresponding to each lunar cycle, with distinct names and attributes assigned to them, the story unfolds primarily during the full moon of each month. This framework not only adds a unique dimension to the storytelling but also underscores the significance of celestial rhythms within the Fae realm. Additionally, the inclusion of excerpts from Fae poetry preceding each section enhances the immersive experience for readers.

Beyond its captivating narrative, “A Feather So Black” boasts stunning cover art that invites deeper exploration with its intricate details. As the first installment in a series, the novel leaves readers eager for more, hinting at a rich tapestry of stories waiting to be unveiled. While it concludes satisfactorily, the promise of further adventures ensures that the journey is far from over
Thank you Netgalley for my eARC of this book 4 stars are a must for this one.