the swan’s daughter (us)
A #1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
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Two outsiders share a forged desire to become something more to themselves, and to each other in this cozy romantic fantasy from bestselling author Roshani Chokshi.
To find love is a curse …
Prince Arris knows that marriage means murder. Thanks to a poorly worded wish to a sea witch, all one needs to rule the Isle of Malys is the heart and hand of the kingdom’s heir. Historically, this has been construed quite literally.
Thus, Arris expects that the day after his marriage and murder he will wake up as a sentient tree alongside the rest of his predecessors. His only chance at a long life is finding true and lasting love. When Arris’s parents announce a tournament of brides to compete for his hand and heart, a slew of eligible, lovely and (possibly murderous) bachelorettes make their way to Rathe Castle. Amidst glittering balls in ozorald caves, strolls through menageries of daydream trees and pearl crocodiles, tea time on glass boats and kisses that leave his head spinning, Arris cannot tell who is here out of love for him…or lust for power.
Until he meets Demelza.
As a veritas swan, Demelza’s song wrings out the truth. Forced into hiding, Demelza strikes a deal. Arris will provide her with safekeeping in exchange for her truth-telling song to sort through his potential brides.
While Arris is used to dodging death threats and Demelza is accustomed to fighting for her voice to be heard, to survive the tournament of brides requires a different kind of bravery. And perhaps the bravest thing one can do is not merely protect one’s life, but find the courage to chase a life worth living.
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the swan’s daughter (uk)
Roshani Chokshi’s sweeping new fantasy standalone brims with cursed love. This is the lush story of the swan and the prince who share a forged desire to become something more – to themselves, and to each other.
Prince Arris knows that marriage means murder. After poorly wording a wish to a sea witch, all one needs to rule the Isle of Malys is the heart and hand in marriage of the kingdom’s heir. Thus, Arris expects that the day of his marriage will be the one of his murdering. His only chance at a long life is finding true and lasting love.
When Arris’s parents announce a tournament of brides to compete for the throne, a slew of eligible, lovely and (possibly murderous) bachelorettes make their way to Rathe Castle. But Arris cannot tell who is here out of love for him . . . or lust for power.
Until he meets Demelza. As a veritas swan, Demelza’s song wrings out the truth. Forced into hiding, Demelza strikes a deal. Arris will provide her with safekeeping in exchange for her truth-telling song to sort through his potential brides.
While Arris is used to dodging death threats and Demelza is accustomed to fighting for her voice to be heard, to survive the tournament of brides requires a different kind of bravery. And perhaps the bravest thing one can do is not merely protect one’s life but find the courage to chase a life worth living.
order the swan’s daughter (UK)
praise for the swan’s daughter
At once humorous and lush prose captures both the whimsy and darkness of classic fairy tales, while unique worldbuilding, charming characters, and wistful ambiance heighten the novel’s appeal.”
– Publisher’s Weekly, starred review
Chokshi’s fairy-tale writing style walks the tightrope between eccentric and florid, creating relationships and a romance grounded in values like respect, trust, and friendship.”
– School Library Journal, starred review
It’s the kind of wild fairy tale that only Roshani Chokshi can spin up and one that will absolutely delight from the get go.”
– Cosmopolitan
Chokshi balances her sometimes vicious characters with inventive, whimsical elements.”
– Kirkus, starred review
Chokshi has crafted a whimsical and darkly hilarious fantasy, with dreamy writing and a charming cast.”
– Booklist
This is a most happily ever after crafted by a master storyteller and yet again, Chokshi shows herself to be one of the most creative voices in Young Adult fiction today.”
– Locus Magazine
Roshani Chokshi’s thrilling fantasy The Swan’s Daughter reflects on the complexities of freedom, equity and trust within romantic relationships.”
– BookPage
A book to carve your heart out.”
– Holly Black, New York Times bestselling author of The Cruel Prince
Lingers like a dream you never want to wake from.”
– Isabel Ibãnez, #1 bestselling author of the Secrets of the Nile duology
Roshani never disappoints. The Swan’s Daughter is a confection, layers of airy delight and layers of soul nourishing truth. Loving someone is never not dangerous. Loving someone is always a leap of faith”
– Megan Whalen Turner, New York Times bestselling author of the Queen’s Thief series
Effortlessly charming, deeply romantic and laugh-out-loud hilarious, The Swan’s Daughter is a dream of a book. Sparkling with magic, and imbued with an enchanting sense of nostalgia, it reminds me why I fell in love with fairytales in the first place. I adored every single page!”
– Catherine Doyle, #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of The Dagger & the Flame