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The Swan Maiden
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| List Price: | $17.95 |
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Product Description
Sudden, soaring freedom?it is a wish come true. Yet it comes with a price. As Doucette struggles to find her own way in the world, she risks losing the one she loves most of all.
An age-old fairy tale told in a refreshingly original voice, Heather Tomlinson?s stunning debut is fantasy at its most eloquent and richly imagined.
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #524636 in Books
- Published on: 2007-08-07
- Released on: 2007-08-07
- Original language: English
- Number of items: 1
- Binding: Hardcover
- 304 pages
Features
- ISBN13: 9780805082753
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
“Inspired by French fairy tales, Tomlinson skillfully weaves a satisfying and enchanting tale that flows quickly and immerses readers in a charming, rustic setting.”—School Library Journal
“This novel has a light and enchanting quality . . . Doucette’s struggles and dreams will resonate with teenage girls who are trying to find their place in the world.”—Voice of Youth Advocates
About the Author
WWW.CLASSOF2K7.COM
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Change.
Did she dare?
Doucette crossed to the window, pushed aside the embroidered curtains, and stared out of the luxurious room that suddenly seemed a prison.
Over the years, Doucette had heard her father instruct her sisters? escort. Like them, she could follow the sheep flocks to a lake in the mountains, then seek the lake?s eastern shore. The river Immeluse would lead her the rest of the way to her aunt?s castle, to a season of studying magic with Azelais and Cecilia. If she dared.
The wind kissed her cheek.
Doucette sat and took off her shoes. Her hose. Her gown, and the soft chemise underneath. Folding each item, she set it on the bed. The breeze gusted, stirring dried rose petals in a wooden bowl and raising tiny bumps along Doucette?s skin.
She took a deep breath and drew on the coat of feathers. Magic tingled the length of her body and down her spine. Her neck stretched, her legs shrank. Her skin exploded in feathers. The world spun around her as her vision took on a crystalline sharpness. The floor rose to meet her, then stopped with a jolt.
She was a swan.
Customer Reviews
A tale for all readers
Here is my full disclosure. I taught Heather Tomlinson physics in high school. She was unforgettably sharp, so quick and delightful. When I learned that she had written a novel, a fairy tale for young readers, I naturally thought I should get it and see. I certainly did not think of reviewing it. But I certainly have to.
Let me start with a summary statement. The tale pulled me in and stepped right along - rich, surprising, greatly satisfying. It will not spoil the plot to say that I was as spellbound as Nicolau, the unfortunate character who was unable to let go of the door bolt.
Any work that means to create a world in some degree unlike our real world must have two things to succeed, beyond an obvious need for a plot that works. It must have imagination and invention to draw us in, and it must have depth, those touches large and small that surround and fill and give us room to watch the story from inside. This one has both, in full measure, and would earn a hearty recommendation without need for more. But more really must be said.
I delight in fine wordcraft. Just as there are composers with the gift of tuneful invention (I go for Schubert and Dvorak), so there are writers gifted with perfect pitch in wording. I found myself utterly enjoying the wordwork. Such zest and agility, so tasty and just right!
A tale for young readers? This is a tale for all readers.
One of My New All Time Favorites!
The Swan Maiden by Heather Tomlinson is one of the most beautiful and amazing books I have read in a long time. Seriously, everything about this book I loved.
The Plot: While I found it to be a tad confusing in some places, it still flowed along so beautifully. It was exciting, filled with twists and turns I never expected. This plot also didn't drag on and on and on, as some writers have their books do. This plot was tight and to the point.
The Characters: These are some of the most endearing and complex characters I have ever read about. Doucette was a great main character since she wasn't the pretty or magical sister. Jaume... oh my gosh! I think I developed a little crush on him. Azelais and Lady Sarpine were the perfect villians, challenging Doucette in many ways.
The Writing: Obviously, Heather is a fantastic writer. It was so fluid and beautiful and very addicting as well. (It was nearly impossible for me to put this down!) And with this being her debut novel, I imagine it can only get better with her forthcoming books!
So... I highly, highly recommend this book. This is one of the best books I have ever read, and I think you feel the same way too!
The Swan Maiden
This is a fabulous retelling of a fairy tale. A great read and a "can't put it down until you are finished" type of book. As a children's author I read many fantasies and this rates as one of the top ones. A must buy.
