The Swan's Daughter

A Possibly Doomed Love Story

By: Roshani Chokshi

Narrated by: Ell Potter

A Good Morning America Book Club Pick!

"Ell Potter’s whimsical narration style for this unconventional love story matches the lighthearted and lyrical prose." — Kirkus

In this lush and enchanting novel from New York Times bestselling author Roshani Chokshi, a prince is only as good as his beating heart and a maiden is only as good as her honest word. But when love and the truth become impossibly tangled, the two must figure out how to survive together, or fall completely apart.

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.

A Macmillan Audio production from Wednesday Books

Critic reviews

"[T]his is an utter delight." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, starred review

"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." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Chokshi balances her sometimes vicious characters with inventive, whimsical elements." —Kirkus, starred review

"Roshani Chokshi can't stop writing mesmerizing hits." —Cosmopolitan

"Chokshi has crafted a whimsical and darkly hilarious fantasy, with dreamy writing and a charming cast." —Booklist

"Skillful writing and intricate world-building make this story a must-read. Within the dazzling setting lies a heartfelt tale of being different, of finding your true voice, and of the value of kindness." —Juliet Marillier, author of the Sevenwaters and Heartwood series

"A book to carve your heart out." —Holly Black, New York Times bestselling author of The Cruel Prince

“Lingers like a dream you’ll never want to wake from.” —Isabel Ibañez, #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

So whimsical <3

First 5 star of the year<3 I love everything this author writes. I hope we get more whimsy in books!!

The end is so beautiful. I'm crying.💛🦢

It made me nostalgic and emotionally mature. It's like The Swan Princess, Howls Moving Castle (the book) and The Adam's Family all came together to make a beautiful day dream. It's very rare I reread/listen a book but I think a year from now I will want to come back to this maybe while I am cleaning, gardening or crafting.

Whimsical YA Perfection

As a nearly 40 year old who read and re-read Ella Enchanted with delight in my developmental years, I think I could have evolved into a better version of myself much sooner if this book was in my hands instead. It's saturated with fairytale whimsy with a unique take, decadent characters, and rich imagination. Unlike many stories, it is grounded in realities, human limits, awkwardness, and unknowns of young love in a complex, mature, and insightful way. It made nostalgic of early experiences of love and privotal moments of realization in becoming who you are. It's a delight to read this story as an adult and I highly recommend it for young readers.

LOVE

This story was so beautiful; I enjoyed everything about it! I couldn't stop listening, and I even went out and got the physical book! I had so much fun listening, and I hope there's more!! <3

Beautifully Written As Always!!

The detail and breathtaking fantasy aspects are so beautifully written that it makes you want to listen/read it all over again as soon as you’re done. As with other Roshani Chokshi stories, her imagination astounds me and this book even more so. So detailed are her descriptions, that one becomes fully immersed in the magical world she has conjured.