A Feather So Black

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.

“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.

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.