After having read this, I'm not sure I agree with a description of "utterly spooky young adult novel." This had me expecting more of a spooky horror read but it ended up being more paranormal mystery. This also felt slow and underwhelming to me. It had less "spook" factor than I was hoping for and more teenage drama. I don't always mind the drama but I started to really struggle with the likability of the characters. And once infidelity entered the mix it just solidified my distaste for them.

I did really appreciate the setting being in Jamaica. I found that interesting. And I thought the display of bullying and its impact was realistic. This book definitely had some good real life takeaways but it ultimately just ended up being something that I wasn't expecting.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7120536134
Fable Review: https://fable.co/review/a95924ad-a1f6-4d14-aa4e-09356893bca4/share

This is a retelling of Swan Lake and while I admit that I haven't any experience with the original story, I still thoroughly enjoyed this book.

The story and the characters, I found to be both incredibly captivating. This story felt whimsical and I really loved the writing. I only realized after finishing this book that this is the same author that wrote Where the Dark Stands Still. Which makes everything make much more sense as I also thoroughly enjoyed that book. So far, both of A.B. Poranek's books have received 4/5 star ratings from me. I'm a huge fan of the cover artwork as well. I preordered A Treachery of Swans a while back and am so glad that I did because the ARC did not disappoint me.

While this is a sapphic, gothic romance, this is also an exceedingly slow-burn romance. Most of the romance happens off of the page, so if you're looking for a more open-door sapphic romance, you won't find it here. I didn't mind any of this, but just a heads-up for fellow readers!

The only thing I really struggled with was that I felt the ending was a bit rushed. Without spoiling anything, I wish that the epilogue had dove more into Odile's adventures at resolution. I also wish that we had received more about what life turned into afterwards with the kingdom. These are small complaints and completely based on personal preference, but it's what kept me from rating it 5/5 stars.

I would definitely recommend this book and it piqued my interest in the original story as well.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6970557733
Fable Review: https://fable.co/review/aa13d41c-2542-4eb2-b81a-61ad426bdff3/share