This book is perfect in every sense. From the kingdoms to the characters to the emotions, politics, danger! Gah!

Put this one on your TBR folks.

A Throne of Swans is going to sweep its white wings across the world and SOAR.

This was my first book by Katharine and Elizabeth Corr so I wasn't sure what to expect but I'm really pleased that I ended up adoring the story. Inspired by Swan Lake, the narrative evoked a fairytale-esque atmosphere. In a country where the elite can shapeshift into ancestral birds, society is divided into those with the ability to fly and those without. Status depends purely on this one characteristic and it was thought-provoking to explore the effects of segregation and the ruthless treatment often visited upon the flightless.

I loved the political intrigue and deadly games woven throughout the story. It was never obvious who could be trusted and who was spinning a web of lies. The pacing was perfect and kept me engaged from beginning to end. In fact, I ended up reading this in almost one sitting as I found it too engrossing to put down. Aderyn is the main character, a member of the ruling elite who is unable to shapeshift due to physical and psychological trauma. Aderyn was stubborn, passionate and naïve but I loved her because of her flawed yet bold personality. Her interactions with the arrogant and handsome Lucien developed into a romantic relationship that had me fully invested (however, the ending of this book has me so worried for them!).

Aron was probably my other favourite character. As a prince who loses his ability to fly, his status is very ambiguous. I'd have loved some chapters from his point of view, simply because of his unique persepctive. I'm looking forward to seeing how his storyline progresses in the final book of this duology. A Throne of Swans conjures a story of courtly intrigue, romance, and shapeshifting, whilst also exploring issues such as segregation and trauma, all while keeping the reader engaged from beginning to end. I would definitely recommend this book unreservedly to any fantasy fan. With the scene set for the rebellion of the flightless, and the unresolved relationship of Aderyn and Lucien, A Crown of Talons looks set to be one of my most-anticipated books of 2021.