Thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC and the chance to read this book in return for an honest review.
I love a good retelling. This book checked all the boxes for a Swan Princess retelling and added darker elements, with slow burn romance, found family, and a story that sweeps you away. This was a quick read for me that I really enjoyed. While there were areas of the world building that could have been clearer or described better I still flew through this.
This is why I am rating it 4 stars. Thank you again to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC

⭐️ 2.75 stars

I really wanted to love The Swan’s Arrow. A darker, adult retelling of The Swan Princess with magic, romance, and the promise of a morally gray, revenge-driven hero sounded exactly like my kind of book. Unfortunately, this one just didn’t fully come together for me.

The biggest struggle was the worldbuilding. It felt almost nonexistent at times, and I never had a clear sense of when or where the story was supposed to be taking place. There were modern pop culture references alongside what felt like a medieval or Renaissance setting, which made the world feel inconsistent and hard to visualize. The magic system also felt confusing and underexplained, which made it difficult to fully buy into the stakes.

The pacing didn’t quite work for me either. The beginning felt rushed, the middle dragged, and then the ending sped through the resolution so quickly that it felt frantic rather than satisfying.

I also went in expecting a more mature, darker retelling with a morally gray, vengeance-driven MMC. Instead, the romance read younger than anticipated, with more awkward teen energy than the adult fantasy tone I was hoping for, which made it harder to emotionally connect with the characters.

That said, the premise is fun and readers who enjoy lighter YA-leaning fantasy romances or fairytale retellings may have a better experience with it than I did.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Swan's Arrow offers a fresh take on classic fairy tale themes, blending romance with elements of betrayal and magic. The dual perspectives of Odette and Ren create a richly layered narrative filled with emotional depth. Holly M. Jenkins crafts a brooding atmosphere that draws readers into a world where love is fraught with danger and every choice can lead to unforeseen consequences.

The protagonists are well-rounded, with relatable struggles that resonate with readers. Jenkins’ writing is beautifully poetic, enhancing the magical ambiance of the story. The exploration of love, power, and moral ambiguity adds depth to the narrative. This novel is a captivating read for those who enjoy fairy tales reimagined with a darker twist. It’s a story that lingers long after the last page is turned.

A retelling of Swan Lake for the trend of fairy tale deconstructions. Quick dialogue, a fast pace, and lovable characters push this story along.

However, tonal shifts between the chapter titles and the actual prose, flippant wit in dialogue, and references to modern literature make this story more a satire of Swan Lake than a new and ageless retelling. For readers who enjoy deconstructions and irreverent tales, this is a good choice.