Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie R. Wheadon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Marvelous fairy tale with the right amount of dark, whimsy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In THE SWAN'S DAUGHTER, Demelza is half veritas swan like her mother, half wizard like her controlling father, and the only one of the brood without wings or the ability to turn into a swan. Her father sends all her sisters off to foreign lands to marry and hold sway with their special power to sing the truth out of anyone, while poor wingless Demelza is left behind. Just when her father discovers a nefarious use for her, her mother helps her escape by covering her in enchanted mud and sending her to Castle Rathe, where all eligible bachelorettes are invited to compete for the hand of Prince Arris. While Demelza is not so keen on courting the prince—and good thing, because that darn mud just won't come off—she hopes to help him. Many of the suitors are after much more than a happily-ever-after with a prince: They're after his heart. Literally. It's the curse of the kingdom's male heirs to marry bloodthirsty wives who cut out their hearts to take all the power as queen.
Is It Any Good?
This terrific original fairy tale possesses all the right elements—a fantastical world, a prince, an evil wizard, a deadly curse—plus a quirky half-swan female hero with a truth-telling gift. The fantastical world is a marvel, from the sentient castle to the kingdom of creatures that inhabit it. It's easy to get swept up in all the captivating details. The main characters are the next best thing about The Swan's Daughter. The prince is more fussy than charming—his fastidious morning routine is a hoot. Demelza is a bookworm who was never taught any manners—plus, she's covered in enchanted mud and smells like a pond when all the other suitors are poised and gorgeous. Then there's the dark fairy tale vibe. It's never too dark because the characters are so fun, but that curse is a doozy. Prince Arris is right to be worried. And Demelza's wizard father is both doting and maniacal in equal measure.
Then, marinating in the dark fairy tale brew is—you'll never guess—what resembles a fantasy-themed season of The Bachelorette, with some truly catty and occasionally bloodthirsty competitors for Prince Arris' poor heart. And yes, somehow all these vibes vibe together, which is no small feat. Author Roshani Chokshi has been writing very good fantasies for a while now, but this one is by far her very best, and that's the truth.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the fairy tale elements of The Swan's Daughter. A girl who is half-swan and magical, the eligible bachelor prince, and the cruel curse that could turn his future bride against him are all standard fairy tale fare. What's different about this story? About the characters?
How does Demelza show empathy for Prince Arris during her stay at the castle?
Demelza is breaking free of her parents for the first time. What does she learn about herself? When is she proud of herself? How does she begin to show teamwork with the other contestants and learn about friendship?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Baking , Competition , Fantasy ( Fairy Tales , Magic ) , Friendship , Royalty ( Kings , Princes , Princesses , Queens )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Integrity , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Wednesday Books
- Publication date : January 6, 2026
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 18
- Number of pages : 400
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : January 14, 2026
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