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A review by stitchsaddiction
The Swan Harp by Elizabeth Creith
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
The Swan Harp is a fantasy series set in a Medieval world where Kiar, along with her three sisters are the children of King Tir and Queen Tianis. The Queen is a member of the Swan folk, which I thought was an intriguing idea because we often encounter characters in fantasy novels who change into mammals rather than birds.
Told from Kiar's perspective we see her go through the mundane moments of her life whilst feeling she doesn't fully belong as she is the only one of the trio of girls who couldn't change from human to swan - something that weighs on her. Then, drama and trouble come to the borders of her kingdom and Kiar's sense of being is tested.
The world-building sends the reader to a realm of castles, witches, and vast lands filled with mysteries and creatures both good and evil. I did feel it was a little basic given the book is a YA book and normally there's a very vivid and immersive world created for fantasy novels. Although it was evident of the style of the world The Swan Harp is set in, it did feel a little flat which was disappointing.
The same is said for the characters, they could have been so much more. I like characters to feel like they're jumping from the page into my imagination and this time they didn't. The premise of the sisters was good with each one being individual but they become lacklustre as the book goes on and I lost a lot of interest in them as well as the supporting cast.
In truth, I had high hopes - the cover is stunning but it just didn't live up to the hype for me. I also saw that this was part of the trilogy which surprised me as normally there's a cliffhanger etcetera but this wrapped up with no clue as to where it would continue.
Told from Kiar's perspective we see her go through the mundane moments of her life whilst feeling she doesn't fully belong as she is the only one of the trio of girls who couldn't change from human to swan - something that weighs on her. Then, drama and trouble come to the borders of her kingdom and Kiar's sense of being is tested.
The world-building sends the reader to a realm of castles, witches, and vast lands filled with mysteries and creatures both good and evil. I did feel it was a little basic given the book is a YA book and normally there's a very vivid and immersive world created for fantasy novels. Although it was evident of the style of the world The Swan Harp is set in, it did feel a little flat which was disappointing.
The same is said for the characters, they could have been so much more. I like characters to feel like they're jumping from the page into my imagination and this time they didn't. The premise of the sisters was good with each one being individual but they become lacklustre as the book goes on and I lost a lot of interest in them as well as the supporting cast.
In truth, I had high hopes - the cover is stunning but it just didn't live up to the hype for me. I also saw that this was part of the trilogy which surprised me as normally there's a cliffhanger etcetera but this wrapped up with no clue as to where it would continue.