A Treachery of Swans

A. B. Poranek's 'A Treachery of Swans' is a young adult fantasy novel set in the magical realm of Auréal, where magic was stolen two centuries ago. The story follows 17-year-old Odile, who has been groomed by her sorcerer father to infiltrate the royal palace and steal the king's crown. Her mission takes a dark turn when the king is brutally murdered, forcing Odile to align with Marie, a girl she previously cursed, to clear her brother's name. This novel explores complex themes of loyalty, identity, justice, and burgeoning romance, particularly an f/f relationship, against a backdrop of political intrigue and magical mystery. Parents should be aware of the prominent themes of murder, violence, and peril, suitable for the intended YA audience (ages 12-18).

"Two hundred years ago, a slighted deity stole the magic from Auréal and vanished without a trace. But seventeen-year-old Odile has a plan. All her life, her father, a vengeful sorcerer, has raised her for one singular task: infiltrate the royal palace and steal the king's crown....But when the king is brutally murdered...her plans are thrown into chaos. Desperate to free her brother, Odile is forced to team up with none other than elegant, infuriating Marie, the girl she has cursed...and the girl she can't seem to stop thinking about...Torn between loyalty to her father and her growing feelings for Marie, Odile becomes tangled in a web of treachery and deceit"--