One of my nephews did not begin speaking until he was older than his brother was when he began to talk. I was always convinced it was because he was so busy thinking, he couldn’t be bothered with words.
One morning I was outside with the boys. Phil was still not speaking clearly at this time. As we were playing, he was making sounds that pretty much sounded like gibberish. It was terribly cute and I didn’t think much about it. A few minutes later, a flock of blackbirds chattered as they flew by. Then Phil started up again and it dawned on me. He was talking to the birds!
A Captive of Wing and Feather: A Retelling of Swan Lake
by Melanie Cellier
Series: Beyond the Four Kingdoms #5
Series Rating:
Published by Luminant Publications
Publication Date September 13, 2019
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Clean Romance
Main Character Ages: 18-24
Written for: High-School/Young Adult
Pages: 302
Synopsis:
Princess Adelaide has been missing for years. And that's exactly the way she wants it. Haunted by her past, not even the curse that entraps her is enough to make her long for her old home.
But her past finds her anyway, in the form of a handsome prince from her childhood. Adelaide doesn't want to let Gabe in, but a sinister force is spreading fear throughout her new kingdom, and only Gabe has the will to help her. Adelaide can't refuse his assistance--not when the evil might soon ensnare much more than a solitary princess. But with her friends and her new kingdom in danger, even the help of Gabe and her seven swans might not be enough.
In this reimagining of the classic tale, Swan Lake, the trapped princess must find the courage to overcome her past if she has any hope of turning a tragedy into a happy ending.
If you enjoy clean romance, adventure, and intrigue, then try the books in the Beyond the Four Kingdoms series now! These interconnected fairy tale retellings each feature a different princess who has to fight for her happily ever after.
Beyond the Four Kingdoms reading order:
A Dance of Silver and Shadow: A Retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses A Tale of Beauty and Beast: A Retelling of Beauty and the Beast A Crown of Snow and Ice: A Retelling of The Snow Queen A Dream of Ebony and White: A Retelling of Snow White A Captive of Wing and Feather: A Retelling of Swan Lake And coming in 2019:
A Princess of Wind and Wave: A Retelling of The Little Mermaid
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I loved the creativity of this story! As I was reading, I was noticing how wonderfully the tale was woven and enjoying every word.
Princess Adelaide, the sister of King Dominic from A Tale of Beauty and the Beast, who had been spirited away when she was just thirteen by her godmother when their parents died, was under an enchantment which caused her to lose her voice during the day and be bound to the enchanted lake of swans at night. Her days were spent silently as she served at The Haven – when she attempted to speak, she bugled like a swan instead. In fact, the swans who lived at her lake could understand her.
Addie wore her nobility with kindness and humility. Though she would have sacrificed herself for the women she served, she feared trusting anyone fully with her heart.
Crown Prince Gabriel had been searching for Addie for quite some time and despite her best efforts to disguise herself, he couldn’t help but recognize his childhood friend. This dashing and brave prince was determined to help release her from her prison, despite how enchanting it appeared. I have to say, Gabe was quite charming. I loved his resolve to help Addie in whatever way he could. His valor knew no limits.
A Captive of Wing and Feather was full of intrigue and twists. Just when I thought they had broken the spell or were finally going to succeed, something else would happen that was completely unexpected! I was quite caught up in the story and confess that at one point while I was reading, my husband asked me a question and I wondered just how I was supposed to communicate my answer to him. It took me a moment to realize that my voice wasn’t the one that was missing.
Melanie Cellier’s stories are always so enjoyable! If you enjoy fantasy, be sure to read not only this book but the entire Four Kingdoms and the Beyond the Four Kingdoms series.
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About Melanie Cellier
Melanie Cellier grew up on a staple diet of books, books and more books. And although she got older, she never stopped loving children’s and young adult novels.
She always wanted to write one herself, but it took three careers and three different continents before she actually managed it.
She now feels incredibly fortunate to spend her time writing from her home in Adelaide, Australia where she keeps an eye out for koalas in her backyard. Her staple diet hasn’t changed much, although she’s added choc mint Rooibos tea and Chicken Crimpies to the list.
Her young adult Four Kingdoms and Beyond the Four Kingdoms series are made up of linked stand-alone stories that retell classic fairy tales.
