A Treachery Of Swans By A.B. Poranek Book Review

I finished A Treachery of Swans by A.B. Poranek in one late-night sitting. If you love gothic YA fantasy, this book will pull you in.

I loved seeing Swan Lake through Odile’s eyes. The story feels fresh, dark, and full of secrets. I recommend it for retelling fans.

Key Takeaways

A Treachery of Swans gives a new and dark take on the Swan Lake story. It is told from Odile’s point of view. Odile is not perfect, but she is interesting and honest.
The book stands out because of its spooky gothic mood. The writing is clear and sharp. There is a slow-building sapphic romance that makes the story deeper and more tense.
The story grabs readers with surprises. It has strong ideas about who you are and who you can trust. But the beginning is slow. The ending is confusing and might make some readers want more answers.

Worth Reading?

First Impressions

I’ll be honest, I started A Treachery of Swans late at night, thinking I’d just read a few chapters. Next thing I knew, the sun was coming up and I was still flipping pages. My eyes felt gritty, but I couldn’t put it down.

The gothic mood grabbed me right away. I felt like I was wandering through misty forests and candlelit halls, half-expecting a swan to glide past my window.

Here’s what stood out to me right from the start:

The story opens with a sense of mystery. I felt a chill run down my spine as Odile’s secrets started to unravel.
The writing style is sharp and direct. I never felt lost or confused, even when the plot twisted.
The atmosphere is thick with tension. I could almost smell the damp earth and old stone.
Odile’s voice feels real. She’s prickly, stubborn, and sometimes makes bad choices. I love that.

Note: If you like your fantasy with a side of darkness and a dash of rebellion, this book delivers.

Who Should Read

I always try to match books with the right reader. Here’s who I think will enjoy this one:

Fans of gothic YA fantasy who want something a little different.
Readers who love retellings, especially if you’re tired of seeing the same old stories from the same old perspectives.
Anyone who likes complicated heroines. Odile isn’t perfect, and that’s what makes her interesting.
If you want a story that feels both familiar and new, this one hits the mark.
People who enjoy stories about trust, betrayal, and finding your own path.

If you’re looking for a light, fluffy romance, you might want to skip this one. The romance here is tangled up with secrets and rebellion. But if you want a book that keeps you guessing and makes you feel a little haunted, A Treachery of Swans is worth your time.

A Treachery of Swans by A.B. Poranek: Plot

Odile and Marie

Odile and Marie’s relationship had me hooked from the start. I felt the tension every time they shared a scene. Odile isn’t your typical hero.

She’s a thief, a master of disguise, and she’s on a mission that puts her right in the middle of royal drama. Her biggest challenge? Marie, her ex-best friend who now stands in her way.

Odile actually turns Marie into a swan and steals her identity. That twist made my jaw drop.
Their friendship is full of old wounds and new betrayals. I could feel Odile’s guilt and Marie’s anger in every conversation.
As the story moves forward, their bond shifts. They go from enemies to uneasy allies, and I started rooting for both of them.
The slow-burn sapphic romance between them adds another layer. Marie’s bravery and softness balance Odile’s prickly side.

I loved how their relationship kept changing. It made every chapter feel unpredictable.

Setting and Conflict

The setting in A Treachery of Swans feels chilling and mysterious. The story jumps between past and present, which kept me guessing about everyone’s true motives. I liked how the chapter titles hinted at big twists—like “Unexpected Discovery” or “Letters of Betrayal.”

The royal palace feels cold and full of secrets. I could almost hear the echo of footsteps in empty halls.
Odile’s mission to steal the king’s crown and restore magic drives the plot. But nothing goes as planned.
Betrayal and friendship push the story forward. Every time I thought I knew what would happen, the book surprised me.
Letters and hidden messages reveal secrets at just the right moments.

This non-linear style made the plot feel like a puzzle. I had to pay attention, but it was worth it. The conflict isn’t just about magic or crowns—it’s about trust, identity, and what you’re willing to risk for the people you care about.

Themes

Identity

Odile’s struggle with identity pulled me in right away. She wears so many masks—literally and emotionally. I kept asking myself, “Who is Odile when no one’s watching?” She steals Marie’s face, but she can’t steal her memories or her heart. That tension made every scene feel risky.

Odile’s shifting roles made me question what’s real and what’s just a performance.
The story asks if you can ever truly escape your past or if it always follows you.

I found myself rooting for Odile to figure out who she wants to be, not just who others expect.

Trust and Betrayal

Trust feels like a rare coin in this book. Every character hides secrets. Betrayal stings, especially between Odile and Marie. Their friendship reminded me of stories like Macbeth, where betrayal isn’t just a plot twist—it’s a deep wound. Macbeth’s betrayal of Duncan, or Marlowe’s loyalty to Lennox in The Long Goodbye, show how trust can break people apart or hold them together, even when everything else falls apart.

I kept thinking, “Would I forgive someone who turned me into a swan?” Probably not. But the book made me hope they could.

Self-Discovery

Odile’s journey is all about self-discovery. She starts out running from her mistakes, but by the end, she faces them head-on.

I loved watching her grow braver, even when she messed up.
The story doesn’t hand her easy answers. She has to fight for every bit of truth.

This theme left me thinking about my own choices and how hard it can be to change, even when you want to.

Atmosphere and Romance

Gothic Elements

I have to give props to A.B. Poranek for the way she builds a gothic atmosphere. I felt like I was walking through a haunted castle every time I picked up the book. The setting is cold, shadowy, and full of secrets.

I could almost hear the wind howling outside the palace walls. The author uses small details—like the echo of footsteps or the flicker of candlelight—to make everything feel tense and mysterious.

The palace feels as chilling as the moors in Wuthering Heights.
I noticed how the old stone halls and dark forests set the mood, just like classic gothic stories.
The way the north wind rattles the windows or the thorns claw at the sky made me shiver.
Every room seems to hide a secret, and every shadow feels like it’s watching.

These details remind me how setting shapes the whole story. It’s not just a backdrop. It’s a character, pushing Odile and Marie into danger and forcing them to face their fears.

Love and Rebellion

The romance in this book isn’t soft or simple. It’s tangled up with rebellion and risk. Odile and Marie’s relationship had me guessing at every turn. I loved how their feelings grew out of old wounds and new trust. Their love feels like a secret act of defiance in a world that wants to keep them apart.

The slow-burn sapphic romance made my heart race.
Every stolen glance or whispered promise felt dangerous.
Their connection is about more than just love—it’s about fighting for freedom and choosing who you want to be.

I couldn’t put it down. The mix of gothic chills and forbidden romance left me gasping and wanting more.

Writing and Style

First-Person Voice

I have to give props to A.B. Poranek for the way she uses first-person narration. Odile’s voice jumps off the page. I felt like I was right inside her head, hearing every doubt and every sharp thought. Sometimes, I even caught myself holding my breath when she faced danger or made a risky choice.

Odile’s thoughts feel raw and honest. She doesn’t hide her mistakes.
The story never talks down to the reader. I felt respected, like I was trusted to keep up.
I loved the way Odile’s sarcasm and stubbornness came through. It made her feel real, not just a character on a page.

Reading this book felt like listening to a friend spill secrets late at night. I got pulled into her world and didn’t want to leave.

World-Building

The world-building in this book surprised me. I could almost smell the damp stone and hear the wind rattling the palace windows. The setting felt alive, but never overwhelming.

The author gives just enough detail to paint a picture, but never slows down the story.
Magic feels dangerous and unpredictable. I liked that it wasn’t explained to death.
The palace, the forests, and the hidden rooms all felt unique. Each place had its own mood.

Strengths

I have to admit, this book made me lose track of time. I started reading after dinner and suddenly it was 3 a.m. My heart raced, my hands shook, and I kept telling myself, “Just one more chapter.” Here’s what stood out to me:

Atmosphere: The gothic setting feels so real. I could almost hear the wind and see the flicker of candlelight. Every room in the palace hides a secret. The mood stays chilling from start to finish.
Odile’s Voice: I loved how sharp and honest Odile sounded. She doesn’t pretend to be perfect. Her sarcasm and stubbornness made me root for her, even when she messed up.
Twists and Surprises: The story kept me guessing. I never felt safe. Every time I thought I knew what would happen, the book threw in a jaw-dropping twist.
Sapphic Romance: The slow-burn romance between Odile and Marie felt real and risky. Their connection grew out of pain and trust. I found myself hoping they’d find happiness, even when things looked impossible.
Themes of Identity and Betrayal: The book explores what it means to wear a mask, to trust, and to forgive. These themes hit hard and made me think about my own friendships.

Weaknesses

I have to be honest, even books that keep me up all night have a few rough spots. This one is no different. I found myself wishing for a little more in some places.

Slow Start: The story takes its time getting going. I spent the first few chapters waiting for the real action to kick in. If you like books that grab you right away, you might get a little impatient here.
Missed Character Moments: I wanted more scenes with Odile’s brother and the Dauphin. Their stories felt important, but they stayed in the background. I kept hoping for a big moment between them, but it never really happened.
Epilogue Feels Off: The ending left me scratching my head. The epilogue felt like it belonged to a different book. Instead of a satisfying wrap-up, it set up more questions. I wanted closure, not a teaser for a sequel.

To be fair, none of these things ruined the experience for me. The story still pulled me in, but these bumps kept it from being perfect.

If you can handle a slow build and a few loose threads, you’ll still find plenty to love. I just wish the ending had left me gasping instead of wondering what comes next.

Comparison

Swan Lake Retellings

I’ve read my share of Swan Lake retellings, but A Treachery of Swans stands out for a few reasons. Most versions focus on Odette, the classic “good” swan. Here, the spotlight lands on Odile, the so-called villain. That twist alone made me sit up straight. I felt like I was finally hearing the other side of the story.

Odile’s perspective: She isn’t just a shadow in someone else’s tale. She’s messy, clever, and full of regret.
Morally gray choices: The book doesn’t shy away from tough decisions. Odile’s actions made me question who the real villain is.
Sapphic romance: I rarely see this in Swan Lake retellings. It felt fresh and honest.

Most retellings play it safe. This one takes risks and gives the “bad girl” a real voice.

Similar YA Fantasies

If you love gothic YA fantasy, you’ll notice some familiar vibes here. I kept thinking about books like An Enchantment of Ravens or House of Salt and Sorrows. Still, A Treachery of Swans brings its own flavor.

Atmosphere: The setting feels chilling and alive, not just a backdrop.
Emotional tone: The story leans into heartbreak and hope, not just magic and adventure.
Character focus: Odile’s journey feels personal. I cared about her mistakes and her growth.

I have to give props for making me care about a character I thought I’d hate. That’s rare in YA fantasy.

I stayed up way too late with A Treachery of Swans. The gothic mood, sharp writing, and unique retelling hooked me. Some slow parts and a confusing epilogue bugged me, but I still recommend it for fans of dark YA fantasy. I’d rate it a solid 7/10.