The Bibliophile's Bookshelf

Title: A Captive of Wing and Feather: A Retelling of Swan Lake

Series: Beyond the Four Kingdoms #5

Author: Melanie Cellier

Genre: Young Adult, Fantast, Retelling, Clean Romance

Rating: 4.5 stars

Review:

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. – summary from Goodreads

A Captive of Wing and Feather was so good! I loved the characters, the storyline, and the romance! Everything was perfect for me!

I’m not too familiar with the story Swan Lake, but I felt like this one stayed true, with Cellier’s classic writing style and cozy storytelling.

I really liked Adelaide. I have been waiting for her story since A Tale of Beauty and Beast and was thrilled to finally read it. I have also been looking forward to seeing more of Gabe, who was definitely an intriguing character in A Dance of Silver and Shadow. Adelaide was an interesting character. She was so caring, but also really guarded. It was an interesting combination and left room for some lovely character growth. There was something about Adelaide that I really liked, though I can’t quite pinpoint it.

I did like how Adelaide felt betrayed by the events that happened in the events of A Tale of Beauty and Beast. Rightfully so, she wasn’t able to trust as easily as she used to. This then led to an exploration of how people are going to disappoint you, but you can still let them in and love them. It was such a nice subplot, that I am really glad was included.

I really liked Gabe and was so glad we got a book with him! He is such a daring, fun character, though he also possessed this protective, responsible side. I liked that he was a full-fleshed character, with both a fun and responsible side. I also really liked how quick he was to be fun- while I love a good responsible character, I really enjoy characters that can have fun!

I loved the romance between Gabe and Adelaide! I feel like how this romance was well developed. They were so cute together. I especially like how Adelaide began to trust again. She would use Gabe’s boldness as a reason why she couldn’t trust him, but as the story progressed, she realized that there was more to him, and she could trust him. For Gabe’s part, I loved the quiet protectiveness of Adelaide, but he would also let her take part in the adventures. I think they balanced each other really well. I will also say I loved the ending- the dramatic declarations, saving each other! It was perfect!

I did like the side characters. There was quite a few of them, and they added a nice depth to the story. We really got to know a lot of characters, and Adelaide deeper because of this. I especially liked the Haven residents, and the background romance between Ash and Wren was adorable.

There were also animal companions! I loved the swans in this book! They were a nice addition to the story and something I was happy was included. I thought it was a unique twist on the story, as well.

The curse that was placed on Adelaide also felt more realistic than the original story. She was still able to interact with people, though she cannot speak during the day and is forced to go to a lake at night. While not entirely realistic, it felt slightly more real than her turning into a swan every night. The antagonist was also properly creepy. It was a little confusing, everything he was doing, but he was well written.

They only thing I wish we got was more time with Adelaide and Dominic; it was such a big part of the story, and their reunion was glossed over. I also wish we got to see Gabe and Adelaide’s wedding!

A Captive of Wing and Feather was a cozy, adventurous retelling of Swan Lake that follows the missing Princess Adelaide. With explorations of trust and love, as well as a bold prince, fantastic side characters, and animal companions, this was a lovely retelling in Cellier’s classic style!

Quotes:

“‘First, choose yourself a man with a good heart, and then choose every day to see the good in him.’”