Previous reviews I have written celebrate my adoration for fairytale retellings, especially when they are a retelling of the original version of a fairytale and not the Disney version. No shade to Disney, it's just not my jam and...star wars (shudder) what they did to Star Wars. Oooop, snap back to the present and the book review

I listened to this book as an audiobook and first things first, Heather O’Sullivan was the right choice for this audiobook. Excellent emotes, vocalisations, timbre, pace and character continuity *chef's kiss* brilliant!

Narrating a book is not easy and if the story flows well and the technical construction is on point, then a narrator and a writer can always produce an exceptinal audiobook through the merging of great talents


The story itself is a delight and Lyra Selene has truly written a marmite coup de grace and either you love it or hate it. Either you prefer Disney style retellings or retellings authentinc to the original story. Our heroine Fia is a changeling, who has been adopted by the queen as a secret weapon, a spy. The queens real daughter is cursed, fated to be a swan by day and returning to her real self at nighfall. (This retelling reflects that of The Swan maiden in the Edda or in Grimms Fairy Tales, but others may see themes from the Disney retelling of 1994 and either way is ok as it is all down to interpretation) Lyra Selene has created a retelling that can stand on its own as a strong romantasy novel and not just a retelling

This version is spicy in context, has a morally grey MMC and twists and turns that will captivate and enchant the listener

Thank you to Netgalley, Hachette audio, Orbit, the author Lyra Selene and the narrator Heather O'Sullivan for this stunning ALC. My review is left voluntarly and all opinions are my own

Fae, changelings, curses, and more, A Feather so Black promised all these and delivered. Here is what I liked about this book. Lyra Selene describes the world surrounding the story beautifully, it is magical and at times dark. The elements of Celtic mythology are woven throughout the story beautifully.

The story follows Fia, a changeling, who is joined by her childhood best friend to rescue the princess who as stolen by the fae, the princess from whom she was left with the humans. Fia was fairly naive at times and overly trusting; however, she does show some growth across the story. I was a bit frustrated with her at times as well. The story itself is fairly focused on the romance and character interactions, which I enjoy. I will be interested to see where the story travels next, especially after the events at the end of the book.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Heather O'Sullivan. The production and narration were very well done. The characters had enough difference between voices for me to easily follow sections of dialogue. It was easy to immerse myself in the story.

Thank you to Hachette Audio and NetGalley for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This one had a lot of promise when it came to the blurb. I am always intrigued by anything that deals with the fae. Although the audiobook is great, loved the narration, the plot just didn’t live up to my expectations.

The book is told from one point-of-view and it comes from Fia. She is a changeling who replaced a princess and has become a replacement daughter for the queen until her real child returns. She isn’t treated much different by the queen, but the others around her question her motives and see her as a plague pretty much. She is beneath them all. In some ways Fia is strong and doesn’t let others words bother her, but she does feel those snide remarks at times and it makes her vulnerable. It does make her relatable and human.

Her love interests are pretty bland though. One guy she is just pining over basically the whole time. They have history so I get it, but I don’t want to be reminded over and over again. It became repetitive. The other interest is just a mysterious shadow guy who doesn’t have much going for him besides that. A wall would be more interesting than them. I didn’t like either choice.

I wish that the plot had delivered and was more intriguing. Time passes quickly, but there is nothing really going on besides Rogan being broody and Fia trying to complete her task for the queen. It just never grabbed my attention even though I wish it had.

Overall, this one was okay but didn’t work for me.

This fantasy novel was beautifully written. The narrator's accent made it even more so. Fia, a changeling who is fae, but raised in the human world by the high queen, is asked to go on a mission to save her sister Eala. As her journey unfolds with her childhood friend, Rogan, Fia begins to question what is really going on and who she can actually trust. This was a beautiful story, not yet complete. I loved the Earth magic that Fia possesses. It was interesting to see how the characters changed throughout the novel.

Fia spent her whole life searching for true love, till she thought she doesn’t deserve it. Then he came, revealing the untold truth that was hidden by cruel deception.

When the monster isn’t really the villain, & the victim isn’t that innocent.

Amazing world building, very well described characters & great story. All highlighted by the excellent narration.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the ALC.

This book was not for me. I got VERY bored, and I felt like the love diamond was too much. I wanted to love it, but it wasn't my cup of tea.