This book starts off with an amazing scifi element and mashes up fantasy and storytelling. Ultimately it wasn't for me, but I can see how long time fans will adore this book, and the storytelling theme will appeal to many readers.

I really enjoyed Order of Swans. This was a fun book that was mainly fantasy with a little bit of sci-fi in there too. I liked the way that the fairy tales were integrated into the main story. Kaley and Tanek were a bit one dimensional when we met them but they grew on me as I got to know their histories and personalities and I love them both now. Sojee was probably one dimensional at first too but I adored him the minute we met him (This probably means he’s going to break my heart at some point) They all have secrets some bigger than others. If I had 100 questions while reading this book, I’ve still got 95! The trio goes on a “quest” of sorts and end up in a multitude of dangerous situations coming across many fantastical creatures. I seriously cannot get enough of Kaley’s interactions with animals! I want to hug a dragon!!! When I finished this book my jaw literally dropped at the last line. The ending wasn’t the most shocking I’ve ever read but how and where the author let the book end had me certain I’d missed a page. I liked that!
This is the first book in a duology and I’ll definitely be reading the second!
I did have some issues while reading. There were a few scenes where it seemed that a sentence or maybe more was missing. This meant that I was pulled briefly out of the story to figure out what was going on. There were a few tired stereotypes, such as in a community comprised only of men the only thing they cook and eat is meat and the steak is the best the FMC has ever had (no that’s not a euphemism). And, when the trio are sharing some of their special skills the FMC chooses to perform yoga. While yoga is ABSOLUTELY a skill and requires athleticism to perform at a high level the scene still felt a bit sexist. It didn’t make sense that the FMC took so long to start questioning what was going on. And finally, Kaley has a special connection with animals. I have a difficult time accepting that she would not be a vegetarian, given her abilities. I am not a vegetarian but I still cringed every time she consumed meat. I can imagine some of these issues playing into the bigger story at which point the choices will make more sense. But even with a few things that pulled me out of the story I LOVED this book overall and I can’t wait to read the next one!

Kaley is a PhD candidate in a folklore department when her career (and her life) falls apart around her. On impulse, she accepts a friend's invitation to travel to a mysterious, hidden island in search of new folktales to resurrect her academic career. Only that island? It isn't exactly on the planet Earth...

This is a fun romp of an adventure, filled with random fairy tales playing out around the island that Kaley must shepherd to a happily ever after. Along the way, she falls in love but a cliffhanger conclusion leaves us to wonder how it'll all turn out in the end.

Four out of five stars for fun characters and worldbuilding, but I would have loved there to have been a bit more logic or explanation for why the fairy tales all suddenly start playing out now that Kaley is there. Maybe it'll come in the next books or maybe not - fairy tales have their own logic, of course!

Loved reading the mesmerizing and spellbinding paranormal story. When Kaley's dissertation is turned down, her long family friend, Jobi, says she can go with him to visit his hometown, Bellis, but she may be on another planet and fairy tales are happening in strange ways. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a must read riveting story. Can't wait to read the next story in the series by the phenomenal author, Jude Deveraux!

*Order of Swans* by Jude Deveraux is a captivating fantasy romance that sweeps readers into a richly imaginative world where fairy tales come to life. Kaley Arens, a folklore PhD student, finds herself pulled into the enchanting and mysterious world of Bellis, where she quickly learns that her expertise in fairy tales has more real-world consequences than she ever imagined. The magical setting is beautifully crafted, and Deveraux’s world-building brings an ethereal charm that makes you want to get lost in the kingdom’s secrets.

The characters are equally intriguing, especially Kaley’s journey from a curious academic to someone with the power to alter the fate of this world. The chemistry between Kaley and Tanek, a member of the mysterious Order of Swans, adds just the right amount of romantic tension without overshadowing the main plot. The twists and turns in their quest to find the lost prince keep the story engaging, though at times, the pacing slows in the middle. Nonetheless, the blend of adventure, magic, and romance makes *Order of Swans* a must-read for fans of fantasy romance and fairy tale retellings.

Deveraux is known for big fat historical mystery and romance novels. Good writers like to branch out now and then, though, so here's her version of the fantasy novel in which elements from classic fairy tales (and some new ones--Oz and Brigadoon are mentioned) are mashed up into a whole new fantasy. A young woman who's always felt somewhat different from other humans, primarily because all animals adore her, discovers that this is because she's not really human. Back in the fairy tale world from whence her parents came, she flirts and shares adventures with a few attractive men, but her story is an adventure not a romance until she accepts that she's in her natural home and chooses a husband there.

This well told, entertaining story should keep readers smiling through a few commutes. Recommended to all who enjoy remixed fairy tales.

This was a very unusual book. Kaley thought she was visiting an island but it turns out she was taken to another planet. I thought it took her an awfully long time to realize it. The things that happened were like our fairy tales. The abrupt ending leads me to believe there will be a sequel. I am looking forward to see what happens with Kaley. Does she return to earth or stay on Bellis.

Kaley accompanies her lifelong friend, Jobi, to his home island of Bellis. Kaley discovers that Bellis is not merely a remote island but a parallel world where fairy tales come to life. The world is unique, a fantastical realm with its own rules and unforgettable characters. The distinction between heroes and villains is unclear; each character has their own motivations and secrets, adding layers and complexity to the storyline. Kaley's evolution from a scholar of folklore to living a fairytale adventure has her struggling to navigate her newfound powers, and the responsibilities accompanying the magic are emotionally and intellectually engaging.

I received an ARC ebook for my honest review. Thank you, NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA.

I'm not sure what I expected going into this, but after some brief confusion with the prologue (I was super confused that it seemed like a sci-fi vs. fantasy story when I never, ever request sci-fi books lol), I fell in love with the story.

Order of Swans was unpredictable, captivating, and enthralling. I loved the characters, especially Kaley, and I liked the world building that took place. I also really enjoyed the light-academia vibes throughout the story; I'm a sucker for all things academia related in fantasy, so this ended up being perfect for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Such a fun read! Highly recommend.

Many thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

This was a strange book. Kaley doesn’t know that she is. It 100% human. After growing up and being the odd kid, she gets a chance to travel to her family friend’s home not realizing it is another planet. ARC from NetGalley.

Kaley is a captivating storyteller who had me reading without pause. The world building was spellbinding and I loved the fantasy elements and rich characters. Amazing read!

This was a good book that reminded me of somewhat light academia. Need maybe a little less more in length but overall enjoyable