A Treachery of Swans by A.B. Poranek
If you enjoy fantasy with drama, betrayal and sharp female leads, then A Treachery of Swans will definitely catch your attention. This young adult fantasy, written by A. B. Poranek, draws you into a richly imagined world where magic is banned, identities are stolen and nothing is as it seems.
The story follows Odile Rothbarte, a gifted actress in the royal theatre with a dangerous secret; she’s also a trained thief raised by Rothbarte, a mysterious and powerful sorcier. Her mission is simple but risky: impersonate a noble girl named Marie d’Odette d’Auvigny, win the heart of the Dauphin (the prince) and steal a powerful magical crown known as the Couronne du Roi. But as Odile steps into Marie’s world, memories and emotions from their shared past begin to blur the line between performance and reality.
Identity, History and Magic
The setting of the story — Auréal — is like a twisted version of 18th-century France. The kingdom is under a magical curse that drained its beauty and color, and only the forbidden magic of goddess-gold can change that. The author did a good job creating this world. The theatre is full of life, with costumes, secrets and backstage tension, while the palace and court life are filled with hidden agendas and heavy expectations.
The main theme here is identity. Odile has been trained to pretend all her life, but this mission pushes her to the edge. She begins to wonder if she’s just her father’s puppet or if she can make her own choices. There’s also a lot about betrayal, class division and reclaiming power. I liked how Odile wasn’t perfect; she was clever, bold and funny, but she also made mistakes and had regrets. She’s not your usual heroine, and that’s what makes her interesting.
Poetic Prose and Potent Characters
Poranek’s writing is beautiful and smooth. Her style is poetic in places, especially when she describes the settings or emotions. But it’s not hard to understand at all. The dialogue sounds real, and the humor feels natural. The pace is moderate — not too fast, not too slow, giving space for both action and emotion.
One thing I enjoyed most was how layered the characters were. Marie, the girl Odile is meant to replace, isn’t just some soft noble lady. She has her own secrets and desires, and the relationship between her and Odile is filled with tension, history and unspoken feelings. Rothbarte, Odile’s father, is also a strong presence, charming but dangerous, like a true villain in disguise.
The story doesn’t just focus on magic and drama; it also gives you something to think about. For example, the way magic is treated in this world can be seen as a reflection of how society treats people who are different or feared. It also questions what it means to belong, especially for someone like Odile, who lives between two worlds, neither fully noble nor fully peasant, neither truly free nor fully trapped.
Fresh and Unique YA Fantasy
A Treachery of Swans fits well into the YA fantasy genre but feels fresh and unique. Fans of The Shadows Between Us, Serpent & Dove or even Six of Crows will find something to enjoy here. It’s a story of performance and deception, but also of finding your own voice in a world that wants to silence you.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy with strong characters, magical plots and a bit of political tension. It’s not just about magic and action; it’s about choices, change and the power of truth, even when it’s hidden behind a mask.
About A.B. Poranek:
A. B. Poranek grew up splitting her time between Ontario, Canada and rural Poland, and eventually completed a veterinary degree at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences. A lover of mythology and history, she enjoys exploring both in her writing.
Her debut novel, Where the Dark Stands Still, an instant New York Times bestseller, is an ode to Poland’s folktales, while A Treachery of Swans transports readers to a world inspired by 17th-century France.
