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I didn't quite know what to expect with this book. What I found was a very imaginative and well written story, an extended epilogue to the well known children's story about the six brothers who were turned into geese. It started out fairly straightforward, but had a lot of different pieces that came together to form well rounded characters and an interesting story.

This book was a happy accident while cleaning through a school library with limited reading variety. I found it good then, and later, good enough to purchase and reread, it starts much like any Brother's Grimm tale or fairy tale of the older variety would, with some drag, some stalling, and you hoping it gets to the point or something happens before you skip to another story, when it takes action and starts moving is when it's good as gold. The build up gets you to know the main character, his motivations, the wind up right before the swing really leaves you hoping he will accomplish these goals set in stone, and from there it's a ride worth the wait. It did have moments that nearly bucked me off and left me too flustered to continue, some lines have to be read twice, but the ride is definitely worth it.

It fits into the category that would appeal to teenagers and kids who feel like they don't fit in most, but alienated adults could just as easily see the m.c as a likable character from start to finish. Definitely recommend this for at least one good read before you put it on a shelf.

I'd praise the cover art, as it stands out from all my other books, but I feel that might look a bit silly. ( )

This was 100% good. It's a middle-grade retelling of the six swans tale (I keep calling it Seven Swans because of that Sufjan Stevens song lol) from the point of view of the youngest brother who is left with a bird wing because his sister didn't finish his shirt in time.

I don't have a lot to say about this book, because I just loved it. It was refreshing and full of feels and adventure and fairy tale vibes! I loved the dynamic between the brother and his sister and the tension caused by the curse she lived through and did her best to lift off her brothers. The main character, Ardwin is definitely a headstrong brat, but also someone who is bullied and shunned by many of those around him. He goes through some great growth throughout the story.

It's just an awesome read - I finished it in 2 days and it's one I definitely want to re-read someday. Certainly, it would be on a 'top whatever' list for fairy tale retellings from me. If you like MG, fairytale retellings and fantasy, definitely pick this up. ( )

This is a very creative continuation of the fairy tale about the seven brothers who are turned into swans; their sister manages to free them from the curse, but the youngest brother is left with one wing in place of an arm.

The writing lacks sophistication, perhaps needed a bit more editing for form, but the content was imaginative and obviously geared toward younger readers anyway. Some plot points were a bit convenient, but it's a fairy tale, right? Overall I liked it and would probably recommend it to my niece, but I don't plan on ever rereading it myself. ( )