Monday, January 15, 2018

Review - Swan Song by Charlotte Wilson

Swan Song
by Charlotte Wilson
Published September 12th, 2017 by Heaven Afire
224 pages

*An e-copy of this book was given to by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!*

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Summary from Goodreads.com:

LOVE AND LONGING IN THE BRIGHT LIGHTS OF LONDON

When iconic ballerina Beatrice Duvall died, a nation mourned – and a legacy was born. Sixteen years later, her daughter Ava comes to London to take part in a high-profile tribute to Beatrice, and to learn about the mother she never knew. 

There’s just one snag: the tribute is a ballet, Swan Lake. Which is infinitely painful for Ava, because she can’t dance. Won’t dance. Not since she quit the Royal Ballet School last year and walked away from everything that defined her. 

But this is London, colourful and crazy, and with actor Seb at her side, there’s so much to discover. Like Theatreland razzmatazz and rooftop picnics and flamingo parties. And a whole load of truths Ava never knew about her mother – and herself. 

When the time comes to take the stage, will Ava step out of the shadow cast by her mother’s pedestal? And who will be waiting for her there, in the bright lights? 

A coming-of-age novel about family and first love, in the city of hopes and dreams.





My Rating:


Review:

Swan Song will hook you from the start and have you thinking about the characters long after you finish the book. I think it suffices to say that I really enjoyed this read! I’ve read the first book in Charlotte Wilson’s paranormal series and this book was just as good as that series.


Swan Song is not paranormal but rather, as the blurb says, a coming of age novel. The characters were easy to relate to and understand. They were just plain intriguing to read about in an everyday type of way.


Ava was a wonderful character along with Seb. They both have their own types of problems and insecurities but they grow and mature by the end of this book. Ava is still, in a way, dealing with the death of a mother that she was never able to know. She is dealing with her refusal to dance and the memories, or lack thereof, of her mother that come with being in London. And she may or may not have feelings for Seb… Either way, Ava handles everything and gets through her fears and feelings. It’s definitely great to read through her perspective.


Seb is a great side character as well and really adds to the story. He is there for Ava despite her not always wanting company. He’s relatable and just a really great guy. He has his own talents and fears and is a wonderful friend.  


This story was honestly just really hooking. I was intrigued in the beginning and finished rather quickly. I felt for the characters and what they each had been through and I was cheering for them when they found the strength to go on. This book was just a feel good and yet emotional read! I would definitely recommend to anyone in the mood for a coming of age novel or looking to read about characters that truly grow and mature. Oh! And if you enjoy ballet, you might also be interested in this as well!  


Vanessa

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