The Swan's Daughter
By (Author) Roshani Chokshi
Hodder & Stoughton
Hodderscape
6th January 2026
United Kingdom
Children
Fiction
Epic fantasy / high fantasy
Childrens / Teenage personal and social topics: Dating, relationships, romance a
Paperback
400
Width 153mm, Height 234mm
Prince Arris knows that marriage means murder. After poorly wording a wish to a sea witch, all one needs to rule the Isle of Malys is the heart and hand in marriage of the kingdom's heir. Thus, Arris expects that the day of his marriage will be the one of his murdering. His only chance at a long life is finding true and lasting love.
When Arris's parents announce a tournament of brides to compete for the throne, a slew of eligible, lovely and (possibly murderous) bachelorettes make their way to Rathe Castle. But Arris cannot tell who is here out of love for him . . . or lust for power. Until he meets Demelza. As a veritas swan, Demelza's song wrings out the truth. Forced into hiding, Demelza strikes a deal. Arris will provide her with safekeeping in exchange for her truth-telling song to sort through his potential brides. While Arris is used to dodging death threats and Demelza is accustomed to fighting for her voice to be heard, to survive the tournament of brides requires a different kind of bravery. And perhaps the bravest thing one can do is not merely protect one's life but find the courage to chase a life worth livingSkillful writing and intricate world-building make this story a must-read. Within the dazzling setting lies a heartfelt tale of being different, of finding your true voice, and of the value of kindness * Juliet Marillier, author of the Sevenwaters and Heartwood series *
A book to carve your heart out * Holly Black, New York Times bestselling author of The Cruel Prince *
Lingers like a dream you'll never want to wake from * Isabel Ibaez, #1 bestselling author of the Secrets of the Nile duology *
Roshani never disappoints. The Swan's Daughter is a confection, layers of airy delight and layers of soul nourishing truth. Loving someone is never not dangerous. Loving someone is always a leap of faith. * Megan Whalen Turner, New York Times bestselling author of the Queen's Thief series *
Roshani Chokshi is the award-winning author of the New York Times bestselling series The Star-Touched Queen, The Gilded Wolves and Aru Shah and The End of Time, which Time Magazine named one of the Top 100 Fantasy Books of All Time. Her novels have been translated into more than two dozen languages and often draw upon world mythology and folklore. Chokshi is a member of the National Leadership Board for the Michael C. Carlos Museum and lives in Georgia with her husband and their nefarious cat.