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SWAN LAKE by Rey Terciero Kirkus Star

SWAN LAKE

Quest for the Kingdoms

by Rey Terciero ; illustrated by Megan Kearney with Meaghan Carter

Pub Date: April 5th, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-06-294148-0
Publisher: HarperAlley

Three rival kingdoms, two princesses, one prince—and a quest that could change the realm forever.

Princess Odette of Bloom Kingdom is cursed to take the form of a swan during the day and that of a human at night. She loves ballet, but how can she study it as a swan, hidden away from the curious eyes of the world? One day, frustrated with her parents, Odette flies away to the shores of Swan Lake. There she meets Dillie, the headstrong princess of Rotbart Kingdom. The two quickly become friends despite the stark differences between their kingdoms. When they learn that Rotbart is held responsible for Odette’s curse, they begin a quest to clear the Rotbart name and lift the curse. Soon, they are joined by Siegfried, the sweet, sensitive prince of Montrose Kingdom who plans to prove that he is worthy of the crown. As the three search for the keys to their quest, they face kidnappers, menacing vegetation, and even goblins and learn to appreciate their individual strengths and weaknesses. Nonstop adventure and colorfully illustrated panels keep the pages of this Swan Lake reimagining turning, while quieter moments underscore the budding friendships among the three heirs. Odette has light-brown skin and red hair, pale goth Dillie has a prosthetic leg, and Siegfried has dark-brown skin and blue and purple hair.

A fun, ballet-inspired hero’s journey, full of heart, trials, and good humor.

(map, author's note, note about Tchaikovsky) (Graphic fantasy. 9-12)