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A Rush of Wings
Rowenna Winthrop has always known there’s magic within her. But though she hears voices on the wind and possesses unusual talents, her mother Mairead believes Rowenna lacks discipline, and refuses to teach her the craft that keeps their Scottish village safe. When Mairead dies a sinister death, it seems Rowenna’s one chance to grow into her power has passed. Then, on a fateful, storm-tossed night, Rowenna rescues a handsome stranger named Gawen from a shipwreck, and her mother miraculously returns from the dead. Or so it appears.
This resurrected Mairead is nothing like the old one: to hide her new and monstrous nature, she turns Rowenna’s brothers and Gawen into swans and robs Rowenna of her voice. Forced to flee, Rowenna travels to the city of Inverness to find a way to break the curse. But monsters take many forms, and in Inverness Rowenna is soon caught in a web of strangers who want to use her raw magic for their own gain. If she wishes to save herself and the people she loves most, Rowenna will have to take her fate into her own hands, and unlock the power that has evaded her for so long.
Content warnings are available via the author's website.
This resurrected Mairead is nothing like the old one: to hide her new and monstrous nature, she turns Rowenna’s brothers and Gawen into swans and robs Rowenna of her voice. Forced to flee, Rowenna travels to the city of Inverness to find a way to break the curse. But monsters take many forms, and in Inverness Rowenna is soon caught in a web of strangers who want to use her raw magic for their own gain. If she wishes to save herself and the people she loves most, Rowenna will have to take her fate into her own hands, and unlock the power that has evaded her for so long.
Content warnings are available via the author's website.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2021
About the author
Laura E. Weymouth
8 books657 followersLaura Weymouth is a Canadian living in America, and the sixth consecutive generation of her family to immigrate from one country to another. Born and raised in the Niagara region of Ontario, she now lives at the edge of the woods in western New York, along with her husband, two wild-hearted daughters, and an ever-expanding menagerie of animal friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
November 24, 2021
I give this book 5 stars because I wrote it
May 31, 2021
Transportive and beautiful. Each page turned in A Rush of Wings is the smell of salt and the spray of sea water. With lyrical prose and a steadfast protagonist fighting against her world and then some, this is a story forged with strength.
Want to read
December 14, 2023Having recently finished Laura E. Weymouth's debut, The Light Between Worlds, I'm ready to sign up for anything else she may write.
These waters run deep and I am ready to dive in!
This one sounds incredible and now that the cover has been revealed, I cannot wait to get it on my bookshelves!!
These waters run deep and I am ready to dive in!
This one sounds incredible and now that the cover has been revealed, I cannot wait to get it on my bookshelves!!
October 5, 2023
once upon a time…
I went to Barnes and Noble and bought this book. I’d never heard or seen it before but the cover was pretty and the blurb said it was a swan princess retelling. And I’m a sucker for retellings. So I bought it. It was possibly one of the best book related choices I have ever made. It doesn’t always work when I buy a book on instinct but it did this time. 🤭🩷
I went to Barnes and Noble and bought this book. I’d never heard or seen it before but the cover was pretty and the blurb said it was a swan princess retelling. And I’m a sucker for retellings. So I bought it. It was possibly one of the best book related choices I have ever made. It doesn’t always work when I buy a book on instinct but it did this time. 🤭🩷
January 16, 2022
So there were three big, huge, reasons why I almost never read this book. One being that the fairytale this is inspired by also inspired my actual favourite book of all time (ten points if you've been here long enough to know which one) and so naturally nothing could ever measure up; two, I had already read another Six Swans inspired YA retelling this year (two back to back after all this time? it was weird!), and three, this is my third attempt reading this author after two massive fails and the only reason I broke my promise to never read her again was because of the premise. Spoiler alert, I probably am issuing that promise again because, as you can tell from the rating, this wasn't a win. But.. it also wasn't a fail.
The best part about this version of the story was the writing. Weymouth did a great job bringing me onto the rocky misty shores of this random village (or whatever) while bringing into focus the historical setting and tumultuous past of Culloden and an occupied Inverness. It made for a very real but mundane kind of danger while abutting all the fey dangerous magic, and also creatures, that was also present in this world. It certainly wasn't perfect (I am still side eyeing the fact that the guards never saw the four boys going back and forth from within the castle or grounds or whatever while Rowenna was captured but, you know, we trudge on) but I could get swept up in it.
Where things didn't work was.. well, almost everything else. This version definitely mixes things up; Rowenna is no Sorcha and I'm glad of that. I actually appreciated that she wasn't the darling, wasn't sweet, wasn't easy, and was battling not just the curse but also herself. The lack of six brothers also speeds things up a bit for her as she has less curse breaking to do. But at the same time another hundred pages would've done a lot for this, I think. Mostly in giving us more familial dynamic because honestly beyond the general hope for her brothers to be returned to her, we didn't know them well enough, or get enough foundation of their relationships and dynamics to root for them beyond principle -- once they stopped treating Rowenna badly, at least. Which also applies to the love interest.
Strangely the strongest relationship or bond was between Rowenna and a sea creature. Now that could've been a story..
In all honesty, though, the absolute weakest part might have been the magical villain (as opposed to the human one) because I don't quite think I ever understood their actual goal. Even in the end, when we see the devastation wrought, I'm still like.. (insert Ryan Reynolds, "but why?" gif here).
As for the aforementioned human villain, well.. the scene that almost made me chuck the iPad across the room is when Rowenna has an opportunity to triumph and does not. Like, yeah, I get it, but wow. Considering all the devastation he was responsible for, wow. But sure, get on that high horse. However what's worse is how she initially ends up in his hands, and forced to do his bidding, and that whole little plot and.. I don't know. I'm mixed about it all.
So, yes, incase you were wondering, this wasn't a win and I don't think it's all to do with my bias though I'm sure that plays a part. If you're a fan of this retelling, or just think it sounds up your alley, I would cautiously recommend, especially with the Scotland setting and uprising in the mix. H o w e v e r, while I'm normally not one to spell things out, I do want to caution you that if animal death or violence done to animals is a big trigger for you? Even when it's somewhat spelled out without being graphic (if that makes sense)? Stay away.
2.5 stars
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This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
The best part about this version of the story was the writing. Weymouth did a great job bringing me onto the rocky misty shores of this random village (or whatever) while bringing into focus the historical setting and tumultuous past of Culloden and an occupied Inverness. It made for a very real but mundane kind of danger while abutting all the fey dangerous magic, and also creatures, that was also present in this world. It certainly wasn't perfect (I am still side eyeing the fact that the guards never saw the four boys going back and forth from within the castle or grounds or whatever while Rowenna was captured but, you know, we trudge on) but I could get swept up in it.
Where things didn't work was.. well, almost everything else. This version definitely mixes things up; Rowenna is no Sorcha and I'm glad of that. I actually appreciated that she wasn't the darling, wasn't sweet, wasn't easy, and was battling not just the curse but also herself. The lack of six brothers also speeds things up a bit for her as she has less curse breaking to do. But at the same time another hundred pages would've done a lot for this, I think. Mostly in giving us more familial dynamic because honestly beyond the general hope for her brothers to be returned to her, we didn't know them well enough, or get enough foundation of their relationships and dynamics to root for them beyond principle -- once they stopped treating Rowenna badly, at least. Which also applies to the love interest.
Strangely the strongest relationship or bond was between Rowenna and a sea creature. Now that could've been a story..
In all honesty, though, the absolute weakest part might have been the magical villain (as opposed to the human one) because I don't quite think I ever understood their actual goal. Even in the end, when we see the devastation wrought, I'm still like.. (insert Ryan Reynolds, "but why?" gif here).
As for the aforementioned human villain, well.. the scene that almost made me chuck the iPad across the room is when Rowenna has an opportunity to triumph and does not. Like, yeah, I get it, but wow. Considering all the devastation he was responsible for, wow. But sure, get on that high horse. However what's worse is how she initially ends up in his hands, and forced to do his bidding, and that whole little plot and.. I don't know. I'm mixed about it all.
So, yes, incase you were wondering, this wasn't a win and I don't think it's all to do with my bias though I'm sure that plays a part. If you're a fan of this retelling, or just think it sounds up your alley, I would cautiously recommend, especially with the Scotland setting and uprising in the mix. H o w e v e r, while I'm normally not one to spell things out, I do want to caution you that if animal death or violence done to animals is a big trigger for you? Even when it's somewhat spelled out without being graphic (if that makes sense)? Stay away.
2.5 stars
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This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
April 2, 2021
ok but why is Laura so good at writing characters who are sharp as cut glass but also SO SO vulnerable
Proper review:
Outlander meets an old classic in A RUSH OF WINGS, Laura E. Weymouth’s retelling of the seven swans. Chock-full of cold, coastal atmosphere and ancient magic, RUSH also features Weymouth’s signature, a fully-drawn cast of characters who are by turns prickly, stern, deceptive, cruel, and vulnerable. Another success from a brilliant author.
Proper review:
Outlander meets an old classic in A RUSH OF WINGS, Laura E. Weymouth’s retelling of the seven swans. Chock-full of cold, coastal atmosphere and ancient magic, RUSH also features Weymouth’s signature, a fully-drawn cast of characters who are by turns prickly, stern, deceptive, cruel, and vulnerable. Another success from a brilliant author.
Want to read
November 27, 2020laura weymouth, you may say you're from canada in your bio, but you are now a honorary brit for writing a selection of excellent books inspired/set within the british isles
June 7, 2022
Such powerful writing and such fierce and complicated characters.
A really beautiful retelling of one of my favorite fairytales that always struck me as such a powerful story of suffering willingly for love and family. This retelling truly delivered, keeping to the roots of the original Hans Christian Anderson story with all of the details I remember gasping over as a child, while still making it new in an incredible new setting and giving new voice to our mute main character.
I loved the way Weymouth played with the original details of the story to create motivations and development for the characters while staying true to the original. While I predicted the slight twists in the story, it really didn’t detract from my enjoyment and I was still fully immersed in the book, experiencing everything right along with Rowenna.
Rowenna’s journey through discovering herself was amazing, as well as the development of her relationships with her brothers and Gawen. I kinda felt like Weymouth could have drawn out the tension between Rowenna and Gawen a little more because their relationship did feel like it went pretty fast from attraction upon first meeting to “I cannot live without you,” but overall I was happy and invested in their relationship, just maybe not as much as I could have been.
My favorite part of the book was definitely how Rowenna came to understand herself and her craft. Watching her struggle with the expectations of others, especially her mother’s, was so potent. Her unwillingness to kill was a breath of freshness from the trendy murderous main characters we’re used to seeing, and though I love those characters also, I found Rowenna’s story to be all the more compelling and complicated for her moral struggles.
I also want to appreciate how Weymouth wove the descriptions of the setting and Rowenna’s craft and inner-turmoil. I truly felt like I was there on the cliffs of the Highlands with Rowenna, hearing the waves and feeling the wind. I knew from the prologue that I was going to love this book, as soon as I got a taste of Weymouth’s writing. From description of Rowenna’s sickness from not getting enough sleep, to how Rowenna welcomed the bleeding from her hands as she worked to make the shirts for her brothers, the little details in how Weymouth wrote this story are what brought it to life.
A really beautiful retelling of one of my favorite fairytales that always struck me as such a powerful story of suffering willingly for love and family. This retelling truly delivered, keeping to the roots of the original Hans Christian Anderson story with all of the details I remember gasping over as a child, while still making it new in an incredible new setting and giving new voice to our mute main character.
I loved the way Weymouth played with the original details of the story to create motivations and development for the characters while staying true to the original. While I predicted the slight twists in the story, it really didn’t detract from my enjoyment and I was still fully immersed in the book, experiencing everything right along with Rowenna.
Rowenna’s journey through discovering herself was amazing, as well as the development of her relationships with her brothers and Gawen. I kinda felt like Weymouth could have drawn out the tension between Rowenna and Gawen a little more because their relationship did feel like it went pretty fast from attraction upon first meeting to “I cannot live without you,” but overall I was happy and invested in their relationship, just maybe not as much as I could have been.
My favorite part of the book was definitely how Rowenna came to understand herself and her craft. Watching her struggle with the expectations of others, especially her mother’s, was so potent. Her unwillingness to kill was a breath of freshness from the trendy murderous main characters we’re used to seeing, and though I love those characters also, I found Rowenna’s story to be all the more compelling and complicated for her moral struggles.
I also want to appreciate how Weymouth wove the descriptions of the setting and Rowenna’s craft and inner-turmoil. I truly felt like I was there on the cliffs of the Highlands with Rowenna, hearing the waves and feeling the wind. I knew from the prologue that I was going to love this book, as soon as I got a taste of Weymouth’s writing. From description of Rowenna’s sickness from not getting enough sleep, to how Rowenna welcomed the bleeding from her hands as she worked to make the shirts for her brothers, the little details in how Weymouth wrote this story are what brought it to life.
Want to read
May 5, 2021I'm always up for a good retelling, and this one looks stunning!
December 19, 2021
2.5 Stars
TW for animal cruelty/animal death, jfc!
I'm actually surprised that no one has decided to mention the amount of animals that are sacrificed/ tortured in this book! Because I really could've done without more "images" of animal suffering in my head.
But that isn't the reason for this rating.
I finished it because it wasn't bad enough to quit, but it isn't a memorable story. In fact I've mostly forgotten about it.
The relationships aren't that strong to force a connection to the story. The "magical elements" weren't that well described. Or better yet, I didn't feel they were.
The humid/salty atmosphere of the coast was the only thing that I felt "alive" in this.
The fact that someone "comes back from the dead" and only the main character sees the difference in that "person" was I guess easier to write for the plot to advance, but it left me questioning (and caring) about the other characters' intelligence.
The writing felt stilted at times. The adding of old English words, didn't help. I didn't find that to be enough to enrich the dialogues.
The "romance" was the expected, but not properly developed.
You won't find here any epic relationship like the one of Sorcha's and Red in Marillier's "Daughter of The Forest".
TW for animal cruelty/animal death, jfc!
I'm actually surprised that no one has decided to mention the amount of animals that are sacrificed/ tortured in this book! Because I really could've done without more "images" of animal suffering in my head.
But that isn't the reason for this rating.
I finished it because it wasn't bad enough to quit, but it isn't a memorable story. In fact I've mostly forgotten about it.
The relationships aren't that strong to force a connection to the story. The "magical elements" weren't that well described. Or better yet, I didn't feel they were.
The humid/salty atmosphere of the coast was the only thing that I felt "alive" in this.
The fact that someone "comes back from the dead" and only the main character sees the difference in that "person" was I guess easier to write for the plot to advance, but it left me questioning (and caring) about the other characters' intelligence.
The writing felt stilted at times. The adding of old English words, didn't help. I didn't find that to be enough to enrich the dialogues.
The "romance" was the expected, but not properly developed.
You won't find here any epic relationship like the one of Sorcha's and Red in Marillier's "Daughter of The Forest".
November 15, 2021
A story that feels like a Andersen tale with Arthurian vibes, this story of a witch coming into her powers takes us on a dark path of cruel sea creatures, and wicked Kings. A retelling of Andersen's The Wild Swans, this story has far less brothers, and a much happier ending for the family.
I did feel that the middle of the story started to slow down, and I had to push myself to keep reading. However, the ending was easily the strongest part of the whole book, and more than made up for this. I also didn't feel the need for the romance between Rowenna and Gawen, her love for her brothers and need to protect them was more interesting to me.
The Arthurian references in here are quite subtle, and it's more vibes than outright connections but it was still appreciated. I'm constantly amazed that Laura isn't British, every story set in England (and this time Scotland!) feels written by someone who has lived their whole life living and working along the windy coasts.
I did feel that the middle of the story started to slow down, and I had to push myself to keep reading. However, the ending was easily the strongest part of the whole book, and more than made up for this. I also didn't feel the need for the romance between Rowenna and Gawen, her love for her brothers and need to protect them was more interesting to me.
The Arthurian references in here are quite subtle, and it's more vibes than outright connections but it was still appreciated. I'm constantly amazed that Laura isn't British, every story set in England (and this time Scotland!) feels written by someone who has lived their whole life living and working along the windy coasts.
Want to read
July 17, 2020HOW DID I JUST FIND OUT THAT LAURA WEYMOUTH HAS A NEW BOOK COMING OUT?!
December 10, 2021
I have mixed feelings on this one. I really enjoyed the writing and world building, but am not sure how I felt about the characters (including the MC). Rowenna was so afraid of becoming the monster her mother feared, that her personality almost fizzles out by the end of the book and I would have liked her character to have kept more of her rough edges. (especially since everyone turned her back on her, treated her like shit, or manipulated her). This had a lot of potential, but I wish Rowenna would have burned the world down a smidge before she decided to save everyone that didn't deserve her.
September 20, 2021
a bit of a letdown in the “morally gray” department, but i did love how the wild swans/six swans fairytale was woven into scottish folklore, and rowenna’s relationships with her brothers were very sweet
rtc
rating: 3.5/5 stars
rtc
rating: 3.5/5 stars
January 31, 2024
Lilting, haunting, and ocean-salted.
Rowenna's mother, Mairead, won't teach her craft, worried about Rowenna's angry tendencies. Set in the oceanside Scottish highlands, Rowenna hopes her mother will one day change her mind - until one fateful night when Mairead falls off the cliffs. Months later, someone unexpected shows up and curses Rowenna and her brothers - prompting her to flee and search out an answer to their curses.
What started as an atmospheric, Scottish retelling of the fairytale The Six Swans, filled with mist, crashing waves, peat, and the whispering wind, became a heartfelt exploration of our darker sides and what we choose to do with that darkness.
Rowenna is one of my new favorite female leads. She doubts herself, holds bitterness towards the mother who never trusted her enough to teach her her birthright magic, and yet works relentlessly in the face of others' distaste to right wrongs. Her internal journey in this story is touching, and I found myself haunted and longing for her, and ultimately invested in whether she comes to challenge or accept her dark-heartedness. There's a couple of powerful quotes along the way, which I would share, but they are minorly spoiler-y, so I will refrain. :)
Gawen, though intriguing, felt distant to me. Dark like Rowenna, he has his own plans and aims and deep pains in his past. I found his connection to the MacArthur line and tension with the Penndragons a great motivating factor in the story, but I wish Gawen got more attention near the end when some of these feelings come to a head.
Despite the sunset-palette cover and soft, lilting writing, this story is dark. There is a lot of gore, violence, eerie creatures, and personal hurts. No fluffy fairytale here; instead, we find an emotional, striving story of keeping promises, discovering oneself, how our nature does or doesn't affect our choices, and raw determination. All set in an atmospheric country, intertwined with some light history, and filled with magic!
.
.
.
.
**content notes: gore, graphic deaths, bloodthirsty folklore creatures, dismembered animals, self-inflicted pain.
**romance notes: kisses are mentioned.
Rowenna's mother, Mairead, won't teach her craft, worried about Rowenna's angry tendencies. Set in the oceanside Scottish highlands, Rowenna hopes her mother will one day change her mind - until one fateful night when Mairead falls off the cliffs. Months later, someone unexpected shows up and curses Rowenna and her brothers - prompting her to flee and search out an answer to their curses.
What started as an atmospheric, Scottish retelling of the fairytale The Six Swans, filled with mist, crashing waves, peat, and the whispering wind, became a heartfelt exploration of our darker sides and what we choose to do with that darkness.
Rowenna is one of my new favorite female leads. She doubts herself, holds bitterness towards the mother who never trusted her enough to teach her her birthright magic, and yet works relentlessly in the face of others' distaste to right wrongs. Her internal journey in this story is touching, and I found myself haunted and longing for her, and ultimately invested in whether she comes to challenge or accept her dark-heartedness. There's a couple of powerful quotes along the way, which I would share, but they are minorly spoiler-y, so I will refrain. :)
Gawen, though intriguing, felt distant to me. Dark like Rowenna, he has his own plans and aims and deep pains in his past. I found his connection to the MacArthur line and tension with the Penndragons a great motivating factor in the story, but I wish Gawen got more attention near the end when some of these feelings come to a head.
Despite the sunset-palette cover and soft, lilting writing, this story is dark. There is a lot of gore, violence, eerie creatures, and personal hurts. No fluffy fairytale here; instead, we find an emotional, striving story of keeping promises, discovering oneself, how our nature does or doesn't affect our choices, and raw determination. All set in an atmospheric country, intertwined with some light history, and filled with magic!
.
.
.
.
**content notes: gore, graphic deaths, bloodthirsty folklore creatures, dismembered animals, self-inflicted pain.
**romance notes: kisses are mentioned.
August 13, 2021
Thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC of A Rush of Wings in exchange for an honest review.
The Six Swans is my favourite fairytale and I read another retelling that I loved the day before this one so I definitely entered expecting the world and while this book was a solid fantasy and retelling, it didn't deliver on my expectations.
A Rush of Wings does a good job honouring source material and has a really strong protagonist, but it's also very tropey and generic for YA fantasy. That's by no means a bad thing (tropes exist because people like them) and I know I'm in the minority here, but this book was good, not incredible.
The Six Swans is my favourite fairytale and I read another retelling that I loved the day before this one so I definitely entered expecting the world and while this book was a solid fantasy and retelling, it didn't deliver on my expectations.
A Rush of Wings does a good job honouring source material and has a really strong protagonist, but it's also very tropey and generic for YA fantasy. That's by no means a bad thing (tropes exist because people like them) and I know I'm in the minority here, but this book was good, not incredible.
Want to read
February 2, 202102/02/21 UPDATE: Oh my goodness! This cover is soo beautiful! While it doesn't exactly follow in suit with the covers of Laura's other books, there's no denying this is equally as stunning. And it does look more like a YA!
Ahh I'm just so pumped to read this!!
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Yay! Another release from one of my favorite authors!!
Though I didn't LOVE A Treason of Thorns, I pretty much only read it because I had adored Laura E. Weymouth's previous book, The Light Between Worlds. That was, and still remains, one of my favorite books of all time.
But THIS! THIS book sounds like something that's going to be right up my alley. Not only do I want to read it because Ms. Weymouth wrote it, but also because it sounds FANTASTIC! And I just love the name Rowenna.
I can't wait to see the cover, no doubt it will be as stunning as the author's other covers.
Ahh I'm just so pumped to read this!!
--
Yay! Another release from one of my favorite authors!!
Though I didn't LOVE A Treason of Thorns, I pretty much only read it because I had adored Laura E. Weymouth's previous book, The Light Between Worlds. That was, and still remains, one of my favorite books of all time.
But THIS! THIS book sounds like something that's going to be right up my alley. Not only do I want to read it because Ms. Weymouth wrote it, but also because it sounds FANTASTIC! And I just love the name Rowenna.
I can't wait to see the cover, no doubt it will be as stunning as the author's other covers.
December 8, 2021
This one was a bit of a disappointment for me, given how much I've loved Weymouth's previous work. Though I'm also afraid I might have a bit of a grudge against seven swans retellings because I just HATED Daughter of the Forest. (Which I now realize you can't tell from my review. It . . . whatever the opposite of grew on me is?)
ANYWAY. This was just okay for me.
ANYWAY. This was just okay for me.
August 7, 2024
Oh man, A Rush of Wings really hits. It's got serious fairy tale vibes, but think Grimm dark, not Disney. I was sucked into this tale, and it surprised me with its darkness and magic. Think The Goose Girl but dark as hell.
June 7, 2021
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
This is a beautifully written and atmospheric retelling of the Swan Maiden fable using medieval Scotland as a setting. Contrasting against the somewhat cartoonish cover, the book can be very dark and does not shy away from violence. But it is a very rewarding read featuring a heroine who is strong and steadfast in the face of overwhelming adversity.Story: Rowenna's mother is a hedgewitch; her family has protected their Scottish village since memory. But politics have changed and a vicious warlord has seized control of the country. When Rowenna's mother loses her battle to a supernatural creature, her daughter can only watch helplessly. For her mother feared Rowenna's lack of discipline and refused to teach her the craft. Now, her are brothers cursed to become swans at night and Rowenna's ability to speak taken away. She must find a way to save her family: both from the supernatural creature that cursed them and from the warlord who would use her abilities to further his own power.
Through the entire book, Rowenna will be tested, tortured, and used. Author Weymouth doesn't shy from the realities of medieval Scotland and the fantastical elements are layered seamlessly into the milieu. It is Rowenna's strength of character and will, though, that shine throughout. She never chooses the easy path but she knows inherently that it is the right one. When others would have given up, she retains the strength to continue.
The writing is nicely done and perfectly evokes the location. The plot does stay fairly close to its fable origin story but gives it a better and more realistic grounding. There is a romance but it is not the focus of the story and instead adds more dimension.
In all, I enjoyed this book. I do feel compelled to once again emphasize that it can be very dark and at times hopeless. Our heroine is not a do-gooder and instead is trying to survive while also saving her family. Her magic is a help but is not what will save her in the end. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
August 26, 2021
*Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Rowenna Winthrop has always possessed a magic within her. However, due to a supposed lack of discipline, her mother refuses to teach her her craft that protects their Scottish village.
Begging her mother to teach her magic is all for naught when Rowenna’s mother is killed by a monster from the sea.
But on a stormy night, Rowenna finds an injured boy called Gawen washed up on shore, and her mother shows up at the family’s door, alive and whole.
But this woman is not the woman Rowenna knew. Underneath her mother’s skin is a sinister monster who lays a curse on Rowenna, her brothers, and Gawen, stealing Rowenna’s voice, and cursing Gawen and the brothers to turn into swans.
Forced to escape, Rowenna flees to find a way to break their curse. However, Rowenna soon finds herself in a crooked plan to be used for her magic. If she must save her brothers, she must undertake a painful task and fight for what she loves most, and Rowenna finally seeks to unlock the magic that has been hidden from her for so long.
I’ve always been intrigued by the Six Swans, and I would say this is a good retelling. Some changes you should know going in is that there are only four swans, and only three of them are her brothers. Secondly, Rowenna’s voice gets returned during the nights as her brothers return to their human forms during that time. There are other changes and twists, but I won’t spoil the story. I was pleasantly surprised with how everything came together.
It was easy to feel the character’s emotions along with them—their despair, their frustrations, their anger. It was all very raw and real.
The story was a little confusing being set in real-world places such as Scotland, Europe, and the Americas. It was a bit disorienting seeing that with magic.
The magic was a little confusing as well, though not by too much. We see Rowenna draw her power through emotions throughout the story, though as it grows by the end, that’s where things begin to feel jumbled.
In all, the plot was great, as were the characters. I would recommend a Rush of Wings to those who like YA retellings, and also light romance undertones.
Rowenna Winthrop has always possessed a magic within her. However, due to a supposed lack of discipline, her mother refuses to teach her her craft that protects their Scottish village.
Begging her mother to teach her magic is all for naught when Rowenna’s mother is killed by a monster from the sea.
But on a stormy night, Rowenna finds an injured boy called Gawen washed up on shore, and her mother shows up at the family’s door, alive and whole.
But this woman is not the woman Rowenna knew. Underneath her mother’s skin is a sinister monster who lays a curse on Rowenna, her brothers, and Gawen, stealing Rowenna’s voice, and cursing Gawen and the brothers to turn into swans.
Forced to escape, Rowenna flees to find a way to break their curse. However, Rowenna soon finds herself in a crooked plan to be used for her magic. If she must save her brothers, she must undertake a painful task and fight for what she loves most, and Rowenna finally seeks to unlock the magic that has been hidden from her for so long.
I’ve always been intrigued by the Six Swans, and I would say this is a good retelling. Some changes you should know going in is that there are only four swans, and only three of them are her brothers. Secondly, Rowenna’s voice gets returned during the nights as her brothers return to their human forms during that time. There are other changes and twists, but I won’t spoil the story. I was pleasantly surprised with how everything came together.
It was easy to feel the character’s emotions along with them—their despair, their frustrations, their anger. It was all very raw and real.
The story was a little confusing being set in real-world places such as Scotland, Europe, and the Americas. It was a bit disorienting seeing that with magic.
The magic was a little confusing as well, though not by too much. We see Rowenna draw her power through emotions throughout the story, though as it grows by the end, that’s where things begin to feel jumbled.
In all, the plot was great, as were the characters. I would recommend a Rush of Wings to those who like YA retellings, and also light romance undertones.
October 30, 2021
⭐⭐
This one broke my heart a bit.
A Rush of Wings is a YA fantasy based on the tale of the Six Swans with a Highland twist about a girl named Rowenna who desperately wishes to unlock her power and prove herself to her mother.
I was so excited about this because I love a good twist on any old fairytale, let alone one based in Scotland. The imagery had some beautiful moments. There were very breathy, magical descriptions in here that really drew you to the beauty of the setting, it just didn't cover up the glaring issues for me, unfortunately.
There is an unusual amount of telling in this book. It read like someone trying to explain something to a child over and over again. The randomly thrown-in additions of Gàidhlig felt stilted, and even worse so when they were turned around and over-explained in the text. Emotions were definitely over-explained as well, taking me out of the story numerous times. It was hard to find a groove with this story for me because I kept getting kicked out of the setting and put into an odd "I must educate you" place.
I wish I had liked this one better. I think it had great potential, the execution just wasn't for me.
*My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for gifting me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review."
This one broke my heart a bit.
A Rush of Wings is a YA fantasy based on the tale of the Six Swans with a Highland twist about a girl named Rowenna who desperately wishes to unlock her power and prove herself to her mother.
I was so excited about this because I love a good twist on any old fairytale, let alone one based in Scotland. The imagery had some beautiful moments. There were very breathy, magical descriptions in here that really drew you to the beauty of the setting, it just didn't cover up the glaring issues for me, unfortunately.
There is an unusual amount of telling in this book. It read like someone trying to explain something to a child over and over again. The randomly thrown-in additions of Gàidhlig felt stilted, and even worse so when they were turned around and over-explained in the text. Emotions were definitely over-explained as well, taking me out of the story numerous times. It was hard to find a groove with this story for me because I kept getting kicked out of the setting and put into an odd "I must educate you" place.
I wish I had liked this one better. I think it had great potential, the execution just wasn't for me.
*My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for gifting me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review."
April 17, 2023
I wasn't sure what I was getting into when I bought this book, other than it was a Wild Swans retelling, but that's all I ever really need.
What I got:
-Dreary Scottish setting
-Conflicted main character
-Spells and curses
-Sea monsters and evil kings
-Gorgeous lyrical writing
I loved every single thing about this book. It was so brilliantly and beautifully written. I did take it slow, and I'm glad I did, as I got to savor every aspect. This story of family and good vs evil and not-so-good vs not-so-evil and everything in between... it was so haunting. It was deeper and darker than I was expecting, and I reveled in it.
I've tried Laura's books before, but I haven't been able to get into her past works. I may have to try again after how incredible this one is. I can't wait to read more of her books.
What I got:
-Dreary Scottish setting
-Conflicted main character
-Spells and curses
-Sea monsters and evil kings
-Gorgeous lyrical writing
I loved every single thing about this book. It was so brilliantly and beautifully written. I did take it slow, and I'm glad I did, as I got to savor every aspect. This story of family and good vs evil and not-so-good vs not-so-evil and everything in between... it was so haunting. It was deeper and darker than I was expecting, and I reveled in it.
I've tried Laura's books before, but I haven't been able to get into her past works. I may have to try again after how incredible this one is. I can't wait to read more of her books.
November 19, 2021
A lush fairytale retelling of 'The Wild Swans' set amongst the Scottish highlands along the rugged saltwater shore, A RUSH OF WINGS is an utter delight in every possible way.
Weymouth continues to write my absolute favorite YA Love Interests in the Fantasy genre. Do you like a slow burn with angry girls and soft boys? This is for you.
A RUSH OF WINGS truly stands on its own as a fierce portrait of the importance of anger, the struggle for family, and coming into one's own.
Weymouth continues to write my absolute favorite YA Love Interests in the Fantasy genre. Do you like a slow burn with angry girls and soft boys? This is for you.
A RUSH OF WINGS truly stands on its own as a fierce portrait of the importance of anger, the struggle for family, and coming into one's own.
February 26, 2022
Edit 2/26: I apologize I completely forgot to add this into my review but there is MAJOR TRIGGER WARNINGS for animal cruelty, murder, and torture... and human murder and torture too, but the animals were somewhat disturbing. It got to be a little much for me at times. Please be advised!
I've been in the mood for dark salty seas stories. House of Salt and Sorrows, Of Salt and Shore, and now this one are three of my favorites so far.
A Rush of Wings is a retelling of 'The Six Swans' steeped in a lush Irish background. It's incredibly immersive and written so well. I loved the whole story, even when Enna's brothers made me want to smack them upside the head. I wish we had gotten to see the moment when they could come home again. I always think stories end too early.
Anyway, I loved all the characters, especially our saltwater heroine. She strong, stubborn, dark, yet loving and loyal to a fault. My heart absolutely broke for her time and time again and then soared as high as the wind for the end. I was so happy to find it was a happy ending.
Highly recommended to fans of the two books above. As well as anyone needing a dark, seaworthy story about how far a sister would go for her brothers.
I've been in the mood for dark salty seas stories. House of Salt and Sorrows, Of Salt and Shore, and now this one are three of my favorites so far.
A Rush of Wings is a retelling of 'The Six Swans' steeped in a lush Irish background. It's incredibly immersive and written so well. I loved the whole story, even when Enna's brothers made me want to smack them upside the head. I wish we had gotten to see the moment when they could come home again. I always think stories end too early.
Anyway, I loved all the characters, especially our saltwater heroine. She strong, stubborn, dark, yet loving and loyal to a fault. My heart absolutely broke for her time and time again and then soared as high as the wind for the end. I was so happy to find it was a happy ending.
Highly recommended to fans of the two books above. As well as anyone needing a dark, seaworthy story about how far a sister would go for her brothers.
June 8, 2022
actual rating: 3.5 stars
it took me a little longer to read a rush of wings since i wasn’t too used to the writing style which is lyrical and whimsical. i wanted to read the book slowly to enjoy the writing style for this retelling of the classic, wild swans.
while a younger rowenna has begged her mother to teach her about the magic within her, the older rowenna knew not to ever again after multiple rejections. mairead never thought that rowenna will be ready for the craft that keeps their village safe. when mairead was killed and something took her skin, all rowenna could do was to be accused of cursing her brothers into swans. escaping this horrid place, leaving her father behind with fake mairead, rowenna looks to unbind the curse on her and her brothers. in the mean time, she will help gawen, a stranger, to find his father who was captured by the local tyrant.
while unbinding the curse, rowenna started listening to the voices in her head and learning about her craft. she battles against using her powers for wicked things even under the direction of the tyrant. despite everything, rowenna still showed kindness and understanding.
overall, it was an interesting book. rowenna’s a force to be reckon with, and i loved that she proved her mother’s worries otherwise. i wasn’t too invested in the romance because i was wondering more about rowenna’s decisions.
it took me a little longer to read a rush of wings since i wasn’t too used to the writing style which is lyrical and whimsical. i wanted to read the book slowly to enjoy the writing style for this retelling of the classic, wild swans.
while a younger rowenna has begged her mother to teach her about the magic within her, the older rowenna knew not to ever again after multiple rejections. mairead never thought that rowenna will be ready for the craft that keeps their village safe. when mairead was killed and something took her skin, all rowenna could do was to be accused of cursing her brothers into swans. escaping this horrid place, leaving her father behind with fake mairead, rowenna looks to unbind the curse on her and her brothers. in the mean time, she will help gawen, a stranger, to find his father who was captured by the local tyrant.
while unbinding the curse, rowenna started listening to the voices in her head and learning about her craft. she battles against using her powers for wicked things even under the direction of the tyrant. despite everything, rowenna still showed kindness and understanding.
our love, our light, our saltwater girl
overall, it was an interesting book. rowenna’s a force to be reckon with, and i loved that she proved her mother’s worries otherwise. i wasn’t too invested in the romance because i was wondering more about rowenna’s decisions.
December 24, 2021
I am FULL OF EMOTIONS, I am IN AWE, I AM UNDONE!!!! Why I chose to read this on a Christmas Eve I do not know but WHEW Laura!!!! This is amazing. In this retelling of the Wild Swans, Rowenna goes THROUGH it and I was WITH HER the whole time!!! Big feelings for the girl who feels big feelings. Relatable. Please if you love a fairytale and a historical setting and a painful, desperate hope, pick up this book. LOVED this to pieces.
January 9, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
I am neither witch nor saint, yet both at once. Dark-hearted the wind named me, and dark-hearted I am, yet I will cast a light to drive away the last shadow, and set a fire to burn away the very sea.
This book was everything I hoped it would be. A great retelling of "The six swans", written in lyrical prose. You can hear the wind howling, feel the salt water on your skin and you can feel Rowennas desparation.
Rowena was a fantastic character and I liked how she "transformed“ during her journey. Her best scenes when she interacted with another magical being , the fuath, kept locked away in a menagerie, both of them trapped and desperate for freedom.
While I liked Treason of Thorns, A rush of wings is the better book, a wild and fierce one, a dark tale about love and strength and the ability to finding one’s own power deep within.
I am neither witch nor saint, yet both at once. Dark-hearted the wind named me, and dark-hearted I am, yet I will cast a light to drive away the last shadow, and set a fire to burn away the very sea.
This book was everything I hoped it would be. A great retelling of "The six swans", written in lyrical prose. You can hear the wind howling, feel the salt water on your skin and you can feel Rowennas desparation.
Rowena was a fantastic character and I liked how she "transformed“ during her journey. Her best scenes when she interacted with another magical being , the fuath, kept locked away in a menagerie, both of them trapped and desperate for freedom.
While I liked Treason of Thorns, A rush of wings is the better book, a wild and fierce one, a dark tale about love and strength and the ability to finding one’s own power deep within.
November 21, 2021
I have thoroughly enjoyed every one of Laura Weymouth's stories, and this is no exception. The author's retelling of the Seven Swan Brothers deftly weaves setting and characters, outside events and internal turmoil, into a book I found hard to set down.
January 10, 2022
The world building was good and well developed. However, the main characters felt flat, the storyline boring and the writing style annoyed the hell out of me.
Perhaps an ‘it’s me, not you’ kind of thing..
Perhaps an ‘it’s me, not you’ kind of thing..
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