Daughter of the Forest is based on the Hans Christian Anderson tale The Wild Swans. It is a long, very deep retelling that adds so much; I was a third of the way through before I recognized it was based on a story I knew, and felt pretty silly I hadn’t seen it sooner.

A couple years ago, I read The Six Crimson Cranes, and while I liked that one, this one, written in 1999 and set in 9th or 10th century Ireland, predates it and is better– much more literary, very detailed, and quite immersive. Furthermore, it has a keen understanding of early Irish Christianity and Celtic culture.

This was perfect to read while camping recently in Maine, when I could give it chunks of attention, because this one is a slow read. It was also a perfect place out in nature not to be reading about modern culture.

In this story, Sorcha is the youngest, with six older brothers who are cursed by a dreadful stepmother and changed into swans. She needs to save them, but can she? I love a strong female character, and this one truly does not disappoint.

This is long book with lots of words on a page, but it is edited tightly. You do not feel like there is any fluff here, but it plods irrevocably forward in what they’d call a slow burn. If you have time, you might enjoy this one, especially if you like exploring the power of a myth. I give it five stars. Apparently it is also the first of a series… so someday I may return.