This was a pleasant read. Originally I picked this book up reminded of the 90's cartoon "The Swan Princess." My goodness, I was wrong- but charmed none-the-less.
Doulcette is a young noble, teased by her older, sorceress sisters due to her lack of "swan skin." Swan Skins give the girls the ability of magic and to transform into swans or any flying creature of their magical choosing.
Doulcette is a sweet girl and clearly appreciated and respected by the castle employees for her respecting them. Her mother intends for Doulcette to be a chastlaine- a perfect nobleman's housewife. She wanted Doulcette to be unsullied by her father's side of the family, who just happens to be magical. Doulcette dreams of having her own swan-skin and having her own magic. Meanwhile, an unlikely romance begins with a local shepherd and he completes 3 challenges to win her hand- being a low-born. In the meantime, Doulcette finds her swan-skin hidden by her mother and achieves magical abilities. However, her mother finds her out and burns the skin, removing Doulcette's powers. She helps her beloved (Jaume) complete the final task by entering a magical spirit's cauldron and regaining her magic at the price of her toe.
Jaume wins her hand-against her spiteful mother's wishes- and they set off as newly weds. Doulcette is torn between her love for Jaume and her love of magic. Eventually, she leaves him on the journey to his home and constructs a castle of magic where she abides in freedom. A season later, she learns Jaume is to be married. Realizing the selfishness and folly of her decision, she returns to claim Jaume as her husband. Basically, they live happily ever after.
SO....I gave this 3 stars because it was simply pleasant. I loved Jaume's love for Doulcette and up until she leaves him, I think his love is well-placed. I did cringe when she left though. Up until that point, I very much enjoy her as a character. Doulcette longed for freedom and magic- she wanted to be a free-bird, but couldn't shake her love for Jaume. I thought she was an absolute spoiled brat. Jaume literally moved heaven and earth and his very life to become her husband. I guess what did I expect? She was born a noble...
Anywho, I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did initially. I knew this was going to be a rather easy read and it was. It reads just like a Disney fairy tale...and it basically is. It's not a complex book, but it's enjoyable if you like fairy tales. This is appropriate for any aged reader due to the innocence and simplicity of the story. I gave this a 3 star due to it's simplicity as well. The characters were okay, but not completely flushed out. The magic needed a little more explaining. The family seemed more like archtypes than actual characters. It was not very dimensional. However, it was a fun, easy read.
3.5 Stars.
