"Court of Swans" by Melanie Dickerson

[reviewsbyerin]

Melanie Dickerson, author of the beloved Hagenheim fairy tale tellings, has started a new medieval series for her young adult readers. 

Lady Delia Dericott enjoys her life with her father and seven brothers. But after her father remarries, things quickly go downhill. Before long, all seven of her brothers are arrested on suspicion of murdering a coroner in a nearby town. Delia is outraged and scared, because her youngest brother is only ten years old. There's no way he could have plotted to murder anyone, nor is murder anything her brothers would have done in the first place.

Traveling to London, Delia poses as a seamstress in order to stay close to her brothers and try to help them. Will the trial clear their name? Who has anything to gain by getting rid of all seven of her brothers?

I felt like this story started strong, but it lagged some in the second half. The way things unfolded required more suspension of disbelief than I prefer, and the characters were not relatable to me. I did enjoy the book, and Dickerson sets up several storylines which I can't wait to see unfold throughout the series. I would recommend this book for fans of YA medieval romance.

I received my copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts in this review are my own.