A.B. Poranek’s sophomore novel A Treachery of Swans plunges readers into a world where the familiar tale of Swan Lake transforms into something deliciously darker and more complex. Set against the backdrop of a fantasy realm inspired by mid-seventeenth-century France, this sapphic retelling weaves together political intrigue, forbidden magic, and a love story that defies conventional fairy tale expectations.
The Architect of Deception: Meet Odile Regnault
Where traditional Swan Lake positions Odile as merely the black swan antagonist, Poranek grants her protagonist agency, depth, and a compelling voice that refuses to be silenced. Odile Regnault, an actress at the Théâtre du Roi, has spent years preparing for the ultimate performance: impersonating Princess Marie d’Odette to infiltrate the palace and steal the enchanted Couronne du Roi. What begins as a straightforward heist evolves into something far more intricate when the king’s unexpected murder forces Odile to recruit the real princess herself.
Poranek’s characterization of Odile is perhaps the novel’s greatest triumph. She’s neither purely villainous nor entirely sympathetic—instead, she exists in that fascinating gray area where readers simultaneously root for and worry about her choices. Raised by the manipulative sorcerer Regnault, Odile carries the weight of a lifetime’s worth of lies and half-truths, creating a character study that explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the price of ambition.
A Princess in Gilded Chains
Marie d’Odette d’Auvigny serves as the perfect foil to Odile’s chaotic energy. Where Odile embraces her role as the disruptor, Marie represents constraint and propriety—though Poranek masterfully reveals the restless spirit beneath her polished exterior. The relationship between these two women drives the emotional core of the novel, developing from initial mistrust through grudging respect to something deeper and more complicated.
The author’s handling of Marie’s character arc is particularly noteworthy. Rather than simply positioning her as the “good” swan to Odile’s “bad” one, Poranek creates a character who yearns for freedom while being trapped by societal expectations. Marie’s moments of vulnerability, especially when she reveals her longing for adventure and her complicated relationship with duty, add layers of complexity that elevate the romance beyond surface-level attraction.
Gothic Atmosphere and Political Intrigue
Poranek demonstrates considerable skill in world-building, creating a kingdom where magic has been outlawed and political machinations run as deep as the curse that plagues the royal family. The author’s background in Polish folklore and history serves her well here, as she constructs a society that feels both fantastical and grounded in recognizable historical elements.
The mystery surrounding King Honoré’s death provides the novel’s thriller elements, though it occasionally feels secondary to the character development and romantic tension. When Poranek focuses on the investigation, the pacing sometimes lags, but these moments are balanced by scenes of intense emotional stakes and magical revelation.
The Magic System and Its Consequences
The novel’s approach to magic feels fresh and consequential. Rather than treating sorcery as a convenient plot device, Poranek explores its societal implications and personal costs. The relationship between the sorcerers and the magical entities known as the Bonnes Mères adds mythological depth, while the corrupting influence of the Couronne du Roi creates genuine tension around power and its abuse.
Regnault’s character serves as a cautionary tale about the seductive nature of power, though his motivations sometimes feel underdeveloped compared to the careful attention given to Odile and Marie. His transformation from father figure to antagonist could have benefited from more gradual revelation of his true nature.
Strengths That Elevate the Narrative
The novel’s greatest strengths lie in its character dynamics and atmospheric writing. Poranek has crafted dialogue that crackles with tension and subtext, particularly in the scenes between Odile and Marie. The author’s theatrical background shines through in her understanding of performance and deception, making Odile’s various disguises feel authentic rather than contrived.
The sapphic romance develops organically, avoiding the pitfall of instalove while maintaining sufficient tension to keep readers invested. Poranek allows both characters to maintain their agency throughout their relationship, ensuring that neither becomes simply a plot device for the other’s development.
Areas for Improvement
While A Treachery of Swans succeeds as both a retelling and a standalone fantasy, it occasionally suffers from pacing issues. The middle section, where Odile navigates court politics while maintaining her disguise, sometimes feels repetitive. Additionally, certain plot threads—particularly those involving the Step-Queen’s schemes—feel underdeveloped and could have benefited from more thorough exploration.
The novel’s climax, while emotionally satisfying, relies heavily on magical intervention in ways that may frustrate readers who prefer more character-driven resolutions. Some secondary characters, including Prince Aimé-Victor, remain somewhat one-dimensional despite their importance to the plot.
Poranek’s Evolution as a Writer
Following her debut Where the Dark Stands Still, an instant New York Times bestseller rooted in Polish folklore, Poranek demonstrates her versatility by tackling a different cultural setting while maintaining her signature blend of mythology and romance. The author’s writing style has matured, showing greater confidence in handling multiple plotlines and complex character relationships.
The influence of Gothic literature is more pronounced in this second novel, creating an atmosphere that feels distinctly different from her debut while retaining the emotional depth that made her first book successful.
For Readers Who Enjoyed
Fans of the following works will likely appreciate A Treachery of Swans:
- The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow – for its blend of magic and political intrigue
- The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon – for its complex female relationships and fantasy worldbuilding
- The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller – for its approach to retelling classical stories with emotional depth
- The Knight and the Butcherbird by Alix E. Harrow – for its themes of feminine power and sisterhood
- She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan – for its complex protagonist and political maneuvering
Final Verdict
A Treachery of Swans succeeds as both an engaging fantasy novel and a thoughtful exploration of agency, identity, and love. While it may not revolutionize the retelling genre, Poranek has crafted a story that honors its source material while creating something distinctly her own. The novel’s combination of political intrigue, magical elements, and complex character relationships creates an experience that will satisfy readers looking for both escapism and emotional depth.
Poranek’s Gothic sensibilities and theatrical background shine throughout, creating a reading experience that feels both intimate and grand in scope. Despite some pacing issues and underdeveloped subplots, the novel’s emotional core remains strong, anchored by two compelling protagonists whose relationship feels authentic and earned.
For readers seeking sapphic fantasy with substance, A Treachery of Swans delivers a story that lingers long after the final page. It’s a worthy follow-up to Poranek’s debut and establishes her as a voice to watch in contemporary fantasy literature.