The Black Swan

By: Mercedes Lackey

Narrated by: Eva Wilhelm

Length: 12 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

After his wife's untimely death, a powerful sorcerer dedicates his life to seeking revenge against all womankind. He turns his captives into beautiful swans - who briefly regain human form by the fleeting light of the moon. Only Odette, noblest of the enchanted flock, has the courage to confront her captor. But can she gain the allies she needs to free herself and the other swan-maidens from their magical slavery? A monumental tale of loyalty and betrayal, of magic good and evil, of love both carnal and pure, and of the duality of human nature, The Black Swan is a rich tapestry which is sure to become an all-time masterpiece of fantasy.

©1999 Mercedes R. Lackey (P)2020 Tantor

Great book, Meh narration.

I love this book, it's one of Mercedes Lackey's older ones, and I've wanted it on audiobook for a long time. But the narrator is wrong for this one. The story takes place in medieval Germany, and it's jarring to hear an American accent. But that would be a small problem if the narrator read with any emotion. I'm over 2 hours in, and every single thing comes out "matter of fact", there is no drama. Her pronunciation of the queen's name is also incorrect. Read the book, skip the audiobook.

should have listened to the sample before buying

story is fun, loved it when I read it years ago, but the narrator is horrible. I wasn't even sure it wasn't a computer voice at first.

Love this book.

I waited years for this book to come out on Audible. It’s my absolute favorite of Lackey’s books. To be honest, it’s the only one of her books I like.
Don’t let the criticisms about the narrator prevent you from giving it a try. If you go into the story understanding that the majority of the main characters start out as cynical people, the voice of the narrator fits the story perfectly.

Great Story!

The story is great but I'm not a huge fan of the narrator. Her voice is very flat and has little inflection. It isn't so annoying that it ruins the story though.

Light Entertainment

Like The Mists of Avalon or Wicked, this story is a new point of view on an old tale.

Good story, not so narrator

The only reason I listen to this at all is because it is one of my favourite books. The narrator sounds like she is exasperated almost the whole way through, and that tone really puts me off. I also prefer when the narrator is able to produce distinctive voices for the characters, and while she does manage the minimum of that, many of the ‘side vocals’ are downright annoying to listen to. Definitely listen to the sample before you buy!

Excellent take on the Swan Princess story

I love this story. Mercedes Lackey is an excellent weaver of stories. I've been a long time fan of hers. This story is a stand alone retelling of the Swan Princess done mainly from the point of view of Odile the daughter of Von Rothbart. It is very well written, keeps the main story and themes of the story done with a slight twist.
The only complain I have is with the reading. I don't know why the reader chose to do Odette'a voice the way that she did but it was distracting and detracted from the over all enjoyment of the story. Other than that the reading was well done.

Good story

I read this book several years ago and was excited when it was released as an audiobook. I enjoyed the story. The narration was mostly good. My only complaints are that the young women often sounded old and sometimes the emotion didn’t sound quite right for the story. Still a good narration and I’m sure I will listen to it again sometime.

Black is Beautiful!

Ever since I got an Audible account, I've been patiently waiting for this book to join it's ranks. Certainly took them long enough. This is my favorite book by Mercedes Lackey, and having a chance to return to it is a real treat. In this grand retelling of a classic tale, we're given three POV characters to follow. Firstly, we have Odile, apprentice daughter of Baron von Rothbart, a cruel sorcerer who turns maidens into swans as punishment for their supposed sins. Secondly, we have Siegfried, a rascal of a prince who finds himself questioning his lifestyle and is destined to meet the swan princess Odette. Finally, we have Clothilde, Siegfried's queen mother who is determined to maintain the throne at all costs, even that of her son's life. I could say more, but I don't wish to spoil the book. As to Eva Wilhelm's performance, she did a splendid job. Those who listen to the sample might think she sounds a bit like a robot at first, but if you listen to her from the start and let her carry on you'll find no problems with her. If you need a little magic in your life, let your heart take wing with this.

One of my absolute favorite books.

True to the story, but fleshed out beautifully. The Narrator is quite good, too.