The Black Swan

By: Mercedes Lackey

Narrated by: Eva Wilhelm

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

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.

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.

New take on Swan Lake

This was a new take on Swan Lake, where the black swan is the sorcerer’s daughter and minder of the swans/maidens her father has transformed and a sorceress in her own right. Over the course of the story, she grows from being her father’s creature, obedient to his every whim and merely trying to get his praise, to a real caretaker and protector of the swan maidens and eventually a friend. Hers is the most realistic growth, since the prince goes from sleeping with every attractive and willing maiden and drinking all he can while furthering his education but caring nothing to learn about how to rule to a more moderate drinker who breaks up with all of his mistresses and prepares to meet and choose his future bride, although he has no intention of remaining faithful to her. Then, he sees Odette and suddenly he believes in all of the minstrel’s songs of love, for he has fallen in love at first meeting if not first sight. (Luckily, she is far more level-headed than he is and more prepared to lead a kingdom in the end.) The prince seems very immature (he is only 18 after all), but somehow true love seems to cure him of this trait. I like that Odile is really accepted and finds her new home in the end, which is fitting since she was an unwitting pawn and not a villain like her father and even the prince’s mother, the queen regent. The narrator was a good fit for the story, good pacing.

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.

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.