Review: Silenced Beauty

Silenced Beauty is the first book I've read by Ashley Mendoza, as well as the first in a multi-author series of fairy tale retellings called Cursed Brides. It has made me eager to read more of both. This book really nails it as a retelling of "The Wild Swans" with action, romance, and intrigue. "The Wild Swans" doesn't get as many adaptations due to being somewhat lesser known, and I think this is my favorite adaptation that I've read of it thus far. The addition of a bridal competition and psychic visions help to spice up the plot, and the Christian theming is tastefully incorporated into the story. This book does an outstanding job as an introduction to both this author and the Cursed Brides series as a whole.

When Alianna has a dangerous vision of an evil sorcerer's betrayal to the crown, her entire family is cursed to prevent her from speaking out about it. Her eleven brothers are transformed into swans and delivered to the king as a gift, and her voice is forcefully removed. In order to get her brothers back, Alianna infiltrates a bridal competition for the prince at the palace. Unbeknownst to her, Prince Calix is not interested in having someone else select a bride for him, so he also infiltrates the competition by disguising himself as one of the servants to the contestants. He is pleased to be assigned to the lovely Alianna despite her lack of ability to speak and teaches her sign language to serve as her translator.

The silencing curse in "The Wild Swans" is similar to "The Little Mermaid," one of Hans Christian Andersen's other fairy tales, and is handled in a similar way as other adaptations of that story. Alianna communicates as much as she can through writing and eagerly learns how to use sign language so Calix can be her interpreter during the competitions. She is presented as intelligent and a fast learner, as well as a devout follower of her faith, by obtaining this world's version of a bible and holding it close to her heart. Her unique personality shines through, and her bond with Calix grows throughout their lessons as he protects her from other contestants who wish her harm.

This book has a good balance between action and romance. It's darker than some of the fairy tale retellings I've read in the past, but it has plenty of levity to prevent it from getting too depressing. The villain is a worthy threat to the determined protagonists. He is powerful, dangerous, and ruthless. I was on the edge of my seat trying to determine how Alianna and Calix would stop him before it was too late. Though they aren't able to prevent every tragedy, they are excellent heroes to root for as they use their skills and resources to stand up against him.

Silenced Beauty is a thrilling retelling of "The Wild Swans" that masterfully weaves together action, romance, and intrigue, with a brave and intelligent heroine and a swoon-worthy hero. Ashley Mendoza's adaptation is a promising start to the Cursed Brides series, and I can't wait to dive into more of these enchanting fairy tale retellings. Each book in the series retells a different fairy tale, incorporating a bridal competition element that enhances the original stories.