Swan´s Daughter – Chokshi Roshani (2026)

This sweeping standalone fantasy novel by Roshani Chokshi brims with cursed love. It is a lush story about a swan and a prince who share a desire to become something more, both to themselves and to each other. Prince Arris knows that marriage means murder. After poorly wording a wish to a sea witch, anyone who wants to rule the Isle of Malys must obtain the heart and hand in marriage of the kingdom’s heir. Arris therefore expects his wedding day to be the day of his murder, and his only chance of a long life is to find true and lasting love. When his parents announce a tournament in which brides will compete for the throne, a host of eligible, beautiful and possibly murderous young women arrive at Rathe Castle. Arris cannot tell who has come for love of him and who is driven by a lust for power. Then he meets Demelza. As a veritas swan, Demelza’s song draws out the truth. Forced into hiding, she strikes a deal with Arris: he will keep her safe, and in return she will use her truth-telling song to help him sort through the potential brides. While Arris is used to evading death threats and Demelza is accustomed to fighting to make her voice heard, surviving the tournament of brides requires a different kind of bravery. Perhaps the bravest thing one can do is not merely protect one’s life, but find the courage to pursue a life worth living.