I wasn’t sure if I ever read the original fairytale of the Wild Swans, but the more I progressed in this story, the more I remembered.

So I actually don’t know which details were added, removed or changed, but this retelling obviously reminded me of the original and I enjoyed reading this book a lot.

Even though I obviously knew how it would end (Happy Ever After series and all…) I found myself totally engrossed in the story and wanting to see how everything played out.

There were a few creepy scenes in a graveyard that added to the suspense and since I’m a scaredy cat I was dreading these scenes reading through the night, but obviously couldn’t put the book down.

I was initially a bit disappointed that the love interests shows his intentions and is open about his feelings nearly from the beginning, since I do like a bit of angsty romance, but it actually was perfect for this story and I loved how Nadja and Maximillian met again, how he just knew that Nadja must have a strong reason for not talking, for behaving in such a strange way and that the accusations that she’s a witch can’t possibly be true. He was so kind, thoughtful and sweet even when he was understandably frustrated and confused and I think Drew did a great job of showing his mixed and sometimes contradicting emotions, making him a realistic and great character.

Nadja was as equally as great. I know this is a story, a fairytale. But I kept thinking - since keeping my tongue, especially when faced with injustice, is one of my biggest difficulties - how amazing it was that Nadja was able to stay quiet for such a long time. Never able to pour her heart out about her fears about her brothers, her anger with her stepmom, her frustration with her father, her love for Maximillian.

Their love story was so sweet, so selfless and considerate. I really loved them as a couple and as characters. And of course I not only loved how protective Maximillian was of Nadja, but also how protective Nadja was of her brothers. I really do love strong sibling relationships.

I also think the world building was great, but I would love to have learned a bit more about the magical and “religious” system, because I didn’t understand it completely. Drew explained the different creatures in a glossary and it seemed like these specifics to this world would be used in a longer series, but I couldn’t find out if An Enduring Hope is part of such a series or not.

I would love to read more from this world and especially learn more about the Emperor God and the Creator.

I was captivated by this story and am very happy I picked it up. Absolutely enjoyed and recommend it!

* Thank you to the author for letting me read an copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily and the expressed opinions are my own. (I received an eARC via BookSprout.) ( )

This was a fairy tale Retelling of Wild Swans about Nadja, her seven brothers, and her childhood sweetheart Maxmillian. I really enjoyed reading about Nadja and Maxmillian and hearing them reminisce about their childhood when they were reunited at the beginning of the story before Nadja's father married their stepmother. This was an enjoyable retelling of this fairy tale and I look forward to reading more from this series of standalone fairy tale retellings.

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review. ( )