Singer by Jean Thesman

Gwenore’s mother is a witch – the evil and powerful Rhiamon. Her whole life has been lived in fear of her mother’s power. Until now, when she must escape. Aided by friends – and fairy folk – Gwenore is hidden in an abbey, until her health recovers, then to a community of women. Gwenore is renamed Mary, then Singer. In the community, Gwenore learns new skills – that of healing and of song. But, still she must run. This time to Ireland. However, fate – or greater powers – intervene and she is landed at Lir. There she befriends the Children of Lir – children of the king. However her mother’s evil reaches even this hidden land. Gwenore must decide which path to take. Can she save the Children of Lir?

Based on a traditional tale, which is similar to Grimm’s ‘Six Swans’.
4 stars from me.

There are many other teen-ish books based on fairy tales, but I’d start with these:

• The Swan Kingdom by Zoe Marriott.
• Beauty by Robin McKinley.
• Deerskin by Robin McKinley.
• The Elemental Masters series by Mercedes Lackey. [Brilla and I have both reviewed a few Mercedes Lackey's in the past...]
• Beastly by Alex Flinn.
• Egerton Hall trilogy by Adele Geras.
• Snow White and Rose Red by Patricia C Wrede.

Reviewed by Thalia.