Children of Swan: The Land of Taron, Vol 1 by Coral Walker is a young adult story about quarrelsome siblings who are thrust into an incredible situation. Early in the story, both of their parents go missing and they are left taking care of their younger brother, Bo, and figuring out what happened to their parents. This is followed by Bo being taken to the land where their parents are from, and they discover that their father no longer remembers who they are and that they need to deal with this huge problem by working together. The story progresses from here, gradually introducing a plethora of fantasy elements as we follow Jack and Brianna across this strange world. It ends on a cliffhanger, setting up the second book in the series.

The characters are interesting, like the enigmatic Teilo, and we really come to feel for the siblings as they experience this world on behalf of the reader. The action is well-written and fast-paced, and I was able to clearly visualize the story taking place which is a testament to how well-written it was. I think for the right young adult audience this story could be an excellent adventure novella that will entertain and teach. Children of Swan: The Land of Taron, Vol 1 by Coral Walker is perfect for the right audience and has some incredibly beautiful and clever moments contained within it. I can't wait to read more.

Children of Swan by Coral Walker is the first book of the series The Land of Taron. Taron, located on the faraway planet of Cygnore, was once peaceful under the glow of a single yellow moon, but the birth of a second moon, blue in colour, transformed the planet into one of hatred, fighting and chaos. The fiercest battles came from inhabitants of the Kingdoms of Bara and Rion. When a Baran prince and a Rionean princess disappear during a duel, the narration ends and the tale begins.

After their parents vanish, leaving behind their father’s ring bearing the image of a snake and a swan, sixteen-year-old twins, Jack and Brianna, and their four-year-old brother, Bo, are taken to a social services accommodation facility. Shortly after their arrival, the social worker, Ms Upright, picks up a sleeping Bo and flees to a car outside. Jack and Brianna give chase, with Bo emitting an ear-piercing, glass-shattering scream, enabling their escape. The twins take control of the car, which puts them to sleep and takes them to Isle of Skorpias. When they wake, it seems like they are back in their own house, but it is just a replica with a few differences. Inside the house, they discover the laboratory where they were conceived.

What an amazing story premise. I was transfixed on every page of Children of Swan and impressed by Coral Walker’s ability to keep the story so action-packed and full of surprises and twists at every turn while, at the same time, keeping everything flowing smoothly. No detail was overlooked and the characters were very engaging. The story's delivery was top-shelf quality and I look forward to the next book in the series.