Oriane is the skylark, and the sun only rises if she wills it.
Every morning, she transforms from woman to bird, calling the dawn with her song. Seclusion has kept her safe her whole life – but it has also left her lonely, and craving freedom. When Oriane finally succumbs to the lure of the wild unknown, she is discovered in the gardens of the royal palace, where she is taken in by the king and treated like a goddess – and a prisoner.
Embroiled in a battle of faith and politics, Oriane yearns to return to her safe, simple life. A growing danger surrounds the palace, and the skylark and her gift are at its centre. But within the whispers, Oriane learns something she never expected: she may not be as alone as she thought. There may be another like her.
The nightingale.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
Skysong by C.A Wright is a powerful fantasy retelling of ‘The Nightingale’ by Hans Christen Anderson. The story was beautifully written and I enjoyed the slow-burn sapphic yearning between Oriane and Andala. A captivating fairytale with enchanting characters, I highly recommend this book for lovers of fantasy, classic retellings and subtle romance. Sharon, VIC, 5 stars
This is not a book I would have normally selected, but once I started, I was drawn into the story. A lovely mythical story. What people will do for love and others for power. Give it a go! Ingrid, VIC, 5 stars
An epic reimagining of a beloved fairytale, using lush imagery to convey the heavy weight of unwanted responsibility and the freedom that comes from acceptance of it. A beautiful story of love, hate, ignorance and compassion. Thoroughly recommend. Alanna, QLD, 5 stars
Two protagonists coming together and learning about loneliness, friendship, heartbreak, grief and sacrifice. Oriane and Andala are wonderfully written women, opposites in many ways but bound together by a deep bond. CA Wright has created a wonderful story, one that I struggled to engage with initially and found somewhat fast paced, but one I couldn’t put down and read late into the night to finish. It is a great re-introduction to fantasy (for me) and one that I was really looking forward to devouring when received, as the premise of the story is incredibly intriguing. A wonderful story and one I would recommend. Aleacia, ACT, 5 stars
Skysong by C.A. Wright is an imaginative retelling of the fairytale The Nightingale. I found this novel to be extremely engaging. It is beautiful and at times heart stopping. The author somehow manages to take a well known tale and gives it a fresh depth. The novel’s characters are so well crafted I immediately forgot that I was reading a retelling and became invested in the story in its own right. It is the author’s ability to create such strong and dimensional female leads in this book, that make this such a pleasure to read. The character of Oriane, the lark is very likeable in her sweet vulnerability, but ultimately this is a novel about strength and the right to determine one’s own path. Skysong is no trite retelling, it develops strong characters and paints a stunning world of magical realism. Skysong a beautiful, poignant and most enjoyable read. It would appeal not only to fantasy readers, but very much the general reader through its gorgeous language and stunningly crafted world. Sarah, NSW, 5 stars
Skysong by C A Wright was a whimsical retelling of the nightingale fairytale. It was a beautifully told story of Oriane finding her way in an unknown world while also finding herself. Each morning she transforms to sing the song to welcome the dawn, but this is all she knows. She runs from her life of seclusion, seeking out the world but finds herself in the centre of opposing views and politics. I loved this story more than I was expecting to. It was great fairytale written so beautifully. Melissa, QLD, 5 stars
‘The lyrical reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Nightingale’ – when I saw this, I wondered how I would go with this book, as I’d never read the original either. What an exquisitely bittersweet and beautiful novel this turned out to be. The stage is set with the innocent and naïve Oriane – the skylark with the beautiful voice and yearning for more; and the worldly and darker Andala –the resentful and unappreciative nightingale. When she decides to explore the world beyond her backyard, Orianne’s need for human companionship is exploited by Andala and she is manipulated into a political power struggle performing for King Tomas and his subjects which leads to a different type of imprisonment. Orianne is devastated her trust in others leads to so much personal heartache and tragedy, so shuts herself off from everything she knows. When Andala realises the consequences of her scheming and gets to know the gentle Orianne, she finally recognises her as her soul mate – and it scares her so much what she sets in motion almost destroys the both of them and the world as a whole. Beautiful and heartfelt, a story of true friendship. Recommended. Kathy, VIC, 5 stars
As A child I loved the Hans Christian Anderson fairytale ‘The Nightingale’, as an adult I throughly enjoy the retelling of this story in C. A. Wright’s book ‘Skysong’. It’s a whimsical story, very descriptive and beautifully written. The themes in this story are light, dark, grief and inner darkness(mental health). The emotions were beautifully written, drawing you in, making you feel like you were part of the story and along for the ride. I would recommend this book not only is it a lovely story, but the cover illustration is beautiful.Debbie, VIC, 5 stars
This fantasy is artfully written with all the emotions urging the reader to see what is happening next in this easy read. This particular genre, fantasy, is not my favourite, but the author Claire A Wright captured my imagination and drew me in from the very first chapter. My favourite character is Andala another character with a secret. She, like the main character, Oriane, is easily liked, and their lives are woven together from the very beginning when Andala finds her. Together they support each other without divulging their respective secrets and display all that is understood by genuine friendship and the emotions that go with it. The reader is drawn into the fantasy with great skill by the author and the story line which displays great imagination, suspense, and emotion. I loved this book! Kay, QLD, 5 stars
This story was intriguing from the very start. Such a unique concept to explore. It had such a cosy, wholesome and almost slow beginning without it actually being slow paces at all. The story was written in such a peaceful way that you felt slowed and calmed despite the story speeding along with each turn of the page. It kept you thinking and wondering, not knowing where it was heading or where it would end. I wish there was more to read to delve into the relationships that developed more towards the closure of the book, it was enough to keep me happy with the ending but wanting to know even more. The small little details of life to follow. I was hoping for a sequel announcement on the final page but alas no luck. Here’s to hoping more may come in the future. A wonderful book indeed. Melissa, VIC, 5 stars
Skysong is an interesting retelling of The Nightingale by Hans Christian Anderson. I hadn’t read that which didn’t matter. The dual storyline’s of Oriana the skylark welcoming in the day and Ándala the nightingale closing the day were well told. There are lots of dramas, politics and inter personal issues at play. The story is well paced and kept me guessing what might happen Skysong is a different genre to what I usually read but I found it a very enjoyable read. I would recommend it and bookclubs would have lots to discuss Julie, NSW, 5 stars
A book for all the family from your youngsters right up to the parents/Grandparents. Would even recommend it for bedtime reading if that still happens in your household. Just the right balance of love, friendship, betrayal and danger to keep the interest there for everyone. A beautiful fairytale of how night and day come to life by two women who transform into birds and welcome night and day with birdsong, and the people who ‘worship’ them as Goddesses and wish to covet them. Very enjoyable and well written. Terry, SA, 5 stars
Two beautiful women, one who turns into the skylark to welcome the day and one who turns into the nightingale to welcome the night. They sing their bird songs and the world changes. The power these two hold is something that the king wants and will do anything to make them his. This is a wonderful story that I couldn’t put down. Well written and easy to get swept away in. I loved the characters and the storyline. I don’t normally like fantasy but I thoroughly enjoyed this and highly recommend. Family, kinship and power feature throughout. Renee, QLD, 5 stars
Skysong by C.A Wright is a lyrical, beautiful story loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen’s The Nightingale. Wright’s writing is beautiful, whimsical, and vividly descriptive, creating a story that captures the essence of a fairytale while feeling modern and relatable. The pacing was excellent and I found myself breezing through the story while also absorbing every word. At its heart, there is a beautifully gentle love story – a blending of light and dark. I adored the light sapphic elements, and the chemistry between the two female main characters was so wonderfully sweet. Andala was a layered and complex character, shaped by her anxieties and reservations, which made her feel real and relatable. I appreciated how her past experiences influenced her actions, but it was her journey of overcoming her fears and embracing her strengths that made her growth truly compelling. Similarly, Oriane’s sheltered upbringing made her journey of discovering her inner strength and resilience all the more inspiring, as she transformed from a protected young woman into someone confident and self-assured. The stakes were high, with dark elements of captivity, control, and the grief of losing a parent, but overall, I’d describe this as a gentle fantasy with a satisfying ending. Melissa, VIC, 5 stars
Every morning Oriane, transforms from human to bird, a skylark, to welcome in the day. Like her mother and grandmother and all her family women before her have. She has lived on a tiny island of Cielore, away from prying eyes to keep the secret safe. But as time passes, she is curious about the outside world and decides to fly towards the palace. As she nears, she is feeling tired and suddenly transforms back to human form where she is spotted. She is taken to the palace and is treated like royalty, but is she, or is she a prisoner. She is pleased to meet the king and is honoured to sing before him every morning, in front of a few selected visitors to witness the event. But the king gets greedy and never wants to lose her she he imprisons her in a gilded cage. With this, she refuses to sing and the nights are forever. Will she ever sing again? Will they see sunlight again? A great read and fast page turner Sue A, NSW, 5 stars
Skysong is a beautiful unique retelling of The Nightingale and it more than does it justice and is a masterpiece of it’s own. I loved how the author has written the emotions between the characters so that you can feel it yourself easily putting yourself in the characters shoes. There is not a single thing I would change about this book with the most beautiful cover and title to the mesmerising tale within. It had me in it’s wings from the start and didn’t let go until the end. Leanne, QLD, 5 stars
Skysong by C A Wright is enchanting and captivating from the first chapter. This reimagining of Hans Christian Anderson’s story of The Nightingale is a fresh new take on the traditional tale, enhanced with depth and substance, unique enough to not be predictable if you are familiar with the original tale. It has all the characteristics and elements of a fantasy tale; legend, quests, palaces, balls, magical secrets, a domineering ruler, treachery, despair, misguided loyalty, greed, wondrous transformations, hope, love and friendship with elements of mythology and the spiritual power of the sun and moon under pinning the tale throughout. The story was well paced and told alternating between the two featured characters, with lyrical language well suited to the style of the story, making it difficult to put down. Belinda, NSW, 5 stars
What an enchanting story. It’s been a while since I’ve read something that made me feel quite so fuzzy inside. The backstories, the subtle foreshadowing, the whimsical prose. I was enraptured within the first few chapters and would absolutely recommend this to fairytale lovers and fantasy lovers alike. Jessica, NSW, 5 stars
In Part 1, I was quickly swept up in the narrative – observing Oriane’s naivety and waiting for the inevitable betrayal and shattering of trust. I felt it dragged on just a tad longer than it needed to, particularly during Part II – picking up the book less often and for shorter durations. Perhaps that was intentional, matching in pace with a world covered in perpetual darkness. It’s fascinating to consider if you allow yourself not to hold on too tight to the science and impossibility of the situation. Andala’s story slowly unravels in Part I, before switching almost completely to her narrative in Part II. It’s unsurprising then that the two protagonists eventually find themselves and each other. I really enjoyed this book and found it comforting in it’s fairy-tale familiarity (but not the Disney kind). The words and the voices were simply beautiful and bittersweet. Cindy, WA, 4 stars
Wright’s stunning story mirrors Hans Christian Anderson’s fairytale set in China in 1847. I immediately became entranced by the main character, Oriane. This beautiful young woman transforms each morning into a Skylark who wants to discover the world, despite her father’s well-meaning protection and reluctance of her leaving his safety. She is later found in the King’s Palace Gardens. The King is entranced by her song. Andala, her appointed maid, finds a common bond with her. Slowly the gilded cage Oriane is put into to perform for the king, court and people of Cielore begins to kill her spirit and song. Her numerous attempts to escape with the help of others finally; to regain her old self, mirror life dictated for the benefit of someone else’s pride and glory; faith or fame of another; not unlike Pygmalion. She came to be his pleasurable toy. Efforts to trick the King were soon discovered. Sometimes this story slows in her endeavours to flee with Andala with their ultimate recapturing. Just as night and day, two sides of one coin, are the same; this tale exemplifies freedom over riches to live in freedom by living our truth. Some find this not so easy as this tale shows. Whatever the reason is courage and strength and effort can win. Alison, QLD, 4 stars
I feel the theme of the book was beauty in nature, and mechanical copies do not come close to the natural. Also when people love something so much and restrict the natural function of it, they eventually kill that creature, as the creature has nothing to live for. The writing was very lyrical and easy to read. The characters had depth and had flaws like everyone else. The story was not like any that I normally read. It was good to read something different. Michelle, QLD, 4 stars
Skysong by C.A. Wright is a lyrical story about a young woman, Oriane, who transforms into the skylark every morning to call for the morning to begin. Frustrated by her protected, and secluded life, she leaves home to discover the world, and the truth about her powers and what they mean to people in the world. This is not just a fairytale retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Nightingale, it is an exploration of the complexities of human emotions; the recognising and sharing of one’s gifts, the sting of betrayal and the depths of grief; as well as the saving grace of friendship and forgiveness, and the simple act of accepting yourself. Skysong is a novel to get lost in and feel the highs and lows along with the characters. As much as it is a magical story of a woman transforming into a bird every day, it is the humanness that grounds this story and makes you hope that it is possible. A brilliant read that can be enjoyed by many. Erin, NT, 4 stars
A beautiful book with fairytale like qualities. It captures the depth of human emotion and how far some people for power and what others are willing to risk for love. Catherine, NSW, 4 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. All the characters were well described and made the story for a very interesting read. The Author has taken me on a fairytale journey depicted in her own words. I am so glad that I had the chance to read this story. Annette, NSW, 4 stars
I opened Skysong with my morning coffee and I could not put it down again! This gently paced tale is beautifully told with characters that are a joy to follow. With themes of subtle magic, betrayal, love, friendship and finding yourself, this reimagined fairytale has something for everyone. Michelle, NSW, 4 stars
I would say this one is inspired by, not based upon, The Nightingale. There’s a lot of artistic merit, which is what I look for in a retelling. I want to be surprised instead of reliving the same old plot, and find new things to love; which this book certainly delivers. Despite the fantasy royal court setting, the politicking is at a very minimum level, which was a refreshing change. There are a few key players but minimal scheming afoot. The friendships in here are so beautiful, and I loved the way it portrayed mental health and grief. At the end of part one I was cheering on Oriane so dang hard. We’re talking whoop of delight levels of enjoyment. Channel your inner vengeance and smite those smiters. She stands up for herself in the quietest of most epic manners and I am so here for that. So much strength and resilience pours through Oriane, even in her darkest moments. The romance is understated and starts as a friendship that blossoms into the potential for more, and this has the most poignant of endings, while still suggesting a HEA. Alicia, QLD, 4 stars
A really enjoyable story! The story of the skylark and nightingale were new to me, but the way it was written really resonated with me especially the way the issues of today were used throughout the book, but were not shoved down your throat! Highly recommend this story to those who like some fairytale in their life! Karina, NSW, 4 stars
“Skysong” is a beautiful retelling of Hans Christian Anderson’s classic “The Nightingale”, a fairy tale written in 1843. The author has expanded on the story and changed the setting, including elements of religious beliefs and political machinations to give weight to the story. The classic theme of the original story has not been altered, however “Skysong” has been crafted to become a story for the modern age. Characters have been added and developed, while descriptive passages have created a world in which they exist and have added depth to the story. Finally, the tension and emotion which occurred between the characters had me hooked from the start. This was a one weekend read – a great book to take away for a relaxing long weekend of fantasy. Just be sure to have someone available to bring you cups of tea, as it’s not easy to put down once you have started. And can I just add – the cover is simply beautiful. Karina, QLD, 4 stars
What a beautiful, magical read! C.A. Wright’s reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Nightingale is a captivating journey into a world where enchantment and intrigue intertwine. “Skysong” offers a fresh take on the classic tale, weaving a rich narrative that explores themes of power and destiny. Fans of Kate Forsyth’s works will find much to admire in “Skysong,” making it a highly recommended read. Suzanne, NSW, 4 stars
Fanciful. Beautifully written. A wonderful re-imagining of THE NIGHTINGALE by Hans Christian Andersen. Mary, QLD, 4 stars
Upon receiving this copy of Skysong, I immediately was drawn to the beautiful cover and presentation. The first few chapters drew me in and I enjoyed reading about Oriane and her life and then meeting the other characters that came into the story. I have not read Hans Christian Anderson’s Nightingale, but from what I can gather this is a great retelling of the story. It took me longer to read than I expected, as it was a little slow in some parts but also predictable in the plot and didn’t hold my interest the whole way through as much as it had in Part 1. While it is different to the books I normally read, I did enjoy it for something different. Melissa, VIC, 3 stars
At first I struggled to get into this book but it won me over in the end. After all, we’re never too old for a fairytale! The lead characters are Oriane, the skylark, heralding the rising of the sun, but isolated as a human being and Andala, the nightingale, surrendering the day to night, also lonely and reluctant to disclose whom she is. The story is quite involved and as they both search for happiness it explores the many consequences and lives that can be affected by the decisions we make along the way. It is beautifully written with all the twists and turns of the traditional fairytale and as in reality, the “happily ever after” is not for everyone. Janice, NSW, 3 stars
SkySong is a retelling of The Nightingale, the book delivers a storyline that blends adventure with themes of loyalty, bravery and friendship. While it’s an easy read and accessible for younger audiences, more experienced readers might find the plot predictable even if they aren’t familiar with the original fairytale, as I wasn’t. Jayde, VIC, 3 stars
Skysong was a lyrical retelling of a Hans Christian Andersen classic, which added more depth to the narrative. Whilst targeted as adult fantasy, Skysong read as young adult fiction, with easy to access language and similar YA tropes. I enjoyed following the story of Oriane and Andala, as their friendship developed due to their shared powers. The characters were likeable and were strongly developed over the course of the story. I flew through the book in a day, it captured my attention through until the very end. As it was advertised as adult fantasy, I would have liked to have seen more mature content and developed language, as it did seem a bit too simplistic for an adult targeted audience. The depth of emotions from the characters in times of trouble could have been portrayed more dramatically too, everything seemed to be ‘wrapped up’ too nicely at times. Overall, Skysong was a quick, engaging read and I’d recommend to someone who yearns for an escape from the regular fairytale retellings. It was a breath of fresh air and allowed me to be immersed in a story I wasn’t familiar with. Laura, TAS, 3 stars
A whimsical fairytale, weaving a narrative of transformation that explores identity and relationships. Set in a vibrant realm where characters morph into other forms, mythical creatures. The imaginative premise is captivating, with the idea of transformation exciting the text was engaging and descriptive the execution sometimes faltered and I found myself lost between characters and their relationships and a lack of emotional depth that detracts from the overall impact of their journeys. I could see similarities between this and The Binding. Crystal, TAS, 2 stars
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