The Ebony Swan

by Phyllis A. Whitney
The Ebony Swan cover
Good Books rating 4.38
Technical
  • ID: 5161
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
publishersweekly.com · Unknown · 2025-10-23
excellent 4.50

The novel is a breath of fresh air for post-apocalyptic fiction fans, with exciting twists, well-developed characters, and a plot that keeps readers engaged. The McCarthy influences don't detract from the original aspects of the tale, making it a unique and enjoyable read.

The novel is a standout in the post-apocalyptic genre, offering a fresh take with its poetic prose and well-developed characters. Temple, the protagonist, is particularly intriguing and likable, while Moses Todd's pursuit adds depth and intrigue. The story avoids the typical pitfalls of the genre, providing a unique and engaging experience. The characters leap off the page, and the plot keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. It's a novel that doesn't disappoint, offering something new and different in the zombie-apocalypse subgenre.

Quick quotes

    God is a slick god

    The character of Temple is possibly the most intriguing (alongside possibly that of Moses Todd)

    For post-apocalyptic fiction fans the novel is a breath of fresh air.

inkstainedwretches.home.blog · Unknown · 2025-10-23
captivating 4.00

The Ebony Swan by Phyllis Whitney is a captivating mystery that keeps readers guessing. The story's intricate plot and well-developed characters make it a compelling read, though some may find the pacing a bit slow.

The Ebony Swan by Phyllis Whitney is a mystery novel that weaves a tale of intrigue and suspense. The story revolves around a young woman who inherits a mysterious mansion and uncovers its dark secrets. The plot is intricate, with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The characters are well-developed, and the setting is richly described, making it easy to get lost in the story. However, some readers might find the pacing a bit slow, especially in the middle sections. The book's strength lies in its ability to create a sense of atmosphere and tension, making it a compelling read for fans of classic mysteries. The ending is satisfying, tying up loose ends while leaving room for interpretation. Overall, it's a book that will appeal to those who enjoy a good mystery with a touch of gothic romance.

Quick quotes

    The story is a classic mystery with a touch of gothic romance.

    The characters are well-developed and the setting is richly described.

    The pacing is a bit slow, but the intrigue keeps you hooked.

librarything.com · Unknown · 2025-10-23
fantastic 4.50

The book is a post-apocalyptic zombie story that follows a 15-year-old girl named Temple on her journey across America. The reviewer found the writing beautiful and the ending impactful, though they had mixed feelings about it.

This book gave me all the feels. I was angry, heartbroken, smitten, terrified, and grossed out. The premise is set 25 years after the zombie apocalypse, following Temple, a 15-year-old loner who has learned to survive on her own. Temple is a complex character, bristly, philosophical, and broken, which made her very relatable. The writing is absolutely beautiful, and the ending, though heartbreaking, felt inevitable. The reviewer had a few minor issues with the plot but overall found the book fantastic. The story is more about the people and their struggles than the zombies themselves, making it a deeply reflective and emotional read.

Quick quotes

    This book gave me all the feels. I was angry. I was heartbroken. I was smitten. I was terrified. I was grossed out. I am still thinking about the ending 24 hours later.

    Temple is wonderful. She is bristly, a smartass, philosophical, honorable, and broken. I absolutely loved her.

    The writing is absolutely beautiful. I don't know what else to say about it. So I won't say anything more.

paperbackswap.com · Unknown · 2025-10-23
brilliant 4.50

The reviewer loved this book, finding it a gripping and beautifully written gothic-western with supernatural elements. They praised the protagonist, Temple, for her complex character and the book's themes of redemption and survival.

The reviewer was initially hesitant to read this book due to a negative review by someone else, but they ultimately found it to be a fantastic read. They appreciated the book's unique blend of gothic and western elements, as well as its supernatural spice. The protagonist, Temple, was particularly praised for her complex character and her journey towards redemption and forgiveness. The reviewer also enjoyed the book's episodic structure and its themes of survival and healing. They found the writing to be lush and gorgeous, with a bleak intensity and magnificence of imagery that stayed with them long after finishing the book.

Quick quotes

    i loved it i loved it i loved it.

    This is a gruesome and beautiful book.

    There are people who are not going to read this book just because they don’t read books with zombies.

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