It sounded fascinating to me having read the description and I'm so pleased to say that it hasn't disappointed me at all. In fact it has been a far better read than I could have hoped for. I've found it to be a wonderful fantasy adventure set in the real world but also in a world where there are many more possibilities than most people suspect.

How would you cope if you suddenly found out that the world around you wasn't what you always believed it to be? What about if you discovered that your Mother had kept the biggest of secrets from you? And that in that revelation the past, and even the very distant past, show just how much of an influence they have had over your life, to the extent that events that had happened were not only what they seemed to be at the time but also a portent of what was to come.

All these secrets Garet seems to take in her stride, she accepts so many new ideas in such a short time that it's so easy to get caught up with all her new experiences as well as discoveries about the past and the people around her, both new and old. The writing is very expressive and descriptive, allowing you to follow the story easily, eagerly awaiting the next development in the tale and enjoying the depth of storytelling that kept me riveted until the last page was turned. I have to say I did enjoy that the climax happened and then we got to see what happened to most of the characters for a while afterwards as well, so many books end with a climax and leave you wondering what happened next, was everyone really OK. Black Swan Rising is not one of those books, you're left at the end knowing a little of what happened after all the drama while the storyline is set up magnificently for book 2

Didn't finish it I found it a bit slow and there was never much happening I found it was confusing and wasn't that keen on it.

I liked the premise. I liked the universe.

I just wish I liked Garet a bit more....

This book had so much in it that I liked, I really can't name them all. I'm going to keep this review simple because I'm on a lot of medication and don't remember a lot of details. LOL Only really how I felt throughout the book. I read this while part in the hospital and part when I came home.
I really don't remember any slow parts in this book. There was always something going on, even if it was behind the scenes. There were times when it felt like I was so anxious that I was holding my breath. Then there were times where I was angry at the heroine, Garet. There is a vampire, fey, demons, and elementals. I thought it was so interesting how Garet learns about her powers. I absolutely recommend this book for anyone who likes any type of supernatural.

Interesting take on the whole vampire world. I personally really liked this book, but i'm not sure its for everyone

Black Swan Rising is the first book in a dark urban fantasy series. It’s written by a husband and wife team, which seems to work in its favour. Carol is the novelist, and Lee is a poet, and his influence shows in the writing.

The main character, Garet Jones, is in her 20s, and dealing with problems – she has an elderly father, and they are struggling with debts in a failing economy. When she discovers an unusual silver box to which she seems to have connections, she agrees to try to open it. From this point on, she starts to find her world shifting. She’s introduced to the world of fey, meets goblins, a dragon and a vampire, and comes face to face with the demons of Dispair and Discord.

As a keen YA reader, I expected this to be similar to most other paranormal romance books out there, but it has a more adult feel to it. There is a lot of fantasy, and yet at the same time it seems to remain grounded in the real world. Garet takes time to come to terms with her discoveries, and she takes the reader with her. In addition, the characters aren’t black and white – there’s always that sense that some may not be what they seem, and should not be trusted.

Of course some of the ideas and characters have been done before, I think a totally unique book in this crowded genre is impossible. However, the overall story line is something I haven’t come across before, and there are some great character creations.

It’s a fast paced book, with plenty of details, story threads and characters throughout. Whilst I needed to know what would happen, I was sad to finish and leave the world. Thankfully the 2nd book is already published, so I will be returning soon.

For fans of urban fantasy, this is highly recommended.

Margaret "Garet" James stumbles into a strange jewelry store one rainy afternoon and is given a box to open. That evening, her house is broken into and the box is stolen, kicking off a strange series of events that changes everything for Garet.

A fantastic urban fantasy! Lee Carroll is writing team Carol Goodman and husband Lee Slonimsky. Book two is due out fall 2011.

One of my favorite genres is Urban Fiction, which is typically heroines moving from one drama to the next at breakneck speed with a 'no fear take no prisoners' attitude. I found myself pleasantly surprised at this book. Keep in mind I'm not familiar with Carol Goodman's work.

Garet James has to be one of the most 'human' characters I've come across in a UF book. She's very atypical of the genre which made her more endearing to me. She has problems, big ones. She's afraid and it's clear her upbringing was less than rosy.

No the book doesn't move at breakneck speed, and does get a little slow at points. Again, it's not your average Urban Fiction. However it's a really great read!