Richelle Mead's Dark Swan series consists of four books which are as follows: Storm Born, Thorn Queen, Iron Crowned, and Shadow Heir. The series follow 26-year-old Eugenie Markham who is a "shaman-for-hire" in Tucson, Arizona. In Storm Born, Eugenie crosses to the fairy world to try to rescue a teenager who was abducted by a member of the fair folk (or as Eugenie likes to call them, gentry). Along with three spirits she keeps around to help her, Eugenie finds unlikely allies in a powerful shape-shifter and a puckish fairy king.
No relation to Darren Aronofsky's 2010 film Black Swan, or 1942's film The Black Swan from Tyrone Power. Also not related to Mercedes Lackey's book The Black Swan.
Contains examples of:
- Elemental Shapeshifter: If a fairy isn't powerful enough to cross into the human form in its own body it may take on the form of an element, such as a humanoid-ice-creature.
- The Fair Folk: Dorian, a fairy king, is one of the main characters. A portion of the novels even take place in the fairy world.
- Magic Pants: There is no explanation given for how the shapeshifting characters obtain clothes after they turn back.
- Shapeshifter Baggage: A powerful kistune can change into different sizes of fox.
