🐷 Book Review: Of Swine and Roses by Ilona Andrews (Kindle Edition)
A fast-paced, humorous short story that blends magic, teenage angst, and one very unexpected pig—perfect for fans of quirky urban fantasy and snarky heroines.
🧠 Overview
Originally published in 2009 and later included in the Small Magics anthology, Of Swine and Roses is a 21-page young adult short story by bestselling author Ilona Andrews, the husband-and-wife writing duo behind the Kate Daniels and Hidden Legacy series. This standalone tale follows Alena Kornov, a reluctant teen forced into a disastrous date with a local thug named Chad Thurman—only to find herself in the middle of a magical mess involving brass knuckles, spell traps, and a runaway pig.
🐖 Plot Snapshot
- 👗 Alena Kornov, recently returned from boarding school, is pressured by her family to go on a date with Chad, whose family holds local influence
- 🍦 The date quickly derails—no ice cream, awkward conversation, and Chad’s thuggish behavior
- 🐷 A pig appears, triggering a chaotic chase and revealing magical secrets that turn the night upside down
- ✨ Alena discovers the pig is enchanted, and Chad may be more dangerous than she realized
- 💥 The story ends with a burst of magical action and a satisfying twist that empowers Alena to take control of her fate
💬 Reader Impressions
- ⭐ Goodreads rating: 4.14/5 from over 5,000 readers
- 📖 Readers love the humor, snappy dialogue, and strong female lead
- 🧾 Described as “a quick, funny read” and “a great coming-of-age moment with magical flair”
- 💬 “The worst date ever turns into a magical adventure. Loved the pig!” — Goodreads reviewer
⚠️ Considerations
- 📄 Very short format: At 21 pages, it’s more of a vignette than a full story arc
- 📚 Light on world-building: Works best as a fun interlude rather than a deep dive into a fantasy universe
- 🧾 Best for fans of Ilona Andrews: New readers may enjoy it, but longtime fans will appreciate the familiar tone and style
🏁 Final Verdict
Of Swine and Roses is a charming, fast-paced romp that delivers laughs, magic, and a dash of teenage rebellion. If you’re in the mood for a bite-sized story with a strong heroine, a magical pig, and a satisfying twist, this Kindle edition is well worth the 99 cents.
