How do you explain yourself when you don't really like a book not because the writing or story was bad, but because you just plain couldn't come into terms with the tale's development? Heck, I think I got that wrong. That was not the problem I had. It had more to do with the melancholy in this book, how the ending was anything but a happy one, when the characters deserved nothing less, and that my surprisingly favourite characters (and that's not even Sorcha) suffer the worst fates and punishments from the author just for existing. Much of the torture was unnecessary, I am certain. 
 For one, I didn't see the point of this book to have the length of two normal ones. As a retelling of "The Six Swans", you could get a shorter and MUCH happier version on the web. It was hard to keep up the interest, especially when one has no interest in bleakness that dragged sometimes. 
 The romance in this book was especially disappointing. I didn't like who was involved in the chemistry, but that's just a personal opinion. (view spoiler)[I couldn't see how Red could fall for Sorcha, at least, not during her state being like that. Sure, she's focused, determined, strong-willed, but surely you can't love someone just for those qualities can you? Her best intentions AND attention wasn't even directed to Red. I mean, these qualities cannot make up for the lack of communication (literally) between the two of them, perhaps? (hide spoiler)] 
 I had no immediate plans to continue the second instalment, but out of curiousity I stole a peek at one of its reviews on Goodreads. I'm glad I did. It sounded to bleak and sad for my liking (this is just a personal opinion). Now, I have plans NOT to continue the Sevenwaters series AT ALL.