Feathertide by Beth Cartwright

Maréa was born in a whorehouse to single mum Leàman but not knowing who her father was. In truth even her mother didn't know his name, but he was her true love. Maréa knew she was different - she had feathers growing from her back, and she was kept hidden in the whorehouse by her mother and the other ladies there, and only taken out once a year with her feathers well hidden.

When Maréa is 17, she decides to visit The City of Murmurs - the last place her mother saw her father - to try and find him and to see where she fits in. This started the biggest adventure of her life for a girl who had barely left the building she was born in.

I absolutely loved this book. It reminded me of The Night Circus in as much as it is a fantasy set in a fantasy land of bird people and mermaids, and people with the powers of prophecy. It is beautifully written, and extremely evocative of a bygone era, but more magical and exciting. I loved it and was sad when I finished.