Review: Changeling

     

    

Title: Changeling
Author: Philippa Gregory

Series: The Order of Darkness #1
Pages: 266

Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Release Date: May 24th (UK)
Source: For Review
Rating: 4 Stars
100 Book challenge: #49

Dark myths, medieval secrets, intrigue, and romance populate the pages of the first-ever teen series from #1 bestselling author ofThe Other Boleyn GirlItaly, 1453. Seventeen-year-old Luca Vero is brilliant, gorgeous—and accused of heresy. Cast out of his religious order for using the new science to question old superstitious beliefs, Luca is recruited into a secret sect: The Order of the Dragon, commissioned by Pope Nicholas V to investigate evil and danger in its many forms, and strange occurrences across Europe, in this year—the end of days.     

Isolde is a seventeen-year-old girl shut up in a nunnery so she can’t inherit any of her father’s estate. As the nuns walk in their sleep and see strange visions, Isolde is accused of witchcraft—and Luca is sent to investigate her, but finds himself plotting her escape.     

Despite their vows, despite themselves, love grows between Luca and Isolde as they travel across Europe with their faithful companions, Freize and Ishraq. The four young people encounter werewolves, alchemists, witches, and death-dancers as they head toward a real-life historical figure who holds the boundaries of Christendom and the secrets of the Order of the Dragon.      

The first in a series, this epic and richly detailed drama is grounded in historical communities and their mythic beliefs. It includes a medieval map of Europe that will track their journey; and the interior will include relevant decorative elements as well as an interior line illustration. And look for a QR code that links to a note from the author with additional, detailed information about the setting and the history that informed the writing. With Philippa Gregory’s trademark touch, this novel deftly brings the past—and its salacious scandals—vividly and disturbingly to life.

 I haven't read any of Philippa Gregory's adult titles but when I read she was writing a young adult series I knew I had to read it. Historical fiction isn't my favourite genre and at times I find it a little hard to get into but Changeling was full of drama and exciting to read!

It started a little slow to begin with and took a little while to get into the main body of the story but once it got going it was really engaging. It was full of crazy goingsons and I couldn't help but get wrapped up into the plot and I couldn't wait to discover the mysteries. It most definitely got better as it went along.


We didn't find out a huge amount about the characters and I have a feeling there is a lot more to learn about in the rest of the series. My favourite character was Freize a friend of Luca but both Luca and Isolde were both really likeable. I look forward to discovering more about them in the rest of the books.

A little warning, there isn't really any romance but there are hints that suggest there will be some in the series as a whole. Despite how much I love romance, the hints were more than enough and added to the realism of the time period.


If you like historical fiction then I would recommend this and even if you don't there is a lot happening to keep you entertained!