Title: Changeling (The Order of Darkness #1)
Author: Philippa Gregory
Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK
Publishing Date: May 24th 2012
Length: 272 pages
Keywords: YA fiction, historical, romance
Source: Publisher
Dark
myths, medieval secrets, intrigue, and romance populate the pages of the
first-ever teen series from #1 bestselling author of The Other Boleyn Girl
Italy, 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.
Historical
romance is a genre I’ve enjoyed reading for quite a while now. You can imagine
my elation when I heard that there would be a YA historical fiction book coming
out by Simon & Schuster UK. And as I really enjoyed Philippa Gregory’s YA debut, I regret not knowing
about her numerous other historical novels before.
The setting
of 15th century Italy
with its nunnery, various villages and the capital Rome is simply atmospheric. Philippa Gregory’s
newest novel is in no way inferior to other adult historical novels. CHANGELING
too has the great motives and emotions moving the population of the Middle
Ages.
About Luca
and Isolde. I can tell you that equally large parts of the story, told by an omniscient
narrator, are focused on both of their perspectives. We get their different
views on current events and see them in action to further investigate in the
scary incidents plaguing the nunnery’s peace. I expected so much to happen
between them, the story focusing on a romantic relationship between them, but
so far only glimpses of their feelings for each other are revealed. Philippa
Gregory left Luca and Isolde’s relationship at a point I so badly wanted to
continue, to know what would come next.
Luca
appears like the strong investigator empowered by God. Isolde seems to be a
fragile young lady, a victim of her lord’s greed. But when it comes to looking
into Luca’s past he can suddenly be more vulnerable. And having retribution and
honour as incentive Isolde appears to be the ruler she was born to be. I’m
waiting for more revelations about both of their pasts in a sequel.
Their
companions Freize and Ishraq complement their masters and friends with their
abilities to fight and see into the heart of the most frightening creatures out
there. There’s a lot of tension between the two of them and their banter and
their bluff manners felt amusing and gave the story some spice.
To help the
reader navigate through the story, one of the first pages of the book contains a drawn
map that allows us to follow their journey. Each new chapter of the
book, there are only a few since they mostly stretch over many pages, is
illustrated artfully with an image of a new location. Chapters are organised in
smaller sections by further illustrative dividers. CHANGELING is illustrated by Fred van Deelen and Sally Taylor.
Evil
conspiracies, crazy nuns, terrifying monsters and new questions for investigator
Luca keep the story moving through minor stagnations in story flow, especially
through the often dialogue-heavy segments of interrogations.
Where other
historical novels can reach high page counts between 500 and 1000 pages
sometimes, CHANGELING with its 272 pages can be considered a quick bite for
connoisseurs of historical romances. A shortcoming resulting from mentioned
page count could be seen in less space to develop characters, respectively to
put the major events and more relevant incidents in motion.
At the same
moment CHANGELING can also mean a good start into the historical direction for
YA fans that are looking for a new story that can be consumed in bite-sized
parts.
Of course
Philippa’s CHANGELING also shouldn’t go unnoticed by her devoted fans and adult
readers. They better bring some patience with them, because the story of Luca
and Isolde has just begun. Now it’s Philippa’s turn to continue their journey.
I will be awaiting the sequel with much anticipation!
1) of a rich Italian scenery
2) of a sly conspiracy
3) of an efficient and amiable investigator duo
4) of a strong heroine who fights for her rights and honour
5) of an artfully illustrated book
4/5 **** CHANGELING- A historical YA feast that
serves its readers with a rich 15th century Italian scenery and
prominent characters!
Why aren’t
there more historical stories that come together with YA and fiction?
It’s the
pull of the conspiracies and new quests sending our group of young heroes on a
journey through the landscape of medieval Italy and the skilful way of Philippa
Gregory to weave historical fiction that make CHANGELING so appealing, to
various audiences no matter the age.
* Want to
read more by Philippa Gregory? Check out her other books!
* Read an
excerpt of CHANGELING here.
* Click
here to watch the book trailer.
* Thanks to
Simon & Schuster UK for sending me a copy of CHANGELING for review!
