Saturday, July 21, 2012

Changeling(Order of Darkness, Numero Uno) 
Written by the Creative Mind of: Philippa Gregory
Published by Simon Pulse on  May 24, 2012

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.     

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.

*Summary of This Novel (The Changeling)  from Goodreads.com

 Looks pretty good right? Well here is what I thought of it:

  I love the things that are in the Mid-evil era. The excitement of the forbidden romances excites me. Unfortunately, this books romance was not really forbidden-neither was it exciting. It didn't even really present itself until the near-ending of the novel. When Philippa Gregory did finally show us the romance that she did so promise, she throws it at you, and none too kindly. She uses words like 'desire' but she doesn't show is the desire. She shows us-the readers-want. That is an entirely different thing than desire. Desire is a hidden spark that ignites in your heart that consumes you until you meet the water to quench the thirst of the flame. No desire.
The book was also really slow. It was a constant pace that never slowed down or sped up. I don't like books that jump from one thing to the next without even given the previous thought room to breathe-but I also don't like books that stay on one thing forever. CHANGELING was the latter.
Also the book title really held no importance to the story what so ever(except for one BRIEF occasion) and the book cover really doesn't fit the story except for the time period.
The ending was also unfinished.

I would award this book 2 stars and a half in total. It was more suited for readers lower level than me, but I guess I have nothing to complain about since it was a free, quick read.

* Find me on goodreads
* This is Philippa Gregory (the author's) website


You can find this book on goodreads here and amazon here and ebay here

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You guys can click the pic by the ways! :D
 














:) You're welcome,
 J
Jackie (MidevilQueen)

 

1 comment:

  1. I heard rumors that changling isn't nearly as good as her historical romances. Because you were not a fan of this book - are you writing off all her books? I mean, I could totally understand. But i'm just wondering.

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