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Changeling

Book 1 in the series:Sorcery and Society

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Who Would Like This Book:

If you're a fan of magical boarding school adventures with a dash of Victorian flair and enjoy dynamic stories about underdogs finding their place, "Changeling" will hit the spot! The imaginative world-building blends magic, history, and familiar mythology, all delivered with Molly Harper's trademark humor (just dialed to teen-appropriate). The main character Sarah is relatable and refreshingly reliant on her friends, rather than being an overpowered "chosen one," and her underdog-to-hero journey is both charming and inspiring. Perfect for readers who love cozy fantasies like "Harry Potter," Tamora Pierce's books, or anyone in the mood for a feel-good, fast-paced story full of friendship, found family, and a touch of mischief.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers might be put off by the book's reliance on tried-and-true YA tropes (magical schools, secret identities, underdog hero) and the somewhat predictable plot beats. If you prefer your fantasy complex and groundbreaking, or you're not a fan of lighter, comfort reads, this might feel too familiar. Audiobook listeners in particular have mentioned the narration style might not be a perfect fit for every character, which could affect immersion.

A delightful, lighthearted magical school adventure with great world-building and a lovable heroine - ideal for anyone craving fun, comfort, and a bit of old-school fantasy nostalgia.

About:

In the book "Changeling" by Molly Harper, readers are introduced to Sarah, a young girl who discovers she has magical abilities and is thrust into a world where magic users are the upper class and non-magical individuals serve as servants. Sarah, now known as Cassandra, navigates the challenges of attending a magical school where she must keep her true identity a secret while learning to control her newfound powers. The story combines elements of a coming-of-age tale, a magical school adventure, and societal divisions, creating a unique blend of fantasy and social commentary.

The writing style in "Changeling" is described as engaging, enthralling, and fun, with a mix of humor and depth that captures the reader's attention. Molly Harper weaves a tale that balances light-hearted moments with more serious themes, creating a world that feels both fantastical and relatable. The book is praised for its world-building, character development, and the way it explores friendship, family, and identity within a magical setting.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, with relatable protagonists and memorable antagonists, enhancing the story's engagement.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and balanced, with humor and manageable world-building that complements the story's flow.

Plot/Storyline:

The story follows a young girl with newfound magical abilities navigating a complex social structure while balancing her identity and friendships in a magical boarding school setting.

Setting:

The setting blends an alternate Victorian society with magical elements, centered around a boarding school for magical instruction.

Pacing:

While the audiobook narration may affect pacing, the story itself maintains a quick and engaging rhythm.
I bolted down the cobblestone walkway connecting Rabbit’s Warren to the maze of side streets that cushioned the elegant neighborhoods of Lightbourne from our neighborhoods. Heaven forbid our Guardians...

Notes:

Changeling is set in an alternative England during a Victorian era influenced by magic.
The world is divided between magical beings (Guardians) and non-magical people (Snipes).
The story follows 14-year-old Sarah, a non-magical girl who discovers she has magic.
Sarah is renamed Cassandra Reed and sent to a magical boarding school, effectively a fish-out-of-water story.
The book includes elements from various mythologies, like Greek, Roman, Norse, and Egyptian.
Instead of wands, characters use blades for magic, a unique twist in the genre.
Some elements in the book may remind readers of the Harry Potter series, but the world feels distinct.
The protagonist, Sarah, is relatable as she deals with health issues and the pressures of her new identity.
Molly Harper is known for her adult romcoms but successfully ventures into YA with this series.
The writing blends humor with serious themes, making the story engaging and lighthearted.
The narration has mixed reviews, with some finding it mismatched to the protagonist's character traits.
The book has been compared to Cinderella meets Harry Potter, highlighting themes of class and identity.
It's the first book in the Sorcery and Society series, targeted at middle-grade readers but enjoyable for all ages.

Has Romance?

The romance level in Changeling can be characterized as medium, with romantic interludes that add to the narrative without overwhelming the story.

From The Publisher:

Sorcery and Society Book 1

"Witty and classic, Changeling had everything I wanted from a coming of age story: friendship, scandal, and a heroine learning to flex her magical muscles. If you liked Harry Potter, you will love CHANGELING " -Kristen Simmons, critically acclaimed author of the Article 5 series

If 14-year-old Cassandra Reed makes it through her first day at Miss Castwell's Institute for the Magical Instruction of Young Ladieswithout anyone discovering her secret, maybe, just maybe, she'll let herself believe that she really does belong at Miss Castwell's.

Except Cassandra Reed's real name is Sarah Smith and up until now, she lived her whole life in the Warren, serving a magical family, the Winters, as all non-magical "Snipes" are bound by magical Guardian law to do. That is, until one day, Sarah accidentally levitates Mrs. Winter's favorite vase in the parlor...

But Snipes aren't supposed to have magical powers...and the existence of a magical Snipe threatens the world order dictated during the Guardians' Restoration years ago. If she wants to keep her family safe and protect her own skin, Sarah must figure out how to fit into posh Guardian society, master her newfound magical powers and discover the truth about how an ordinary girl can become magical.

"Molly Harper's Changeling is masterful fantasy-a spunky Cinderella story with a heroine who's equal parts compassion, determination, and pure magical delight." -Rachel Vincent, author of the Soul Screamers series and The Stars Never Rise

**Includes eight original illustrations **

August 2018
269 pages

Ratings (3)

Liked It (1)
It Was OK (1)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (11):

Read It (2)
Want To Read (7)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (1)
 
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