Review & Giveaway Changeling (The Order of Darkness #1) by Philippa Gregory

 

Summary:

 

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 & Photo provided by Publisher

Length: 315 pages (Paperback)

Source: Review Copy

Available Formats: Print & E-book

Publication Date: January 1st 2013

 

I was so excited when I was approached to read and review Changeling Order of Darkness by Philippa Gregory. I've been hearing absolutely fantastic things about her writing for years and am so glad this book was my first book to read by her.

 

I'm a huge historical fiction fan so I had absolutely no doubt that I would really enjoy this YA novel especially with the paranormal/fantasy aspects along with the perfect amount of mystery and romance thrown in. Right off the bat I was hooked on her characters and completely and utterly wrapped up and in love with the novel's story line.

 

I thought that there was an amazing amount of adventure in this novel and I love how Philippa Gregory was able to weave so many different elements into her story, she made it interesting and made me feel as if I were in the book watching the story unfold which is always a sign of a fantastic book to me.

 

I loved Luca, and Isolde (one of my favourite names) and the dynamics between the two of them. Talk about off and on but I loved that about them. They worked for and against each other at different points in the book and I thought that maded the story all the more interesting.

 

The whole mystery behind the nuns in Isolde's care suddenly losing their marbles was really interesting and I liked how the whole supernatural thing started to unfold very early on and that it was neither over done or under done either of which can be hits or misses for a story line in my opinion.

 

There was very little I had issue with when I came to this book but I do wish that the book had been maybe another 50 to 100 pages longer just because at times I felt the story jumped around a wee bit too often for my tastes and a couple times I had to go back and re-read a couple of pages here and there because things were happening so quickly. I also wish that there was a little bit more dialogue between all the characters but that's just a personal preference.

 

Other than that, I thought this was a great read and I loved being transported back to Italy in the late 1400's and I can honestly say that I'm anxiously awaiting the second book in this series and I am absolutely going to start reading the author's other novels in the mean time.

 

I would highly recommend this novel to fans of the genre or those just wanting to try it out. It may not be a book for everyone but I think it is one that everyone should give a chance because once you get into the story a whole new world is opened up for you.

 

* I received a FREE copy of this book in exchange for my FREE and HONEST review. I was not compensated in any way to provide a favourable review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

 

Really Really Liked It!
★ ★ ★ ★ 1/2

 

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 TRAILER:

 

 

Giveaway:

 

Giveaway ends FEBRUARY 10th 2013.

Open to US/CANADIAN RESIDENTS ONLY

You will have 48 to respond to the e-mail notifying you of your winning the giveaway, if you do not respond within 48 hours another winner will be selected.

 

 

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