Author: Philippa Gregory
Pages: 272
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Genre: Historical
Release: May 29th 2012
Buy the Book at: Book Depository / Indigo Chapters
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.
A Highly Alluring and Promising Beginning
Philippa Gregory's first YA novel was stunning from beginning to end and now I'm falling even more in love with historical YA novels. I would also love to see more of this genre on the shelves because it is not only fun or aesthetically beautiful, but it is also instructive. Changeling, the first book of The Order of Darkness series has all of this plus everything else I'd love to see in a book: very well crafted characters, an alluring setting, adventure, danger, romance (though not enough) and an captivating plot. However, I do have some issues with this book. Changeling is only 272 pages! Seriously, I wouldn't minded reading 500 pages of Luca and friends at all. I feel that 272 was too short and because of it, many question were left unanswered. I feel like this book suddenly ended when the best of it was going to start. Don't take this the wrong way, I loved Changeling and I really enjoyed reading this book, but regardless all the excellence this book sparkles with, I feel there was something missing. *cough* Pages *cough*
Believe me when I say that this book is fascinating. However, due to the shortness of the novel, there are a few things that didn't satisfy me. For example, I wished I would have learned more about Luca (the male main character) and the "changeling" topic. The book is called changeling but the "changeling" is barely mentioned and by the end of the book, many questions are still on the air. So, why is the book called Changeling? Then, the last few pages of the book were heading towards some epic-ness, but right then it suddenly ended. In addition, The Order of Darkness has very little involvement in this novel which is very regretful, after all, the series is called The Order of Darkness yet we don't see or learn much of it. Also, I wish there would have been more interaction between Luca and Isolde (the female protagonist) since they only start to share some nice moments during the last 50 pages of the book (see? this is why I think the book was too short, it was just beginning when it suddenly ended!)
Regardless my frustration about the short length of this novel, I really, really love it and I highly recommend it! Once the whole series is out, I'm pretty sure I will rate the whole series with 4 or 5 stars. The writing is wonderful as well as the historical setting and the dialogues are very clever. Needlessly to say that the characters sparkle an stand out of the pages with their own charismatic personalities. Luca, Isolde, Freize, Ihrap are, for me, the strongest point of the novel.
Overall, the first installment in The Order of Darkness is a promising and highly alluring beginning for this new series. It didn't fulfill my expectations but I still really enjoyed this book! It kept me hooked from the very first page and it made me fall even more in love with historical settings and history itself. Changeling is highly captivating and the writing flows through the pages. But, I am not satisfied. I want more. I NEED more! So please dear Philippa Gregory, please give me a thicker second book of the Order of Darkness! I will gladly read 500 pages of Luca, Isolde, Ishraq and Freize! I'm begging you for more!
❤Big Thanks to Simon & Schuster Canada for providing me an arc of Changeling for review❤
Watch the trailer!
Visit the author's website at http://www.philippagregory.com
Visit the Book website at http://www.orderofdarkness.com
15 comments:
Ohhhhhhh. I love her other books, The Tudor period is wonderfully written by her, so I was very exicted when I found out that there was another book coming. When I heard that I won this one in a giveaway, I was very very happy. Reading this only adds to that happiness :D I can't wait to receive my copy and get started!
Only, what a shame that this book felt so short. I don't like that feeling, haha, because you have to wait for the other book until you can continu the story and that's like torture.
I'm glad that you loved it and it was a great review ^^ Thanks!
Yay, I can't wait to read this book! I'm SO glad it's out today so I can pick it up and finally get to read it :)
I totally get what you mean about it being too short- I wonder if they did that for the sake of the series in this case, but it still kinda bugs me. But as long as the book's good, that's all that really matters in the end!
Great review, Natalia!
Brenna from Esther's Ever After
Philippa Gregory is one of my top favorite authors and when I found out she was releasing a YA book I was ecstatic!!! Great review, I have a feeling I'll feel similar to how you did in your review, since the book is short so there probably is a lot that isn't in the 1st book that hopefully will be addressed in the next book(s). Can't wait to read it :))
Wow, I just read a review of this book that said it was just okay. Contrast, much? LOL. I'm really glad you enjoyed this!! I hear that some things are underdeveloped and too simple but I am excited now to read it ;) Good work on my part, reading this review second! Haha thanks!
I love Gregory's books so I'm not surprised her Teen book is this awesome! I'm definitely looking forward to reading it and I've already pre-ordered my copy!!!
Anna @ Literary Exploration
I haven't read any book by Philippa Gregory before so I'm intrigued to read Changeling. I have thing for historical fiction as well. :)
Sometimes, when a book is awesome, you don't realize the pages fly by. That's probably why you found the book so short ! :P
Brilliant review, Natalia <3
I am not typically a HF fan, but this book has had my attention for awhile. I'm definitely intrigued! Great review!
Karis @YA Litwit
Great review! This is the first review I've read from this book, and it sounds awesome! I can't wait to get a copy!
Yeah, Gregory should have totally addressed the changeling and Order of Darkness topics! They were barely mentioned and it kind of felt like she did that so there's an air of mystery. Instead it became a little frustrating.
Natalia, I wish there were more historical YA books too.
@ACanadian Girl: I know my dear @_@. I wish Gregory would have jump into the main subjects in this first novel and not leave it for the rest of the series. =T sniff!
My dears,
thanx for the comments! this one is definitely a great and addictive read but, as I said, it is not enough sniff!! Obviously what was not developed in this novel will be in the next to come. I wish we wouldnt have to wait a whole year for that sniff!
Aaaah, I received my copy a couple of weeks ago, and wondered about the length. That's a little dissapointing... young adults like Big Books, too!
Dissapointing it was so short, but it sounds WONDERFUL! And I can tell how much you loved it--just that you were dissapointed it stopped so abruptly and left so many unanswered questions! FABULOUS review, Natalia!
Nice review! I'm anticipating getting this book...I love the story.
I haven't read any of her books, but I'm usually iffy on historical books. I have seen this several times, and the cover does make me want to read it. Great review!
I liked the book quite a bit. It was too short. I think they mentioned the Order of Darkness/Dragon at least enough to understand the Order's goals. Also, I personally am glad there wasn't so much interest between Isolde and Luca as I can't stand romances that start too quickly. I find it fairly unbelieveable most of the time. I did want more for the action. Unofrtunately, I also tend to like the two secondary characters better than the main two, which is typicl. I would have liked to see more of the changeling (truth/aspects, etc.).
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