Changeling

Order of Darkness, Book 1

By: Philippa Gregory

Narrated by: Charlie Cox

Length: 6 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's Summary

Dark myths, medieval secrets, intrigue, and romance populate the pages of this first in a four-book teen series from the #1 bestselling author of The Other Boleyn Girl.

The year is 1453 and all signs point to it being the end of the world. Accused of heresy and expelled from his monastery, handsome seventeen-year-old Luca Vero is recruited by a mysterious stranger to record the end of times across Europe. Commanded by sealed orders, Luca is sent to map the fears of Christendom and travel to the very frontier of good and evil.

Seventeen-year-old Isolde, a Lady Abbess, is trapped in a nunnery to prevent her from claiming her rich inheritance. As the nuns in her care are driven mad by strange visions, walking in their sleep, and showing bleeding wounds, Luca is sent to investigate and driven to accuse her.

Forced to face the greatest fears of the dark ages—witchcraft, werewolves, madness—Luca and Isolde embark on a search for truth, their own destinies, and even love as they take the unknown ways to the real historical figure who defends the boundaries of Christendom and holds the secrets of the Order of Darkness.

©2012 Simon & Schuster (P)2012 Philippa Gregory Ltd.

Narrator is AWFUL and story is very slow.

Would you try another book from Philippa Gregory and/or Charlie Cox?

Not up to par Phillipa... I will try another book by her but please no more by him. He is awful.

What was most disappointing about Philippa Gregory’s story?

boring

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Charlie Cox?

anyone else

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

extreme and utter boredom and disappointment

Snooze fest

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

Only people who like factual fiction.

What was most disappointing about Philippa Gregory’s story?

The story drags on and on and on. Nothing exciting happens.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

He could have put some feeling in to it. This should have been a dramatic reading.

Any additional comments?

I really can't pin point a reason why I don't like this book. It is a lot of things, poor narration, slow story, annoying plot.

Great potential a little dissapointing

Would you listen to Changeling again? Why?

No I did not like how it ended.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

The ending was disappointing I flet like you were left hanging.

What does Charlie Cox bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He's a good reader. Made the story come alive.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

Need new narrator

The storyline could have been interesting, but the narrator was just not good. Monotone. I dazed out for most of the book simply because he couldn’t hold my attention.

Amazing reader but slow story

In true Phillipa Gregory fashion, the characters in Part I of the series are beautifully developed. The story lagged at times and felt repetitive a few times, but the performance of Charlie Cox was perfection. All of the voices felt like they match the characters’ personalities and it was truly a delight to listen to. I’ve started the second book of this series and feel the exact opposite - especially with the reader. The character of Isolde sounds like an immature young Disney princess both in voice and character; Ishraq no longer sounds of a wise, independent female lead, but ditzy. If you don’t feel vested, I would stick to reading/listening to The Changeling only and skipping the next two books.

Loved the Narrator!

At first (after reading the previous reviews) I was ready and waiting for an awful experience with the narrator’s tone...but.... once he started bringing the characters to life I was 100% in. He build voices of strong female leads, I really enjoyed how he did their voices. Warning: the narrator in the next few books makes them sound like soft little damsels.

As far as the book itself, I love Philippa so much. I find her books really fun and interesting- they make for a nice break from reality when I have long drives.

Skip it

I have enjoyed Philippa's books but this narrator speaks in a monotone most of the time and made listening pretty unbearable.

good book

great to listen to.
interesting story line.
I am getting the rest of the series asap.

How young adults might navigate life in 1450 AD

In 1450s Europe no one was spared the dangers of an age of forced change, least of all the young. In an age where myth and superstition frequently explained death and suffering caused by disease or war; four young adults were called to bring reason and compassion to a world of ignorance. This is that story, told through the well developed characters of Philippa Gregory.

Lesser Philippa Story line

...But I am will to give the series a chance, since I am a loyal fan and have read/listened to almost all of her books.
Also, it was much shorter, which was disappointing. I love the saga aspect of Gregory.