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.

Scientific investigation in the Middle Ages

Is there anything you would change about this book?

The ending was abrupt and awkwardly finished.

Would you recommend Changeling to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes. I'm a big Philippa Gregory fan and this new type of fiction from her is wonderful. The main characters are interesting, diverse and believable. I love the way she wove medieval views of witches, magic, demons, werewolves and other unexplained phenomena into this tale and used them to explain the events of the novel.

Which scene was your favorite?

Where the "werewolf's" mother is accidentally pushed into the pit with him and realizes it's her long-lost son.

Was Changeling worth the listening time?

The Changeling was well worth the time to listen. I'll be listening to the rest of the series too.

who is the Changeling?

I recommend this book for its enjoyable characters, story and narration. it is full of historical references which makes an interesting reading . At the same time, the author has created a fun and entertaining fairy tale.

good book

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

Philippa gets better

having started Philippe's books with The Queen's Fool it is difficult going backwards. I expect the same quality, but the story is lacking and extremely predictable. I HIGHLY suggest Philippa Gregory's books... especially the The Plantagenet and Tudor Novels

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.

Seems like 2 short stories.

What made the experience of listening to Changeling the most enjoyable?

Reader was clear and enjoyable to listen to.

Any additional comments?

Author's comments at the end gave valuable information about the characters that should have been woven into the story.

fun

it was a fun lil book. i love her writing. the narrator was great.
im going to listen to the whole series.

The power of a Changeling

I love this off shoot story about a special boy thought to be a changeling. He grows up in a monastery and is appointed to go out and be an examiner for odd occurrences. The first is nuns being harassed by the devil, only our changeling and his companion can solve what is really going on. The next is a werewolf capture. I like the changeling's companion because he sees more than anyone else and helps the changeling see other perspectives before the changeling rules on the odd occurrences.

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

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.