Review originally posted in: http://forget8me8not.blogspot.com.au/...

Cover:
Looks awesome and really reflects the book. I did not imagine the characters in the book like the guy and the girl in the cover but their clothes fit the setting of the book well!

Story:

Changeling, Changeling, what makes you a Changeling?

I’ve heard great things about Philippa Gregory’s books. Her adult books were very well-known and one of her books, The Other Boleyn Girl was also made into a movie. I’ve never read any of her adult books before. When I first knew that Gregory was going to make a YA novel, I was ecstatic. I wanted to have a taste of her writing and her YA novel seemed like a good chance for me! It’s also been a while since I read a historical fiction book and Changeling’s summary intrigued me.

Changeling is written from both Luca and Isolde’s POV. I really enjoyed the historical setting of this book. Changeling is set in the 1400s in Italy and Gregory’s vibrant descriptions of the setting made me able to imagine the whole setting of the book in my head. Italy during the 1400s seemed like such a beautiful but dark city. The story behind Changeling was appealing and exciting. The story progressed slowly, as we are introduced to the characters and their story. I wasn’t hooked into the story until near the end of the book where it was filled with actions and so many things were going on. The ending was okay. It didn’t make me dying to read the next book but I still can’t wait for the sequel!

The book also comes with small illustrations of the setting and the illustrations are wonderful!

Characters:
Luca Vero is supposedly a Changeling. Many people claimed that Luca’s parents were not his real parents because they were nobody but Luca was extremely smart and highly intellectual. Luca was an orphan in the beginning of the book and was recruited into The Order of the Dragon. He was given the task to investigate the strange things happening in a nunnery and this is where he meets Isolde.
Isolde’s life changed drastically when her father died. She was supposed to inherit her father’s lands but ended up living in this nunnery because apparently it was her father’s wish, stated in his will. I adore reading her growing relationship with Luca and also Isolde’s confidence. I also enjoyed reading about Freize, Luca’s companion and Ishraq, Isolde’s companion. They were all very enjoyable to read about!

Overall:
Philippa Gregory’s newest YA novel, Changeling, is an alluring novel with a great historical setting Even though the story didn’t quite hooked me, I adored the setting and the concept behind Changeling. If you adore Philippa Gregory’s adult novels, then I recommend you to check out her YA novel too! If you love historical fiction, why not try Changeling as well?

Thank you Simon & Schuster Australia for the review copy!