Book Review: A Change of Place by Julie E. Czerneda (fantasy)
Author: Julie E. Czerneda
Publication Date: September 17, 2024 by DAW
Genres: Fantasy
Protagonist Gender: Various
My goodness, has it really been 5 years since our last brief visit to Marrowdell, and a full 10 years since the last full novel (A Play of Shadow)? So indeed it is, but some worlds just stick with you, the magic of their authors effortlessly bridging time and space, and that’s what Julie E. Czerneda does here, welcoming us back to a story that immediately feels like home.
A home, mind you, that’s facing catastrophe. There’s a flood swallowing Marrowdell, which may be caused by more than just snowmelt and ice-jams, and a massive, monstrous toad queen who threatens more than just Jenn Nalynn and the people of the edge.
If you’re new to the series, you’re probably a tad confused right now, but what you need to know is that every home along the edge has a house toad, and for all that they look like simple little amphibians, they are creatures of magic, wise guardians who are far more fearsome than they appear. They’ve been a curious enigma throughout the series, hoarding white pebbles for their queen’s throne, but here we finally learn their purpose – and without getting into spoilers, surprises abound.
A Change of Place is just that, a story of change, accepting change, being fearful of change, and facing the consequences of change. It’s a story of the turning of seasons and the season the of turn-born . . . and it’s a story of shifting families and family secrets. Like the first two books, it’s a cozy fantasy, a romantic fantasy, and a traditional fantasy, all intertwined. There’s something of a fairy tale feel to it, but here the princess is also the heroine, and while she’s pining for her love, she’s also going to save him – and everyone else.
While the adventure begins in Marrowdell, the story takes us far beyond, both to new lands we haven’t seen and to familiar realms we’ve only glimpsed. It’s also the most magical of the series so far, complete with sei, turn-born, toads, dragons, waalum, and more. Despite clocking in at nearly 500 pages, the story races along, taking us across the world and back in just a few short days. There are so many questions along the way, and so many opportunities for it all to go wrong, but the story takes us precisely where we need to go.
Night’s Edge is one of my all-time favorite series, and being back in the world of Marrowdell, alongside Jenn and Bannan and Wisp again, is like seeing your favorite family members after a long absence. Be warned, the three spend most of the book apart, each following their own quests, but they’re fantastic stories, and Bannan and Wisp get to grow and shine all on their own.
The only thing happier than the finale is knowing that there’s more coming.
Rating: 
My sincere thanks to the publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
